Health - ScienceNordic

The next big pandemic? Avian flu takes a worrying step closer to humans

OPINION: Avian flu, once limited to birds, is adapting to infect mammals, raising concerns about a new pandemic risk. With cases now seen in farm animals, experts warn of closer contact with humans.

Kids in poor families are more likely to have unhealthy diets and spend more time watching TV

Children in families with low income and education levels are more often exposed to unhealthy habits, according to new research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Hormonal IUD and breast cancer: "Wrong for women to be scared"

Researchers point out several weaknesses in a Danish study that finds women who use hormonal IUDs for a long time may have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Cancer-seeking 'missiles' may be the future weapon against breast cancer

The pH around a tumor is often different from the rest of the body. We can use this to develop antibodies that work like cancer-seeking missiles.

Turning the Right Cell-Switch to unlock the Cure for Cancer

All cells have thousands of switches on their surface, so-called ‘receptors’. Turning the right ones allows us to develop smart and more effective cures against cancer.

How to cope with autumn: "Go outdoors when it's light and take breaks from looking at screens"

Psychologist encourages people to put down their screens and reclaim daydreaming.

Oil pioneer Jan Erik has lost colleagues to cancer and has become ill from chemicals. Researchers are discovering new forms of cancer linked to the oil industry

“In the last few months alone, many of my former work colleagues have died. Most have gotten cancer,” says offshore oil worker Jan Erik Tandberg.

How can Norway’s sickness absence rates be reduced? Here’s what experts suggest

Sickness absence in Norway has increased by 20 per cent since 2019, and the country has higher sickness absence rates than its neighbouring countries. Experts offer solutions.

Report claims that the Covid-19 vaccines may have made people chronically ill:"Not possible to conclude," says researcher

We cannot say for sure that Covid-19 vaccines can cause long-term problems like fatigue, according to vaccine researcher Gunnveig Grødeland.

Why are we afraid to talk to children about suicide?

Norwegian studies reveal that those responsible for helping children often feel powerless and uncertain.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health wants regular testing of PFAS levels in Norwegians' blood

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) believes Norwegians should undergo regular testing to monitor levels of the environmental toxin PFAS. NIPH is currently conducting the first large-scale study of PFAS levels in the Norwegian population.

Childhood diabetes has increased significantly over 30 years – Norway has one of the highest rates worldwide

Type 1 diabetes is a significant child health issue globally. The farther north you go, the higher the percentage of young people diagnosed with the disease.

New study on long Covid contradicts other studies – do patients have an overactive immune system or not?

In a new study, researchers found no evidence of an overactive immune system as other studies have shown. They suggest that long Covid might instead be caused by genes that fail to deactivate. Others cautions against drawing definitive conclusions from a single study.

Safeguarding toddler development: A closer look at screentime

Screen time affects young children's brain development. But is it harmful? And what can parents do?

Chronic pain: Can we find a solution inside the brain?

20 percent of Danes suffer from chronic pain, and it is a massive burden on health systems. Here is what we know about how pain is perceived by our body and how new neuroscience insights can help us control it.

Senior physicians are sceptical of rapid tests for chlamydia

Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise among teenagers, with many opting to purchase rapid tests online or in stores. However, several senior physicians are critical of these tests.

Githa got TBE from a tick bite: “When the virus reached my brain, the headache became so intense that I thought my head was going to explode”

What Githa initially assumed was just the flu turned out to be the result of a tick bite. The virus affected her brain, leaving her completely incapacitated for an entire year. Norwegian researchers have since gained more insight into this disease.

These environmental toxins are everywhere – and they are affecting boys' puberty

Chemicals we ingest through food and drink accumulate in our bodies, and a new study suggests this could influence boys’ puberty.

Researcher: Never take health and lifestyle advice from centenarians

When we only look at those who survived in their generation, we get a skewed view of reality.

Free and more accessible contraceptives did not lead to fewer teenage pregnancies

Birth control pills have been free for girls in Norway since 2002. But according to a new study, this has not led to fewer abortions among teenage girls.

The first vaccine against lung cancer has been administered

Despite the fact that many people have stopped smoking, lung cancer is still the cancer that takes the most lives in Norway. Researchers are now testing a vaccine that could give patients hope for far better survival rates.

Why you should always rinse your fruit and vegetables – even those from your own garden

Rinse your fruit and vegetables, advises the Norwegian Food Safety Authority: “You can treat melon similarly to raw meat”

Even clean-looking produce can carry bacteria, making proper washing essential for your safety, according to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Dementia researcher: “A medical scandal”

This summer, it was revealed that a drug capable of slowing the early progression of Alzheimer's disease would not be approved in Europe. Here are some reactions to this decision.

