Faculty of Health Sciences

Pre-school health programme does not improve children’s diet or physical activity, prompting call for policy changes, study finds

18 December 2025

A pre-school diet and physical activity programme does not improve children’s calorie intake or overall physical activity levels in nursery settings, a new University of Bristol-led study has found. The research published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe today [18 December] highlights the need for policy-led rather than intervention-led approaches to improving young children’s health.

National partnership to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities awarded £2.4 million

15 February 2024

A national partnership led by researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Liverpool has received £2.4 million to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities.

Academics urge rethink on 28-day prescriptions for people with long-term conditions

13 March 2018

The widely adopted practice of issuing 28-day rather than longer duration prescriptions for people with long-term conditions lacks a robust evidence base and should be reconsidered, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice today [Tuesday 13 March]. Related research shows that considerable savings could be made by the NHS switching to longer prescriptions.

Autumn clock change linked to reduction in certain health conditions

17 December 2025

The week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric conditions in England, research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ today [17 December].

Medical student, 19, becomes pro Ironman triathlete

13 February 2024

A 19-year-old medicine student has just become a professional Ironman triathlete – despite only starting training in 2020.

Bristol engineers, scientists and mathematicians take their research to Parliament

12 March 2018

Five researchers from the University of Bristol will be taking their work as posters to Parliament on Monday 12th March for the annual STEM for BRITAIN awards.

Risk of death 12% higher for non-White children in England

12 February 2024

Twelve percent of infant deaths in England could be avoided if all infants in England had the same risk of death as White infants, a new University of Bristol-led study shows. Such a change, which equates to more than 200 deaths per year, would bring England – which currently has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Europe – in line with other EU nations.

UK rabbit owners can recognise pain in their pets, study finds

27 March 2024

Rabbits are popular family pets, with around 1.5 million* in the UK and it is important that owners can recognise when their animal is in pain, and know when to seek help to protect their rabbit's welfare. New research by the University of Bristol Veterinary School has found the majority of rabbit owners could list signs of pain and could mostly identify pain-free rabbits and those in severe pain, but many lacked knowledge of the subtler sign of pain.

Bristol academic receives Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award

21 December 2011

Professor Kei Cho, Chair of Neuroscience in the University’s School of Clinical Sciences, has received one of the Royal Society’s most prestigious awards, a Wolfson Research Merit Award.

Researchers a step closer to a cure for HIV

26 March 2024

A new study involving University of Bristol researchers has shown a virus-like particle (HLP) can effectively 'shock and kill' the latent HIV reservoir.