Four University of Bristol researchers have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. The honours celebrate the outstanding contributions of a materials engineer, an epidemiologist, a genomics scientist and an ophthalmology researcher, highlighting the range of expertise and impact across the University’s research community.
More than a quarter of women buying menstrual products also purchase pain relief at the same time, and those in lower-income areas are significantly less likely to do so, according to new University of Bristol-led research.
Professor Jonathan Sterne has been appointed as the new Chief Scientist of Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), taking up this role from June 2026.
A leading researcher working on the prevention and early detection of common cancers has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Immunotherapy could be a promising new treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat depression. This is a key finding from a University of Bristol-led pilot randomised controlled clinical trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry today [20 May].
A rapid microbiological point-of-care test designed to help GPs identify whether a respiratory infection is caused by a virus did not lead to an expected overall reduction in same-day antibiotic prescribing, a University of Bristol-led study has found.
University of Bristol academic and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, Nic Timpson, has been appointed co-chair of The Nature Medicine Commission on Obesity Management. Launched today [12 May], the Commission will bring together global experts and datasets to tackle the growing burden of obesity-related noncommunicable diseases through data-driven decision support.
Providing access to specialist NHS weight loss clinics that support children and young people living with complications from severe obesity, can enable better outcomes for weight loss, research, involving the University of Bristol, has found.
A new way to detect the onset of heart and kidney disease far earlier than previously possible has been discovered by University of Bristol scientists. The breakthrough, published today [12 May] in Nature Communications, reveals a novel method for identifying damage to the lining of microscopic blood vessels, transforming our ability to detect disease at its very earliest stages, before it progresses and becomes potentially life threatening.
Exposure to one of the most toxic forms of mercury (methylmercury) may also disrupt the body’s metabolic health, according to the findings of a new international study. The research, involving University of Bristol scientists and published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, found the element may have wider health effects than previously known.
Fatal delays in administering life-saving adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen) for food anaphylaxis, a severe and rapid allergic reaction, is highlighted in research being presented at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Conference today [28 April]. Researchers are urging for updated guidelines on the use of adrenaline treatment such as EpiPens and the hospital management of severe food anaphylaxis.
At least two school-aged children die each month from knife injuries in England, with most fatalities resulting from a single stab wound, according to the first national analysis of its kind. The University of Bristol-led research offers critical insights that could help inform future prevention strategies.
Extending vaccination opportunities, involving community members alongside healthcare professionals in communicating about vaccines, and providing financial incentives are among the most effective ways to increase vaccine uptake, an analysis of international trial evidence led by the University of Bristol has found. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is published in The BMJ today [15 April].
Researchers have identified and described a previously unknown recessive neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that appears to be the most prevalent ever discovered. The study, involving University of Bristol researchers and published in Nature Genetics today [30 March], provides long-awaited answers for many families and may inform future drug development.
The NHS is this month celebrating 40 years of what went on to become the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) eye bank, with a special appeal from the bank’s longest serving staff member, who is encouraging more people to consider cornea donation as he awaits a fourth cornea transplant himself.
The disposable vapes ban in the UK could lead to young adults switching to alternative products, including cigarettes, new research led by the University of Bristol has found.
Professor Timothy Draycott MD, BSc, MBBS, FRCOG passed away in November 2025. His colleagues offer a remembrance.
The University of Bristol is one of nine UK universities included in a new £50 million 'Inequalities Challenge Consortium' launched by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to support research into addressing inequalities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) which accounts for 26% of all deaths in the UK.
Weight-loss (GLP-1 mimicking) drugs may help prevent further tissue damage following a heart attack, significantly reducing the risk of further life-threatening complications that affect up to half of all patients, according to a new study led by the University of Bristol and University College London (UCL).
A new global analysis of two antenatal treatments that reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and respiratory complications in premature babies reveals significant international variation in implementation. The University of Bristol-led study, published in the International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology today [25 February], examined neonatal data from over 300,000 premature births across ten countries.
A new study has modelled how genes can influence a child’s body mass index (BMI) over time and how they may contribute to the risk of developing diseases, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes, later in life.
Booster vaccines reduced the risk of COVID 19–related hospitalisation and death, according to a new study of over 3 million adults who had the autumn 2022 vaccine in England. The research led by the universities of Bristol and Oxford, provides further evidence of the effectiveness of booster vaccination against COVID-19.
High body mass index (BMI) could cause a higher risk of vascular-related dementia (a combination of vascular and unspecified dementia), according to new research from the University of Bristol and University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital). The researchers found that the effect of high BMI on dementia mainly works through high blood pressure.
Can sleep affect the progression of Alzheimer’s disease? That’s what a study led by the University of Bristol will explore, thanks to a £4.3 million grant by the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Helping women to keep their blood pressure at normal levels could reduce their risk of experiencing pregnancy complications, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Bristol. The research is published in BMC Medicine today [14 January].
