https://ki.se RSS News Listing https://news.ki.se/covid-19-linked-to-increased-asthma-risk-vaccine-offers-protection People who have had COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing certain inflammatory diseases of the airways, such as asthma, hay fever and chronic sinusitis. However, vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus appears to reduce the risk, according to a comprehensive epidemiological study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:24:34 +0200 https://news.ki.se/adults-who-have-survived-childhood-cancer-are-at-increased-risk-of-severe-covid-19 People who have survived cancer as children are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, even decades after their diagnosis. This is shown by a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:09:59 +0200 https://news.ki.se/small-vessel-disease-in-long-term-follow-up-of-severe-covid-19 Patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 exhibit cardiac systolic dysfunction and small vessel disease at long-term follow-up. This is according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital published in Jama Network Open. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:10:34 +0200 https://news.ki.se/a-gene-variant-increases-the-risk-of-long-covid An international team of researchers has found a genetic link to long-term symptoms after COVID-19. The identified gene variant is located close to the FOXP4 gene, which is known to affect lung function. The study, published in Nature Genetics, was led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland. Wed, 21 May 2025 18:18:28 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-thesis-advances-knowledge-of-immune-response-after-vaccination David Wulliman from Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), at the Departmet of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH) is defending his thesis titled "T Cell Immunity Induced by SARS-CoV-2 and Flavivirus Vaccination", on 23 May, 2025. Main supervisor is Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren (MedH). Fri, 16 May 2025 11:15:21 +0200 https://news.ki.se/bjorn-reinius-and-joyce-noble-awarded-the-prize-for-innovation-and-utilisation-2025 Björn Reinius and Joyce Noble have developed a synthetic protection for RNA molecules that is stable and can be stored at room temperature. Their innovation simplifies aspects of biomedical research and enables new analytical methods. They are now awarded the 2025 Prize for innovation and utilisation for their work. Mon, 12 May 2025 15:23:52 +0200 https://news.ki.se/long-covid-biomarkers-found-associated-with-respiratory-problems Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified biomarkers in the blood associated with symptoms of long COVID, particularly severe respiratory disorders. The discovery can pave the way for future diagnosis and treatment. The results are published in the scientific journal Nature Immunology. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:00:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/unmedicated-mental-illness-linked-to-lower-covid-19-vaccination-levels Vaccination coverage for COVID-19 is high in both people with and without mental illness, according to a large multinational study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and published in Nature Communications. However, Swedish registry data revealed that individuals with unmedicated mental illness have lower vaccination levels. Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:13 +0200 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/petter-brodin-wants-to-understand-your-immune-system Is your immune system functioning as it should? The question is not as simple to answer as one might think. Professor Petter Brodin is trying to understand more about it. At the same time, he hopes to help patients that are severely affected with post-COVID and other conditions where the regulation of the immune system is not working. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:03:35 +0200 https://news.ki.se/no-increased-risk-of-birth-defects-after-covid-19-infection-or-vaccination-in-the-first-trimester Fetuses whose mothers had COVID-19 or were vaccinated during the first three months of pregnancy are not at increased risk of birth defects. This is the result of a large Nordic study published in the British Medical Journal. Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:02:19 +0200 https://news.ki.se/post-covid-not-necessarily-a-barrier-to-exercise People suffering from post-COVID have been discouraged from exercising because early observations suggested it could be harmful. In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from Karolinska Institutet show that post-COVIDdoes not mean that exercise must be strictly avoided. Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:34:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-researchers-receive-grant-of-sek-19-million-for-research-on-long-covid Two researchers at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded grants from the PolyBio Research Foundation totalling USD 1.85 million dollars (SEK 19 million) for research into long COVID. It is hoped that the studies will provide valuable insights that can promote the development of more efficacious treatments for long COVID, which is still a puzzling condition. Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:22:00 +0100 https://news.ki.se/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-tested-for-post-covid-conditions High-dose pressurized oxygen can stress out old immune cells, leaving behind a younger, better functioning immune system. It helped with acute COVID, and now Anders Kjellberg is testing the method for post-covid as well. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:19:43 +0100 https://news.ki.se/covid-vaccine-for-pregnant-women-safe-for-newborn-infants No increased risks for babies, and for some serious neonatal complications lower risks. This is the result of the largest study to date on the safety of newborn babies whose mothers were vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy. The study is a collaboration between Swedish and Norwegian researchers and is published in the journal JAMA. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:00:13 +0100 https://news.ki.se/factors-other-than-weaker-variants-behind-reduced-mortality-in-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet, together with partners in the Horizon Europe-funded EuCARE project, have shown that the reduced mortality from COVID-19 is not necessarily due to the fact that later variants, such as Omicron, have been less severe. Rather, the reduced mortality seems to be due to several other factors, such as immunity from previous vaccinations and previous infections. The study is published in the latest issue of Lancet Regional Health Europe and is funded by EUH2020. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:42:07 +0100 https://news.ki.se/nasal-spray-with-antibodies-could-prevent-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that nasal drops with IgA antibodies can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results imply a new way to protect individuals at high risk from different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and possibly other infections. The study is published in PNAS. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:36:29 +0100 https://news.ki.se/gut-microbes-can-affect-covid-vaccine-response Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that the gut microbiome can influence how well people respond to mRNA COVID vaccines. The study, published in the journal npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, suggests that certain bacteria in the gut can enhance the immune response to the vaccine, whereas other bacteria may weaken it. Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:22:14 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-covid-vaccine-induces-good-antibody-response-to-mutated-viral-variants Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital have followed recipients of the new updated COVID-19 vaccine and analysed the antibody response to different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The results show a surprisingly strong response to the now dominant and highly mutated Omicron variants. [This news article has been updated] Fri, 22 Dec 2023 12:10:37 +0100 https://news.ki.se/are-we-implementing-the-lessons-learned-from-doing-clinical-trials-during-the-pandemic-in-sweden What were the successes and challenges of clinical trials of COVID-19 treatment during the pandemic in Sweden? What have we learnt, in order to be better prepared for future health crisis? Those were questions asked at a symposium and roundtable discussion organised by the Centre for Health Crises at KI on December 14. Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:08:24 +0100 https://news.ki.se/innovation-occurs-at-the-intersection-of-different-worlds In December, Kenneth Chien is leaving his professorship in cardiovascular research after ten years at Karolinska Institutet. He will now devote himself wholeheartedly to developing new mRNA therapies in the biotechnology industry. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:00:29 +0100 https://news.ki.se/long-covid-most-prevalent-in-the-most-seriously-ill A collaborative study involving researchers from Karolinska Institutet has charted the prevalence of severe physical symptom burden amongst Scandinavians for up to two years after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most affected were people who had a severe COVID-19 infection, while the researchers found no elevated prevalence of long COVID in those who had never been bedridden. The study is published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/the-nobel-prize-in-physiology-or-medicine-their-discoveries-have-helped-to-save-millions-of-lives The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded this year to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, whose research gave rise to effective mRNA vaccines that contained the COVID pandemic and saved millions of lives. A well-deserved honour, according to Karolinska Institutet. Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:07:45 +0200 https://news.ki.se/the-nobel-prize-in-physiology-or-medicine-2023-to-katalin-kariko-and-drew-weissman The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:49:26 +0200 https://news.ki.se/heavily-mutated-sars-cov-2-variant-ba286-not-as-resistant-to-antibodies-as-first-feared Researchers at Karolinska Institutet who studied SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86, found that the new variant was not significantly more resistant to antibodies than several other variants that are circulating. The study also showed that antibody levels to BA.2.86 were significantly higher after a wave of XBB infections compared to before, suggesting that the vaccines based on XBB should provide some cross-protection to BA.2.86. Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:19:21 +0200 https://news.ki.se/low-income-and-education-risk-factors-for-mental-ill-health-during-the-pandemic Swedes with lower income and education were at greater risk of deteriorating mental health during the pandemic. This is shown in a study conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with Professor Mats Lekander at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:05:52 +0200 https://news.ki.se/increase-in-anxiety-and-depressive-symptoms-observed-when-family-member-or-close-friend-contracts-covid-19 Family members and close friends of people with COVID-19 have elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety, a study from Karolinska Institutet published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe reports. According to the researchers, the results of the study indicate a possible unmet public health need. Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:02:38 +0200 https://news.ki.se/professor-jan-albert-appointed-pandemic-inquiry-chair The government has appointed Jan Albert, professor of infectious disease control at Karolinska Institutet and senior consultant at Karolinska University Hospital, to lead a government inquiry looking into strengthening the country’s preparedness for future pandemics. The directive concerns a national strategy for how pandemics are to be managed and a possible revision of the Communicable Diseases Act. The investigation should be delivered in February 2025. Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:42:34 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-findings-may-explain-why-mrna-vaccines-provide-limited-protection-against-omicron Vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 but not against infection. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital now show that protection against infection with the new omicron variants is linked to mucosal IgA antibodies, which are not induced by vaccination. These are the findings of two studies recently published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and The Lancet Microbe, and could explain the limited protection by currently available vaccines against infection. Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:14:29 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-developed-covid-vaccine-able-to-recognise-mutated-virus-now-being-tested-on-humans A new DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine is now being tested for the first time on healthy volunteers at Karolinska University Hospital. The vaccine has been developed at Karolinska Institutet and target multiple parts of the virus, making it less vulnerable to mutated strains and potentially effective against new variants. Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:38:13 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-procedure-gives-researchers-access-to-15-million-covid-19-samples-stored-at-ki Biobank Sweden has teamed up with the Swedish regions and the National Pandemic Centre (NPC) at Karolinska Institutet to produce a new process that gives researchers access to 1.5 million COVID-19 samples. The samples are stored at the NPC and researchers applying to use them must first seek ethical approval. Thu, 11 May 2023 12:59:29 +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/helena-hervius-askling-expert-coordinator-infectious-diseases-and-vaccine-preparedness-at-the-centre-for-health-crises Helena Hervius Askling is new in the growing group of expert coordinators at the Centre for Health Crises. Her extensive experience in the field of infectious diseases and the topic of vaccine, as a medical doctor in infectious diseases, county medical officer and associate professor, will strengthen the centre’s competence in the field. Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:46:53 +0100 https://news.ki.se/common-cold-gives-children-immunity-against-covid-19 During the pandemic, it became clear that children who contracted COVID-19 became less ill than adults. One hypothesis has been that common colds would give children immunity protecting against a severe form of the disease. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are now able to show that OC43, one of the coronaviruses that cause common colds, boosts the immune response to COVID-19. The study, which is published in PNAS, could give rise to more tailored vaccine programmes for children and adults. Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:25:58 +0100 https://news.ki.se/improved-preparedness-for-the-next-health-crises-lessons-learned-at-ki-during-the-covid-19-pandemic Following a request from KI's President, the Centre for Health Crises has produced the report Improved preparedness for the next health crises – lessons learned at KI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report outlines the changes that were made and the lessons learned from the work KI did during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now available to read online in its entirety. Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:06:58 +0100 https://news.ki.se/mucosal-antibodies-in-the-airways-provide-durable-protection-against-sars-cov-2 High levels of mucosal IgA antibodies in the airways protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least eight months. Omicron infection generates durable mucosal antibodies, reducing the risk of re-infection. These are the findings of a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital in Sweden. The results raise further hope for the feasibility of future nasal vaccine platforms to protect against infection. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 17:38:43 +0100 https://news.ki.se/critical-illness-myopathy-common-condition-in-intensive-care-patients Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a common complication affecting ventilator-treated intensive care patients, which can lead to increased mortality/morbidity, prolonged hospital care, impaired patient quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. reported molecular pathogenesis of CIM during prolonged ICU stay, and potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The study was recently published in Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:16:36 +0100 https://news.ki.se/research-council-grant-for-research-on-antimicrobial-resistance-and-the-societal-impact-of-the-pandemic In its recent call, the Swedish Research Council has awarded in excess of SEK 19 million for six projects at KI. The project receiving the largest grant aims to study the long-term impact of the pandemic on the lifestyle and health of young adults. Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:05:12 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-findings-on-how-to-avert-excessive-weight-loss-from-covid-19 Losing too much weight when infected with COVID-19 has been linked to worse outcomes. Now, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infection fuels blood vessel formation in fat tissues, thus revving up the body’s thermogenic metabolism. Blocking this process by using an existing drug curbed weight loss in mice and hamsters that were infected with the virus, according to the study published in the journal Nature Metabolism. Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:00:05 +0100 https://news.ki.se/researchers-may-have-found-a-new-biomarker-for-acute-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that patients with acute COVID-19 infection have increased levels of the cytokine IL-26 in their blood. Moreover, high IL-26 levels correlate with an exaggerated inflammatory response that signifies severe cases of the disease. The findings, which are presented in Frontiers in Immunology, indicate that IL-26 is a potential biomarker for severe COVID-19.   Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:39:50 +0100 https://news.ki.se/covid-19-linked-to-excessive-destruction-of-connections-between-nerve-cells-in-new-brain-model Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have in a new study used cellular reprogramming to create human three-dimensional brain models and infected these models with SARS-CoV-2. In infected models, the brain immune cells excessively eliminated synapses and acquired a gene expression pattern mimicking what has been observed in neurodegenerative disorders. The findings could help to identify new treatments against persistent cognitive symptoms after a Covid-19 infection. Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:49:59 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-omicron-subvariant-largely-evades-neutralizing-antibodies A study at Karolinska Institutet shows that the coronavirus variant BA.2.75.2, an Omicron sublineage, largely evades neutralizing antibodies in the blood and is resistant to several monoclonal antibody antiviral treatments. The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, suggest a risk of increased SARS-CoV-2 infections this winter, unless the new updated bivalent vaccines help to boost immunity in the population. Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:29:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/hugo-zeberg-on-his-nobel-prize-awarded-colleague-ive-learnt-a-lot-from-him Many people were delighted to hear that Professor Svante Pääbo has been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, particularly so Hugo Zeberg, researcher at Karolinska Institutet. He has collaborated with Svante Pääbo for years, not least on the work to find Neanderthal genes that can influence how ill different people become after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:43:55 +0200 https://news.ki.se/positive-effects-of-omega-3-on-the-immune-system-in-cases-of-severe-covid-19-0 Intravenous treatment with omega-3 fatty acids in elderly hospitalised patients in intensive care due to COVID-19 seems to have positive effects on the ability of the immune system to cope with the virus, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet. In the future, the study, published in the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine, could lead to a complementary, cost-effective treatment for COVID-19. Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:40:44 +0200 https://news.ki.se/understanding-health-inequities-and-how-to-reduce-them Have a car. Don’t be poor. Don’t have a stressful job. Age, gender and socioeconomics are some of the factors that affect your risk of developing an illness and of dying prematurely. Sweden has set the goal of levelling out influenceable health gaps within one generation. But is this goal realistic? And why is it so difficult to achieve? Read an article series about health inequities from the Swedish magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap. Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:48:49 +0200 https://news.ki.se/higher-risk-of-serious-covid-19-complications-in-children-with-immunodeficiency Children with certain immunodeficiency diseases carry mutations in genes that regulate the body’s immune system against viral infections and they have a higher mortality rate due to COVID-19. This is according to a study by researchers from Karolinska Institutet, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:00:07 +0200 https://news.ki.se/mucosal-antibodies-in-the-airways-protect-against-omicron-infection High levels of mucosal antibodies in the airways reduce the risk of being infected by omicron, but many do not receive detectable antibodies in the airways despite three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. These are the findings of a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital. Wed, 14 Sep 2022 23:00:06 +0200 https://news.ki.se/review-and-commentary-on-the-national-covid-19-commission-inquiry Sweden initially chose a different disease prevention and control path during the pandemic than many other European countries. In June 2020, the Swedish Government established a national Commission to examine the management of COVID-19 in Sweden. In a review, Professor Jonas F Ludvigsson summarizes and comments on the findings of the commission inquiry. The review is published in Acta Paediatrica. Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:20:45 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-findings-suggest-new-omicron-ba275-is-as-susceptible-to-antibodies-as-the-currently-dominant-variant In a recent study researchers from Karolinska Institutet, among others, have characterised the new omicron variant BA.2.75, comparing its ability to evade antibodies against current and previous variants. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, suggests that BA.2.75 is not more resistant to antibodies than the currently dominating BA.5, which is positive news. Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:59:50 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-generation-of-corona-vaccine-shows-promising-results Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are developing a coronavirus vaccine designed to be less sensitive to mutations and equipped for future strains. The vaccine showed promising results in mice in a newly published study in EMBO Molecular Medicine, and the researchers now hope to be able to take it to safety studies on humans. Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:31:43 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-in-top-10-of-institutions-with-most-publications-on-covid-19-immunity In a new analysis, Karolinska Institutet is ranked number eight in a list of organizations with the most published articles on COVID-19 and the immune response. KI also stands out as one of the universities that has had the most international collaborations in the field. The analysis was conducted by Chinese researchers without a connection to KI and is published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:23:59 +0200 https://news.ki.se/single-clinical-test-provides-more-answers-about-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet present the results of a refined clinical COVID-19 test, which has been used to track the spread of the Omicron variant in real time in the Swedish population. The study, published in the journal Med, provides new insights into the dominance transition of Omicron sublineages that occurred consistently across the world. Wed, 10 Aug 2022 09:08:13 +0200 https://news.ki.se/metabolic-changes-in-immune-cells-linked-to-covid-19-severity The clinical outcome and severity of COVID-19 cannot be explained by a single factor like age, gender, or comorbidities. A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has identified potential determinants of COVID-19 severity at the cellular level using advanced systems biology analysis. The findings, published in the journal Cell Systems, offer insights into the metabolic tug-of-war in the human body and its association with disease severity. Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:22:29 +0200 https://news.ki.se/risk-factors-for-severe-covid-19-complication-in-children-investigated-in-swedish-population-based-study Severe acute COVID-19 is very rare in children, but SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger a novel post infectious condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a potentially serious condition, and so far, little has been known on risk factors for developing MIS-C. Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:20:46 +0200 https://news.ki.se/omicron-elicits-lower-antibody-responses-in-individuals-with-prior-covid-19-infection Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Danderyd Hospital have followed participants who have received three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and compared their immune responses after Omicron infection. The results, which are published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, show that Omicron infection elicits significantly higher antibody responses in individuals without prior COVID-19 infection as compared to previously infected individuals. Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:50:26 +0200 https://news.ki.se/gene-variant-influences-blood-clot-risk-in-severe-covid-19 Researchers at Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet are one step closer to explaining why COVID-19 patients have a substantially increased risk of blood clots. The study, published in Nature Immunology, shows that a gene variant in the innate immune system influences the risk for blood clots in the lungs of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Tue, 31 May 2022 09:01:07 +0200 https://news.ki.se/mrna-booster-vaccines-may-be-a-good-investment-in-resource-poor-countries Vaccines based on inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus are commonly used in resource-poor countries due to their low cost. New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that a booster shot of mRNA vaccine to individuals who have received two doses of inactivated vaccine offers the same level of protection against COVID-19 as three doses of mRNA vaccine. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications. Fri, 13 May 2022 12:59:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/mini-kidneys-help-understand-the-link-between-diabetes-and-severe-covid-19 A team of scientists including at Karolinska Institutet has used mini-kidneys simulating those of diabetic patients to further our understanding of the link between diabetes and COVID-19. The researchers found that diabetic mini-kidneys have a higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection than non-diabetic mini-kidneys. The study, which is published in the journal Cell Metabolism, also identified genetic evidence for the essential role of the ACE2 receptor in COVID-19. Thu, 12 May 2022 17:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/back-to-the-future-researchers-teachers-and-students-on-life-after-the-pandemic The pandemic still effects people around the world, but as restrictions are lifted, there are new challenges. At Karolinska Institutet, teachers are faced with hybrid teaching, researchers will return to previous research and students will find their way back to routines on campus. Here, they talk about the time before and during the pandemic and after restrictions were lifted. Thu, 12 May 2022 12:17:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/air-pollution-linked-to-higher-risk-of-covid-19-in-young-adults Residential exposure to ambient air pollutants is linked to an elevated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, an observational study of young adults in Stockholm, Sweden shows. The study was conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and is published in JAMA Network Open. Wed, 20 Apr 2022 17:00:06 +0200 https://news.ki.se/the-first-study-to-demonstrate-active-sars-cov-2-in-air A recent study published in Indoor Air by Antonio Rothfuchs et al, is the first to demonstrate active SARS-CoV-2 in air. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was recovered from the air in rooms occupied by COVID-19 patients. This result strongly supports the aerosol route of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 and urges the revision of infection control frameworks for COVID-19 to include airborne transmission. Tue, 05 Apr 2022 13:49:17 +0200 https://news.ki.se/alpaca-nanobodies-potently-neutralize-sars-cov-2-variants Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a novel strategy for identifying potent miniature antibodies, so-called nanobodies, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach led to the discovery of multiple nanobodies that in cell cultures and mice effectively blocked infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings, which are described in the journals Nature Communications and Science Advances, could pave the way for new treatments against COVID-19. Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:00:08 +0100 https://news.ki.se/no-increase-in-pregnancy-complications-after-covid-19-vaccination Vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications, according to a large-scale registry study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health published in the journal JAMA. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:00:09 +0100 https://news.ki.se/the-scientific-race-to-understand-the-omicron-variant Late last year, preliminary studies revealed that the fast-spreading Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant was likely to evade COVID-19 antibodies but, in many people, less so than expected. Now one of those studies from Karolinska Institutet has been published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. KI researcher Ben Murrell explains the findings and recalls the rush to understand the new variant. Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:04:41 +0100 https://news.ki.se/severe-covid-19-linked-to-increased-risk-of-long-term-anxiety-and-depression People who were bedridden for at least a week due to COVID-19 were more likely to experience anxiety and depression for up to 16 months after the infection, compared with those who only had mild symptoms or were never infected. That is according to a large study based on data from six countries and conducted by an international team of researchers including those from Karolinska Institutet and the University of Iceland. The findings are published in The Lancet Public Health. Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:03:29 +0100 https://news.ki.se/elevated-inflammation-persists-in-immune-cells-months-after-mild-covid-19 There is a lack of understanding as to why some people suffer from long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), both in Germany, now demonstrates that a certain type of immune cell called macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19. The findings are published in the journal Mucosal Immunology. Tue, 15 Mar 2022 02:00:06 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-thesis-on-b-cell-responses-to-sars-cov-2 Tyler Sandberg, Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge is defending his thesis "B cell responses to human flavivirus vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection" on March 18, 2022. Main Supervisor is Professor Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren. Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:28:48 +0100 https://news.ki.se/johan-von-schreeb-named-director-of-the-new-centre-for-health-crises Johan von Schreeb, professor of global disaster medicine and director of the Centre for Research on Health Care in Disasters at Karolinska Institutet, has been named director of KI’s newly established Centre for Health Crises. The aim is to create a center based on KI’s knowledge and capability, that finds connections between groups and people, with the aim of increasing preparedness for a new pandemic or health crisis. Thu, 24 Feb 2022 15:35:41 +0100 https://news.ki.se/european-volunteer-registry-to-boost-capacity-for-clinical-studies-on-vaccines The EU-funded research network Vaccelerate has now opened a European volunteer-registry of study participants for research on COVID-19 vaccines. The aim of this initiative is to boost the capacity for clinical studies on COVID-19 vaccines in the EU, but also to support vaccine research in future pandemics. Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:35:18 +0100 https://news.ki.se/covid-19-genetic-risk-variant-protects-against-hiv The major genetic risk variant for severe COVID-19, one we inherited from Neandertals, is associated with a 27 percent lower risk of HIV infection. This is according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany published in the journal PNAS. Mon, 21 Feb 2022 21:00:05 +0100 https://news.ki.se/why-natural-killer-cells-react-to-covid-19 Little has been known to date about how the immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells detect which cells have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. An international team of scientist led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet now shows that NK cells respond to a certain peptide on the surface of infected cells. The study, which is published in Cell Reports, is an important piece of the puzzle in our understanding of how the immune system reacts to COVID-19. Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:02:14 +0100 https://news.ki.se/how-virus-variants-evolve Hopefully we are nearing the end of the pandemic. But the virus is still there and scientists expect that new variants may emerge. Making us more sick, however, is not on the viral agenda. Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:40:20 +0100 https://news.ki.se/the-nordic-pandemic-network-gathered-to-discuss-inequity-and-vulnerability-in-relation-to-covid-19 Over the course of two half-days students, researchers, & implementers from a range of disciplines gathered online to examine matters of inequity and vulnerability in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nordic countries. The event was hosted by the Nordic Pandemic Network, an interdisciplinary collaboration on COVID-19 & its impact in the Nordic region, which KI is a part of along with The University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University, University of Stavanger & Hanken School of Economics. Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:21:08 +0100 https://news.ki.se/telemedicine-in-primary-healthcare-during-the-first-year-of-the-covid-19-pandemic Researchers from LIME have recently published two reports for Region Stockholm in which they investigate the use of telemedicine in primary healthcare during first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:23:50 +0100 https://news.ki.se/persistent-t-cell-response-to-omicron-after-infection-and-vaccination The omicron variant can partly evade the antibody response provided by vaccination or infection with previous variants of SARS-CoV-2. However, T cells still recognise omicron, scientists at Karolinska Institutet report in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine. Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:42:15 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ki-researchers-studied-baricitinib-as-possible-covid-treatment-gets-green-light-from-who WHO experts are now recommending using the drug baricitinib to treat severe COVID-19 infection. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet were involved in the early analysis of the drug’s efficacy against the disease: “I myself would’ve benefited from it when I got COVID-19,” says adjunct professor Ali Mirazimi. Mon, 17 Jan 2022 08:27:00 +0100 https://news.ki.se/protective-gene-variant-against-covid-19-identified An international metastudy led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet has identified a specific gene variant that protects against severe COVID-19 infection. The researchers managed to pinpoint the variant by studying people of different ancestries, a feat they say highlights the importance of conducting clinical trials that include people of diverse descents. The results are published in the journal Nature Genetics. Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:00:06 +0100 https://news.ki.se/he-is-awarded-the-erc-stg-for-research-on-killer-t-cells-in-body-organs KI researcher Marcus Buggert has been awarded the prestigious ERC Starting Grant for his research on human cell-mediated immunity against virus diseases. In all, the European Research Council through this call will invest EUR 619 million in 397 young research leaders. Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:34:18 +0100 https://news.ki.se/state-of-the-art-covid-19-conference-global-pandemic-preparedness For the second year in a row the Swedish Society of Medicine (Svenska Läkarsällskapet) together with its associations and main partner Karolinska Institutet arranged the State of the Art Covid-19 conference. One of the keynote lectures discussed the future global pandemic preparedness and suggestions from two international independent expert panels presented by Sweden's and Norway's Ambassadors for Global Health. Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:02:47 +0100 https://news.ki.se/asymptomatic-healthcare-workers-may-have-contributed-to-the-spread-of-sars-cov-2 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have charted the number of healthcare workers in Stockholm who were on duty during the first wave of the pandemic despite being infected with SARS-CoV-2, having been asymptomatic at the time. The results of the study, which is published in the journal PLOS ONE, present very low figures but the researchers believe that this could still have affected the spread of infection. Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:38:49 +0100 https://news.ki.se/good-vaccine-news-counters-online-skepticism-but-only-for-a-limited-time Media coverage of positive vaccine research can have a positive effect on overall social media sentiment – countering vaccine misinformation – but the effects wane over time. Researchers at Oxford University and Karolinska Institutet have analysed social media to investigate associations between vaccine-related major news announcements, and attitudes towards vaccines. Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:10:18 +0100 https://news.ki.se/erika-jonsson-laukka-awarded-project-grant-from-the-swedish-research-council KI researcher Erika Jonsson Laukka has been granted a project grant from the Swedish Research Council for her research within post-COVID syndrome. Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:54:25 +0100 https://news.ki.se/likely-lower-risks-of-adverse-pregnancy-outcomes-from-sars-cov-2-than-previously-feared The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 is likely lower than several earlier studies have suggested, a national study of all pregnant Swedish women tested for SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and January 2021 reports. The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, shows that the association varies widely depending on the routines used for testing pregnant women. Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:22:29 +0100 https://news.ki.se/covid-19-immunity-in-young-swedish-adults-investigated Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have analysed the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and memory cells of the immune system in young adults. The results, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, show that over one in four had antibodies due to the infection. Fewer of these individuals had measurable levels of memory B and T cells compared with other age groups. The researchers will now study long COVID in young adults and the effects of vaccination on immunity. Mon, 25 Oct 2021 17:10:47 +0200 https://news.ki.se/two-vaccine-doses-boost-antibody-levels-in-the-airways-after-covid-19 Antibodies in the airways quickly wane after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but vaccination results in a strong increase in antibody levels, especially after two doses, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal JCI Insight. The results suggest that having a second dose of vaccine also after recovering from COVID-19 may be important for protecting against re-infection and to prevent transmission. Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:08:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/statins-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-death-from-covid-19-in-major-population-study Statins are a recommended and common intervention for preventing cardiovascular events by reducing levels of lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood. During the pandemic, it has been debated whether statins influence the risk of death from COVID-19. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now conducted the largest population study to date in the field. The study, which is published in PLOS Medicine, indicates that statin treatment slightly lowers COVID-19 mortality. Thu, 14 Oct 2021 20:57:20 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-biomarker-for-severe-covid-19 During the pandemic, it has become evident that people with cardiovascular disease and obesity are at much higher risk of developing very severe, even fatal COVID-19 disease. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified some metabolic processes that SARS-CoV-2 uses to attack lung tissue. The results, which are published in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, could one day be used to treat COVID-19, and potentially for other viruses like the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and HIV-1. Fri, 08 Oct 2021 08:34:06 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-seminar-on-the-pandemic-and-future-health-threats-the-world-was-unprepared At the end of September, a seminar tilted “How can we prepare ourselves for the next health crisis?” was held at KI with an expert panel including representatives of the Swedish Public Health Agency, the National Board of Health and Welfare and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. Anders Nordström, the Swedish Ambassador for Global Health and Secretary of the WHO’s Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR), spoke on the WHO report “COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic”. Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:51:42 +0200 https://news.ki.se/covid-19-pandemic-no-significant-change-in-swedens-suicide-rates-in-2020 In a new report, the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm examined how suicide rates have changed in Sweden in 2020.  Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:55:08 +0200 https://news.ki.se/innate-immune-response-may-predict-covid-19-severity COVID-19 disease severity seems to be affected by the characteristics of white blood cells called granulocytes, which are part of the innate immune system. Combined measurements of granulocytes and well-known biomarkers in the blood can predict the severity of the disease, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet. The results are published in the journal PNAS and may eventually contribute to more tailored treatments for COVID-19 patients. Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:45:50 +0200 https://news.ki.se/underweight-and-malnutrition-but-not-obesity-are-risk-factors-for-older-adults-dying-from-covid-19 A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition shows that underweight and malnutrition are risk factors for in-hospital mortality in geriatric COVID-19 patients. The study was performed at Karolinska Institutet in collaboration with Theme Inflammation & Aging at Karolinska University Hospital and geriatric clinics in the Stockholm Region. Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:54:52 +0200 https://news.ki.se/40-simple-steps-to-reduce-deaths-from-critical-illness Critical illness results in millions of deaths globally every year, many of which could be avoided with basic, life-saving care. Now, a new study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet outlines a baseline bundle of care interventions that global experts agree should be available for all critically ill patients. The study, published in the journal BMJ Global Health, provides a blueprint for hospitals on how to reduce preventable deaths, including from COVID-19. Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:06 +0200 https://news.ki.se/genetic-risk-factors-for-severe-covid-19-identified In March 2020, thousands of researchers across the globe joined forces to answer the question of why some COVID-19 patients develop a severe, life-threatening disease, while others manage with mild or no symptoms. A comprehensive summary of their findings to date, based on the analyses of nearly 50,000 patients and published in Nature today, reveals 13 genetic regions that are strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19. Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:00:04 +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/ki-is-establishing-a-centre-for-health-crises On 1 July 2021, a new virtual centre – the Centre for Health Crises – will be established at Karolinska Institutet. The COVID-19 pandemic has indicated that in the event of acute health threats and pandemics, universities and colleges must be able to quickly change their research, education, and other activities to help solve urgent needs. Mon, 21 Jun 2021 10:39:45 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-awarded-grant-for-follow-up-studies-of-covid-19-vaccines Two research environments from Karolinska Institutet have been awarded grants for follow-up studies of COVID-19 vaccines. In total, six research environments from five universities will share SEK 100 million from the Swedish Research Council. The research environments are based on collaborations between different regions, and will focus on different aspects of health and medical care needs. Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:43:01 +0200 https://news.ki.se/self-monitoring-with-smartwatch-ecg-in-a-new-long-covid-triage-study By end of 2021 Sweden will probably have up to 100,000 Long COVID patients and globally there will be more than 20 million. These estimates are based on current rates of infection and that 10% of patients have longer term symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. Fri, 04 Jun 2021 15:44:21 +0200 https://news.ki.se/national-covid-19-portal-an-important-resource-for-data-sharing A Swedish COVID-19 data portal has now been in operation for a year and forms part of a European network aimed at promoting data sharing and access to data-related resources. The data portal has contributed to increased support for a large number of research projects and publications. Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/covid-x-16-ai-projects-selected Meet the 16 COVID-X Data and AI Solutions selected in the Open Call #1 Fri, 21 May 2021 10:02:41 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-receives-sek-65-million-in-funding-for-covid-19-research Thirteen KI researchers have received funding from the Heart-Lung Foundation for their research on the new coronavirus. The grants total SEK 6.5 million, with approximately 40 per cent of the grants being distributed by the Heart-Lung Foundation (2021). The focus of the research is on the aftermath of COVID-19 where the disease has caused late complications on the heart, vessels and lungs. A total of SEK 15.7 million was distributed to 30 research projects at six different universities. Fri, 07 May 2021 16:20:39 +0200 https://news.ki.se/low-risk-of-infection-in-babies-born-to-mothers-with-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Public Health Agency of Sweden have studied newborn babies whose mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy or childbirth. The results show that although babies born of test-positive mothers are more likely to be born early, extremely few were infected with COVID-19. The study, which is published in the esteemed journal JAMA, supports the Swedish recommendation not to separate mother and baby after delivery. Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:00:07 +0200 https://news.ki.se/malin-nygren-bonnier-receives-funding-from-the-swedish-heart-lung-foundation Malin Nygren-Bonnier, docent and head of the Division of Physiotherapy has been awarded a research grant from the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation. Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:11:38 +0200 https://news.ki.se/interview-with-qiang-pan-hammarstrom New weapon in the fight against Covid-19, while waiting for the vaccine. Listen to what Professor Qiang Pan-Hammarström at the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, says in an interview in the newspaper Expressen. Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:08:05 +0200 https://news.ki.se/one-in-ten-have-long-term-effects-8-months-following-mild-covid-19 Eight months after mild COVID-19, one in ten people still has at least one moderate to severe symptom that is perceived as having a negative impact on their work, social or home life. The most common long-term symptoms are a loss of smell and taste and fatigue. This is according to a study published in the journal JAMA, conducted by researchers at Danderyd Hospital and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:54:28 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-findings-from-snac-k-how-did-the-first-wave-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-impact-the-health-and-lives-of-swedish-elderly As the pandemic lingers on, more and more emphasis is being placed on the indirect, negative effects (i.e. collateral damage) of the pandemic and related restrictions. Sweden took a relatively lenient approach towards mitigating the pandemic during the spring of 2020, relying on voluntary adherence to recommendations and encouraging elderly to stay at home, avoid social gatherings and public transportation, and to remain physically active outdoors in a safe manner. Wed, 07 Apr 2021 11:18:09 +0200 https://news.ki.se/covid-x-project-is-the-project-of-the-month The European Commission has chosen COVID-X as project of the month. The project is supporting SMEs to advance their solutions in the fight against COVID-19. Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:19:59 +0200 https://news.ki.se/double-antibody-against-sars-cov-2-prevents-therapy-resistant-variants An international consortium that includes researchers at Karolinska Institutet has developed a ‘double antibody’ that targets two different sites of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby preventing the virus from mutating to resist the therapy. A study published in the scientific journal Nature shows that the antibody potently neutralises SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and protects against COVID-19 in mice. Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:00:03 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ongoing-study-is-testing-the-covid-19-vaccine-on-patients-with-compromised-immune-systems Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are investigating the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in a new study on patients with compromised immune systems, who can become seriously ill if they are affected by COVID-19. On February 23, the first patient in the study was vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine at Karolinska University Hospital. So far, the project has received two grants from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation of SEK 10 million in total. Fri, 05 Mar 2021 11:21:13 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-results-from-the-finger-study-how-the-covid-19-pandemic-has-impacted-the-lifestyle-and-behaviors-of-older-adults-at-risk-of-dementia How have social distancing and quarantine measures affected older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic? Recent research lead by Professor Miia Kivipelto’s team provides some important insights – there were several negative effects but at the same time many lifestyles and behaviors did not substantially change during the first wave of the pandemic, and some even improved. Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:28:23 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ki-participates-in-the-construction-of-a-vaccine-network-in-the-eu The European Commission has launched a contingency plan to meet the challenge of the various mutations of the coronavirus. KI and Karolinska University Hospital are contributing to a new network for the evaluation and testing of new vaccines. Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:03:24 +0100 https://news.ki.se/neandertal-gene-variants-both-increase-and-decrease-the-risk-for-severe-covid-19 Last year, researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany showed that a major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 is inherited from Neandertals. Now the same researchers show, in a study published in PNAS, that Neandertals also contributed a protective variant. Half of all people outside Africa carry a Neandertal gene variant that reduces the risk of needing intensive care for COVID-19 by 20 percent. Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:51:33 +0100 https://news.ki.se/professor-kenneth-chien-about-moderna-and-the-covid-19-vaccine The success of the mRNA-based vaccines is a boost for the entire mRNA field and can lead to new treatments for completely different diseases. This is the view of Kenneth Chien, professor at Karolinska Institutet and co-founder of Moderna, one of the companies that has now developed a vaccine against COVID-19. Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:44:59 +0100 https://news.ki.se/anticancer-drug-may-improve-outcome-for-severe-covid-19-patients Treating severe COVID-19 patients with the anticancer drug bevacizumab may reduce mortality and speed up recovery, according to a small clinical study in Italy and China that was led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden between February and April 2020. On average, blood oxygen levels, body temperature and inflammatory markers significantly improved in patients treated with a single dose of bevacizumab in addition to standard care. The research is published in Nature Communications. Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:00:03 +0100 https://news.ki.se/covid-19-vaccine-from-new-vaccine-platform-effective-in-mice It is necessary to develop additional COVID-19 vaccines, as different vaccine approaches have their advantages and disadvantages and may work synergistically. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden now report that they have developed a prototype vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 using a DNA vaccine platform that is inexpensive, stable, easy to produce, and shows a good safety profile. A study published in Scientific Reports shows that the vaccine induces potent immune responses in mice. Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:14:49 +0100 https://news.ki.se/myeloid-immune-cells-in-the-blood-tied-to-severe-covid-19 Individual variations in how the immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 appear to impact the severity of disease. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now been able to show that patients with severe COVID-19 have significantly elevated levels of a certain type of immune cells in their blood, called myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation may bring an increased understanding of how early immune responses impact disease severity. Tue, 26 Jan 2021 09:43:03 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-small-antibodies-show-promising-effects-against-covid-19-infection Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed, in collaboration with researchers in Germany and the U.S., new small antibodies, also known as nanobodies, which prevent the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus from entering human cells. The research study, published in Science, shows that a combined nanobody had a particularly good effect – even if the virus mutated. According to the researchers, the nanobodies have the potential to be developed into a treatment for COVID-19. Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:00:04 +0100 https://news.ki.se/low-risk-of-severe-covid-19-in-children So far, little research has been done on the risk of children being seriously affected by COVID-19 when the schools were open. A study from Karolinska Institutet has now shown that one child in 130,000 was treated in an intensive care unit on account of COVID-19 during the period March-June. The work has been published as a letter to the editor in New England Journal of Medicine. Wed, 06 Jan 2021 23:08:44 +0100 https://news.ki.se/new-research-may-explain-severe-virus-attacks-on-the-lungs In some cases, immune cells in the lungs can contribute to worsening a virus attack. In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet describe how different kinds of immune cells, called macrophages, develop in the lungs and which of them may be behind severe lung diseases. The study, which was published in Immunity, may contribute to future treatments for COVID-19, among other diseases. Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:11:02 +0100 https://news.ki.se/funding-from-formasforte-funding-for-research-on-the-changes-in-the-living-conditions-of-older-people-during-the-pandemic Carin Lennartsson has been granted funding to collect data and research materials linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is entitled “The Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old – SWEOLD COVID-19”. Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:19:49 +0100 https://news.ki.se/nok-10-million-to-rosaria-galanti-to-investigate-tobacco-use-and-covid-19 Rosaria Galanti receives NOK 10 million from NordForsk. The grant is awarded for collaborative projects between Nordic and Baltic Countries concerning clinical and public health aspects of COVID-19, especially in combination with the use of tobacco such as smoking and snus. Fri, 11 Dec 2020 10:54:57 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ongoing-anticoagulant-treatment-does-not-seem-to-protect-against-severe-covid-19 DOAC (direct oral anticoagulant) pills are used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation by preventing blood clots. Even though blood clots are thought to contribute to complications from the new coronavirus infection, users of this class of drug do not seem to be protected against severe COVID-19, reports a large Swedish registry study from Karolinska Institutet published in The Journal of Internal Medicine. Tue, 01 Dec 2020 11:36:33 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ras-inhibitors-not-linked-to-increased-risk-of-death-from-covid-19 Concerns have been raised that the use of a common group of medications called RAS inhibitors could facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection, impact COVID-19 disease severity and worsen prognosis. However, in a new nationwide registry-based study from Karolinska Institutet, including almost 1.4 million patients, use of RAS inhibitors was not associated with increased risk of hospitalisation or death from COVID-19. The study has been published in the European Journal of Heart Failure. Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:03:16 +0100 https://news.ki.se/digital-cbt-effective-for-severe-covid-19-worry Worry about COVID-19 dominates some people’s lives in a way that has an impact on their health. A group of researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has developed a digital CBT programme that significantly reduced the participants’ unhelpful worry about the pandemic. The study is published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and the programme is available through 1177 Vårdguiden. Fri, 20 Nov 2020 10:02:06 +0100 https://news.ki.se/promising-results-from-in-vitro-combination-therapy-against-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report promising results from an in vitro combination therapy against COVID-19. In a study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the researchers show that a combination of remdesivir, an approved drug against COVID-19, and hrsACE2, a medicine currently in phase II trials for COVID-19 treatment, reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibited viral replication in cell cultures and organoids. Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:22:39 +0100 https://news.ki.se/baricitinib-treatment-linked-to-reduced-mortality-in-covid-19-patients The rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib can block viral entry and reduce mortality in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19, according to translational research by an international team coordinated by researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, support the continuation of ongoing randomized clinical trials. Fri, 13 Nov 2020 20:00:03 +0100 https://news.ki.se/synthetic-antibody-can-block-sars-cov-2-infection By screening hundreds of synthetic antibodies, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and EMBL Hamburg in Germany have identified an antibody that may prevent the new coronavirus from infecting human cells. The study, which is published in the journal Nature Communications, also shows how antibodies can be quickly produced in the event of future pandemics. Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:00:04 +0100 https://news.ki.se/neandertal-gene-variant-increases-risk-of-severe-covid-19 A study published in Nature shows that a segment of DNA that causes their carriers to have an up to three times higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 is inherited from Neandertals. The study was conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Wed, 30 Sep 2020 11:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/strong-activation-of-anti-bacterial-t-cells-linked-to-severe-covid-19 A type of anti-bacterial T cells, so-called MAIT cells, are strongly activated in people with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease, according to a study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden that is published in the journal Science Immunology. The findings contribute to increased understanding about how our immune system responds against COVID-19 infection. Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:00:04 +0200 https://news.ki.se/immunological-cause-of-severe-covid-19-identified More than 10 percent of young and previously healthy people who develop severe COVID-19 have misguided antibodies that attack the immune system itself, and another 3.5 percent carry a specific genetic mutation. This is according to new research published in Science by an international consortium involving researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Fri, 25 Sep 2020 08:24:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/sars-cov-2-during-pregnancy-was-not-associated-with-complications-in-neonates In a study published in JAMA researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital have examined the association between a positive SARS-CoV-2 test during pregnancy and complications in mothers and their newborn babies. Almost two out of three pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were asymptomatic and the researchers found no higher prevalence of complications during delivery or of ill-health in the neonates. However, preeclampsia was more common in infected women. Wed, 23 Sep 2020 17:14:29 +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/ki-researchers-in-eu-funded-covid-19-projects Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are taking part in three projects funded as part of the EU’s second major investment in research on the new coronavirus sars-cov-2, COVID-19 and the pandemic. The total research grant for KI amounts to just over SEK 14 million. Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:18:43 +0200 https://news.ki.se/they-changed-track-because-of-corona When the coronavirus pandemic struck, a great many researchers put aside their current projects to devote themselves completely to the new virus. Meet three of those whose working life took an unexpected turn. Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:06:48 +0200 https://news.ki.se/rare-hyperinflammatory-syndrome-in-children-with-covid-19-described Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Science for Life Laboratory in Sweden and Tor Vergata University of Rome in Italy have mapped the immune response in children affected by a rare but life-threatening inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19. The study, which is published in the scientific journal Cell, reveals that the inflammatory response differs from that in Kawasaki disease and severe acute COVID-19. Mon, 07 Sep 2020 12:25:59 +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/new-eu-innovation-action-grant-for-research-project-covid-x The Unit for Bioentrepreneurship (UBE) and the Health Informatics Centre (HIC) at the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, have been granted an EU Innovation Action Grant for the project COVID-X, which aims to contribute to the public health preparedness and response in the context of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 and to ensure the availability of critical technologies and tools. Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:48:21 +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/the-spring-semester-involved-a-major-transition-for-teachers-and-students Since 15 June, the requirements for distance learning have been eased and this autumn there will be a gradual return to KI's campus. But the unusual spring semester has yielded valuable lessons and experiences. Head of Division Ann Langius-Eklöf and lecturer Carina Georg recount what it was like for the nursing education programmes – to work against the clock. Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:30:49 +0200 https://news.ki.se/distance-learning-imposed-completely-new-demands On 17 March 2020, the Public Health Agency of Sweden encourages Swedish universities and upper-secondary schools to conduct distance learning in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The campus closes on 18 March, but teaching must continue. For KI’s teachers, it’s the start of an intensive undertaking, one that proved particularly challenging for the Unit for Teaching and Learning. Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:20:31 +0200 https://news.ki.se/early-nk-cell-mediated-immune-response-may-contribute-to-severe-covid-19 Researchers may have come one step closer toward understanding how the immune system contributes to severe COVID-19. In a study published in Science Immunology, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden show that so-called natural killer (NK) cells were strongly activated early after SARS-CoV-2 infection but that the type of activation differed in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. The discovery contributes to our understanding of development of hyperinflammation in some patients. Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:00:03 +0200 https://news.ki.se/frailty-a-better-prognostic-factor-than-age-for-predicting-covid-19-survival New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that the degree of frailty, a measure of a person’s functional level before contracting the disease, can better predict COVID-19 survival than the patient’s age. The analysis of 250 multimorbid older adults who received care for COVID-19 at the Aging Theme at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge, Sweden also shows that three out of four of these patients survived. The study has been published in the scientific journal JAMDA. Wed, 19 Aug 2020 08:12:14 +0200 https://news.ki.se/letter-terms-physical-distancing-and-emotional-closeness-should-be-used-and-not-social-distancing-when-defeating-the-covid-19-pandemic COVID-19 hits nations worldwide. Social restrictions are being put in place in an effort to limit the spread of the corona virus and save lives. Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:13:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/immunity-to-covid-19-is-probably-higher-than-tests-have-shown A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital shows that many people with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 demonstrate so-called T-cell-mediated immunity to the new coronavirus, even if they have not tested positively for antibodies. According to the researchers, this means that public immunity is probably higher than antibody tests suggest. The article has been published in the esteemed scientific journal Cell. [This news article has been updated] Tue, 18 Aug 2020 08:45:00 +0200 https://news.ki.se/sek-320000-to-nicola-crosetto-for-the-development-of-mass-tests-aiming-to-map-the-novel-coronavirus The pharmaceutical company Chiesi donates SEK 320,000 to a research project at Karolinska Institutet to develop a new method for large scale COVID-19 tests. The goal is to be able to follow the development of the virus in populations and community groups. The project is led by Nicola Crosetto, researcher at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:45:43 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-insights-into-the-immune-systems-role-in-severe-covid-19 By conducting advanced analyses of immune system activation in patients with severe COVID-19, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have managed to identify several cell types that play a key part in the immune response to the new coronavirus and the hyperinflammation seen in severe cases of the disease. The results are published in the scientific journal Cell Reports Medicine. Fri, 07 Aug 2020 17:16:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/antirheumatic-drug-linked-to-reduced-ventilator-time-for-patients-with-severe-covid-19 The drug tocilizumab, which is used in the treatment of various forms of arthritis, is associated with shorter time on ventilation and shorter hospital stays for patients with severe COVID-19, a new study from Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital published in The Journal of Internal Medicine reports. Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:14:38 +0200 https://news.ki.se/cloth-face-masks-can-reduce-the-spread-of-sars-cov-2 A literature review coordinated by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and McMaster University in Canada demonstrates that cloth face masks provide clinically useful levels of filtration, which has the potential to reduce the spread of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. The findings, now published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, support the wearing of cloth masks to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, according to the researchers. Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:32:40 +0200 https://news.ki.se/brain-injury-in-covid-19-is-revealed-by-magnetic-resonance-imaging-and-computed-tomography Injuries in the nervous system of patients with severe COVID-19 are revealed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. In a study of 185 patients, researchers at KI and Karolinska University Hospital show an affection of microscopic blood vessels and inflammation in the brain, meninges and nerves. The results are published in Radiology. Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:30:55 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-insights-into-the-cellular-response-to-sars-cov-2-infection The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has created an unprecedented public health challenge globally. Little was known about how the infecting cells respond to the virus and how the virus hijacks the host cellular machinery. A study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet published in Emerging Microbes & Infection gives new insights into the virus-host interplay enabling newer ideas to tackle the virus. Fri, 24 Jul 2020 14:05:49 +0200 https://news.ki.se/new-3d-imaging-method-for-tumour-samples-to-be-used-for-studying-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a new method for analysing intact tumour samples in 3D on a molecular level. The study is a collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital and is published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. Now the researchers are planning to use the method to study tissue samples from COVID-19 patients in the hope that it will provide information on where and how the new coronavirus attacks different organs. Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:00:03 +0200 https://news.ki.se/she-is-the-new-torsten-soderberg-professor Common respiratory bacteria carried in the nose by healthy children, can sometimes cause life-threatening infections. Birgitta Henriques Normark, Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, is investigating why this occurs. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has now awarded her the Torsten Söderberg Academy Professorial Chair in Medicine – a SEK 10 million grant over a period of five years. Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:12:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/rheumatoid-arthritis-drug-shows-promise-against-covid-19-study-finds A drug against rheumatoid arthritis called baricitinib could potentially be repurposed to treat patients with COVID-19, according to a study conducted by an international research team including researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The findings, published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, represent an example of how artificial intelligence (AI)-algorithms could help identify existing drugs as potential therapies against as new illnesses. Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:39:31 +0200 https://news.ki.se/children-unlikely-to-be-the-main-drivers-of-the-covid-19-pandemic It is highly likely that children can transmit the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, but several factors suggest that children are unlikely to be the main drivers of the pandemic. Opening up schools and kindergartens is unlikely to impact COVID-19 mortality rates in older people, according to a systematic review that spanned 47 publications and was conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. The paper is published in the scientific journal Acta Paediatrica. Wed, 20 May 2020 10:22:44 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-researchers-to-evaluate-effect-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-treatment-against-covid-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are coordinating a recently initiated multi-national clinical trial that will evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) in severe cases of COVID-19. A total of 200 adults admitted to hospital with moderately severe COVID-19 pneumonia will be recruited. The trial could start as early as next week at a hospital in Region Blekinge, Sweden. Fri, 15 May 2020 11:54:37 +0200 https://news.ki.se/ki-researcher-coordinates-large-international-coronavirus-project EU-financed Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) has boosted funding for research on diagnostics, medicines and vaccines against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Ali Mirazimi, researcher at Karolinska Institutet and Sweden’s National Veterinary Institute (SVA), coordinates one of eight projects provisionally selected among 144 applicants. Thu, 14 May 2020 11:48:35 +0200 https://news.ki.se/the-search-for-a-coronavirus-vaccine-it-will-take-time The world has essentially hit pause while waiting for a vaccine against the new coronavirus. But vaccine developer Matti Sällberg feels no pressure. “I’m a realist,” he says. “We cannot work any faster than what we already do. Others will be quicker, and therefore we are thinking long-term and focusing on finding a vaccine that can protect against several coronaviruses, including those that may pop up in the future.” Mon, 11 May 2020 14:55:23 +0200 https://news.ki.se/the-immunologist-the-lab-is-my-frontline Immunologist Qiang Pan Hammarström has worked every day since late January to find medicines against the new coronavirus. With her husband and KI-colleague Lennart Hammarström, she coordinates an international research consortium that is working on three tracks to develop treatments against COVID-19. Mon, 11 May 2020 14:11:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/overlooked-protein-could-play-important-part-in-pneumonia-and-covid-19-researchers-say In severe cases of COVID-19, a massive release of the endogenous protein HMGB1 in the lungs may contribute to pulmonary inflammation and tissue damage, according to a recent review article published in the journal Molecular Medicine. The researchers conclude that the inflammation could hypothetically be treated with an HMGB1 inhibitor. Thu, 07 May 2020 17:36:43 +0200 https://news.ki.se/soo-aleman-national-coordinator-of-who-study-a-global-study-will-give-us-better-answers Sweden can contribute solid data to Solidarity, a global study run by the WHO to test the efficacy and safety of drugs considered for use in the treatment of COVID-19, says Soo Aleman, docent and consultant, and coordinator of the Swedish arm of the study. Mon, 04 May 2020 07:50:51 +0200 https://news.ki.se/british-ambassador-to-sweden-visits-ki-to-learn-more-about-covid-19-research The British Ambassador to Sweden, Judith Gough, visited KI on Walpurgis Eve to discuss the COVID-19 research being led by Lars Engstrand at KI and SciLifeLab in collaboration with KTH and with primary funding from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:27:46 +0200 https://news.ki.se/adapting-cancer-care-to-covid-19-pandemic Comprehensively adapting cancer care and clinical cancer research to the COVID-19 pandemic is a necessity, researchers and doctors at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital write in a paper published in the journal Nature Medicine. In it, seven top European cancer centres propose adaptations to protect patients. Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:22:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/unique-opportunity-to-do-research-on-homeschooling An international network of researchers in 10 countries are to study the effectiveness of homeschooling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The gathering of data via online surveys in the various languages is being led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. The aims of the study are to look at the challenges facing families during the COVID-19 pandemic and to produce recommendations and technical methods for both homeschooling and teaching in general. Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:17:15 +0200 https://news.ki.se/its-imperative-that-researchers-from-ki-take-part-in-the-public-discourse-and-debate During the new coronavirus outbreak many researchers at Karolinska Institutet are contributing their competence and views to the public flow of information. Sharing knowledge is important. But researchers, particularly, must also base their reasoning on facts and express themselves clearly, including about matters of uncertainty, says Jan Albert, professor of infectious disease control at Karolinska Institutet and convenor of KI’s COVID-19 expert team. Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:21:37 +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/how-to-sleep-better-during-the-corona-epidemic The outbreak of the new corona virus is the cause of much anxiety, an anxiety that can lead to insomnia. Yet sleep is essential to our mental and physical health. Two psychologists at Karolinska Institutet have now collected some evidence-based tips for getting a good night’s sleep in the pandemic era. Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:15:21 +0200 https://news.ki.se/we-need-emotional-closeness We’re to keep a physical distance to reduce the risk of infection, but it’s now on an emotional level that we need to get closer” says Danuta Wasserman, director of the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP) at Karolinska Institutet. Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:39:31 +0200 https://news.ki.se/minister-visits-ki-to-find-out-more-about-efforts-to-combat-covid-19 On 8 April, Matilda Ernkrans, Minister for Higher Education and Research, visited KI and SciLifeLab, which are coordinating a major COVID-19 diagnosis and research initiative. Under the direction of KI’s president, the Minister observed, amongst other things, how a laboratory at KI is built up to increase its analysis capacity for the testing of hospital staff and patients. Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:12:10 +0200 https://news.ki.se/expert-team-gives-advice-on-research-ethics Karolinska Institutet’s president Ole Petter Ottersen has set up a resource team for research ethics in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team comprises four experts from KI, one of whom is Niklas Juth, senior lecturer and docent of medical ethics and group convenor. Thu, 09 Apr 2020 09:54:43 +0200 https://news.ki.se/trial-drug-may-block-early-stages-of-covid-19-study-in-human-cells-shows A drug already tested against lung disease could potentially inhibit COVID-19 by reducing the coronavirus load that enters the lungs and other organs. That is according to a study in human cell cultures and organoids by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, published in the journal Cell. Thu, 02 Apr 2020 19:52:20 +0200 https://news.ki.se/next-stage-ready-to-enhance-covid-19-diagnoses Karolinska Institutet has now received the test material that will allow scientists to perform 5,000 analyses a day on patient samples. The lab will be ready next week thanks to the swift cooperation of KI researchers and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Thu, 02 Apr 2020 15:44:32 +0200 https://news.ki.se/green-light-for-trial-study-on-using-blood-plasma-from-recovered-covid-19-patients In a small clinical trial just granted approval, about 30 COVID-19 patients at Karolinska University Hospital may soon begin to receive blood plasma from people who have recovered from the disease. Sweden’s Ethical Review Authority has approved the trial treatment, and its effectiveness will be evaluated in a study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Karolinska University Hospital. Thu, 02 Apr 2020 08:53:08 +0200 https://news.ki.se/moral-distress-can-affect-healthcare-personnel-during-covid-19-crisis With rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and a healthcare sector under increasing strain, healthcare personnel can find themselves facing difficult situations and moral challenges. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University have recently published a paper in the journal Prehospital and Disaster Medicine precising what is known about moral distress, its risk and protection factors and likely implications. They also present suggestions about how the adverse effects can be mitigated. Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:53:01 +0100 https://news.ki.se/the-coronavirus-risk-for-increased-suicide-and-self-harm-in-the-society-after-the-pandemic The National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP) wants to raise awareness about the potential increase in suicide and self-harm behavior as a result of the societal impact of the corona pandemic (COVID-19). Risks are linked but not limited to the social, economic and health-related consequences of the pandemic which will continue in the future. Thu, 26 Mar 2020 10:12:46 +0100 https://news.ki.se/milder-symptoms-and-better-prognosis-in-children-with-covid-19 Children infected with the new coronavirus generally have less severe symptoms than adults, they rarely need intensive care and very few child deaths have been reported. This according to a systematic review of COVID-19 in children, based on 45 relevant publications and performed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. The review is published in the scientific journal Acta Paediatrica. Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:16:12 +0100 https://news.ki.se/pandemic-likely-to-go-in-waves-researchers-say Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Basel in Switzerland have produced a mathematical model that shows that the spread of the new coronavirus can decline in the summer and then return in the autumn and winter. The analysis has been published in the scientific journal Swiss Medical Weekly. Fri, 20 Mar 2020 16:13:41 +0100 https://news.ki.se/karolinska-institutet-launches-covid-19-training-for-care-providers-and-medical-staff Karolinska Institutet has launched COVID-19 courses for care providers and medical personnel following a request from the National Board of Health and Welfare. After one week of intense preparation, two online courses are now available. Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:47:50 +0100 https://news.ki.se/doctoral-student-hedvig-glans-is-one-of-the-experts-in-kis-covid-19-team The president of Karolinska Institutet, Professor Ole Petter Ottersen, has established a team of experts for Covid-19 comprising eight of the university’s researchers with expertise in a range of fields related to the spread of infection. One of them is doctoral students Hedvig Glans, assistant consultant and head of inpatient care at Karolinska University Hospital’s infection clinic in Huddinge. Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:57:29 +0100 https://news.ki.se/ki-researcher-part-of-consortium-receiving-sek7m-for-covid-19-therapy-research Professor Ali Mirazimi at Karolinska Institutet is part of a consortium that has received 1 million Canadian dollars (almost 7 million kronor) to try to develop a drug candidate against COVID-19. Mirazimi will assist with in vitro and in vivo infection models for SARS-CoV-2. The project is a collaboration with Canadian and Chinese researchers. Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:39:14 +0100 https://news.ki.se/karolinska-institutet-to-give-covid-19-training Karolinska Institutet’s Centre for Research on Health Care in Disasters has been tasked by the National Board of Health and Welfare to arrange an education, training and practice package (e.g. on the handling of personal protective equipment) for medical personnel in connection with the Covid-19 outbreak. Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:22:49 +0100 https://news.ki.se/vaccine-development-against-coronavirus-enters-next-phase Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are on track to produce a vaccine against the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Several vaccine candidates are currently available in the freezers at the Department of Laboratory Medicine and the first animal studies are slated to begin at the end of March, according to Professor and Head of Department Matti Sällberg who is leading the effort together with virus researcher and Professor Ali Mirazimi and researcher Gustaf Ahlén. Mon, 09 Mar 2020 13:08:46 +0100 https://news.ki.se/three-ki-led-coronavirus-projects-selected-in-eu-funding-round Three coronavirus projects coordinated by researchers at Karolinska Institutet have moved onto the grant negotiation phase in a bid for 9 million euros (95 million kronor) in EU funding. The projects aim to find a vaccine, immunotherapies and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and are being coordinated by KI’s Matti Sällberg, Qiang Pan Hammarström and Benjamin Murrell. Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:54:43 +0100 https://news.ki.se/karolinska-institutet-is-not-the-sender-of-fake-text-messages For some time now, various text messages have been circulated with an invitation to send an e-mail to an e-mail address that includes the words “karolinskainstituten” or “karolinska”. The invitation is justified by the claim that the sender can provide “important info for you about Coronavirus”. These text messages are fake and should not be answered! Karolinska Institutet is not the sender of these text messages. Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:04:54 +0100 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/update-what-we-know-about-the-new-corona-virus The new corona virus continues to spread despite significant measures taken by the authorities in China to stop the outbreak. However, this time the fast response coupled with increased knowledge about the nature of the virus means the world is better placed to handle the outbreak compared to 18 years ago when SARS caused widespread concern, says virus researcher Ali Mirazimi, adjunct professor at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Karolinska Institutet. Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:18:31 +0100