Ageing: is it driven by our genetic coding? Description:New research asks the question of why ageing happens in a uniform way when current models work on the basis of randomly accumulated damageDate:28 March 2023 Dr Jenny Wong wins BA/Leverhulme Small Grant Description:This project will take a closer look at the cultural importance of Shakespeare in China and the translation of its religious materials. Date:28 March 2023 2022 heatwave struck off surgery in fifth of UK hospitals Description:As Britain sweltered in the heatwave of 2022, the impact on NHS elective surgery was serious with hospitals cancelling operations.Date:23 March 2023 Dr Luis Medina Cordova wins BA/Leverhulme Small Grant Description:This project will investigate and archive the ways in which writers in Latin America responded to the Covid-19 pandemic through social media.Date:17 March 2023 Postcode lottery for FGM provision in largest UK study of survivor experiences of healthcare Description:Research with 141 participants across multiple perspectives found few examples of excellent care, and significant social and cultural barriers to accessing careDate:15 March 2023 Birmingham researchers receive funding to study veteran brain injury Description:Scientists at the University of Birmingham awarded almost £200,000 by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to better understand traumatic brain injury in veterans.Date:14 March 2023 New drug to lower brain pressure could treat blinding IIH headaches, trial finds Description:Phase two trial saw significant reduction in pressure in the brain and monthly headachesDate:13 March 2023 Naturally occurring peptide may tackle the ‘root cause’ of obesity-related conditions Description:Research shows the peptide called PEPITEM could provide a revolutionary approach to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related diseases Date:09 March 2023 New research to understand immune responses against COVID-19 vaccination Description:Study received £2.8m of Department of Health and Social Care funding to find out if testing can identify which immunosuppressed people remain at greatest risk.Date:03 March 2023 AI used to predict future flares of ulcerative colitis activity Description:Ulcerative colitis assessment could be improved after new research shows that an AI model could predict flare-ups and complications after reading biopsies.Date:03 March 2023 India hospital network launched to initiate life-saving colon cancer trial Description:Twelve hospitals across country will be part of the network which will support the trial in IndiaDate:24 February 2023 After 25 years of AI health tech research computers are slowly beginning to listen to patients Description:Mental health and other chronic conditions leading way in combining AI potential with patient reported outcomesDate:22 February 2023 £1 million award for BactiVac Network to continue supporting development of bacterial vaccines Description:Bacterial infections kill over 7 million people each year and the development of new and better vaccines will reduce this devastating burden of disease. Date:21 February 2023 Continue heart failure treatment despite initial kidney reduction, new guidelines suggest Description:Summary of European Society of Cardiology report will direct both heart and kidney failure specialists to make best use of new treatments and prolong lives.Date:21 February 2023 Efficacy of BCG vaccine in reducing COPD exacerbations funded for £1.8M Description:University of Birmingham researchers have received a £1.8M grant by the NIHR EME Programme investigating BCG vaccine efficacy in reducing COPD exacerbations.Date:15 February 2023 Birmingham adrenal tumour service awarded five-star status for both patient care and research Description:The endocrine service at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) has been given a prestigious five-star Centre of Excellence rating. Date:14 February 2023 Conundrum solved over HPV link with head and neck cancer Description:International analysis has found that discordant results between two types of HPV test linked with worse outcomes for patientsDate:13 February 2023 Adding years to your inflammation clock – what factors affect healthy ageing-related system decline Description:Beneficial habits including exercise and healthy diet may delay ‘inflammaging’ associated with age-related health problemsDate:13 February 2023 Remote symptom reporting for patients may reduce times for 7 million on elective-care waiting lists Description:Review of international examples of electronic patient-reported outcomes tools shows they could support clinical practice and reduce outpatient waiting times Date:10 February 2023 Leukaemia trial testing vaccine strategies to combat immune suppression Description:The IMPROVE clinical trial is testing whether vaccine timing can help clinically vulnerable people build antibodies Date:08 February 