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University of East Anglia


Scientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses

A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2026

Swimming in rivers and lakes linked to higher risk of stomach bugs and rashes

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 27, 2026

HRT linked to lower dementia risk in large UK study

A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2026

Taking the stairs could cut risk of early death

A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

Indigenous knowledge key to building healthier and more sustainable food systems

A new review of current research highlights the importance of culturally grounded approaches to food systems literacy in addressing global hunger and malnutrition. The study suggests that Indigenous knowledge and participatory methods can improve food systems resilience and support communities to maintain traditional food practices.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Food·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 21, 2026

The digital therapy helping dementia carers

A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2026

Superbug secrets revealed in new study

Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Deep sea an untapped ‘evolutionary engine’ says new study

A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Wildlife-friendly landscapes dramatically boost biodiversity in fragmented forests

A new study reveals that improving surrounding landscape quality can increase bird species survival in forest remnants, with modest increases in nearby tree cover substantially boosting numbers. This contradicts traditional views on habitat fragmentation and highlights the importance of a more hospitable matrix for conservation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2026

TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’

A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Social Media Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2026

Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals

A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026

Rising simultaneous wildfire risk compromises international firefighting efforts

Scientists warn that synchronised extreme fire weather, characterized by warm and dry conditions, has increased worldwide since 1979, straining international firefighting cooperation. The number of high-risk days with simultaneous fires is more than doubling, making wildfires harder to tackle and increasing air quality issues.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

‘Energy efficiency’ key to mountain birds adapting to changing environmental conditions

Researchers found that many birds don't strictly follow their supposed temperature adaptations, instead moving to efficiently acquire and use energy. This 'energy efficiency' hypothesis suggests that altitudinal migration is a behavioral mechanism allowing birds to optimize their energy budgets in the face of seasonality and competition.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2026