Tag: iceland

Green transition: The whole world can learn from a small town in Iceland

A small town in northern Iceland has gone almost CO2-neutral. Researchers went there to find out how they did it and what we can learn from them.

Scientists map the earliest Icelandic genome

Scientists have mapped genetic material from the first generations of Icelanders, whose DNA appears to be more closely matched to present day Norwegians than their Icelandic descendants.

Nature + nurture = genetic nurture

Sequences of our parents’ genes that are not handed down to us can still shape our lives, according to new Icelandic research.

The machine that converts carbon dioxide to stone in Iceland

The new technology could help mitigate climate change, says scientist.

Fewer born with genetic predisposition for education

A genetic predisposition towards education seems to also be associated with having fewer children, suggests a new study.

Iceland's crowd-sourced constitution: hope for disillusioned voters everywhere

OPINION: In a time where trust in politics is at an all time low, Iceland takes a proactive approach that might serve as a lesson to the rest of the world.

Is Iceland's Katla volcano crying wolf?

OPINION: The Icelandic volcano's rumblings do not necessarily mean that airspace chaos is imminent

Guide to the classics: the Icelandic saga

Opinion: There has been a surge in interest of Icelandic literature, including the sagas. But how much do you really know about these literary classics?

How volcanos collapse

A unique set of data collected during the largest European volcanic eruption in over 200 years captured the inner workings of a rare event--the collapse of a volcanic crater.

Pumping CO2 into volcanic rock transforms it into limestone in record time

The greenhouse gas was pumped into basalt rock and turned into limestone in just two years.

Can cortisol indicate dementia?

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol could indicate memory problems in the elderly, but scientists do not know why.

New study finds proof that creativity and mental illness are genetically linked

Being able to think out of the box puts you at a higher risk of developing certain psychiatric disorders.

Icelandic men sing for country, camaraderie and self-therapy

Male voice choirs hold a special place in Icelandic culture. Singing is a vital part of everyday life and is about national identity, being with other men, and dealing with life's ups and downs.

How Vikings killed time

The Vikings played ball, lifted stones and wrestled. Often the games turned violent and bloody, occasionally resulting in death.

Drawing heat from hell

Water near glowing magma is so hot and under such high pressure that it has ten times the energy of normal geothermal sources. Can the Icelanders make use of this heat from the underworld?

Understand the uterus and get fewer premature babies

A better understanding of in the way the uterus works could significantly reduce the number of preterm births. Icelandic researchers are looking into new methods of solving the problem.

The North is barbaric and sublime

Many associate the North with wealth and progress. But ancient stereotypes of barbaric Vikings and primitive ignorance are still alive and kicking, says Icelandic historian.

Air-traffic shutdown justified

Last year’s closing of flight zones due to the eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull was justified, considering the potential damage from the ash, a new study concludes.