2023 Immunocompromised patients remain at higher risk of COVID-19 death in hospital Description:Patients had 44% higher risk of death in hospital compared to those with healthy immune system functionDate:03 February 2023 Latest research finds hypertension drug could be repurposed to delay ageing Description:Latest research has found that rilmenidine, a drug used to treat hypertension, can be used to slow ageing and extend lifespan.Date:24 January 2023 Chemotherapy before surgery cuts risk of colon cancer returning, trial finds Description:Patients with early stage colon cancer benefit from 6 weeks of chemotherapy before surgeryDate:19 January 2023 Ten-minute scan to detect common cause of high blood pressure Description:Study finds CT scan can identify aldosteronism caused by hormone gland nodules as well as existing testsDate:16 January 2023 Experimental cancer therapy research continues at Birmingham Description:New and innovative ways to detect and treat cancer being trialled at Birmingham are to receive renewed funding from Cancer Research UK and the NIHR.Date:16 January 2023 Poetry and meditation power new research understanding - study Description:Combining poetry and meditation may help researchers to discover new angles on the world through an unorthodox approach to data collection and analysis.Date:10 January 2023 Dr Pavlovic appointed as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology PLUS Description:JMCC PLUS publishes fundamental and translational research that advances knowledge of the mechanisms for normal and diseased cardiovascular function.Date:10 January 2023 Protein anchors found to play key role in neurotransmitter GABA action Description:Discovery could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders such as Multiple SclerosisDate:04 January 2023 Heart surgery and impact on mental health among new priorities for congenital heart disease research Description:Patients, parents, charities and healthcare professionals agree key focuses for future research for disease affecting around half a million in UK Date:12 December 2022 Babies born to Black mothers in rich countries twice as likely to die in first weeks of life Description:Largest analysis of perinatal outcomes finds disparities in outcomes based on race and ethnicity in high and upper-middle income countriesDate:08 December 2022 MDS colleagues celebrate receiving MRC clinical fellowships Description:Two University of Birmingham researchers have been awarded prestigious Medical Research Council (MRC) clinical fellowships this year. Date:08 December 2022 Immune T cell defence is coping with COVID-19 variants of concern – for now Description:Broad T-cell response is currently protective but recognition of seven out of ten T-cell targets mutated in SARS-CoV-2 variants is impairedDate:01 December 2022 University of Birmingham signs up for strategic research vision in India Description:Our experts are working with partners in India on research and education collaborations that will help improve people's lives.Date:28 November 2022 World’s first clinical trial to test new drug glenzocimab for heart attacks Description:New partnership with Acticor Biotech will see patients with heart attacks treated with glenzocimab, a promising new class of drug for the first time.Date:23 November 2022 ‘Playbook’ sets out ways to fight back against antimicrobial resistance Description:‘Resistance breakers’ and better genetic tests are among new ways that scientists could address antimicrobial resistance, a new paper suggests.Date:21 November 2022 Inflammation and Ageing Research Fellow receives £1.2M Competitive MRC Career Development Fellowship Description:Dr Jon Hazeldine, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, has been awarded a competitive MRC Career Development Award Fellowship totalling £1.2M.Date:16 November 2022 Researchers make miniature ‘bone marrows in a dish’ to improve anti-cancer treatments Description:The organoids provide a micro-environment that can accept and support the survival of cells from patients with blood malignanciesDate:15 November 2022 New UK-first trial to screen 20,000 children for type 1 diabetes Description:Blood tests will identify children likely to develop type 1 diabetes, allowing earlier, safer diagnosis Date:14 November 2022 Childhood maltreatment linked with higher risk of asthma and atopic disease Description:UK analysis raises need for awareness of health implications for patients following abuse and neglectDate:14 November 2022 Rare cancer treatment changed thanks to major clinical trial Description:Children and adult with a rare form of bone cancer are receiving a new standard of treatment that is more effective, thanks to a CRCTU clinical trial.Date:11 November 2022 Antibody therapies against Covid-19 for most vulnerable patients work, new analysis finds Description:The largest analysis of data on antibody therapies