Evolutionary mystery divides scientists: Did the nervous system evolve twice? A number of new studies suggest that the evolutionary history of the nervous system is not as straightforward as previously thought.
What is the point in having a nervous system? Can some animals really exist without a nervous system? Trichoplax, an animal that evolved about a billion years ago, might give us an answer.
Researcher: Universities have become assembly lines that make us dumber than we need to be COMMENT: Scientific ideals have been replaced by market mechanisms. Knowledge has become a commodity, and the university is like any other profit-driven company, a researcher writes.
Coronavirus: Schoolchildren and parents emerge unscathed from being guinea-pigs Many parents feared sending their children back to school midway through a global pandemic. Fortunately, that fear has so far proved unfounded, reveals a new report from CBS.
The future of renewable energy targets in Europe in the era of the Green Deal OPINION: The EU as a whole has committed to ensure that 32% of its energy consumption comes from renewable sources by 2030 but individual targets for member states towards this goal are not binding. Still, there are other ways for the EU to ensure compliance by member states.
Conspiracy theories in the age of corona: How they flourish, and why they are a problem COMMENT: The uncertainty of coronavirus leaves room for alternative explanations, but conspiracy theories’ mistrust of experts and authorities could potentially weaken democracy.
What’s funny about coronavirus? The internet abounds with corona jokes. But why are we laughing at something gravely serious?
Computers must learn to make mistakes As human beings, sometimes we do not know enough to make a decision. And, when it comes to computer systems, we actually ought to develop the same uncertainty.
AI: This is how researchers make computers that can think Deep learning is susceptible to bias. Therefore researchers are working to develop new methods to teach computers to think about their decisions.
The pandemic demonstrates that facts are not just facts COMMENT: The pandemic has done more for science than years of laborious research. This is not least the case concerning the importance of 'facts', the question of how science actually comes about and the value of interdisciplinary science.
When epidemics change the world: Can we learn anything from the third plague pandemic? Around the year 1900, the third plague pandemic raged. This paved the way for several major changes in society and interacted with developments that were already underway. Perhaps this will also be the case with the present crisis, a history researcher writes.
Quinoa is a super crop that can resist future climate change Quinoa is exceptionally nutritious and robust – it even withstands extreme conditions of drought and salinity. A large new research project wants to uncover the mechanism that makes quinoa so resilient. This is meant to create the basis for future improvement of this unique plant.
Science is more than applied statistics – can we be freed from p-value tyranny, please! COMMENT: It is nice when complex things can be reduced to something simpler. But sometimes you lose more than you gain – such as, for example, when scientific studies are violently shoehorned into two simple boxes: ‘significant’ and ‘nonsignificant’.
What is the use of moral philosophy? New advanced doctoral thesis questions whether traditional moral theories are of any use to us at all.
Suicide and ship hijacking: Join the Asian Company on a dramatic journey to India in the 1700s Dive into the Asian Company's extensive archive packed with exciting and detailed descriptions of life aboard the huge ships.
Corona isolation puts our existential state to the test The coronavirus is a biological phenomenon that affects our social world. But what about the existential alterations? Søren Kierkegaard can help us understand fear and anxiety during pandemic isolation.
Is the world going to run out of water? In many places the answer is yes – if we continue as we have done. The rest of the world could learn a lot from Denmark, one of the few countries to have reduced its water consumption.
The H-index turns 15: but is it a good idea to put a number on researchers' performance? The H-index is an attempt at measuring the productivity and impact of researchers. This is an illustration of the universities’ shift from trusting researchers towards micromanagement, efficiency and competition.
Psychological Strategies Can Reduce Your Cravings Your uncontrollable craving for a bar of Snickers bar is real enough – but it is probably not because your body lacks chocolate or sugar. A health psychologist offers you tips on how to prevent cravings from turning into eating.
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.
Brain researchers want to know how you take care of your brain One in three will develop a brain disease in their lifetime, and we know that lifestyle influences brain health. Find out how you can help researchers understand what motivates people to take care of their brain.
Professor: Physical activity may prevent cancer risk American researchers have given concrete estimates as to what extent physical activity is able to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer. The goal is that doctors will one day prescribe physical activity to patients the same way as they do regular medication. However, Danish researchers are more hesitant.
How do we promote gender equity in computing? Computing society needs to promote more gender equity and better ways at working together. We present our experiences on trying to do so.
