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Karolinska Institutet


Vitamin C supplements linked to kidney stones

A large population-based study of men found that those taking vitamin C supplements are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as non-supplement users. The risk increased with the frequency of supplement use. Conversely, multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Learning the alphabet of gene control

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified the DNA sequences that bind to over 400 proteins controlling gene expression, representing half of all human transcription factors. This discovery provides a valuable resource for furthering our understanding of the human genome and its role in disease development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 17, 2013

Antibiotics based on a new principle may defeat MRSA

Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic principle that selectively blocks the thioredoxin system in bacterial cells, making certain bacteria vulnerable to inhibition. This mechanism could potentially treat conditions like stomach ulcers, TB, and MRSA, providing a new solution for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 18, 2012

How our nerves regulate insulin secretion

Studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully grafted beta cells into mice eyes to study their function, revealing how the autonomic nervous system influences blood glucose levels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2012

New findings on glucagon synthesis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that glucagon stimulates its own synthesis, activating a self-reinforcing cycle of hormone production. This finding has significant implications for understanding the regulation of hormone secretion and may hold the key to studying defects in diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

Enzyme explains angina in diabetics

A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateNov 27, 2012

New hope for setback-dogged cancer treatment

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found that IGF-1 blockers are only partially effective because they stimulate the MEK channel, allowing cancer cells to survive. Researchers propose a combination therapy using MEK inhibitors and IGF-1 blockers to overcome this issue

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2012

Gene switch important in cancer discovered

Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2012

Link between creativity and mental illness confirmed

Researchers found that people in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, particularly for schizophrenia. Creative fields were also associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety syndrome, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateOct 16, 2012

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk

Research from Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between difficulty chewing hard food and cognitive impairment, including dementia. The study of 557 people aged 77 or older suggests that maintaining good chewing ability may be crucial for brain health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 4, 2012

New findings on the workings of the inner ear

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that the hairs in the inner ear not only move sideways but also change in length when stimulated by sound waves. This finding provides new fundamental knowledge about the mechanisms of hearing and may help develop a new treatment for impaired hearing.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2012

Breakthrough for new diabetes treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have made a major breakthrough in type II diabetes treatment by inhibiting VEGF-B. The study shows that VEGF-B inhibition can prevent and treat insulin resistance, which is related to the storage of fat in muscles, blood vessels, and heart.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2012

Commercial weight loss program evaluated

A Swedish commercial weight loss program called Itrim was evaluated for its effectiveness, and researchers found that participants lost an average of 11 kg after one year. The program, which includes three different diets and group sessions, showed promising results with the most rigorous diet resulting in the greatest weight loss.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 20, 2012

Research breakthrough for drugs via the skin

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin. By determining its molecular structure and function at a detailed level, they aim to develop new methods for drug delivery via the skin.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 26, 2012

Psychological testing may predict success in soccer

A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that measuring executive functions can predict a player's success in soccer. The researchers found a correlation between high scores in cognitive tests and better performance on the pitch, supporting the idea that game intelligence is not just innate but can be developed.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2012

Serious complications after esophageal surgery cause lasting health problems in long-term survivors

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that patients who suffered serious post-operative complications after esophageal cancer surgery had more symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue and eating problems, with impairments lasting for five years. Patients require long-term monitoring to identify and target any problems quickly.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 3, 2012

New discoveries on depression

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that D-serine improves memory in 'depressed' rats by increasing brain plasticity. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for depression, targeting the support cells' functionality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2012

Higher risk of autism among certain immigrant groups

A Swedish register study reveals that children born to certain immigrant groups have an increased risk of developing autism with intellectual disability. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the development of autism, particularly for children whose mothers migrated just before or during pregnancy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 23, 2012

Complexities in caregiving at the end of life

A new study reveals that palliative care is more nuanced than expected, incorporating aspects like bodily care, contact, environment, and rituals. Researchers found three key areas often overlooked in palliative care: bodily care and contact, secure and aesthetic environments, and death-related rituals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012

A better way to count molecules discovered

A new method for counting molecules has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, allowing for the accurate measurement of RNA and DNA molecules in cells. This breakthrough enables the counting of absolute numbers of molecules, rather than just relative differences between samples.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 21, 2011