The prospect of long-lasting drug-free remission for children and adults living with inflammatory arthritis is a step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to a new collaboration between world-leading researchers, including the University of Bristol.
Changing the consumption-driven nature of our food systems would significantly benefit public health and the climate, say the authors of a major scientific review linking environmental harms with obesity.
A pre-school diet and physical activity programme does not improve children’s calorie intake or overall physical activity levels in nursery settings, a new University of Bristol-led study has found. The research published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe today [18 December] highlights the need for policy-led rather than intervention-led approaches to improving young children’s health.
The week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric conditions in England, research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ today [17 December].
Professor Andrew 'Andy' Whitelaw, Chair in Neonatology at the University of Bristol and consultant neonatologist at Southmead neonatal intensive care unit, died on 9 November 2025 after a short illness. His colleagues in Bristol Medical School and North Bristol NHS Trust offer a tribute.
At any one time, nearly 1 in 5 emergency department patients in the UK is being cared for in corridors, waiting rooms, and other non-standard ‘overflow’ spaces—an approach known as escalation area care—suggest the results of a large observational study. The research, led by the universities of Bristol and Edinburgh, North Bristol NHS Trust and NHS Lothian, is published online in Emergency Medicine Journal.
Fewer than 1 in 4 children aged 2 to 4 meet the recommended daily physical activity levels, a new study has found. Additionally, while children are much more active on days when they attend early years settings, most preschoolers are not meeting the recommended activity levels within early years settings or at home.
One of the most influential figures in modern epidemiology, Professor George Davey Smith from the University of Bristol, has been awarded the UKRI Medical Research Council’s prestigious personal award for his exceptional contributions to improving human health through world-class medical research.
The latest national data on child deaths in England show that while overall deaths have slightly decreased, stark inequalities remain by region, ethnicity and deprivation level. The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) at the University of Bristol, has released its annual Child Death Review Data Release for the year ending 31 March 2025.
Driven by personal loss, University of Bristol neuropathologist Professor Kathreena Kurian, who lost her husband Gerard to a brain tumour, is leading a national campaign to end postcode inequalities in brain tumour care — starting where it matters most: in the operating theatre.
A groundbreaking trial to explore the potential of blood tests to diagnose dementia has begun at North Bristol NHS Trust, in collaboration with the University of Bristol. The research study marks a significant step toward improving the UK’s dementia diagnosis rate.
Current NHS policies designed to improve care for people taking multiple medicines may not be effective, according to new research led by the universities of Bristol and Exeter.
A new breakthrough in a rare genetic disease which causes children to age rapidly has been discovered using ‘longevity genes’ found in people who live exceptionally long lives - over 100 years old. The research, by the University of Bristol and IRCCS MultiMedica, found these genes which helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy during ageing could reverse the damage caused by this life-limiting disease.
An innovative new pill could soon offer a new and affordable weight management treatment, following a successful clinical trial involving University of Bristol researchers and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The results are published in Obesity today [15 October].
An online guide to support people affected by vulval lichen sclerosus (LS) has won a national award. Since its launch earlier this year, the guide has been viewed by over 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.
A new gene therapy approach aimed at protecting people with type 1 diabetes from developing diabetic kidney disease — a serious and common complication of the condition, has shown promising results in a University of Bristol study.
Growth charts for children with rare genetic disorders - giving healthcare professionals and families clearer guidance on how a child is developing - have been created by an international team, led by the University of Bristol.
Low cholesterol can reduce the risk of dementia, a new University of Bristol-led study with more than a million participants has shown.
Posting on Twitter (also known as X) throughout the night is associated with worse mental wellbeing, according to a new study from the University of Bristol published in Scientific Reports today [10 October].
How fat is distributed in people’s bodies could make a difference to their risk of certain cancers, according to new research led by the University of Bristol. The international study is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) today [24 September].
Mental health problems can have a significant impact on people’s lives, with most emerging before the age of 25. Working in partnership with local organisations to enhance and complement existing mental health services, a new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) has launched today [15 September].
More child deaths occur in winter months compared with the rest of the year, new findings by the University of Bristol-led National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) have shown. The findings are published today [10 September]. NCMD records all child deaths in England before their 18th birthday.
“Prioritise making time for what makes you happy,” says Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, who as well as being a Medical Oncologist and Head of the University of Bristol Medical School, is about to embark on the latest in a 20-year journey across the world’s seas as she raises money for a charity close to her heart.
A new study, coinciding with World Hepatitis day, has estimated for the first time the number of children born globally with hepatitis C virus.
A new genetic analysis using data from over five million people has provided a clearer understanding of the risk of going on to live with obesity. New research led by the Universities of Copenhagen and Bristol shows analysing genes at a young age may support early strategies to prevent obesity developing later in life.
Top researchers have united with Team GB hockey player and sports inclusivity trailblazer Tess Howard MBE on a mission to help teenage girls feel more comfortable in their school PE uniforms – and own bodies – in a bid to boost self-confidence and sports participation.