Hospitals fear a new, deadly fungus – How big is the threat and what can we do? Drug-resistant infections are increasing globally. One new member of the superbug family has already caused severe illness in hospitalized patients. Here is what you need to know.
Mathematical models can predict animals’ risk of extinction It’s not easy to predict whether a species will die out. However, scientists from Syddansk Universitet are on the case using statistics to save endangered animals.
Does your ‘private’ data picture meet the beauty standards of society? COMMENT: Private companies and public sectors collect our data every day and minute. In a democratic society, we need to teach children to become critically aware and understand how data processing and digital technologies really work.
God's own weapons: Danish foreign fighters tell why they are fighting for jihad A Danish scientist has followed six Danish foreign fighters to try to understand, what makes people leave security and safety in Denmark to go to war in the Middle East.
No link between MMR vaccine and autism Another study confirms that the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella does not lead to autism.
Professors with advice to inactive people: Football is good for your health But if you want to play football rather than taking medicine, the advice is that you will need to keep playing and only do it after consulting with your doctor.
Linguists need preservation of languages to study human language Indigenous languages can tell us a lot about humanity. But as we are advancing our knowledge, languages are dying out rapidly.
Are all cancer cells the same? Not necessarily. And being able to identify the differences at a genetic level could lead to more effective, personalised treatments.
2019 is the UN’s International Year of Indigenous Languages. And we need it to be Linguists warn against the death of half of the world’s languages by the end of this century.
A single protein could be the key to treating hydrocephalus A new study in mice identified a mechanism responsible for brain fluid production
We desperately need to store more carbon – seagrass could be the answer Seagrass plants have an excellent capacity for taking up and storing carbon in the oxygen-depleted seabed, where it decomposes much slower than on land. This oxygen-free sediment traps the carbon in the dead plant material which may then remain buried for hundreds of years.
Should we say farewell to the Arctic's unique nature? A warmer Arctic could lead to major changes in Arctic plant communities that will influence local and perhaps even global climate.
Using personal data to understand aging A new six-year research project shows how patient data can help progress scientific research while maintaining personal data privacy.
Danish children are reaching puberty earlier A new study shows that Danish children start puberty earlier than their parents did.
Where should we draw the line between a healthy and an unhealthy sports body? Norway is working on the answer with health certificates for athletes.
Are joint custody and shared parenting a child’s right? OPINION: Traditional family roles of mothers and fathers are changing, and policies to public protect children's interests should reflect this.
Why the new Arctic 'Cold War' is a dangerous myth OPINION: Discussing “a new Cold War” detracts from the broader roles that militaries play throughout the Arctic and stokes the very tensions it warns of.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of haemorrhoids Warning: Includes spanking and leeches around the anus.
Elite female athletes at greater risk of eating disorders Especially in disciplines like running and gymnastics, where body weight is especially associated with aesthetics and fast running times.
The Anglo-Saxons were worse than the Vikings Linguistically, the Anglo-Saxons practically eradicated the native Britons. The question is: was it ethnic cleansing?
Explore 200 years of climate change in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faeroes DATA: Each year DMI updates their historical collection of climate data, which is available to download free. Here are some of the highlights.
Erectile dysfunction? Physical activity could be the solution Aerobic exercise can reactivate the penile tissue and, in many cases, improve the erectile function in men with lifestyle diseases, according to a new Danish study.
Is China’s social credit system really the dystopian si-fi scenario that many fear? OPINION: Many of the concerns around the social credit system are either inaccurate or one-sided.
Scientists reveal a new permafrost gas mystery You might have heard that the Arctic permafrost may burp up large amounts of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane upon thawing. But did you know that hundreds of other climate-relevant gases might also be released?
Will we ever see a black hole? In the shadowy regions of black holes two fundamental theories describing our world collide. Can these problems be resolved and do black holes really exist? First, we may have to see one and scientists are trying to do just this.
An open letter to Danish universities: Let us show the way towards a more ambitious climate agenda The letter is signed by more than 650 academics from a number of research fields in Denmark. They are calling for universities to lead by example, and implement climate friendly policies in the workplace in the hope of inspiring change in other sectors.
New Materials for a New Age You probably haven’t heard of “multiferroics,” but they could lead to entirely new ways of designing technologies, some of which we are only just starting to imagine.
Ireland becomes western most site of world's largest radio telescope Birr Castle in Ireland was a centre for astronomical research 170 years ago, and the story continues with the construction of the I LOFAR telescope.
