| Karolinska Institutet

Genes combined with immune response to EBV increase MS risk

In multiple sclerosis (MS), antibodies to the common Epstein-Barr virus can accidentally attack a protein in the brain and spinal cord. New research shows that the combination of certain viral antibodies and genetic risk factors can be linked to a greatly increased risk of MS.

Grants, prizes and donations

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Prestigious Göran Gustafsson Prize to Laura Baranello

Researchers who are awarded a Göran Gustafsson Prize are among Sweden's foremost under 45 years of age in their field. One of this year's five Göran Gustafsson Prize winners is KI researcher Laura Baranello, who is being recognized for “groundbreaking studies on the regulation of topoisomerases and their role in tumor biology”. The aim of the research is a new strategy for less intrusive cancer treatments.

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Erling-Persson Foundation supports development of advanced Parkinson’s therapy

The Erling-Persson Foundation is donating SEK 8 million to KI researcher Johan Ericson to fund the verification of his ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) concept with the aim of producing a highly effective restorative Parkinson’s therapy.

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Eight prestigious MSCA grants awarded to KI

KI has been awarded grants for eight postdoc research posts under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the EU’s flagship programme to promote international mobility among leading young researchers. The MSCA are part of the EU’s Horizon Europe innovation programme and KI has been awarded the grants in very tough open competition.

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Promobilia foundation supports KI research on treatments for age-related visual impairment

Fellow-KI researchers Anders Kvanta and Fredrik Lanner have been awarded a grant of SEK 10 million from the Promobilia foundation to develop a treatment for inherited retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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ERC Proof of Concept grant for research into improved global vaccines

Professor Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam and her research group have been awarded a Proof of Concept grant by the European Research Council (ERC) to investigate how vaccines can be adapted to genetic variations in people around the world. Their research paves the way for more effective protection against disease on a global scale.

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Gonçalo Castelo-Branco wants to fundamentally understand MS

His research shows molecular changes in brain cells when a person has Multiple sclerosis (MS). But it is still unclear whether they contribute to - or even protect against - the disease. Gonçalo Castelo-Branco is open to the answer.

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New study

Fluoride in drinking water linked to impaired childhood cognition

New research from Karolinska Institutet supports a few previous studies indicating that exposure to fluoride during the fetal stage or early childhood may impair cognition in children. In some countries, fluoride is added to drinking water to counteract caries.

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New study

New biomarkers may improve diagnosis of gallbladder cancer

Researchers have identified biomarkers in the blood that can be used to distinguish gallbladder cancer from inflammation of the gallbladder. This could lead to fewer unnecessary operations and better treatment decisions for patients with suspected gallbladder cancer.

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New study

Critical illness more common than expected in African hospitals

One in eight patients in hospitals in Africa is critically ill, and one in five of the critically ill die within a week, according to a new study. The researchers behind the largest study of critical illness in Africa to date conclude that many of these lives could have been saved with access to cheap life-saving treatments.

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Collaboration

Vinnova renews support for KI’s business incubator

KI Innovations – the company that helps researchers at Karolinska Institutet commercialise their discoveries – is to receive SEK 29 million from Vinnova (the Swedish governmental agency for innovation systems) for 2025 to 2029. “It’s proof of the quality of our business and the startups that we work with,” says Johan Weigelt, CEO of KI Innovations and KI Holding AB.

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New study

Antidepressants linked to faster cognitive decline in dementia

New research suggests that antidepressants can accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia. At the same time, some drugs appear to be less harmful than others, which can help doctors make better treatment decisions, according to the study published in BMC Medicine.

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New study

Serious mental illness common in chronic kidney disease

A new study shows that severe mental illness is more common in patients with chronic kidney disease and negatively affects their health.

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New study

Breathing and vision may be linked

Researchers have discovered a fundamental mechanism that affects the size of the pupil, namely our breathing. The study shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation – something that could affect our vision.

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New study

New knowledge portal facilitates research on metabolic diseases

Researchers have developed a user-friendly portal with comprehensive data on human adipose tissue. The portal offers researchers and clinicians an opportunity to explore the biology of adipose tissue, right down to the individual cell level, without any requirement for knowledge in bioinformatics.

The Conversation

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What the rise in bisexual identity in Stockholm tells us about global trends

As social acceptance of diverse sexual identities continues to grow in many countries, more people are identifying as bisexual. Research on Stockholm residents by Willi Zhang and colleagues reflects this trend.

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Nine reasons why the myth that vaccines cause autism persists

From a research perspective, there is little left to discover about vaccines used in long-standing nationwide vaccine programmes, such as polio, measles, and rubella. So why do suspicions that vaccines cause autism remain? Professor Sven Bölte presents nine reasons in The Conversation.