for protecting clinically extremely vulnerable people from Covid-19 shows that they are effective.Date:08 November 2022 Rethinking mountain water security Description:Water security in mountain regions relies on an understanding of the interlinks of water supply and demand that goes far beyond the study of glacier melt.Date:07 November 2022 How chameleon cancers can change their colors to survive treatment Description:Some leukemias evade treatment by changing their appearance and identity through changing the read-out of their DNA, a new study has found. Date:27 October 2022 Single stranded suture threads could prevent pregnancy infection complications, C-STICH trial finds Description:Results of the clinical trial published in the Lancet found single-strand suture threads could reduce risk of infection after cerclage surgeryDate:20 October 2022 Monkeypox research to benefit from genetic coding lessons taken from Covid-19 Description:Lessons from the genetic mutations which led to Covid-19 variants such as Alpha and Omicron could help scientists tackle similar changes in Monkeypox.Date:20 October 2022 AI takes guesswork out of lateral flow testing Description:A new trial found that an AI app-based reader for lateral flow devices reduced false Covid negatives in assisted test sites.Date:18 October 2022 First Midlands research collaboration to focus on patient safety Description:National Institute for Health and Care Research will establish Patient Safety Research Collaboration based in the MidlandsDate:14 October 2022 New £30M research injection to improve treatment of inflammatory diseases Description:Renewed National Institute for Health and Care Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre continue funds for developments around inflammatory diseasesDate:14 October 2022 Dr Melanie Madhani receives Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship Award Description:Dr Melanie Madhani has been internationally recognised by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for her outstanding research. Date:13 October 2022 Medical research and patient need - are we getting it right? Description:Does the pursuit of scientific excellence serve or hamper translational medical research?Date:12 October 2022 A few thoughts on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Description:Birmingham Law School's Dr Peter Coe blogs his thoughts on SLAPPs and on some of the suggestions that have so far been made to tackle this type of litigation.Date:11 October 2022 New UKRI-funded project on mental health encounters in young people Description:Lisa Bortolotti (PTR) and Matthew Broome (IMH) are investigators in an exciting new collaborative project funded by UKRI. Date:08 October 2022 Childhood cancer radiotherapy involving exposure to the head increases risk of future brain tumours Description:Children who received radiotherapy which exposed their head are at increased risk of developing a type of brain tumour called a meningioma.Date:06 October 2022 Half of mild brain injury patients not recovering after six months, new commission warns Description:Report published in Lancet Neurology highlights progress and unmet needs for traumatic brain injury prevention, care, and researchDate:30 September 2022 Birmingham joins charity to create next generation of leaders in childhood cancer Description:Childhood cancer experts have joined a leading health charity to help create the next generation of leaders in paediatric oncology. Date:28 September 2022 Targeting mast cells could be beneficial to treat Covid-19 patients Description:New research uncovers the role of mast cells in Covid-19, and mast cell stabilizers could be efficient and safe in tackling the blockage of blood vessels.Date:28 September 2022 Public support needed to tackle racial and other biases in AI for healthcare Description:Members of the public are being asked to help remove biases based on race and other disadvantaged groups in artificial intelligence algorithms for healthcareDate:26 September 2022 Seeing the unseen: birth and death of tree roots under a future atmosphere Description:Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes trees to put more resource into developing root systems below ground.Date:22 September 2022 Food for our guts: human microbes feed on plant sugars Description:A carbohydrate commonly found attached to plant proteins is a food source for the bacteria in our gut, new research suggests.Date:22 September 2022 Research identifies new treatment target for CNS injury and neurological disease Description:Potential target could treat long-term neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and foster nerve regeneration in central nervous system injuries. Date:20 September 2022 Professor of Metabolism and Inflammation awarded £828K British Heart Foundation Research Fellowship Description:Professor Claudio Mauro has been awarded a British Heart