Researchers have identified immune markers that can help doctors determine which breast cancer patients are unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy. The new AI-based method analyzes the body's own immune cells found near a tumor, providing additional insight to identify patients who can safely have chemotherapy withheld.
Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that targets neuroblastoma, delaying tumour development by 10-11 days and reducing tumour size by 70% in preclinical models. The vaccine uses peptide nanoparticles to target GPC2, a protein found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed an artificial model of the mitral heart valve that faithfully mimics its complex mechanical behavior. The study could help researchers better understand valve disease and develop new treatment approaches.
A new EPI-SLEEP study will investigate the impact of personalized in-ear sleep technology on sleep disturbances and circadian health in adults with epilepsy. The study aims to generate robust evidence for a low-risk approach to improving sleep without adding medication burden.
Researchers at RCSI have developed an RNA-activated implant that delivers growth-promoting particles to injured nerve cells, encouraging them to regrow after spinal cord injury. The implant helps overcome molecular barriers by silencing a gene called PTEN.
Research found that rates of poor mental health and suicide attempts have largely recovered, but repeated self-harm is increasing, especially among females. Trans and gender-diverse young people and early school leavers are particularly vulnerable to mental distress.
Professor Agnes Binagwaho, a global health leader, received the Cameron Award for Population Health for her contributions to public health and health equity. Her work focuses on advancing equitable access to healthcare and strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
A new clinical trial is investigating the use of advanced brain monitoring to improve epilepsy diagnosis and management. The trial involves multiple sites across Europe, including Ireland, where patients will undergo long-term outpatient monitoring using a subcutaneous EEG system.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a 3-D printed implant that delivers electrical stimulation to injured areas of the spinal cord, enhancing nerve cell growth. The study has shown promising results in lab experiments and may enable new medical devices for traumatic spinal cord injuries.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.
Professor Garry Duffy joins RCSI with a unique combination of institutional knowledge and fresh leadership perspective, focusing on integrating excellence in health sciences education with innovative patient-centred research. He aims to build on the university's heritage by enhancing anatomical education and pioneering research in rege...
A new short film sheds light on the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on brain health, particularly for those living with neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The film features expert insights into the effects of rising temperatures on brain function and calls for research, awareness, and action.
A new study found that white blood cells that remember past inflammation events are quick to overreact, raising the risk of blood clots. Researchers discovered that these immune cells, called myeloid cells, have increased blood-clotting activity long after the initial inflammatory event.
A new international study has identified the P2X7 receptor as a promising target for preventing post-traumatic epilepsy. The study suggests that blocking this receptor shortly after traumatic brain injury can significantly reduce brain hyperexcitability and improve behavior.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered that macrophages, a type of immune cell, work differently throughout the day due to the body's internal clock. This daily rhythm determines when immune cells are most efficient at detecting threats and mounts a response.
A new approach profiles gene activity in the living brain, providing insights into neurological conditions like epilepsy. The study enhances understanding of seizure networks, potentially improving surgical interventions.
A new implant has been developed to encourage nerve cell repair after spinal cord injury. The implant uses electrical signals and a 3D-printed scaffold to bridge the gap and direct axons to grow back in the correct formation, promoting healing and recovery.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that outpatient induction of labor is a safe and effective option for first-time mothers. The study showed that three-quarters of the mothers successfully delivered their babies vaginally, with very high levels of patient satisfaction.
FutureNeuro, a leading SFI Research Centre, is expanding its research programme with a focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. The centre aims to develop precision diagnostics, future treatments, and systems using real-time health data.
A new study published in Scientific Reports predicts the potential formation of 127 acutely toxic chemicals in flavored vapes. The research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive regulation of vaping products, particularly among non-smoking teenagers and young adults.
Researchers at RCSI have identified a new treatment option for multiple myeloma by combining venetoclax with 5-azacytidine. This combination shows enhanced efficacy across various patient samples and has the potential to expand treatment options for those resistant to standard care.
New research reveals that lockdowns had a significant impact on the gut microbiome development of babies born during these periods. Babies born during lockdown periods showed lower rates of allergic conditions compared to pre-pandemic babies, likely due to reduced infection and increased breastfeeding.
Researchers found that participants who achieved diabetes remission through weight loss had a 40% lower rate of cardiovascular disease and 33% lower rate of chronic kidney disease. The study, led by Professor Edward Gregg, monitored over 5,000 patients for 12 years.
New research reveals that the age at which individuals are tested for VWD significantly affects their diagnosis, with older patients more likely to be misdiagnosed. The study also found that as people with VWD get older, they respond better to treatment, potentially reducing medication and side effects.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a material that can speed up bone healing while reducing the risk of infections. The implant combines antimicrobial treatment with gene therapies to repair bone and prevent infection.