New research shows the majority of child deaths in England were among children with life-limiting conditions and highlights key shortcomings with their end-of-life care, prompting calls for urgent reform to tackle inequities in care.
An inspirational student whose dream of becoming a doctor was threatened after battling an eating disorder and learning that her BMI was below the General Medical Council’s fitness to practise threshold wants to show others that perseverance pays off as she graduates from the University of Bristol with a distinction in medicine. In the top 5% of her class, she’s now set to begin her first rotation in geriatrics — a field close to her heart — at an NHS hospital in Chesterfield and Derby.
“It’s never too late” – these are the words Paul Edwards stands by, as he achieves his dream of graduating as a doctor from the University of Bristol. It's a milestone that almost never came as Paul’s journey to medicine began not with a university offer, but with a life-changing accident.
Leading doctors, researchers, and lawyers have joined forces with patient representatives and created the first-ever information guide to better support and protect patients across the world who are considering pioneering, but also potentially risky, surgery.
Continuing to vaccinate for mpox through a routine targeted programme for gay and bisexual men delivered by sexual health services will greatly reduce the number of cases and save the NHS millions, new research has found.
How does it feel to live in Weston-super-Mare when you are struggling with your mental health? What resources exist in the local community – and what barriers are there to accessing them? A new free exhibition coming to Weston Museum from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 17 July explores these questions through the creative storytelling of people who often feel excluded.
Omega-3 fatty acids, popularly believed to reduce inflammation in the body, appear to increase certain inflammatory markers, researchers have found.
A straightforward nightly activity may act as a memory-boosting tool, a new study led by the University of Bristol has revealed.
Blocked leg arteries – often caused by diabetes or smoking – are very common, but if left untreated can lead to amputation, or even death. To improve blood flow, a procedure called an angioplasty is usually carried out, with patients given blood-thinning drugs afterwards. A new trial led by North Bristol NHS Trust, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University, will compare three commonly prescribed blood-thinning tablets to find out which works best.
A new study report has found that, even whilst controlling for a range of factors including measures of behavioural difficulties, children who are suspended or excluded from school are still nearly two and a half times more likely to become involved in violence and four and a half times more likely to offend compared to those who have not been suspended or excluded.
Cats that are neutered at four months old compared to the traditional six months old are not at any greater risk of weight problems as they age, new research has found.
A concerning gap in school anti-bullying policies has been revealed in a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study by the University of Bristol and University of Bath. While weight-based bullying is reportedly the most common form experienced by students, fewer than 7% of schools in southwest England explicitly address it in their anti-bullying policies according to the study published in BMC Public Health.
New treatment guidance has been developed to help doctors tackle uveitis — one of the leading causes of vision loss. The new clinical guidance, by a team at the University of Bristol, aims to help thousands of sufferers keep this painful eye condition at bay. The study is published in JAMA today [28 May].
A University of Bristol academic who is the Principal Investigator for the Children of the 90s health study has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Professor Nic Timpson joins 53 exceptional biomedical and health scientists from UK institutions selected to the Academy for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of medical science.
Stillbirth rates are known to be higher for Black and Asian women than for white women, and those living in the most deprived areas are more at risk than those in the least deprived areas. Now a new University of Bristol-led study published in the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BJOG) today [16 May] reveals that these disparities exist even within individual hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Having school dinners rather than packed lunches could encourage picky eating 13-year-olds to eat a wider variety of foods, according to a new University of Bristol-led study. The findings are published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics today [15 May].
Young men growing up around parents who are physically violent to each other are 43% more likely to carry out violence or abuse in their own relationships, new University of Bristol research has found.
Depression, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 people in their lifetime, but mechanisms underlying these conditions are poorly understood. New research led by researchers at the University of Bristol has linked the body’s immune response with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. The study demonstrates mental health conditions might be affected by the whole body as well as changes in the brain. The findings could pave the way for better treatments of some mental health conditions.
Each year, more than 11 million people worldwide suffer serious life-changing burns, affecting both adults and children. The largest-ever project of its kind — the Priorities in Global Burns Research partnership, led by the University of Bristol — has identified the top 10 priorities in burns care research from 88 countries. The findings are published today [23 April] in The Lancet Global Health.
Grief affects everyone but is still very much a taboo subject in the UK. A new Centre - the first of its kind in the UK - hopes to shift public attitudes towards grief and create communities that are compassionate and connected in their support of people who are bereaved. The Centre for Grief Research and Community Engagement (Grief Centre) at the University of Bristol is launched today [24 April].
Major reallocation of healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that elective surgery in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) was significantly reduced, so that those needing urgent, lifesaving and emergency surgery could be treated. However, this prioritisation of the most severely ill children did not increase overall post-operative complications rates or death, a study led by the University of Bristol has shown.
The proportion of adolescents living with overweight or obesity in England has increased by 50% from 2008-2010 (22%) to 2021-2023 (33%) according to two new studies involving University of Bristol researcher, Dr Dinesh Giri. The research is being presented at next month's [11-14 May] European Congress on Obesity (ECO).
