Association between early childhood symptoms of common ear, nose and throat problems and autism24 April 2023Young children with ENT (ear, nose and throat) problems relating to the ears, hearing and upper respiratory system, were found to be more common in those with a subsequent diagnosis of autism or who demonstrated high levels of autism traits, finds a new study from researchers at the University of Bristol and Aston University published today [24 April] in BMJ Open.
HIV and hepatitis C virus monitoring needs to increase to achieve global elimination goals28 March 2023Countries must intensify efforts to track HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence among people who inject drugs, and to prioritise this group in prevention and elimination work, according to new University of Bristol-led research, published online in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Genetic causes of three previously unexplained rare diseases identified16 March 2023Using a new computational approach developed to analyse large genetic datasets from rare disease cohorts, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and colleagues including the University of Bristol, have discovered previously unknown genetic causes of three rare conditions: primary lymphedema (characterised by tissue swelling), thoracic aortic aneurysm disease, and congenital deafness.
High blood caffeine level might curb amount of body fat and type 2 diabetes risk15 March 2023A high blood caffeine level might curb the amount of body fat a person carries and their risk of type 2 diabetes, suggests research by the Karolinska Institute, University of Bristol and Imperial College, London, and published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine.
Genetic variation that protected against Black Death still helps protect against infection but increases autoimmune disease9 March 2023The same genetics that helped some of our ancestors fight the plague is still likely to be at work in our bodies today, potentially providing some of the population with extra protection against respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, according to research led by scientists at University of Bristol. However, there is a trade-off, where this same variation is also linked to increased autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
New gut calming innovation to bring relief to IBS sufferers2 March 2023The discovery of a strain of bacteria shown to reduce inflammation in the intestine caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could bring relief to millions of sufferers after being turned into an innovative natural food supplement by University of Bristol biotech spin-out Ferryx.
Researchers explore using patient-taken images to assess wounds after surgery16 February 2023Bristol BRC researchers have developed and tested a method for patients to take and submit wound images after surgery so they can be assessed remotely for wound infection. Patients were able to successfully produce high-quality images after the study team provided them with instructions on how to take and transmit them.
New way to reduce progression of diabetic kidney disease discovered7 February 2023A new way to reduce progression of diabetic kidney disease, affecting 40% of people with diabetes, has been discovered by scientists. The University of Bristol-led study published today [7 February] in JCI Insight, could help the 4.8 million people in the UK with diabetes who are four times more likely to need either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Supporting the next generation of researchers in infection and immunity3 February 2023The University of Bristol's Infection and Immunity Research Network held its 8th annual Early Career Researchers' Symposium on 1 February 2023. This event offers students, postgraduates, technicians, fellows and others in the first stages of building an independent research career an opportunity to share and discuss their work with a wider audience.
Lesson for young people about the HPV vaccine in schools awarded quality mark1 February 2023A lesson to help teenagers find out about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in schools has been awarded the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education Association quality mark. HPV is a common infection that is spread by skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Since the pandemic there has been a decline in the uptake of the HPV vaccine – down nationally from 86% to 69%.
Rapid tests make diagnosis of Hepatitis C more accessible and closer to the community, study finds25 January 2023A new study has shown the benefit of using a quick clinic-based diagnostic test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection over a standard laboratory-based test. The findings from the study has led to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommending the adoption of the point-of-care (POC) HCV test.
Stem cell plasters to stop children needing repeated heart surgeries3 January 2023Researchers at the University of Bristol, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), have developed 'stem cell plasters' to revolutionise the way surgeons treat children living with congenital heart disease, so they don't need as many open-heart operations.
