Society & culture - ScienceNordic

Here’s how researchers will find out if Norway’s efforts to fight the corona virus work

Researchers are surveying what people do and who gets infected, but they won’t be able to say exactly how the coronavirus spreads.

Swedes trust their experts in the coronavirus crisis

Many Norwegians shake their heads in disbelief at their neighbour Sweden’s approach to the coronavirus. But Sweden’s population greatly supports the country's corona experts, a recent study suggests.

Children born more than three weeks early may have a delayed language development

Babies born very prematurely may develop problems speaking in complete sentences and following conversations. "Struggling with language has a big impact on children's lives," says researcher.

Researcher: Denmark's world-record level of trust is helping us in the fight against corona

COMMENT: The vast majority of Danes are showing 'community spirit'. This is due, fundamentally, to the fact that we trust each other and the authorities.

Coronavirus puts world’s religions under pressure

Prayer assemblies are defying restrictions and spreading the virus — but faith may also be a coping strategy. Religious studies researcher discusses the role of religion in times of disasters and pandemics.

Norwegians support corona measures – but do not trust that the social security system can handle the consequences

Only one in five trust that the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) can handle the consequences of the financial crisis that the virus has created.

Mum drinking just a little too much led to behavioural problems in children

This doesn’t only apply to mothers with alcohol abuse issues. A Norwegian study shows that merely a slightly elevated alcohol consumption in mothers of toddlers can lead to more behavioural problems in children.

Older workers feel welcome at work, but their managers are more lukewarm

Managers are happy with the older workers that they have - but they don't necessarily want more of them.

Teachers don't know how to accommodate the smartest pupils

In every elementary school classroom, one to two pupils on average need faster and more challenging instruction than their classmates. Teachers interviewed in a new Norwegian study say these pupils are not prioritized in schools.

Norwegian government: "The goal is to beat the coronavirus epidemic as much as possible"

The goal is to delay the spread of infection as much as possible, says Espen Rostrup Nakstad from the Norwegian Directorate of Health. Geir Bukholm from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health says the end point will likely be immunity in the Norwegian population.

Norwegian health official: "We don’t think it's possible to stop the COVID-19 epidemic"

Will the coronavirus disappear from Norway after weeks or months of social isolation? Not at all. In all likelihood, there will be more sick and infected people than ever. We have asked Geir Bukholm from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health about what the plan for Norway actually is.

Old people choose to move to remote and unpractical houses in Norway. Can they still expect the same level of welfare services?

In a few years, the number of 90-year-olds in Norway will quadruple. The number of 70-year-olds is expected to double and 80-year-olds to triple. How will society be able to help all of them, if many choose to live in places that others move away from?

5 tips for how to keep your team connected while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic

SHARE YOUR SCIENCE: The idea of home office usually sounds tempting for most of us, but the corona virus puts working from home to an extreme test. Establishing a good communication norm and re-clarifying roles are keys to success.

Why are the Danes not as funny as they think they are?

Every country has its own forms of national humour, and what Danes find funny can seem tasteless and offensive to a Swede or Frenchman.

We must move beyond 'green capitalism'

Big corporations are branding themselves as sustainable. But the capitalist logic of expansion and consumption that make them thrive is the real climate issue, CBS professor claims in a new book.

Norwegian financial crisis package may help stabilize the economy in the face of coronavirus shutdowns, says professor

The Norwegian government’s stringent measures against the coronavirus can affect house prices, wages and consumption. The situation could be just as serious for the Norwegian economy as the financial crisis in 2008 and the market crash after the peak in the 1990s, one economics professor says.

Professor about the coronavirus: "I fear many children will die in refugee camps"

Poor hygiene, lack of good health care services and isolation make people in Greek refugee camps highly vulnerable to the coronavirus, according to Professor Terje Andreas Eikemo.

Professor compares Norwegian Child Welfare Services with other countries:"The Norwegian system is good"

“But there are areas for improvement,” says Marit Skivenes.

Is Norway becoming a polarized country?

Polarization and populism have created major problems in many parts of the world. Norwegian social scientists see warning singnals also in Norway.

The Placebo Effect:From mystical magnetism to using our bodies inherent powers

The human body has a remarkable built-in capacity for rectifying its own ailments. “The medical profession should make more use of this,” says Norwegian professor.

Women are not formally discriminated against in Norwegian academia – but they still don’t become professors

As long as their CVs are equal to that of the men, women in academia in Norway appear not to be discriminated against. Systematic differences however persist, to the detriment of the women’s careers.

Keep an eye on your kids at indoor play centres, advises fire researcher

A new report raises fire safety concerns at indoor activity centres in Norway.

What makes a good life in retirement?

A Norwegian researcher has investigated what makes recent retirees happy with their lives.

Record low fertility rates in Norway, Finland and Iceland

Never before has each woman given birth to so few children in these three Nordic countries.

E-scooters – cities should embrace them

OPINION: E-scooters provide an opportunity to re-think urban transport, increase quality of life, and improve city dwellers’ mental and physical health, according to professor Stefan Gössling.

