New quarantine scheme could reduce risk of rabies reintroduction in the EU following Russian invasion, study finds26 April 2024Rabies is a major concern to both human and animal health, with rabies in dogs and cats widespread in Eastern Europe, and there are concerns the war in Ukraine could pose a greater risk of rabies being reintroduced to the European Union (EU). A four-month period of home isolation of dogs and cats could reduce this risk, new University of Bristol research has shown.
Bristol spin-out Dynamic Therapeutics wins prestigious Blavatnik Prize for U-RHYTHM technology25 April 2024Dynamic Therapeutics, a University of Bristol spin-out, has today [25 April] been awarded a prestigious Blavatnik Prize by QantX, a leading venture capital firm, for its pioneering U-RHYTHM technology. The award recognises the scientific advances and future potential of the UK's most innovative scientists and engineers.
Laser technology offers breakthrough in detecting illegal ivory24 April 2024A new way of quickly distinguishing between illegal elephant ivory and legal mammoth tusk ivory could prove critical to fighting the illegal ivory trade. A laser-based approach developed by scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Lancaster, could be used by customs worldwide to aid in the enforcement of illegal ivory from being traded under the guise of legal ivory. Results from the study are published in PLOS ONE today [24 April].
Opioid dependence remains high but stable in Scotland, new surveillance report finds18 April 2024Opioid dependence in Scotland remains high but largely stable, according to a new University of Bristol-led analysis published in Addiction today [18 April] and by Public Health Scotland. The study is the first to estimate the number of people dependent on opioid drugs (such as heroin), and who are in or could benefit from drug treatment, among Scotland’s population since 2015/2016 estimates were published.
Octopus inspires new suction mechanism for robots18 April 2024A new robotic suction cup which can grasp rough, curved and heavy stone, has been developed by scientists at the University of Bristol.
Family and media pressure to lose weight in adolescence linked to how people value themselves almost two decades later16 April 2024People who as teenagers felt pressure to lose weight from family or from the media, females, sexual minorities, and people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, are most at risk of 'internalised' weight stigma, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe today [16 Apr].
Xylazine has infiltrated the UK’s illicit drug market10 April 2024Xylazine, a powerful animal tranquiliser linked to horrific side effects, is now widespread in the UK illicit drug market, according to a new study, published today [10 April] in Addiction, involving University of Bristol researchers.
Call to reduce repeat 'within-episode' antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections in primary care 8 April 2024A new study exploring the use of repeat antibiotic prescriptions for the same respiratory tract infection (RTI) episode – known as repeat 'within-episode' prescriptions – in primary care has found high rates of their use in England, despite evidence that they are of little benefit. The study authors, from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, King's College London, and University Medical Center Utrecht, are calling for a reduction in their use and to make them a target for antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
Screening with a PSA test has a small impact on prostate cancer deaths but leads to overdiagnosis6 April 2024The largest study to date investigating a single invitation to a PSA blood test* to screen for prostate cancer has found it had a small impact on reducing deaths, but also led to overdiagnosis and missed early detection of some aggressive cancers. The CAP trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and carried out by researchers from the universities of Bristol, Oxford and Cambridge, involved over 400,000 men aged 50-69. Just under half received a single invitation for a PSA test as part of the trial.
Dr Santi Rodriguez, 1971-20245 April 2024Dr Santi Rodriguez, Associate Professor in Medical Education, passed away after a brief illness in March 2024. His colleagues offer a remembrance.
Matt Lodge, 1990-20243 April 2024Matt Lodge, ALSPAC Research Secretary and Clinic Administrator, sadly passed away in March. His friends and colleagues Anna and Jill offer their tribute.