Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MEDFAK)

European investment in research into corneal diseases

Researchers at Linköping University are taking part in the largest European investment to date into diseases of the cornea. The aim is to restore vision in people with severe and rare eye diseases.

Male researcher in lab, blue background light.

Faster narcotics classification of Internet drugs with new method

NPS, new psychoactive substances, are substances developed to affect the brain in a similar way to illegal drugs. Researchers have set up a rapid method for measuring the effect of new NPS and provide scientific basis for narcotics classification.

A woman puts a doctor's hat on the head of a man

LiU’s first jubilee doctors will be honoured at the Academic Celebration

This year’s annual Academic Celebration, on 26–27 May 2023, will have a new feature. As the very first Academic Ceremony in Linköping took place in 1973, LiU will now, for the first time, be able to award the title of jubilee doctor.

The Morrison Lab: The Embodied Brain Lab.

The brain reacts differently to touch depending on context

The touch of another person may increase levels of the “feelgood” hormone oxytocin. But the context really matters. The situation impacts oxytocin levels not only in the moment, but also later, as is shown in a new study.

Best liquids to maximise antioxidant content in spinach smoothies

Different market products give very different results when it comes to liberating the antioxidant lutein from spinach in smoothies, according to a study from LiU. Of 14 common dairy and plant-based products, only four increased lutein liberation.

The first jubilee doctors share their life journeys: “A fantastic time”

In 1969, Bengt Normann, Olle Stendahl and Christer Tagesson came to a new university college in a city they barely knew. Now, 50 years later, the three of them still live there and will in 2023 be among Linköping University’s first jubilee doctors.

The award winner: “A window to the secret processes in the brain”

India Morrison, senior associate professor in cognitive neuroscience, has won the Onkel Adam Award for her outstanding research at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. One of her research areas is how touch and pain affect our behaviour.

Honorary doctors: resource-effective region and holistic view on health

LiU will promote two new honorary doctors at the Academic Ceremony in May. They are Charlotta Sund, president and CEO of the company Tekniska Verken, and Lennart Nordenfelt, senior professor in Theory and Ethics of Health Care.

Research leader and experiment participant with electrodes on her chin.

The brain’s cannabinoid system protects against addiction

High levels of the body’s own cannabinoid substances protect against developing addiction in individuals previously exposed to childhood maltreatment, according to a new study from Linköping University.

Stem cell research can help people with hard-to-heal wounds

Advances in burns treatment open up new possibilities for healing other complicated wounds. For the first time, stem cells are now being tested as a treatment for hard-to-heal leg ulcers.

illustration of cancer cells and red blood cells in blood vessel.

Possible explanation for long-term effects in leukemia survivors

Contrary to previous belief, stem cells, from which all new blood cells are formed, remain in bone marrow in the blood cancer type acute lymphocytic leukemia. But they have a hidden defect and lose their ability to form new blood cells.

Estrogen possible risk factor in disturbed heart rhythm

The sex hormone estrogen has a negative impact on heartbeat regulation, according to an experimental study from LiU. Estrogen impact seems to interact with hereditary changes causing a heart disease disturbing the heart’s rhythm.

Blood sampling in clinical setting from finger.

C-reactive protein reduces immune response in inflammatory disease

The biological function of the C-reactive protein, CRP, has long been unknown. Researchers now show that this protein has a beneficial function in SLE, an inflammatory disease. But this is true only for one of CRP’s two forms, according to the study.

Post-COVID syndrome visible in DNA

A reprogramming of which genes are active, and which are not, is visible in post-COVID sufferers. In a study on a small group of individuals, genes associated with taste and smell, as well as cell metabolism, were affected.

Gunnar Cedersund in front of image illustrating the model of different organs.

Digital twins to be tested in health care environments – LiU leads the EU project

Digital twins will now be tested in real health care environments, in an EU-financed project. The idea is that having a digital copy will make you follow advice from the health care better.

Mattias Ekstedt, Nils Dahlström, Peter Lundberg, Bengt Norén and Patrik Nasr.

Adverse muscle composition linked to risk in fatty liver disease

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to an increasing number of people developing fatty liver disease. According to a new study, poor muscle health may be a marker of risk for developing sequelae.

Group image of five people in front a curtain.

Millions to be invested in promising researchers from the region's clinics

The Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine and Region Östergötland are starting a strategic research effort this year. The investment will boost clinically oriented research where six associated clinical fellows will start the program in 2023.

LiU collaborates with the University of California in osteoporosis study

The fact that a common drug against osteoporosis can also cause bone fractures created major concern following a study at Linköping University. LiU will now lead the Swedish part of an international project to gain more knowledge about this.

Female researcher studies a cell plate in a laboratory.

Long-term effects on the immune system following COVID-19

The more severe the COVID-19 infection, the slower the recovery of immune cells which are necessary for the activation of the immune system. Six months after severe COVID-19, a negative impact on several types of immune cells can still be seen.

Higher mortality rates linked to hospital bed shortages

The number of hospital beds is linked to mortality rates, according to a Linköping University study. Researchers estimate that reducing the number of hospital beds by three corresponds to approximately one more death per year.

people trying out a virtual reality headset.

Kajsa Igelström wants to study autism using VR

Many people with autism or ADHD find that sensory input and motor skills are problematical in their everyday life. Researcher Kajsa Igelström wants to understand why.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

COVID-19 reactivated viruses that had become latent in cells following previous infections, particularly in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The results adds to our knowledge of the causes of the disease and prospects of reaching a diagnosis.

physician helps woman measure heart activity with an handheld EKG apparatus.

Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Atrial fibrillation is the greatest risk factor for stroke. Screening to detect atrial fibrillation in older people would not only increase the chance of preventing stroke, it would also save money for the healthcare system and society.

Additional Academic Ceremony at LiU

LiU will hold two Academic Ceremonies in 2022, to make it possible to celebrate all new professors and doctoral degrees after the pandemic. The celebrations to be held 10-12 November will also offer lectures from honorary doctors and a gala concert.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MEDFAK)

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