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Karolinska Institutet


Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results

A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that lower doses of approved immunotherapy drugs can give better results against tumours, while reducing side effects. The regimen with the lower dose of ipilimumab was more effective, with a higher proportion of patients responding to treatment and longer overall survival.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2025

Brain circuit controlling compulsive behavior mapped

A new study identifies a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviors in mice, even when natural rewards are available. The researchers used optogenetics to activate the circuit and induce negative states in mice, leading to prioritization of repetitive behaviors over natural needs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2025

Genes may predict suicide risk in depression

A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that depression beginning before age 25 has a stronger hereditary component and is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts. The research identified 12 genetic regions linked to early-onset depression, highlighting the potential for precision medicine in psychiatry.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2025

A family history of heart disease is linked to a specific protein pattern in the blood

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a specific protein pattern in the blood that may reflect an increased risk of hereditary atherosclerosis. The research found that certain proteins, such as follistatin and cathepsin D, are significantly elevated in people with a family history of early-onset coronary heart disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateNov 10, 2025

High risk of suicide after involuntary psychiatric care

A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2025

Gender equality universally linked to physical capacity

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that countries with higher human development indices and lower gender inequality have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness among young adults. Women's VO2peak was significantly higher in countries with high gender equality compared to those with low gender equality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·DateOct 23, 2025

Neighborhood trust benefits some more than others

A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2025

POTS common in patients with long COVID

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) affects nearly a third of patients with severe long COVID, with middle-aged women being the most common demographic. Researchers emphasize that POTS can be detected with simple tests and treated to alleviate symptoms.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2025

Gene linked to rheumatic disease controls cell movement

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet reveals how a gene associated with several rheumatic diseases affects cell movement. The researchers discovered that the DIORA1 gene regulates cell movement by interacting with MRCK kinases, which are important for the cell's skeleton and ability to move.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2025

Simple test can predict risk of severe liver disease

A simple blood analysis can predict the risk of developing severe liver disease, enabling earlier detection and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The CORE model, developed by Karolinska Institutet researchers, is based on three routine blood tests and has been shown to be highly accurate in predicting liver disease risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2025

Protein in urine can predict risk of dementia

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that people with moderate to high levels of albumin in their urine have a higher risk of developing dementia. The researchers discovered an association between albuminuria and increased risk of dementia, independent of kidney function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2025

Even healthy children can be severely affected by RSV

A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2025

Centenarians develop diseases more slowly

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that centenarians tend to accumulate diseases at a slower rate compared to non-centenarians. The study showed that centenarians are less likely to develop multiple diseases simultaneously, and those diseases often occur later in life.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2025

Premenstrual symptoms linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found that women with premenstrual symptoms are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study, which followed over 99,000 women for up to 22 years, revealed a significant link between premenstrual symptoms and an increased risk of heart rhythm disorders and stroke.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2025

New research confirms that neurons form in the adult brain

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have identified proliferating neural progenitors in the adult human hippocampus, confirming ongoing neuron formation. This discovery has implications for understanding brain changes during life and developing regenerative treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Gene therapy restored hearing in deaf patients

A new study conducted at Karolinska Institutet reports that gene therapy improved hearing in all ten patients with congenital deafness or severe hearing impairment. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed remarkable results, with the majority of patients recovering some hearing after just one month.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

Autism linked to elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease

A large-scale study from Karolinska Institutet reports that individuals with an autism diagnosis are four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that shared underlying biological mechanisms may be at play, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

A gene variant increases the risk of long COVID

An international team of researchers has identified a genetic link to long-term symptoms after COVID-19, with a gene variant increasing the risk by about 60%. The variant is located near the FOXP4 gene, which affects lung function and development. Impaired lung function plays a key role in developing long COVID.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 21, 2025

One in ten asthma cases can be avoided with a better urban environment

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that combining air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma. In contrast, a more favorable environment can prevent up to 11.6% of asthma cases, suggesting that urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2025