Research highlights
KAIMRC Innovations highlights the most exciting research taking place at the different research centers in KAIMRC. The research highlights are informative articles that cover breakthrough research and are accessible to the wider science community and a general audience interested in science. With regular weekly updates, this is the place to keep up with the best clinical and medical research happening at KAIMRC and around the world.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Adult vaccination to tackle bacterial diseases
March 14, 2022
While pediatric vaccination programs in the MENA region have drastically reduced preventable diseases, adult vaccination programs lag behind.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Finding links between genes and diseases
February 14, 2022
Genetic sequencing and disease diagnosis databases help to identify new links
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
are ineffective against COVID-19 and possibly harmful
February 7, 2022
A meta-analysis of clinical trial results shows that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are of no benefit to COVID-19 patients.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A protein with power over blood vessels
January 24, 2022
Insights into an ion channel protein in blood vessels could lead to better understanding of vascular disease
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Delivering safer and more effective chemotherapy via nanoparticle drug carriers
January 17, 2022
Porous magnetic nanoparticles could carry cancer drugs directly into tumours while avoiding damage to healthy cells
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Promising nanoparticle carrier for chemo drug
January 10, 2022
Using nanoparticles to deliver the existing chemotherapy drug epirubicin could improve its efficacy and safety
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Anticoagulant satisfaction survey translated into Arabic
January 3, 2022
The quality of life of Arabic patients on long-term anticoagulant drugs can be comprehensively assessed by a translated version of an international satisfaction scale
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A look at COVID-19-related ethics
December 27, 2021
A new study explores the ethical challenges posed by the pandemic for healthcare providers and medical researchers across the Kingdom.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Genetic clues to better tackle SARS-CoV-2
December 20, 2021
Spike protein gene sequences could help control the novel coronavirus epidemic
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Tiny carriers to fast-track cancer vaccine delivery
December 13, 2021
Smaller, smarter cancer vaccines
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Room for improvement in lung cancer treatment
December 6, 2021
A large multinational study reveals the diversity in treatment practices and outcomes in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries.
International Research Highlight
Reviewing rapid COVID-19 tests
November 22, 2021
Point-of-care tests offer speed and practicality over lab-based PCR testing, with some caveats.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Trial begins on antiviral drug for COVID-19
November 15, 2021
A clinical trial in Saudi Arabia will examine the efficacy of an existing antiviral in treating mild COVID-19
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Genomic tests to help Saudis with healthy births
November 8, 2021
A new screening service offers the country’s first prenatal and pre-implantation genetic tests to pregnant women, and couples undergoing IVF
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Optimizing treatment regimens for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
November 1, 2021
A multinational study shows that radiotherapy with chemotherapy before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves the survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia compared with multi-agent chemotherapy.
International Research Highlight
Existing drugs may help with COVID-19 treatment
October 18, 2021
Computational screening of SARS-CoV-2 genomes identified several proteins which could be targeted by existing drugs to treat COVID-19
KAIMRC Research Highlight
New model predicts the risk of blood thinners for Arabs
October 11, 2021
A novel model that predicts bleeding risk in Arab patients taking direct oral anticoagulants shows good sensitivity and specificity.
International Research Highlight
Combined therapy boosts kidney cancer survival rates
October 7, 2021
A global phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates the efficacy of a novel combined therapy for advanced kidney cancer
International Research Highlight
A dynamic duo to fight MERS
September 30, 2021
Experiments in mice suggest that a two-antibody cocktail could prevent infection with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Immune checkpoint inhibitors cause mild to severe side effects
September 23, 2021
A small Saudi study shows that the cancer therapy commonly causes mild side effects but sometimes more severe side effects
International Research Highlight
How melanoma manipulates its way to metastasis
September 16, 2021
A growth factor secreted by melanoma cells makes the immune system ignore metastasis
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A molecular link between diabetes, obesity, and cellular aging
September 9, 2021
Obese people and type-2 diabetes patients have high levels of LMNA, a protein associated with cellular aging
KAIMRC Research Highlight
MERS remains prevalent in camels in Saudi Arabia
September 2, 2021
A survey of slaughterhouses in Riyadh reveals continued risk of zoonotic transmission
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Animating the inanimate
August 19, 2021
Swimming crystalline microwires could be the progenitors of futuristic microrobotics systems.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A properly packaged mix overcomes antibiotic-resistant bacteria
August 12, 2021
Liposomes carrying the right drug combination could help in the fight against drug-resistant microbes
International Research Highlight
Nanotechnology prevents preterm birth in mice
August 5, 2021
Formulation helps overcome mucus barriers for targeted drug delivery
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Better animal models for COVID-19 needed
July 29, 2021
The lack of severe illness in animal models of COVID-19 suggests a wide gap between the disease in humans and animal models.
