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Six incredible studies to come out of Stockholm

Stockholm is lauded as one of the world’s most innovative cities and these six amazing studies prove just why.

Six incredible studies to come out of Stockholm
Photo: Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se

Stockholm’s three main universities are working independently and collaboratively to improve the wellbeing of both people and the planet. Between them, Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet are tackling issues like climate change, chronic pain and age-related diseases as well as shedding light on the universe as we know it.

Here are six incredible studies to recently come out of Stockholm.

Electrifying the future

Photo: miflippo/Depositphotos

Is it possible to create an electrical system that contributes to a more sustainable society? What do we need to do to electrify our roads? These are some of the questions that were asked at KTH’s seminar ‘Electrified mobility – the path to a fossil-free society’ and that are an everyday focus for Lina Bertling Tjernberg, professor of power grid technology at KTH.

Technologies like AI and machine learning combined with access to smart grids and solar and wind power are paving the way for a fossil-free society. The challenges, however, revolve around infrastructure, flexibility and how best to convert, transfer and store energy. Tjernberg’s current research aims to develop cost-effective methods for the modernisation of the electric power system, also known as the Smart Grid, as well as working out how to reduce the loss of electricity between generation and usage.

“There’s plenty we can solve using new methods and access to data. It’s going incredibly fast and electrification is a huge trend at the moment,” says Tjernberg.

Cutting consumption

Photo: AllaSerebrina/Depositphotos

Back in 2015, the UN published its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development outlining 17 goals which must be urgently addressed by all United Nations Member States. Among them was the need to ensure sustainable consumption and production to promote resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure and a generally greener, better quality of life for everybody.

But how to go about changing the habits of a lifetime?

KTH’s new research programme ‘Mistra Sustainable Consumption’ aims to give more knowledge about what sustainable consumption is and design a roadmap for the general public to make more sustainable everyday choices. The programme will explore ways in which policy makers, businesses, civil society organisations and consumers can find practical solutions to bring about a shift in behaviour. 

Treating chronic pain

Photo: belchonok/Depositphotos

Pain may be unpleasant but it’s necessary for survival. It helps us to avoid hurting ourselves further as well as telling us when we need to rest and heal. Some people are unfortunate enough to suffer from chronic pain disorders which doctors struggle to diagnose or effectively treat. 

Now researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new sensory receptor organ that could offer fresh insight into why we feel pain. The organ is made up of octopus-like shaped glial cells which combine to form a mesh-like organ within the skin. The breakthrough moment came when researchers used optogenetics – the use of genetic engineering and optics to selectively monitor or control nerve cell activity – to discover the organ is sensitive to environmental irritation, like pricks and impacts. The findings could be key to developing new pain-relieving drugs to treat chronic pain disorders.

Click here to find out more about innovation in Stockholm

“The discovery changes our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of physical sensation and it may be of significance in the understanding of chronic pain,” says Patrik Ernfors, professors at Karolinska Institutet and chief investigator of the study.

Turning back time

Photo: ocskaymark/Depositphotos

Ageing is a natural phenomenon and there is, sadly, nothing we can do about it. But we can try to understand the ageing process better in order to explain – and prevent – certain age-related diseases. There may also be a way to reverse our ‘biological age’, i.e. how old our cells are as opposed to the number of birthdays we’ve celebrated.

That’s the goal for Sara Hägg, senior researcher at Karolinska Institutet. Using samples from the Swedish Twin Registry (STR), a registry managed by KI with the information of around 85,000 twin pairs, the Genomics Aggregation Project in Sweden (GAPS), and the UK Biobank, Sara is investigating how different ‘biological age’ predictors can explain common health conditions associated with ageing. She is also exploring the use of geroprotectors – substances that support healthy ageing or that extend healthy life – to find out if it’s possible to turn back the clock on cell changes and reverse our biological age. 

It might be time to rewrite the old maxim ‘you’re only as old as you feel’ to ‘you’re only as old as your cells’!

Click here to find out about life sciences in Stockholm

Hearing dark matter

Photo: agsandrew/Depositphotos

Dark matter makes up around 85 percent of the universe yet scientists are unable to directly observe it. The elusive substance – which researchers believe may be theoretical particles known as ‘axions’ – emits neither light nor energy and only makes itself known through weak interactions with regular matter. 

“Finding the axion is a bit like tuning a radio: you have to tune your antenna until you pick up the right frequency. Rather than music, experimentalists would be rewarded with ‘hearing’ the dark matter that the earth is travelling through,” explains Dr. Alexander Millar, researcher at Stockholm University’s Department of Physics.

Dr. Millar and his physicist colleagues are using plasma, a material where electrons can flow freely, to ‘hear’ the dark matter. Within a magnetic field, the axions generate a small electric field that drives oscillations into the plasma and amplifies the signal resulting in an ‘axion radio’. The plasma creates an environment where the dark matter can be heard more easily at the same time making it possible to collect the energy of the converted dark matter. By building this ‘tuneable’ plasma, researchers can search for axions within the plasma’s haloscope. In layman’s terms, it means scientists are one step closer to solving the mystery of dark matter. 

“The fact that the experimental community has latched onto this idea so quickly is very exciting and promising for building a full-scale experiment,” says Dr. Millar.

