University of Gothenburg

✨Inspark appreciation post✨

Thank you for this year’s unforgettable kickoff! So much laughter, new BFFs, unforgettable nights, hidden city gems and epic challenges - what a way to kick off the semester!

Explore all the exciting student union activities happening this semester by checking out our student unions!👇h.g.s

Join us on our campus tour! 🗺

🌟 The first stop is the School of Business, Economics and Law at Vasagatan 1.

Here is a glimpse of what your first days at GU can look like. New friends, field work at sea, quiz afternoons, canal tours, study visits, city park hangouts, inspiring lectures, and much more!

Welcome to the first day of the semester! 🥳 We are thrilled to see GU buzzing with energy again. Whether its your first time or you’re back for another year, we’re excited to see you! 🙌

In Sweden, crayfish season is a festive time filled with celebrations and delicious seafood. But it also raises ethical questions about preparation methods.🦞 Should crayfish be cooked alive, and do they feel pain? We asked Lynne Sneddon, Professor at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg for her expert take.

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?
There have been many studies demonstrating the potential for pain in crabs, crayfish and lobsters. My laboratory is assessing pain in crayfish by exploring what types of pain stimulate pain receptors in crayfish and if pain relieving drugs such as aspirin prevent negative behavioural and physiological responses to pain. During the crayfish season, many people throw the crayfish alive into boiling water.

𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆?
No this is likely to be very painful and stressful for the crayfish. Studies have shown that it takes a long time for these animals to die this way and the heart is still beating two minutes later.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀.
We have been exploring what is the most humane and quickest way to kill crayfish and Norway lobster and have found we can use electric shock to kill these animals within seconds. We have compared this to other methods such as live chilling in ice slurry which is totally ineffective and to overdose with anaesthetics which takes over twenty minutes. We are working with industrial partners to develop equipment to humanely kill these animals in aquaculture and fisheries.

Read more about Lynne's research on our webiste 👉 https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/lynnesneddon

Are you studying in Gothenburg this fall? Haven’t mastered the art of being a true Göteborgare yet? Don’t worry, we got you covered!

🤣 Master the art of ”Göteborgsvitsar” – the city’s beloved wordplay.
🚋 Commute like a local by taking the tram or riding a bike.
🌊 Enjoy the sea and the archipelago - and don’t forget to try some west coast seafood!
☕️ Never miss a coffee break – fika is sacred here.
🫶 Adopt the relaxed, friendly attitude that defines a Göteborgare. Be ”go’ och gla’” (happy and friendly)!
☔️ Invest in a raincoat and learn to love the drizzle because Gothenburg and rain are an iconic duo.

📸 Studiografen/Göteborg & Co
📸Natalie Greppi
📸Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

Glad midsommar! 🌸🎉

Midsummer is here, and all over Sweden we raise maypoles to celebrate. But where does this tradition actually come from? And is it true that the maypole symbolizes fertility? We asked Eva Knuts, Associate Professor and ethnologist at the University of Gothenburg.

- Like many other traditions, which we think are originally Swedish, the maypole comes to us from Germany. The earliest evidence of raising a maypole at Midsummer dates back to the 17th century. So it is not a pagan fertility symbol!

📸 Conny Fridh, Anna Hållams / imagebank.sweden.se

At the end of September 2022, the Nord Stream gas pipeline on the bottom of the Baltic Sea exploded east of Bornholm and one of the largest unnatural methane gas emissions ever was a fact. The methane gas from the pipeline created large bubbles at the water surface and measurements showed elevated levels of methane in the atmosphere. But much of the methane never reached the surface and dissolved in the water instead. This is according to a scientific study published in Scientific Reports.

35 professors were inaugurated, and 11 adjunct and guest professors were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg during this year's Inauguration of new Professors.

In her speech, Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg emphasized the importance of the university’s professors, pedagogical award recipients, and excellent teachers continuing to inspire, influence, and contribute to development.

‘Becoming a professor, receiving a pedagogical award or being recognized as an excellent teacher does not mean that you have reached an end point, but rather that you have been trusted with and have taken on a new responsibility. A responsibility to continue to drive development forward, to inspire, lead and educate the next generation of colleagues and students, and to contribute to the continuous improvement of our university.’

It might soon be possible to measure a patient’s pulse, breathing, and blood pressure simply by scanning their face. This technology could offer a future tool for quickly assessing the severity of acute infection and other conditions, according to a thesis from the University of Gothenburg.

Read more 👉 https://www.gu.se/en/news/ai-camera-could-help-doctors-identify-serious-infections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1zxA5eTyKkDN5lpw1gJSRQEgBbclzG-q3UP6AXPxUa1esx3wJaXY6vIHQ_aem_AUa1QeqlSlENiI4DPVs-MgLAclpyX9lRDCKOzd-no_tXPqsZ816VKefGk8FICptUofdXmr9V24g9UPae9G_6KSLQ

The fjords on Sweden’s west coast act as effective carbon traps regardless of whether the bottom water is oxygen-rich or not. This is the conclusion of a new study with researchers from the University of Gothenburg.

Fjords are effective carbon traps regardless of oxygen levels

During the Diploma Ceremony on 22 May, 55 students were awarded medals and diplomas by Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg. At the ceremony, students who have been active in the university's student unions were honoured.

'Your dedicated work makes the University of Gothenburg a vibrant and thriving community. Your contributions in academic monitoring, social activities, and the development of the university are immensely valuable and inspiring,' said Malin Broberg.

New to this year’s ceremony was the awarding of the Eva Wiberg Scholarship. The university's former Vice-Chancellor established the scholarship last year. The first recipient of the scholarship was the Da Capo student association.

