Seeking cures for inflamed intestines

Swedish students best at hand washing, worse at keeping their distance

Initial results from an international research project in which LiU is participating show that Swedish students follow official recommendations about hygiene, but not about social distancing.

Agriculture – a climate villain? Maybe not!

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change claims that agriculture is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases, and is considered as a climate villain. This conclusion is based on a paradigm that can be questioned, writes Per Frankelius.

Black Lives Matter - a global human rights movement

The Black Lives Matter movement is an international human rights movement that has existed since 2013. In late spring 2020 the movement spread to countries across the world. LiU PhD candidate Mavis Hooi answers four questions about the movement.

A career in the company of organics and perovskites

Feng Gao, appointed professor at LiU 2020, has climbed rapidly up the research career ladder, from China, via the UK to Linköping. Driven by curiosity, a desire to work in a field that is of real benefit, and a wish to support young researchers.

Chemistry paves the way for improved electronic materials

Indium nitride is a promising material, but difficult to manufacture. Scientists at LiU have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, making it possible to use it in high-frequency electronics.

Research about skin sensation gave insights into pain

Håkan Olausson’s breakthrough research has partially upset the textbook description of the nervous system. His research group recently discovered a previously unknown component of the human pain-signalling system.

Using tiny electrodes to measure electrical activity in bacteria

Scientists at LiU’s Laboratory of Organic Electronics have developed an organic transistor that they can use to measure and study in fine detail a phenomenon known as extracellular electron transfer in which bacteria release electrons.

Why do we love the Viking Age?

From a historical perspective, the Viking Age was a short period. But it has left deep impressions. Over and over, interest in Vikings reemerges. Religious historian Fredrik Gregorius is to investigate what this fixation is all about.

Students presented design solutions to international audience

Under normal circumstances, the course would culminate in a networking event in Silicon Valley, USA. Instead, an innovative digital solution had to be quickly put together. "The best event we have had" says Marie Bengtsson, teacher and organizer.

International master’s students who stayed

Sarah Mitchell from South Africa and Ahmed Azeez from Iraq came to Linköping University to take a master’s programme. They liked it so much that they stayed, and are today both doctoral students at LiU.

Biogas is always good – but not always best

Biogas has many positive sides – but it’s not best at everything. A source of energy should be analysed from several perspectives and compared with the alternatives. It is also important to determine which factors are most important.

Services designed for a new age

Security in the gig economy, a solution for long-term unemployment and the creativity of young people are areas in which students of design at LiU have developed new smart services. A 12-credit course in service design has just ended.

With a focus on women´s health

No ovaries, no oestrogen - but higher risk of brain problems. Neuroscientist Gillian Einstein is investigating what happens to women’s brains and health when their production of oestrogen stops.

A spanner in the works for four exchange students

Their year as exchange students didn’t quite work out as planned – a corona pandemic threw a spanner in the works. But the four LiU students we talked to are satisfied – living and studying abroad gives experiences for life.

School may be the key to improvement for children in social care

Children in social care have poorer mental health and perform worse in school than other children. But they have trust in the school staff and perform better after individual assessment at school. These are findings in a docoral thesis from LiU.

Accounting: It’s not just numbers

Company accounts are more than just numbers. Images – photos, graphs and diagrams – are becoming increasingly important when companies provide information about themselves. Readers must understand illustrations as easily as they understand text.

Amazing master's experiences in the Amazon

For two weeks, a group of master’s students from Linköping University travelled to the rainforest of the Amazon to conduct field studies. It turned out to be an overwhelming and inspirational experience.

Renewable fuel from carbon dioxide with the aid of solar energy

Researchers at LiU are attempting to convert carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, to fuel using energy from sunlight. Recent results have shown that it is possible to use their technique to selectively produce methane, carbon monoxide or formic acid.

Academic Ceremony cancelled

No Academic Ceremony will be held in 2020. Given the current situation and the recommendations relating to large gatherings in the light of the corona pandemic, Linköping University has decided to cancel the event this year.

New research into the acceptance of physical distancing

Physical distancing is important to slow the spread of the coronavirus. A new research project will study the provisions relating to physical distancing and how they have been complied with by the public in Denmark and Sweden.

