MY SUBJECT
EUREKA!
SUSTAINABLE EVERYDAY LIFE
Busy times for pollen expert
The secrets of the DNA molecule
Not always organic before
Science Faculty Magazine The Faculty of Science University of Gothenburg
“I love grey, stormy weather. # 2, 2019 I’m a bit of an outdoor fascist.”
Linnéa Jägrud, alumna
Investigating how to feed the world’s population Henrik Aronsson develops sustainable crops
SCIENCE FACULTY MAGAZINE// THIS ISSUE
EDITORIAL// GÖRAN HILMERSSON
Innehåll
Instagram: @naturvetenskapgu Twitter: @naturvetenskap facebook.com/naturvetenskapgu
“Quality is closely related to confidence.”
MY SUBJECT
Åslög Dahl is an expert in pollen and how it affects people. A longer pollen season and cleaner homes are a couple of factors leading to almost a quarter of Swedes now having allergies.
RESEARCH
Seeking solutions for future crops Not always better before. Inger Olausson researches plant protection in gardening, and notes that chemical pesticides have been used since the early 20th century.
Science Faculty Magazine
Science Faculty Magazine is for those interested in the University of Gothenburg and in particular the work at the Faculty of Science.
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Håkan Pleijel and Johan Uddling are part of a team researching solutions for feeding the world’s population in the future.
New research into old techniques. Research into historic binders and their use help when restoring historic buildings.
Editor: Camilla Persson 031-786 9869 camilla.persson@ science.gu.se Editorial staff: Carina Eliasson Linnéa Magnusson Tanja Thompson
Publisher: Gustav Bertilsson Uleberg Graphic form: Rubrik AB Layout: Hanna Finnström Cover: Malin Arnesson
by the quality of education or research? As an educational institution, we are reviewed by many different parties, from the Ministry of Education and Research to our own students in the form of evaluations. Faced with concepts such as quality evaluations, quality development and quality systems, we need to stop and reflect on what good quality actually is. In my view, the most important thing of all in order to maintain good quality is that our employees are the best and most highly qualified researchers and teachers who dare to take on various challenges within research and teaching. Of course, we must ensure that they have the right conditions to do their jobs. Our research “Our research should be innoshould be innovative, leading to vative, leading knowledge and posto knowledge sibly paving the way and possibly for new applications paving the way that can solve socifor new appli- ety’s problems. But cations that can even research that solve society’s does not appear to problems.” have any applicawhat do we actually mean
Busy times for pollen expert
Address: University of Gothenburg Faculty Office of Science Box 460 SE-405 30 Göteborg E-mail: info@science.gu.se
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Print: Stema Subscribe: Sign up for a subscription at science.gu.se/english/about/ magazine Online magazine: www.sciencefacultymagazine.com The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
tion today may form the basis for entirely new areas of research and innovation later on. Universities need to defend the quality of all work, and here I am thinking in particular of the quality of the measurements or observations we carry out. Quality is also closely related to confidence. We need to have confidence in researchers and their freedom to choose research fields based on their interests and curiosity. so how do we create good quality in education? The most important thing of all is that we prepare our students for their future professional lives. By the time they graduate, they should have sufficient knowledge to take on different roles. Students should also be equipped for lifelong learning, as we live in a rapidly changing world where new knowledge is a perishable and we therefore face challenges that are both complex and global. We must also use the right methods when teaching students – methods that we know are effective and are supported by research. Y
Göran Hilmersson, Dean and Professor
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RESEARCH// GROWING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Growing for a sustainable future
How plant breeding breeds Traditional genetic improvement involves researchers systematically looking for plants with the desired properties. This could involve crossing or the effects of chemicals or radiation. The random genetic changes which then occur can provide important properties that can be transferred to the plants.
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We know that the climate is changing and the world’s population is growing. One of the challenges for the future therefore involves producing enough food for everyone. Biologists Håkan Pleijel, Johan Uddling and Henrik Aronsson are tackling the problem in various ways.
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Henrik Aronsson is using laboratory experiments in an attempt to develop robust, saline-tolerant crops.
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Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
to date ,
the world’s food production has risen steadily. There is currently enough food, but the resources are not evenly distributed. And because we are also growing in number, global food production needs to increase and this will pose a much greater challenge than before. Henrik Aronsson, Professor of Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg, is one of those researching crop development. “The UN has calculated that we need to boost food production by 70 percent by 2050. Can we do it? Right now, I don’t think so. Growing urbanisation is destroying agricultural land, and flooding caused by climate change means that large areas are becoming harder to cultivate.” He is using laboratory experiments in an attempt to develop robust, saline-tolerant crops. Professor Aronsson and his research colleagues speed up evolution in the lab by / 5
RESEARCH// GROWING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Genetically modified (GM) plants are often proposed as a useful alternative when discussing future food provision. The three researchers are not opposed to GM plants, but emphasise that there must be close checks on research and use.
treating wheat with chemicals and making use of favourable changes in the DNA of the wheat. By generating mutations and selecting advantageous varieties, they have identified wheat strains with strong saline tolerance. The wheat is now being tested by local farmers in Bangladesh to see how it grows in oversalinated soil. “Sometimes there’s a lack of knowledge,” says Professor Aronsson. “For example, last winter the farmers wanted to fetch water from the nearest source even though measurements showed that the salinity was too high. I had to explain that they needed to fetch better quality water from further away.”
A photo from one of their field studies shows a lush field of wheat with a number of large, semi-open, almost transparent cylinders at the centre. The tent-like walls of the cylinders are made of plastic. They are part of a research project studying how ground-level ozone affects crops. “Our results show that wheat harvests deteriorate as ground-level ozone increases,” explains Professor Pleijel. “In a similar way, we’ve studied the effect of carbon dioxide on crops and have found that high levels of carbon dioxide generally increase the size of the harvest while simultaneously lowering nutrient levels in the plants.” The most important crops in global terms many different environmental factors af- are wheat, rice, maize and soya, all of which fect the success of the harvest. Professor of are sensitive to ozone. The global harvest Environmental Science Håkan Pleijel and loss has been estimated at seven percent for Professor of Plant Ecophysiology Johan Udd- wheat, and as much as twelve percent for ling have worked experimentally on a large soya. This is comparable with the effects of scale to investigate how ozone affects crops. parasite attacks or extreme drought. And as 6 /
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Field trials with saline-tolerant wheat strains in salty land on the coast of Bangladesh, grown by researchers in Gothenburg and Lund.