📸 Kristin Lidell

Young adults who find it harder to cope with stress are more likely to develop psoriasis later in life. Low stress resilience when enlisting for military service involves a 31% higher risk of developing psoriasis compared to high stress resilience. This has been shown by a large register-based study at the University of Gothenburg.

Stress resilience is linked to increased risk of psoriasis Young adults who find it harder to cope with stress are more likely to develop psoriasis later in life. Low stress resilience when enlisting for military service involves a 31% higher risk of developing psoriasis compared to high stress resilience. This has been shown by a large register-based study...

Museum visitors in Gothenburg will soon be able to talk to a virtual seal. The aim of the initiative is for visitors to learn more about ocean acidification and how it affects marine life.

Virtual seal to increase ocean literacy

Newly appointed associate professor Michael Heron has dedicated his career to including more people in what he loves most – games. He studies the accessibility of games, which, according to Heron, is essentially about bringing people together. Now he has released a guidebook on how to create accessible tabletop games.

New guidebook aims to make tabletop games more accessible Newly appointed associate professor Michael Heron has dedicated his career to including more people in what he loves most – games. He studies the accessibility of games, which, according to Heron, is essentially about bringing people together. Now he has released a guidebook on how to create acces...

On the 24th of April, Finland’s newly elected president, Alexander Stubb, paid a visit to the University of Gothenburg. Alongside him was HM the King and HM the Queen and an official delegation.

The event, which was part of the president’s state visit to Sweden, included a speech and a Q&A session for the students. One question came from Mona Marsti, who asked how the president plans to handle gender equality within international and security policies.

“In various surveys, be they about freedom or happiness, the Nordic countries always make it to the top ten in the world, the President answered. One reason is that we have come very far in matters of equality; in other words, we can influence others by presenting ourselves as an example to be followed.”

Read the full article here: https://www.gu.se/en/news/state-visit-from-finland-to-the-university-of-gothenburg

On a deep-sea expedition to the North Atlantic, marine biologist Rhian Waller was part of a team that spotted a sea star they had never seen before. The new sea star has now been recognised and named Rhianastra isosceles. "I am both proud and blushing at the same time. This is the first time I've had a species named after me," says Rhian Waller, a researcher at the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg.

New genus of sea stars named after marine biologist

Digital memory test and a blood sample - this combination will be tested for its potential to identify early Alzheimer's disease in a new research study. Over a hundred healthcare centres are part of the study that is now inviting participants to sign up. At least 3,000, preferably many more participants are needed for the study to be successful.

Study explores possible future for early Alzheimer's diagnostics

Dietary treatment is more effective than medications for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. With dietary adjustments, more than seven out of ten patients had significantly reduced symptoms.

Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS

The protein content of the diet during pregnancy can affect the face of the offspring. This is shown in animal studies, and the underlying mechanism was also found in human genetic studies. The research is described in a study led by the University of Gothenburg.

The mother's protein intake affects the newborn's face

Even in nature, pride can prevail. A study with researchers from the University of Gothenburg shows that sea anemones that react more slowly to change can survive a heatwave better than individuals that change their behaviour quickly.

Shy sea anemones are more likely to survive heatwaves

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg warn that today's hunting quotas of about 3,000 animals pose a risk to the long-term survival of the grey seal in the Baltic Sea. The conclusions of this new study are based on statistics from 20th century seal hunting and predictions of future climate change.

Scientists warn: The grey seal hunt is too large

Men with advanced degrees and higher income are more likely to receive certain care and treatment for prostate cancer. Their risk of dying from the disease is also lower than for men with low income and education level. These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg.

Better prostate cancer care for highly educated

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the group of 3- and 4-year-olds in Sweden has decreased after the pandemic. The increase during the pandemic thus appears to have been temporary. These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg and Uppsala University.

Less obesity in 3- and 4-year-olds after the pandemic

The University of Gothenburg ranks fifth in an international ranking for information systems in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Among the Swedish universities, the University of Gothenburg is by far the best, being the only one to make it to the top 50.

Information systems research at the University of Gothenburg best in Sweden

Over half of the 60 countries holding national elections this year are experiencing a democratic decline, risking the integrity of the electoral process, as reported in the latest Democracy Report from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg. The worsening election quality is concerning, given the pivotal role elections play in either reinforcing or mitigating the trend of autocratization.

Democratic backslide a threat to free elections globally

Kelp flies and marine yeast cultivated on by-products from the seafood industry can be used in feed for farmed salmon. Replacing fishmeal and soybeans can create more sustainable and circular food production, according to a thesis from the University of Gothenburg.

Yeast and kelp flies can replace fishmeal in feed

When clouds meet clear skies, cloud droplets evaporate as they mix with dry air. A new study involving researchers from the University of Gothenburg has succeeded in capturing what happens in a model. Ultimately, this could lead to more accurate climate modeling in the future.

Cloud model could help with climate research

An ultra-sensitive blood test that reflects brain damage after acute ischemic stroke – and also predicts functional outcome. This is a discovery that is expected to be of great significance in the future. The findings are described in a study from the University of Gothenburg.

Blood test predicts functional outcome after ischemic stroke

He ate a lot of fish as a child and moved across a large geographical area during his life. The end for the "Vittrup man" was brutal, as he was beaten to death, likely with a wooden club. With the help of new scientific methods, researchers from the University of Gothenburg have been able to map out the life of the Stone Age man in detail.

The life of a Stone Age man has been mapped Researchers have mapped the life of a Stone Age man in detail. New scientific methods have revolutionised archaeology and the Swedish-Danish team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg are now able to state that “Vittrup Man”, a Stone Age man found in a bog in Denmark, travelled across a...