International Research Highlight
Optimizing influenza vaccines to harness pre-existing immunity
July 22, 2021
Understanding how immune cells respond to natural infection compared with vaccination demonstrates how vaccines could broader immunity
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Seatbelt use in Saudi Arabia remains low
July 15, 2021
A survey reveals that young adults, women and people suffering from depression and anxiety are less likely to buckle up
International Research Highlight
COVID-19 impact does not end with hospital discharge
July 8, 2021
Hospital discharge could still mean a long way to full recovery for severe COVID-19 patients
International Research Highlight
DNA sequencing accelerates infection diagnosis
July 1, 2021
Detection of pathogenic genetic material in body fluids could speed up treatment of serious infections
International Research Highlight
A fatty diet disturbs circadian brain metabolism
June 24, 2021
A high-fat diet changes metabolic oscillations in brain regions that control circadian rhythms.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Investigating the factors affecting burn patient survival
June 17, 2021
Data from patients on mechanical ventilation offers insight into factors affecting survival
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Charting antibiotic resistance in circulating bacterial strains
June 10, 2021
Sequencing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from a Riyadh hospital highlights genes that confer resistance to multiple antibiotics
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Sequencing immune system genes for stem-cell transplant success
June 3, 2021
Sequence data from immune system genes of nearly 29,000 Saudi stem cell donors will help match them to patients.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A key role for microglia in childhood glaucoma
May 27, 2021
The mutation in most Saudi children with primary congenital glaucoma disrupts optic nerve development through its effect on microglia
KAIMRC Research Highlight
An artificially intelligent route to better prediction of diabetes risk
May 19, 2021
A neural network model developed at KAIMRC can identify patients at risk of diabetes with unprecedented accuracy
KAIMRC Research Highlight
COVID-19 infection rate was low among healthcare workers early in the pandemic
May 12, 2021
Masks, lockdown and vigilance attributed for curbing infection rates among healthcare workers across Saudi Arabia.
International Research Highlight
AI-supported decision-making improves skin cancer diagnosis
May 5, 2021
Researchers showcase a framework for image-based AI systems to assist doctors deliver more accurate diagnoses.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
How a single mutation causes diabetes
April 28, 2021
A single mutation shifts the expression of several genes and induces hereditary diabetes in young children
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Diverse disorders from a single source
April 21, 2021
Investigation of a complex developmental disorder gives researchers deeper insight into a multi-functional protein linked to many essential cellular processes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Family support hastens recovery
April 14, 2021
Family ties are key for successful recovery from injuries that can lead to temporary or permanent disability.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Ramadan guidance for Muslims with diabetes
April 7, 2021
Researchers have published the first comprehensive guidelines for the clinical management of type-1 diabetes during Ramadan.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae found in Saudi patient
March 31, 2021
Cases of a worrying form of multidrug resistant bacterial infection have been detected in Saudi Arabia
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Uptick in lab-confirmed seroprevalence of MERS infections
March 24, 2021
A trend of increasing MERS prevalence has been detected in a West Saudi Arabian population after testing more than 7,000 samples.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A novel immune disorder
March 17, 2021
Mutation of a gene related to cell structure leads to immunodeficiency and hyperinflammation
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Prevalence of blood clotting after hip procedures
March 10, 2021
Venous thromboembolism after hip procedures is not abnormally common in Saudi Arabia
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Measures needed to reduce road casualties
March 3, 2021
Study highlights global disparities in improving traffic safety
International Research Highlight
Cheaper, better screening of type 1 diabetes in high-risk children
February 24, 2021
A low-cost model combining genetic, clinical, and immunological risk factors could help predict type 1 diabetes
International Research Highlight
Reducing the STING of cancer therapy
February 18, 2021
Packaging cancer therapy within injectable microcubes mitigates the need for multiple invasive treatments
KAIMRC Research Highlight
IVF conception does not affect educational outcomes of premature children
February 10, 2021
International Research Highlight
AI algorithms for rapid coronavirus diagnosis
February 3, 2021
Researchers use advanced deep learning models to create an AI system that can help identify COVID-19 in minutes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Finding the sweet spot for clinical genomics
January 27, 2021
An assessment of genome sequencing strategies reveals the most cost-effective approach for diagnosing hereditary disorders.
International Research Highlight
Investigating COVID-19
immune responses
January 20, 2021
An in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 immune response offers new tools to clinicians.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Proteins
provide an early warning of bladder cancer
January 13, 2021
Blood-based protein test could help with diagnosis and treatment
International Research Highlight
Uncovering
trends in antibiotic consumption
January 6, 2021
Study assesses global antibiotic consumption patterns over a 15-year period.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Knowledge gaps over treating severe respiratory infections
December 30, 2020
Researchers call for trials to investigate the efficacy of treatments for severe respiratory viral infections.
International Research Highlight
Measuring
the risk of contracting latent tuberculosis in clinical training
December 23, 2020
Medical students face a greater risk of being infected with TB bacteria than trainees in other specializations
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Improved
delivery of cancer drugs
December 16, 2020
Nanoparticles made of two materials improve the safety of a common cancer drug
International Research Highlight
Finding
the correct warfarin dose for Saudi patients
December 9, 2020
A pharmacogenetics study involving a cohort of Saudi recipients of the drug warfarin provides valuable insights into dosing and effectiveness
International Research Highlight
Gut microbe transplant treats
graft versus host disease
December 2, 2020
Faecal bacteria from healthy donors can save the lives of blood stem cell transplant recipients
International Research Highlight
Profiling a rare
genetic disorder
November 25, 2020
A deep dive into data about a rare amino acid deficiency points the way towards early diagnosis and drug discovery
International Research Highlight
Hair-growing skin produced
from human stem cells
November 18, 2020
Complete skin-in-a-dish tissue offers new options for wound healing, genetic skin conditions and baldness.