In semi-open, transparent plastic cylinders, plants are exposed to reduced, ambient or heightened levels of ozone. In this way, researchers can study the effects of current ozone levels and what would happen if these were to rise further.
Environmental researchers can teach farmers to improve their irrigation systems and use the right amount of fertiliser at the right time. Professor Uddling believes that there is great potential globally, but that there are significant problems both locally and regionally. “Food shortages usually arise in dry, hot countries. And these countries are predicted to become even drier and hotter in future. Here, we face a real challenge.” Hydrologists point out that much of the water from lakes and rivers is not used for agriculture before evaporating or disappearing into the sea. In other words, ‘blue water’ does not become ‘green water’. Professor but not everything is about genetics. Smart Pleijel thinks that the idea of ‘blue water’ and solutions are needed to reduce the impact ‘green water’ is useful: of ozone on harvests, such as planting and “Entire ecosystems are supported by wawatering at suitable times, and avoiding irri- ter flows. In much of the world, colossal gation watering during ozone peaks as the amounts of water run away, including into plants will then absorb more ozone through the sea, without having flowed through the stomata in their leaves. crops and other plants along the way.” levels of industry and car traffic are increasing, so too is ground-level ozone. “Several experiments – and we’ve carried out a large-scale one ourselves – have compared centuries-old wheat varieties with modern varieties,” continues Professor Pleijel. “The results are fascinating, and relate to both ozone and genetic improvement. The harvest was 40 percent lower for older varieties under the same growing conditions, but the protein content was higher.” Modern wheat varieties therefore give higher production levels, but are more sensitive to ozone.
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
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RESEARCH// GROWING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
) Text: Carina Eliasson ) Photo: The Swedish Board of Agriculture, The Rural Economy and Agricultural Societies
Three voices on ... X
Professor of Environmental Science Håkan Pleijel and Professor of Plant Ecophysiology Johan Uddling have worked experimentally on a large scale to investigate how ozone affects crops.
“It would be fantastic if we could also reclaim agricultural areas by desalinating salty soil with blue water and making it green,” adds Professor Aronsson. “New technology, such as that used in Bangladesh, pumps rainwater down into the groundwater to be used for irrigating salty land during dry periods.” But it is not only access to water that presents a challenge for the future – so too do our lifestyles. With rising prosperity, Western lifestyle habits risk being adopted by previously poor nations. A large proportion of crops is current used for animal feed, thereby reducing the potential amount of calories available for human consumption by around a third. Of the food produced for humans, about a third disappears due to poor storage and long transportation, which is common 8 /
in poor countries, or is thrown away in-store or at home, as happens in wealthy countries. The three researchers believe it is essential to disseminate knowledge to the public, politicians and farmers. “For example, the fact that the amount of nitrogen extracted from the soil needs to be returned in some way,” concludes Professor Pleijel. “Otherwise, the crop quality will become poorer and poorer. It’s clear that we shouldn’t overfertilise, as that brings other environmental problems. But we need to add just as many nutrients as we extract and use as food, for example by growing nitrogen-fixing leguminous plants.” ) Text: Carina Eliasson ) Photo: Malin Arnesson, Håkan Pleijel & Henrik Aronsson
“Food shortages usually arise in dry, hot countries. And these countries are predicted to become even drier and hotter in future. Here, we face a real challenge.” Johan Uddling, Professor of Plant Ecophysiology
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
RESEARCH// THREE VOICES
Three experts offer their perspectives on a current topic.
... food self-sufficiency, in particular crops. Is Sweden self-sufficient enough when it comes to food? How important is research for growing grain? And what are the arguments for and against genetically modified crops?
Per Arfvidsson
Christina Herthnek
Ann-Charlotte Wallenhammar
EVP of Lantmännen and Chairman of Sweden Food Arena
Head of Communications at the Swedish Board of Agriculture
Head of Research at the Rural Economy and Agricultural Societies
“Despite our great potential with unique added value, including antibiotic use and food security, Sweden is currently highly dependent on food imports. We are also very dependent on imported agricultural input goods, such as fertilisers and protein for animal feed. Lantmännen has a research foundation and invests SEK 250–300 million a year in internal and external research projects, primarily within the grain value chain – from plant breeding to the food on our plates, as well as animal feed and climate-smart biofuel. Genetic engineering and other modern plant breeding techniques allow us to develop crops, and the fact that we can use technology to boost their vitamin content and resistance to pest attacks is a positive thing. Lantmännen’s food products and feeds do not currently contain any genetically modified crops, but global cultivation of GM crops is constantly increasing.”
“There are no self-sufficiency goals for Swedish agricultural production. For example, Sweden is normally a net exporter of grain. The opposite is true for meat and dairy products. The liberalisation of world trade is one of Sweden’s key priorities in the international debate. The main aim of Sweden’s food strategy is an increase in the production of agricultural products, albeit in line with market developments, both nationally and globally. Our food strategy does not include any production or export targets. The Swedish Government has agreed on an action plan for introducing this strategy, with the aim of eliminating bottlenecks and other factors restricting growth in production. This could involve sharing knowledge or simplifying regulations. These actions will lead to a sustainable growth in productivity for Swedish agriculture and our processing industry.”
