Medicine and Dentistry

Antibiotics taken during pregnancy may reduce preterm births

A study of almost 1000 pregnant women in Zimbabwe found that a daily dose of a commonly used, safe and inexpensive antibiotic may have led to fewer babies being born early. Among women living with HIV, those who received the antibiotic had larger babies who were less likely to be preterm.

New injection could help millions with high blood pressure

Results from a clinical trial led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, published yesterday in JAMA, show that giving people with high blood pressure an injection every six months can lead to a meaningful, sustained reduction in their blood pressure.

Professor Claudia Langenberg and Professor Jonathan Grigg elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Two Professors from Queen Mary join 54 exceptional biomedical and health scientists elected by the Academy to its prestigious Fellowship.

Professor Morris Brown elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Morris Brown MD FRCP FMedSci FRS has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences. He is one of 90 outstanding scientists from the UK and internationally who have joined the prestigious body this year.

Beyond ‘one size fits all’: Study reveals ethnic differences in breast cancer development and outcomes, demanding tailored care approaches

Women of African or South Asian genetic ancestry tend to develop breast cancer and die at a younger age than women of European ancestry, according to new research by Queen Mary University of London. The study also found important genetic differences in these women’s cancers that could impact their diagnosis and treatment.

Dementia Action Week: the importance of a timely diagnosis

As many as 1 in 4 men and 1 in 3 women will develop dementia in their lifetime. Getting a timely diagnosis is important as it allows people to understand and get treatment for their symptoms, access help and support, and plan for the future.

Centre for Bone and Joint Health established at Queen Mary

The Centre for Bone and Joint Health at Queen Mary brings together experts across musculoskeletal care to drive research that improves the health of people with bone and joint disorders and injuries.

New study sheds light on health differences between sexes

The results of an international study led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London’s Precision Healthcare University Research Institute (PHURI) shed new light the underlying biological mechanisms which cause differences in health risks, symptoms and outcomes between males and females.  

New combination treatment could extend the lifetime of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The results of the MIROCALS randomised clinical trial showed that adding low-dose interleukin-2 (IL2LD) to standard treatment for this degenerative disorder slowed functional decline and extended the lifespan of people with ALS.

Blood test for many cancers could potentially thwart progression to late stage in up to half of cases

A single blood test for the chemical signals of many different types of cancer could detect the disease at its early stages, making it easier to treat for almost 50% of patients

New algorithms can help GPs predict which of their patients have undiagnosed cancer

Two new advanced predictive algorithms use information about a person’s health conditions and simple blood tests to accurately predict a patient’s chances of having a currently undiagnosed cancer, including hard to diagnose liver and oral cancers. 

A new era for healthy ageing: ACHA launches in North East London

The Academic Centre for Healthy Aging (ACHA) is a landmark collaboration between Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, and Barts Charity, focused on improving the health, wellbeing, and care of older adults in north-east London and beyond.

Breakthrough approach for diagnosing TB could significantly improve detection

A new strategy for tuberculosis (TB) screening, proposed by a team of researchers led by Queen Mary University of London, provides a solution to problems with current TB screening, which does not always accurately detect disease.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield elected member of the Medical Research Council

Professor Caulfield, Vice-Principal (Health) at Queen Mary, joins twelve other senior figures from health, science, and medicine on the Council.

Testing patients for just three genes could help prevent three quarters of avoidable side effects of certain medications

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that 9% of all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the UK medicines regulator are associated with medications where side effect risk is partly dependent on patient’s genes. Of this subset of ADRs, 75% were associated with only three genes that impact how the body processes medication. Genetic testing before prescribing could therefore help avoid ADRs in these cases. 

Underfunding may contribute to higher mortality for patients in Latin America receiving surgery

An international study of the health outcomes of people receiving surgery across 17 Latin American countries found 1 in 7 developed significant complications leading to longer hospital stays and a greater risk of death.

Blog: Why lived experience is so important: a review of Patient and Public involvement in health research

Heather Mah from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health has conducted a review of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research in the UK. In her scoping review, she critically examined how PPI benefits both people with lived experience and researchers, and on the impact taking part can have on participants.

New report highlights the role of community engagement in reducing health inequalities for Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK

The report by the Partnership for Black People’s Health (PBPH) highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate health interventions, a demand for greater representation, and the necessity for Black-led initiatives within healthcare. 

Queen Mary research leads the way in tackling tuberculosis

Researchers at Queen Mary are building on many years of ground-breaking studies into tuberculosis (TB) to reveal new insights into this disease and its long-term effects.

Improved emergency and critical care could save lives of critically ill patients in Africa

An international study of acute hospitals across Africa found a large and neglected burden of critical illness, and a high incidence of preventable deaths due to issues with the provision of basic critical care. 

London’s ULEZ is changing the school run

A new study highlights the benefits of ULEZ with many families noticing cleaner air and safer roads. However, it also reveals challenges, particularly for those living in outer boroughs who are more reliant on the car and may struggle to adapt.

From height to health: largest global genetic study reveals hidden risks and benefits linked to stature

New genetic links have been discovered between genetically-predicted height and an individual’s likelihood of developing a range of diseases and conditions. These new data could help improve early diagnosis and risk monitoring for patients.

Landmark study finds 69 previously unidentified genetic determinants of rare disease

The breakthrough research led by Queen Mary University of London uses a new analytical approach for identifying the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could diagnose more cases and help develop new treatments for patients. 

Study reveals early dementia symptoms may vary across different ethnicities

People from different ethnic backgrounds may report physical symptoms rather than purely cognitive difficulties, leading to delays in the diagnosis of dementia. 

Almost 90% of people would agree to genetic testing to tailor medication use, survey finds

New research from Queen Mary University of London shows that almost 90% of people in England would agree to genetic testing to get the most effective medication and reduce the risk of side effects.

New dementia care programme could save NHS £9,000 per person

The NIDUS-Family package of care uses goal setting to help people with dementia live well at home for longer. New research from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with UCL shows that, in addition to these known benefits, NIDUS-Family also reduces the costs associated with providing support to people with dementia.

Queen Mary University of London co-leads £43.6m initiative to accelerate AI-powered cancer breakthroughs

Queen Mary University of London will co-lead a ground-breaking collaboration that aims to harness cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and unlock decades of NHS cancer data. Today, the UK government is committing £18.9 million to the project, bringing the total investment to £43.6 million when combined with contributions from charities, industry partners, and public research organisations. 

Disruption of a single amino acid in a cellular protein makes breast cancer cells behave like stem cells

New research led by Queen Mary’s Institute of Dentistry has found that changes to the intermediate filament (IF) protein, vimentin, were found to promote tumour growth. 

New treatment offers quick cure for common cause of high blood pressure

A revolutionary new treatment called Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T) offers a safer, faster alternative to surgery for patients with high blood pressure caused by Primary Aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder. 

Queen Mary's Institute of Dentistry receives Athena Swan silver award

The award recognises the Institute's continuing commitment and achievements in gender equality.