CPH POST 2017 TOP 5: Top five Danish scientific discoveries

Stephen Gadd

This year has been a bumper one for Danish researchers. Among other things, there have been breakthroughs in medicine and a number of major archaeological discoveries.

Work has been done on schizophrenia, the correlation between birth rate and intelligence – as well as nature conservation.

Compiling a top five is never easy, but here is ours – with apologies to any deserving cases omitted.

  1. Breaking down resistant bacteria defence
    Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered a method through which antibiotics can be used to impact pathogenic bacteria otherwise naturally resistant to treatment. By inhibiting the energy centre of the bacteria they were able to make it more responsive to an antibiotic generally used to treat salmonella and E-coli infections.
  1. Sensational Viking grave found
    In March, archaeologists uncovered several chamber-graves in Hørning near Skanderborg in Jutland. One of the chamber-graves contains the remains of a high-level person from the early Viking Age, as well as a number of spectacular items that confirm the individual’s high standing. He has been dubbed the ‘Fregerslev Viking’.
  1. Revolutionising snakebite treatment
    Different snakes require different antivenom, and not getting it right can have lethal consequences. Students from DTU Biobuilders developed an apparatus that can ensure snakebite victims receive the correct antivenom. The apparatus analyses a blood sample to ascertain which snake administered the bite – something that could prove a boon to developing nations with a high frequency of snakebites.
  1. Urine test for prostate cancer
    Every year, 4,500 Danish men are diagnosed as having prostate cancer. Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new testing method in which a simple urine test can determine whether a man has prostate cancer or not. It is hoped the new test will mean fewer men in future having to undergo an unpleasant prostate biopsy.
  1. Danish Reference Genome
    And the winner: researchers from three different universities – two in Denmark, one in China – analysed the genomes of 50 families. The fruits of their research produced a new body of knowledge called the Danish Reference Genome. The new reference genome can be used to enhance personalised medicine – for example, for mental disorders.

TOP STORIES

  • Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    When the Danish government in January presented the first of its schemes to make it easier to recruit foreign labour from outside the EU, it was hailed by the healthcare and service sectors as a timely and important policy shift. But while healthcare changes have been forthcoming, the service sector is still struggling, say the directors of the industry association Dansk Industri and one of the country’s largest private employers ISS.

  • Jacob Mark had it all coming in rising SF party – now he quits

    Jacob Mark had it all coming in rising SF party – now he quits

    SF became Denmark’s largest party in the EP elections in June. In polls, the left-wing party is breathing down Socialdemokratiet’s neck. It is a tremendous place to be next in line in Danish politics. But today, 33-year-old Jacob Mark announced he is quitting politics at the threshold of the door of power.

  • EU leaders toughen stance on return of irregular migrants

    EU leaders toughen stance on return of irregular migrants

    EU leaders agreed last week to speed up returns of migrants irregularly entering the bloc. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is pleased, describing Denmark’s previous attempts to pitch a stricter asylum and migration policy to the EU as “like shouting into an empty handball hall in Jutland”. But not all leaders are enthusiastic.

  • Municipalities are investing taxpayer money in fossil fuels and weapons

    Municipalities are investing taxpayer money in fossil fuels and weapons

    A new database compiled by Danwatch and Gravercentret reveals that Denmark’s municipalities and regions have invested a total of DKK 414 million of taxpayer money in problematic securities including weapons companies and fossil fuel giants like TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron and Aramco.

  • Expat Counselling offers mental health support for children in need of assessment and diagnosis

    Expat Counselling offers mental health support for children in need of assessment and diagnosis

    Waiting lists are long in Denmark for children and young people to be assessed for a learning support needs diagnosis. It can be of great importance to a child’s education and social well-being. An expat counselor offers an assessment by a native English-speaking psychologist.

  • Danish Originals S4 E1: Carsten ‘Soulshock’ Schack

    Danish Originals S4 E1: Carsten ‘Soulshock’ Schack

    In this episode of the art and business podcast Danish Originals, Los Angeles-based Danish DJ and music producer Carsten ‘Soulshock’ Schack talks about his journey in hip hop, R&B, and Pop from Aalborg to New York to Los Angeles.

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Career

  • Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 of September, The Copenhagen Post will be at International Citizen Days in Øksnehallen on Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Admission is free and thousands of internationals are expected to attend

  • Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Chisom Udeze, the founder of Diversify – a global organization that works at the intersection of inclusion, democracy, freedom, climate sustainability, justice, and belonging – shares how struggling to find a community in Norway motivated her to build a Nordic-wide professional network. We also hear from Dr. Poornima Luthra, Associate Professor at CBS, about how to address bias in the workplace.

  • Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality, home to Denmark’s largest infrastructure project – the Fehmarnbelt tunnel connection to Germany – has launched a new jobseeker support package for the accompanying partners of international employees in the area. The job-to-partner package offers free tailored sessions on finding a job and starting a personal business.

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