Topic: research

The Black Death is often remembered as a single catastrophic event that swept across Europe between 1347 and 1353, killing millions. Yet the disease did not disappear after that first devastating outbreak. For over four centuries, plague continued to return in recurring waves, reshaping communities, economies, and societies across Europe and beyond. A new study led by researchers at the University of Tartu sheds fresh light on this long and complex history by analysing the DNA of the plague bacterium preserved in archaeological human remains.

The DNA of two randomly selected people is approximately 99.9% identical. However, differences in the remaining 0.1% of the genome influence many individual traits, including appearance, disease risk, and the body's response to medications. A study by researchers at the University of Tartu found that this small amount of genetic variation may also be linked to several personality traits.

Nominations for the Estonian Science Communication Awards can be submitted to the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) until 15 September. The competition aims to recognise outstanding and active science communicators as well as innovative initiatives that promote science to wider audiences.

The Estonian Research Council (ETAG) invites students to participate in the 2026 National Contest for University Students. The last day for submissions is 15 September. This year, the total prize fund exceeds €200,000.

Registration is now open for the University of Tartu’s three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, which will take place on 21 October at the University of Tartu Library. The deadline for registration is 12 October.

The 25th International Gene Forum will take place on 25–26 August at the Estonian National Museum.

The Estonian Biobank has accumulated extensive metabolomics datasets, including hundreds of plasma biomarkers measured using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and standard biochemical methods. In addition, clinical blood measurements from hospitals are increasingly available through database linkage. Metabolic biomarkers are among the most informative tools for studying, predicting, and helping to prevent human diseases. They represent an intermediate phenotypic layer that is closer to clinical disease than the genome and can be measured with high accuracy.

Led by University of Tartu researchers, the largest and most comprehensive study to date has been completed on how genetic differences between individuals influence metabolism.

Researchers find surprising links which show that Neandertal ancestry influences our immune system today in ways more nuanced than previously recognised.

Academician Andres Metspalu, Professor of Genomics, Biobanking and Biotechnology at the University of Tartu, has been elected a member of the committee established by the European Commission to identify new members for the European Research Council’s (ERC) governing body, the ERC Scientific Council.