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Karolinska Institutet


3D imaging helps to better understand the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers used novel 3D imaging technology to study a human brainstem nucleus and found intriguing complexity and previously undescribed cellular forms of tau pathology. The study reveals dendritic atrophy as an early sign of tau-bearing neuron degeneration, potentially contributing to symptoms like sleep disturbances and anxiety.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 30, 2022

Fewer relapses in MS with off-label drug

A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

New approach to treatment of deadly kidney cancer

A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 27, 2022

Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit in minutes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed nano-sensors that can detect pesticide residues on fruit surfaces in just five minutes. The sensors use flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals, overcoming high production costs and limited batch-to-batch reproducibility.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 7, 2022

New type of pneumococcal vaccine developed by KI scientists

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Nerve stimulation promotes resolution of inflammation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes healing in acute inflammation by shifting the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

High mortality for hospital referred Malawian children with low glucose or blood oxygen levels

A study in rural Malawi found high mortality rates for children admitted to hospital with low blood sugar or oxygen levels. The findings suggest that earlier identification and prompt care-seeking could help reduce the risk of death, emphasizing the need for better clinical management of severely ill children.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateApr 29, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

Children with migration backgrounds less likely to receive recommended psychiatric treatment, Swedish study shows

A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Alpaca nanobodies potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a novel strategy to identify potent miniature antibodies, so-called nanobodies, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach led to the discovery of multiple nanobodies that effectively blocked infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Higher risk of psychotropic medication after sexual harassment in the workplace

A Swedish study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that victims of sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace are at a higher risk of prescribed psychotropic medication. The study analyzed over 23,000 participants and found a 20% increase in medication use among those who experienced harassment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2022

Global warming projected to increase health burden from hyponatremia

A new study from Karolinska Institutet projects that a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius will increase hyponatremia hospitalizations by almost 14%. Women and elderly are particularly vulnerable to the increased risk, with those over 80 years old facing a 15 times higher chance of hospitalization during heat waves.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2022