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Community parenting programs improve family wellbeing and reduce inequalities

Evidence-based parenting programs delivered through community organisations can support family wellbeing and should be considered as part of wider strategies to reduce health inequalities, a landmark UCL study has found.

25 Mar 2026

Inefficient referral pathways delay lifesaving care for millions of injured people

Many seriously injured patients in Global South countries are failing to reach medical care within the lifesaving 'golden hour' and ambulances are often associated with these delays.

23 Mar 2026

Major UK clinical trial finds surfactant therapy ineffective for severe bronchiolitis

A major UK-led clinical trial has found that a treatment commonly used to help premature babies breathe offers no benefit for infants on life support with severe bronchiolitis - a seasonal viral illness that hospitalizes thousands of babies each year.

23 Mar 2026

Liquid biopsy enables rapid diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma in Africa

In a study published today in Nature Medicine, researchers from the University of Oxford and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es salaam, Tanzania have shown that a minimally invasive "liquid biopsy" test can diagnose Burkitt lymphoma rapidly and accurately in sub-Saharan Africa, where delays in traditional testing often prove fatal.

19 Mar 2026

Study highlights crucial role of fathers in pregnancy and child outcomes

New research from the University of Southampton and international partners shines a spotlight on the significant and often under-recognized role that fathers' health and well-being play in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes.

16 Mar 2026

NHS regions need to double GPs for safe staffing levels

Chronic GP shortages in England's NHS reveal deep regional disparities, with current staffing levels failing to meet rising patient demand and safety standards.

23 Feb 2026

GP shortages in England leave patient safety thresholds widely unmet

Four fifths of England's integrated care boards (ICBs) - responsible for planning health services for their local population - would need to at least double their number of general practitioners to meet staffing standards considered safe for patients, finds an analysis of NHS workforce data published by The BMJ today.

18 Feb 2026

Parental concern outperforms digital tools in identifying child’s severe illness

A parent’s intuition about their child’s condition is a significant medical indicator. A new study from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital shows that even comprehensive digital symptom questionnaires may not improve assessment if the parent’s underlying concern is overlooked.

18 Feb 2026

Group intervention reduces burnout among foster carers

A group-based support program for foster carers significantly improves carer wellbeing, reduces burnout and stress, and strengthens relationships with children in care, while also offering good value for money, finds a new study led by a UCL researcher.

10 Feb 2026

Genetic variants associated with rare inherited growth disorder identified in two prehistoric individuals

Researchers led by the University of Vienna and Liège University Hospital Centre have identified genetic variants associated with a rare inherited growth disorder in two prehistoric individuals who lived more than 12,000 years ago.

29 Jan 2026

New report provides updated prevalence figures for the number of people living with dementia

Alzheimer Europe has today launched the "The Prevalence of Dementia in Europe 2025" report, which provides updated prevalence figures for the number of people living with dementia both for Europe as a whole, as well as the countries within.

28 Jan 2026

Study isolates mania-specific genetic architecture in bipolar disorder

Researchers at King's College London and the University of Florence have, for the first time, identified the specific genetic blueprint of mania, the defining feature of bipolar disorder.

27 Jan 2026

England’s North–South maternity mortality gap persists

The study identifies persistent variations in perinatal mortality across England, calling for structured knowledge exchange to reduce health inequalities.

19 Jan 2026

Experts issue strong call for overhaul of UK dementia prevention strategy

A national panel of experts has issued the strongest call yet for the Department of Health and Social Care to overhaul how it approaches dementia prevention, pointing to vital evidence that dementia risk can be reduced and providing a framework for the development of new government policy that could improve brain health for millions.

16 Jan 2026

Pulse oximeters overestimate blood oxygen levels in patients with darker skin

Fingertip monitors known as pulse oximeters that can be used at home to detect low blood oxygen levels (hypoxaemia) give higher readings for patients with darker than lighter skin tones, finds the largest study on this topic published by The BMJ today.

14 Jan 2026

Comprehensive research identifies most effective ADHD treatments

The most comprehensive review to date of ADHD treatments has found that medication for children and adults, and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, remain the most effective approaches, backed by the strongest short-term trial evidence.

26 Nov 2025

Advancements in molecular and genetic testing transform brain tumor care

Molecular and genetic testing has become a game-changer in brain tumour care - shaping diagnosis, guiding treatments and opening doors to new therapies.

12 Nov 2025

What’s driving England’s rise in chronic illness? Ageing, not lifestyle, researchers find

A new Nature Communications study using the IMPACTNCD microsimulation model projects that England’s major illness burden will rise sharply by 2043, even with substantial lifestyle improvements. Population ageing, not modifiable risk factors, remains the dominant driver of future multimorbidity.

5 Nov 2025

Major new study may lead to earlier detection of lung cancers

A major new study, which has recently begun recruiting, is hoped to lead to earlier detection of lung cancers.

27 Oct 2025

Major NIHR funding to drive health research and innovation in the Thames Valley region

Aston University and the University of Oxford have won £16.3m in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to fund infrastructure to improve the health of people living in the Thames Valley region and beyond.

16 Oct 2025