A national quality improvement programme in emergency bowel surgery failed to improve survival rates, with one in ten patients dying within 30 days. The trial tested 37 quality improvements, including more senior doctor involvement and better patient assessment, but found them too difficult to implement.
Researchers have developed a new approach to repair defects in fetal membranes, which may prevent preterm birth and life-long medical conditions. By targeting a specific protein, they found that reducing its activity encourages rebuilding of the fetal membranes, enhancing tissue healing and repair.
A phase I clinical trial has found a new combination therapy to be well-tolerated in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas, a disease historically under-funded. The treatment combines ADI-PEG20, pemetrexed and cisplatin, showing encouraging efficacy and paving the way for further research.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that shorter stature is associated with higher risk of heart disease, primarily due to impaired lung function. The researchers suggest assessing lung function alongside height to better predict heart disease risk.
A study published in The Lancet found that caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries lead to significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The analysis of 12 million pregnancies revealed that women undergoing emergency caesarean sections were twice more likely to die than those delivering by elective means.
Researchers found that exercise prevents cartilage degradation by suppressing inflammatory molecules in joints. The study also discovered that a specific protein called HDAC6 plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found a way to confine catalysts in tiny pores of host materials, leading to increased activity and novel properties. The new approach, called Pourbaix-Enabled Guest Synthesis, uses thermodynamics to overcome challenges and create multifunctional materials.
Scientists discovered queen bumblebees spend most of their time hiding, resting and making short flights after hibernation. This behaviour helps them disperse far from their natal nest, with researchers suggesting creating pollinator-friendly corridors can aid in their survival.
Researchers found that people opt for 'greener' meals over 'healthier' options when presented with two traffic lights indicating environmental friendliness and healthiness. The study showed that providing additional information about daily calorie intakes and carbon emissions boosts the positive effect on consumer meal choices.
A one-off operation targeting kidney nerves successfully maintains reduced blood pressure in hypertension patients, with fewer medication requirements. The procedure, known as renal denervation, was found to be effective in controlling blood pressure without long-term safety concerns.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that white British individuals are almost twice as likely to have extremist sympathies as those of Pakistani heritage. The research also discovered a significant association between depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress with extremist views.
Researchers are seeking to recruit 10,000 participants over 60 without Parkinson's for an annual online questionnaire and tests to develop a predictive algorithm. Early detection could lead to treatments that slow or prevent the condition's progression.
Research led by Queen Mary University of London finds that pesticides affect genes in bumblebees, leading to changes in gene activity levels. The study highlights the need for improved regulation on neonicotinoid pesticides to protect pollinator health and ecosystem stability.
The new center, Neuron Pod, is a 23-meter-long free-standing structure designed by Will Alsop OBE RA at aLL Design. It offers hands-on workshops, live science shows, and exhibitions, aiming to inspire pupils to pursue careers in sciences.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.
A large study of genetic data suggests that statins could prevent the onset of motor neurone disease, as higher levels of LDL cholesterol were causally linked with a greater risk. The condition affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK and is projected to nearly double by 2040 due to ageing of the global population.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London, University of Arizona, and University of Iowa made the first direct measurement of how energy is transferred from electromagnetic fields to particles in the solar wind. This process, known as Landau damping, causes electrons to be energized and heats interplanetary space.
The Earth's magnetic shield exhibits drum-like vibrations in response to strong impulses, as observed through NASA THEMIS satellite data. These findings have implications for understanding space weather and its potential effects on technology like power grids and GPS.
Researchers have identified at least four different types of scar tissue in human pancreatic cancer, each influencing the disease in a unique way. This discovery may lead to tailor-made treatments, including immunotherapies, that target the powerful scar tissue wall protecting the cancer.
A study of 1,850 patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis found that vitamin D supplementation accelerated TB clearance in those receiving antibiotic treatment. The findings suggest a potential host-directed therapy to improve outcomes for patients with drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Barts Charity is funding a £6 million initiative to launch the 'Rising Stars' lectureship programme, supporting 16 young scientists in their careers. The programme aims to establish a new generation of researchers who will shape the next decade of medical research.
A clinical trial found e-cigarettes to be almost twice as effective as nicotine replacement treatments in helping smokers quit. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, involved 886 smokers and found that e-cigarette users were more likely to achieve abstinence and experience a reduction in smoking urges.
A team of scientists at Queen Mary University of London is working on a novel approach to treat prostate cancer using a modified type of flu virus. The goal is to develop a new treatment that can target and kill cancer cells while leaving non-cancer cells unharmed. By modifying the virus to deliver it via the blood, the researchers hop...
Researchers found that water seeps between graphene layers at 22% relative humidity, modifying the material's interaction. The study suggests that graphene-based devices may function differently in humid environments, highlighting the need to record relative humidity in future experiments.
A £1.5 million grant from Barts Charity will support brain tumour researchers at Queen Mary University of London in extending their lab-based research to clinical trials with patients. The funding aims to increase experimental treatments available to brain tumour patients and bring hope to those diagnosed with this devastating disease.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of potentially fatal lung attacks in COPD patients with low vitamin D levels. The use of supplements led to a significant reduction in moderate/severe exacerbations, with no benefit seen for patients with higher vitamin D levels.