International Research Highlight
T cells recognize the
COVID-19 virus before and after infection
November 11, 2020
SARS-CoV-2 triggers a strong T cell-based immune response, but many people already have some cross-reactive immune memory
International Research Highlight
Pinning down a
genetic cause of increased prostate cancer risk
November 4, 2020
Propensity hinges on the regulatory role of a rare genetic variant
International Research Highlight
Finding genetic leads
for severe coronavirus cases
October 28, 2020
Respiratory failure in some COVID-19 patients could be associated to their genetic profile.
International Research Highlight
New
gene database to inform bespoke treatments
October 21, 2020
A global reference showing the variation of immune system genes across populations will improve personalized medicine and transplant outcomes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Saudi Diabetes Risk Score predicts individuals at risk
October 14, 2020
Saudi researchers have developed a tool to identify adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A close
look at peritonitis in Saudi Arabia
October 7, 2020
Identifying high rates of peritonitis in children undergoing dialysis at a Saudi hospital will stimulate a strategy for improvement
KAIMRC Research Highlight
High post-surgical
infection levels in Saudi Arabia
September 30, 2020
Antibiotic resistant bacteria are widespread in surgical-site infections in Saudi Arabian hospitals
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Building
on experience: Saudi Arabia’s COVID-19 response
September 23, 2020
The knowledge gained from the MERS-CoV epidemic in Saudi Arabia put the country on a strong early response footing for COVID-19.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Testing
the spread of MERS in camels
September 16, 2020
A natural infection model provides insights into how MERS spreads among camels and could be valuable in future vaccine trials.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Diabetes: Identifying
complications early
September 9, 2020
The high incidence of childhood diabetic ketoacidosis in Saudi Arabia highlights the need for interventions to prevent this dangerous complication of type 1 diabetes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Parental stress linked to health
outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes
September 2, 2020
Improved parental wellbeing could lead to better management of type 1 diabetes in children.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A close look at
leukaemia in Saudi Arabia
August 26, 2020
Saudi researchers examine records of leukaemia cases in the kingdom over the past 15 years.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Uncovering the genetic roots of metal metabolic
disorders
August 12, 2020
Next-generation sequencing sheds light on genetic disorders associated with metals, paving the way to new therapeutic approaches.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Nix the mix
August 4, 2020
Vitamin D testing does not require the mixing of samples, a finding that could save lab technicians time and effort.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Placenta stem cells can be trained to better fight cancers
July 29, 2020
Stem cells that usually protect the human foetus could be pre-conditioned to enhance their abilities to combat tumours.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Searching for signatures of a rare disease
July 22, 2020
DNA sequencing can reveal mutations underlying a vitamin deficiency in newborns, but its rarity makes the value of population-scale testing unclear
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Speedy test for
antibiotic resistance
July 14, 2020
A test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria shows scope for further development
International Research Highlight
Supercharged immune cells to fight lymphoma
July 7, 2020
An immunotherapy approach, based on adapting a patient’s immune cells to tackle specific cancer cells, shows promise against rare lymphoma.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Microparticles pack a big punch
June 28, 2020
Saudi researchers have developed tiny iron oxide particles that can carry multiple drugs deep into the core of tumours
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Oral magnesium is not an effective asthma treatment
June 22, 2020
Despite low magnesium levels being linked to asthma cases, new research shows that oral magnesium supplements have no effect on the condition
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Stem-cell
boost to immune cells could help quell cancer
June 15, 2020
Stimulating immune cells with placental stem cells could enhance the body’s natural anti-cancer activity
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The molecular mechanism linking melatonin and memory
May 31, 2020
Revealing how melatonin alleviates memory defects opens new therapeutic avenues
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The battle of the diagnostics
May 24, 2020
New study compares CT scans with MRIs for cervical spine injury detection in unconscious paediatric patients
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Streamlining care for the critically ill
May 17, 2020
More treatment is not always better, finds a Saudi-led trial into the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Diagnostics: Nix the mix
May 4, 2020
Vitamin D testing does not require the mixing of samples, a finding that could save lab technicians time and effort.
International Research Highlight
Stem cell therapy: Insights into heart repair mechanisms
April 21, 2020
The injection of stem cells into the heart following cardiac arrest induces an innate immune response that helps repair damaged tissues.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Salmonella in the spotlight
April 12, 2020
Study investigating Salmonella serotypes in Saudi Arabia could lead to a reduction in food-borne illness, and the development of a vaccine.
International Research Highlight
Artificial intelligence enhances in-surgery tumour analysis
April 5, 2020
An automated system can provide diagnostic information during surgery for a brain tumour with a similar accuracy to pathologists.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A roadmap for public safety
March 29, 2020
Seatbelts and eschewing mobile phones are essential for reducing injury toll
KAIMRC Research Highlight
MERS virus shrugs off antibiotic assault
March 24, 2020
Macrolide antibiotics cannot effectively fight MERS-CoV, study shows.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A new booster for Hodgkin lymphoma patients
March 18, 2020
Adding a known antibody-drug conjugate to a standard chemotherapy regimen may help overcome drug resistance, new research shows.
International Research Highlight
A mother’s protective gift to pre-term babies
March 10, 2020
Preterm babies have a similar arsenal of maternal antibodies to those of full-term babies, suggesting that their higher infection risk is due to other factors.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Laying bare the skeleton foundations
February 16, 2020
New research concludes that the proper organization of the cell skeleton during bone cell formation is regulated by TGFβ1, a key growth factor
International Research Highlight
Birth weight estimates updated
January 23, 2020
New research provides more accurate charts for assessing birth weight based on updated information to identify need for infant care
International Research Highlight
The mental toll of conflict
January 23, 2020
Updated WHO estimates show mental disorders are three times more common in conflict settings.
