Faculty of Health Sciences

Brain’s connections which keep related memories distinct from each other, identified in new study

20 January 2017

Neuroscientists at the University of Bristol are a step closer to understanding how the connections in our brain which control our episodic memory work in sync to make some memories stronger than others. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, reveal a previously unsuspected division of memory function in the pathways between two areas of the brain, and suggest that certain subnetworks within the brain work separately, to enhance the distinctiveness of memories.

Twitter can reveal our shared mood

11 December 2017

In the largest study of its kind, researchers from the University of Bristol have analysed mood indicators in text from 800 million anonymous messages posted on Twitter. These tweets were found to reflect strong patterns of positive and negative moods over the 24-hour day.

New trial to assess whether rapid tests reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care

23 November 2022

A new randomised controlled clinical trial, led by the University of Bristol, will investigate whether rapid microbiological 'point-of-care' tests for respiratory infections could reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care, thanks to funding of £1.6 million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The tests, which are carried out in GP surgeries rather than sent to a laboratory, detect the presence of viruses and some bacteria, with results available on the same day.

Is there a link between telomere length and cancer?

23 March 2017

Telomeres are regions of repetitive DNA at the end of human chromosomes, which protect the end of the chromosome from damage. Whilst shorter telomeres are hypothesized biological markers of older age and have been linked to many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, whether these associations are causal is unknown.

Bristol prepares for University Challenge quarter-final test

20 January 2017

The University of Bristol’s quiz team faces a crucial quarter-final tie against Corpus Christi, Oxford, on Monday [23 January] as its University Challenge journey continues.

Bristol to host future global leaders at 2018 Chevening Conference

8 December 2017

The University of Bristol will host the fifth annual Chevening Conference in April 2018, welcoming future global leaders from around the world.

Clients of female sex workers should be targeted for HIV prevention and treatment in South Africa

4 February 2021

The unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs of female sex workers and especially their male clients could contribute substantially to ongoing HIV transmission in South Africa, according to a new study led by University of Bristol researchers.

New app to help prevent people who are considering self-harm or having suicidal thoughts launched

7 December 2017

A new app to help people who are considering self-harm or having suicidal thoughts is now available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The distrACT app which has been designed by doctors with young adults and University of Bristol researchers to provide easy, quick and discreet access to general health information and advice about self-harm.

Stem cell therapy could help mend the youngest of broken hearts

21 March 2017

Researchers have shown stem cells from the umbilical cord may hold the key to a new generation of graft and could reduce the number of surgeries required to treat young children born with certain types of congenital heart disease.

Artist joins forces with scientists to alter our perceptions

17 January 2017

This year sees the beginning of what promises to be a visually and intellectually enlightening year for world-renowned installation artist Luke Jerram and University of Bristol researchers.