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Karolinska Institutet


Unexpected function of dyslexia gene

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet discovered that a gene linked to dyslexia, DCDC2, regulates cilia signaling in brain neurons. This finding presents a possible new neurobiological mechanism for dyslexia and highlights the importance of cilia in cell migration and development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2011

Sense of justice built into the brain

The study reveals that the brain's amygdala plays a key role in triggering an automatic reaction to unfairness, even when rational thinking suggests otherwise. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of human behavior and decision-making processes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 4, 2011

New mitochondrial control mechanism discovered

A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has identified a key component in mitochondria's function, which combines with another protein to control ribosome formation and energy production. The discovery sheds light on the regulation mechanisms involved in inherited and age-related diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 4, 2011

Dopamine controls formation of new brain cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain by acting as a switch for stem cells. The study used salamanders, which can recover from Parkinson's-like conditions, to understand how dopamine regulates neural regeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2011

Inflammation behind heart valve disease

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that specific inflammatory substances called leukotrienes play a crucial role in the development of aortic stenosis. The study found that anti-inflammatory medication may be a promising new treatment for the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateMar 15, 2011

Parents important for keeping adolescents off alcohol

A new thesis from Karolinska Institutet highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing adolescent alcohol consumption. Adolescents who exhibit risky behavior at an early age are more likely to develop high consumption patterns and associated health problems. Parents can make a significant difference by strengthening th...

Free radicals may be good for you

A new study reveals that free radicals act as signal substances that increase the heart's contractions with the correct force. Persistent stress can lead to chronic levels of free radicals, potentially contributing to heart failure.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 28, 2011

How to leave your body

Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.

Look after your brain

Swedish scientist Laura Fratiglioni's research shows that active mental, physical, and social activities can preserve cognitive functions and lower the risk of developing dementia. Factors such as blood pressure, weight, and genetics also play a role in determining an individual's risk.

Nitrate improves mitochondrial function

New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that nitrate improves mitochondrial function in humans, consuming less oxygen and producing more ATP per molecule. This finding has significant implications for sports physiology and may also have positive effects on diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2011

Unique case study on Alzheimer's disease

A Swedish case study reveals how Alzheimer's disease progresses, with high amyloid plaque levels at early stages and declining brain energy. The discovery sheds light on the role of nicotinic receptors and neuroinflammation in the disease, offering new insights for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBrain·DateDec 14, 2010

Aortic aneurysm treatable with asthma drugs

Researchers discovered that asthma drugs can block cysteinyl-leukotrienes, reducing vessel wall breakdown and dilation. This could lead to the development of new treatments for aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives and reducing surgical complications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2010

Lactate in the brain reveals aging process

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used MRI to measure brain lactic acid levels and found increased levels before other aging symptoms, suggesting a potential indicator of aging and age-related diseases. The study also suggests a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and lactate production in the brain as aging progresses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2010

Egg meets sperm: The female side of the story

The study reveals new insights into how the egg interacts with sperm at fertilization, providing potential clues to infertility and potentially leading to non-hormonal contraceptives. The research was conducted by Luca Jovine's team at Karolinska Institutet and has important implications for human reproductive medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateOct 21, 2010

News from Karolinska Institutet at ESOF 2010

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet are contributing to ESOF 2010 with presentations on topics like neuroscience, intellectual property management, and Parkinson's disease treatment. The university is also organizing workshops and seminars on topics such as entrepreneurship and the future of research.

Breakthrough in stem cell culturing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully cultured human embryonic stem cells under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances. This breakthrough enables large quantities of human embryonic stem cells to be produced in a completely defined environment, paving the way for future clinical uses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 31, 2010

Creativity linked to mental health

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that the dopamine system of healthy, highly creative people is similar to that of people with schizophrenia. High creative skills are also linked to a higher risk of certain mental illnesses. The study suggests a possible mechanism behind creativity and mental health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2010

New atherosclerosis vaccine gives promising results

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a vaccine that can block the immune reaction causing atherosclerosis, reducing disease by 60-70%. The vaccine targets T cells reacting to native LDL particles, reversing previous findings on antioxidants' ineffectiveness against cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

Unconscious learning uses old parts of the brain

A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that the limbic striatum, an evolutionarily old part of the brain, is involved in implicit learning of motor sequences. This discovery sheds light on fundamental learning systems shared with primitive vertebrates and has implications for developing treatments for diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2010

Radiotherapy can cause lasting vascular disease

New research from Karolinska Institutet found that radiotherapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life due to sustained inflammation in arteries. The study suggests that post-radiotherapy changes in gene expression may be the cause of this increased risk, which can appear years after treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 22, 2010

How muscle cells control fatty acid uptake

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the role of VEGF-B protein in regulating fatty acid transport proteins in blood vessel walls, leading to increased fat intake and potential new treatments for metabolic diseases. The study found that blocking VEGF-B signalling may reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2010

New drug candidate reduces blood lipids

A clinical trial conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that eprotirome, a thyroid-hormone-like substance, effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels in patients who have already received statins. The trial showed significant reductions in harmful blood fats, up to 30% lower than those of patients receiving a placebo.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2010

Stem cells rescue nerve cells by direct contact

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that stem cells can connect with and rescue threatened neurons through direct contact via gap junctions. The findings suggest a new possible treatment approach for brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2010

Scientists shed new light on walking

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have created a genetically modified mouse that can walk when exposed to blue light. The study provides insight into the neural control of locomotion and has potential implications for treating spinal cord injuries.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 22, 2010