International Research Highlight
A rocking good sleep
January 12, 2020
Study reveals that the gentle rocking motion that soothes children to sleep works just as well for adults, and also keeps their memory strong.
International Research Highlight
Wearing diabetes care lightly
December 30, 2019
A new wearable, flexible nanosensor could help monitor glucose levels without the need for blood tests
KAIMRC Research Highlight
MAT Deficiency: Wider effects of a rare disease
December 12, 2019
A case of a rare childhood disease reveals a new mutation as underlying cause and identifies unknown manifestations of the disease on the skin and hair.
International Research Highlight
An instigator
for immunodeficiency
December 8, 2019
A genomic survey of immunodeficient patients reveals a gene with an important role in fending off infection and controlling inflammation
International Research Highlight
What
doesn’t kill your ancestors makes you stronger
December 1, 2019
Stressed-out fence lizards inadvertently give younger generations a better chance against predators.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Curbing
excessive antimicrobial use
November 20, 2019
High levels of antibiotic use in intensive care units across Saudi Arabia are exacerbating the antibiotic resistance problem.
International Research Highlight
Slim chance of
defying genetic odds in the weight game
November 17, 2019
Staying thin may not be the result of sheer willpower. A new study shows that maintaining a healthy weight can come down to genetics.
International Research Highlight
Heartening findings
on an aortic surgery alternative
November 10, 2019
A minimally invasive alternative to heart surgery may offer better outcomes for treating a broader range of patients with aortic stenosis
International Research Highlight
Brains
of blind people adapt to sharpen sense of hearing
November 6, 2019
People with impaired vision have sharpened and nuanced sense of hearing.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Gene mutation
associated with fertility
October 27, 2019
A mutation in a gene encoding a cell surface receptor disrupts the growth of lymphatic vessels and linked to miscarriage.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Saudi
Arabia gets familiar with its superbugs
October 22, 2019
First study to examine the antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and genetic diversity of multidrug-resistant strains in Saudi Arabia
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Stem cells marshal troops against cancer
October 13, 2019
A recently identified population of adult stem cells generates signals that could spur immunity against tumour cells
International Research Highlight
Rotavirus
vaccine could help prevent type 1 diabetes
October 1, 2019
Rotavirus vaccine is showing a correlation with a reduction in type 1 diabetes incidents among infants.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Bacteria in sperm
hinders fertility treatment
September 29, 2019
The presence of bacteria in semen reduces sperm quality with a knock-on effect on the success of IVF treatments
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The rapid journey
of a deadly MERS outbreak
September 24, 2019
Citing an unusual outbreak of the MERS virus involving a ‘superspreader’ patient, scientists urge better point-of-care diagnosis.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Hungry for
heart health
September 15, 2019
Study in rats shows that hunger hormone helps preserve cardiac muscle cells and reduce heart attack damage
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The
psychological toll of MS
September 8, 2019
Saudi researchers examine the severity of depression among multiple sclerosis patients.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A gracious
host for Middle East respiratory syndrome
August 26, 2019
Kidney tissues could support the growth of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The
psychological challenges of epilepsy
August 17, 2019
A common form of epilepsy is associated with emotional and behavioural problems in children.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Paying heed to chest pain
August 14, 2019
Even without serious artery blockage, chest pain is often a harbinger of deadly heart disease.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The many faces
of a mitochondrial mutation
August 4, 2019
A rare gene mutation affecting a mitochondrial transporter could be more common than previously thought.
International Research Highlight
Revealing the
missing heritability of colorectal cancer
July 21, 2019
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer may improve following the discovery of two gene mutations.
International Research Highlight
Heart disease: Link with
air pollution spikes in China
July 14, 2019
A study covering 26 large cities in China links short-term exposure to air pollution with increased hospital admissions for heart failure.
International Research Highlight
Targeting hepatitis
B virus vulnerabilities
July 8, 2019
Metabolic pathways altered by chronic hepatitis B virus infection may give clues to novel treatment.
International Research Highlight
An effective solution
for marrow transplantation
July 1, 2019
A combination of young and adult donor stem cells offers robust, safe treatment for lymphoma patients lacking closely matching donors.
International Research Highlight
Trimming the
stomach lining to fight fat
June 26, 2019
Research suggests that targeting the stomach lining may alleviate obesity.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Saudi Arabia
worst hit by MERS
June 17, 2019
A study on the prevalence of MERS-CoV in Gulf Corporation Council countries shows the virus has taken its greatest toll in Saudi Arabia.
International Research Highlight
Colorectal
cancer: Overweight young people at risk
June 9, 2019
Being overweight before the age of 30 may increase the chances of developing colon cancer later in life.
International Research Highlight
Profiling the
evolution of breast cancer cells
June 2, 2019
Genetic profiling of breast cancer metastases provides insight that could help improve treatment.
International Research Highlight
Uncovering the
drivers of primary tumour growth
May 26, 2019
Key proteins could contribute to much earlier cancer progression than previously thought.
International Research Highlight
Multiple
sclerosis: An exercise in brain protection
May 19, 2019
Exercise for people with multiple sclerosis protects against degeneration and improves physical function.