Foundation Senior Research Fellowship towards research in immunometabolism in atherosclerosis.Date:16 September 2022 Metabolic markers could give clues for brain hypertension Description:Tests showed women with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension had a distinct metabolic profile, but weight loss programmes had positive effect on resultsDate:08 September 2022 How the immune system tolerates friendly gut bacteria Description:New understanding about how the gut balances between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria could provide new clues for managing chronic gut diseasesDate:07 September 2022 Patient preferences surveyed to inform the development of acceptable new treatments Description:Study part of new European recommendations for bringing patient preferences into drug developmentDate:06 September 2022 Crystal clear communication: conversation between immune and nerve cells help maintain cornea health Description:Review of research found that two way conversation ensures inflammation in cornea kept to minimumDate:05 September 2022 Eye dye potential diagnostic tool for ocular inflammation disease Description:Diagnostics for uveitis could be made easier thanks to new dye that can be used in drop formDate:05 September 2022 Marco Di Nunzio wins Leverhulme Research Fellowship Description:This new project will explore why urban development correlates with deepening inequalities and who is responsible for those inequalities.Date:01 September 2022 Anticlotting hope after rare genetic defect discovery Description:New research with families in Chile looking at a rare genetic defect suggests that new, more powerful drugs to prevent dangerous clotting would be safe.Date:01 September 2022 Global digital health leaders propose framework for healthcare data research Description:Healthcare data research should follow a framework to ensure transparency at every stage, according to experts across research, regulation and patient advocacy.Date:29 August 2022 Reducing health inequalities through research - Professor Thangaratinam becomes the lead Description:Shakila Thangaratinam, Professor of Maternal and Perinatal Health has been appointed as Research and Development Lead for Birmingham Women’s Hospital.Date:26 August 2022 Preterm birth delay drugs safe for global reduction in neonatal death Description:Women around the world must access the best medical treatments that help to delay preterm births.Date:15 August 2022 New Insights into Increases in Unexplained Paediatric Hepatitis Cases Description:Professor Deirdre Kelly and Dr Zania Stamataki, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, provide insights into increases of unexplained paediatric hepatitis.Date:04 August 2022 Institute Awards Six Academic Promotions in 2022 Academic Promotion Round Description:Six academics within the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham have been promoted in the 2022 academic promotion round.Date:04 August 2022 Successful Round of Multiple Academic Promotions for Institute 2022 Description:Eight academics within the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham have been promoted in the 2022 academic promotion round.Date:03 August 2022 Respiratory Clinical Lecturer receives £1.3M MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship Description:Dr Rahul Mahida, Respiratory Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, has been awarded an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship totalling £1.3M.Date:01 August 2022 Honorary Consultant Paediatric Intensivist Wins Chief Investigator of the Year Description:Dr Barney Scholefield, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist at Birmingham Children's Hospital, wins Chief Investigator of the Year Date:29 July 2022 Hair and libido loss join fatigue and brain fog among wider list of Long Covid symptoms Description:Health records from 2.4m people in UK suggest that 61 symptoms part of wider Long Covid experience, and that certain key demographic groups more at riskDate:25 July 2022 Research shows investigational drug fosters nerve repair after injury Description:Scientists from the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating candidate drug can foster regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma Date:12 July 2022 Hypertension poses major health risk for patients in middle income countries Description:Hypertension is revealed as a major health problem for middle-income countries – leading to heart problems and death.Date:07 July 2022 Largest genetic atlas for zebrafish ‘breakthrough’ for biomedical research Description:A collection of genetic maps will enable scientists to better study key health conditions including cancers and heart disease.Date:04 July 2022 Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine selected for Future Leaders Programme Description:Dr Dhruv