News

Head of Tartu Observatory's Space Technology Department Mihkel Pajusalu and his colleagues from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have come to the conclusion that the clouds of lava planets are probably made of metal, and instead of rain or snow, there could be showers of liquid metal. The research helps to undestand both the formation and future of the Earth, because as the Sun turns into a red qiant, our planet could also be covered in lava ocens.

Inspired by nature, roboticist Indrek Must is working on a wearable robot made of textile. Nuts, bolts, and lots of cables. That’s what most people imagine when they think of wearable robots. These external skeletons are usually created to protect and support people with disabilities. They help them stand up and walk, or just make people stronger. Many start-ups are making them, but none have really reached a wider market yet.

University gradually returns to the normal organisation of work. Below, the units have described their organisation of work starting from 18 May. The page will be updated as needed. [collapsed]

The results of the study on coronavirus antibodies KoroSero-EST-1 led by the University of Tartu indicate that the prevalence of the virus notably exceeded the national statistics based on nasal swab testing: by ten times in Tallinn and three and a half times in Saaremaa. Only 20% of people who had coronavirus antibodies in their blood had had a symptom of a viral disease. The population-based study on coronavirus antibodies KoroSero-EST-2 has already started.

The Rector’s Office of the University of Tartu decided on Tuesday that all international students may come to study in Estonia in autumn. The same applies to employees arriving from foreign countries. The decision concerns both new international students who were admitted this year and new staff members, as well as the existing international students and staff of the University of Tartu who are returning to Estonia in the coming months.

The novel coronavirus has been circulating the world for seven months and there is no sign of it subsiding. This means, however, that we will very likely have to coexist with the virus for a very long time and it is up to humans, not the virus, to decide how we want or manage to do that, writes Irja Lutsar, Professor of Medical Microbiology of the University of Tartu. Spread of and infection with the virus In terms of the spread of the virus, countries can be divided as follows:

On Thursday, 6 August, the University of Tartu invites 2,400 residents of Estonia to participate in the fifth wave of the study on the prevalence of coronavirus to understand the impact of the recent weeks’ outbreaks on the wider spread of the virus.

The Comet Interceptor Space Mission of the European Space Agency has reached phase A, which means the start of the development process of the mission hardware's first prototypes. This includes OPIC, or Optical Imager for Comets: the main instrument of the mission, which will be developed by the researchers of Tartu Observatory in Tõravere.

Dear students, Estonia has been successful in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus so far. To keep it this way, there are strict requirements in place for many who arrive here. Every university who invites people from other countries, shares the responsibility with the arrivals to prevent new spread of the virus.

A joint research study involving Estonian scientists has been published which describes in detail the delicate balance between the paternal and maternal genes during pregnancy. Due to the paternal contribution, the embryo is genetically foreign to the mother’s body, but is nevertheless perfectly capable of developing in the womb and normally does not suffer from any maternal immune attacks. However, this balance is not always ideal and may prove fatal for both the embryo and the mother.

As of Saturday, 18 July, the University of Tartu Museum invites everyone to Toome Hill to participate in its Science Town game—take the opportunity to learn new things and get to know Toome Hill. During the opening weekend, the museum offers a refreshing gift to the 50 first people who complete the track.

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Estonian scientists and physicians have developed a preeclampsia screening test that enables to prognose the disease risk at the beginning of the 3rd trimester with a probability of 96.5%. Early accurate identification of high-risk pregnancies enables timely clinical monitoring of concerned women to minimize preeclampsia-related health consequences on the mother and the fetus.

According to a Kantar Emor survey conducted in May this year among Estonian residents aged 15–74, representatives of all age groups consider the University of Tartu to be Estonia’s most reputable higher education institution. In addition, 65% of the respondents pointed out the University of Tartu’s contribution to fighting the coronavirus, primarily research studies.

Last week, the ENLIGHT consortium, one of whose members is the University of Tartu, was one of 24 consortiums chosen as international unions of institutions of higher education of the European Union to be funded by the European Commission, of which there are now 41 in total. The European Commission has allocated 287 million euros to the work of the consortiums.

Japanese and Estonian historians plan to write a book about the relations between Japan and Estonia throughout history. The joint book project sought funding via the Japanese crowdfunding platform Academist, where the target amount was raised in just three days.

Scientists at the University of Tartu have started work on an international project aiming to develop a novel technology to produce eco-friendly plastics. Finding an alternative to oil-based plastics is one of the greatest challenges for scientists in the 21st century.

We all have ideas how one or another situation could be improved. Often we do not think beyond the idea or even if we do, we immediately run into obstacles. But there are always people who have an irresistible desire to find out whether the idea creates value for many and is also a business opportunity. They differ from dreamers in their determination and willingness to risk, and confidence in their success.

The 7th mobility research conference Mobile Tartu will be held today on 30 June, bringing together leading human mobility researchers from around the world. More than 240 participants from 48 countries have registered already. This year’s event is a virtual conference, and participation is free.

The graduation ceremonies of the University of Tartu are held from 15 to 20 June. All ceremonies are held in an online environment, meaning that all who wish can participate. Online graduation ceremonies can be watched live in UTTV at the announced time. Links to recordings will be added to the table below after each ceremony. Read how students can receive their diplomas.