Call to reduce repeat 'within-episode' antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections in primary care8 April 2024A new study exploring the use of repeat antibiotic prescriptions for the same respiratory tract infection (RTI) episode – known as repeat 'within-episode' prescriptions – in primary care has found high rates of their use in England, despite evidence that they are of little benefit. The study authors, from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, King's College London, and University Medical Center Utrecht, are calling for a reduction in their use and to make them a target for antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
Researchers a step closer to a cure for HIV28 March 2024A new study involving University of Bristol researchers has shown a virus-like particle (HLP) can effectively 'shock and kill' the latent HIV reservoir.
New online resource to help healthcare professionals treat patients with infections after hip replacement surgery22 March 2024Although infection after hip replacement surgery is relatively rare (around 1 in 100), the impact on patients’ lives can be devastating. A new website and toolkit has been developed to help healthcare professionals understand and implement best-practice guidelines on treating and supporting patients with prosthetic hip joint infection.
Bristol heart research receives funding boost thanks to European partnership20 March 2024A Bristol researcher will join forces with a team in the Netherlands to drive breakthroughs in heart and circulatory diseases research, thanks to a pioneering partnership between the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Dutch Heart Foundation (DHF) and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK).
Tsetse fly fertility damaged after just one heatwave, study finds13 March 2024The fertility of both female and male tsetse flies is affected by a single burst of hot weather, researchers at the University of Bristol and Stellenbosch University in South Africa have found.
Bristol leaps ahead in training next generation of leaders to tackle major global challenges12 March 2024Hundreds of talented scientists and engineers are set to advance solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges, ranging from reaching net-zero and developing sustainable energy to improving digital security and making the latest health breakthroughs.
New Digital Health Hub launches in South West England and Wales11 March 2024A consortium of universities from across the South West of England and Wales have come together to form a brand new Digital Health Hub which will elevate the region’s digital health capability through leadership, engagement, acceleration and partnership (LEAP).
€5.3 million to tackle fatal bloodstream infections22 February 2024A team of researchers, led by a University of Bristol and University of College Cork (UCC) scientist, have been awarded €5.3 million of Wellcome Trust Discovery Award funding to investigate the leading global cause of fatal bloodstream infections.
Global research network to combat deadly Strep A infections16 February 2024Bristol researchers are part of a newly-launched multi-institution network to research bacterial cause of sepsis and heart damage in children. Each year, around half a million people, including many children and young people, die around the world because of serious group A streptococcal (Strep A) bacterial infections. While most cases are relatively mild – affecting only the skin or throat - some infections can lead to deadly sepsis or autoimmune damage to the heart. There is currently no available vaccine for Strep A.
Fakes, facts, society and health8 February 2024The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research welcomed Patricia Kingori, Professor of Global Health Ethics at the University of Oxford, as their 10th Annual Public Lecture speaker.
Vending machines could improve access to sexual health testing6 February 2024Vending machines dispensing test kits for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could be useful for improving access to sexual health testing for people who have never tested or don’t test often. Users valued machines for their convenience, ease of use and instant access, although return rates were lower compared to postal kits.
New drug could prevent diabetic eye and kidney disease in people with diabetes5 February 2024New research has shown a new type of inhibitor drug could prevent microvascular diabetic complications, such as diabetic eye and kidney disease. The University of Bristol-led research is published in Cardiovascular Diabetology.
Early Career Researchers’ Symposium 2024: Engaging the Broader Infection and Immunity Community21 January 2024The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute's Infection and Immunity Research Network hosted its 9th annual Early Career Researchers' (ECRs) symposium on 19 January 2024. The event provides a fantastic opportunity for ECRs to go through a conference submission process and present to an audience of their peers in an informal setting.