News Archive

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Current Science Issues

 

2012

Genetic regulation of metabolomic biomarkers – paths to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes
The new findings of the researchers at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) may help in elucidating the processes leading to common diseases. The study was published in Nature Genetics.(1.2.2012)

Breast cancer spread triggered by a cleaver-wielding protein on cancer cell’s surface 
Scientists from the University of Helsinki and UCSF have exposed a cell pathway that breast tumor cells use to destruct local tissue neighborhood. Cancer cells may use this pathway to free themselves from mammary epithelial tissue architecture, to spread to surrounding tissues.(23.1.2012)

Lymph vessel researchers are on a quest to fight public health diseases
A European-American research network coordinated by Academy Professor Kari Alitalo is investigating the role of lymph vessels in the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The project has received funding worth six million US dollars from a French foundation (18.1.2012)

Aging-related degeneration can be caused by defects of energy metabolism in tissue stem cells
The findings of the researchers at the University of Helsinki increase the understanding of mechanisms of aging-related degeneration. The results are a breakthrough in revealing the unexpected importance of energy metabolism in regulating stem cell function and tissue maintenance.(10.1.2012)

2011

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus induces reprogramming of lymphatic endothelial cells to invasive mesenchymal cells
Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is an etiological agent for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and two other rare lymphoproliferative malignancies. Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered a novel viral oncogenesis mechanism in which KSHV oncogenes co-opt cellular signaling pathways and modify the cellular microenvironment more permissive for viral replication. (16.12.2011)

Cooking up success
Childhood dream of becoming a celebrity chef is exchanged for world-class genetics - read an article on Helsinki University Bulletin, page 18. (1.11.2011)

Feeling a bit under the weather? Suck on zinc!
Sucking on a zinc tablet may cut the time you suffer from the common cold by 40 percent, according to a research based on a literature review conducted at the University of Helsinki.(21.9.2011)

Pathologists enthusiastic over new multitouch microscope
The 23rd European Congress of Pathology, held in Helsinki in the beginning of September, gathered thousands of pathologists to hear the latest news in the fields of research, technology and diagnostics. Senior lecturer Johan Lundin from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) presented the new multitouch microscope, now adapted to a giant-sized display. (7.9.2011)

Breakthrough in genetics of fibroids
Uterine leiomyomas, also called fibroids, cause a very significant burden to women’s health. The study made at the University of Helsinki revealed very specific mutations in a gene called MED12, in as many of 70% of the studied tumors. This a giant step towards understanding why fibroids arise, states Professor Lauri Aaltonen, the leader of the study. (26.8.2011)

One hundred years since first Nordic congress on ear disorders
The Congress of the Nordic Association of Otolaryngology (ENT), is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The keynote lecture is about infections and complications in the middle ear. The same theme was discussed a hundred years ago, although the problems are quite different today, says Professor Anne Pitkäranta, the first female president of the congress and also the first female chairperson of the Association. (19.8.2011)

Craniosynostosis, delayed tooth eruption and supernumerary teeth – one gene in background
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have described a new, recessively inherited human syndrome featuring craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption and extra teeth. The researchers also identified causative mutations in a gene IL11RA. (8.7.2011)

Faculty of Medicine excels in survey
The University of Helsinki is ranked 46th among world universities providing medical education and research.(27.5.2011)

When a baby's heart fails
If the patient is an infant ready to be born or a newborn baby with a fatal heart condition, no medical effort seems exaggerated. (27.5.2011)

FIMM / University of Helsinki and EU pharma spearhead a 17 M€ research effort to improve cancer target validation
The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) at the University of Helsinki is coordinating the IMI consortium PREDECT, which will develop innovative models and technologies for the preclinical evaluation of cancer therapy targets.(12.5.2011)

Dr. Johan Lundin appointed as research director of the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)
Dr. Lundin will oversee the institute’s diagnostic development, which seeks to accurately characterize cancer, leading to more effective tools for personalised cancer treatment. (5.5.2011)

Gigantic multitouch displays become microscopes
All training related to microscopes will become digital within ten years,” believes Senior Lecturer Johan Lundin, MD, PhD, from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland. (28.3.2011)

Stem cell defects
The programming of human skin cells into protean stem cells is one of the most important pieces of science news in recent years. They are called iPS cells, and the goal is to make them a personal source of spare cells.(3.3.2011)

Listening to music is biological
Our willingness to listen to music is biological trait and related to the neurobiological pathways affecting social affiliation and communication, suggests a recent Finnish study published in the Journal of Human Genetics.(25.2.2011)

