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Karolinska Institutet


Standard breast cancer classification may overlook important differences

A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that breast cancer classification may overlook important biological differences between patients that could affect treatment decisions. Women with tumours having low to moderate levels of estrogen receptors have poorer survival rates, highlighting the importance of precise classification.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2026

New clues about the causes of severe headaches

Two new studies from Karolinska Institutet suggest that inflammation and genetic factors may contribute to cluster headache, a rare neurological disorder characterized by severe headache attacks. The studies also found that exposure to substances in tobacco smoke may interact with biological mechanisms in the condition.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCephalalgia·DateAug 26, 2026

Improved maternity care linked to fewer deaths

A hospital-based intervention combining training, quality improvement, and leadership support has been shown to reduce stillbirths and newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found a 22% decrease in early perinatal death and a 19% reduction in oxygen-deprivation-related complications among newborns.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 26, 2026

Longer meal intervals linked to faster disease accumulation in older adults

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that older adults with longer meal intervals accumulated chronic diseases more rapidly than those with shorter intervals. The association was strongest among people aged 78 years and older, and was linked to faster accumulation of cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2026

New tool measures the biological age of cells

Researchers developed Pasta, a tool estimating cell biological age from gene activity, identifying substances influencing aging and potential treatments. The tool was tested on 17,000 tissue samples and validated in laboratory experiments, revealing genes linked to DNA damage and cellular stress.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 18, 2026

Blood-thinning medication linked to slower cognitive decline

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rely on complete data, but many studies lack underlying data. This can lead to unreliable results and assumptions that are difficult to verify. Researchers argue for clearer data sharing requirements to strengthen trust in research and reduce the risk of erroneous conclusions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2026

Heart rhythm monitoring with a smartphone could save healthcare resources

A new study by Karolinska Institutet shows that daily smartphone-based heart rhythm monitoring can reduce same-day cardioversion cancellations by 94.7% and save significant healthcare resources. The method, called CORAI, uses photoplethysmography to measure small changes in blood flow, allowing for accurate heart rhythm assessment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2026

Our knowledge of the world drives innovation

A recent study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that semantic knowledge plays a vital role in human innovation, enabling individuals to create new connections between objects and ideas. The study showed that groups with access to both semantic knowledge and social learning produced more unique innovations than those with only...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

New treatment with fewer side effects reduces breast density

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that low doses of endoxifen reduce breast density to the same extent as tamoxifen without causing severe side effects. The results suggest a lower dose may be sufficient for therapeutic effect while being better tolerated.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 3, 2026

Blood tests taken years earlier linked to pregnancy risk

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2026

Progress in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Digital CBT reduced cardiac-related anxiety and improved disease-specific health status following heart attack

A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that digital CBT significantly reduced cardiac-related anxiety and improved patients' quality of life and physical function after a heart attack. The treatment showed stable benefits up to one year after completion.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Children with obesity are at risk of disease despite normal test results

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Fathers’ mental health deteriorates long after the birth of their child

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

High meat consumption linked to lower dementia risk in genetic risk group

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that older people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease who consume relatively large amounts of meat have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study also shows that the type of meat is important, with a lower proportion of processed meat associated with a lower risk of de...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2026

Common drug class may increase risk of heart disease

A large cohort study found that people using anticholinergic medications, commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence and anxiety, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cumulative use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

No increased risk of rectal cancer in ulcerative proctitis

A new study published in Gastroenterology has investigated the link between ulcerative proctitis and rectal cancer, revealing no increased risk in patients with isolated proctitis. The study followed nearly 16,000 people with ulcerative proctitis for over ten years, finding a low incidence of rectal cancer and precancerous lesions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGastroenterology·DateFeb 3, 2026

Fat surrounding the colon interacts with the immune system

Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

New mechanism links Epstein-Barr virus to MS

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals the Epstein-Barr virus can damage the brain and contribute to multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry. The researchers found that cross-reactive T cells are significantly more common in people with MS, and targeting these cells may lead to new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 13, 2026

How brain waves shape our sense of self

Research from Karolinska Institutet found that alpha frequency determines body ownership by modulating temporal integration of bodily signals. Faster frequencies led to higher temporal resolution, while slower frequencies caused broader timing differences.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Blood test reveals risk of multimorbidity

A new study from Karolinska Institutet identified seven blood biomarkers that predict the risk and progression of multimorbidity in older adults. These biomarkers reflect biological processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2026