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Media Monitoring: 2nd – 15th April

Genetic cause identified for 1 in 4 MND patients in largest ever rare variant analysis Project MinE, an international consortium co-founded by researchers at King’s College London, has identified new genetic variants that play a role in the development of motor neuron disease (MND). These findings mean that a genetic component is identifiable for 1 in 4 people with MND,…
Ben Kemp
April 13, 2026
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NHS Trust pioneers painless new blood test to help those with phobias and learning disabilities

Patients with learning disabilities and needle phobia are benefiting from a painless new form of blood sampling pioneered by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT). The initiative utilises a small, touch-activated ‘TAP’ device applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly. Since April 2025, UHMBT has successfully supported nearly 50 patients who previously could not provide blood…
Ben Kemp
April 10, 2026
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MHRA pledges millions to expand AI Airlock programme

The MHRA has secured a major funding uplift to expand its pioneering AI Airlock programme, the UK’s first regulatory sandbox for Artificial Intelligence as a Medical Device (AIaMD). Following a successful second phase, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has allocated £1.2 million per year for the next three years (2026–2029) to the programme. The newly approved multi‑year funding will enable…
Ben Kemp
April 8, 2026
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Media Monitoring: 19th March – 1st April

A liquid biopsy blood test may improve children's survival of cancer in Africa In a study published 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…
admin
March 31, 2026
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Innovate UK announces a new approach focusing on high potential companies

Innovate UK has announced a new approach to support the government's Modern Industrial Strategy. This centres on high potential companies and providing a holistic approach to tailored support. It is hoped that this will help to stimulate growth and enable businesses to grow across six priority sections: advanced manufacturing clean energy industries creative industries defence life sciences digital and technologies…
admin
March 30, 2026
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Study makes promising advances in accurately diagnosing sepsis

Doctors in Liverpool working with researchers at the Centre for Trials Research, at Cardiff University have identified promising evidence for the effectiveness of an early and rapid diagnostic test for sepsis. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), teams from the University of Liverpool and NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group conducted the study to address…
admin
March 30, 2026
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Media Monitoring: 5th March – 18th March

Hope for blood test that can detect brain tumours Scientists have made a "significant step" towards creating a blood test that detects brain tumours and monitors them in real time. The new test is more than 90% accurate and could be used by GPs to pick up deadly glioblastomas. It is also being expanded to include other types of brain…
Ben Kemp
March 18, 2026
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Media Monitoring: 19th February – 4th March

UK research projects get long-awaited access to consenting participants’ GP data  The Department of Health and Social Care has issued the GPES Data for Consented Research Directions 2026, enabling secure access to GP records for participants who have already consented to take part in major research studies, including UK Biobank, Our Future Health and Genomics England. This addresses a long-standing gap…
Ben Kemp
March 4, 2026
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Test can identify deadly complication of chronic kidney disease

Scientists from  The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust have discovered that the combination of two biomarkers can reliably identify sarcopenia, a serious condition of the muscle linked to higher mortality in chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The test, say the researchers, could identify individuals at risk of the condition which is typified by loss of muscle mass…
Ben Kemp
March 3, 2026
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Rapid diagnostic testing for bacterial infections to be rolled out in primary care in Wales

Rapid testing for bacterial infections is being rolled out in community pharmacies and GP surgeries across Wales. The 2 year pilot project will provide near-immediate test results without the need samples being sent to laboratories. It is part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing aim to make sure more people can access healthcare closer to home, in local communities and will…
Ben Kemp
March 3, 2026