Exclusive breastfeeding linked to long-term changes in marks on DNA, found in blood
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least three months carry markers in their blood that differ from babies who are not breastfed.
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Exclusive breastfeeding linked to long-term changes in marks on DNA, found in blood
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least three months carry markers in their blood that differ from babies who are not breastfed.
A risk factor for liver disease: your parent’s body weight
Study shows risk for common liver disorder starts much earlier in life than thought
Childhood BMI changes genetically linked to adulthood diabetes and heart disease
A new study has modelled how genes can influence a child’s body mass index (BMI) over time and how they may contribute to the risk of developing diseases, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes, later in life.
Indoor mould exposure in childhood linked to asthma and reduced lung function in childhood and adolescence
A new longitudinal study has linked mould exposure at 5 years of age to reduced lung function at ages 8 and 15, as well as asthma diagnoses at ages 15 and 24. These associations remain after adjusting for other influencing factors including height, sex, age, exposure to smoking and socioeconomic status.
Academic pressure linked to increased risk of depression in teens
Pressure to achieve at school at age 15 is linked to depressive symptoms and risk of self-harm, and the association appears to persist into adulthood, finds a study led by UCL researchers.
Higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of pregnancy complications, study concludes
Helping women to keep their blood pressure at normal levels could reduce their risk of experiencing pregnancy complications, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Bristol. The research is published in BMC Medicine today [14 January].
New study uses smartphones to track mental health ‘as it happens’
Millions of people around the world suffer with poor mental health, and this often affects them by the time they are adults. It can have long-term social and psychological impact, so it is important to find out what causes it, so we can find better ways to intervene and prevent it.
New study: Do our genes affect the symptoms of menopause?
Around 70% of women experience symptoms during menopause such as hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction - yet the causes remain poorly understood.
An inside look at the House of Commons Library and Select Committee teams – how can research impact policy?
Lynn Molloy, Chief Operating Officer, ALSPAC (Children of the 90s)
Tweeting at night linked with worse mental wellbeing, new study finds
Posting on Twitter (also known as X) throughout the night is associated with worse mental wellbeing, according to a new study from the University of Bristol published in Scientific Reports today [10 October].
Higher lifetime exposure to air pollution associated with worse heart health in young adults
Higher levels of exposure to air pollution over the first 18 years of life can have negative, long-lasting impacts on our heart health in early adulthood, a new study has found. While a large body of evidence links air pollution and heart health, fewer studies have looked at younger populations or lifetime exposure to air pollution.
Pioneering research reveals problem gambling quadruples the risk of suicide among young people four years later
New research has shown how harmful gambling is clearly linked to a marked and long-lasting increase in suicide attempts among young people in the UK.
Teenage period pain linked to higher risk of chronic pain in adulthood
Teenagers who experience moderate or severe period pain are significantly more likely to develop chronic pain in adulthood, including pain beyond the pelvis, according to a major new study from the University of Oxford, funded by the Medical Research Foundation.
Groundbreaking new study to develop world-leading resource for menstrual health research
An innovative new study into heavy menstrual bleeding, led by researchers from the GW4 Alliance universities of Exeter and Bristol, has been awarded over $4.5million.
Heavy and painful periods linked to lower GCSE grades and attendance, study finds
With GCSE results released this week, and their potential significance, are there any factors that could affect how well students perform? A new study published today [19 August] has found that heavy periods and period pain in teenage girls are linked to lower GCSE grades and more time off school.
New genetic analysis predicts risk of adult obesity from childhood
A new genetic analysis using data from over five million people has provided a clearer understanding of the risk of going on to live with obesity. New research led by the Universities of Copenhagen and Bristol shows analysing genes at a young age may support early strategies to prevent obesity developing later in life.
Suspended children are twice as likely to be involved in violence, even when accounting for their behaviour, finds new report
A new study report has found that, even whilst controlling for a range of factors including measures of behavioural difficulties, children who are suspended or excluded from school are still nearly two and a half times more likely to become involved in violence and four and a half times more likely to offend compared to those who have not been suspended or excluded.
Bristol professor joins Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship
A University of Bristol academic who is the Principal Investigator for the Children of the 90s health study has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Professor Nic Timpson joins 53 exceptional biomedical and health scientists from UK institutions selected to the Academy for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of medical science.