How much recovery is possible for someone with a severe eating disorder?

In a new Norwegian study, 30 per cent of patients recovered completely. But researchers believe we need to ask ourselves what ‘healthy’ really means.

At this age, people are least depressed

While depression has increased among the youngest in the Norwegian population, the incidence of depression among the elderly has fallen sharply over the past 20 years. The incidence has actually halved among 70-year-olds.

Navigating menopause in the workplace: "We can't compare the sickness absence rates of men and women"

Menopause can significantly affect a woman’s ability to work.

Norway considers lung cancer screening: Researchers discovered the silent killer in Arne Larsen's lungs

Lung cancer is often called the ‘silent killer' because many people don’t realise they’re ill until it’s too late. Arne Larsen was fortunate that his cancer was detected before it became life-threatening. Researchers hope that many more lives can now be saved.

Many adolescents get far too little sleep. Researchers are now testing if starting the school day later might help

Not getting enough sleep is harmful to our brains. Society should therefore better accommodate the sleep needs of adolescents on school days, according to researchers.

New report: One in four 10-12-year-olds takes painkillers weekly

A recent survey reveals that 26 per cent of Norwegian children in 5th to 7th grade take painkillers at least once a week, with the highest percentage, 34 per cent, among girls in 7th grade.

Study links pregnant women's diet to autism risk in children

Researchers from Norway and Scotland have identified a possible link between a mother’s diet before and during pregnancy and the likelihood of her child developing autism.

New study: Masks reduce the risk of respiratory infections

In a new study, researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) have seen clear results that confirm masks have a protective effect against infection.

No increased risk of birth defects for pregnant women after Covid-19 vaccination

A large Nordic study shows that children of mothers who had Covid-19 or were vaccinated during the first trimester did not have an increased risk of congenital anomalies.

What would happen if the limit for self-determined abortion was extended?

Norwegian politicians will soon decide whether the limit for self-determined abortion should be moved from the 12th to the 18th week of pregnancy. Researchers do not believe this will affect abortion numbers.

Ticks are thriving in Norway: Record number of Lyme disease cases so far this year

According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, there have never been as many reported cases of the tick-borne disease Lyme borreliosis in the first half of the year as in 2024.

Why does physical activity exacerbate symptoms in ME/CFS and long Covid patients?

“It can resemble overtraining in athletes,” says Professor Nina Vøllestad.

Victoria Augustine falls ill from everyday activities like taking a shower or family visits:
“I end up bedridden with a feverish feeling and body aches"

Physical and social activities are healthy for everyone. What's life like when you can't tolerate them?

1 in 3 Norwegian adolescents did not use contraception the first time they had sex

“We adults need to take more responsibility,” says Trine Aarvold, a medical doctor at Sex og society. She has her own tips for parents.

What happens to young children who become malnourished?

If a child becomes acutely malnourished during the first thousand days of their life, they can fully recover. But only if the child receives proper treatment, according to a professor.

Overweight and obesity increased among boys in Norway during the pandemic

In the years leading up to the pandemic, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young boys was declining. During the pandemic, it rose again.

Why are so many more people developing asthma and allergies now compared to before?

The number of Norwegians with asthma and allergies has increased dramatically since the mid-1900s.

1.5 million Norwegians have chronic pain. In most cases, doctors cannot find the cause

A number of patients return to their doctor and ask for new tests to be taken, time and time again. “Chronic pain without a known cause is undoubtedly one of the most demanding issues for GPs to work with,” says Jakob Petter Bjertnæs.

How do HIV medications work?

As long as HIV-positive individuals consistently take their medications, they are not infectious.

Are stomach acid-reducing pills dangerous?

Several studies hint that stomach acid-inhibiting drugs are linked to serious illnesses such as cancer and dementia. But what do we actually know for certain?

Does everyone need the same amount of sleep? Expert believes six hours might be enough for some

“There’s no reason to lie awake at night worrying about not getting enough sleep,” a sleep expert says.

Researchers warn against pills that reduce stomach acid:Many become addicted and are unable to stop

Some benefit greatly from medications for heartburn and acid reflux. But for many, the medication itself can cause long-term problems with stomach acid, according to researchers.

Do you often get low blood sugar? No, you probably don't

ASK A RESEARCHER: You feel tired, nauseous, and irritable. Low blood sugar, maybe?

The silent revolution: Is the HIV epidemic over in Norway?

Recent HIV figures reveal a success story.

These animals are drained of blood in order to save human lives

It looks a bit like a scene from a sci-fi movie.

Norwegian kids with diabetes have gained better control over their blood sugar levels

"The new equipment has brought about a true revolution," a Norwegian professor says.

