A new study identified the PAR1 receptor's role in regulating the brain's response to trauma, providing a potential mechanism for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research found that stressed events reprogram these receptors, which then determine how the brain reacts to subsequent traumatic events.
A research team has identified how a genetic mutation affects nerve growth in the eye, leading to Duane Syndrome. This discovery could lead to therapies that reverse the condition and improve our understanding of movement disorders.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a significant association between high levels of urinary BPA and severe coronary artery disease. The research team analyzed data from 591 patients and found that those with severe CAD had higher levels of urinary BPA, suggesting a potential link between the chemical and heart disease.
Researchers identified genetic markers influencing protein levels regulating oestrogen and testosterone in the bloodstream, near genes related to liver function and type 2 diabetes. These findings highlight an important connection between metabolic and reproductive systems in men and women.
A recent study by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that binge drinking in older adults is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Participants who reported binge drinking at least once a month were 62% more likely to experience significant declines in cognitive function and memory.
A new study found that people living near the coast tend to have better health than those living inland. The analysis showed that the link between living near the coast and good health was strongest in economically deprived communities.
Researchers will test the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management course on 80 primary school teachers in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. The study aims to improve pupil socio-emotional well-being, academic attainment, and teacher emotional well-being, with potential cost-savings for educational support and mental health services.
A new study has identified a genetic factor associated with lean type 2 diabetes patients, indicating that genetic predisposition may vary depending on body type. The 'Jack Spratt' gene is linked to an increased risk of the disease in lean individuals, contrasting with obese patients where other factors are more influential.
A new model predicts the effectiveness of weight-loss groups based on their psychological meaningfulness to members. The study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of group participation's impact on health and contribute to future development of weight-management programs.
Researchers at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry have identified a key player in the immune system that may protect against Alzheimer's changes. The CCR2 gene was found to be associated with memory in people, suggesting that strengthening this part of the immune system could slow the disease.
A large non-commercial study found that cannabis' main active constituent, THC, does not slow the course of progressive multiple sclerosis. However, participants with lower disability levels showed some potential benefits from THC treatment.
Research at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that screening people with type 2 diabetes every two years is a safe and cost-effective strategy, reducing costs by around 25%. This approach could benefit 2.8m people in the UK who have diabetes.
Research by Katherine Ashbullby and Dr Mathew White found that coastal visits had the greatest benefit on mental health and well-being. Outdoors locations like parks and countryside also showed positive effects, but not as strongly as the coast.
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry is part of the new NIHR School for Public Health Research, focusing on applied translational research and narrowing gaps between researchers and practitioners. The collaboration aims to improve public health services in England with a £1.6m investment over five years.
A new 12-month project will examine the effects of sight loss on physical activity in older adults. The study, funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, aims to improve understanding and develop policies promoting health and wellbeing in those affected by sight loss.
A systematic review found that a difference of more than 10mmHg or 15mmHg in systolic blood pressure between arms is associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. The study supports the need for two-arm blood pressure checks to become the norm.
The study will review evidence of practices used to support children with ADHD that do not involve drugs, such as classroom management programmes or psychological therapies. The research aims to identify which methods work best to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and provide best value for money.
Researchers have created a computer simulation to identify bottlenecks in the emergency stroke care process, allowing for earlier clot-busting treatment. The analysis of over 1400 episodes has led to a doubling of patients receiving treatment within three hours.
A new study found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and eczema. The research team analyzed data from Australian children and found a link between latitude and allergies to peanut and egg, as well as a higher prevalence of eczema in the south compared to the north.
Researchers at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that differences in systolic blood pressure between arms are associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. A difference of 10mm Hg or more is linked to an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, and mortality.
Researchers discovered 13 new gene regions associated with menopause onset, providing insights into reproductive lifespan and conditions like breast cancer and heart disease. Early menopause is linked to increased risk of these diseases, while later menopause may provide protection.
A new study will assess the views and experiences of children with neurodisability and their families to measure the outcomes of NHS care. The CHUMS project aims to gather insights into patient-reported outcome measures for disabled children and young people.
A rare genetic disorder has provided insight into pancreatic development, suggesting that GATA6 plays a crucial role in programming stem cells to become pancreatic cells. The study sheds light on the underlying causes of most cases of pancreatic agenesis and may help develop new treatments for type 1 diabetes.
The South West Ambulance Service will introduce TXA for civilian trauma patients, which has shown a 30% reduction in death from bleeding when used within three hours of trauma. The cost of the drug is estimated to be £2,560 in year one, with potential savings of many lives and reduced trauma-related disability.
Research into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes aims to improve the health of thousands of women in Cornwall. The study will investigate factors that increase the risk of diabetes in women with PCOS.