School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, says new study
Having school dinners rather than packed lunches could encourage picky eating 13-year-olds to eat a wider variety of foods, according to a new University of Bristol-led study. The findings are published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics today [15 May].
Breaking the cycle: supporting young boys in violent homes could prevent relationship violence, study suggests
Young men growing up around parents who are physically violent to each other are 43% more likely to carry out violence or abuse in their own relationships, new University of Bristol research has found.
Prediabetes in older teenagers may triple risk of premature heart damage in young adulthood and affects women worse than men
Persistently high blood sugar (prediabetes) and insulin resistance may increase the risk of heart damage as late teens grow into young adults, and might affect women’s hearts faster than men’s, a new study has found. The results are published today, 29th April, in Diabetes Care.
Researchers study for the first time how children’s thinking skills change alongside brain development during first 5 years of life
Why do some children struggle when starting school whilst others flourish? A new University of Bristol-led research project will investigate how a child’s brain develops, allowing them to learn new things, and how new experiences might shape brain changes during the first 5 years of their life. This is the first time changes in the brain and children's developing skills have been studied in a lab-based setting across early childhood in the same group of children.
Smartwatch technology could help with future alcohol interventions, new study finds
Alcohol harm costs NHS England £3.5 billion annually, with 70 people dying every day from alcohol-related causes in the UK (1). According to new University of Bristol-led research smartwatches could provide a more accurate picture of people’s daily drinking habits than current methods. The technology could be a key element for future alcohol interventions.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visits University to learn about life-changing scar-free healing research
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, as Royal Patron of The Scar Free Foundation, visited the University of Bristol yesterday [20 March] to learn about a world-leading research study that aims to achieve scar free healing within a generation.
Children who lack fish in their diets are less sociable and kind, study finds
Children who consumed the least amounts of seafood at 7-years-old were likely to be less ‘prosocial’ at ages 7 and 9 years than those who regularly consumed seafood, according to a new study. ‘Prosocial’ behaviour includes friendly interactions, altruism, and sharing.
Bristol study awarded £5.2 million to continue groundbreaking health research across three generations
The Children of the 90s health study at the University of Bristol, which researches the lives of thousands of families in the south west, has been awarded £5.2 million to continue its pioneering work to improve people’s health.
Largest ever DNA resource for over 37,000 UK children and parents to unlock insights into child health and development
For the first time, a new resource containing DNA sequencing data for over 37,000 children and parents collected over multiple decades from across the UK is now available to researchers worldwide. The resource, which includes data from three UK long-term birth cohorts including the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study, will allow scientists to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors in child health.
Young adults more likely to switch from smoking to vaping when aware of reduced harm, but misinformation deters change
Young adults are more likely to give up smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm of vaping, according to a new study involving University of Bristol researchers. However, many inaccurately believe that vaping is as bad for you or worse than smoking.
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in childhood may protect 60% of 13-year-olds from smoking their first tobacco cigarette
Teenagers may be less likely to start tobacco smoking if they take part in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from childhood, a new study by the University of Eastern Finland in collaboration with the universities of Bristol and Exeter has shown. The results are published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.
Bristol researchers part of government project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people
Bristol researchers are part of the first phase of a new research project that will lay the groundwork for future studies into the impact on children of smartphone and social media use.
Global study pinpoints genes for depression across ethnicities
New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity.
BMI, blood pressure and physical activity levels in childhood linked to brain differences – new research
Poorer cardiovascular health in childhood and adolescence may be linked to early differences in brain structure, particularly in areas of the brain known to be affected in dementia in later life, according to a new scientific study.
Smoking tobacco from childhood can cause premature heart damage
Two-thirds of children who started tobacco smoking at 10 years of age continued until their mid-twenties, significantly increasing their risk of early heart damage
New study identifies link between low levels of omega-3s and symptoms of psychosis in early adulthood
A new study, the largest of its kind, published in Biological Psychiatry today [12 June], tracked the blood test results of over 3,500 participants for a span of 17 years to explore a possible link between diet and mental health.