Poor fitness and obesity linked to later chronic disease

Obesity and poor fitness in adolescence are associated with receiving disability pension due to cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a study. The good news are that even a small improvement in fitness is associated with lower risk.

“Super-happy families” the aim of assisted reproduction

Researcher Judith Lind has studied how staff at fertility clinics view the assessments that childless couples and women undergo in order to access assisted reproduction.

Stronger couple relationships in dementia through change of focus

A richer life for couples in which one partner has dementia – this is the goal of Therése Bielsten’s research and her doctoral thesis, which she presented in early April. “I’m trying to shine new light on dementia, which may give both the healthcare

UN role play engages political science students

A different form of learning. Engaging and lots of fun. Those are some of the comments from political science students who recently took part in a UN role play organised at LiU.

First Swedish textbook on Marketing & Sustainability

Two researchers and teachers at Linköping University have written the first Swedish textbook that links marketing and sustainability. The book criticises to a certain extent the course literature that currently dominates education in marketing.

Success for two online conferences

The organisers had planned for 1,000 participants at the two conferences in visualisation in Norrköping, Eurographics and Eurovis. But 2,300 registered, and they presented 100 streamed video sessions that have been viewed nearly 38,000 times. So far.

LiU’s vice-chancellor is finishing her term

After nine years as LiU’s most senior executive, Helen Dannetun is finishing her term as vice-chancellor. But she will remain at LiU, and is hoping for important assignments in the future as well. “Now is the right time to finish”, she says.

The corona crisis changes the industry

The corona crisis will fundamentally change manufacturing industry. Digitalisation will be accelerated, business models changed, and servitisation increase. While the crisis brings huge difficulties, it also brings opportunities.

The change of business models in low-tech firms

The business models used by low-tech firms in mature industries undergo change. The commonly held view that their operations are static is not accurate. Development does, however, proceed more slowly, as a gradual fine-tuning of the company.

Welcome back to campus this autumn

Linköping University will open this autumn, in stages. The Swedish government announced at a press conference on Friday afternoon, 29 May, that institutions of higher education will return to normal operation this autumn.

Full of vision and energy, with his feet firmly on the ground

It’s official: the Swedish government appoints Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, professor in medical cell biology, as vice-chancellor of Linköping University.

Major progress towards high-dimensional quantum communication

A quantum mechanical random generator that functions with high security has been developed by a research group in which LiU researcher Guilherme Xavier is a member. The result opens the way for high-dimensional quantum communication.

Huge potential for energy savings in the aluminium industry

The Swedish aluminium industry could save huge amounts of energy and significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. There are strong driving forces for this, but also significant barriers. These are the conclusions of a new PhD-thesis at LiU.

Unique Resource for AI Research in Medical Imaging

One of the world's most powerful systems for artificial intelligence (AI) computation has landed at Linköping University. The system will serve as a national resource for projects within AIDA.

Better equipped for the next pandemic

Sometimes Andreas Wladis and his colleagues at the Centre for Teaching and Research in Disaster Medicine and Traumatology feel like annoying alarmists. Getting the responsible parties to listen in time, that’s not easy.

Honorary doctorates awarded – but they’ll have to wait

This weekend, seven international researchers should have received honorary doctorates from Linköping University. But the corona pandemic turned life upside down, and the Academic Ceremony has been postponed until the autumn.

High five! It’s possible to create proximity online

Despite physical distance, it’s possible to create proximity between family members located in different places. This is according to a study from Linköping University that has investigated how video calls bring family members together.

LiU scientists working on test of immune response in COVID-19

LiU scientists are working intensely to develop two different analysis methods for the immune response that follows infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One of the tests is now being used by the medical care services in Region Östergötland.

AI helping robots to make safe real-time decisions

If robots are to move among people in everyday life, they must be able to make decisions in real time, without human help. WASP doctoral student Olov Andersson describes in his thesis investigations into three different methods of learning.

The coronavirus shines a spotlight on health equality

Certain groups of migrants have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, and people have started to question why. Anna Bredström, who conducts research into ethnicity, has examined health equality.