A new genetic cause of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) has been uncovered by an international team of researchers. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics [10 Apr] and led by the University of Bristol, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and KU Leven in Belgium, offers diagnostic certainty and hope to potentially thousands of families worldwide who have long been searching for answers.
Relaxation techniques may help lower high blood pressure—at least in the short term—but the longer term effects are unclear, finds a pooled data analysis of the existing research. The study, led by the Universities of Bristol and Exeter and published in BMJ Medicine, is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Alcohol harm costs NHS England £3.5 billion annually, with 70 people dying every day from alcohol-related causes in the UK (1). According to new University of Bristol-led research smartwatches could provide a more accurate picture of people’s daily drinking habits than current methods. The technology could be a key element for future alcohol interventions.
The NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) - hosted by the University of Bristol and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) - is bringing together 12 other BRCs to host a translational research collaboration focusing on surgery and perioperative care.
Gastric bypass is the most clinically and cost effective form of interventional surgery for people living with severe obesity, reveals landmark research. The new University of Bristol-led trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is published today [31 March] in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Professor Gianni Angelini, Director of the Bristol Heart Institute at the University of Bristol, and cardiac surgeon at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Coronary Artery Surgery for his pioneering work.
Electric scooter schemes appear to reduce the risk of bicycle collisions by around 20%, according to a University of Bristol-led study. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is published in Injury Prevention today [21 March].
The Children of the 90s health study at the University of Bristol, which researches the lives of thousands of families in the south west, has been awarded £5.2 million to continue its pioneering work to improve people’s health.
Bristol students came from behind to win the first of their University Challenge quarterfinals.
For the first time, a new resource containing DNA sequencing data for over 37,000 children and parents collected over multiple decades from across the UK is now available to researchers worldwide. The resource, which includes data from three UK long-term birth cohorts including the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study, will allow scientists to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors in child health.
Paramedics working in GP surgeries help reduce GP workload but do not contribute to cost savings to the NHS, according to the first major study of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic compared with GP consultations.
Greater openness about complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use has the potential to strengthen farmer-vet relationships, which may prevent potential unintended harm to animals, reduce antibiotic use and improve herd health management, new research has found. The study, led by the University of Bristol, is published today [26 February] in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Young adults are more likely to give up smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm of vaping, according to a new study involving University of Bristol researchers. However, many inaccurately believe that vaping is as bad for you or worse than smoking.
Teenagers may be less likely to start tobacco smoking if they take part in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from childhood, a new study by the University of Eastern Finland in collaboration with the universities of Bristol and Exeter has shown. The results are published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.
Patients aged between 50 to 70 years with a mechanical heart valve replacement had better long-term survival compared to those with a biological valve, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Older women could be vulnerable to harmful inflammation from new gene therapies to treat incurable eye diseases, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Molecular Therapy, reveal how age and gender affects inflammation caused by gene therapy treatments and could cause damage to the eye. The findings could help improve the therapy’s effectiveness for eye conditions and highlights the need for personalised treatment to reduce risk and ensure a better outcome for all patients.
Dogs in Bristol were amongst the first in the country to woof down snacks made from lab-grown meat in a bid to advance the future of alternative protein sources and help cut carbon emissions.
A new University of Bristol-led project aims to ease pressure on the NHS by developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict and reduce a patient’s risk of readmission to hospital.
Hundreds of potential kidney donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage can now get a simple blood test to help reduce the risk of kidney failure.
While child deaths in England fell temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have now risen to new heights, a new study from researchers at the University of Bristol and based on unique National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) data has found.
Parents attending an adult weight management programme, who were worried about their child’s weight, would accept support and signposting to services for their child if it was offered, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published today [21 January] in BMJ Paediatrics Open.
Bristol’s heart scientists are involved in one of two new Medical Research Council Centres of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) that aims to develop new advanced therapeutics for currently untreatable diseases. Both Centres will receive up to £50 million each over 14 years.
Bristol researchers are part of the first phase of a new research project that will lay the groundwork for future studies into the impact on children of smartphone and social media use.
A new online guide has launched to support and empower people with vulval lichen sclerosus (LS) to learn about the condition, access the right treatment and live more comfortably. It is estimated that around 1 in 100 women in the UK have vulval LS. It can be diagnosed at any age, but it seems to happen most often after the menopause. Nobody knows exactly what causes LS.
Waking up does not activate an increase in the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol does, however, increase in the hours prior to wakening as part of the body’s preparation for the next day, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published today [15 January] in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Whether people decide to make New Year resolutions or not, they might want to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2025. According to a new University of Bristol-led study smartwatches could help people give up smoking. The researchers tested a smartwatch fitted with a custom app which used the smartwatch's in-built motion sensors to detect typical smoking movements. The results, published in JMIR Formative Research, showed the technology has the potential to help over two thirds of trial participants quit the habit.
Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections – more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally - according to new estimates. At least 1 person each second – 42 million people annually - is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection.
Of the 54 children who died of asthma between 2019 and 2023, more than 90 per cent were exposed to air pollution levels above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, according to a new report published today [12 December] by the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) team. The report uses the NCMD’s unique data on all child deaths in England to examine deaths due to asthma or anaphylaxis between April 2019 and March 2023.
Two-thirds of children who started tobacco smoking at 10 years of age continued until their mid-twenties, significantly increasing their risk of early heart damage
New potential therapeutic targets have been identified for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) - the leading cause of kidney failure in the world - that could see patients treated with new gene and drug therapies preventing the disease’s progression into end stage kidney failure. The study is published in Nature Communications.
Food allergies affect one in five children in the UK. To help set the priorities for future research, University of Bristol researchers are asking children and young people with food allergies, their parents, and health care professionals who care for them for their views.
Culturally appropriate women-centred interventions can help healthcare systems respond to domestic violence, research has found. HERA (Healthcare Responding to Violence and Abuse) has been co-developing and evaluating a domestic violence and abuse healthcare intervention in low- and middle-income countries for the past five years. This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Research Group will report their findings, and publish a PolicyBristol report, at a conference in London today [27 November].
Low back pain affects many people in the UK, restricting their daily activities and accounting for 5 per cent of GP appointments. Researchers from the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol and St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with the Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and getUBetter, have secured funding of over £1.3 million to evaluate the implementation of the musculoskeletal self-management app, getUBetter.
Children exposed to the anti-seizure drug lamotrigine during pregnancy were at no increased risk for autism or intellectual disability than those exposed to other anti-seizure medications, according to a new study on the use of eight different anti-seizure drugs published in Nature Communications today [15 November].
Two new studies to understand more about type 1 diabetes and how it develops in people who already have early markers of the disease in their blood are announced today [14 November] on World Diabetes Day. The awards, totalling over £1 million will help University of Bristol researchers find out how the disease, which affects up to 400,000 people in the UK, could be prevented in future.
Hip implants with a delta ceramic or oxidised zirconium head and highly crosslinked polyethylene liner or cup had the lowest risk of revision during the 15 years after surgery, a new University of Bristol-led study has found. The research could help hospitals, surgeons and patients to choose what hip implant to use for replacement surgery.
With the clocks going back this weekend, a new study has found that moving the clocks one hour forward in Spring and one hour back in Autumn has a substantial, but short-lived effect on sleep duration.
Bristol Medical School has been awarded Carbon Literate Educator accreditation for its commitment towards tackling climate change.
Discovering the family home had been remortgaged and credit cards maxed out in her name was the first time Julie Martin became aware of her husband’s relentless gambling addiction.
Self-harm remains neglected worldwide, with at least 14 million episodes yearly. A new Lancet Commission, led by University of Bristol researchers, urges policy action on societal drivers and health services’ response to this pressing issue. The report, involving an international team of experts, is published today [9 October].
A University of Bristol spinout company focused on transforming the way kidney diseases are treated has announced an £80m fund raising to help realise the development of a pivotal new therapeutic treatment.
Members of the public are invited to be part of a live Irish-style wake this week [Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 October] to explore how new digital technologies can influence the way we memorialise and remember loved ones.
A trial that showed a cheap and widely available prescription drug can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients seen in GP surgeries has been awarded Research Paper of the Year by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
Hundreds of babies have begun to be tested for over 200 rare genetic conditions as part of a world-leading study delivered by a University of Bristol team and run in NHS hospitals that aims to screen up to 100,000 newborns in England.
Preterm birth rates are lower than the national average for White women and higher for Black and Asian women, and women living in the most deprived areas according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in BMC Medicine.
A new intervention which keeps lungs regularly expanding when using a heart-lung machine during heart valve surgery might protect lung function and exercise capacity in adult patients after the operation, a University of Bristol-led clinical trial has found.
Giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion (or ‘drip’) can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy, a recent Cochrane review has confirmed. A new editorial by Bristol's Professor Karen Luyt calls for this intervention to be implemented more widely and equitably, as it is still not consistently available worldwide.
A new landmark report, led by the University of Bristol researchers, highlights that access to genomic testing for patients with a brain tumour, is inequitable: it is estimated that fewer than 5 per cent of eligible adult patients with a brain tumour are accessing certain tests.
Good Grief Weston, the festival of love and loss returns to the town in October [10 to 13] for its second edition. The event, which involves University of Bristol researchers, aims to open up conversations around death and bereavement, with honesty, compassion, joy and sometimes with humour.
As the world turns its attention back to Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, three athletes with ties to the University of Bristol are preparing to showcase their talents in badminton, boccia and triathlon.
Four University of Bristol students will test their quizzing mettle tonight, in the first clash of their University Challenge campaign.
A world-first study to identify which genes make some people stem cell super donors has begun by NHS Blood and Transplant and University of Bristol researchers.
