News
New study of 46 million adults in England confirms blood clot risk with COVID-19 vaccine is very small
A new study confirms that the risk of blood clots after COVID-19 vaccinations is very low. It showed that people vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech had a lower risk of all venous clots (such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and all arterial clots (such as strokes and heart…
Regular exercise reduces the risk of and death from pneumonia, study suggests
People who exercise regularly can reduce their risk of developing and dying from pneumonia, new research has found. The study, led by researcher the University of Bristol, and funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) analysed, for the first time, ten population…
Using Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults
Researchers from the National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) and the University of Bournemouth have investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) but found there was no strong evidence to support this. MDD is characterised by depressed mood…
Study aims to understand why COVID-19 vaccines can lead to very rare blood clotting with low platelets
A group of 11 institutions, led by the University of Liverpool and including National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) researchers at the University of Bristol, is seeking to understand the very rare, but very serious, condition of blood clotting with low platelets in the…
Exploring the effectiveness of a low iodine diet prior to treatment for thyroid cancer
New research from the National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) says there is no evidence that recommending a low iodine diet for patients two weeks prior to treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) as opposed to one week improves treatment success rates. The most effective treatment for thyroid…
How can involvement in research support survivors of domestic abuse?
Hard Evidence is a theatre piece written and performed by Shass Blake and Alison Prince. It follows the story of two friends, Jan and Christine, who both have experience of domestic abuse, but are at different points in their journey to finding support. It shines light on how involvement in…
Exploring dietitians’ views and practice on dietary pattern advice for adults managing type 2 diabetes
A new study from researchers at the National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) has provided much needed insight into the practices and views of dietitians in the UK. They hope it will inform and improve the current processes of support available for individuals with…
Bristol childhood obesity clinic forms blueprint for national NHS pilot
Children and young people with severe obesity will receive intensive support with a pilot of 15 new specialist NHS services based on a clinic in Bristol. The Care of Childhood Obesity (CoCO) clinic at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children has been supporting children in the area since the early…
Assessing whether levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids alter risk of schizophrenia
Research funded by the National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Bristol BRC) aims to determine whether levels of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect risk of schizophrenia in some people. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that places a substantial burden on patients, their families,…