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Karolinska Institutet


Immune system activated in schizophrenia

Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2009

Scientists decipher the formation of lasting memories

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a mechanism that controls the brain's ability to create lasting memories. The study found that signalling via the nogo receptor 1 plays a key part in this process, enabling the conversion of short-term memories into long-term ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2009

Impaired fetal growth increases risk of asthma

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children born with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. The study, which analyzed data from 10,918 twins, suggests that impaired fetal growth affects lung development and contributes to the development of asthma.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 12, 2009

1 step closer to an artificial nerve cell

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed an electrically conducting plastic delivery electrode that releases specific neurotransmitters to activate neighboring brain cells, enabling precise control of neural signals. This technology has the potential to treat various neurological conditions, including hearing loss, epilepsy,...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 7, 2009

New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are making rapid progress in stem cell therapy, with a first-in-human study initiated for Parkinson's disease. The study uses the drug product sNN0031, which has shown long-lasting recovery and new cell formation in animal models. Additionally, a treatment for ALS entered clinical trials last year.

Computer simulations explain the limitations of working memory

The study reveals a mechanism in the brain's neuronal network that restricts working memory capacity to two to seven items, with frontal lobes regulating parietal lobe memory capacity. The 'model brain' computations were confirmed using fMRI experiments and suggest improved working memory through increased frontal lobe activation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2009

Clock-shifts affect risk of heart attack

A new Swedish study found that adjusting clocks to summer time increases the risk of myocardial infarction in the following week by about five percent. The readjustment back to winter time on the last Sunday in October reduces the risk, albeit to a lesser extent, due to the extra hour's sleep.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2008

New properties of skin stem cells

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet discovered skin stem cells can divide actively and transport themselves through skin tissue, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's findings also suggest a link between hedgehog signaling and the development of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 13, 2008

Golf prolongs life

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that golfers have a lower death rate than non-golfers, with a 5-year increase in life expectancy. Golfing, especially with a low handicap, has beneficial health effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMay 30, 2008

Exercise cuts cancer death in men

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that men who exercise regularly are less likely to die from cancer than those who don't. The researchers discovered a 33% increased survival rate among men who walked or cycled for at least 30 minutes a day, with more extensive physical activity leading to a 16% lower incidence of cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMay 29, 2008

Genes that protect against atherosclerosis identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a network of genes that lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques. The findings suggest that targeting these genes could be an effective way to combat atherosclerosis, the main cause of myocardial infarction and stroke.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2008

New gene test for prostate cancer at hand

Researchers have identified a new gene test that can identify men with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that men carrying a combination of known risk genes are four to five times more likely to develop the disease, providing a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 17, 2008

Lennart Nilsson Award 2007

Felice Frankel, a renowned scientific imagist, has been awarded the 2007 Lennart Nilsson Award for her exceptional work in creating crystal-clear scientific illustrations. Her photographs reveal previously invisible aspects of the world and have captivated the attention of scientists and the general public alike.

How adhesive protein causes malaria

The study identified specific parts of PfEMP1 that are likely to bond more strongly with receptors in blood vessels, producing a stronger adhesive effect. These protein parts are common in parasites causing severe malaria, and their identification could lead to the development of a vaccine to prevent the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2007