Are organisms basically living machines? Is your body just a very complicated mechanical system? New project examines the biological differences between living organisms and machines.
Why the world should remember this forgotten Danish physicist The little-known physicist Ludvig Lorenz ought to be better known, for he truly stands alongside the great figures in international science.
How to build your own personal robot Researchers in Denmark are helping people who have suffered brain damage to develop their own personal robots that fit in with their existing routines and aid recovery.
How the Greenland ice sheet fared in 2018 It's time for the Greenland ice sheet's annual health report, brought to you by scientists from the Danish Meteorological Institute and Polar Portal.
What in the world is consciousness? Our perception of the world around us, and ourselves within it, are ‘controlled hallucinations’ that the brain uses to help keep itself alive
The Big Bang – an eyewitness account What did the Big Bang actually look like? Join astrophysicist Peter Laursen and his travel companion ‘Alice’ as they explore the beginnings of the Universe.
Seagrass meadows: an underwater time capsule for archaeology …by providing a protective matt above exceptional archaeological treasures.
Computer game addiction is now a diagnosis OPINION: Who’s decision to classify game addiction as a mental disorder could negatively impact the most vulnerable in society.
An enlightened approach to “illegal” drugs will revolutionise medicine and science OPINION: Let logic prevail! It is time for all countries to review their support of the current UN approach to recreational drug control and allow medical research on illegal substances.
How the Nazis abused the history of runes A brooch inscribed with runes was found in a field in Denmark during the Second World War and tells a story of the use and abuse of runic writing during some of the darkest moments in our history.
Stephen Hawking: Master of the Multiverse The multiverse challenges science as we know it, and Hawking wasn’t pleased with it. But our journey to the edges of time has since reshaped our vision of the cosmos, and ourselves.
How kite skiing and weighing snow helps improve projections of sea level rise For the past two years, scientists from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland have skied across the Greenland ice sheet to see how much snow is accumulating. Their data will ultimately improve projections of sea level rise.
Does it really matter if one animal goes extinct? New study reveals the true extent of famous extinctions like the Mauritian Dodo and the knock-on effects they have on other island life.
Hummingbirds are ecological super-specialists ...and thus vulnerable to climate change and habitat destruction.
Historic building activity in Europe mirrors plague outbreaks and food prices A new study shows that the dramatic upheaval and population decline known as the Late Medieval Crisis began much earlier than previously thought. Thanks to the use of felling dates from old construction timber a new picture emerges of past demographic changes in Europe.
Companies win when they understand the future OPINION: Industry benefits from taking a long-term macroperspective, but research in this field is under-prioritised and often forgotten.
Archaeologists celebrate spectacular discovery of Iron Age treasure Evidence suggests that a recently uncovered treasure trove of Iron Age gold in Denmark, was a rich man’s gift to the Gods. And there turned out to be much more where that came from.
How Nordic marine forests can help fight climate change Despite the wealth of marine forests throughout the Nordics, we are yet to exploit their potential role in combating climate change. Here’s what we need to do.
Marine forests - Nature's own carbon capture and storage Kelp forests and seagrass meadows soak up carbon dioxide and help protect our coasts against rising seas. Just two reasons why we should learn to love our marine forests.
Conflict between alternative medicine and medical sciences stretches back to the 19th century Unorthodox healers recommended ‘morally correct’ remedies such as less sex or eliminating certain foods from the diet, while the medical establishment prescribed mercury and narcotics.
Thousands of objects discovered in Scandinavia’s first Viking city Danish archaeologists have excavated the streets beneath Ribe to discover how the first city of the Viking age was established.
Could rising land slow down Antarctic ice melt? The West Antarctic ice sheet is sitting under water. This is key to understanding the evolution of the ice sheet and how the rising sea floor might even help to slow down ice melt in this part of Antarctica.
How fast can Antarctica rise when the ice melts? New study shows that the land underneath a part of West Antarctica is rising five times faster than expected as the ice melts, revealing a surprisingly soft Earth structure beneath the ice sheet.
Here's a mental health workout that's as simple as ABC The Act-Belong-Commit approach promotes keeping active, building stronger relationships with friends, family and community groups, and committing to hobbies, challenges, and meaningful causes.
Male cockroaches that have frequent sex eat more protein This is most likely because they need protein to produce new sperm and a nuptial gift packed with nutrients that the female can pass on to her unborn young.
