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 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 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 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 New study explores unique approach to treat a rare liver disease Description:A UK research study looking into a new approach to treat primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare disease where the body's immune attacks its own liver.Date:16 February 2022 Manufacturing futures through new research partnership Description:The University of Birmingham and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) have launched a new research group, which will lead a sustainable manufacturing revolution.Date:10 February 2022 Research to investigate how food intake is regulated could improve treatment of COVID-19 illness Description:Dr Caroline Gorvin has been awarded the distinguished Sir Henry Dale Fellowship worth nearly £1 million to better understand how food intake is regulated.Date:07 February 2022 God and Caesar: a never-ending competition Description:The Harvard Divinity School Bulletin showcases the introduction of Jocelyne Cesari's new book, We God's People: Christianity, Islam and Hinduism in the World of Nations.Date:07 February 2022 Religion and populism in the United States and Europe Description:Jocelyne Cesari and Tobias Cremer discuss the relationship between religion and populism, and how this relationship is affecting the politics of Europe and the United States.Date:07 February 2022 Increased risk of mental illness in people living with HIV in the UK, study finds Description:A new study shows that people living with HIV have a 63% higher risk of developing any mental health condition in comparison to people without HIV.Date:03 February 2022 Study shows impaired antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination in blood cancer and arthritis patients being treated with widely used drug Description:Certain blood cancer and arthritis patients have a significantly reduced antibody response to double COVID-19 vaccination in the first six months of being treated with a widely used drug, reveals a new study.Date:01 February 2022 Individuals with immunodeficiency at high risk of mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection Description:Patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency are at higher risk of mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with the general population, according to a new study led by the University of Birmingham.Date:31 January 2022 The Nature of Islamophobia in Contemporary Britain Description:Th report highlights the pervasiveness of Islamophobia and shows that Islamophobia comes in two varieties, racial and religious, with the 'religious' form of Islamophobia being more common among the UK's middle classes.Date:24 January 2022 Lack of trust in public figures linked to COVID vaccine hesitancy says new research Description:New research says lack of trust in public sector officials has played a key role in low uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst groups termed "high risk.Date:20 January 2022 MJur Law by Mohammed Hussain Description:MJur Law student Mohammed Subhan Hussain's experience on the course.Date:18 January 2022 New research to investigate methods of measuring heart function to improve care Description:Dr Karina Bunting has been awarded a Career Development Fellowship to determine whether a new method of measuring heart function in patients with atrial fibrillation improves accuracy.Date:14 January 2022 Free broadband: internet access is now a human right, no matter who pays the bills Description:Dr Merten Reglitz writing for The Conversation.Date:12 January 2022