NEW STUDY. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have contributed to the discovery of two previously unknown signaling pathways that the hormone leptin uses to affect the brain’s reward system. The discovery may in the long run be important for both anorexia nervosa and obesity. The results have been published in the scientific journal Biological Psychiatry. Leptin is a hormone that is formed in our adipose tissue and that regulates…
Pontus Wasling tackles the mystery of consciousness
NEW BOOK. Wasling’s book Knaster describes the perceived self in our head and our consciousness. Science regards this consciousness as consisting of electrical and chemical signals in the brain, but Pontus Wasling dares to include philosophical, religious and artistic approaches to what could also be called our soul. What is consciousness really? Pontus Wasling does not give a straight answer to this question. Instead, he hopes that the book will…
Swedish Research Council project improves care for forensic psychiatric patients
Thomas Nilsson and his colleague Peter Andiné look out over Rården’s courtyard. Photo: Anna Rehnberg.GRANTS. Forensic psychiatry patients form a broad and complex group, making it difficult to leverage knowledge between countries in the field. A project led by the University of Gothenburg, which has now received funding from the Swedish Research Council, will provide systemic knowledge that ultimately will provide better forensic psychiatric care. The project, which has now…
Brain damage from long stays in space
NEW STUDY. Spending a long time in space appears to cause brain damage. This is shown by a study of five Russian cosmonauts who had stayed on the International Space Station (ISS). Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are among those now presenting the results. The study is published in the scientific journal JAMA Neurology. Its co-authors at the University, scientists from the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska…
Michael Schöll elected to the Young Academy of Sweden
APPOINTMENT. Michael Schöll, brain researcher at the University of Gothenburg, is one of eight young top researchers in Sweden to be elected to the Young Academy of Sweden. He points out career paths for young researchers and research communication as two important areas. For Michael Schöll, the Young Academy of Sweden plays an important role in raising awareness of the research and working conditions of young researchers, especially in the…