Using light to treat melanoma
A Finnish study has found a new way of eliminating lymphatic vessels bound to cancerous tumours, and the cancer cells conveyed by the vessels.(21.2.2011)

Host or foreign – the body’s frontline defence mechanism understood
Researchers at the University of Helsinki, have now described how the first line of defence of the human immune system distinguishes between microbes and the body’s own structures. The basis of this recognition mechanism has been unclear since the key protein components were discovered over 30 years ago – and has now finally been cracked. (7.2.2011)

Violence in the blood
The Finnish everyday horror stories tell of the knife which time and time again gets plunged into the stomach of some "annoying bloke" enraged by some utterly insignificant reason while binge-drinking. (10.1.2011)

2010

Academy Professor Kari Alitalo is the recipient of Benditt Award 2011
Academy Professor Kari Alitalo, M.D., Ph.D., is the recipient of NAVBO’s 2011 Benditt Award in recognition of his groundbreaking work on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.  Dr. Alitalo will receive the award for his outstanding basic research and its potential for translation to clinical applications. (16.12.2010)

A double block of blood vessels to starve cancerous tumors
The new dimerization inhibitor unveils a biologically meaningful rationale for suppressing angiogenesis in tumors that could outperform traditional competitive inhibitors of angiogenesis in tumor therapy. These findings should translate into improved anti-angiogenic and anti-lymphangiogenic tumor therapies, says Professor Kari Alitalo. (13.12.2010)

Driving the tumour away
Boron neutron capture therapy, a local radiation therapy, may give cancer patients tumour-free time and relief from symptoms when other known and effective treatment methods have been exhausted.(2.12.2010)

Dietary intervention during babyhood may prevent type 1 diabetes
A Finnish study confirms the hypothesis that infant feeding plays a role in the initiation of the disease process leading to type 1 diabetes in children carrying increased genetic disease risk. The results indicate that it is possible to reduce the initiation of the disease process substantially by early dietary intervention in high-risk individuals, says Professor Mikael Knip. (16.11.2010)

Treating cancer without causing damage to DNA
Professor Marikki Laiho, with her research team, started working on 40,000 small-molecule compounds. When there is a task as massive as this, the findings should really be something worth the effort. This time that “something” is much more than the researchers dared to expect.(5.10.2010)

Subarachnoid haemorrhage more commonly caused by environmental factors than genes
The Nordic twin study investigating the heritability of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) yielded surprising results: the role of genetic factors underlying the development of SAH is less than previously believed. (20.9.2010)

Vole virus and ‘cell glue’ win Fernström prize
Professor Antti Vaheri from the University of Helsinki has been awarded the 2010 Eric K. Fernström Nordic prize. The prize goes to Vaheri for his pioneering discoveries about fibronectin and othe matrix proteins.(16.9.2010)

First genetic link to common migraine exposed: Genetic variant may increase susceptibility to migraine triggers
Researchers have found the first ever genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine. The team found that patients with the DNA variant have a significantly greater risk for developing migraine and suggest that an accumulation of a chemical known as glutamate in nerve cell junctions in the brain may play a key role in the initiation of migraine attacks. The research opens the door for new studies into migraine in humans.(30.8.2010)

Professor Kari Alitalo is awarded The Anders Jahre's Award for Medical Research 2010
The Anders Jahre Senior Medical Prize for 2010 of 1,000,000 NOK is awarded to Professor Kari Alitalo, University of Helsinki, who receives the prize for his research on the formation and development of lymphatic vessels in health and disease.The Anders Jahre Prize for Young Scientists is to be shared between Professor Mikko Niemi, University of Helsinki, and Professor Robert Fenton, University of Aarhus. (12.8.2010)

Stressful childhood accelerates the ticking of the cell clock
A University of Helsinki study shows that difficult childhood experiences can exhibit themselves in adulthood as shorter white blood cell telomeres. However, the cell clock can be rewound with a healthy lifestyle. (22.7.2010)

1000 Genomes Project Releases Data from Pilot Projects
On June 22, the 1000 Genomes Project announced the release of its three proof of concept pilot studies whose success paves the way for the sequencing of 2,500 human genomes. Of the 2,500 human genomes to be sequenced, 100 are Finns that have been recruited by the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM). (22.6.2010)

Oncos Therapeutics raises € 4 million to develop oncolytic viruses into cancer treatments
Oncos Therapeutics, a biotech company developing new cancer therapeutics based on its next generation oncolytic viruses, completed a € 4 million investment from HealthCap, which is one of the largest specialized providers of venture capital within life sciences in Europe. (3.5.2010)

