Research news

Below is a selection of the latest news from the research at the University of Copenhagen. You can find all news from the University on the main news site.

Uncertainty-based communication fuels vaccine scepticism

Even small changes in official health communication can have major consequences for both trust and behaviour regarding vaccination. This is shown by an international study using US data.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Mothers without specific fatty acid in the blood more often have children with asthma

A small molecule in the blood of pregnant women is linked to children’s risk of developing childhood asthma and respiratory infections, a new study shows.

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

By following a group of young people with mental health problems for 20 years, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found that as many as 95 per cent come into contact with hospital psychiatry again. At th…

Stone age population collapse revealed by DNA study in France

DNA analyses of ancient skeletons show that a Stone Age population in present-day France collapsed around 5,000 years ago and was replaced by people migrating from southern Europe, according to a new international study…

Brain scan can reveal the risk of psychiatric hospitalisation

The brain’s reaction to negative emotions may help predict which people with depression or bipolar disorder are at heightened risk of psychiatric hospitalisation, according to new research from the University of…

Danish soldiers to receive mental training: New programme aims to strengthen both mental health and readiness

A new research-based programme is designed to equip Danish soldiers to cope with stress – both during missions and in everyday life. The programme will be rolled out in 2026 as a fixed part of basic training and will…

“Wake-up call” from leading sleep scientists: Night-time warming threatens the sleep of billions

Hotter nighttime temperatures disrupt our sleep to an alarming degree and the impacts appear to be accelerating, scientists warn. An international group of scientists is calling for the first global taskforce to help…

Fish on antidepressants: Researchers develop new weapon against toxic substances in wastewater

Toxic chemicals from pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants pass through wastewater treatment systems every day and enter the aquatic environment. For the first time, a new research project from the University of…

Bird Flu Risk to Danish Cattle – New Tool Can Warn Farmers Before Infection Spreads

Bird flu can infect both cows and humans. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a tool that can predict where and when the risk of infection is highest.

Past intensive whaling threatens the future of bowhead whales

Commercial whaling has left the bowhead whale vulnerable for many generations to come.

AI was supposed to ease doctors’ workload – instead they spend hours correcting errors

AI‑powered clinical documentation was meant to streamline work at Danish hospitals. But in practice, doctors are spending valuable hours correcting mistakes, training algorithms, and handling administrative tasks that…

University of Copenhagen launches major knowledge hub for women in menopause

Many women lack knowledge about menopause, which has long been an under‑prioritized topic. A new knowledge hub from the University of Copenhagen aim to help women gain an overview and understand this phase of life.