A new study that examined health data on 18 million people reveals higher incidence of mental illnesses for up to a year following severe COVID-19 in unvaccinated people. Vaccination appeared to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on mental illnesses. The University of Bristol-led study, published in JAMA Psychiatry today [21 August], investigated associations of COVID-19 with mental illnesses according to time since diagnosis and vaccination status.
A study to find out the best ways of treating prostate cancer has been named the 2024 recipient of the Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI) Special Award. The ProtecT trial, led by the Universities of Bristol and Oxford, received the award for game-changing research in the development of the active surveillance approach to managing low-risk prostate cancer. Their research has proved active monitoring in patients with lower-risk prostate cancer was as safe as aggressive treatments.
University of Bristol lecturer Dr Jo Hartland (they/them) has been named a National Teaching Fellow (NTF), the most prestigious award for teaching in UK higher education.
Nearly nine months of joint replacement surgery has been lost - around 160,000 fewer operations – since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by the University of Bristol has found. The research suggests returning to pre-pandemic levels will not tackle the backlog, and even with rapid expansion, it will take many years, if not decades, to fix this joint replacement crisis.
A new model to predict the risk of serious complications after shoulder replacement surgery has been developed in a collaboration between researchers from the Universities of Oxford, Bristol, and Copenhagen. The model, published in The Lancet Rheumatology today [31 July], could be an important tool to help both patients and doctors make more informed decisions about this common procedure.
A new study involving nearly the whole adult population of England has found that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes was lower after COVID-19 vaccination than before or without vaccination. The research, involving University of Bristol researchers, is published in Nature Communications today [31 July].
When Xander Van der Poll fell from a tree, becoming paralysed from the waist down, some told him his dream of becoming a doctor was over.
A care leaver who sat her first GCSE aged 35 has graduated as a doctor.
People who experience an arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic stroke (TIA) are at an increased risk of suffering a second stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), making it critically important to identify risk factors and treatments to prevent these subsequent occurrences. The new study, led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and University of Bristol researchers, has identified new genetic and molecular risk factors that may reveal new pathways for treating patients after they experience their first stroke.
Researchers at the University of Bristol are joining forces with Bristol City Council and other partners in a bid to help reduce knife crime locally and beyond.
Adolescents consume around two-thirds of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) new research from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge has found.
Kidney health inequalities due to age, sex, education, location or lack of wealth persist, despite widespread awareness of the barriers some people face, a new report by Kidney Research UK has revealed.
A new initiative to increase the visibility of the South West’s growing life sciences ecosystem has been launched.
George Davey-Smith, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, has been elected to the prestigious EMBO Membership, an honour which recognises research excellence and outstanding achievements in the life sciences.
Outcomes for patients with blood cancer could be improved in future thanks to a £1.74 million Cancer Research UK award. The University of Bristol-led research, comprising an international team of scientists and clinical academics, will investigate why stem cell transplantation, which is used to treat blood cancers, cures the disease in some patients but can fail or cause severe side effects in others.
The majority of women who have survived a cancer diagnosed age 15-39 are at low risk of obstetric complications, a new study has found.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have uncovered a new disease driving mechanism which they are aiming to target to help treat the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
Community-based testing and treatment response to Glasgow’s HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs (PWID) successfully brought the 2015 outbreak under control, modelling led by academics at the University of Bristol suggests. The study’s findings, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases (JID), indicate that approximately three times as many people would have been infected by 2020 if these interventions had not been implemented.
Restricting the choice of flavoured vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, could have an adverse effect on the many adults who use them to reduce or quit smoking, according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in the journal Harm Reduction.
Increasing the levels of a key protein in the cells at the back of the eye could help protect against the leading cause of vision loss among older adults, finds a new discovery made by researchers from the UK, US, Germany and Australia. The University of Bristol-led findings are published today [5 June] in Science Translational Medicine and featured on the front cover.
Richard Welbourn, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at Musgrove Park Hospital (MPH), Taunton, has been appointed as Honorary Associate Professor in Surgery at the University of Bristol.
A neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by mutations in a single gene, affecting tens of thousands of people worldwide, has been identified by researchers. The work, published today [31 May] in Nature Medicine, was conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bristol, KU Leuven, Belgium; and the NIHR BioResource (currently based at the University of Cambridge).
A baby’s exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in JAMA Network Open today [28 May], examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution.
Expanding access to epidural analgesia could improve maternal health, say researchers. Having an epidural during labour is associated with a marked reduction in serious complications in the first few weeks after giving birth, finds a study involving University of Bristol researchers, published in The BMJ.
Two Bristol academics, Professors Eugenia Piddini and Gene Feder OBE, have been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences’ respected and influential Fellowship. They join 58 exceptional biomedical and health scientists selected for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of medical science.