Lasse illuminates distance learning

As the coronavirus swept over us, Lasse Alfredsson in the Department of Electrical Engineering was already well set up for distance teaching. He uses video and a lightboard he built himself to make sure that the students can take part in teaching.

Markus Heilig receives award for research achievements

Professor Markus Heilig has been awarded the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, ECNP, award for his research into addictive disorders and other stress-related conditions.

Plasma electrons can be used to produce metallic films

Computers, mobile phones and all other electronic devices contain thousands of transistors, linked together by thin films of metal. Scientists at LiU have developed a method that can use the electrons in a plasma to produce these films.

Fluid mechanics to improve fuel consumption

Cars today must be certified for fuel consumption and emissions. Petter Ekman shows in his doctoral thesis how car manufacturers can make considerable resource savings for estimations of aerodynamics effects even from small geometrical details.

Teacher or guardian – the two faces of auditors

Teacher and counsellor. Or examiner and market guardian? A thesis recently presented at Linköping University shows that auditors can play very different roles, depending on their work situation and whom they identify with.

“Today, we refuse to accept sickness and death”

People have combated recurrent epidemics through the ages in different ways. And COVID-19 demonstrates how vulnerable we still are. Historian Hans Nilsson describes the changing ways in which society has dealt with threats to health.

New Horizon 2020 projects to LiU

Autonomous air-traffic control, white light-emitting diodes, electronic components that harvest energy, and research into how embryos can survive in a foreign uterus are new projects to receive funding in the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.

In the thick of things – coronavirus research

The current pandemic has brought virus research into the spotlight. Many clinically relevant questions need to be answered. Virologist Lennart Svensson is sure of one thing: this is not the last time we will see a coronavirus outbreak.

Coordinated transport benefits both the recipients and society

A better urban environment, more efficient transport, and fewer disturbances from many deliveries. A new thesis shows that shared freight terminals can make huge and important differences – both for the recipients and society in general.

Soft robots 3D-printed in sub-millimeter sizes

The Bionics and Transduction Science unit has created the worlds smallest 3D-printed robot.

A digital workshop brings a global perspective to the crisis

It started as a meeting in the coffee room (which was starting to feel rather empty), and ended with a workshop with participants from three continents. The coronacrisis is forcing the development of new research and new ways of collaborating.

Social consequences of elderly isolation

When the elderly are subject to social and physical distancing it has consequences – both for the individual and for society. This is the conclusion of researchers at Linköping University.

LiU to remain in distance mode to the start of the autumn term

Distance mode, which is currently in force at LiU, is to remain active until the start of the autumn term. However, the university is to maintain a preparedness such that it can remain in distance mode or rapidly reactivate it if necessary.

A cheap organic steam generator to purify water

A high-efficiency steam generator for the purification and desalination of water can be built using cheap and natural materials such as cellulose. The steam generator has been developed at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LiU.

Decision-making during an emergency

It is a tradition in Swedish society to always have a plan ready to use in different situations. When an emergency arises with a very high speed, there is a risk that the Swedish approach to decision-making can be undermined.

A hydraulic pump powered by electricity

Fossil-free applies also to heavy mobile working machines. Liselott Ericson, Flumes, has received SEK 11.6 million to collaborate with industry in developing technology that uses a hydraulic pump in electrically operated working vehicles.

LiU student behind several Nobel Banquet dresses

Larisa Ibrahim is a tailor and pattern designer who has sewn three dresses for the Swedish minister of education to wear at the annual Nobel Prize Banquets. She is also studying to be a teacher of vocational studies at Linköping University.

Young women find careers in IT challenging and interesting

A new survey shows that four of ten young women are attracted by a career in IT, although negative ideas about the profession remain.

Volunteers vital during the pandemic

A pandemic is one of the most difficult emergencies a country can face. There is no way to cope with it without taking volunteers to help. It’s important that society nurtures this commitment and organises it in an effective way.

The coronacrisis: New ways to work and meet

The process of digitalisation, in its different forms, of both working life and social interaction is now taking a huge leap forward. The transition is faster, broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. How much of this will be permanent?