Gene for height growth found
Finnish researchers have shown that the LIN28B gene has a significant role in adjusting a human’s growth in height. The study utilised the growth curve information of Finns.(19.4.2010)

A gene atlas reveals new information about Finns
Despite being language relatives, the Finns are genetically further away from the Hungarian than from the Dutch. This, among other things, is shown in the extensive Finnish Gene Atlas, published last week. (23.3.2010)

Obituary: Professor Leena Peltonen-Palotie, Academician of Science
Professor Leena Peltonen-Palotie, Academician of Science, has passed away after a serious illness. Peltonen-Palotie was one of the world’s foremost and most respected experts in genetic research. Her research serves as an excellent example of how basic molecular biology can be combined with medicine to gain a better understanding of different diseases. (11.3.2010)

Aim high – you have what it takes
We are going to revolutionise the treatment of cancer during the next five years, says Professor Jonathan K.C. Knowles. (10.3.2010)

Dogs may provide an excellent model for understanding human complex diseases
The new Swedish-Finnish study, published in Nature Genetics, indicates that the homogeneity of strong genetic risk factors within dog breeds makes dogs an excellent model to identify pathways involved in human complex diseases. (1.2.2010)

A Finnish-Swiss team cracks the atomic structure of a major cancer drug target
Researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, have determined the crystal structure of the ligand binding VEGF  receptor in complex with one of its ligands, VEGF-C. VEGFs and their receptors have been identified as major targets for drug development in cancer therapy. (20.1.2010)

One attack is enough
The heart fails and cholesterol kills. These two predicaments are all too familiar to Finns, and when medical treatment is used to prevent them, the most common methods are statins.(7.1.2010)

2009

Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants
Missing gene in donor found to increase recipient’s chances of graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of bone marrow transplantation. (26.11.2009)

Professor Leena Peltonen receives honorary title of Academician of Science
Professor Leena Peltonen, MD, has been awarded the honorary title of Academician of Science. The letter of appointment was presented to Professor Peltonen by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on 29 October 2009.(29.10.2009)

New Master’s degree programme bridges the gap between the bedside and the lab
Beginning in autumn 2010, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki will be training not only doctors and dentist, but also Masters of Translational Medicine. The new Master’s programme will open up a connection between basic research and patient care. (27.10.2009)

Iiris Hovatta received Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award 2010
Iiris Hovatta, Ph.D., University of Helsinki, Finland, and Jue D. Wang, Ph.D, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, are the 2010 recipients of the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards. (24.9.2009)

Jonathan Knowles appointed a professor at FIMM for 2010 - 2014
Jonathan K.C. Knowles has been appointed a professor at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, for the period 2010 - 2014. (17.9.2009)

ERC Starting Grant for the researcher of kidney diseases
Researcher Sanna Lehtonen, University of Helsinki, has received the ERC Starting Grant  for her research on kidney diseases. The funding will be up to 2 million euro for up to five years. Lehtonen's research group is working at Haartman Institute on the Meilahti Campus.(11.9.2009)

Professor Leena Peltonen-Palotie awarded Carter medal
Professor Leena Peltonen-Palotie has been awarded the prestigious Carter medal by the Clinical Genetics Society. The honour recognises her outstanding contribution to clinical genetics.(7.9.2009)

Decreased bone mineral density in adults born with very low birth weight
Adults born with very low birth weight have significantly lower bone mineral density than do their term-born peers, shows the recent Finnish study. (25.8.2009)

Finnish Graduate School of Oral Sciences will start in January 2010
A new Finnish Graduate School of Oral Sciences (FINSOS), will start January 1st, 2010. FINSOS is a functional network between the universities of Helsinki, Kuopio, Oulu and Turku, as well as national and international partners. Both funded and matching funds graduate student positions are currently open for applications till the September 30th, 2009. (20.8.2009)

GeneSapiens was created at an interdisciplinary interface
The GeneSapiens database, which was created through a cooperative effort by researchers at the Institute of Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the Tampere University of Technology, contains all available information of the expression of 17,330 human genes in both healthy and disease tissues. (3.7.2009)

One dissertation for two universities
Sara Bruce carried out her research in the joint project of the University of Helsinki and Karolinska Institutet, and as evidence of the collaboration, and for the first time, a dissertation comes with the insignia of both universities. (9.6.2009)

Helsinki Faculty of Medicine in Europe’s top five
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki ranked fifth in a survey of top European institutions in clinical medicine published by the Times Higher Education supplement.(9.6.2009)

Glucose metabolism and recidivism of severe violent crimes in alcohol intoxications
A low glycogen level predicts forthcoming violent offending among antisocial violent offender males, suggests a new Finnish study. (1.6.2009)

