News and features
Analysis of letter fragment may reveal new details about William Shakespeare’s marriage
23 April 2025
Fresh analysis and interpretation of a letter fragment from the early 17th century by an academic from the University of Bristol has revealed possible intriguing new details about the marriage of William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway.
- Depression and other mental health conditions linked with immune response, study finds 30 April 2025 Depression, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 people in their lifetime, but mechanisms underlying these conditions are poorly understood. New research led by researchers at the University of Bristol has linked the body’s immune response with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. The study demonstrates mental health conditions might be affected by the whole body as well as changes in the brain. The findings could pave the way for better treatments of some mental health conditions.
- Road traffic accidents leading cause of pet cat deaths in the UK, Bristol Cats study finds 30 April 2025 Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of death among UK pet cats who are 8 years old or younger, new research has found. This is the first UK-wide study to assess mortality and survival rates in pet cats to include those that do not attend vets or have insurance. The study, by the University of Bristol Veterinary School and Cats Protection, is published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
- Friendship bracelet: new technology connects neurodiverse groups of children 30 April 2025 A new technology in the form of a bracelet, that helps children better understand how others play and interact, has been developed by University of Bristol researchers.
- Scientists repurpose gene editing tool to help uncover hidden microbial diversity 24 April 2025 Pioneering research has repurposed a gene editing tool to help shed light on the true biodiversity present in natural environments.
- New UK Centre hopes to change public attitudes towards grief 24 April 2025 Grief affects everyone but is still very much a taboo subject in the UK. A new Centre - the first of its kind in the UK - hopes to shift public attitudes towards grief and create communities that are compassionate and connected in their support of people who are bereaved. The Centre for Grief Research and Community Engagement (Grief Centre) at the University of Bristol is launched today [24 April].
- What research needs to be prioritised in global burns – results from a project spanning 88 countries 24 April 2025 Each year, more than 11 million people worldwide suffer serious life-changing burns, affecting both adults and children. The largest-ever project of its kind — the Priorities in Global Burns Research partnership, led by the University of Bristol — has identified the top 10 priorities in burns care research from 88 countries. The findings are published today [23 April] in The Lancet Global Health.
- Research examines how aerial robots could revolutionise the construction industry 23 April 2025 New research led by Imperial College London and co-authored by the University of Bristol, has revealed that aerial robotics could provide wide-ranging benefits to the safety, sustainability and scale of construction.
- Research reveals ‘brinkmanship’ between genes may determine survival of unborn mammals 23 April 2025 A study has shown that a dangerous game of ‘brinkmanship’ between rival genes in mammals could help explain why many fertilised eggs don’t result in a new life.
- University of Bristol academic awarded OBE 23 April 2025 A University of Bristol professor who has played a pivotal role in advancement of telecommunications research has received an OBE in the honorary awards to foreign nationals announced last week.
- Applications open for Kevin Elyot Award 2025 23 April 2025 The University of Bristol’s Theatre Collection is welcoming applications for the Kevin Elyot Award 2025, created in memory of the acclaimed actor and writer.
