Treatment for opioid dependence has an important role in suicide prevention16 December 2021Opioid agonist treatment, commonly methadone or buprenorphine, for people dependent on heroin or other opioid drugs has an important role to play in suicide prevention, according to University of Bristol-led research published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
Why do we forget things?6 December 2021We’ve all had those moments where we can’t quite remember something. Maybe you’ve misplaced your keys, can’t remember someone’s name or just completely forgotten what it was that you were supposed to be doing. A lapse in memory is a common thing, but why does it happen? BBC Bitesize explores how our memories work and why we forget things.
People want a better world after the COVID-19 pandemic but don’t believe it will really happen29 November 2021People strongly favour a fairer and more sustainable way of life in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite not thinking it will actually materialise or that others share the same progressive wishes, according to new research which sheds intriguing light on what people have missed most and want for the future.
Scientists capture humour’s earliest emergence22 November 2021Young children's ability to laugh and make jokes has been mapped by age for the first time using data from a new study involving nearly 700 children from birth to four years of age, from around the world. The findings, led by University of Bristol researchers and published in Behavior Research Methods, identifies the earliest age humour emerges and how it typically builds in the first years of life.
Common blood pressure drug does not slow down the progression of more advanced Alzheimer’s15 November 2021New research led by the University of Bristol, has shown the drug losartan, normally used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), is not effective in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in people with mild-to-moderate disease after 12 months of treatment. However, the drug could still be of benefit if prescribed for longer and if given to people with very early disease. The findings are from the phase 2 multi-centre clinical trial known as RADAR ((Reducing pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease through Angiotensin taRgeting).
Baby teeth may one day help identify kids at risk for mental disorders later in life10 November 2021Like the rings of a tree, teeth contain growth lines that may reveal clues about childhood experiences. The thickness of growth marks in primary (or “baby”) teeth may help identify children at risk for depression and other mental health disorders later in life, according to a ground-breaking investigation led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) using data from a world-renowned health study in Bristol.
New project explores impact of school discipline on pupil wellbeing3 November 2021A new NIHR ARC West project has kicked off, working with young people to understand the mental health and wellbeing impacts of school discipline on pupils. The project will use creative methods to understand pupils’ experience of school discipline and how they think poor behaviour could better be addressed in schools.
Mongooses give bullies the cold shoulder, scientists find2 November 2021Dwarf mongooses remember which groupmates have picked fights with others during the day and later shun the aggressors during pre-bedtime socialising sessions, according to new research.
Bristol behind world’s first massive egocentric dataset15 October 2021The University of Bristol is part of an international consortium of 13 universities, in partnership with Facebook AI, that have collaborated to advance egocentric perception.
New study shines a light on likely suicide among children and young people in England14 October 2021A new report led by University of Bristol academics has identified that 108 young people in England died under circumstances that were assessed as highly or moderately likely to be due to suicide between 2019 and 2020. The analysis, led by the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database [NCMD] programme, which gathers comprehensive information on all children who die in England below the age of 18 years with the aim of identifying ways that could help reduce them in future, is published today [14 Oct].
Combined treatments are the most effective to stop smoking, study finds12 October 2021Combination therapies, particularly varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) combined, are the most effective tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies, the largest review to examine the effectiveness and safety of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and medicines that people use to quit tobacco has found.
Allergies including asthma and hay fever not linked to mental health traits6 October 2021Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever do not cause the onset of mental health conditions or vice versa, according to the findings of a new University of Bristol-led study published today (6 October) in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy.
Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse1 October 2021When people stop taking antidepressants after a long period of use, just over half (56 per cent) experience a relapse within a year, compared to 39 per cent of those who stay on medication, finds a new study led by UCL and involving researchers from the universities of Bristol, Southampton, York and McMaster University in Canada.
Tobacco and alcohol may increase likelihood of using illegal drugs, new study shows30 September 2021The use of legal drugs (tobacco and alcohol) may lead to the use of cannabis, a new study led by the University of Bristol and published in the journal Addiction has found. The study also found evidence that cannabis use may lead to smoking initiation, and opioid dependence could lead to increased alcohol consumption. Additionally, there might be shared risk factors that influence the use of multiple substances.
Research reveals drug targets for memory enhancement16 September 2021Bristol-led research has identified specific drug targets within the neural circuits that encode memories, paving the way for significant advances in the treatment of a broad spectrum of brain disorders.
During the pandemic two thirds of bereaved people report experiencing social isolation and loneliness15 September 2021New research shows impact of grief during the pandemic as two thirds of bereaved people report experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Those bereaved due to COVID-19 were also less likely to be involved in care decisions and be well supported by healthcare professionals after the death of their loved one.
Shop displays of e-cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia could undermine effectiveness of banning tobacco displays14 September 2021Efforts to discourage people from smoking by banning tobacco retail displays in shops and supermarkets could be weakened by prominent displays of electronic (e) cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia, suggests new research led by the universities of Bristol and Cambridge and published today [13 September] in the journal Tobacco Control.
Major international study reports the impact of genetics on epigenetic factors9 September 2021Understanding what causes epigenetic variation could be a step closer thanks to a new atlas of genetic effects on epigenetic factors. The atlas, which has been established by an international consortium led by the University of Bristol, will enable scientists to learn more about the mechanisms underpinning gene regulation.
From racehorse to therapy horse: pioneering study into welfare of horses who help people7 September 2021A new study will examine the selection, training and welfare of thoroughbred horses as they transition from racetrack to therapy horse. The pioneering project, led by academics at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School in collaboration with Racing to Relate, will develop a recognised global welfare standard for former racehorses who are moving into Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT).
Novel research identifies gene targets of stress hormones in the brain12 August 2021Chronic stress is a well-known cause for mental health disorders. New research has moved a step forward in understanding how glucocorticoid hormones ('stress hormones') act upon the brain and what their function is. The findings could lead to more effective strategies in the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders.
