Research news

All the latest research news, discoveries and breakthroughs


New study aiming to find new ways to prevent and treat pregnancy complications

Description:
Birmingham researchers will explore how macrophages in the placenta may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.
Date:
12 September 2023

Professor Adam Tickell responds to the UK rejoining Horizon Europe

High res library image original png
Description:
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell responds to the news that the UK has rejoined Horizon Europe.
Date:
07 September 2023

Unintended consequences of treatment targets see fewer patients treated in 18-week window

Clinician holds patients hand
Description:
Patients in England are less likely to be treated during the Gov't-set 18-week referral to treatment window due to “unhelpful” target setting, new study finds.
Date:
06 September 2023

Vaping renders immune cells unable to move to meet threats

Description:
Even moderate exposure to nicotine-free vapour causes suppression of neutrophil’s typical activity.
Date:
06 September 2023

Study informs new guidance to support NHS staff after the death by suicide of a colleague

Two colleagues facing each other holding hands.
Description:
New guidance to support NHS staff has been published, informed by key evidence and data gathered by researchers.
Date:
30 August 2023

NICE updates missed miscarriage guidelines, following Birmingham trial

Women sits holding knees with head down
Description:
Advice on which drugs should be given to women and birthing people who have experienced a missed miscarriage has recently been updated.
Date:
25 August 2023

University of Birmingham appoints new Dean of Birmingham Law School

A photo of Professor Warren Barr giving a talk.
Description:
The University of Birmingham is delighted to announce that Professor Warren Barr has been appointed as Dean of Birmingham Law School.
Date:
22 August 2023

Eye scans detect signs of Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before symptoms emerge

Middle aged man undergoing an eye test
Description:
Markers showing the presence of Parkinson’s years before symptoms appear can be found in the eyes, new study proves
Date:
22 August 2023

New programme to improve how medicines are used in hospital and community settings

Man holding several pills in his hand
Description:
Professor Liz Sapey will co-lead a programme aimed to transform the use of medicines for patients, especially those with multiple long-term conditions.
Date:
17 August 2023

There’s something in your eye – ocular microbiome study gets $2.3m

Description:
International collaboration will create definitive catalogue of micro-organisms living around our eyes.
Date:
15 August 2023

Rheumatology patients aid tool development to increase movement in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Close-up of young woman's hand tying her trainers' laces and showing a fitness tracker on her arm
Description:
Dr Sally Fenton is working with the Rheumatology Research Patient Partnership to develop tools to increase physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Date:
15 August 2023

Study screening young people for diabetes expanded across Europe

A young girl wearing a onesie holding an insulin pump
Description:
Parth Narendran, Professor of Diabetes Medicine, has been awarded £860K funding towards type 1 diabetes general population screening of young people in Europe.
Date:
02 August 2023

University of Birmingham partners on reproductive health research

Parents to be hold out ultrasound image of baby
Description:
University of Birmingham experts will collaborate on researching policy for reproductive health provision, as part of a new Policy Research Unit.
Date:
01 August 2023

New partnership to advance research into IBD

Gut diagram
Description:
Researchers from the University of Birmingham will work with Roche to identify new avenues for treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Date:
31 July 2023

UK and Ireland-wide network to advance ‘urgently needed’ congenital heart disease clinical research

Red heart image made up of jigsaw pieces
Description:
A new national strategy document, released today, should help aid progress in congenital heart disease research through greater collaboration between centres.
Date:
31 July 2023

Government acknowledges need for earlier access to care after miscarriage, in response to review

A pregnant person, with hands on belly.
Description:
Long-awaited independent report on NHS miscarriage care and improvement ideas was published earlier this week alongside government response to calls for change.
Date:
28 July 2023

Vaccine rollout cut Covid deaths for cancer patients by 84%

Young black woman wearing yellow face covering having plaster applied to vaccination site on upper right arm by doctor
Description:
New two year UK-wide study finds Covid-19 risk for cancer patients still higher than general population, but fell following availability of vaccinations in 2021
Date:
25 July 2023

Watership Down was never supposed to be a children’s film

Young son and mother watching TV together while sitting on couch
Description:
Dr Catherine Lester comments on the film adaptation of Watership Down being reclassified from U to PG by the BBFC after 45 years.
Date:
24 July 2023

Digital technology in government: Over-promised and under-delivered

Turned-on computer monitor displaying code.
Description:
Politicians and tech bosses have spun a ‘Digital Enchantment’ fairytale, which doesn't present a realistic view of digital technology according to new research.
Date:
24 July 2023

Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge elected to the British Academy

Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge
Description:
University of Birmingham Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge has been elected a Fellow of the British Academy.
Date:
24 July 2023