A major UK study led by health experts at the University of Stirling in partnership with the universities of Bristol; New Brunswick, Canada; Aberdeen; Glasgow and Queen’s University Belfast, has found that offering text messages with financial incentives is effective in helping men to lose weight.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. With rates continuing to rise, there is an urgent need to identify new modifiable breast cancer risk factors. New research led by the University of Bristol suggests that higher adiposity in childhood leads to less dense breast tissue forming, which results in a reduced breast cancer risk. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanism of the overall protective effect of childhood adiposity to identify new targets for intervention and prevention.
GP data can provide unique insights into common health conditions, new research looking at insomnia symptom prevalence in England has shown. The University of Bristol-led study, published in BMJ Open today [8 May], also highlights the value of improving access to this data for future health research.
A new study has provided valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding two types of shoulder replacement surgery: reverse total shoulder replacement and anatomical total shoulder replacement as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis.
A new Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR) is to be set up at Bristol.
Dynamic Therapeutics, a University of Bristol spin-out, has today [25 April] been awarded a prestigious Blavatnik Prize by QantX, a leading venture capital firm, for its pioneering U-RHYTHM technology. The award recognises the scientific advances and future potential of the UK's most innovative scientists and engineers.
Thousands of people living with rare kidney disease will get access to improved diagnostics, treatments and potentially cures, thanks to the creation of a new research centre, involving experts from the University of Bristol.
Opioid dependence in Scotland remains high but largely stable, according to a new University of Bristol-led analysis published in Addiction today [18 April] and by Public Health Scotland. The study is the first to estimate the number of people dependent on opioid drugs (such as heroin), and who are in or could benefit from drug treatment, among Scotland’s population since 2015/2016 estimates were published.
People who as teenagers felt pressure to lose weight from family or from the media, females, sexual minorities, and people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, are most at risk of 'internalised' weight stigma, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe today [16 Apr].
Three medical students are solving the shocking disparity in skin cancer care between those with dark skin and those with white skin.
A 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.
The largest study to date investigating a single invitation to a PSA blood test* to screen for prostate cancer has found it had a small impact on reducing deaths, but also led to overdiagnosis and missed early detection of some aggressive cancers. The CAP trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and carried out by researchers from the universities of Bristol, Oxford and Cambridge, involved over 400,000 men aged 50-69. Just under half received a single invitation for a PSA test as part of the trial.
Dr Santi Rodriguez, Associate Professor in Medical Education, passed away after a brief illness in March 2024. His colleagues offer a remembrance.
Matt Lodge, ALSPAC Research Secretary and Clinic Administrator, sadly passed away in March. His friends and colleagues Anna and Jill offer their tribute.
An inspirational student who spent nine months in an eating disorder clinic wants to show others “there is always hope”.
The University of Bristol and UCL will lead the Population Research UK (PRUK) co-ordination hub, part of an existing strategic investment from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have uncovered a mechanism by which a hormone can protect the blood vessels in the kidneys from the damage caused by diabetes. In doing so, the team has identified a potential early treatment strategy to prevent or slow progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes. The study, part-funded by Kidney Research UK, is published in Diabetes.
New research has found no evidence of a difference between recovery time and complications when comparing standard and keyhole surgical incisions for the treatment of oesophageal cancer (cancer of the gullet). The study, led by the University of Bristol Medical School and published in the British Journal of Surgery, showed surgeons treating patients with oesophageal cancer do not need to change their practice if they have a strong preference for either procedure type.
Although infection after hip replacement surgery is relatively rare (around 1 in 100), the impact on patients’ lives can be devastating. A new NHS England eLearning programme, 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.
Making alcohol-free beer more widely available on draught in pubs and bars may help people switch from alcoholic to alcohol-free beer, a new study published in Addiction today [21 March], has found. Pubs and bars taking part in the University of Bristol-led trial saw an increase in sales of healthier non-alcoholic draught beer.
Thousands of Bristol and Weston families are already part of the world-renowned Children of the 90s health study based at the University of Bristol. Their participation has led to many scientific discoveries about health. From how babies can safely sleep on their backs to genes that may cause obesity or deteriorating liver health in young people – much of what is now known about health is due to Children of the 90s data, and the study is now calling on more people to take part.
A 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).
An inexpensive measure of obesity in children and adolescents that could replace body mass index (BMI) has been identified in a new study as waist circumference-to-height ratio. This measure detected excess fat mass and distinguished fat mass from muscle mass in children and adolescents more accurately than BMI. The study, published in Pediatric Research, was conducted in collaboration between the universities of Bristol, Exeter and Eastern Finland.
Proactive care, a whole-system approach and a ‘team-of-teams’ are important elements in achieving effective virtual wards for people with frailty, according to the first rapid realist review of the evidence. The findings of the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded review, published in Age and Ageing and involving University of Bristol researchers, also apply to multidisciplinary virtual wards for other complex conditions.
A new clinical trial of a general practice programme to improve the identification and referral of men and children affected by domestic abuse begins in May thanks to a £2.2 million National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) award to University of Bristol researchers, in partnership with Oxford University and the social enterprise IRISi.
