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« Back to NewsThe latest news, updates and announcements from the Nuffield Department of Medicine.
New shingles vaccine could reduce risk of dementia
25 July 2024
The new recombinant shingles vaccine ‘Shingrix’ is associated with a reduced risk of dementia compared to an earlier shingles vaccine, according to a major new study published in Nature Medicine.
Policy changes needed as drug-resistant malaria spreads in East Africa
22 July 2024
The efficacy of artemisinin derivatives, the cornerstone of current treatments for malaria, is being compromised in Africa where over 1,000 children are estimated to die each day from the disease. The spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites across East Africa and beyond could result in millions more deaths without immediate health policy changes, warn experts in a paper published in Science.
Community voices shaping tuberculosis research in Viet Nam
19 July 2024
A recent publication by OUCRU researchers, published in the journal Public Health Action, highlights the importance of community engagement in TB research.
Oxford scientists launch first-in-human vaccine trial for deadly Marburg virus
18 July 2024
Launch of UK trial is major milestone in developing a vaccine against Marburg virus – a highly virulent disease that is fatal in up to 88% of cases.
New discovery renews hope for thousands with neurodevelopment disorders
15 July 2024
A global collaboration led by scientists at the University of Oxford has discovered that genetic variants in a specific gene cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). NDD is a collective term for severe impairments in how the brain functions that impact learning, behaviour, speech, and movement. Most NDDs are thought to be genetic and caused by changes to DNA, however, to date, around 60% of individuals with these conditions do not know the specific DNA change that causes their disorder.
COVID-19 phone apps shown to provide insights into epidemic dynamics
12 July 2024
Researchers analysing data from mobile phone apps used during the COVID-19 pandemic found that digital contact tracing provides rich insights into epidemic dynamics with unprecedented resolution and speed. Findings show how digital contact tracing can help public health bodies to better monitor and analyse evolving epidemics.
Study details major global impact of herpes infections
8 July 2024
Genital herpes infections and their related complications lead to billions of dollars in health care expenditures and productivity losses globally, say researchers who calculated the first-ever global estimates of the economic costs of these conditions.
Discovery of a new cell type that mediates genetic risk of heart disease
5 July 2024
A new study has used state-of-the-art single cell multiomic techniques to discover a novel population of immune cells that mediate a substantial proportion of the genetic risk of heart disease. The characteristics of these cells make them potential targets for new treatments.
Cross-species immune responses could lead to innovative treatments
24 June 2024
A new study published by Oxford researchers as part of an international collaboration in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has found that an important section of our immune system, that involves the molecule MR1 and MAIT cells, is evolutionarily conserved in multiple species.
Sepsis patients could get the right treatment faster based on their genes
21 June 2024
Sepsis patients could be treated based on their immune system’s response to infection, not their symptoms. New research uncovers how different people respond to sepsis based on their genetic makeup, which could help identify who would benefit from certain treatments and lead to the development of targeted therapies.
Novel data method sheds light on hidden patterns of kidney inflammation
20 June 2024
Globally kidney disease is forecast to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040, and in the UK more than 3 million people are living with the most severe stages of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is often due to autoimmune damage to the filtration units of the kidney, known as the glomeruli, which can occur in lupus, a disease which disproportionally affects women and people of non-white ethnicities, groups often underrepresented in research. Treatment options are limited, can have life threatening side-effects and often don’t slow the disease, which can then progress to end stage, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Existing interventions are effective in reducing antimicrobial resistance
16 June 2024
In a new study published in The Lancet, a team of international researchers has highlighted the urgent need for action to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Benefit of blood transfusion in Visceral Leishmaniasis patients unclear
14 June 2024
A new review summarises existing evidence gaps regarding when blood transfusions should be carried out for visceral leishmaniasis patients. The review is published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Researchers find dramatic acceleration of SARS CoV2 viral clearance rates
5 June 2024
Running continuously since Sept 2021, the PLATCOV trial at NDM's Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit has randomised over 1700 patients presenting with COVID-19 infections. Work by PLATCOV’s Dr Phrutsamon Wongnak published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases has shown that rates of oropharyngeal viral clearance have accelerated dramatically since the trial started: A SARS CoV2 viral clearance half-life in untreated patients of around 16 hours In Sept 2021 had reduced to around 9 hours by Oct 2023. The results highlight the importance of pharmacometric platform trials like PLATCOV, so that we are prepared for the next pandemic.
Genetic variants causing cryptic diseases identified
24 May 2024
Researchers from NDM’s Centre for Human Genetics have identified types of genetic variants that lead to a range of rare diseases but are not picked up by standard genetic testing.
Improving pneumonia recovery in malnourished African children
17 May 2024
A project by the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme at NDM highlighted the importance of future trials focussing on high-risk, undernourished children and using feeds tailored to their metabolic needs.
Nanotechnology enables new version of all-in-one coronavirus vaccine
10 May 2024
CAMS Oxford Institute researchers introduced an improved version of a novel all-in-one vaccine against coronavirus threats.
New study maps the crucial factors in inflammation control
8 May 2024
A Cell Reports study from the Target Discovery Institute and CAMS Oxford Institute provides an intricate time-resolved molecular map of different phases of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and unveils ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCH-L1) as a modulator of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and IL-1β production.
Interdisciplinary research provides insights into the genetics of brain asymmetry
6 May 2024
Differences between the left and right sides of the nervous system are seen in all animals, including humans. A study by researchers from University College London and NDM’s Division of Structural Biology reveals a new piece in the puzzle of how such asymmetries can arise.
New study to improve vaccines and therapeutics development
1 May 2024
A first-of-its-kind study led by the University of Oxford has successfully investigated human immunity against COVID-19 in people who already have antibodies against it.