Prenatal exposure to air pollution associated with increased mental health risks
A baby’s exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in JAMA Network Open today [28 May], examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution.
High-THC Cannabis Varieties Twice as Likely to Cause Psychotic Episodes
New study suggests high-potency cannabis use between 16-18 doubles the risk of psychotic experiences from 19-24, compared to lower-potency use in young adults.
Family and media pressure to lose weight in adolescence linked to how people value themselves almost two decades later
People who as teenagers felt pressure to lose weight from family or from the media, females, sexual minorities, and people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, are most at risk of 'internalised' weight stigma, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe today [16 Apr].
University of Bristol and UCL to lead support hub for UK's longitudinal population studies
The University of Bristol and UCL will lead the Population Research UK (PRUK) co-ordination hub, part of an existing strategic investment from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund.
Bristol’s Children of the 90s seeks participants to attend its biggest ever clinic
Thousands of Bristol and Weston families are already part of the world-renowned Children of the 90s health study based at the University of Bristol. Their participation has led to many scientific discoveries about health. From how babies can safely sleep on their backs to genes that may cause obesity or deteriorating liver health in young people – much of what is now known about health is due to Children of the 90s data, and the study is now calling on more people to take part.
Bristol heart research receives funding boost thanks to European partnership
A Bristol researcher will join forces with a team in the Netherlands to drive breakthroughs in heart and circulatory diseases research, thanks to a pioneering partnership between the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Dutch Heart Foundation (DHF) and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK).
Waist-to-height ratio detects fat obesity in children and adolescents significantly better than BMI, study finds
An inexpensive measure of obesity in children and adolescents that could replace body mass index (BMI) has been identified in a new study as waist circumference-to-height ratio. This measure detected excess fat mass and distinguished fat mass from muscle mass in children and adolescents more accurately than BMI. The study, published in Pediatric Research, was conducted in collaboration between the universities of Bristol, Exeter and Eastern Finland.
‘Loneliness loop’ risks trapping young people in repeating cycle of abuse, UK study of intimate partner violence and abuse finds
A detailed study of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) among young people in the UK has found that a 'loneliness loop' risks trapping young people in a repeating cycle of abuse. The University of Bristol-led research, which analysed survey data from 3,000 young people, recommends early intervention to prevent young people from experiencing IPVA.
Exposure to high humidity and temperature in pregnancy could influence blood pressure changes in childhood
Outdoor humidity and temperature levels during pregnancy could affect the future blood pressure of the unborn child, according to new research by the University of Bristol, published in JACC: Advances.
Diet in childhood linked to blood vessel damage in teenage years
Diets high in calories, fat and sugar in childhood can cause damage to blood vessel function, known to heighten the risk of early heart attacks and strokes, as early as adolescence according to research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The team behind the University of Bristol-led study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition today [10 January], say their findings highlight the importance of healthy eating habits throughout life to protect heart health.
Light physical activity shows great promise in reversing childhood obesity caused by being sedentary
Increased sedentary time from childhood through young adulthood caused increased body fat and abdominal fat in a new follow-up study. However, the results also showed that light physical activity (LPA) may completely reverse the adverse process. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may only reduce the effect. The study, published in Nature Communications, was conducted in collaboration between the universities of Bristol and Exeter, University of Colorado and the University of Eastern Finland.
Young people less likely to study at university if mother has maternal depression
Young people whose mothers experienced periods of depression during their lifetime were less likely to study at university, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
New research sheds light on genetics of placenta growth and link to preeclampsia in mother
New research has shed light on how genetics influences the growth of the placenta, revealing a link to risk of disease in the mother.
Children of the 90s gather to celebrate milestone event
Hundreds of Children of the 90s participants from across Bristol and Weston-super-Mare visited the M Shed to learn directly from the researchers behind the world renowned study.
Software can detect hidden and complex emotions in parents
Researchers have conducted trials using a software capable of detecting intricate details of emotions that remain hidden to the human eye.
Bristol Bears partners with Children of the 90s researchers for new study
An exciting new sports science study is underway at the Children of the 90s clinic at the University of Bristol. European Challenge Cup winners, the Bristol Bears, are pioneering new research looking at the association between body composition and injury in elite level male, female and academy rugby union players.