A pre-clinical study showed that the use of extracellular matrix supports improved nerve fibre regeneration across large nerve defects. The team's novel ECM-loaded medical device increased pro-repair inflammation, blood vessel density, and regenerating nerves, offering a promising alternative to current therapies.
A randomized controlled trial involving 51 GP practices and 404 patients found a significant reduction in the number of medicines prescribed for older people with multimorbidity. The intervention group experienced over 800 medicines being stopped, with only mild adverse reactions reported.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a new method to enhance wound healing using 3D printing of platelet-rich plasma. The technique showed promising results in improving vascularisation and reducing fibrosis, leading to faster and more successful wound healing.
The SAFER Families/Friends project aims to equip families and friends of 100 first responders with the skills they need to recognize stress signs and provide basic intervention. The project, led by RCSI, will explore how family members can best support their first responder's mental health while prioritizing self-care.
New research from RCSI shows that an irregular body clock can drive inflammation in the body's immune cells, leading to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Macrophages without a body clock take up more glucose and produce inflammatory products.
A study conducted by RCSI has demonstrated that a saliva PCR test is almost as accurate as the standard nose and throat swab, enabling greater capacity for frequent testing. The saliva screening represents a less invasive alternative with the potential to increase compliance with screening.
Researchers have found that hormone profiles before and after treatment play a significant role in the success of therapy for breast cancer. This finding could lead to improved treatment options and better outcomes for patients.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that preterm infants with higher exposure to their mother's breast milk had enhanced cardiac function at one year of age, approaching values seen in healthy full-term infants. Exclusive breast milk consumption was associated with normalization of heart traits and lower lung pressures.
Researchers have discovered elevated blood clotting markers in patients with Long COVID syndrome, which may contribute to their persistent symptoms. The study suggests that the clotting system may be involved in the root cause of Long COVID.
A review by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that QI studies in Ireland enhanced multiple elements of healthcare quality, including effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and safety. The studies primarily focused on improving patient care and hospital operations.
A scientific review suggests a disruption in blood clotting and immune system may contribute to psychosis development. The researchers propose that an imbalance of these systems leads to inflammation, which contributes to the development of psychosis.
New research shows that early testing for blood clots in AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine recipients led to successful treatment of patients. The study emphasizes the importance of increased clinical vigilance to detect symptoms among vaccinated individuals.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients have higher levels of pro-clotting VWF molecules and lower levels of anti-clotting ADAMTS13. This disruption leads to severe blood clots, which can be life-threatening.
Researchers have developed a platform that produces bespoke star-shaped polypeptide nanoparticles, effectively delivering range of therapies including gene therapies. The material accelerates bone tissue regeneration with a six-fold increase in new bone formation.
A systematic review of treatments for depression in people with coronary heart disease suggests that exercise is the most effective short-term treatment. The study also found that combination treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, had stronger effects than other interventions.
Research found that adolescents with higher levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Those with lower levels of DHA had a higher risk of developing the condition, even after accounting for other factors.
Researchers found that healthcare workers' infection data closely related to the entire population's after adjusting for differences in testing rates. This suggests using healthcare worker data to inform decisions on implementing restrictions and countermeasures before widespread testing is available.
A national study of 20,000 patients in Ireland identified chronic heart disease, neurological conditions, and cancer as associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research informs national public health policies and future treatment strategies for high-risk individuals.
Research found that childhood adversity, including parental conflict and serious injury, is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Improving parent-child relationships and increasing child self-esteem and physical activity can help reduce this risk.
Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.
A new care bundle has been shown to reduce the incidence of facial pressure injuries in frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers. The study found that approximately 29% of respondents developed a facial pressure injury prior to using the care bundle, compared to just 8% after its implementation.
A recent study published in Annals of Surgery found that antibiotic-only treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis resulted in high recurrence rates and inferior quality of life. In contrast, surgical intervention delivered better outcomes, including a significantly improved quality of life score.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered a new way to halt excessive inflammation by regulating Arginase-2, a protein that limits inflammatory cytokine production. This breakthrough has the potential to protect the body from tissue damage caused by inflammatory diseases.
A study analyzing 169 patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in Ireland identified genetic changes in up to 83% of cases. The findings will help doctors identify patients who may require transplantation or dialysis, improving treatment options for this inherited condition.
Researchers at RCSI will use the grant to confirm their previous findings and study markers in other people at high risk of psychosis. The goal is to develop a commercially-available test to identify individuals most at risk and prevent psychotic disorders.
A study found that frequent cannabis use by young people is associated with a decline in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) points over time. The decline was primarily related to reduction in verbal IQ scores, potentially affecting performance in school and future employment prospects.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered a molecule, BAS-2, that selectively kills cells of triple negative breast cancer while sparing normal cells. The molecule inhibits an enzyme called HDAC6, playing a key role in altering energy in these cancer cells.
