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Results 1 - 20 of 124.
Research autopsies reveal how incurable skin cancer resists treatment
A study, co-led by researchers at UCL, has revealed how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life. The discovery, scientists say, provides vital clues for developing new treatments for those with a terminal diagnosis. An in-depth analysis of 14 patients who died from incurable melanoma has revealed that changes to the order, structure and number of copies of tumour DNA could cause some skin cancers to resist treatment.
A study, co-led by researchers at UCL, has revealed how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life. The discovery, scientists say, provides vital clues for developing new treatments for those with a terminal diagnosis. An in-depth analysis of 14 patients who died from incurable melanoma has revealed that changes to the order, structure and number of copies of tumour DNA could cause some skin cancers to resist treatment.
Social media usage linked to eating disorders in young people
People aged between 10-24 who use social media sites may potentially be at risk of developing image concerns, eating disorders and poor mental health, suggests a new scoping review by UCL researchers. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health , examined evidence from 50 studies in 17 countries and found that social media creates risks of social comparison and promotes the idea that it is vital to be thin or fit.
People aged between 10-24 who use social media sites may potentially be at risk of developing image concerns, eating disorders and poor mental health, suggests a new scoping review by UCL researchers. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health , examined evidence from 50 studies in 17 countries and found that social media creates risks of social comparison and promotes the idea that it is vital to be thin or fit.
Cell mapping and ’mini placentas’ give new insights into human pregnancy
Researchers have mapped the complete trajectory of placental development, helping shed new light on why pregnancy disorders happen. This can help us improve laboratory models to continue investigating pregnancy disorders, which cause illness and death worldwide. Anna Arutyunyan Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Switzerland, EMBL's European
Researchers have mapped the complete trajectory of placental development, helping shed new light on why pregnancy disorders happen. This can help us improve laboratory models to continue investigating pregnancy disorders, which cause illness and death worldwide. Anna Arutyunyan Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Switzerland, EMBL's European
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased - but also polarised - trust in science
Research shows trust in science is more important than knowledge, when it comes to affecting behaviours and attitudes towards science. Research by the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, UK, along with colleagues at Universities of Oxford and Aberdeen, finds that trust in scientists has hugely increased overall since the COVID-19 pandemic, but that attitudes have also become more polarized.
Research shows trust in science is more important than knowledge, when it comes to affecting behaviours and attitudes towards science. Research by the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, UK, along with colleagues at Universities of Oxford and Aberdeen, finds that trust in scientists has hugely increased overall since the COVID-19 pandemic, but that attitudes have also become more polarized.
Analysis: People with a history of poor mental health likelier to face hardships during the pandemic
Dr Vanessa Moulton (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) and Professor George Ploubidis (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) highlight in The Conversation their findings that adults with long-term psychological difficulties were disproportionally affected by the pandemic. More than a million people in England are waiting for mental health support due to soaring demand exacerbated by the pandemic.
Dr Vanessa Moulton (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) and Professor George Ploubidis (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) highlight in The Conversation their findings that adults with long-term psychological difficulties were disproportionally affected by the pandemic. More than a million people in England are waiting for mental health support due to soaring demand exacerbated by the pandemic.
People in Britain had less ’risky’ sex in the year following the pandemic
The lower prevalence of people having condomless sex with multiple or new partners during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, was still evident one year after Britain's first lockdown, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of Glasgow. The research, published in Sexually Transmitted Infections, provides the most comprehensive picture to date of the impact of Covid-19 on sexual and reproductive health in Britain.
The lower prevalence of people having condomless sex with multiple or new partners during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, was still evident one year after Britain's first lockdown, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of Glasgow. The research, published in Sexually Transmitted Infections, provides the most comprehensive picture to date of the impact of Covid-19 on sexual and reproductive health in Britain.
Pathogen mapped for the first time – to understand evolution and potential treatments
Pathogen mapped for the first time - to understand evolution and potential treatments A parasite which has devastating impacts on agriculture and human health is the first pathogen to have its proteins located and mapped within its cells - providing clues to their function and helping to identify potential drug targets.
Pathogen mapped for the first time - to understand evolution and potential treatments A parasite which has devastating impacts on agriculture and human health is the first pathogen to have its proteins located and mapped within its cells - providing clues to their function and helping to identify potential drug targets.