“In the early 1990 s, 75 percent of our food was produced here in Sweden. Today, this has fallen to 50 percent. Self-sufficiency levels are high enough for sugar, carrots and grain, but otherwise production is low. In 2017, the Swedish Parliament adopted a national food strategy for the period until 2030. This aims to help make full use of the food chain’s potential. Around the country, regional action plans are adapted according to local conditions in order to increase food production. There is a great potential to increase the amount of vegetables, potatoes, fruit and berries that we grow. Energy-efficient greenhouses can pave the way for increased production under glass, and there are various initiatives for developing the production of plant-based proteins. Here, research and innovation are success factors. Plant breeding is a key to sustainable production, and here, resources have been allocated and modern technology needs to be introduced.”
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
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The planet of the future
In a new study, researchers have investigated 19 different land areas around the world that are exposed to varying amounts of rain and their reactions to increased levels of carbon dioxide.
) Text: Carina Eliasson ) Photo: Erik Selander & Louise C. Andresen
MEIBL2 (green) locates DNA damage along the chromosome axis (red) in a cell nucleus (blue).
A new method for analysing genetic data shows that the relationship between living species, from bacteria to plants and animals, differs to what researchers had believed to be the case. For example, certain plants and animals appear to have developed later than previously thought. By studying the DNA building blocks from organisms’ genes (genomes), researchers can tell how species developed and are related to each other. An image can then be produced showing the development of life on earth, from the simplest forms of life to animals and humans. To draw up family trees, researchers generally study the building blocks (nucleotides) that make up organisms’ DNA. “Until now, the assumption has been that these genetic building blocks develop independently,” says Daniele Silvestro, a senior researcher at the University of Gothenburg and one of the authors of the new study published in the journal PNAS. “But this often isn’t true. In many cases, the change in one DNA building block is followed by an adjustment in another building block in order for functions to be maintained in the organism.” Y
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Newly discovered protein is important in DNA repair RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSI-
of Gothenburg have discovered a new protein that they believe is very important for DNA repair. The research findings have now been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The newly discovered protein is called MEIBL2. It helps a TY
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central protein (BRCA2) to repair DNA in sex cells. “Failing to repair DNA strands can ultimately lead to infertility and other diseases in humans, and even to cancer,” says Hiroki Shibuya, an Assistant Senior Lecturer at the University of Gothenburg and main author of the article. Y
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Rain is important for how carbon dioxide affects grasslands ONE IMPORTANT but uncertain factor in climate research is how all ecosystems can absorb the rising levels of carbon dioxide. Areas covered by grass and grass-like vegetation are particularly important, and cover 29 percent of the earth’s ice-free land surface. In a new study, researchers have investigated 19 different land areas around the world that are ex-
posed to varying amounts of rain and their reactions to increased levels of carbon dioxide. “The general reaction to higher levels of carbon dioxide was an increase in vegetation of less than ten percent, but there were wide variations,” says the University of Gothenburg’s Louise C. Andresen, one of the researchers behind the study.
New populations of wildcats discovered in Catalonia
Small creatures with a big impact
INTERNATIONAL research > AN team has discovered previously
release unique substances into the sea. New research from the University of Gothenburg shows that the levels of these substances are high enough to affect the marine food web. These studies also show that phytoplankton in the sea detect the specific scent of copepods and do their best to avoid being eaten. “Since the phytoplankton in the sea are the basis for all marine life, the effects are significant,” says Erik Selander from the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, who heads up the research team.
unknown populations of wildcats in Catalonia. The team is led by the University of Gothenburg’s Ferran Sayol. In Catalonia on the northwest Iberian peninsula, scientists and biologists are working together to find new populations of wildcats that have remained undiscovered for decades. Thanks to this project, which involves expert identification of pictures taken at night by photo traps, two new populations have been discovered. The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
The results showed that it was easiest to predict how vegetation would react to carbon dioxide during rainy periods. As the researchers expected, spring rain had a significant effect on grasslands. “Grasslands with a very wet spring season showed the greatest increase in vegetation with a higher level of carbon dioxide,” she adds. Y
THE MOST common > COPEPODS, animal species in the world,
ERIK SELANDER
Redefining life’s family trees
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MY SUBJECT// ÅSLÖG DAHL
The Pollen Laboratory issues daily pollen forecasts during the high season.
Botanical research " THE PAST: People have always
learnt about plants out of necessity. The history of medicinal plants dates back to a time before written records. For example, pollen has been found in the graves of Neanderthals and medicinal plants are listed on the clay tablets of the Sumerians. Similar lists have also been found in papyrus scrolls. The ancient Greeks wrote books about herbs, and their knowledge was passed on to the Romans, to early mediaeval Muslim physicians and eventually to monks. Carl Linnaeus began categorising plants in the 18th century.
" THE PRESENT: Today,
Busy times for pollen expert These are busy times for researcher Åslög Dahl. As a pollen expert, the high season brings a deluge of enquiries from the media and the general public. “I might be asked to do an interview at half past six in the morning or eleven at night.” 12 /
a quick glance at her office shows that this is a researcher’s domain. The walls are lined with books, bound journals and folders of teaching materials. “It’s safer to store it here than in my head,” explains Åslög Dahl. A microscope stands on her desk, and the table is covered with potted plants and notebooks. But what really stands out is an enquiring pair of cat’s eyes peeping above spectacles and a newspaper. It may only be a framed picture, but the cat looks eerily alive.
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
“I’ve loved cats since I was first able to say ‘meow’. I have three of them, Sofus, Tissle and Lilla Psi, and I grew up in a family of cat lovers.” Åslög was brought up in a spacious but run-down apartment in a house dating from the 1890 s in the Heden district of Gothenburg. Her father was a professor of cultural geography, and her mother was a genealogist who studied Gothenburg’s 17th and 18th century landowners. Her grandfather was a director of the Alnarp estate, and she and her siblings all became researchers. As a girl, she had vague plans to go into journalism, and then into medicine, before eventually studying chemistry and biology. The year was now 1975, and Åslög was 20 years old. The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
botanists can analyse plants’ DNA to find out which plants are related and how they have developed. Our understanding of the fungal kingdom has also grown thanks to DNA analysis, although much of what lives in the ground remains unknown. Research has led to a greater understanding of the interaction between plants and fungi, and between plants and animals.
