Life Science at KTH

A new research project at KTH will develop methods for modifying drug candidates using electricity instead of chemical reagents. The goal is to enable new chemical transformations with minimized waste. “The ambition is that the project will result in an expansion of the chemical toolbox with new sustainable methods for chemical synthesis of relevance for the pharmaceutical application,” says Helena Lundberg, Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at KTH Royal Institute of Technology The project has been granted funding from Stiftelsen för strategisk forskning, SSF and will be carried out in collaboration with AstraZeneca. “It feels great to establish even stronger ties to the pharmaceutical industry and thereby increase the chance for our academic basic research to become useful in industry-relevant applications,” says Helena Lundberg. Read more: https://lnkd.in/damSYz7C #LifeScience #Pharmaceutical #PhD

Congratulations to Fredrik Stridfeldt on successfully defending his thesis on the Characterisation of single nanovesicles and their potential for cancer diagnostics!      "The thesis explores how different techniques can enable detailed analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) at the single particle level, providing insights into both the biological and mechanical properties of EVs," explains Fredrik Stridfeldt.      The research addresses the challenges of monitoring treatment response in early-stage lung cancer. By studying the proteins and mechanical properties in EVs, his work could improve patient outcomes through targeted, real-time monitoring.      "EVs are remarkable; they reflect their parent cell, carry critical biomarkers and can reveal information about drug response that is valuable for early treatment monitoring. By studying their stiffness and protein expression, we can gain insights into their behaviour, making them powerful tools for monitoring therapeutic progress," Fredrik notes.       Do you want to read more?    You can find the thesis here: https://lnkd.in/dG4pbESn

Stroke and epilepsy research receives SEK 35 million in funding from MedTechLabs. One research team will focus on technologies to enable individualized treatment of fatal forms of stroke and carotid artery disease. The other will combine imaging technologies to detect the onset of epileptic seizures and thus provide better conditions for surgical treatment. “In addition to a clear link to clinical application, the projects have great potential to contribute to better treatment of broad patient groups both in Sweden and internationally,” Clara Hellner, Chair of MedTechLab, says. The research programs:  “Improving health care in peripheral vascular disease: from population-based to individualized decision-making“  Research leaders are Ulf Hedin, KI and Christian Gasser, KTH. Granted amount: SEK 4.5 million per year 2025 -2029. “Imaging the Epileptic Brain using Multimodal Quantum Sensors”  Research leaders are Daniel Lundqvist, KI and Val Zwiller, KTH. Granted amount: SEK 2.5 million per year 2025 – 2029. Research at both programs is expected to be up and running by January 2025. Read more at MedTechLabs: https://lnkd.in/dcEDA_QN #LifeScience #Epilepsy #Stroke 

Are you interested in studying Life Science at a master's level? Join the webinar on the 27th of November at 14.00 CET to learn more about the master’s programme Molecular Techniques in Life Science. Our understanding of biology at a molecular level has advanced dramatically in recent years, enabled by the rapid technological progress in molecular techniques used in all aspects of life science. This has led to the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools for the effective treatment of diseases, as well as novel insights into complex cellular processes at the molecular level. Through the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science, you will receive a comprehensive education in life science. The programme emphasises cutting-edge methods in bioinformatic analysis of molecular data, including learning how to programme, combined with state-of-the-art techniques used in modern "high throughput" molecular biology. The programme is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH and Stockholms universitet (Stockholm University) at the SciLifeLab in Stockholm, offering students the unique opportunity to study at all three institutions. #LifeScience #KTH #GlobalHealth Read more about the programme:  https://lnkd.in/diBkPBVH Register for the webinar:  https://lnkd.in/dvSZST-y 

KTH-studenten William Ferreira Andrén har i samband med sitt ex-jobb vid Stanford arbetat med att vidareutveckla och verifiera användningen av avancerad mikrosfärteknik. Dessa mikrosfärer, utvecklade av KTH-forskare, gör att ingredienser och beståndsdelar i kosmetika och mediciner tränger in upp till 100 gånger mer effektivt i huden. – Tekniken fungerar så att de små, sfärerna skapar tillfälliga kanaler i huden, vilket gör att hudkräm eller läkemedel kan tränga in djupare. Sfärernas taggiga design bidrar till att de, när krämen smörjs in, rullar över hudytan och samtidigt skapar upp till 200 små hål per sfär inom 10 sekunder. 25 mikrosfärer skapar 5 000 små hål på samma tid, säger William Ferreira Andrén, som tillägger att tekniken är smärtfri. Niclas Roxhed och Theocharis Iordanidis är forskarna bakom tekniken. Läs hela artikeln: https://lnkd.in/dAZy3Hpw

