Population Health Sciences

New worldwide estimates for herpes simplex virus type 2 published

21 January 2015

New global estimates for herpes simplex virus type 2 show that over 400-million people worldwide were infected with the virus in 2012. The estimates underline the extent to which herpes simplex virus type 2 – the virus which causes genital herpes – is widespread throughout the world causing a significant burden of disease. The research, led by University of Bristol academics and the World Health Organisation [WHO], is published in the journal PLOS ONE.

More older people with depression could benefit from non-drug treatments

13 February 2019

Depression is common in older age and with an ageing population how late-life depression is managed will become increasingly important. Researchers from the University of Bristol and University College London (UCL) suggest mental health in later life should be given greater priority by healthcare professionals.

Could genetic breakthrough finally help take the sting out of mouth ulcers?

5 March 2019

A large breakthrough has been made in the genetic understanding of mouth ulcers which could provide potential for a new drug to prevent or heal the painful lesions. Mouth ulcers affect up to 25 per cent of young adults and a higher proportion of children. Previous research has shown that mouth ulcers are partially heritable, but until now there has been little evidence linking specific genes or genomic regions to mouth ulcers.

New study finds routine vaccination holds key to reducing future mpox outbreaks in England

2 July 2025

Continuing to vaccinate for mpox through a routine targeted programme for gay and bisexual men delivered by sexual health services will greatly reduce the number of cases and save the NHS millions, new research has found.

New exhibition explores mental health and community through art

2 July 2025

How does it feel to live in Weston-super-Mare when you are struggling with your mental health? What resources exist in the local community – and what barriers are there to accessing them? A new free exhibition coming to Weston Museum from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 17 July explores these questions through the creative storytelling of people who often feel excluded.

Teenage self-harm linked to problems in later life

22 October 2014

Those who self-harm as teenagers are more at risk of developing mental health and substance misuse problems as adults, new research from the biggest study of its kind in the UK has revealed.

Bristol part of €20.8 million study to drive drug discovery for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

11 April 2019

The lives of patients affected by atopic dermatitis and psoriasis could be improved thanks to the start of an EU-funded research project BIOMAP (Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis). The five-year project will address key unmet needs in treating these common inflammatory skin conditions by analysing data from more than 50 000 patients to improve disease understanding, patient care and future therapies.

Largest review of clinical trials to date finds no increased risk of suicide in patients using Champix

12 March 2015

Findings from the largest review of clinical trials to date to determine whether patients prescribed the smoking cessation drug Varenicline (brand name Champix in the UK) are at an increased risk of neuropsychiatric events are published online in the British Medical Journal [BMJ] today [12 Mar]. The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Bristol.

Could technology transform GP consultations?

20 October 2014

The way we interact with our GPs could be transformed thanks to a new £458,000 project exploring whether consultations could viably be conducted via email, text message, telephone or via the internet.

Hepatitis C could be prevented worldwide by reducing transmission in people who inject drugs

9 April 2019

Stepping up efforts to prevent transmission of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs, could reduce future infections by 43 per cent globally, according to a study by researchers at the University of Bristol published in the Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology today [Tuesday 9 April 2019].