" THE FUTURE: The big ques-
tions for the future involve the effects of climate change on plants and the loss of biodiversity. There are also many species that are unknown to science, particularly in tropical forests. Researchers hope to find and map these. These unknown species may include important medicinal plants, and we need to find out about them before they are lost to climate change or urbanisation. Today, around 40 percent of our medicines come directly or indirectly from the plant kingdom. / 13
MY SUBJECT// ÅSLÖG DAHL
“The type and amount of pollen, and when blooming occurs – it all affects allergy symptoms.” Åslög Dahl, researcher and teacher in botany.
Her bachelor’s degree led to research studies on the Hypecoum, a member of the poppy family. “At that time, little thought was given to gender equality in academia. But I was one of three girls to be accepted for doctoral studies at the same time.” At the University of Gothenburg, she was inspired by Senior Lecturer in Botany SvenOlov Strandhede. “He probably also struck a chord from my childhood and my grandfather, as I decided to continue studying botany.” Strandhede, who became her mentor, saw the need for botanical knowledge within allergy care, and founded the Pollen Laboratory in 1975. The laboratory analyses airborne pollen, issues forecasts and provides society with information about pollen. When Strandhede retired in 1997, Åslög assumed responsibility for the laboratory which was then transferred to the research company Botanical Analysis Group. She remained CEO until 2006. “In 2012, the laboratory came back under the management of the university. I came too, but remained on a ten percent basis as Head of Research for the company, which now analyses mould and rot samples. There, I deal with issues involving mould and its effect on the indoor environment.” Over the years, her research has revolved around factors relating to blooming, the amount of pollen from birches and other 14 /
Åslög Dahl has taught many undergraduate and postgraduate students about botany. Together with two colleagues, she produced a seminal reference book on plants with practical uses which started life as a teaching compendium.
Åslög Dahl Position: Researcher and teacher in botany at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science. Head of the Pollen Laboratory and Head of Research for Botanical Analysis Group. Age: 63 Leisure interests: Archaeology, history, house plants, countryside walks and choir singing. Dreams about: Retiring to write popular science books that are as readable as fiction.
plants, and links to allergies. Today, between 20 and 25 percent of the Swedish population are hypersensitive to pollen. Åslög works with doctors on studies of how the immune defence reacts to pollen. “The type and amount of pollen, and when blooming occurs – it all affects allergy symptoms.” Climate change also means that the pollen season is starting earlier and ending later. “Improved hygiene has resulted in young children’s immune defences not maturing in the same way as they once did. And because they now spend less time outdoors, they often don’t come into contact with plants and animals at an early age. This exposure is important for developing tolerance to natural substances.” Over the years, the pollen laboratory has gathered various time series of pollen data Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
from around forty locations in western Sweden. These clearly show the effect of the climate on plants. åslög ’ s research is spread across two fields. One is phenology: how nature changes over the seasons and the periodical phenomena within the plant kingdom. She co-founded the Swedish National Phenology Network, within which botanical gardens, nature centres, government agencies and amateurs make observations. So far, the network has gathered 150,000 observations. “The idea is to include our data in the Swedish Species Information Centre’s databank. Data from 1823 to 1926 can also be compared, giving indicators for how plants are affected by climate changes.” Her other research field involves bees and what they gather. Pollen is their only source The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
As Head of Research for the company Botanical Analysis Group, Åslög deals with questions relating to mould in buildings.
of protein. She has spent 20 years analysing pollen in honey, and has also given courses for beekeepers. A new research project in collaboration with Swedish and Norwegian partners will involve her comparing domestic subspecies of honey bee with the southern European subspecies imported into the Nordic region during the mid-20th century. “The Nordic bees are less productive, but they are well suited to the local flora and climate.” Åslög has remained interested in botany and evolution over the years. “The geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky said that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. At that’s very true.” Y ) Text: Carina Eliasson ) Photo: Malin Arnesson / 15
Sustainable everyday life ) Text: Carina Eliasson ) Photo: Christin Appelqvist & Jonny Eriksson
THE IMAGE
Reviving artisan mortar the constituents of mortar were adapted in line with new building materials and industrial methods. As a result, knowledge of historic materials and techniques was lost. New research at the University of Gothenburg show that historic binders and mortars can be produced and used in contemporary restoration projects. “We need to recapture knowledge in order to maintain and preserve historic buildings built using material that are no longer used,” explains the Department of Conservation’s Jonny Eriksson, author of the thesis. Y
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Participation: a tough goal in practice
How sea cucumbers and algae can become the food of the future MUCH OF what we eat is determined by traditions and expectations. Faced with overfishing and growing demand for seafood, we need to come up with new ways of thinking about what can be eaten. A new report from the Scary Seafood project shows the possibilities of using marine creatures and algae that we do not currently eat. “We have compiled specialist knowledge about 33 marine species with the potential to be used as ‘Scary Seafood’ and recommendations on fishing, harvesting or cultivating species in an ecologically sustainable way,” says project manager Christin Appelqvist. Y
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THE WORD
the late 1990s, wideu Since scale participation has been
Making the right mixed forest choices result in better tree growth, greater biodiversity, more berries and wildlife, and a wider range of outdoor activities. But which varieties of tree should be used? Researchers from Umeå University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Gothenburg have analysed data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory to offer more concrete advice, published in Nature Plants. Fir and birch forests are best in northern Sweden, while pine and birch forests benefit ecosystem services further south – but not tree growth. 16 /
MIXED FORESTS CAN
JAN BENGTSSON
>
IN THE 20TH CENTURY,
a goal of Swedish cultural heritage management and cultural environment work. In her thesis, Malin Weijmer from the Department of Conservation demonstrates how the goal of participation creates difficulties that need to be addressed within public sector cultural environment work. “It’s about which interests will be expressed and dealt with, as well as the reasonable interpretation of the political participation goal and what the exercise of authority should ensure,” she explains. “The aim has been to study how ideas about cultural heritage and cultural environments are tied to attitudes about the role of cultural environment work in society, and feasible, reasonable demands in terms of cultural heritage and preservation.” Y
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Biodiversity
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New report on the perils of microplastics
National minorities are reduced to symbols
A NEW REPORT notes that plastic particles in the environment do not yet present a major risk for humans or the environment. But we currently have limited knowledge, and the authors warn that the situation may become worse if the growth of plastic contaminants continues at current rates. The recent report from Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) has been produced by an expert group of European researchers, and will be submitted to the European Commission for use in decision-making on combating microplastics. Y
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The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
Biodiversity is life’s variation at all levels – from genes to species, as well as higher taxonomic levels and larger ecosystems such as biospheres. The Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre brings together researchers, decision-makers and the public within the field.