Gene therapy approach to boost ’cold shock protein’ in the brain without cooling protects mice against neurodegenerative disease
Scientists in Cambridge and Berlin have used a form of gene therapy to increase levels of the so-called -cold shock protein- in the brains of mice, protecting them against the potentially devastating impact of prion disease. Essentially, the cold shock protein enables the brain to protect itself - in this case, against the damage nerve cells in the brain during prion disease Giovanna Mallucci The discovery is a step towards harnessing the protective effects of cooling the brain to treat patients with acute brain injury and even to prevent dementias, such as Alzheimer-s.
Scientists in Cambridge and Berlin have used a form of gene therapy to increase levels of the so-called -cold shock protein- in the brains of mice, protecting them against the potentially devastating impact of prion disease. Essentially, the cold shock protein enables the brain to protect itself - in this case, against the damage nerve cells in the brain during prion disease Giovanna Mallucci The discovery is a step towards harnessing the protective effects of cooling the brain to treat patients with acute brain injury and even to prevent dementias, such as Alzheimer-s.
Any type of hormonal contraceptive may increase risk of breast cancer
An analysis of data by researchers at Oxford Population Health's Cancer Epidemiology Unit has shown that use of progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer. The results are published in PLOS Medicine . Previous studies have shown that use of the combined contraceptive pill, which combines oestrogen and progestogen, is associated with a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer that declines after stopping use.
An analysis of data by researchers at Oxford Population Health's Cancer Epidemiology Unit has shown that use of progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer. The results are published in PLOS Medicine . Previous studies have shown that use of the combined contraceptive pill, which combines oestrogen and progestogen, is associated with a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer that declines after stopping use.
Preventing cancer relapse with a genetic test
Date Scientists have found a new way to predict which myeloma patients will benefit the most from a treatment often used to help keep the blood cancer from coming back after a stem cell transplant. For people with certain high-risk genetic features in their cancer cells, the drug, called lenalidomide, cut their risk of seeing their cancer progress or dying by up to 40-fold.
Date Scientists have found a new way to predict which myeloma patients will benefit the most from a treatment often used to help keep the blood cancer from coming back after a stem cell transplant. For people with certain high-risk genetic features in their cancer cells, the drug, called lenalidomide, cut their risk of seeing their cancer progress or dying by up to 40-fold.
Waist to height ratio a better outcome indicator than BMI in patients with heart failure
New research has debunked the idea that there is an "obesity paradox", whereby patients with heart failure who are overweight or obese are thought to be less likely to end up in hospital or die than people of normal weight. The new study - published in the European Heart Journal and led by the University of Glasgow - shows that if doctors measure the waist to height ratio of their patients, rather than looking at their body mass index (BMI), the supposed survival advantage for people with a BMI of 25kg/m2 or more disappears.
New research has debunked the idea that there is an "obesity paradox", whereby patients with heart failure who are overweight or obese are thought to be less likely to end up in hospital or die than people of normal weight. The new study - published in the European Heart Journal and led by the University of Glasgow - shows that if doctors measure the waist to height ratio of their patients, rather than looking at their body mass index (BMI), the supposed survival advantage for people with a BMI of 25kg/m2 or more disappears.
Next epidemic could be spotted early in wastewater, say scientists
Bath scientists worked with the water industry and UK Health Security Agency to pilot the first UK public health surveillance system that analyses wastewater. Researchers analysing wastewater say that routine monitoring at sewage treatment works could provide a powerful early warning system for the next flu or norovirus epidemic, alerting hospitals to prepare and providing public health agencies with vital health information.
Bath scientists worked with the water industry and UK Health Security Agency to pilot the first UK public health surveillance system that analyses wastewater. Researchers analysing wastewater say that routine monitoring at sewage treatment works could provide a powerful early warning system for the next flu or norovirus epidemic, alerting hospitals to prepare and providing public health agencies with vital health information.
Viewing self-harm images online and in social media usually causes harm
Clinical researchers from Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust have reviewed the international research evidence regarding the impact of viewing images of self-harm on the internet and in social media. This indicates that viewing such images usually causes harm, though the findings also highlighted the complexity of the issue.