A creative arts competition giving older people in Zimbabwe and The Gambia a platform to express their experiences about ageing saw hundreds of entries showcase their artistic talent across four categories: music, dance, prose, and mixed media from across both countries. The competition, part of a University of Bristol led research project, hopes to improve the health and wellbeing of older people living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Four families explain the toll of living conditions on their physical and mental health in a series of films to help change urban planning policy and practice in the UK.
Diabetic patients who take anti-diabetic drugs - known as glitazones – long term had a lower risk of primary and secondary brain cancer compared with diabetic patients on other medications, new research led by the University of Bristol has found.
Droughts have the potential to increase the spread of HIV for women living in rural parts of Africa, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.
Bristol 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.
A national partnership led by researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Liverpool has received £2.4 million to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities.
A 19-year-old medicine student has just become a professional Ironman triathlete – despite only starting training in 2020.
Twelve percent of infant deaths in England could be avoided if all infants in England had the same risk of death as White infants, a new University of Bristol-led study shows. Such a change, which equates to more than 200 deaths per year, would bring England – which currently has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Europe – in line with other EU nations.
New 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.
A detailed study of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) among young people in the UK has found that a 'loneliness loop' risks trapping young people in a repeating cycle of abuse. The University of Bristol-led research, which analysed survey data from 3,000 young people, recommends early intervention to prevent young people from experiencing IPVA.
A weight loss intervention in people with type 2 diabetes was found to alter levels of cancer-related proteins, according to the findings of a new University of Bristol-led study. The study, published in eBioMedicine, is the first to show that weight loss in people recently diagnosed with diabetes can change the levels of cancer-related chemicals circulating in the blood.
Supporting women of childbearing age to have a healthy weight could reduce the risk of several pregnancy complications, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The international collaborative study is published in BMC Medicine today [29 January].
Expanding the IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) domestic abuse programme to include men and children and young people is both feasible and potentially cost-effective, University of Bristol researchers have found.
People with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment are already taking part in research to investigate whether improving oral health can slow memory loss but even more people are needed to help. The MySmile study, led by the University of Bristol, wants to find out if a daily brushing routine could help to protect against dementia.
Outdoor humidity and temperature levels during pregnancy could affect the future blood pressure of the unborn child, according to new research by the University of Bristol, published in JACC: Advances.
Diets high in calories, fat and sugar in childhood can cause damage to blood vessel function, known to heighten the risk of early heart attacks and strokes, as early as adolescence according to research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The team behind the University of Bristol-led study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition today [10 January], say their findings highlight the importance of healthy eating habits throughout life to protect heart health.
Two academics at the University of Bristol, clinical scientist, Professor John Iredale, and historian, Professor Ronald Hutton, alumnus Gregory Doran, alumnus and member of staff Sandy Mitchell, and former member of staff, Dr Teame Mebrahtu have been recognised for their significant achievements in this year's King's New Year Honours list.
Fifteen per cent of child deaths in England over the last three years are related to infection, according to a new report published today [14 December] by the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) team. The report uses the NCMD’s unique data on all child deaths in England to examine 1,507 infection-related deaths between April 2019 and March 2022.
A four-part audio-drama, Tobias and Syd, launched earlier this year and inspired by University of Bristol and Durham University research, is currently ranked second in the Audio Fiction World Cup and is the top UK podcast.
A University of Bristol researcher who has developed a new type of 'heart plaster' that could improve the way surgeons treat children living with congenital heart disease has won this year's British Heart Foundation (BHF) Research Story of the Year. The award is part of the charity's annual Heart Hero Awards 2023.
The largest review of papers for brain cancer that has spread from the lungs has found abnormalities in the brain cancer and for which licensed drugs could be clinically trialled to find out if they could treat the disease. The research led by the University of Bristol and published in Neuro-Oncology Advances also found genetic differences between smokers and non-smokers.
New research that compared the taste perception of less processed foods with ultra-processed foods (UPFs), found participants viewed UPFs no more pleasant tasting than less processed foods. The University of Bristol-led findings, published in the journal Appetite today [27 November], supports the theory that humans are programmed to learn to like foods with more equal amounts of carbohydrate and fat. Carbohydrate (including sugars) and fat provide most of the calories in human diets.
A new intervention for men with urinary problems trialled across GP practices has shown a sustained reduction in symptoms. Findings from the University of Bristol-led Treating Urinary Symptoms in Men in Primary Healthcare (TRIUMPH) study, involving over 1,000 participants and 30 GP practices, have been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Two University of Bristol academics have been awarded prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants to continue their pioneering research.
The University of Bristol has joined the Evotec beLAB1407 BRIDGE Partnership, an innovative venture aiming to advance new therapeutic drug discoveries.
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![[l] Professor John Iredale; [r] Professor Ronald Hutton](/media-library/sites/news/2023/december/nyhonours-thumb.jpg)