OUR FIVE NATIONAL minorities are easily reduced to a particular aspect of their cultural heritage, such as reindeer or synagogues. This is shown by two reports from the University of Gothenburg examining how Roma, Swedish Finns, Tornedalers, Sami and Jews are treated by museums and county administrative boards. “There is a clear difference between the minority groups in terms of how their historic positions have been noted, and there are distinct variations across Sweden in the knowledge and involvement of cultural sector employees,” says Department of Conservation project manager Ingrid Martins Holmberg. Y
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RESEARCH// SUSTAINABLE EVERYDAY LIFE
Not always organic before More and more people are demanding organic fruit and vegetables, and traditional growing methods are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. But were things really better before? Horticulturalist Inger Olausson researches plant protection from a historical perspective. “At the turn of the 20th century, spraying fruit trees with lead arsenate was recommended at least four or five times a year to protect against pests,” she says. us around the greenhouses in an idyllic location alongside the River Tidan in Mariestad. The School of Landscape Gardening stands on the other side of the river, where researchers and students specialise in horticulture, landscape preservation and building crafts. Even this early in the spring, the sun provides pleasant warmth in the unheated greenhouse where the radishes are already starting to peep out of the ground. We sit down in the greenhouse, where Inger feels quite at home despite not coming here particularly often. Her father was a gardener, and she inherited inger olausson shows
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his green fingers early on. She studied horticulture at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where she also wrote her thesis on the development of plant nurseries during the first half of the twentieth century. The history of gardening is relatively unknown, and this is a field of study that she shares with only a few other researchers. “Exploring new areas is both enjoyable and challenging,” she smiles. her current project involves studying plant protection in gardening, primarily within commercial enterprises: How outbreaks of diseases and pests
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
a
Plant protection in gardening over the years
WHERE? At the Department
of Conservation in Mariestad, which brings together knowledge about horticulture, landscape preservation and building crafts.
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
HOW? By studying everything from gardening handbooks to accounts from individual companies. There is currently no collected documentation on the history of the horticultural industry.
WHY? Because there is a
lack of combined knowledge about horticultural history and plant protection over the years, an area that is becoming increasingly topical with the development of organic growing.
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RESEARCH// SUSTAINABLE EVERYDAY LIFE
The late 19th century saw growing imports of products to Sweden, leading to both greater competition and the introduction of new pests and diseases.
Inger Olausson studied old gardening books, which are incredibly detailed in terms of pests, preventive growing methods and pest traps.
Growing produce in an urban environment might seem like an original idea, but horticultural enterprise has historically always been closely linked to cities. The demand for garden produce was greatest here until the rise of transportation and the decline of profitability. City gardens are nothing new – we’ve just rediscovered them.
were prevented and dealt with when growing fruit, vegetables and flowers from the early 19th century up until 1945. By then, DDT – an incredibly effective pesticide – had been introduced to plant cultivation. “DDT eradicated almost everything, which meant that pests’ natural enemies were also wiped out. This led to a situation where there was no protection at all, and those pests that had managed to avoid the poison or had developed resistance had free rein.” had consequences not only for the environment but also for the development of other plant protection methods. As early as the 1920 s and 1930 s, intense research into biological pest control – introduc-
the introduction of ddt
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Inger Olausson Position: Academic researcher at the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, and Senior Lecturer in Conservation specialising in gardening at the University of Gothenburg. Other information: Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, and of ‘swedish Academy’ which promotes Swedish culinary heritage. Did you know that more than 50 varieties of swede grow in Sweden?
ing pests’ natural enemies – had been carried out in many countries. One example is predatory mites. However, all this research came to an end with the introduction of DDT. “When DDT was banned in the 1970 s, research resumed – with Sweden at the cutting edge.” But why did the use of these toxic chemicals in gardening increase? As Inger explains, there were a number of reasons. The late 19th century saw growing imports of products to Sweden, leading to both greater competition and the introduction of new pests and diseases. Imported apples had a completely different visual quality to domestic apples. “There was a real focus on quality, and fruit had to be of the highest class in order to fetch a good price.” Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
was spayed, often with pesticides containing arsenic. This led to Swedish growers using more and more chemical pesticides, such as the arsenic-containing pigment Paris green, which was replaced by lead arsenate and subsequently zinc arsenate. Another reason for the rise in the use of chemical plant protection products was that using cold frames and greenhouses became increasingly common. Greenhouses were used all year round, and here it was not only the plants but also pests and diseases that survived, and these were tackled with nicotine, prussic acid, mercury, formalin and other substances. “The use of chemicals also increased within wider society, and it was easier to simply use sprays, gases or powthe imported fruit
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
ders instead of having to crush insect larvae. It was also harder to find workers when others were able to offer higher wages or summer holidays, forcing the green industries to streamline their methods.” inger ’ s research findings will eventually result in a book, which she hopes to complete next year. “It won’t be a handbook, but I hope it’ll provide a longer-term perspective on the debate about organic or conventional growing methods and spread knowledge about old methods that we can still use today.” Y
) Text: Camilla Persson ) Photo: Stefan Svensson, Mostphotos & Shutterstock
”DDT eradicated almost everything, which meant that pests’ natural enemies were also wiped out. This led to a situation where there was no protection at all, and those pests that had managed to avoid the poison or had developed resistance had free rein.” Inger Olausson, Academic researcher and Senior Lecturer
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Closer look
THE STUDENT// 5 QUESTIONS
) Text & photo: Linnéa Magnusson A picture says more than thousand words. Science Faculty Magazine takes a closer look at a scientific phenomenon.
