The first battle for oil in Norway
The world’s richest man and the world’s largest oil company dominated the petroleum market in Norway long before landmark finds on the Norwegian continental shelf and the Norwegian oil fund.
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Using materials efficiently can substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions
Emissions from the production of materials like metals, minerals, woods and plastics more than doubled in 1995 – 2015, accounting for almost one-quarter of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. Material efficiency needs to play a larger role in climate planning, a new report says.
This is how the new Covid-19 vaccine works
Pfizer has recently announced that it is ready with a Covid-19 vaccine that is 90 percent effective. The vaccine is a so-called mRNA vaccine that has been developed jointly by Pfizer and BioNTech. But what is mRNA technology, and how does it work?
Virus might have mutated before it appeared in mink
It’s understandable that the Danes want to be on the safe side and exterminate the mink to stop this variant of the coronavirus, says Andreas Christensen, an associate professor at NTNU.
New technology may weaken seafarers’ professional judgment
The conditions for exercising professional discretion have deteriorated due to increased pressure on procedures at sea. Seafarers believe the trend could endanger maritime safety.
Trees and plants could become new additives in “light” food products
To reduce the fat content in food products, starch has to be added to achieve a good consistency. Cellulose might be able to take over this role in reduced-fat products. And it’s calorie free, too!
10 million euros to a new international collaboration on brain research
A Norwegian-Israeli team of neuroscientists has been awarded an ERC Synergy Grant to explore the biological basis of spatial operations in the brain.
Species more likely to die out with rapid climate change
The great tit and other birds can adapt to changes in their food supply as a result of climate change, but they run into trouble if the changes happen too quickly.
Teaching robots to cooperate underwater
The launch of a new research centre for robotics will provide increased knowledge about the sea with the help of underwater drones and robots. This could impact Norway’s international role as a major power at sea, says centre director.
Losing ground in biodiversity hotspots worldwide
Agriculture is eating into areas that are important in protecting some of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Most of this new agricultural land is being used to grow cattle feed.
Water fleas on “happy pills” have more offspring
Dopamine can trigger feelings of happiness in humans. Water fleas that are exposed to dopamine-regulating substances apparently gain several advantages.
Good mental health and better sleep for the physically active
Quite a lot of people have modified their exercise habits during the pandemic, but that didn’t affect sleep quality for active people.
Keeping the spark lit into the golden years
Have you passed your supposed prime and feel like it takes more to get fired up? The good news is you’re far from alone. And you can do something about it.
Bioplastics no safer than other plastics
Bioplastics contain substances that are as toxic as those in ordinary plastics.
Global MRI data offers hope for improving treatment of brain injuries
A sizable research consortium coordinated by NTNU and St. Olavs Hospital will analyse large amounts of MRI exam data from around the world. The data will help researchers gain important new understanding about brain injuries in people who have had trauma to the head. The goal is to improve patient health care.
Perforated bone tissue from too little sugar
Bone marrow cancer is currently an incurable disease that affects about 400 people in Norway every year. Professor Therese Standal at NTNU has now found an important reason for bone destruction in people with this disease.
High intensity training best for older people
Five years of high-intensity interval training increased quality of life, improved fitness and might very well have extended the lives of participants in the Generation 100 study.
110 years of engineers who built Norway
We often associate innovation with someone who invents something completely new. But innovation is also about improving and expanding on existing technology. One hundred and ten years of Norwegian engineering history provides plenty of examples.
Why writing by hand makes kids smarter
New brain research shows that writing by hand helps children learn more and remember better. At the same time, schools are becoming more and more digital, and a European survey shows that Norwegian children spend the most time online of 19 countries in the EU.
Battling harmful insects by understanding their sense of smell
The larvae of cotton bollworm attack our food. But the adults pollinate plants. So how can we stop them from destroying crops without using poison? Researchers in Trondheim are on the case.
NTNU’s new COVID-19 test to be used in India and Denmark
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has signed agreements to deliver as many as one million COVID-19 test kits to DTU, the Technical University of Denmark, and APS LABS, an Indian biotech company. “It is very positive that this technology can now also be useful internationally,” says Bent Høie, Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services.
800 million children still exposed to lead
Every third child in the world has too much lead in their body, according to a report from UNICEF and Pure Earth. Norwegian children are also affected.
Making ultrasound universally accessible
Currently, ultrasound machines are operated primarily by specialists because it requires extensive experience to interpret the images. Norwegian researchers are aiming to tackle this issue.
Divers discover new species in Ørlandet municipality
The new species of nudibranch, Dendronotus yrjargul, is named after the municipality where it was found.