News

Involving community members alongside healthcare professionals and easier access could boost vaccine uptake

15 April 2026

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 identify the most common recessive neurodevelopmental disorder ever discovered

30 March 2026

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.

Eye bank celebrates 40 years of sight saving work

16 March 2026

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.

A young women vaping Credit Mayukh Karmakar from Pixabay

Disposable vapes ban could lead young adults to switch to cigarettes, study finds

11 March 2026

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

11 March 2026

Professor Timothy Draycott MD, BSc, MBBS, FRCOG passed away in November 2025. His colleagues offer a remembrance.

Bristol part of new £50m consortium tackling one of UK’s biggest killers

3 March 2026

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

3 March 2026

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).

Global gaps in use of two life-saving antenatal treatments for premature babies, reveals worldwide analysis

25 February 2026

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 young person standing on weighing scales

Childhood BMI changes genetically linked to adulthood diabetes and heart disease

23 February 2026

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 jabs reduce the risks of COVID-19 deaths, study finds

18 February 2026

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.

Group of people Image by Tania Van den Berghen from Pixabay

High BMI could increase dementia risk, study finds

22 January 2026

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.

Elizabeth Coulthard, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Bristol

Bristol receives share of £16.5 million to investigate neurodegenerative diseases that give rise to dementia

20 January 2026

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).

A stock-free image of a pregnant woman having her blood pressure taken

Higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of pregnancy complications, study concludes

14 January 2026

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].

World-leading researchers unite for ‘pivotal’ study to help children and adults with arthritis to live drug free

6 January 2026

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.

Global food systems driving twin crises of obesity and global heating

18 December 2025

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.

Pre-school health programme does not improve children’s diet or physical activity, prompting call for policy changes, study finds

18 December 2025

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.

A women sleeping with an alarm clock on a bedside table

Autumn clock change linked to reduction in certain health conditions

17 December 2025

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 Whitelaw, 1946-2025

11 December 2025

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.

Nearly 1 in 5 UK emergency department patients cared for in corridors/waiting rooms

9 December 2025

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.

Preschoolers exercising by Lukas at Pexels

Most preschoolers failing to meet daily physical activity guidelines, study suggests

24 November 2025

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.

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