International Research Highlight
The immune sting of WASp
May 12, 2019
A protein implicated in a range of immune diseases proves essential for proper T-cell development.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Cardiovascular
health: The power of machine learning
May 5, 2019
Machine learning accurately predicts the association between cardio-respiratory fitness and mortality.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Nuclear
protein modulates cell fate and identity
April 21, 2019
A cellular protein involved in anchoring chromosomal material to the inside of the nuclear membrane is important for determining a cell’s fate.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
More
cases of a debilitating genetic disorder
April 14, 2019
Mitochondrial DNA plays an essential role in human physiology, with devastating consequences when it is disrupted.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A vital
test for spinal muscular atrophy
April 7, 2019
A new chip-based sensor could detect and monitor spinal muscular atrophy faster and more cheaply than current methods.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
More
cases of a debilitating genetic disorder
April 2, 2019
Mitochondrial DNA plays an essential role in human physiology, with devastating consequences when it is disrupted.
International Research Highlight
Dangerous trends in worldwide
childhood obesity
March 24, 2019
There are more underweight than obese children in the world, but the balance could change in just five years.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Western
strain of hepatitis C on the rise in Saudi Arabia
March 17, 2019
National efforts to curb transmission are in place to limit the virus’s spread.
International Research Highlight
Breakthrough
in bone marrow mapping
March 10, 2019
New 3D imaging shows how cells, tissues and proteins are distributed within bone marrow.
International Research Highlight
Obesity
and diabetes: Heading for the fast burn
March 3, 2019
Incorporating periods of fasting into diets shows potential as a means of halting the progression of metabolic diseases.
International Research Highlight
Genetic make-up and its impact on viral infection
February 12, 2019
A fast and simple approach for analysing people’s genetic make-up and the viruses that infect them could reveal molecular information that can be used to improve prevention and treatment of disease.
International Research Highlight
Investigating immune responses
February 12, 2019
A molecule produced by hepatitis B virus prompts the body’s immune cells to leap into action.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
When liver disease patients fall off the medical radar
February 11, 2019
People with viral hepatitis often do not return for follow-up treatment, highlighting the need for more robust support strategies.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Antibiotic resistance: Tracking drug sensitivity in E. coli
February 11, 2019
Analyses of E. coli samples from Saudi hospital patients indicate large increases in resistance to first-line antibiotics.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Single gene defect found for unexplained dwarfism
February 11, 2019
Mutations in a DNA replication gene cause a rare developmental disorder seen in Saudi children.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
HIV resistance gene uncommon among Saudis
February 11, 2019
Routine screening in stem cell registries for a mutation that could help treat HIV/AIDS is not warranted in Saudi Arabia because of its rarity in this population.
International Research Highlight
Loss of synaptic ‘caretaker’ leads to fatal infant brain injury
February 11, 2019
A rare genetic mutation that impairs communication between neurons could provide insight into Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
International Research Highlight
In search of strategies to disrupt viral docking
February 11, 2019
Insights into how two viruses initiate the infection of host cells could guide development of countermeasures.
International Research Highlight
Improving stem cell donation
February 10, 2019
Stem cells could be collected from donors more safely by using a less invasive catheter.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Exercise helps cancer patients lead happier lives
February 10, 2019
One of the first quality-of-life studies into Saudi cancer sufferers shows exercise and family support help.
International Research Highlight
Weight loss surgery may reduce heart disease risk
February 10, 2019
Data suggests gastric bypass surgery reduces by half the risk of developing congestive heart failure.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A step closer to stem cell therapies for bone disease
February 10, 2019
Controlling a protein’s levels could guide stem cell differentiation for treatment of bone disease.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Managing salivary gland damage
February 10, 2019
Drugs that stimulate saliva production are the most effective treatment option for managing damage caused by radiotherapy.
International Research Highlight
A viral vector to fall back on
February 10, 2019
A highly efficient method for delivering genetic materials to the spinal cord may help in the treatment of an inherited muscle-wasting disease.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Coping with adversity
February 10, 2019
A Saudi study finds that adverse childhood experiences affect men and women in different ways.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Copycat mutation masquerades as multiple sclerosis
February 10, 2019
A mutation found in two Saudi brothers is believed to have led to misdiagnosing cerebellar ataxia as multiple sclerosis.
International Research Highlight
Mining big data highlights importance of ‘junk DNA’
February 10, 2019
An exploratory bioinformatics investigation suggests ‘junk DNA’ plays a critical role in early embryonic development and species evolution.
International Research Highlight
Injury prevention could stem opioid abus
February 10, 2019
People are 1.4 times more likely to become persistent users of opioid painkillers after suffering a traumatic injury.
International Research Highlight
Filling in the microbial gaps
February 10, 2019
A new survey of the microbiome offers insights into its diversity and the interplay between bacteria and their human hosts.
International Research Highlight
A personalized prescription for cancer treatment
February 9, 2019
'Mini organ' technique provides insight into the molecular basis of bowel cancer, and hope for future treatment.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Timing treatment perfectly
February 8, 2019
Understanding how leukaemia affects the body’s circadian clock may unlock ways to treat the disease.
International Research Highlight
Tumours activate neurons to trigger appetite loss
February 7, 2019
Blocking a population of neurons in the brain could help treat anorexia and weight loss caused by cancer.
International Research Highlight
Exercising young protects heart later in life
February 6, 2019
Exercising when young can greatly reduce the risk of developing ischaemic heart disease in adulthood.