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Hyperbaric chamber treatment may alleviate PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in military veterans but can affect anyone who has suffered or witnessed an extreme physical or emotional event, and it is very hard to treat. Novel treatments are urgently needed. A recent study has been showing promise with an unusual treatment: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

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Eight reasons why ADHD diagnoses are increasing

The rate of children diagnosed with ADHD has increased significantly in recent years. In an article in The Conversation, KI Professor Sven Bölte explains why this is the case.

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KI strengthens collaboration with UCL

KI has signed a letter of intent with University College London (UCL) within the framework of the Stockholm trio university alliance, comprising KI, KTH and Stockholm University. The new agreement aims to expand research collaboration between the universities, initially focusing on sustainability, the climate crisis, and mental health.

Child at dinner table who refuse to eat.

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New study

Children with ARFID face increased risk of disease

Children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) have an elevated risk of developing psychiatric and physical conditions, a new study reports. The study highlights the importance of early identification to improve care of these children.

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What your brain is up to when resting

When we are not doing anything in particular, the brain is still busy producing thoughts and daydreams. Research shows that mental chatter increase if we are sleep deprived and can sometimes even become a barrier to sleeping. But there are techniques for those who need a break from their thoughts.

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Speech therapist: ‘The reading gap affects the most vulnerable’

Reading ability among young people is declining, and it is the most vulnerable students who are hardest hit, according to speech therapist and researcher Anna Eva Hallin. In her research, she aims to understand how best to support students with language and reading difficulties.

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Radiotherapy charged with new energy

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer care. However, in recent decades, Sweden has fallen behind in this area, both in terms of healthcare resources and research. Medicinsk Vetenskap has interviewed researchers who want to continue developing a bright idea.

Photo: Hanna Brunlöf Windell,EXPRESSEN

Louise Karlsson: "More people need to know that radiation can damage the lungs"

When Louise Karlsson was treated for breast cancer, she suffered radiation damage to her lung. Now she wants more people to know that it can happen.

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Radiopharmaceuticals being tested for brain tumours in children

Neuroblastoma is a rare disease that affects children, often before the age of two. Some are born with the disease. Paediatric surgeon Jakob Stenman is investigating whether targeted radioactive drugs can slow down the disease in those with the most severe form.

Photo: Amnesty International/Ulf Sirborn.

Ahmadreza Djalali

KI president: Strengthen the activities for Ahmadreza Djalali

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Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

New findings could improve stroke care
Fredriksson et al, Journal of Clinical Investigation, March 2024

Cancer drug ibrutinib has more effects in the body than previously known
Isabelle Leo et al, Nature Communications, February 2025

New research uncovers brain changes in Parkinson's disease
Amit Kumar et al, Alzheimer's & Dementia, February 2025

Screening test can save lives in the inflammatory syndrome HLH
Jan-Inge Henter, NEJM, February 2025

Study shows how T cells both fight and promote liver cancer
Matti Sällberg et al, Gut, January 2025

More high-impact publications

KI in the media (Swedish only)

Research subjects wanted

Information regarding the war in Ukraine

On this page you will find information for staff and students concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Macchiarini case: timeline

Select an option

View a summary of the events and decisions in the Macchiarini case.

Genes combined with immune response to EBV increase MS risk

Grants, prizes and donations

Prestigious Göran Gustafsson Prize to Laura Baranello

Erling-Persson Foundation supports development of advanced Parkinson’s therapy

Eight prestigious MSCA grants awarded to KI

Promobilia foundation supports KI research on treatments for age-related visual impairment

ERC Proof of Concept grant for research into improved global vaccines

Gonçalo Castelo-Branco wants to fundamentally understand MS

Fluoride in drinking water linked to impaired childhood cognition

New biomarkers may improve diagnosis of gallbladder cancer

Critical illness more common than expected in African hospitals

Vinnova renews support for KI’s business incubator

Antidepressants linked to faster cognitive decline in dementia

Serious mental illness common in chronic kidney disease

Breathing and vision may be linked

New knowledge portal facilitates research on metabolic diseases

The Conversation

What the rise in bisexual identity in Stockholm tells us about global trends

Nine reasons why the myth that vaccines cause autism persists

Hyperbaric chamber treatment may alleviate PTSD

Eight reasons why ADHD diagnoses are increasing

More articles from KI researchers published in The Conversation

KI strengthens collaboration with UCL

Children with ARFID face increased risk of disease

What your brain is up to when resting

Speech therapist: ‘The reading gap affects the most vulnerable’

Radiotherapy charged with new energy

Louise Karlsson: "More people need to know that radiation can damage the lungs"

Radiopharmaceuticals being tested for brain tumours in children

KI president: Strengthen the activities for Ahmadreza Djalali

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

KI in the media (Swedish only)

Research subjects wanted

Information regarding the war in Ukraine

The Macchiarini case: timeline