News

Bristol’s Children of the 90s seeks participants to attend its biggest ever clinic

21 March 2024

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

20 March 2024

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

14 March 2024

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

1 February 2024

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

10 January 2024

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.

Higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of pregnancy complications, study concludes

14 January 2026

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’

28 October 2025

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?

28 October 2025

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?

20 October 2025

Lynn Molloy, Chief Operating Officer, ALSPAC (Children of the 90s)

Tweeting at night linked with worse mental wellbeing, new study finds

10 October 2025

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].