Media Monitoring

TBI – Prosperity Through Health: The Macroeconomic Case for Investing in Preventative Health Care in the UK TBI’s report advocating for greater action on prevention of ill health estimates that a 20 per cent reduction in the incidence of six major disease categories that are keeping people out of work – cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic respiratory illness, diabetes and…

Babies in Nigeria are being born with antibiotic resistant bacteria In a study we found that samples taken from mothers and newborn babies younger than one week in Nigeria already had colistin-resistant bacteria present in their bodies. But neither the babies nor their mothers had been treated with colistin. We surmise that mothers may have picked up these colistin resistant bacteria from…

UK and US Collaboration on Dementia Biomarkers: UK and US researchers are collaborating to develop innovative biomarkers for early dementia detection. The initiative aims to create new diagnostic tools that will facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis of dementia. This partnership will leverage the strengths of both countries to accelerate progress in dementia research.   Science Minister’s Sir Patrick Vallance…

Sky News: Why Whole Genome Sequencing Can Improve Child Cancer Treatments Whole genome sequencing identifies specific genetic mutations in child cancer patients, enabling tailored treatments. This approach helps predict which treatments will be effective and reduces unnecessary side effects. Personalized treatment plans based on genetic information improve survival rates and quality of life for young patients.   Financial Times: Labour…

UK-first screening trial for type 1 diabetes sees 20,000 children sign up so far The ELSA study screens children aged 3 to 13 for early signs of type 1 diabetes using a finger prick blood test, with 20,000 children already participating. Early detection of islet autoantibodies can help families prepare, monitor, and reduce the risk of severe complications like diabetic…

Devon GP Practices Slash Antibiotic Use by Nearly Two Thirds GP practices in Devon have reduced antibiotic prescriptions by nearly 65% as part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The initiative involved better diagnostic practices, patient education, and adherence to guidelines. This reduction aligns with the broader UK national strategy to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.   NHS England Drops Planned…

  Call to change ‘outdated’ prostate cancer guidance  Prostate Cancer UK urges an update to outdated guidance that limits proactive testing for high-risk men. Current guidelines require men to request tests, which many don't know to do, increasing health risks and inequalities. Revised guidelines could reduce deaths and NHS costs by enabling early detection and treatment​.   Integrated care systems…

Major cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease discovered A groundbreaking piece of research has been published this week that could lead to greater understanding of Crohn’s and Colitis and possibly new treatments in the future. Using genetic analysis, the researchers found a section of genetic code (DNA) that is active in macrophages. Macrophages are a type of immune cell that cause…

An update on the ongoing NHS-Galleri trial Based on data from the first year of the three-year NHS-Galleri trial, NHS England has decided that it will wait to see final results, expected in 2026, before considering whether an NHS rollout of the Galleri multi cancer early detection test (the Multi Cancer Blood Test Programme, MCBT) should go ahead. Many successful…

Driving action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2024 This policy brief from the Wellcome Trust identifies opportunities to drive change in how governments respond collaboratively to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with 3 recommendations: Countries should use the Political Declaration of the High-Level Meeting in September to set a bold, unifying goal for a reduction in the global burden of AMR. The…