Researchers develop a biomaterial that enhances adult stem cell regenerative ability, repairing large bone defects and reducing inflammation. The material incorporates nanoparticles that activate JNK3, a key driver of children's stem cells' regenerative capacity.
A new blood test, the Dublin-Boston score, accurately predicts which COVID-19 patients will develop a severe form of the disease. The score uses the ratio of pro-inflammatory IL-6 to anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and can inform doctors on best treatment options.
Researchers developed a blood test predicting psychosis development risk with 93% accuracy. The test identifies early changes in the immune system involved in inflammation.
A study published in Cerebrovascular Diseases found a statistically significant link between short-term air pollution and stroke hospitalisations in Dublin. Higher levels of coarse particles, fine particles, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide were associated with increased risks of stroke.
A new study finds the COVID-19 pandemic is driving the adoption of electronic patient portals for epilepsy, enabling better care and resource management. The PiSCES portal provides secure access to medical records and care tools, empowering patients to track their condition.
Researchers have identified a critical step in how brain cells function in people with one of the most common forms of epilepsy, which could lead to new treatment approaches. Changes in gene activity and polyadenylation processes were found to be dramatically altered in people with epilepsy, changing protein production in the brain.
The study found that integrated pharmacists in GP teams flagged 786 patients with medication issues, leading to changes and potential cost savings. This collaborative model of care has the potential to alleviate pressures on GP practices and improve patient care.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of alpha-1-antitrypsin in treating critically ill patients with severe COVID-19. The trial aims to understand how the body's inflammatory mechanisms are impacted by COVID-19.
Researchers identified microRNAs associated with epilepsy and designed drug-like molecules to target them, finding three that stopped seizures in preclinical tests. The study aims to develop novel treatments for people whose seizures cannot be controlled by current medications.
The Ireland-based NPIC will provide enhanced research data for clinical trials aiming to improve patient outcomes in various diseases, including cancer, neurology, and psychiatry. The Centre's imaging infrastructure will be open to all researchers, supporting collaboration between academia, industry, and not-for-profit institutions.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a biomaterial that promotes an immune response to encourage repair and lowers the risk of inflammation in damaged bone tissue. The technology is designed to deliver microRNA silencers, increasing cells responsible for bone repair.
RCSI researchers have found a potential new way to promote blood clotting that could be used to treat the most common genetic bleeding disorder, Von Willebrand Disease. A modified molecule has been shown to extend the life of the clotting protein within the body's circulation, significantly increasing its half-life fivefold.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer patients with a modified BRCA1 gene do not respond better to platinum chemotherapy or have a better prognosis than those with the normal functioning gene. However, they did live longer on these treatments compared to those without any gene modifications.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered a potential new treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome, a disease that causes severe dry eyes and mouth. By reducing the levels of microRNA-744, they were able to reduce inflammation and damage to the eye.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that Irish patients with severe COVID-19 infection experience abnormal blood clotting, leading to micro-clots in the lungs. This abnormal blood-clotting disorder contributes to a worse prognosis and increased risk of ICU admission.
Researchers from RCSI University have discovered that heating up vitamin E acetate in vaping products produces highly toxic ketene gas, which can cause serious lung damage and impair the central nervous system. The study highlights the potential risks of vaping and calls for further investigation into the chemicals found in vape mixtures.
A new study by RCSI researchers found that patients receiving methadone treatment are at highest risk of overdosing in the month following treatment end and during first four weeks. The study suggests retaining patients in treatment for longer periods can save lives.
A new treatment approach for cystic fibrosis may reduce the need for lung transplants and lower mortality rates. Researchers found that a small molecule reduced inflammation and cleared lungs of bacteria in a laboratory model.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research suggests that early use of breast milk could play a vital role in preventing heart disease in prematurely born infants. The study found that exclusively human milk-fed preterm-born adults had smaller heart chambers and relatively lower blood pressure compared to those who were formula fed.
A new study finds that adults with cerebral palsy are 75% more likely to develop a non-infectious disease, such as asthma or stroke. Patients with cerebral palsy were also found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease.
FutureNeuro researchers integrated genomics data into the Irish National Epilepsy Electronic Patient Record system, enabling personalized treatment plans for individuals with unknown cause epilepsy. The new system facilitates multidisciplinary meetings and review of genomic test results to determine genetic causes, leading to better di...
A new probe has been developed to help surgeons detect cancer cells during surgery, with the potential to improve surgical outcomes for patients. The probe uses fluorescence imaging and has been published in Chemical Science, a study led by RCSI researchers.
Researchers at FutureNeuro have discovered molecules in the blood that are higher in people with epilepsy before a seizure happens. These molecules are fragments of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which could serve as an early warning system for predicting seizures.