Medicine and Dentistry

Testing patients for just three genes could help prevent three quarters of avoidable side effects of certain medications

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that 9% of all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the UK medicines regulator are associated with medications where side effect risk is partly dependent on patient’s genes. Of this subset of ADRs, 75% were associated with only three genes that impact how the body processes medication. Genetic testing before prescribing could therefore help avoid ADRs in these cases. 

Underfunding may contribute to higher mortality for patients in Latin America receiving surgery

An international study of the health outcomes of people receiving surgery across 17 Latin American countries found 1 in 7 developed significant complications leading to longer hospital stays and a greater risk of death.

Blog: Why lived experience is so important: a review of Patient and Public involvement in health research

Heather Mah from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health has conducted a review of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research in the UK. In her scoping review, she critically examined how PPI benefits both people with lived experience and researchers, and on the impact taking part can have on participants.

New report highlights the role of community engagement in reducing health inequalities for Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK

The report by the Partnership for Black People’s Health (PBPH) highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate health interventions, a demand for greater representation, and the necessity for Black-led initiatives within healthcare. 

Queen Mary research leads the way in tackling tuberculosis

Researchers at Queen Mary are building on many years of ground-breaking studies into tuberculosis (TB) to reveal new insights into this disease and its long-term effects.

Improved emergency and critical care could save lives of critically ill patients in Africa

An international study of acute hospitals across Africa found a large and neglected burden of critical illness, and a high incidence of preventable deaths due to issues with the provision of basic critical care. 

London’s ULEZ is changing the school run

A new study highlights the benefits of ULEZ with many families noticing cleaner air and safer roads. However, it also reveals challenges, particularly for those living in outer boroughs who are more reliant on the car and may struggle to adapt.

From height to health: largest global genetic study reveals hidden risks and benefits linked to stature

New genetic links have been discovered between genetically-predicted height and an individual’s likelihood of developing a range of diseases and conditions. These new data could help improve early diagnosis and risk monitoring for patients.

Landmark study finds 69 previously unidentified genetic determinants of rare disease

The breakthrough research led by Queen Mary University of London uses a new analytical approach for identifying the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could diagnose more cases and help develop new treatments for patients. 

Study reveals early dementia symptoms may vary across different ethnicities

People from different ethnic backgrounds may report physical symptoms rather than purely cognitive difficulties, leading to delays in the diagnosis of dementia. 

Almost 90% of people would agree to genetic testing to tailor medication use, survey finds

New research from Queen Mary University of London shows that almost 90% of people in England would agree to genetic testing to get the most effective medication and reduce the risk of side effects.

New dementia care programme could save NHS £9,000 per person

The NIDUS-Family package of care uses goal setting to help people with dementia live well at home for longer. New research from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with UCL shows that, in addition to these known benefits, NIDUS-Family also reduces the costs associated with providing support to people with dementia.

Queen Mary University of London co-leads £43.6m initiative to accelerate AI-powered cancer breakthroughs

Queen Mary University of London will co-lead a ground-breaking collaboration that aims to harness cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and unlock decades of NHS cancer data. Today, the UK government is committing £18.9 million to the project, bringing the total investment to £43.6 million when combined with contributions from charities, industry partners, and public research organisations. 

Disruption of a single amino acid in a cellular protein makes breast cancer cells behave like stem cells

New research led by Queen Mary’s Institute of Dentistry has found that changes to the intermediate filament (IF) protein, vimentin, were found to promote tumour growth. 

New treatment offers quick cure for common cause of high blood pressure

A revolutionary new treatment called Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T) offers a safer, faster alternative to surgery for patients with high blood pressure caused by Primary Aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder. 

Queen Mary's Institute of Dentistry receives Athena Swan silver award

The award recognises the Institute's continuing commitment and achievements in gender equality.

Professor Ian Curran joins the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry as the new Dean for Education

Professor Curran will bring a wealth of international experience to the role, affirming the Faculty’s place at the forefront of medical education.

Professor Nikos Donos awarded Fellowship in Dental Surgery in hominem at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Professor Nikolaos Donos was elected at a meeting of the Council of the College in November 2024.

Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox appointed as Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Predictive Medicine

Queen Mary University of London is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox as the inaugural Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Predictive Medicine in the Wolfson Institute of Population Health. She will join the University from the beginning of February.

Queen Mary University of London to lead £1.8M study looking at AI in emergency care

The University will lead the study which aims to support clinical decision-making with AI insights to enhance emergency life-saving care. 

Blog: Dr John Ford: How machine learning can inform impactful policies to improve health equity

Dr John Ford is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Health Equity in Queen Mary’s Wolfson Institute of Population Health. This week, Dr Ford joins Evidence Week in Parliament to demonstrate how ‘Living Evidence Maps’ can help policy makers find the high-impact ideas within large bodies of evidence.

Late-life depression could be an early indicator of dementia

A new study examining the connection between depression and dementia provides critical insights into how depression might be both a risk factor for and an early sign of dementia.

UK Biobank launches the world’s largest protein study to unlock new medical breakthroughs

Research led by Queen Mary’s Professor Claudia Langenberg and her team has helped to prove the effectiveness of large-scale protein studies using UK Biobank data to understand disease 

Queen Mary launches new spinout Elcella to provide natural alternative to weight-loss drugs

Queen Mary University of London has launched a new spinout company, Elcella, founded by Dr Madusha Peiris and Dr Rubina Aktar. Their unique nutrient-based appetite suppressant stimulates your body’s natural ability to control your eating – based on a decade of scientific research.

Doctors warn against fluid therapy approach in surgery after global trial

A major study aiming to improve outcomes from higher risk operations has ruled out a fluid therapy approach during surgery.

Surprising ‘two-faced’ cancer gene role supports paradigm shift in predicting disease

A genetic fault long believed to drive the development of oesophageal cancer may in fact play a protective role early in the disease.  

New protocol for testing self-collected samples for cervical screening could reduce the need for clinician sampling in many cases

A new protocol for the analysis of self-collected cervical samples could reduce the need for follow-up clinician screening for many women, and result in more rapid referral for gynaecology assessment for others. This could improve cervical cancer screening procedures in the NHS.