Congratulations Álvaro Morales López, PhD, on defending your thesis on polymer surface topography in life science applications!  “As the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing moves toward complex 3D-printing of bioprocess-compatible materials, there is an increasing demand for high-resolution, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the rigorous conditions of bioprocessing,” Álvaro Morales López says. Álvaro’s thesis focuses on optimizing the surface properties of polymeric materials fabricated through AM (additive manufacturing) for life science applications. It tackles the challenge of creating clean, durable, and biocompatible surfaces essential for both bioprocessing and tissue engineering. “Additive manufacturing is transforming how we fabricate biopharmaceutical equipment and medical implants. Traditional methods fall short when it comes to producing complex geometries with precise surface properties that are needed for sterile environments. My work helps address critical issues in bioprocessing, such as bacterial adhesion and contamination risks, and provides solutions to produce more durable, cleanable, and functional components, which can ultimately reduce costs and improve patient safety in healthcare.” Álvaro Morales López’s project is part of the AM4Life Competence Centre, which brings together over 20 partners from academia, industry, and the public sector to drive the development of new technologies in the life sciences. What will you be doing now, Álvaro? “Now, I’ll be dedicating myself to my startup, Akira Science, where we are developing degradable implants for breast cancer survivors.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/dWqEdQNs    #LifeScience #3D-printing #AdditiveManufacturing 

Meet Alejandra, a Master's student at the Molecular Techniques in Life Science programme at KTH! "During my bachelor’s thesis – right in the middle of the pandemic – I had the opportunity to work on a fully computational project using microbial data. This sparked my passion for the rapidly evolving, data-driven world of life sciences. It was then that I realized how much bioinformatics and big-data analysis could revolutionize the field, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. That’s where the Molecular Techniques in Life Science (MTLS) programme at KTH comes in. It’s designed to equip professionals from diverse backgrounds with the tools to tackle complex biological questions using cutting-edge techniques. It’s the perfect platform for those looking to be at the forefront of life sciences' data revolution. With graduation approaching, I’m considering pursuing a PhD, inspired by the excellent support for doctoral studies in Sweden. At the same time, I’m eager to explore the biotechnology industry, where I believe this programme has equipped me to excel." #LifeScience #KTH #biotechnology

In her TEDxKTH talk, Lanie Gutierrez-Farewik, Professor of Biomechanics at KTH and Director of the Promobilia MoveAbility Lab, KTH talks about how we can better understand and support human movement. By combining biomechanics, innovative technologies, and AI, her work focuses on creating personalized solutions to improve mobility both in labs and in everyday life. Lanie’s vision is a future where physical disabilities no longer hold people back and everyone can reach their full potential. #LifeScience #Biomechanics #TEDx https://lnkd.in/gfVB7sb3

Congratulations to Cristina Al-Khalili Szigyarto! In June, she was promoted to Professor of Preclinical Proteomics. She worked for many years on the Human Protein Atlas and the mapping of human proteins. It was there that she developed an interest in more applied research, focusing on developing diagnostic tools for rare diseases – muscular dystrophies. “Working on the Protein Atlas is like creating a treasure chest – a repository of information about human proteins and tools to study them – waiting to be explored. During that time, a project on muscular dystrophies emerged, where we were able to use everything we had developed to better understand the human body and develop biomarkers.” For the past two years, Cristina and her team have been investigating whether they can identify markers in newborns that indicate the presence of muscular dystrophies before any symptoms appear. The aim is to intervene with treatment immediately, rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.  Read the interview with Cristina: https://lnkd.in/dfrkTjw7 2024-10-22_New-LinkedIn-feed-cristina_al-khalili #LifeScience #GlobalHealth #Bioscience

If you sleep badly at night, then the rescue can be here. Wicky Qin, a KTH student and product designer, has worked with an international team to develop a sleep mask to improve sleep. The groundbreaking sleep mask has three modules, Neural Signal Detection, Bone Conduction, and Light Stimulation, designed to improve the user's sleep quality. This innovative device offers a holistic solution using advanced technology to improve sleep quality and reduce the widespread problems of sleep disorders among young people. “I am delighted that the development team and I have the opportunity to take a big step in developing our sleep mask that can help people with sleep disorders. The technology is developed by our newly started company NeuralEcho, which consists of me and three other Kungliga Tekniska högskolan students and PhD students from Sweden, China and Japan.” Wicky Qin says. The BEKVÄM sleep mask has been named this year's national winner of the James Dyson Award in Sweden. We wish Wicky Qin's team the best of luck for the international finals of the James Dyson Award on November 15th. Read more about the sleep mask: https://lnkd.in/dEnxQFCb -LifeScience&mtm_kwd=Post_2024-10-21_Sleep-mask #SleepMask #SleepDisorders #JamesDysonAward