Why do farts stink?

Even tiny amounts of a particular type of gas can stink up an entire room.

Girls who had a lot of environmental toxins in their blood started menstruating earlier

A study of young people from northern Norway finds a link between high levels of PFAS in their blood and early menstruation.

How is the brain cleansed? Researchers are divided over the findings of a new Norwegian study

“It’s difficult to explain this away, because we can see it with the naked eye,” neurosurgeon Per Kristian Eide says.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health: Induced births have doubled in 20 years

In the past 20 years, the proportion of induced births in Norway has doubled, from under 14 per cent in 2004 to now almost 30 per cent of all births, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Researchers warn of toxins accumulating in the environment

When researchers took samples of animals and the environment in Norway's capital, they uncovered substances that were phased out of production in the 1980s, as well as substances still in use today.

Gynaecological instruments have not changed much since ancient times

Why not? A gynaecologist still has to look inside the vagina, one researcher observes.

Vaccination protects against long Covid

Researchers have looked at Covid-19 data from 3.9 million Norwegians. The risk of getting long Covid after you first fell ill was 36 per cent lower in people who were vaccinated.

What actually happens when medicines expire?

Some medications can become dangerous to use after their expiration date. However, we likely also discard a lot of medicine that is perfectly fine.

What exactly is Down syndrome? Marte wishes people knew more

Marte Meisingset loves to sing and hang out with friends, but gets upset if someone teases her.

Harmful substances have been found in plastic food packaging – but do we ingest them?

Researchers have found plastic packaging to not be safe enough. The research institute Nofima has carried out tests showing that the packaging is completely safe. So, who’s right?

Women who have been in prison face a much higher risk of early death

Many of the deaths could have been avoided, according to a new study.

Is it possible to make healthy french fries?

Potatoes are healthy. So why aren't french fries healthy?

"There are few who drink such large amounts of coffee"New study raises the alarm on energy drinks and sleep

Over 50,000 Norwegian students were asked if they used energy drinks and how well they slept. Those who drank even small amounts of energy drinks had significantly greater problems with sleep than other students.

Does social media content creation impact the professional identity of preventive health professionals?

OPINION: Professionals of preventive health may use social media to build a professional image, and at the same time consciously or unconsciously be shaped by the content they share.

New report: Grilled food is safe – as long as you don't burn the sausages

Grilling is not dangerous in itself – but pay attention to how well the meat is cooked and what kind of meat you are grilling. That is the conclusion of a new report from the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment.

Embracing unity: How Scandinavia responded to combat Covid-19

OPINION: A unified, well-communicated approach rooted in a country's socio-political context is paramount in steering through crises.

Physical activity may prevent chronic pain

Being just a little more active seems to be able to reduce the risk of pain later in life, a Norwegian study shows.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health: Children have been more affected by flu after the pandemic

The protection against influenza among the youngest children dropped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report from NIPH.

Dust bunnies may be toxic: Researcher advises vacuuming often

House dust can contain many different environmental toxins.

Norway ranked as the least happy country in the Nordics once again

Once again, Norway is ranked as the least happy country in the Nordics according to the UN's happiness report. Finland tops the list for the seventh consecutive year.

One in ten Norwegians has undergone cosmetic surgery – doubling in 16 years

10 per cent of participants in a Norwegian study report having altered their appearance with surgery, a significant increase since 2008. Many struggle with chronic pain afterwards.

ME/CFS may be caused by an imbalance in the brain

"We may have identified the physiological centre of fatigue," says the researcher behind a comprehensive study that has received a lot of attention.

Many inmates have mental health problems

Many inmates in Norwegian prisons have mental health problems

Although the incarceration rate has decreased, the prevalence of people entering prison with a diagnosed substance use disorder or mental health problem has increased over time.

Long Covid does not cause lasting brain damage, study reveals

Young people with persistent post-infective symptoms from Covid-19 did just as well on tests as others.

Sex after gynaecological cancer: "As soon as he strokes my back and especially my stomach, I go into defensive mode"

They have survived, but for women who have had gynaecological cancer, the treatment can linger in the body as a trauma, a new study shows. A Norwegian-developed programme can now enhance women's sexuality.

Life expectancy is increasing again – record low fertility

Life expectancy for men and women in Norway increased last year. At the same time, fertility rates are at a record low, and people are waiting longer and longer to have their first child.

Can blood from young people slow down Alzheimer's?

Norwegian researchers are to test a possible new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Can the BCG vaccine protect against Alzheimer's disease?

It looks promising, says a Norwegian researcher. Influencing the immune system may be able to prevent Alzheimer's disease.