Recently, the NHS called on surgeons to delay carrying out major surgery because blood banks were too low to service any more operations. So this new research from Bristol University where lab-grown red blood cells have been transfused into another … Read More
Diet in pregnancy is key to a child’s future health and identifying obesity risk
A useful mantra for pregnant women is “your baby is what you eat”. And a new study brings this home, led by researchers at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, US. They’ve shown, as … Read More
Genes linked to dyslexia singled out by scientists will help our understanding
Dyslexia is known to run in families – partly because of genetic factors – but until now little was known about the specific genes that relate to the risk of it developing. So if I were a parent, anxious and … Read More
New testing of protein to tell surgeons best time for heart operation is excellent news
Heart surgery is tricky and it’s often hard to know when it’s the best time for the op. Any biomarker that could signal the body is in optimum condition would be a major step forward. So it’s excellent news that doctors … Read More
Hope for bespoke cancer treatment after lab grows bone marrow cells
Destruction of the bone marrow, where all our blood cells are formed, is a perpetual hazard of chemotherapy. That’s why your white blood cells are constantly checked while you’re on it. When their levels fall too far it means your bone … Read More
Covid virus could be cut to pieces by molecular ‘scissors’ put in drugs to protect us
When I read the research coming out of universities these days, it’s like I’m in a fantasyland, so amazing are the discoveries. But it’s for real and I can’t help but be astonished. And I am sure you’ll be amazed by Cambridge scientists who’ve … Read More
Top tricks to help you stick to a new year’s resolution longer than a few weeks
When did you last keep a new year’s resolution? I mean really keep it, longer than just a couple of weeks? Not many of us reach this goal to be honest – a resolution has to become a habit for you … Read More
You’re less likely to exercise if you have young children – we must make it easier
We all know physical activity – particularly when it’s moderate to vigorous – has many health benefits, decreasing the risk of a wide range of illnesses from cancer to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as helping maintain a healthy weight and mental … Read More
Salt adds to high blood pressure – now it’s been found to lead to stress problems too
When you’re cooking up a storm with the Christmas bird and all the trimmings, spare a thought to going easy on the salt – in the veg, stuffing, gravy and on the table. Otherwise too much could fray tempers. Yes, … Read More
New STI track, trace and treat method is so quick and easy – and solves a big problem
Every time I write about STIs, I always say be sure to give the names and addresses of sexual contacts to the health clinic so they can be traced and treated. But I’m not convinced this happens. Well, researchers have … Read More