How the Germans used Ibsen to spread Nazi ideology

Nazi Germany created its own distinctive movie versions of Ibsen's Norwegian plays - downplaying strong female characters and creating happy endings. The movies were intended both to entertain and to teach people to become moral citizens of the Third Reich, according to Ibsen researcher.

Arabic women’s football: supported by the regime, but still breaking social norms

Norms and legislation strictly limit women's lives in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Nevertheless, women find ways to realise themselves – like by playing football.

Researchers create social solutions for municipal elderly care

"I can't complain," researchers were told when they asked older residents about the help they receive from municipal elderly care. After all, they receive support for their medical and practical needs. But something important is still missing.

Why did some of the indigenous Sami people revolt in 1852? Two of the rebels tell their stories in a new book.

The Sami were subjected to abuse of power and violence long before the Kautokeino uprising, in which both the sheriff and the local merchant were killed.

People who work in open-plan or shared offices get sick more often

Employees in open-plan workspaces take more sick leave than those with their own offices. If you share an office with one or more colleagues, your risk of taking sick leave increases significantly, a new Norwegian study shows.

How fair are today’s pensions?

“We clearly see from this research that people’s self-interest plays a role when they tell us what they think is a fair retirement pension,” says one researcher.

Far right groups in Norway instigate more street provocation than before

New groups are adopting more radical measures.

Managers need to be good with emotions – or they risk damaging their employee’s health and ability to perform at work

OPINION: At worst, managers who lack emotional intelligence can be playing Russian roulette with their colleagues’ health.

“Of course Muslim feminists exist”

With her book about feminism in Islam, Marianne Hafnor Bøe not only aims to create awareness of Muslim feminists, she also wants to expand the term ‘feminism’.

Greater risk of dying from a hip fracture if you live in the city

One to two years after a hip fracture, patients in urban areas had up to a 20 per cent greater risk of dying compared to those who lived in rural areas.

Equality hasn’t reached entrepreneurs

Only 20 per cent of entrepreneurs who start limited companies are women, and they own only 4 per cent of new technology companies.

Older workers feel less tired than their younger colleagues

Many Norwegian managers believe their older employees are tired. But they are wrong. Older employees feel much more energetic than their younger colleagues, according to new research.

Is private finance a panacea for sustainable development?

The EU has pushed for a strong role of the private sector to finance the sustainable development goals. However, an increased role of the private sector might be at odds with the EUs fundamental rights commitments, argues Sunniva Hustad.

Like most people, Norwegian bureaucrats rarely read research

When Norwegian civil servants want research-based knowledge, they use Google or ask a colleague.

Professors interviewed by Norwegian print media are usually men

Especially if the person who interviews them is a male journalist.

Environment vs Convenience; who wins in the supermarket?

OPINION: Recent research shows that focussing on the environment and convenience wins consumers. But who wins when we actually shop?

The naïveté of Academia: How Plan S could let pseudoscientific and predatory publishers take advantage of researchers

OPINION: Plan S is naïve in its approach to open publishing, making scientific articles available for re-use by whoever may wish to do so. Scientists need to retain the right to decide where their works are published.

Travelling by bus, taxi and boat has become more expensive, while flying has become relatively cheaper

Planes are the passenger transport type that have had the lowest price increase in the last ten years, according to figures from Statistics Norway.

Managers believe they motivate employees more than they actually do

Most Norwegian business leaders believe they are good at motivating and engaging their employees. But fewer than half of their employees agree. Older workers are least satisfied with their bosses.

These are the stories you read the most in 2019

Cats, vikings and cancer are among the topics that captured your attention in the year gone by.

Folk musician Annbjørg Lien's PhD on Hardanger fiddle folk tunes includes a new solo album

One of Norway’s most well-known folk musicians has done a PhD. But there was a limit to how much she could put into words in her dissertation. One of the chapters is consequently being delivered as a new solo album this spring.

Why do metal detector enthusiasts find so many cheap coins, and so few valuable ones?

If the finds by metal detector hobbyists are truly representative, then Norwegian history may need to be re-written.

Why is the full story of the Viking Age and High Middle Ages emerging only now?

Written in the 1380s in Iceland, the Flateyarbók chronicling Norwegian history never made it to Norway. Some 600 years later a Norwegian king has finally received the book, in Norwegian. An English translation is also on the way.

Christmas gift trends: Less jewellery, and ethical gifts not gaining ground

Despite society’s increasing focus on the environment, the tradition of giving each other gifts for Christmas remains deeply embedded in our culture. It’s still rare to give ethical Christmas presents. Granted, jewellery is less likely to glitter under the Christmas tree, while food and drink have become more popular as gifts.

Gamblers played and lost less after gaming company contacted them

Direct contact with those who gamble a lot can have a big impact on how much they lose, a new study shows.

25 years with The European Economic Area: Politicians, government agencies and Norwegians in general lack knowledge about the country’s agreement with the EU

The 25-year-old European Economic Area (EEA) agreement has been a success for Norway, according to the head of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). But its successes are almost unknown in Norway.

