https://ki.se RSS News Listing https://news.ki.se/gene-therapy-restored-hearing-in-deaf-patients Gene therapy can improve hearing in children and adults with congenital deafness or severe hearing impairment, a new study involving researchers at Karolinska Institutet reports. Hearing improved in all ten patients, and the treatment was well-tolerated. The study was conducted in collaboration with hospitals and universities in China and is published in the journal Nature Medicine. Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:00:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/urine-test-could-reveal-prostate-cancer A newly published study involving researchers from Karolinska Institutet indicates that prostate cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage through a simple urine sample. With the aid of AI and extensive analyses of gene activity in tumours, they have identified new biomarkers of high diagnostic precision. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:00:12 +0200 https://news.ki.se/first-molecule-identified-that-promotes-gut-healing-while-inhibiting-tumour-progression Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a molecule that can both help the intestines to heal after damage and suppress tumour growth in colorectal cancer. The discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer. The results are published in the journal Nature. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:26:15 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ai-analysis-of-immune-cells-can-predict-breast-cancer-prognosis Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have investigated how well different AI models can predict the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer by analysing certain immune cells inside the tumour. The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, is an important step towards using AI in cancer care to improve patient health. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:26:28 +0100 https://news.ki.se/laboratory-preparedness-and-the-importance-of-making-use-of-experience Correct and functioning diagnostics are a basic prerequisite for knowing what is happening and what it is we are dealing with, both in everyday life, but not least in a health crisis. Therefore, the need for adaptable and scalable laboratory and diagnostic capabilities is central to rapid and adequate management in many health crises, whether infectious diseases or chemical spills. Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:47:25 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-knowledge-about-cell-receptors-paves-the-way-for-new-drugs-against-intestinal-tumours A new study from Karolinska Institutet published in Nature Communications provides valuable insights into the activation of receptors on the cell surface. The knowledge opens up for new targeted therapies and drugs against intestinal tumours, among other things. Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:31:25 +0200 https://news.ki.se/nanorobot-with-hidden-weapon-kills-cancer-cells Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed nanorobots that kill cancer cells in mice. The robot’s weapon is hidden in a nanostructure and is exposed only in the tumour microenvironment, sparing healthy cells. The study is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-doping-test-can-reveal-more-cheating-female-athletes Roughly three times as many male athletes are banned for doping as female. A new doctoral thesis from Karolinska Institutet shows that one possible reason for this is that the doping tests in use fail to take account of women’s varying hormone profile. Instead, an alternative is proposed that includes a blood test and a limit value that allows doping tests for both elite athletes and casual sportspersons. Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:45:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-test-detects-more-cases-of-cervical-cancer Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the University of Innsbruck have developed a simpler and more effective screening method for cervical cancer than the method used today. A comprehensive study published in Nature Medicine shows that the test detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:00:12 +0200 https://news.ki.se/bodys-message-in-a-bottle-delivers-targeted-cancer-treatment Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have succeeded in delivering targeted cancer treatment via small membrane bubbles that our cells use to communicate. A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering shows that the treatment reduces tumour growth and improves survival in mice. Mon, 20 May 2024 11:00:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/advanced-cell-atlas-opens-new-doors-in-biomedical-research Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a web-based platform that provides a whole new insight into the human body at the cellular level. The aim is to create an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide to increase knowledge about human health and disease. The study is published in Genome Biology. Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:40:18 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-method-is-better-able-to-map-immune-response-and-paves-way-for-new-treatments A new method, developed at Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and SciLifeLab, can identify unique immune cell receptors and their location in tissue, a study published in the journal Science reports. The researchers predict that the method will improve the ability to identify which immune cells contribute to disease processes and open up opportunities to develop novel therapies for numerous diseases. Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:14:19 +0100 https://news.ki.se/eye-implant-may-be-used-to-treat-diabetes Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a microscale device for implantation in the eye, which presents new opportunities for cell-based treatment of diabetes and other diseases. The study is published in the journal Advanced Materials. Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:28:38 +0200 https://news.ki.se/recombinant-and-tuneable-spidroin-hydrogels-for-drug-release-and-cell-culture In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet show that recombinant spider silk protein hydrogels have many attractive features. They allow encapsulation of cells and bioactive molecules simply by incubation at 37°C. They are transparent, which allows monitoring of encapsulated cells, and the fibrillar network mimics that of the extracellular matrix. The mechanical properties of these hydrogels match those of different tissues, and the gels can be used for continuous drug release. Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:34:12 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-method-reveals-bacterial-reaction-to-antibiotics-in-five-minutes Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a molecular method able to detect whether or not bacteria respond to antibiotics within minutes. The findings are presented in the journal Nature Microbiology and the researchers now hope to develop a simple test for doctors to use. Mon, 22 May 2023 17:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/sugar-molecule-in-blood-can-predict-alzheimers Early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease requires reliable and cost-effective screening methods. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now discovered that a type of sugar molecule in blood is associated with the level of tau, a protein that plays a critical role in the development of severe dementia. The study, which is published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, can pave the way for a simple screening procedure able to predict onset ten years in advance. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0200 https://news.ki.se/jessica-alm-is-the-new-expert-coordinator-in-laboratory-and-diagnostic-surge-capacity-at-the-centre-for-health-crises The group of expert coordinators at the Centre for Health Crises keeps growing. The expert coordinators manage the work that is done within their field of expertise. The latest area of expertise to be added to the Centre is laboratory and diagnostic preparedness, with Jessica Alm as expert coordinator. Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:30:35 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-technology-maps-where-and-how-cells-read-their-genome A new study published in Nature reports that a technology known as spatial omics can be used to map simultaneously how genes are switched on and off and how they are expressed in different areas of tissues and organs. This improved technology, developed by researchers at Yale University and Karolinska Institutet, could shed light on the development of tissues, as well as on certain diseases and how to treat them. Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:00:04 +0100 https://news.ki.se/scientists-develop-gel-made-from-spider-silk-proteins-for-biomedical-applications Researchers at KI and SLU have discovered that spider silk proteins can be fused to biologically active proteins and be converted into a gel at body temperature. One of the goals is to develop an injectable protein solution that forms a gel inside the body, which could be used in tissue engineering and for drug release, but also make gels that can streamline chemical processes where enzymes are used. The study is published in Nature Communications. Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:00:07 +0200 https://news.ki.se/improved-protein-function-opens-way-for-new-drug-development-concept Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab describe in a study published in Science how they have improved the ability of a protein to repair oxidative DNA damage and created a new protein function. Their innovative technique can lead to improved drugs for diseases involving oxidative stress, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and lung diseases, but the researchers believe it has even greater potential. Thu, 23 Jun 2022 20:00:00 +0200 https://news.ki.se/unique-insight-into-the-inner-workings-of-our-cellular-powerplants Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have visualized in unprecedented detail the machinery that the cells’ powerhouses, the mitochondria, use to form their proteins. The results, which are published in Nature, raise hopes of more specific antibiotics and new cancer drugs in the future. Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:00:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/nano-sensor-detects-pesticides-on-fruit-in-minutes Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruit in just a few minutes. The technique, described as a proof-of-concept in a paper in the journal Advanced Science, uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals. While still at an early stage, the researchers hope these nano-sensors could help uncover food pesticides before consumption. Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:05:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/network-medicine-opens-new-ways-of-understanding-complex-diseases The causes of complex diseases can be identified by representing them in the form of mathematically produced networks. This method was used to find bacteria that drive atopic dermatitis, for example. Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:41:59 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-technique-allows-mapping-of-mechanisms-of-tissue-development In a new study published in Science, researchers at Yale University, in collaboration with researchers at Karolinska Institutet, have developed a technique that gives very precise information about the location of activated and inactivated genes in a specific tissue. This can provide important knowledge about how different tissues develop and how epigenetic regulation contributes to the development of disease. Thu, 10 Feb 2022 20:00:06 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ai-improves-precision-in-breast-cancer-diagnosis Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed an AI-based tool that improves the diagnosis of breast cancer tumours and the ability to predict the risk of recurrence. The greater diagnostic precision can lead to more personalised treatment for the large group of breast cancer patients with intermediate risk tumours. The results are published in the scientific journal Annals of Oncology. Thu, 30 Sep 2021 01:05:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-findings-about-spider-silk-open-up-for-industrial-use Spider silk is one of the strongest materials available and researchers have long tried to develop artificial spider silk, for example, for medical and industrial use. In a study published in Materials Today, researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU – Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet) have now developed spider silk that can be produced in larger volumes without strong chemicals. Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:44:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/low-cost-method-for-finding-new-coronavirus-variants Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a technology for cost-effective surveillance of the global spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The technique is presented in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Wed, 23 Jun 2021 11:00:06 +0200 https://news.ki.se/weight-loss-treatment-prevents-accumulation-of-lipid-linked-to-cardiac-mortality Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet, University of Oxford and University of Copenhagen have shown that elevated levels of lipids known as ceramides can be associated with a ten-fold higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Treatment with liraglutide could keep the ceramide levels in check, compared with placebo. The results have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Mon, 24 May 2021 20:00:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/microneedle-patch-delivers-antibiotics-locally-in-the-skin MRSA skin infections are often treated with intravenous injection of antibiotics, which can cause significant side effects and promote the development of resistant bacterial strains. To solve these problems, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden are developing a microneedle patch that delivers antibiotics directly into the affected skin area. New results published in Advanced Materials Technologies show that the microneedle patch effectively reduces MRSA bacteria in the skin. Mon, 10 May 2021 14:32:40 +0200 https://news.ki.se/brain-organoids-uncover-mechanisms-of-virus-induced-microcephaly A study involving researchers at Karolinska Institutet and IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences – demonstrates how zika and herpes viruses can lead to brain malformations during early pregnancy. The researchers used 3D models of human brains to study which mechanisms are involved in virus-induced microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with smaller-than-usual heads. The results are published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ai-method-can-detect-precursors-to-cervical-cancer Using artificial intelligence and mobile digital microscopy, researchers hope to create screening tools that can detect precursors to cervical cancer in women in resource-limited settings. A study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and University of Helsinki now shows that AI screenings of pap smears carried out with portable scanners were comparable to analyses done by pathologists. The results are published in the journal JAMA Network Open. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:00:04 +0100 https://news.ki.se/lipid-biomarkers-in-urine-can-determine-the-type-of-asthma In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have used a urine test to identify and verify a patient’s type of asthma. The study, which has been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, lays the foundation for a more personalized diagnosis and may result in improved treatment of severe asthma in the future. Wed, 13 Jan 2021 12:27:55 +0100 https://news.ki.se/advances-in-research-on-the-most-general-type-of-stem-cells Stem cell research is the prerequisite for regenerative medicine, which with the help of the body's cells recreates and heals important organs. Now, researchers at Karolinska Institutet, SickKids in Canada and KU Leuven in Belgium have found a method for defining the most general type of stem cells, that can develop into all cell types in the body. The study of totipotent stem cells in mice has been published in Nature Cell Biology. Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:00:04 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-analysis-method-can-lead-to-better-cancer-drugs While proteins on the surface of cells are the targets for most drugs, refined methods are needed to analyse how these membrane proteins are organised. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method that could contribute to the development of future drugs for breast and other cancers. The study is published in Nature Nanotechnology. Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:00:03 +0100 https://news.ki.se/inauguration-of-aimes-a-new-center-bridging-medicine-and-engineering-sciences The Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, AIMES, is a collaboration between KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet, in partnership with Getinge, with the vision to enhance the exchange of expertise within academia and industry. The center was officially inaugurated on 30 September 2020, in Biomedicum, Solna (and via Youtube). Fri, 02 Oct 2020 17:37:03 +0200 https://news.ki.se/a-cheaper-faster-covid-19-test Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method for fast, cheap, yet accurate testing for COVID-19 infection. The method simplifies and frees the testing from expensive reaction steps, enabling upscaling of the diagnostics. This makes the method particularly attractive for places and situations with limited resources, for repeated testing and for moving resources from expensive diagnostics to other parts of the care chain. The study is published in Nature Communications. Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:00:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/researchers-identify-nanobody-that-may-prevent-covid-19-infection Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a small neutralizing antibody, a so-called nanobody, that has the capacity to block SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells. The researchers believe this nanobody has the potential to be developed as an antiviral treatment against COVID-19. The results are published in the journal Nature Communications. Fri, 04 Sep 2020 11:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/virus-in-the-blood-can-predict-severe-covid-19 A blood test on hospital admission showing the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 can identify patients at a high risk of severe COVID-19. Admitted patients without virus in their blood have a good chance of rapid recovery. This according to researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital in a new study published in the scientific journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:58:09 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-researchers-part-of-new-imi-consortium-seeking-to-develop-research-tools Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are part of a consortium granted almost 66 million euros (690 million Swedish kronor) by the european Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) and other parties. The funds will be used to develop, test and facilitate access to chemical substances and other research tools that could pave the way for new drug targets and treatments of diseases within areas such as inflammation and cancer. Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:20:32 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-method-reveals-where-dna-is-at-risk-in-the-cell Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new sequencing method that makes it possible to map how DNA is spatially organised in the cell nucleus – revealing which genomic regions are at higher risk of mutation and DNA damage. The technique is described in an article published in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology. Mon, 25 May 2020 17:00:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-diagnostic-test-for-covid-19-may-deliver-results-within-half-an-hour Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have together with researchers in China developed a new diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test can be performed without advanced laboratory equipment and deliver the result in about half an hour, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Chemistry. The researchers are now working on verifying the test results on confirmed COVID-19 patients at the Karolinska University Hospital. Wed, 22 Apr 2020 10:35:33 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-researchers-seek-to-develop-vaccine-against-new-corona-virus Researchers worldwide are trying to develop a vaccine and antiviral treatments against the new corona virus spreading in China. At Karolinska Institutet, virus researchers Ali Mirazimi and Matti Sällberg are working to develop a prototype vaccine against the virus. But vaccine development takes time, and it will likely take at least six to nine months before an application for clinical studies can be filed and another two to three years before a vaccine could be ready for the public. Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:29:50 +0100 https://news.ki.se/body-on-chip-technology-could-accelerate-drug-testing A multiple organ-on-chip platform developed by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Harvard University could drastically accelerate drug testing. The technology, described today in Nature Biomedical Engineering, provides accurate predictions of drug effects prior to clinical testing. Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:36:39 +0100 https://news.ki.se/researcher-what-we-know-about-the-new-corona-virus More than 200 people have died and thousands more have been sickened by the new corona virus spreading in China. A few cases have been confirmed outside China, and the World Health Organization is closely monitoring the situation. How worried about a new pandemic should we be? Virus researcher Ali Mirazimi, adjunct professor at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, gives us his perspective. Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:39:42 +0100 https://news.ki.se/research-programmes-for-groundbreaking-treatment-and-diagnosis Two new research programmes focusing on AI and bioelectronic medicine, for application in the areas of breast cancer and inflammatory disease, respectively, have been adopted at MedTechLabs. An interdisciplinary centre run by KTH, Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm Region. Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:07:43 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ai-can-be-used-to-detect-and-grade-prostate-cancer Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method based on artificial intelligence for histopathological diagnosis and grading of prostate cancer. The AI-system has the potential to solve one of the bottlenecks in today’s prostate cancer histopathology by providing more accurate diagnosis and better treatment decisions. The study, presented in The Lancet Oncology, shows that the AI-system is as good at identifying and grading prostate cancer as world-leading uro-pathologists. Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:30:00 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-genetic-analysis-improves-diagnosis-of-intellectual-disability Whole-genome sequencing can be used to diagnose intellectual disability more accurately than other methods of genetic analysis, researchers at Karolinska Institutet report in the scientific journal Genome Medicine. Whole-genome sequencing using analytical tools developed by the researchers will now be introduced for first-line clinical diagnosis at Karolinska University Laboratory in Sweden. Thu, 07 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-diagnostic-method-finds-aggressive-tumours Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new cheap method that can identify highly heterogeneous tumours that tend to be very aggressive, and therefore need to be treated more aggressively. The technique is presented in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Fri, 18 Oct 2019 11:00:00 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-resource-expands-use-of-lab-technique-to-visualise-dna-in-cells Researchers at Karolinska Institutet present a publicly available resource that can accelerate the use of so-called FISH techniques for studying how the genome is spatially organised in the cell nucleus. The new platform, which enables more cost-effective analyses for both research and diagnostic labs, is described in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:00:01 +0200 https://news.ki.se/high-sensitivity-troponin-test-reduces-risk-of-future-heart-attack Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:48:56 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-test-for-prostate-cancer-significantly-improves-screening Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0100