Researchers found that men with metabolic syndrome had twice as low blood H2S levels as lean men, while those with diabetes had four times lower levels. This reduction in H2S was associated with higher blood pressure, increased insulin resistance and damage to small blood vessels.
A new Europe-wide strategy for preventing type 2 diabetes has been developed, recommending lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity to prevent the disease. The guidelines aim to halve the incidence of type 2 diabetes by implementing evidence-based prevention programs across European countries.
Researchers will measure BPA levels in over 1,000 people with heart disease undergoing bypass surgery and thousands of individuals from Norfolk studied for over 10 years. The study aims to clarify whether BPA is linked to heart disease, which could impact public health by leading to controls on its use.
Researchers at the South West Liver Unit are working on a groundbreaking project to find a vaccine for Hepatitis C. They have identified a group of people who were naturally immune to the disease and are studying how their white blood cells interact with liver cells and the body's immune system.
A key mechanism that makes certain brain cells become tumorous has been identified by researchers. The tumours occur most often spontaneously but can also be part of inherited disease Neurofibromatosis type 2.
Researchers found a solid statistical link between higher concentrations of PFOA in blood and thyroid disease in adults. Individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease.
The University of Plymouth is investing £500,000 in joint research with the Peninsula Dental School to tackle key areas in oral health. The research will focus on statistical epidemiology, virtual reality, and nanotechnology, aiming to ease dental anxiety and develop more aesthetically pleasing materials.
New analysis of US population data confirms a link between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and cardiovascular disease in adults. Higher BPA concentrations were associated with heart disease, as well as abnormal liver enzyme concentrations.
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has received a grant to study the role of brain tumors in deafness and develop non-invasive therapies. The research aims to identify how tumors grow and cause hearing damage, and test drug-based treatments.
New research reveals a significant link between same-gender parent relationships and childhood obesity. Girls with obese mothers are more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood, while similar patterns exist between obese fathers and sons.
Researchers at the Peninsula Medical School have received a £9,600 grant to continue studying the genetic causes of eye movement disorders. The team aims to identify genes that contribute to loss of eye movement in conditions like Duane syndrome.
The study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts in cognitive function, with a decade of ageing equivalent between the two groups. Lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of hypertension among US adults may have contributed to this advantage.
A new molecule has been synthesized to release hydrogen sulfide gas in a slow and sustained manner, reducing inflammation and increasing levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of novel approaches to treating inflammatory disorders.
Two genes have been identified as key regulators of female sexual maturation, with their variants associated with earlier onset of menstruation. The study's findings suggest a genetic basis for the links between early menstruation and body mass index and height.
Researchers identified a common genetic variant associated with reduced ability to quit smoking during pregnancy. The study found that women carrying the addictive gene were less likely to stop smoking during pregnancy compared to those without it.
Studies have shown that patients with type II diabetes have lower blood levels of hydrogen sulfide, a compound that helps regulate blood pressure. Lower H2S levels may contribute to microvascular dysfunction and increased risk of vascular complications in these patients.
A new study found that over 60% of pancreases from children with type 1 diabetes showed evidence of enteroviral infection, suggesting a potential link between viruses and the disease. The research suggests that enteroviral infection may trigger an immune response that destroys beta cells in the pancreas.
Researchers will investigate new ways of developing clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study aims to improve the speed, cost-effectiveness, and relevance of treatments, benefiting patients and their carers.
A research team has found evidence linking bisphenol A to diabetes and heart disease in adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed data from over 1,400 adults and found a significant association between high BPA levels and an increased risk of these diseases.
A study published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls met the recommended daily exercise level, suggesting a need for revised guidelines. Exercise improved metabolic health, but diet changes were deemed more effective at improving overall health and weight.
Research found obesity in older people increases mobility problems and everyday task difficulties, but doesn't significantly impact mortality rates. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to advise older adults on weight management and encourage physical activity to reduce disability burden.
A £1.2 million clinical trial is being conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with depression who do not respond to treatment with antidepressants.
Researchers at Peninsula Medical School have identified a protein called c-Jun that plays a vital role in the regeneration of damage in the peripheral nervous system. This discovery could lead to understanding and treating diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Guillain-Barre disease.
Researchers have identified a role for hydrogen sulphide in regulating blood pressure, which works by relaxing vascular tissue and improving blood flow. A slow-releasing H2S donor molecule has been synthesised to study the effects of naturally produced H2S in the body.
Researchers found that phytochemical-rich foods like blueberries improve spatial working memory tasks within three weeks. The enhancement is attributed to flavonoids, which stimulate neuronal regeneration and improve cellular communications.
Studies found that people living in deprived areas had significantly worse cognitive function and higher mobility problems compared to those in less deprived areas. The research highlights the importance of adequate healthcare and social care in poorer communities.
Research shows that families from non-English speaking ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) grants than those from white, English-speaking backgrounds. Despite having similar needs, 69% of ethnic minority parents were granted DLA compared to 96% of white parents.
Two studies from the Peninsula Medical School found that moderate drinking is fine for over 65s, with some cases showing better cognitive and general health than abstinence. The research showed no increased risks of physical disability, mortality, or depression among moderate drinkers.
Patients using out-of-hours services report feeling uncertain about the appropriateness of their calls and concerns about slow case handling. Despite this, many are happy with the quality of service once they speak to a healthcare professional.
Research by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that maintaining physical activity in middle age leads to better basic physical abilities as we age. Physical activity is associated with fewer than 13% of people developing physical disability. Weight is not a deciding factor in this benefit.