A new study suggests a possible link between radon exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer in the southwest region of England. The research found a correlation between areas with high radon concentrations and squamous cell carcinoma cases.
Dr. David Llewellyn has been awarded a two-year grant to investigate the link between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of dementia. His research aims to identify vitamin D as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for preventing and treating the disease.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
A study found that an exercise program improved balance and reduced fear of falling in people with Parkinson's disease who had a history of falls. The research team tracked significant improvements in physical recreational activity, supporting the effectiveness of physiotherapy and exercise in managing Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry discovered a potential therapeutic strategy for managing heart failure by modulating the interaction between hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitric oxide. The study found that this 'cross talk' can have positive effects on heart health and may lead to new drug therapies.
A study by Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that acupuncture significantly improved the overall health status of patients with unexplained symptoms. The treatment also led to reduced medication use and improved wellbeing, without affecting GP visits or clinical outcomes. Patients reported positive experiences with the ...
Researchers at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that virtual environments can promote improved human health and wellbeing. The development of accurate simulations has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with infirmity or other limitations, but not a substitute for real-world nature interaction.
A large randomized control trial found no evidence that osteopathic therapy improves movement, quality of life, or pain in children with cerebral palsy. However, parents whose children received osteopathy reported a slightly better overall wellbeing for their child compared to those who did not receive treatment.
A new home urine test has been developed to measure insulin production in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, replacing multiple blood tests. The test can differentiate between the two types of diabetes and rare genetic forms.
A systematic review by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has found that exercising outdoors improves mental well-being, with participants reporting greater feelings of revitalisation and positive engagement. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of outdoor exercise on physical well-being.
The European Diabetes Research Network, funded by the EU, will investigate the possible role of virus infection in causing type 1 diabetes. The network aims to develop a vaccine to prevent diabetes in children and improve diagnosis and patient care.
A rock concert raised £30,000 for cancer research by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), supporting Dr. Alison Curnow's clinical PDT research team at the Peninsula Medical School and Royal Cornwall Hospital. The funding will enable them to continue their work on this relatively unknown light-activated anti-cancer drug therapy.
A £4.7m Policy Research Unit will focus on improving cancer screening and diagnosis in the UK. The team from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry aims to identify key symptoms that should prompt GPs to take action, with the goal of boosting survival rates and reducing mortality.
Medical students and doctors face challenges accessing and incorporating evidence into their practice as the available evidence base grows. A new HEA-funded mini-project will explore decision-making processes about where to obtain information, aiming to improve clinical time management and patient care.
An international study identified 30 genes controlling puberty age and found they also play a role in fat metabolism, linking early maturity to increased obesity risk. The study of over 100,000 women from Europe, US, and Australia highlights the complex biological processes controlling puberty timing.
A joint research project is investigating why some C. difficile cases are more difficult to treat, and how genetic factors contribute to relapses. The study aims to identify key factors that indicate a higher risk of relapse and develop new treatment strategies.
Researchers are studying a rare form of Hepatitis E affecting middle-aged and elderly men in the UK. The two-year study will examine liver problems in hospital patients and explore transmission through contact with pigs and products.
A genetic test predicting early menopause risk could help UK women in their 30s plan families. Researchers identified four genes associated with early menopause and found they combined to have a larger impact on the condition.
A pilot study has been funded to evaluate a new approach to weight loss and physical activity in people at increased cardiovascular risk. The Waste the Waist programme aims to encourage behaviour change through lifestyle modifications, targeting individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A large population study found a statistically significant association between BPA exposure and increased testosterone levels in men. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 adults aged 20-74 years, suggests that even low-level exposure to BPA may have endocrine-disrupting effects on human health.
A research project at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter has won a £140,000 grant to study the effect of hydrogen sulfide as an anti-inflammatory agent. The study found that slow and sustained delivery of H2S reduces inflammation by increasing levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules.
Hydrogen sulfide has been found to be present in the fluid inside human knee joint synovial fluid and may play a role in reducing inflammation. The study found higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, associated with lower inflammation and disease activity.
A study by Dr. David J. Llewellyn found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of substantial general cognitive decline and new problems with mental flexibility. The research involved over 850 older adults, showing that those with severe vitamin D deficiencies were 60% more likely to experience cognitive decline.
A new study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that physical activity has no impact on weight change in children, but weight loss can lead to reduced physical activity. This suggests that addressing childhood obesity through reducing caloric intake and portion size may be more effective than increasing physical activity.
Researchers have discovered that type 1 diabetes patients experience a 10-fold increase in islet cell replication after diagnosis. This finding suggests that immune cells are involved in triggering the replication process. The study offers promising results for developing a therapy to encourage beta cells to reproduce and produce insulin.