International Research Highlight
Hope for holding back hyperglycaemia
February 6, 2019
A two-drug combination that preserves and stimulates pancreatic function could offer a new option for treating type I diabetes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Learning to predict diabetes
February 4, 2019
Machine learning could be used to identify high-risk patients and improve healthcare services.
International Research Highlight
Antibody could have dual role
January 30, 2019
An antibody that blocks the effect of follicle stimulating hormone may simultaneously treat obesity and osteoporosis.
International Research Highlight
Exposure to ‘nonstick’ chemical risky for foetal health
January 20, 2019
Maternal exposure to chemicals widely used in consumer products and industries disrupts steroid hormone levels in babies’ cord blood.
International Research Highlight
Zeroing in on risk factors for pancreatic cancer
January 20, 2019
Large gene databases help researchers discern lifestyle traits that cause pancreatic cancer.
International Research Highlight
Nanomedicine: A two-headed force against lung cancer
January 16, 2019
Nanocarriers that can transport precise doses of two drugs may prove effective against lung tumours.
International Research Highlight
Brain training at home helps multiple sclerosis
January 16, 2019
Cognitive impairment caused by multiple sclerosis can be improved with a computer-based brain-training system accessible at home.
International Research Highlight
Ischemic stroke: Examining brain inflammation
January 9, 2019
Scientists in Japan identify a signalling pathway that may provide a target for reducing inflammation in the brain following ischemic stroke.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Combating MERS in camels with a single-dose vaccine
January 9, 2019
Anti-MERS vaccines for camels could be optimized by varying their viral and DNA content, and adjusting their administration.
International Research Highlight
Running sensors on patient
power
October 8, 2017
Sensors that generate electricity from the digestive tract may enable long-term monitoring of patient health.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Twenty
new mutations implicated in rare genetic disease
October 3, 2017
Study finds mutations in a rare inherited disease called pyroglutamic aciduria.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Saudis
and the transfusion advantage
October 1, 2017
Transfusions are more likely to succeed in Saudi blood cancer patients thanks to a lack of genetic diversity.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
How
to tell bone marrow cells apart
September 28, 2017
Stem cells in the bone marrow express different molecular markers depending on whether they form bone or other tissue types.Abbr
KAIMRC Research Highlight
MERS
virus evades immune responses
September 26, 2017
A single surface protein helps the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) survive by inhibiting the immune system.
International Research Highlight
Determining
the roots of derailed development
September 23, 2017
Mutational profiling allows researchers to home in on a protein domain with a critical role in human neurological development.
International Research Highlight
Hope for
restoring immune defenses in hepatitis
September 20, 2017
Antioxidants might reverse changes in immune cells that allow hepatitis B virus to persist.
International Research Highlight
Grape-derived
antiviral drug could treat MERS
September 10, 2017
Initial investigations show an antiviral drug, derived from grape and cranberry plants, could also be effective against the virus that causes MERS.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
New
mutation linked to Leigh syndrome
September 7, 2017
A new mutation causing Leigh syndrome has been detected in two newborns in Saudi Arabia.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Nanocarriers
to light up and treat disease
September 6, 2017
Cancer and other diseases could be diagnosed, treated and monitored by multi-tasking biodegradable nanoparticles.
International Research Highlight
Demystifying
a diet to live by
August 21, 2017
A new connection is found between sensory neurons, diet and longevity.
International Research Highlight
Understanding
a neurological disease via the drugs that treat it
July 13, 2017
Novel antibacterial properties in existing multiple sclerosis treatments hint at a possible cause of the disease.
International Research Highlight
Gene mutations linked to spread of colorectal cancer
July 10, 2017
Test could identify colorectal cancer patients with most to gain from chemotherapy.
International Research Highlight
Going
with the flow in brain mapping
July 9, 2017
Recording changes in cerebral blood flow makes mapping active brain areas possible during visual stimulation.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
DNA
circles help predict stem cell therapy outcomes
June 24, 2017
DNA ringlets carried by immune cells could provide routine insight into the progress of stem-cell-based immunotherapy.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Keeping
a close eye on diabetes complications
June 22, 2017
Survey highlights link between molecular markers and potential complications of type II diabetes.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Understanding
the genetics of congenital heart defects
June 18, 2017
New evidence traces congenital heart defects to healthy parents.
International Research Highlight
Clamping
down on post-stroke infections
June 10, 2017
Specialized cells that impair the immune system after a stroke could be targeted to protect patients from infection.
International Research Highlight
Widening the net
June 9, 2017
A novel strategy seeks therapeutic targets in cancers by examining the genes retained in their genomes.
International Research Highlight
Raising
the bar for gene therapy tests
June 7, 2017
Researchers develop a strategy to improve contamination detection in gene-doping tests.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Unravelling the mysteries ofintellectual disorders
June 4, 2017
DNA sequencing offers diagnoses and treatments for patients with unexplained intellectual disorders.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Cause
found for rare amino acid disease
May 10, 2017
A young Saudi girl’s metabolic disorder can be explained by a newly discovered gene mutation.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
The
Saudi approach to curing childhood leukaemia
April 25, 2017
The survival rate for paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia in Saudi Arabia is nowequal to that of developed nations thanks to a risk–response strategy.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Potential
for a MERS antibody therapy
April 11, 2017
Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome may produce sufficient antibodies to help fight the viral infection in more recentvictims.