Clinical researchers from Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust have reviewed the international research evidence regarding the impact of viewing images of self-harm on the internet and in social media. This indicates that viewing such images usually causes harm, though the findings also highlighted the complexity of the issue.
Report highlights the impact of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) on deaths and hospital admissions
Today, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and The Lancet publish new evidence showing the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) on deaths and hospital admissions attributable to alcohol consumption. Carried out in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the study evaluated the impact of MUP on alcohol health harms, over the first two-and-half years of the policy.
Today, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and The Lancet publish new evidence showing the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) on deaths and hospital admissions attributable to alcohol consumption. Carried out in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the study evaluated the impact of MUP on alcohol health harms, over the first two-and-half years of the policy.
Underactive immune response may explain obesity link to COVID-19 severity
Individuals who are obese may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 because of a poorer inflammatory immune response, say Cambridge scientists. During the pandemic, the majority of younger patients I saw on the COVID wards were obese. I would have said that it was most likely due to excessive inflammation.
Individuals who are obese may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 because of a poorer inflammatory immune response, say Cambridge scientists. During the pandemic, the majority of younger patients I saw on the COVID wards were obese. I would have said that it was most likely due to excessive inflammation.
Lighting up tumours could help surgeons remove them more precisely
A new technique that combines highly detailed, real-time images of inside the body with a type of infrared light has, for the first time, been used during surgery to differentiate between cancerous tumours and healthy tissue. The pioneering technique, demonstrated in mice, has been developed by engineers at the Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS) at UCL and surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
A new technique that combines highly detailed, real-time images of inside the body with a type of infrared light has, for the first time, been used during surgery to differentiate between cancerous tumours and healthy tissue. The pioneering technique, demonstrated in mice, has been developed by engineers at the Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS) at UCL and surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Preterm babies do not habituate to repeated pain
Preterm infants do not get used to repeated pain in the way that full-term infants, children and adults do habituate to pain, finds a study led by UCL researchers. The authors of the new Current Biology paper say that if preterm infants have not yet developed the mechanism that enables people to get used to moderate pain, medical procedures in their first few weeks of life could potentially impact their development.
Preterm infants do not get used to repeated pain in the way that full-term infants, children and adults do habituate to pain, finds a study led by UCL researchers. The authors of the new Current Biology paper say that if preterm infants have not yet developed the mechanism that enables people to get used to moderate pain, medical procedures in their first few weeks of life could potentially impact their development.
Scientists advance dream of targeted real time treatment of hypoxic cancers
Imaging researchers have taken a major step towards their ultimate goal of identifying cancers that are starved of oxygen so that altered treatment can be used to target them more effectively. The study led by researchers from The University of Manchester, working with scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research, University College London and The University of Leeds, is published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology.
Imaging researchers have taken a major step towards their ultimate goal of identifying cancers that are starved of oxygen so that altered treatment can be used to target them more effectively. The study led by researchers from The University of Manchester, working with scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research, University College London and The University of Leeds, is published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology.
The UK’s largest ever feline dental disease study identifies age and breed as biggest risk factors
New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on the frequency, risk factors and linked health problems associated with periodontal disease in pet cats in the UK. These findings will help veterinary practitioners and owners better understand and predict its occurrence and identify opportunities to improve cats' dental health.
New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on the frequency, risk factors and linked health problems associated with periodontal disease in pet cats in the UK. These findings will help veterinary practitioners and owners better understand and predict its occurrence and identify opportunities to improve cats' dental health.
Improving TB detection and Singapore green energy: News from the College
Here's a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial. From improving TB detection with algorithms, to Imperial academics sharing expertise for Singapore's green energy transition, here is some quick-read news from across the College. Improving TB detection with algorithms An international group of experts have developed an evidence-based algorithm that will make detecting TB (tuberculosis) in the lungs of children easier in resource-limited settings.
Here's a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial. From improving TB detection with algorithms, to Imperial academics sharing expertise for Singapore's green energy transition, here is some quick-read news from across the College. Improving TB detection with algorithms An international group of experts have developed an evidence-based algorithm that will make detecting TB (tuberculosis) in the lungs of children easier in resource-limited settings.