) Text: Camilla Persson ) Photo: Malin Arnesson
Five questions for…
The Faculty of Science has 6 500 students.
Marina skönheter
... Malin Möller, completing her final year of a master’s programme in molecular biology and a master’s thesis at AstraZeneca.
0 Fun with physics Fysiklek, a new interactive learning environment, was unveiled in January. Here, younger children can learn more about the magical world of physics.
The centre, based at the Department of Physics, features a large collection of practical physics experiments and games, all of which aim to illustrate the laws of nature and inspire fun, creative learning. Fysiklek is a collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, and is mainly aimed at younger children. Jonas Enger 22 /
is one of the centre’s pedagogical leaders: “We hope that a visit here will spark curiosity, enthusiasm and knowledge about physics and research, for children and their teachers, in a playful, inclusive manner.” How does a reflector actually work? Here, children can find out how an ordinary reflector works. Reflectors are used on clothes and on road signs, for example. Children can also think about their reflection and what happens when they use one, two or more mirrors. Y Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Have you always wanted to be a molecular biologist?
What’s the best thing about your programme?
Why did you choose to do your degree project at a company?
What made you choose the University of Gothenburg?
What are the challenges for the future?
“No, not specifically a molecular biologist, but I’ve always been very interested in biology, disease progression and medicine development.”
“It’s hard to sum it up in just a few sentences, but I enjoy finding out how the human body is made up and how it communicates at a molecular level in order to work. It’s fascinating. The best part is contributing towards developments within science, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.”
“I wanted to learn about the market within my field. And working at AstraZeneca has always been a dream of mine, as I’m most interested in pre-clinical and medical research.”
“After my bachelor’s degree in biomedicine, I wanted to develop the biology part of my education. The University of Gothenburg was the natural choice, as the programme allowed me to tailor my degree with the courses that interest me the most.”
“The same challenges we face now: Improving our knowledge of the history and origins of diseases. We can then develop medicines and identify other factors to help us live longer. We’re doing a great job, but you can never do too much in this industry!”
The Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
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ALUMNA PORTRAIT// LINNÉA JÄGRUD
) As told to: Karin Frejrud ) Photo: Ragnar Spross
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“I want to save the world” Linnéa Jägrud, a forest consultant who focuses on the climate
Linnéa Jägrud Age: 39. Profession: Water biologist. Education: Biology programme at the University of Gothenburg, graduated in 2005. Lives: Björkö, in the northern archipelago of Gothenburg. Family: Husband and two children, with a third on the way. Also has aquarium fish, hens, sheep and pigs. Leisure interests: Runs an animal collective with four other families on Björkö. Also enjoys sailing, old houses and travel.
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News
Research at the University of Gothenburg affects our everyday life in large and small.
) Text: Carina Eliasson & Per Adolfsson ) Photo: Kristina Sundell
driven by a desire to save the world. When I was 16 I wanted to save the blue whale, and I studied marine biology at upper secondary school. Now my main motivation is working with climate issues in various ways. In my work as a forest consultant at the Swedish Forest Agency, this involves a focus on water and forests. Since 2011, I’ve been working on a major EU project to develop new planning tools for forests and water. I’ve realised how important it is to specialise, and I wish I’d gone into more depth during my studies. I wish I’d taken more advanced courses and fewer general courses. But even then, I realised how important the thesis was and put a lot of energy and ambition into it. It’s thanks to my thesis that I got a job at the Swedish Forest Agency. Something that I really like about my job is getting to meet so many people. Interpersonal skills are important as a forest consultant. When you walk around forests with landowners, you have a lot of interesting conversations. You can’t just issue orders. You have to find the middle ground and engage in a dialogue on what needs to be done, which I enjoy.
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN
in my work is spending as much time out in the forest as I did during my first few years as a forest consultant. I tend to be stuck in the office these days, which I don’t like. I love grey, stormy weather. I’m a bit of an outdoor fascist. I get plenty of chances to be outdoors during my leisure time, as we’re a family of part-time farmers. We run an animal collective together with a few other families on Björkö, where we live. There’s nothing better than being out in the mud and rain with our pigs, sheep and hens.” Y WHAT I CURRENTLY MISS
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Angela Wulff with parts of the sustainable obstacle.
Researchers to study the Arctic winter FOR THE FIRST TIME, the Arctic will be studied on site for an entire winter. This unique expedition is due to leave Tromsø in September with the German icebreaker Polarstern. The expedition involves several Swedish researchers. One of them is Katarina Abrahamsson, Professor of Analytical and Marine Chemistry at the University of Gothenburg. It is well known that melting glaciers are significant in terms of climate change and rising sea levels. Nevertheless, we only have limited knowledge about the winter Arctic climate. Sea, ice and atmospheric measurements will be taken. “The focus is on understanding how the Arctic climate is and has been affected by climate changes,” says Katarina Abahamsson. Y
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Researchers’ eco-smart obstacle used at Gothenburg Horse Show FOR THE THIRD YEAR running, researchers from the University of Gothenburg took their sustainable obstacle to the Gothenburg Horse Show. Angela Wulff, Kristina ‘Snuttan’ Sundell and Maria Sundin created the Ecoestrian obstacle from recycled materials.