International Research Highlight
Beta
cell boost could replace insulin injections
February 28, 2017
A strategy for deriving beta cells from patients with type I diabetes could transform disease treatment.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Mixed
messages on wider effects of vaccines
February 26, 2017
Vaccines against tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles may have effects on other aspects of health.
International Research Highlight
Concerns raised about
digoxin safety
January 15, 2017
A drug commonly used to treat heart failure could be associated with an increased risk of death in certain patient groups.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Strategy
urged to tackle genetic disease
January 14, 2017
A high rate of inherited metabolic disorders in Saudi Arabia is prompting calls for action.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Smart
nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery
January 10, 2017
Magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles successfully deliver anti-cancer drug to breast cancer cells.
International Research Highlight
Radiolabeled
peptides could monitor diabetes progression
January 9, 2017
Radioactive peptides effectively image insulin-producing cells, with potential to chart disease progression in diabetes.
International Research Highlight
Powerful tool invented to probe entire human
proteome
January 4, 2017
The technology could give the search for new drugs, especially for cancer and terminal diseases, a significant boost.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
An anti-cancer molecule with a back-up plan
January 4, 2017
Anti-cancer agent kills cells in two different ways, offering an effective avenue for treatment.
International Research Highlight
Targeting cancer through the skin
January 1, 2017
More medicines could soon be delivered through the skin by cargo-carrying peptides.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Balancing CT dose
and image quality
December 25, 2016
New techniques to improve image quality in CT scans while reducing radiation dose may compromise quality at certain thresholds, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis.
International Research Highlight
Chinese herbal remedies yield anti-cancer drug leads
December 20, 2016
A shortlist of Chinese medicinal plants containing the most anti-cancer compounds could yield new drugs for patients.
International Research Highlight
Hepatitis
B: Predict, treat, avoid
December 16, 2016
A biomarker has been found that can help predict the reactivation of the hepatitis B virus in immunosuppressed patients.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Preventing flu in kidney
transplant patients
December 16, 2016
A flu shot may also benefit transplant patients under age 65.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Gene
ties autism and kidney issues
December 15, 2016
Mutations in the “teashirt” gene cause both an autism syndrome and kidney problems in children.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Light-responsive
shape-changing molecules
December 13, 2016
Nanowires that undergo reversible shape-changes in response to light could act as artificial tails to steer drugs around the body.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A
new player in gene regulation
December 10, 2016
The molecular mechanism controlling gene expression is found to involve a familiar molecule.
International Research Highlight
Go
Mediterranean for cancer protection
December 10, 2016
A Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by half in Italy.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Shedding new light on
cancer cell death
December 9, 2016
Insight into the antibody-driven death of lymphoma cells may lead to anti-cancer treatments with enhanced efficacy and selectivity.
International Research Highlight
Scrutinizing cellular bonds in heart failure patients
December 6, 2016
Atomic force microscopy can help scientists identify which chronic heart failure patients are more likely to suffer complications.
International Research Highlight
Shedding light on tumours
December 6, 2016
A contrast agent, containing nanoparticles that are sensitive to acidity, lights up solid tumours on magnetic resonance imaging scans.
International Research Highlight
Honing
in on thyroid cancer
December 3, 2016
A closer look at gene expression in papillary thyroid cancer opens new opportunities for its detection.
International Research Highlight
‘Young blood’ a defence against infection
December 2, 2016
Signatures of a more potent and durable immune response may explain why children fend off chronic hepatitis C infection better than adults.
International Research Highlight
Reaching for success is easier for the tall
November 30, 2016
A broad survey of British men and women suggests hereditary differences in height and weight affect prospects for socioeconomic positioning.
International Research Highlight
The genetics of smoking behaviour and lung disease
November 29, 2016
Samples reveal specific genetic signals that determine a person’s risk for tobacco addiction and lung damage from smoking.
International Research Highlight
Obesity surgery can also resolve diabetes
November 22, 2016
Large-scale study shows bariatric surgery helps keep weight down and can resolve diabetes and hypertension.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Exploring diabetes impact on teenagers and their families
November 22, 2016
A multidisciplinary approach to treating teenage diabetics is needed to improve quality of life for patients and their families.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
An attractive and abundant stem cell alternative
November 20, 2016
Stem cells derived from the maternal side of the human placenta may find unique therapeutic applications given their special properties.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Gene defects reduce leukaemia survival
November 14, 2016
Genetic variations can explain poorer survival rates in Pakistani children from a prevalent type of leukaemia.
International Research Highlight
How hepatitis C takes control
November 2, 2016
The hepatitis virus commandeers key cellular machinery to keep itself safe.
International Research Highlight
Making room for regeneration
November 1, 2016
Drugs that prevent the accumulation of scar-forming molecules could facilitate nerve repair in multiple sclerosis and other disorders.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Safeguarding diabetes
patients in Ramadan
August 20, 2016
Millions of Muslims with diabetes are at risk if they fast during Ramadan without guidance.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Peptide promise for
diagnostics
August 17, 2016
Rapid diagnosis of HIV may soon be possible thanks to a novel peptide-based diagnostic tool.
International Research Highlight
Hepatitis B poses
lifetime cancer risk
August 14, 2016
Clearance of active hepatitis B virus from the blood does not reduce the risk of liver cancer.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Oral cancer in the
Arab World
August 14, 2016
Qat and tobacco chewing have been linked to a higher incidence of oral cancer in Yemen, Sudan and southern Saudi Arabia than in other Arab countries.