Parekh, Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine, has been accepted onto the 2022 cohort of the Academy of Medical Sciences Future Leaders ProgrammeDate:21 June 2022 ITSEE students win prizes at Postgraduate Research Festival Description:Andrew Patton won the Michael O’Rourke postgraduate publication prize and Gabriël Oberholzer was named People’s Choice Runner-up in the Images of Research.Date:20 June 2022 Now in paperback: International Law and International Politics by Alexander Orakhelashvili Description:Latest work by Birmingham Law School expert in international law is available this month (June 2022) in paperback from Edward Elgar.Date:15 June 2022 Global rail leaders focus on ‘reshaping our railways post-pandemic’ Description:Leaders in rail innovation from across the globe came together in Birmingham to discuss plans to develop, improve and shape the industry post-pandemic.Date:15 June 2022 University of Birmingham apologises for its role in historical sexual reorientation research Description:The University of Birmingham has formally acknowledged its role in historical sexual reorientation research and practice on its Edgbaston campus.Date:08 June 2022 Birmingham research brings hope for spinal cord injury treatment Description:Birmingham scientists have shown an existing drug may reduce damage after spinal cord injury, by blocking the inflammatory response in the spinal cord.Date:20 May 2022 University of Birmingham ranked among top UK universities for research Description:The University of Birmingham has today received an outstanding vote of confidence in the quality of its research and contribution to society.Date:12 May 2022 Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy welcomes new Professor of Regenerative Medicine Description:Professor Ivan Wall has been appointed as Professor of Regenerative Medicine with the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham.Date:04 May 2022 Reconnecting Birmingham to Ruskin Land Description:Researchers from the University of Birmingham will be working with artists and schools to co-create artworks on the themes of nature and environmental justice.Date:25 April 2022 Into the abyss? Charity finances during the Covid pandemic Description:Charities were expected to be under pressure during COVID-19, new research highlights to what extent have these forebodings been borne out.Date:14 April 2022 Civilians and military take part in study to improve concussion prognosis Description:A major UK study to identify new ways to accurately predict if patients will develop long-term complications as a consequence of concussion has been launched. Date:08 April 2022 Autistic pupils twice as likely to be excluded from school Description:Due to inadequate systems and budget cuts, schools are twice as likely to expel autistic pupilsDate:04 April 2022 Russia’s War in Ukraine: Its Impact on Trauma Description:Trauma is a huge effect of war not only on physical health, which is more easily visible, but also the mental health consequence, which may remain hidden. Date:24 March 2022 Addressing the ‘invisible water crisis’ of global water pollution Description:World Water Day this year highlights groundwater and the need to protect, as global water pollution represents a major ‘invisible water crisis’.Date:21 March 2022 COVID-19 vaccination study opens at Great Ormond Street Hospital Description:Patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Southampton Children's Hospital are taking part in research to work out how they respond to COVID-19 vaccination.Date:15 March 2022 New antimicrobial air filters tested on trains rapidly kill SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses Description:Researchers have developed new antimicrobial technology for air filters that can kill bacteria, fungi and viruses including SARS-CoV-2.Date:09 March 2022 Researchers find genetic 'fingerprints' of ancient migrations in modern-day United Arab Emirates Description:Geneticists and archaeologists analysed 1,200 people from the United Arab Emirates and found genetic traces of population mixing spanning thousands of years.Date:03 March 2022 Dr Alice Turner hosts Respiratory Medicine Event at our New City-Centre Venue Description:Our symposium convened industry leaders from the healthcare and life sciences sector and key academics to discuss how to make respiratory medicine sustainable.Date:01 March 2022 New initiative to prevent caesarean section deaths in developing nations Description:University of Birmingham experts are leading a new initiative to help save the lives of thousands of women giving birth by c-section in developing nations.Date:28 February 2022 World-leading surgical research team gets fresh funding to save lives Description:A world-leading global surgical research team led by the University of Birmingham has received £7 million to continue life-saving work in developing countries.Date:16 February 2022