The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology
News
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2026-04-01
New insights into hornification could strengthen the future of paper production
When paper dries and is subsequently rewetted, its properties change permanently. This phenomenon is known as hornification. New research now shows that the process is more complex than previously assumed, and that temperature, humidity, and fibre type all play decisive roles.
Hornification means that fibres in paper products lose some of their ability to absorb water. This has major implications for everything from paper manufacturing to recycling, where controlling the material’s strength and durability is crucial.
“Fundamentally, hornification is more about removing water than adding heat, and this means that we can actually control the material’s properties and avoid unnecessary strength losses,” says Björn Sjöstrand, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and project leader for the research project.
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2026-03-18
When winter turns lake hunting upside down
Sweden’s lakes are changing rapidly. Climate change is bringing milder winters and increased precipitation. The result? The water becomes both warmer and browner. As rain and meltwater flow through forests and land, organic material (humus) is carried into the lakes. It darkens the water and reduces light penetration.
For a long time, researchers have assumed that this would strongly affect predatory fish like pike. They hunt by sight—poorer visibility should mean poorer hunting. But new research from Karlstad University shows that reality is far more complex.
– We were actually surprised. The pike ate just as much in almost coffee-brown water as in crystal-clear water, says Viktor Nilsson, senior lecturer in biology.
Coffee-brown water is no problem
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2026-03-03
Recycled cotton fiber can replace wood in viscose production
From waste to fiber, new research on recycled cotton points the way toward more sustainable textile production.
– Climate change concerns everyone, yet it is often portrayed as a problem of the future, says Elise Meurs, a doctoral student in chemical engineering at the Exact Industrial Research School. Currently, the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries.
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2026-02-18
The latest developments in system integration were presented at an international conference in Mexico
The SII 2026 conference focused on system integration – how hardware, software, and various technical subsystems are combined into functional wholes. This is a central area within modern robotics, automation, industrial systems, and smart technologies, including applications in health, manufacturing, and energy.
– I participated in this year’s conference as Program Co‑Chair, says Jorge Solis, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering. We received a record number of submissions: a total of 389 scientific papers and 49 Late Breaking Reports. More than 100 Associate Editors were assigned to review each submitted contribution.
Based on the scientific peer‑review process, only about 73 percent of the submissions were accepted, resulting in a very high standard of presentations.
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2026-02-17
International Exchange within Physics Education
Research and teaching environments were presented, along with good examples of teaching that promotes active learning and strengthens research‑based education.
– Between 9 and 13 February, we welcomed a delegation from the Department of Physics at the University of Bucharest, Romania, says Andrea Muntean, Senior Lecturer in Physics. They visited us within the framework of Erasmus+ and as a continuation of a visit in 2025, when our colleague Lorena Solvang travelled to Bucharest. Our guests work at the Division of Matter Structure, Atmospheric and Geophysics, and Astrophysics, where Sandra Voinea serves as Prefect.
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2026-02-12
Elise's presentation won first prize
At the Swedish Society of Paper and Pulp Engineers' Ekmandagar on January 27, 2026, Elise Meurs, a doctoral student in chemical engineering at the Exact Industrial Research School, won the first prize in the prestigious presentation competition.
– The competition is conducted in Pecha Kucha format, a presentation format with 20 slides and only 20 seconds per slide, says Elise Meurs.
