Exclusive breastfeeding linked to long-term changes in marks on DNA, found in blood
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least three months carry markers in their blood that differ from babies who are not breastfed.
 (1).png)
Exclusive breastfeeding linked to long-term changes in marks on DNA, found in blood
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least three months carry markers in their blood that differ from babies who are not breastfed.
Industrial chemicals delay recovery of the ozone layer
The recovery of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere could be delayed by several years, according to an international study led by Swiss research institution Empa which included contributions from University of Bristol researchers.
Involving community members alongside healthcare professionals and easier access could boost vaccine uptake
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].
Dieters feast their eyes on digital food content to help curb cravings, study shows
New research has revealed people trying to resist their food cravings use social media content featuring indulgent treats as a substitute for eating the real thing.
Bristol student entrepreneurs pitch for share of £75k at Innovation Showcase
The University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s annual Innovation Showcase returns on Wednesday 15 April at the Watershed, bringing together students, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners for an afternoon of live pitching, venture demonstrations and creative problem solving.
Dr Les Strong, 1940-2026
Dr Les Strong, a lecturer and senior lecturer in Insect Biology at the University of Bristol from 1966 to 1999, passed away on 15 January. His former research collaborator, Professor Richard Wall, shares his recollections.
Social venture co-founded by Bristol academic receives multi-million dollar funding
A social venture co-founded by a University of Bristol academic has received $40million funding from leading algorithmic trading firm, XTX Markets
Nature’s photocopiers caught ‘doodling’ – and scientists say it could revolutionise how DNA is written
New research has discovered that the molecular machines responsible for copying our DNA have a surprising hidden talent – an ability to create entirely new and highly sophisticated DNA sequences from scratch.
More than 140 UK projects receive over £2 million in second Immersive Arts funding round
Over £2 million has been allocated to 142 artist-led projects across the UK in the second round of Immersive Arts funding - a scheme supporting artists of all backgrounds and experience to work with immersive technologies.
Botanic Garden Easter Sculpture Festival
The University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden will once again be hosting its annual Easter Sculpture Festival this weekend from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April (10am-5pm).
Space mission launch advances UK standing in quantum communications
A landmark space mission built on UK research excellence is set to accelerate progress in quantum communications, as the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub launches the pioneering “Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications” (SPOQC).
Human touch leaves chicks feeling egg-stra happy, study finds
Chicks, just like pets, also benefit from gentle human touch, new research has revealed. Scientists at the University of Bristol have discovered that gentle human interactions do not only prevent fear in baby chicks but also triggers positive emotions. The findings offer new insights into how early-life handling affects the welfare of young farm animals.
Researchers identify the most common recessive neurodevelopmental disorder ever discovered
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.
Bristol spin-out Albotherm awarded its first UK patent
A University of Bristol spin-out which has developed an innovative temperature-responsive coating for greenhouses and buildings has been awarded its first UK patent.
New study reveals why the 1603 Great Plague spared Bristol’s outskirts
People living in Bristol’s rural areas may have been inherently safer from disease outbreaks, according to a new study by Bristol historians. The research reveals parallels between the Great Plague of 1603 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Record number of University of Bristol subjects ranked among the top 20 in the world and top 5 in the UK
More subjects than ever have been recognised in the global top 20 and the UK top 5 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Professor David Evans, 1940-2026
Professor David Vincent Evans, Applied Mathematician and former Head of Department, Dean of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Bristol, passed away on 13 March. Professor Richard Porter, his former PhD student, postdoc, colleague and close friend, remembers his life.
Double delight for University of Bristol Tennis Club after LTA awards recognition
The University of Bristol Tennis Club (UBTC) has been recognised in two categories at the 2026 Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Awards.
Pioneering research highlights growing link between homelessness and death
A new report, to be presented to policymakers today, uncovers a huge rise in official reports concerning deaths amongst homeless or precariously housed people in recent years.
UK university experience inspires graduates’ mission for disability inclusion in China
When Da Chen graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023, he took home with him more than a master’s degree. As a disabled person, he discovered the sport of snooker and was determined to bring its inclusivity and enjoyment back to Asia.
AI Minister takes the stage with global tech giants as UK AI partnerships shine at University of Bristol summit
Researchers, policymakers and technology leaders have gathered in Bristol this week for the Isambard Summit 2026 (IS26), showcasing how investment in AI and advanced computing is helping deliver the UK Government’s growth and industrial strategy.
Call for pet owners to fill in survey to help improve communication with vets
Researchers from the University of Bristol are carrying out a new study with a view to helping optimise the relationship between vets and clients, ensuring every pet receives the best possible care.
Bristol-Guangzhou partnership celebrates 25 years with launch of Young Ambassador programme
In a landmark celebration of the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and the University of Bristol have officially signed two agreements on student exchange and strategic partnership and launched Guangzhou-Bristol Yong Ambassador programme.
Euthanasia rates for stray dogs triple as more animals enter UK shelters
A stark rise in the number of stray dogs being euthanised across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with rates more than tripling over a three-year period, are revealed in a new collaborative study. The research is published in the MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) journal Animals.