Climate-friendly mining
Photo: michaeljung/Depositphotos

At Stockholm University, Aji Mathew and her research team are improving a nanocellulose membrane and 3D-printed filters which have unique properties for purifying industrial water waste.

The membrane – which has many pores that are invisible to the naked eye but which can be modified during manufacturing – makes it possible to separate a higher proportion of metals from the water. Both the captured metals and membrane material can be recovered or recycled, allowing for the upcycling of natural resources.

“We have had very good results in testing the nanocellulose filters at industries from southern Europe and we aim to use it for the mining industry in Sweden,” says Aji Mathew.

Mathew, who has been working with nanocellulose for two decades, hopes that 3D-printed nanocellulose implants will one day be used to assist in regenerating damaged body parts.

“In one of our projects, we try to modify the mechanical properties and pore structures of nanocellulose-based materials to mimic body tissue as much as possible. 3D-printed nanocellulose implants give unlimited possibilities in this aspect.”

Want to take part in incredible studies of your own? Find out how you can move to Stockholm and become part of the city’s innovative academic community.

This article was produced by The Local Creative Studio in partnership with Invest Stockholm.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

The Stockholm bar scene isn't just made up of expensive wine and fancy cocktails. There are also numerous pubs that may not make a 'best pubs in the capital' list, but are as budget friendly as they are laidback, and perfect for grabbing a beer without breaking the bank.

Stockholm nightlife: Seven cheap pubs and dive bars that are worth a visit

Going out to enjoy a meal and drink can be a very enjoyable experience, offering the chance to unwind and socialise. However, eating out or just going out for a beer can be expensive. Here are some of the more affordable bars and restaurants in Stockholm.

Hellströms

Hellströms Bar and Restaurant has a snug and welcoming atmosphere. They offer meals such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. They also have weekly offers, pasta nights on Monday and Tuesday nights, a fajita buffet on Wednesdays, burger and fries offer on Thursdays and a nacho buffet on Fridays.

Along with meal deals during the week they also have club 90, with music from the 90s from 8pm-1am on Wednesday night, a music quiz every Thursday and a pre-party from 10pm on Saturday. Finally, their afterwork promotion takes place every weekday between 3pm and 8pm.

The price of beer starts from 30 kronor ($2.90).

Find out more about their events here.

Location: Fatbursgatan 1, Stockholm

Crazy Horse and Black Elk

With three venues across Stockholm, the Crazy Horse is a lively and bustling bar. They offer a wide range of menu options, from snacks to burgers, fajitas, salads, fish and grilled dishes. It can get busy, so bear that in mind.

The cost of beer starts from 32 kronor, before 6pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Sveavägen 60 & 61 and Götgatan 44, Stockholm

Lion Bar

This bar has a friendly and laid-back environment. With five locations in Stockholm, Sundbyberg, Vasastan, Sveavägen, Gärdet and Hornstull they feature a curated selection of dishes, which include fish and pork to burgers and steak. The post-work offer is available until 7pm from Monday to Friday.

Beer starts from 32 kronor, before 7pm.

More information can be found here.

Location: Tulegatan 7, Roslagsgatan 20, Sveavägen 74, Furusundsgatan 20 and Hornsgatan 154, Stockholm

The International Bar

Located in Östermalm, Gamla Stan and Birkastan, the International Bar is another favoured venue. The bar can be noisy, but it is a welcoming environment. Like many other bars, it has a broad food menu to choose from, which includes Swedish meatballs, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.

They also have afterwork reduced rates from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm. The bars also show sporting events, such as the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Cost of beer starts from 39 kronor.

Additional information can be found here.

Location: Norrlandsgatan 23, Mälartorget 13 and Rörstrandsgatan 11 Stockholm

Bara Enkelt & Bara Backe

The Baras group has eight venues across Stockholm and Uppsala, with Bara Enkelt and Bara Backe being popular spots.

The atmosphere in these bars is energetic and vibrant, especially on the weekend. Both bars offer a food menu, which includes snacks such as fries and halloumi sticks along with mains, including burgers and pasta dishes. Afterwork discounted prices are offered every day until 5pm.

Draft beer starts from 42 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Skånegatan 59 and Götgatan 33, Stockholm

Retro Bar

Another popular sports bar with a television screen at every corner, so you won’t miss any of the action. With an American-inspired food menu, they serve a range of burgers, stakes, pasta dishes, fajitas and salads. Their afterwork promotion is on until 6pm from Monday to Friday. When it comes to sports, they show matches from the Premier and Champions League to the NFL and more.

The cost of a beer starts from 54 kronor.

Book a table or find more information here.

Location: Sveavägen 120, Sveavägen 55, Sankt Eriksgatan 22, Hornsgatan 136 and Bondegatan 25, Stockholm

Flying Horse

If you are looking for a bar to watch football, the Flying Horse is a popular sports bar. When a football match is being screened, this bar has an exciting and dynamic atmosphere, offering a wide selection of food, from light bits, like sandwiches to main meals which includes burgers, fish, chicken and salads. The pub offers discounted prices on drinks for their afterwork deal from Monday to Friday until 6pm.

Due to the venue being a popular sports bar and it does fill up quickly, if you are planning on going it is recommended that you book in advance.

The cost of beer starts from 59 kronor.

Get more information on this bar here.

Location: Odengatan 44, Stockholm

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