What’s so special about the new obstacle? “Almost all the parts are made from recycled materials. This year, we’ve developed it to include even more recycled textiles, in addition to the recycled board and wood used previously. This year’s poles are made from recycled board with elegant covers made from old jeans in shades of blue and white. And of course, we’ve recyThe Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
cled the Ecoestrian gate from the first year, which is covered with recycled grey military horse blankets.” How have you worked with the obstacle? “We started with brainstorming and bouncing ideas back and forth about developing the obstacle in terms of materials and design. Then we contacted Got Event, Lövsta Future Challenge and the Swedish Equestrian Federation to get the go-ahead. “We also spoke with the course builder to discuss materials and appearance, so it could be used with different combinations and courses. Then came the actual production process, for which we used recycling
company The Loop Factory headed up by designer Lill O Sjöberg, and finally the denim bar covers were sewn by Gundi Bohlin, a tailor from Hedefors.” Anything else you’d like to add? “We want to strike a blow for recycling at every level. Horse riding involves large amounts of materials and high levels of consumption, so if we can highlight ways to use more recycled materials that’s a real positive. “Our idea isn’t just that the actual obstacle should be made from recycled materials but that it should exude recycling, showing and inspiring riders and the audience that they can easily do much more!” / 25
NEWS// COOPERATION
) Text & photo: Albin Dahlin
RESEARCH// SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
) Text: Camilla Persson ) Illustration: Shutterstock
At the Faculty of Science, we carry out research in a wide range of subjects that relate to different aspects of sustainable development.
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numbers to mix algae salt or print their personal postcards with algae. Master’s student Erika Sundell was busy helping visitors print postcards. “It’s been very popular. We only have two card printers here, so people have been queueing up. It’s good to see so much interest!”
Growing the food of the future at sea New solutions are needed to use and produce marine ingredients sustainably. Sea cucumbers and algae are two examples of new ingredients that can be grown on a larger scale. The Science Festival offered an ideal opportunity to take a closer look at these new foods from the sea. at the University of Gothenburg,
a lot of time and resources are invested in researching growing marine foods in a sustainable manner. Gothenburg’s Science 26 /
Festival showcased several examples of new opportunities and solutions for sustainable aquaculture. At the Nordstan shopping centre, people queued up in large
one example of a new ingredient from the sea is the sea cucumber. They have long been grown in other parts of the world, and offer many possibilities. They are a popular food in China, where they are boiled and dried before serving. But these versatile creatures also clean the seas, eating waste and residues. Ellen Schagerström grew sea cucumbers in the Philippines 15 years ago and was keen to try growing them in Sweden, but the time wasn’t right. Now, with growing interest in sustainable food, things are different. “I’m currently researching the Swedish species tichopus tremulus and how it could be used in circular aquaculture, where water circulates within a closed system and sea cucumbers play an important role in cleaning the water. They can also be harvested and sold as food.” another marine ingredient
of topical interest is algae. Professor Henrik Pavia researches algae cultivation and welcomes the recent interest in algae as a food. “This is an environmentally friendly form of cultivation, and the algae contain many useful substances for food and other applications.” Y Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Good health is essential for people to achieve their full potential and contribute towards the development of society. Particles have negative effect on air quality and health
Developing new techniques for studying cells
The importance of climate change
Doctoral student Julia Hammes has studied the formation of secondary organic aerosols. The particles in these systems are formed when volatile organic substances, such as those from plants or road traffic, are oxidised in the atmosphere. Secondary organic aerosols can have negative effects on health and air quality, and can also affect the climate. “For example, they have a cooling effect on the climate, thereby masking some of the global warming caused by greenhouse gases,” says Julia, who defended her thesis on 6 February. “Their significance for the climate and their negative impact on air quality are important reasons for researching their formation further.”
Caroline Beck Adiels leads a research team within biological physics that develops experimental, physical techniques that are then applied to biological and medical questions. “The aim is to understand more about how cells respond in different environments and substances, and how they interact,” she explains. “Much is linked to cell metabolism. In this way, we hope to learn more about the clinical course of diseases such as prostate cancer, sarcomas or type 2 diabetes.”
One of the sub-goals within goal 3 is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from traffic accidents. In Sweden, hoarfrost is one of the main causes of skidding during the winter and thus affects road safety. The Department of Earth Sciences’ Road Climate Group has used observations from 244 roadside weather stations to investigate how the risk of hoarfrost from December to February has changed between 2000 and 2016. The results show that this risk has increased in central Sweden, mainly due to a rise in relative humidity. In southern Sweden, however, the risk has fallen with rising road temperatures.
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GETTING TO KNOW// MATTIAS MARKLUND
) Text: Carolina Svensson ) Photo: Malin Arnesson
A desire to understand how things work
X
mattias marklund is a Professor of Physics, mainly working with plasma physics, particle acceleration, lasers and extremely strong light pulses. Having grown up in Skellefteå, he studied in Umeå and worked as a researcher in South Africa, Stockholm and Germany before coming to Gothenburg.
Why did you become a physicist? “Good question. I suppose I could have been a researcher in another subject; I have a fundamental urge to understand how things work. The fact that I ended up in this field… I wouldn’t call it chance, more serendipity or fate. You happen to study a few stimulating courses, meet interesting people, and find that you really enjoy what you’re studying. I’m sure I could have felt the same way if I’d studied the history of ideas or physiology. But something happens along the way that makes you choose a subject.”
He creates laser pulses that are stronger than the sun and thinks researchers should have more stability in their work. The Department of Physics’ new professor Mattias Marklund thrives when he works with intelligent colleagues.
So what happened along the way? “I studied mathematics until doctoral student level. At that point, my future supervisor gave a course in theoretical physics which I signed up for and really enjoyed. I found the mathematical part interesting, too – a good half of my doctoral courses were in maths. But I liked the methodological link to physics.
What drives you, Mattias Marklund?