The POLINA project will develop new materials and technologies for medical applications, aiming to revolutionize bioprinting for safer, smarter and affordable medical devices. The project will create micropatterned cell surface models to help study lung diseases and design new tracheal implants.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that boosting levels of a deficient protein improves survival rates for people with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The research, which tracked health data from over 600 patients, showed a clear survival benefit from augmentation therapy.
New research reveals that children with childhood mental health issues are at higher risk of social isolation, low educational attainment, financial difficulties, and heavy substance use in late teens and early 20s. The study also found a strong link between internalising symptoms and poor physical health in young adulthood.
A massive genetic study has identified specific DNA changes that increase the risk of developing epilepsy. The research found 26 distinct areas in our DNA involved in epilepsy and proposed alternative drugs targeting these genes. The findings may inform better diagnosis, classification, and treatment strategies for epilepsy.
A new study found that COVID-19 pandemic babies had communication skill gaps at age 2, with a larger proportion scoring below standardised cut-offs for developmental concern. Despite this, most developmental and behavioral outcomes were comparable to pre-pandemic born babies.
A new study reveals a unique founder population structure in Newfoundland and Labrador, tracing the ancestry of European settlers from South-East Ireland and South-West England. The analysis found multiple population bottlenecks and strong associations between Catholic background and Irish genetic ancestry.
Researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences identified 17 factors that can predict ADHD symptoms in childhood, including sex, cigarette smoke exposure, and mother's urinary tract infections. The study suggests that prenatal information may help identify children at risk of developing ADHD, particularly when combine...
A new international study has revealed significant potential for digital technology to improve asthma control for patients. The study found that combining information from a digital device in a digital platform led to improved medication adherence and reduced healthcare costs.
An international panel of experts has developed standardized definitions for immunotherapy side effects, providing a shared vocabulary for clinicians to standardize clinical practice guidelines. This will help support clinicians in offering the best treatment to patients and enable research into biomarkers predicting adverse effects.
A school-based screen for mental health problems, combined with a referral system, has been found to be effective at improving and protecting the mental health of adolescents. The study also identified that this intervention can prevent psychotic experiences in children and adolescents, reducing their risk of developing mental disorders.
Researchers have identified three new subtypes of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, based on the presence of specific non-cancer cells. These subtypes may help identify targeted therapies, such as immunotherapies, for improved patient outcomes.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that the circadian body clock influences immune responses to vaccines. The research discovered that the shape of mitochondria in dendritic cells changes throughout the day, impacting their ability to break down vaccines.
Researchers have discovered a new role for VWF in regulating immune responses at sites of blood vessel injury, leading to potential treatment options for inflammatory and blood clotting disorders. The study found that VWF plays a key role in repairing damaged blood vessels, which could help prevent heavy bleeding and blood clots.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Researchers at RCSI found that patients with Long COVID syndrome have a blood-clotting imbalance due to high levels of von Willebrand Factor and low levels of ADAMTS13. The study suggests that this imbalance contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.
Researchers at RCSI University have created a new lab-based model to test devices for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The model enables testing of the left atrium and ventricle, two independently controlled chambers that simulate blood flow during the resting phase.
Research from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found a link between high von Willebrand Factor levels and poorer breast cancer outcomes. High levels in the bloodstream can increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots and cancer spread in patients.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.
A new study using UK Biobank analyzed population genetics across Europe, grouping individuals by their shared genome segments. The research provides insights into historical patterns of population size and genetic isolation in European regions.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the link between high cholesterol and heart disease may not be as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that statins may have a modest benefit for some individuals, but this benefit varies depending on personal risk factors.
A clinical trial conducted by RCSI researchers found that administering alpha-1 antitrypsin to critically ill COVID-19 patients reduced inflammation after one week. The study's results are promising and may form the basis for a larger trial.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered that platelets can form a provisional fibronectin matrix, similar to fibroblasts, which has potential implications for maintaining blood clot integrity during vascular repair. This finding challenges existing paradigms in wound healing.
A new Irish survey found that no trauma sites capture all fracture patients, with only 50% receiving osteoporosis medication within four months of a fracture. Implementing a national Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) would bring services in line with international standards and reduce hospital admissions.
A study led by RCSI researchers found that almost half of tumours with metastatic breast cancer in the brain have changes in DNA repair pathways, making them vulnerable to PARP inhibitor drugs. This discovery opens up potential novel treatment strategies for patients with limited targeted therapy options.