Researchers are worried: Documents missing in one fifth of the cases handled by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services

Researchers have gained unique insights into how Norway’s Child Welfare Services work and how they justify what they do. In one fifth of the cases studied, the researchers found no documents summarizing how the Child Welfare Services had handled the case.

Here’s how researchers will find out if Norway’s efforts to fight the corona virus work

Swedes trust their experts in the coronavirus crisis

Children born more than three weeks early may have a delayed language development

Researcher: Denmark's world-record level of trust is helping us in the fight against corona

Coronavirus puts world’s religions under pressure

Norwegians support corona measures – but do not trust that the social security system can handle the consequences

Mum drinking just a little too much led to behavioural problems in children

Older workers feel welcome at work, but their managers are more lukewarm

Teachers don't know how to accommodate the smartest pupils

Norwegian government: "The goal is to beat the coronavirus epidemic as much as possible"

Norwegian health official: "We don’t think it's possible to stop the COVID-19 epidemic"

Old people choose to move to remote and unpractical houses in Norway. Can they still expect the same level of welfare services?

5 tips for how to keep your team connected while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic

Why are the Danes not as funny as they think they are?

We must move beyond 'green capitalism'

Norwegian financial crisis package may help stabilize the economy in the face of coronavirus shutdowns, says professor

Professor about the coronavirus: "I fear many children will die in refugee camps"

Professor compares Norwegian Child Welfare Services with other countries:"The Norwegian system is good"

Is Norway becoming a polarized country?

The Placebo Effect:From mystical magnetism to using our bodies inherent powers

Women are not formally discriminated against in Norwegian academia – but they still don’t become professors

Keep an eye on your kids at indoor play centres, advises fire researcher

What makes a good life in retirement?

Record low fertility rates in Norway, Finland and Iceland

E-scooters – cities should embrace them

How the Germans used Ibsen to spread Nazi ideology

Arabic women’s football: supported by the regime, but still breaking social norms

Researchers create social solutions for municipal elderly care

Why did some of the indigenous Sami people revolt in 1852? Two of the rebels tell their stories in a new book.

People who work in open-plan or shared offices get sick more often

How fair are today’s pensions?

Far right groups in Norway instigate more street provocation than before

Managers need to be good with emotions – or they risk damaging their employee’s health and ability to perform at work

“Of course Muslim feminists exist”

Greater risk of dying from a hip fracture if you live in the city

Equality hasn’t reached entrepreneurs

Older workers feel less tired than their younger colleagues

Is private finance a panacea for sustainable development?

Like most people, Norwegian bureaucrats rarely read research

Professors interviewed by Norwegian print media are usually men

Environment vs Convenience; who wins in the supermarket?

The naïveté of Academia: How Plan S could let pseudoscientific and predatory publishers take advantage of researchers

Travelling by bus, taxi and boat has become more expensive, while flying has become relatively cheaper

Managers believe they motivate employees more than they actually do

These are the stories you read the most in 2019

Folk musician Annbjørg Lien's PhD on Hardanger fiddle folk tunes includes a new solo album

Why do metal detector enthusiasts find so many cheap coins, and so few valuable ones?

Why is the full story of the Viking Age and High Middle Ages emerging only now?

Christmas gift trends: Less jewellery, and ethical gifts not gaining ground

Gamblers played and lost less after gaming company contacted them

25 years with The European Economic Area: Politicians, government agencies and Norwegians in general lack knowledge about the country’s agreement with the EU

Researchers are worried: Documents missing in one fifth of the cases handled by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services

Norwegians have substantial pension capital — so why should the retirement age be increased?

Does research support the claim that youth have become less active?

The forgotten extermination of Norwegians in the Soviet Union

Researchers find evidence of anxiety and alcohol use in wastewater

Reading to your child? Digital books are as important as print books

Looking for gender differences in Norwegian prisons is a distraction

The world is a scarier place for Norway

Here's what happened when I served my friends chocolate with seaweed

Slightly more poor people in Norway

Family values in Europe: Georgia is on one extreme. Norway is on the other.

She’s given birth to six calves before — but now she finally gets to be a mother

Both women and men are vulnerable in prison

Crushing the myth of “poor Norway”

Women sentenced to prison in Norway are treated favourably

What’s the best way to recycle clothes?

As Norwegian Jews were being deported, the Quisling government discussed working hours during the Christmas holidays

Norwegians are the world’s home renovation champs

The mystery from pre-Viking days: Only the most powerful had these little pieces of gold

Should children be allowed to choose teams in gym class?

Gender issues are ridiculed and sabotaged in the military

Academics hide, play dumb, don't care or over-perform. Everything to oppose the system and administration.

Norway builds top athletes through not focusing on winning

Celebrity lifestyle increases global warming: New study flight-shames Bill Gates and Paris Hilton

Students receiving follow-up support in upper secondary school less likely to quit

Vikings wiped out Iceland’s walruses