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Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
Being a physicist suits me better. I find more inspiration in this field.” Your research focuses on light pulses and plasma. How do the two fit together? “We use extremely strong lasers to create a plasma. Plasma is an electrically conducting gas. That might not sound particularly interesting, but these gases have all manner of fascinating properties – especially under the extreme conditions we work with. We create a light pulse that’s as strong as taking all the sunlight falling on the earth and focusing it on a point as small as a hair tip. We can then accelerate particles over extremely short distances, for example, or create X-ray or gamma radiation. We’re involved in the ELI project, where three major centres in Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic will be able to generate extreme laser pulses. Researchers from all around Europe will be able to come there and carry out experiments.” Mattias recently transferred from Chalmers to the University of Gothenburg. He may not have moved far in terms of distance, as the two departments of physics share many premises and labs, but there has been a clear shift in terms of the research team he heads up. “I like working at a large university with many types of faculties. When I was a student,
WHEN IS YOUR WORK MOST REWARDING?
ARE THERE EVER SITUATIONS WHERE YOU WANT TO GIVE UP?
DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A RESEARCHER?
“When I do something together with my research team or other research colleagues around the world. We don’t need to come up with anything groundbreaking, but it’s great getting new insights via the intellectual capabilities of others. I like interacting with knowledgeable, reliable colleagues.”
“Absolutely not! Of course, it’s tough when you’ve applied for a large grant and not received any funding, but I’ve never felt that I want to stop my research. I just become more stubborn if things start to slow down. I grit my teeth and push on!”
“I never actually considered doing anything else. I worked for the Swedish Defence Research Agency for a while. That was fascinating! But after a few years there, I got a position at Chalmers University of Technology and changed my research field, bringing me back on track.”
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GETTING TO KNOW// MATTIAS MARKLUND
Our faculty
Mattias Marklund on studying and working at a large university: “I think it’s a good thing having so many different types of students in close proximity.”
) Text: Camilla Persson & Setta Aspström ) Photo: Setta Aspström & Johan Wingborg
Fewer short flights THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE is working actively to reduce is climate impact in various ways. For example, the number of flights between Gothenburg and Stockholm has been cut by 52 percent since 2016. “We’re pleased to note that more people have chosen alternative means of transport for shorter business travel,” says Ullika Lundgren, Environmental Coordinator at the Faculty of Science. However, long-distance trips account for the highest carbon dioxide emissions: 72 percent of all CO2 business travel emissions. Reducing long flights may be harder, admits Dean Göran Hilmersson. “If we are to carry out internationally competitive research, we cannot abstain from all research-related air travel.” Y
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Travelling exhibition comes to Gothenburg IN APRIL, the travelling exhibition Women of Mathematics, featuring portraits of 13 female European mathematicians, visited the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The exhibition has been staged almost a hundred times at universities around the world, but this was its
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I used to attend the philosophy society’s lectures. I think it’s a good thing having so many different types of students in close proximity.” “I find research What barriers do you need to overcome now? “I want my research team to have a longterm structure so it can grow to a reasonable size in the foreseeable future. We don’t need to grow quickly, it’s more that I don’t want to end up suddenly dropping to zero in five years’ time. When you work with large-scale experimental infrastructure for research in Europe, they often have a ten- to twenty-year time horizon. If my team and I only have a four-year horizon, it’ll be hard to cooperate internationally. If Sweden is to have an influence in these areas globally, a long-term approach is needed – not only in terms of investing, but also when it comes to staffing.”
policy discussions fascinating. After all, they are the very foundation if we’re to be able to carry out research.”
we’re to be able to carry out research. It’s important to talk about how we finance services, how we maintain quality, what independent research involves, and so on.”
How do you think research positions should be funded? Mattias Marklund, “Speculating freely Professor of Physics. without taking economics into account, I think permanent positions in academia should have some form of basic financing to avoid feeling like you have to bring in external grants. There’s a common misconception that the hungry wolf hunts best – it’s seen as a condition for carrying out Is there anything else you would like to change research on a firm footing. But I don’t think in academia as a whole? it’s true. Research is incredibly creative, and “I find research policy discussions fascina- I think you can carry out better, more in-depth ting. After all, they are the very foundation if research under stable conditions.” Y 30 /
first visit to Sweden. The exhibition was the idea of Sylvie Paycha, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Potsdam. She attended the opening ceremony in Gothenburg on 4 April, and explained that the exhibition is particularly relevant to young mathematicians. Y
Awards Mattias Marklund Age: 48 Family: Wife Pernilla, two children aged 11 and 13. Position: Professor of Theoretical Physics Leisure interests: Photography, Brazilian jujitsu, strength training, running. “I’m not a nice person to be around if I can’t exercise.”
Science Faculty Magazine | Number 2, 2019
David Witt-Nyström,
John H.D. Eland,
Dag Hanstorp,
Ilona Riipinen,
Assistant Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, has won the 2018 Wallenberg Prize in Mathematics. The prize is awarded to promising young mathematicians by the Swedish Mathematical Society.
a professor at the University of Oxford, has been appointed an honorary doctor at the Faculty of Science in recognition of his efforts to develop coincidence methods in atomic and molecular physics.
Professor of Experimental Physics, has been named Chair of the Swedish Research Council’s Scientific Council for Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences 2019–2021.
a professor at Stockholm University, has won the Sixten Heyman Prize for her research into atmospheric aerosol particles. The prize is awarded by the University of Gothenburg.
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Eureka! ) Text: Linnéa Magnusson ) Photo: King's College London Archives & MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
The secrets of the DNA molecule MAY 1952, King’s College, London. Rosalind. E. Franklin and doctoral student Raymond Gosling take a photograph using X-ray crystallography, which turns out to be one of science’s most important images. The image, Photo 51, shows the structure of the DNA molecule for the first time ever. FRANKLIN’S colleague Maurice Wilkins showed the photograph to Cambridge researchers James Watson and Francis Crick, and it became an important source for their work to develop a DNA model. Photo 51 clearly showed that the structure of the DNA molecule consists of a helix: two long chemical chains winding around each other in a double spiral. Watson, Crick and Wilkins were awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery. Sadly, Franklin had already died by then, aged 37. Y
Suddenly, it happens. In a long-term research project, a breakthrough suddenly occurs or chance plays into the hands of the researchers. A new crucial discovery is made.