Early and network oriented care may help adolescents at risk of developing psychosis
Family and network oriented, stress-reducing care improves level of overall functioning and mental health in adolescents at risk of developing psychosis. (19.5.2009)

Professors Kari Alitalo and Seppo Ylä-Herttuala are recipients of the InBev-Baillet Latour Health Prize 2009
The InBev-Baillet Latour Fund has awarded the Health Prize 2009 to the Finnish Academy Professors Kari Alitalo of the University of Helsinki and Seppo Ylä-Herttuala of the University of Kuopio. (30.4.2009)

Malfunction of the respiratory epithelium is a cause of allergy?
One reason for the development of allergy may be malfunction of the respiratory epithelium, which allows allergens to bind to, enter and travel through the epithelium. (3.4.2009)

A new master’s program in translational medicine will start on the Meilahti Campus
The international "Masters of Translational Medicine" program is a new master's degree program that will provide B.Sc. level students a profound exposure to biomedical and clinical medicine with a view to fostering translational research. (23.2.2009)

New EU-project to improve drugs' efficiency and minimize side effects
SonoDrugs project, led by Royal Philips Electronics, is developing image-guided localized drug delivery technologies that could change the way treatment for cancer and cardiovascular disease is delivered. One of the project members is Helsinki Biophysics and Biomembrane Group which is developing “nanocapsules” to carry drugs to the site of disease via the bloodstream. (28.1.2009)

Probiotics prevent IgE-associated allergy until age 5 in cesarean-delivered children but not in total cohort
According to a recent Finnish study, no allergy-preventive effect is extended to age 5 years by perinatal supplementation with probiotics in babies at risk for developing allergies; protection is conferred only to Cesarean section babies. (14.1.2009)

2008

Alcohol and an overactive MAOA gene - a dangerous combination
(16.12.2008)

Genes for nine health indicators - population study finds genetics clues
(10.12.2008)

Early-onset depressive disorders predict the use of addictive substances in adolescence
(22.10.2008)

Unsuccessful drug against anxiety opens a novel gateway for the treatment of cancer
(4.9.2008)

Professor Jussi Taipale is awarded the Anders Jahre Junior Prize for Medical Research
Anders Jahre’s  Junior Prize for Medical Research 2008 of 400 000 NOK is shared between Professor Jussi Taipale from  University of Helsinki and National Public Health Institute, Finland, and scientist Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam from University of Oslo, Norway.
(14.8.2008)

The DNA Repair Company licenses a breast cancer diagnostic test developed at Helsinki University Central Hospital
The DNA Repair Company (DNAR), has been granted exclusive licensing rights in North America for a breast cancer diagnostic test developed at Helsinki University Central Hospital. The test was licensed through Licentia Ltd, a Finnish technology transfer company owned by the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The diagnostic test predicts patients’ likely response to standard anthracycline-containing chemotherapy treatment, which may then guide oncological treatments to standard or alternative routes.
(16.7.2008)

Researchers find gene that can prevent the spread of cancer (14.7.2008)

Researchers from five countries to test hygiene hypothesis with EU funding (29.5.2008)

Discovery of a novel mechanism for the development of colon cancer (6.5.2008)

Researchers report the cloning of a key group of human genes (6.5.2008)

A stem cell type supposed to be crucial for angiogenesis and cancer growth does not exist? (22.4.2008)

Breakthrough in Migraine Genetics (17.4.2008)

No antibiotics to adults with rhinosinusitis even if symptoms last longer than a week (14.3.2008)

Obesity Chokes up the Cellular Power Plan (11.3.2008)

Genetic variants of USF1 are associated with the increased risk for cardiovascular disease (10.4.2008)

“Innocent bystanders” can be the cause of tumor development (3.3.2008)

Vitamin E may increase tuberculosis risk in male smokers with high vitamin C intake (21.2.2008)

Finnish experts investigate a mass grave in Nepal (4.2.2008)

New EU-project to create knowledgebase of gene-disease relationships (24.1.2008)

IInterview: Joint Doctoral Studies in Stockholm and Helsinki – the Graduate Commuters (25.4.2008

2007

Lymphatic vessel and lymph node function are restored with growth factor treatment.(3.12.2007)

Archive for news and current science issues 2006 - 2007 »»

Current Science Issues

Genome-Wide Study Uncovers an Increase of Genetic Distances towards Northern Europe

A recent study, led by Dr. Päivi Lahermo from University of Helsinki, Finland, and Professor Juha Kere from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, shows that genetic differences in Central Europe appear smaller than between and even within North European populations.