Bacteria cause problems for genetic research

A puzzling modification of DNA that is common in bacteria is not present in humans or other mammals. Scientists at LiU show that previous detection in animals was probably due to limitations of the technology used and bacterial contamination.

The coronacrisis brings difficult choices

As head of the National Centre for Priority Setting in Health Care at Linköping University, Lars Sandman is working intensively with colleagues on questions that concern prioritising in corona-centred healthcare.

Quality management in international companies

Ideas of quality and quality management differ between different parts of the world. This is often a challenge for multinational companies with operations in many countries. A thesis proposes strategies and instruments that can be used to handle this.

A combined optical transmitter and receiver

Researchers at LiU, together with colleagues in China, have developed a tiny unit that is both an optical transmitter and a receiver. “This is highly significant for the miniaturisation of optoelectronic systems”, says LiU professor Feng Gao.

Sexual abuse can give suicidal thoughts in elite athletes

In a new study LiU researchers demonstrate a link between sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts in elite athletes. "We have shown that emotional pain is important to deal with it”, says professor Toomas Timpka.

Life and death research

Putting patients to sleep using various forms of anaesthesia has been used in medicine for over a century. However, there is still a lot we don’t know about its effects.

Communication within companies improves remanufacture

The remanufacture of products is made easier if the design is adapted such that the product can be manufactured several times. However, a new thesis shows that collaboration between the departments for remanufacture and design is deficient.

Stable perovskite LEDs one step closer

Researchers at Linköping University, working with colleagues in Great Britain, China and the Czech Republic, have developed a perovskite light-emitting diode (LED) with both high efficiency and long operational stability.

Studenthuset wins prestigious construction award

It was supposed to be a big party and celebration. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic turned it into a webcast. But what does that matter when Studenthuset on Campus Valla has been crowned Årets Bygge 2020 (“Building of the Year”).

Experiences of undesired effects of hormonal contraception

A study of women who experienced mental ill-health from a hormonal contraception indicates they value their mental well-being higher than a satisfactory sex life. This is one of four themes that researchers identified in interviews with 24 women.

AI algorithms to predict problems before they occur

Vast numbers of sensors monitor industrial production systems detecting faults or deviations. A Vinnova-financed project explore how artificial intelligence can be used to detect patterns in the deviations and prevent problems before they arise.

LiU’s Academic Ceremony postponed

The annual Academic Ceremony at Linköping University, scheduled for the middle of May, has been postponed to the autumn of 2020, as a consequence of the spread of the coronavirus.

Quantum phenomenon governs organic solar cells

Researchers at LiU have discovered a quantum phenomenon that influences the formation of free charges in organic solar cells. “If we can properly understand what’s going on, we can increase the efficiency”, says Olle Inganäs, professor emeritus.

Increasing the employability of doctoral graduates

Newly promoted doctoral graduates often have difficulty finding a job meeting both their expectations and skills. In order to increase their employability, doctoral graduates, employers and universities must be prepared to act.

Creating stretchable thermoelectric generators

For the first time, a soft and stretchable organic thermoelectric module has been created that can harvest energy from body heat. The breakthrough was enabled by a new composite material that may have widespread use.

Daniel Carlsson first to receive prestigious teaching prize

The first to receive the Ingemar Teaching Prize is assistant lecturer and maths teacher Daniel Carlsson in the Department of Mathematics. Daniel has a passion for teaching, and providing students with the tools and abilities to prepare them for life.

Håkan Olausson appointed Wallenberg Clinical Scholar

Håkan Olausson has been appointed as a Wallenberg Clinical Scholar by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. He receives SEK 15 million for his research into the clinical significance of a newly discovered ultrarapid pain-signalling system.

LiU to lead major European AI network

The EU Commission has selected the four networks that are to strengthen European research within artificial intelligence (AI). One of the four networks is coordinated and run by Fredrik Heintz, associate professor and AI researcher at LiU.

Henrique: doctorates from both LiU and Brazil

The collaboration between LiU and Brazil is taking a step forward. Henrique Raduenz is a double degree doctoral student and will receive degrees from LiU and Brazilian university UFSC. “There’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s worth the extra effort.”