Skin’s immune response could be key to fighting dengue, study suggests
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, infects an estimated 390 million people and causes around 20,000 deaths worldwide each year. New research suggests the skin is a major site of immune surveillance for dengue. The findings could help in the development of more effective dengue vaccines.
Researchers discover way for motors to mimic real muscles
Scientists have developed a network of mechanical motors that mimic the molecular machinery underpinning human muscle contraction. The University of Bristol-led findings, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface this week, could open new possibilities for artificial muscles in robotics.
England's mayors and ministers gather in West Country for first time
The West of England's Mayor welcomed ministers and fellow mayors for the first time to the West Innovation Arc Growth Zone - the fastest growing part of the West, which is itself the country's fastest growing regional economy. The Mayoral Council was today hosted in South Gloucestershire at NCC, the University of Bristol's world-leading research and development centre.
Study shows bombarding gamblers with offers greatly increases betting and gambling harm
Research has confirmed for the first time that people with active gambling accounts who receive regular ‘free bets’ and other direct marketing offers place a lot more bets, spend far more, and suffer greater related harms than gamblers who have opted out of such offers.
Quantum-inspired laser system delivers distance measurements with sub-millimetre accuracy
A new laser range-finding technique, inspired by quantum physics, which can measure distances under strong solar background has been demonstrated by researchers at the University of Bristol.
Bristol Derby Day set to return – bigger and better than ever!
More than 1,600 student athletes representing nine universities across 30 sports will go head-to-head at Bristol Derby Day 2026 on Wednesday 18 March.
Eye bank celebrates 40 years of sight saving work
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.
Research shows some babies can grasp art of deception even before their first birthday
A new study has mapped by age young children’s ability to understand and practise deception for the first time – and results indicate many can sense it even before turning one year old.
Disposable vapes ban could lead young adults to switch to cigarettes, study finds
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, 1964-2025
Professor Timothy Draycott MD, BSc, MBBS, FRCOG passed away in November 2025. His colleagues offer a remembrance.
University of Bristol spinout comes first at Innovation World Cup
FluoretiQ Limited, the University of Bristol spinout developing rapid point-of-care bacterial diagnostics to tackle antimicrobial resistance, has won 1st place at the Hong Kong MedTech Innovation World Cup 2026.
Women Strike Back! New exhibition explores histories of Black and South Asian feminist activists
A fascinating new exhibition which explores the histories of Black and South Asian feminist activists in postwar Britain is on display at St Paul’s Learning Centre and Bristol Central Library throughout March.
Experience the wonder of the Botanic Garden this year with no fixed entry price on weekdays
Entry to the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden will be donation only on weekdays throughout 2026 – with no fixed entry price.
Researchers join forces with families to make sure loved ones have better mental health support
Hannah has been fighting for more than 15 years to help ensure her son receives the mental health care and help he needs.
Bristol part of new £50m consortium tackling one of UK’s biggest killers
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.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could cut risk of major heart complications after heart attack, study finds
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).
University of Bristol and Black Trail Runners unite to launch ‘Black to the Trails: Bristol’
The University of Bristol and Black Trail Runners have announced an exciting new partnership to bring the UK and Europe’s most ethnically diverse trail running event to the South West for the very first time.
Advice for students and colleagues affected by the conflict in the Middle East
We want everyone in our community who is affected by current events in the Middle East to know our thoughts are with them and that a range of support and advice is available.
Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans use rising most rapidly among middle-aged households, finds study
A survey of nearly 6,000 UK households warns of a sharp increase in those aged 40-59 years using Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans (BNPL). These loans are currently accessed by 18% of UK households (up from 15% in May 2025) and while BNPL use is highest among younger households, growth has been fastest among those aged 40-59 years.
Parliamentarians and regional leaders learn about GW4 R&D strengths at Bristol and Bath Science Park event
Two GW4 Alliance universities, Bath and Bristol, showcased why the region is a powerhouse for research, development and innovation at an event hosted at the Bristol & Bath Science Park for MPs, policymakers and business leaders.
2026 Alumni Award winners announced
The University of Bristol has today announced the stellar lineup of recipients of its Alumni Awards for 2026.
Global gaps in use of two life-saving antenatal treatments for premature babies, reveals worldwide analysis
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.
Government of Maharashtra to support scholarship scheme at University of Bristol’s Mumbai Enterprise Campus
Further details of the University of Bristol’s plans for its Mumbai Enterprise Campus have been revealed, with the Government of Maharashtra supporting a prestigious new scholarship scheme for local students.
Hunting pressure is shrinking safe space for mandrills in Equatorial Guinea
Africa’s largest monkey, the mandrill, Mandrillus sphinx, is being forced out of its home within a national park due to hunting pressure, new research has revealed.
University of Bristol opens new chapter in India with Mumbai Enterprise Campus celebration
The University of Bristol has unveiled a series of landmark partnerships at a celebration of its new Mumbai Enterprise Campus, including a global strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and a £1.5million philanthropic gift from the Shanta Foundation that will strengthen research and student mobility between India and the UK.
Childhood BMI changes genetically linked to adulthood diabetes and heart disease
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.