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Karolinska Institutet


Enzyme research provides a new picture of depression

Researchers found that individuals lacking the CYP2C19 enzyme have a lower risk of depression and larger hippocampi in adulthood. Increased expression of the enzyme is associated with higher suicidal incidences in depressed patients, suggesting that early life influences may contribute to depression's development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2016

Short RNA molecules mapped in single cell

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have measured the absolute numbers of short, non-coding, RNA sequences in individual embryonic stem cells, revealing their precise function. The new method could lead to improved IVF treatments by identifying embryos with the best chance of development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 1, 2016

Why pneumococci affect primarily humans

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet discovered that pneumococcal bacteria use a human-specific sugar molecule to enhance growth and resistance. This finding sheds light on why pneumococci cause more severe infections in humans than other animals, and could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 1, 2016

A step closer to understanding fertilization

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have determined the 3D structure of Juno, a mammalian egg protein essential for triggering gamete fusion. The study reveals that changes in Juno's shape alter its ability to bind with sperm protein Izumo1, bringing scientists closer to understanding fertilization.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2016

Attention neuron type identified

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a cell type in the brain's frontal lobes that is integral to attention. Parvalbumin-expressing neurons were found to reflect animals' level of attention, with high activity associated with attentive states and low activity with inattentive states.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 14, 2016

New role for motor neurons discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new role for motor neurons in influencing rhythmic movements. Motor neurons directly control the recruitment of upstream excitatory interneurons via gap junctions, indicating they are not passive recipients of signals from interneuronal circuits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair

A Swedish-Ugandan study has shown that sterilized mosquito nets can replace costly surgical meshes in inguinal hernia repairs without compromising patient safety or treatment efficacy. The study involved over 300 adult males from rural Uganda and found no significant differences between groups.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

Link between PCOS in the mother and autism in the child

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found a significant link between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study, which analyzed data from over 24,000 ASD cases and 200,000 controls, suggests that exposure to sex hormones early in life may play a role in the development of ASD.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2015

Brainstem 'stop neurons' make us halt when we walk

A team of scientists identified a population of 'stop cells' in the brainstem that enable mice to halt their locomotion. These cells depress neuronal networks involved in generating locomotor rhythm, allowing animals to make graceful stops. The findings may provide insights into how locomotion is affected in diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateNov 19, 2015

Mechanical heart valve prosthesis superior to biological

A Swedish registry study found that mechanical heart valve prosthesis has superior long-term survival rates compared to biological valve prosthesis, particularly for relatively young patients. The risk of stroke was similar for both types of prostheses, but patients with biological valves were more likely to require re-operation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 11, 2015

Complex grammar of the genomic language

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the human genome's 'grammar' is more complex than even intricate spoken languages. The findings contribute to understanding how genetic differences affect disease risk and pave the way for cracking the genetic code controlling gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2015

Clear link between income and survival after cardiac surgery

A new registry study by Karolinska Institutet found a strong correlation between household disposable income and long-term survival after cardiac surgery. The study included 100,000 patients and showed that those with higher incomes had significantly lower mortality rates, even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 19, 2015