Students working at the 1177 medical information service

When you call the 1177 medical information service, it may soon be a medical student from Linköping University who answers.

Social interaction in horses can impact long term stress levels

Resarchers at LiU found that

LiU-professor writes the history of the family dynasties

The amount written about the Wallenberg, Stenbeck and Bonnier family dynasties is enough to fill a library. However, little has been written about the similarities – and the differences – between these imposing Nordic families.

After new government recommendations – LiU activates distance mode

Sweden’s prime minister Stefan Löfvén has presented recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, one of which is that universities and university colleges start to use distance education with effect from Wednesday 18 March.

Ten years of Maths Coach Online

“Thanks. Now at last I understand.” and “Thanks. You explain things really clearly” are two of the happy replies that turn up in the chat function of the maths coaches. Until now nearly 51,000 pupils have been helped with their maths homework.

Microscopy image of protein aggregates stained green and red with the tracer molecules.

Tracer molecules can distinguish between very similar brain diseases

Two diseases that affect the brain, Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy, show the same characteristics. Scientists have now shown that tracer molecules developed at LiU can distinguish between these diseases.

Linköping University cancels Open Day at Campus Norrköping

Linköping University will not hold the Open Day at Campus Norrköping planned for 19 March. Information about studying and education will instead be distributed in the university’s digital channels.

Alumnus Sofie Lärkhammar: I will never forget the education at LiU

As business development specialist for the Finnish gas company Gasum, Sofie Lärkhammar has had an exciting – and important – start to her professional life. From her education at LiU she has some unforgettable memories.

LiU continues to follow recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Sweden

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the media are reporting how government agencies and employers act in different ways. LiU will not establish any recommendations itself, and will continue to follow the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

The ink of the future in printed electronics

A research group led by Simone Fabiano at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, has created an organic material with superb conductivity that doesn’t need to be doped. They have achieved this by mixing two polymers with different properties.

Several of LiU’s subjects on international ranking

LiU has been named as one of the world’s 200 best universities in education, materials science, sociology and electrical and electronic engineering, according to this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Posh school no cure for segregation

A new study shows how segregation accompanies high-performing students with foreign backgrounds into the classroom. They are excluded from the Swedish community, even though they are formally seen as successful examples of integration.

Quantum computers and photonics to attract students

“We have seen increasing interest from students for quantum computers, quantum cryptography and photonics, says Jan-Åke Larsson, who has taken the initiative to a new profile within Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering.

Trapping the corona virus

Lennart Svensson, professor of molecular virology at Linköping University, has his eye set on testing a method on the new coronavirus that is currently spreading major anxiety around the world.

AI research holding its breath

The European Commission has recently published the way ahead for a common initiative in artificial intelligence. “This is fully in line with the ideas we presented within the European research network CLAIRE”, says LiU researcher Fredrik Heintz.

An AI computer lab using medical images from SCAPIS

Scientists plan to use the same technology as that used to create deepfake videos to build AI-generated medical images. The synthesised images will present data from the big SCAPIS study, and will be used for research into AI solutions in healthcare.

How do we build people's trust in robots?

In the future, AI may be used to care for people – and it may be robots doing the work. Two researchers at Linköping University are to lead a project investigating trust, empathy and accountability in the relationship between humans and robots.

LiU home to Sweden’s first AI professor

Erik Sandewall became Sweden’s first professor working in artificial intelligence. He created a broad undergraduate programme designed to promote AI at Linköping University.

Parental use of digital media gives slower language development in children

A research project at Linköping University has shown that children whose parents often use digital media develop language more slowly than others.

New thesis examines auditing costs

The cost of auditing differs significantly between companies, and depends on the form of ownership and the company’s bottom line. When annual reports are compiled, individuals can have a large influence on reports and contents.

LiU’s teacher programmes among the best in Sweden

LiU maintains its top marks in the review by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) of teacher programmes. LiU is the only institution of higher education whose teacher programme for maths teachers in Grades 7-9 has been approved.