International Research Highlight
Unmaking a muscle
August 14, 2016
The ‘missing links’ in a process that drives muscle wasting in heart failure patients may offer promising drug targets.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Recipes
for better drug delivery
August 14, 2016
Fine-tuned nanocarriers loaded with natural products may improve targeted drug delivery and enhance anti-cancer activity
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Fanconi anaemia may
be under-diagnosed in Saudi Arabia
August 14, 2016
Genetic analysis of Saudi patients with Fanconi anaemia reveals new mutations and distinct patterns of mutation that may affect diagnosis.
International Research Highlight
First MERS autopsy
yields ‘critical insights’
August 14, 2016
The world’s first autopsy of a patient with Middle East respiratory syndrome shows that the lungs are the infection’s main target.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
New anticancer
molecule promises improved therapy
August 14, 2016
Chemotherapy without side effects, or the risk of relapse, could soon be possible.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Genetic
variants alter breast cancer risk
August 14, 2016
Genetic variants of the DNA repair protein RAD51 are associated with differential risks of breast cancer in Saudi women.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Autistic children
could receive tailored treatment
August 14, 2016
A new method of identifying autism means the hope of earlier treatment for children.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A biomarker for
colorectal cancer
August 14, 2016
A mutated tumour suppressor gene could provide a useful marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of bowel cancer.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
New
chemotherapy promising for breast cancer
August 14, 2016
A trial for a new chemotherapy treatment has shown promising results for locally advanced breast cancer.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Gene tweak induces
stronger immunity
August 14, 2016
Changing the switch that turns on vaccine protein production elicits a stronger immune response against malaria and influenza in mice.
International Research Highlight
New probe shines
light inside arteries
August 14, 2016
A new design of catheter probe reveals complete, detailed pictures of fat deposits inside arteries for the first time.
International Research Highlight
Silkworms’ sweet
success
August 14, 2016
Silkworms could point toward a new preventative therapy for type II diabetes.
International Research Highlight
The metabolomics
revolution
August 14, 2016
Understanding the body’s metabolic profile is transforming drug discovery and personalized medicine.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Strictly confidential
August 14, 2016
Protecting confidentiality is a major priority in medical settings, crucial to the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's newly established biobank.
International Research Highlight
The
hunt for dementia’s molecular triggers
August 14, 2016
Gender differences provide molecular clues for scientists seeking better ways to treat dementia.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Understanding risks
of consanguineous reproduction
August 14, 2016
Saudi Arabia needs a widespread education program highlighting the genetic risks to children born as a result of marriage within families.
International Research Highlight
A protective coat for
nanoparticles
August 14, 2016
Nanoparticles coated in a ‘don’t-eat-me’ protein can evade the body’s immune system, improving chances of successful drug delivery.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Donating
blood might improve diabetes
August 14, 2016
Recent research suggests giving blood may temporarily improve insulin production and glucose tolerance.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
A safer route to a
cure
August 14, 2016
Clinical data suggests many adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma patients can achieve full recovery with a less toxic course of therapy.
International Research Highlight
Promising protein target
August 11, 2016
A structural analysis of proteins in the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus reveals a promising new target for treatments.
International Research Highlight
How
hepatitis C takes control
August 11, 2016
The hepatitis virus commandeers key cellular machinery to keep itself safe.
International Research Highlight
Drug study shines new
light on receptors
August 11, 2016
Identifying the binding site of an antagonist is expected to transform the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
International Research Highlight
Making room for
regeneration
August 11, 2016
Drugs that prevent the accumulation of scar-forming molecules could facilitate nerve repair in multiple sclerosis and other disorders.
International Research Highlight
Latest technique
delivers CRISPR gene screens
August 11, 2016
A comparison of gene editing techniques reveals benefits of latest technology over conventional approach.
International Research Highlight
Drug-carrying nanoparticles
not reaching targets
August 11, 2016
The targeted delivery of drug-carrying nanoparticles to solid tumours needs improvement before it can be effective in humans.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Manipulating metals
for medicine
August 11, 2016
A simple and robust synthetic method could help magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles reach their potential as a powerful clinical tool.
International Research Highlight
Tracking the effects of therapeutic genes
August 11, 2016
Targeted nanoparticles offer hope of better methods for tracking the effects of gene therapy.
International Research Highlight
The truth about fatty
acids
August 11, 2016
A Dutch cohort study shows that saturated fatty acids might not be as bad as people think.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Early fitness improves
heart attack survival
August 10, 2016
Keeping fit early on can increase chances of survival from a heart attack later in life
International Research Highlight
Reversing immune decline
August 10, 2016
Targeting a certain gene could help promote healthy aging.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
More may not
be better for the critically ill
August 10, 2016
Critically ill adults may do as well or better on fewer calories.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
How long do we treat the critically ill?
August 10, 2016
Researchers are developing objective measures to determine whether critically ill cancer patients can benefit from intensive care.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Molecular tool detects early-stage breast cancer
August 10, 2016
A cheap, simple test shows potential for reducing uncertainty in the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer.
KAIMRC Research Highlight
Eliminating
risk factors of heart attack
July 8, 2016
Sex has no effect on increasing the risk of a major heart attack for patients with extensive coronary artery disease.