Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MEDFAK)

Two male researchers in front of a computer.

Mechanism in embryonic development makes cancer aggressive

Tumour cells in colorectal cancer exploit an important signalling pathway that normally controls embryo development. Researchers have now shown how a protein that controls limb development make colorectal cancer cells more likely to spread.

Two researchers in a lab discuss a graph on a computer screen.

How molecules can ‘remember’ and contribute to memory

Researchers have discovered how an ion channel in the brain’s neurons has a kind of ‘molecular memory’, which contributes to the formation and preservation of lifelong memories.

A procession is passing through a festively dressed crowd

Academic Celebrations for semi-centennial university

This spring’s Academic Celebrations will take place on 23-24 May. Among the highlights are the performance of a new piece of music composed in honour of the university, and open lectures by thonorary doctors, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Snus cessation led to increased body weight and blood pressure

Snus users who stopped using snus experienced higher blood pressure and gained weight. This has been shown by a research group at Linköping University in a study on 33 people.

Fewer back problems with BetterBack

Most backs protest at least at once in a lifetime. Movement is often the best help. Therefore, researchers and physiotherapists in healthcare have developed a model of care “BetterBack (BättreRygg)”, which has now attracted international attention.

The award winner: “Genetics is a bit like the Wild West”

Colm Nestor has been awarded the 2025 Onkel Adam Prize for outstanding research at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. One of his research areas is gender differences in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and infections.

Images of a heartbeat can save lives

Researchers at LiU have developed a new method for rapid and safe diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Once fully developed, the method will be able to save lives, reduce suffering and save money worldwide.

Nvidia CEO and Riksdag Speaker to be awarded honorary doctorates

Jensen Huang, CEO of the electronics company Nvidia, will become an honorary doctor at Linköping University. So will Riksdag Speaker Andreas Norlén and the international researchers Angela Woods and Gillian Einstein.

Two men in a boat taking samples from the seabed.

Radioactive legacy at the bottom of the Baltic Sea

Researchers have mapped radioactivity in the marine environment at a nuclear research facility. The research has resulted in maps, that can be used to assess the risks in connection with releases of radioactive substances into the environment.

Pain relief through artificial touch in new research project

Can a garment made from smart textiles relieve long-term pain? This is what researchers in neuroscience, materials science, pain research, textile science and biomechanics are seeking to find out in a new interdisciplinary research project.

Shedding light on sex differences in human disease

Researchers made an unexpected discovery while investigating genetically unique women. Their insights advance our understanding of our most enigmatic chromosome, the X chromosome.

How the nervous system distinguishes social touch

Two types of neurons in the skin may be particularly important for how the brain interprets social contact between people. Knowledge of how the nervous system processes social touch is important in order to develop ways to restore sensation.

Discovery about pain signalling may contribute to better treatment

LiU researchers have pinpointed the exact location of a specific protein fine-tuning the strength of pain signals. The knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

LiU receives SEK 232 million from the Swedish Research Council

The Swedish Research Council has now decided on the allocation of research grants in four areas. At Linköping University, the area of natural and engineering sciences is to receive the most funding.

A researcher is working together with a test subject.

Our sense of touch consists of 16 unique types of nerve cells

No less than 16 different types of nerve cells have been identified by scientists in a new study on the human sense of touch. Comparisons between humans, mice and macaques show both similarities and significant differences.

Body weight important in pregnancy – regardless of country of birth

Overweight is a major contributor to complications during pregnancy and childbirth – this applies to both women born in Sweden and women who have moved here, something that has not been well researched so far.

Four female medical students enjoying the sun, study location Jönköping.

The medical programme at LiU wins award for student engagement

The medical programme at Linköping University (LiU) has won an international accreditation for student engagement and participation in shaping the programme.

Person (Peter Larsson) infront of a microscope.

Existing drug can repair ion channel linked to epilepsy

Mutated variants of a particular ion channel cause difficult-to-treat epilepsy. A study published in the journal Nature now shows that a commonly used anaesthetic drug, propofol, can restore the function of this ion channel.

Nerve damage from cancer treatment can be predicted

Many women treated for breast cancer using taxanes, a type of cytostatic drug, often experience side effects in the nervous system. Researchers at LiU have developed a tool that can predict the risk level for each individual.

Closeup of small pieces of liver in a petri dish.

A liver biopsy may predict spread of pancreatic cancer

Microscopic changes in the liver can be used to predict spread of pancreatic cancer. The discovery may provide new ways of predicting the course of the disease and preventing pancreatic cancer from spreading to other organs.

Cell culture flask under a microscope in a lab.

They grow nose tissue in the lab

LiU researchers are among the first in the world to have grown human nasal tissue from stem cells. It is used to study how different viruses infect the airways.

Two researchers study a computer screeen and a magnetic resonance tomograph is seen through a window pane.

Disturbed blood flow can damage the aorta

Abnormal blood flow in the aorta is linked to inflammation and breakdown of the vessel wall in conditions where the aorta is dilated. These findings by LiU researchers can contribute to better diagnosis.

He heals skin and shares his knowledge

Ahmed Elserafy spends his days researching skin and stem cells and how they can be used in the treatment of burns and wounds that do not heal properly. Over the last few years, he has also written a popular science book – in Arabic.

Orchestra standing outside holding their instruments over the head

Academic Celebration with space journey and Harry Potter

This year’s Academic Celebration at Linköping University will take place on 31 May and 1 June. The Celebration will feature lectures by honorary doctors, including astronaut Marcus Wandt, and an Academic Gala Concert with a children’s world theme.