A new study published in the journal Addiction found that allowing smokers to determine their own nicotine intake while quitting can lead to higher success rates. The results suggest that most smokers can tolerate doses four times higher than those normally recommended, making them more likely to stay smoke-free.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bees can solve simple counting tasks with minimal brainpower, using a miniature 'brain' with just four nerve cells. This finding suggests that intelligence and cognitive abilities do not require large brains, but rather efficient algorithms and specific strategies.
A new epigenetic-based cervical cancer test outperformed Pap smear and HPV tests, detecting 100% of invasive cancers in a large study. The test also predicted early cancer development up to five years in advance.
A new study reveals that brainwaves play a crucial role in inhibiting habitual thinking modes to access more remote ideas. By stimulating the right temporal part of the brain, researchers can increase the capability of inhibiting obvious links, leading to more creative outcomes.
Barts Charity has awarded £6.5 million to Queen Mary University of London to transform its Charterhouse Square campus, featuring new labs, offices, and biorepositories for world-leading research in medicine and dentistry. The funding will support the expansion of research capacity and enhance collaboration among teams.
Queen Mary University of London has received £6.5 million in funding from Barts Charity to develop a new teaching lab, Cell Culture Labs, Tissue Bank Lab, Mass Spec Lab, Microscopy Lab, and office spaces at its Charterhouse Square campus. The investment will enhance the school's capacity to host up to 100 new appointments over four years.
The new UK skin cancer database reveals over 45,000 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) occur every year in England, significantly higher than previously estimated. This data enables researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention initiatives and treatment options for this common form of skin cancer.
A study of 2,000 children suggests that London's diesel-dominated air pollution is restricting lung capacity, putting them at risk of lifelong breathing disorders. Despite improvements in air quality through the introduction of Low Emission Zones, there was no evidence of a reduction in small lungs or asthma symptoms.
Astronomers have discovered a planet, known as Barnard's star b, which orbits around its host star every 233 days. The 'super-Earth' is estimated to be a frozen world with surface temperatures of -170 degrees Celsius, but could potentially become more hospitable if it has a substantial atmosphere.
Women who participate in breast screening have a significantly lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 and 20 years after diagnosis. The study found that screening detects cancers at an earlier stage, allowing for more effective treatment and a reduced mortality rate.
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that countries with higher levels of gender inequality have a disproportionate number of female child deaths. Girls in these societies face unequal access to healthcare and are more likely to be at risk of mortality due to their sex.
A combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy significantly extends survival by up to ten months in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment reduces the risk of death or cancer progression by up to 40 per cent, offering new hope for young women affected by this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London created an app that challenges users to play Clapping Music, a complex piece written by Steve Reich. The app collected data from over 100,000 players and found that changing rhythms is harder than playing individual rhythms, with average accuracy varying greatly between difficulty levels
A team of school students from Eltham Hill School successfully identified ultra-low frequency sounds caused by a solar storm in the Earth's magnetic shield. The study made data audible for exploration, revealing new patterns and commonality among these waves.
A new cell-based immunotherapy using 'educated killer cells' has shown promise in eradicating pancreatic cancer, including cases where tumours have spread to multiple organs. The treatment could potentially be administered to human patients without toxic side effects.
A massive global genetic study has identified over 500 new gene regions influencing blood pressure, more than tripling the known number. The study now explains almost a third of estimated heritability for blood pressure.
Researchers have identified key genetic changes that occur during colorectal cancer development, including 'chromosomal catastrophes' that lead to tumour growth and diversity
A new study found that goats can differentiate between positive and negative human facial expressions and prefer to interact with the former. The researchers observed that goats spent more time approaching images of happy faces than angry ones, suggesting a preference for positive emotions.
Scientists have unraveled how changes in nutrition determine the development of honeybees into queens or workers. Epigenetic patterns, including histones, play a crucial role in controlling gene expression and developmental outcomes.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and University of Cambridge developed auxetic materials with smooth curves, enabling repeated deformations without damage. These materials can be used in energy-efficient gripping tools, re-configurable shape-on-demand materials, and lattices with unique thermal expansion behaviour.
A clinical trial using stem cell transplants aims to grow a new immune system for people with untreated Crohn's disease. This innovative approach may help reduce gut inflammation and improve quality of life for patients suffering from the condition.
A new study found that Cannabidiol (CBD) significantly improved the survival rate of mice with pancreatic cancer when used alongside chemotherapy. The treatment resulted in nearly tripled survival time compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.
Cynthia Pine, a renowned researcher at Queen Mary University of London, has received the IADR E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for her groundbreaking work on preventing childhood dental caries. Her research focuses on promoting oral health in disadvantaged communities and developing interventions to improve parents' key dental health behaviors.
A study at Queen Mary University of London has identified genetic mutations that occur early in the development of bowel cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These mutations could form the basis of a simple diagnostic test for predicting who is at high risk of developing IBD-associated colorectal cancer.