Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

News 2024

Electrical stimulation of the nervous system can improve motor learning

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have demonstrated that the brain's ability to learn certain skills can be significantly enhanced if both the brain and nervous system are primed by carefully-calibrated,…

All people are unique – also in the gut

A new study from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen increases our knowledge about the gut and the life of gut bacteria. The study shows, among other things, that changes in…

New study unravel novel insight to muscle insulin resistance and the insulin sensitization effect of exercise

Insulin resistance remains one of the biggest health problems in our society serving as a gateway to many diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and various cancers. Extraordinarily, we still do not have muscle…

inaugural lecture

Thomas Elbenhardt appointed as Professor

Following an open international application process and external evaluation, Thomas Elbenhardt Jensen has been appointed as Professor of Molecular Exercise Physiology at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of…

ultraprocessed foods

Next Generation NOVA classification

Since 2009 the NOVA classification has worked as a valuable framework for grouping foods based on the extent and purpose of the processing applied to them. Now the Novo Nordisk Foundation have supported a 2-year project…

Widespread practice among athletes harms both performance and health

Drastically cutting back on caloric intake to lose weight ahead of competition is commonplace among athletes. However, this type of 'dieting' doesn’t just diminish performances, it can also compromise their immune…

The truth detector in nutrition research is getting closer

What did you have for lunch last Tuesday? Can you easily recall? Nutrition research relies on self-reported dietary information, yet this data is often imprecise. A new review from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise…

intestinal bacteria

New research initiative is to shed light on the role of intestinal bacteria in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases

A new research initiative, the Microbiome Health Initiative, will investigate whether there is a causal relationship between intestinal bacteria and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The Departmen…

Physical exercise boosts motor learning – and remembering what one has learned

Violinists, surgeons and gamers can benefit from physical exercise both before and after practicing their new skills. The same holds true for anyone seeking to improve their fine motor skills. This is demonstrated by ne…