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The William Harvey Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

2024

Heart Shape New research shows relationship between heart shape and risk of cardiovascular disease
14 November 2024

A new multi-national study has revealed that the shape of the heart is influenced in part by genetics and may help predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield Professor Sir Mark Caulfield receives Stokes Medal for outstanding contribution to cardiovascular disease
25 October 2024

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, VP Health at Queen Mary University of London, received the Irish Cardiac Society Stokes Medal on Friday, recognising his outstanding contribution to cardiovascular disease throughout his career. 

Woman placing hand on her chest New study finds more people at risk of hereditary heart disease
28 August 2024

More people in the UK are at risk of a hereditary form of cardiac amyloidosis, a potentially fatal heart condition, than previously thought, according to a new study led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and University College London (UCL).

Checking blood pressure Covid-19 had a significant impact on blood pressure recording, but not on blood pressure control
15 August 2024

An analysis of GP records for people with hypertension reveals that the pandemic had a major effect on whether or not their blood pressure was recorded, but only a modest effect on whether or not it was controlled.

DNA University of Oxford, Queen Mary University of London, and Genomics England publish new haplotype reference panel for UK Biobank
14 August 2024

The new, more accurate panel has helped to identify several new rare-variant associations for tested traits, using data collected by Genomics England.

Breakthrough heart MRI technique accurately predicts heart failure risk in general population
13 August 2024

New research looking at more than 39,000 UK biobank participants found those with higher heart pressure estimated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were five times more likely to develop heart failure.

Dr Silvia Fanti Dr Silvia Fanti awarded prestigious British Heart Foundation Fellowship for research on Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
8 August 2024

Dr Silvia Fanti from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), has been awarded the prestigious Immediate Postdoctoral Basic Science Research Fellowship by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). This award will support Dr Fanti over 4 years, on a project investigating the role of adaptive immunity in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM). 

Drought New review calls for further research on the way endocrine function is impacted by global temperature changes
5 August 2024

The research discusses the impact of climate change on the systems that facilitate physiological adaptations to heat exposure.

Professor Steffen Petersen Professor Steffen Petersen has been appointed as interim Director of the BHF Data Science Centre
2 August 2024

Professor Steffen Petersen has become interim Director of the BHF Data Science Centre at Health Data Research UK. Professor Petersen takes over from founding Director Professor Cathie Sudlow.

Professor Rajesh Thakker 150x115 Professor Rajesh Thakker awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
11 July 2024

Queen Mary University of London is delighted to congratulate Professor Rajesh Thakker, who has been recognised with an OBE for services to medical science and to people with hereditary and rare disorders in the 2024 King’s Honours list.

WHRI Annual Research Review 2024
27 June 2024

On Wednesday 26 June we celebrated the achievements of our researchers at the WHRI Annual Research Review. 

Photo of Dr Trinidad Montero-Melendez Queen Mary researchers awarded new funding for autoimmune disease drug development from the Connect Immune Research Initiative
17 June 2024

The Connect Immune Research initiative, is a charity partnership, which includes Versus Arthritis, JDRF, and the MS Society among its many partners. The initiative aims to understand how autoimmune diseases are linked and to explore how best to tackle multiple conditions simultaneously.

Morris Brown with the Gerald D Aurbach Award 2024 Professor Morris Brown honoured with 2024 Laureate Award from Endocrine Society
17 June 2024

Morris Brown, Professor of Endocrine Hypertension at Queen Mary University of London, has been named one of 14 leading endocrinologists to receive the prestigious 2024 Laureate Awards, the top honours in the field.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia elected as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences
21 May 2024

Amrita Ahluwalia, Professor of Vascular Pharmacology and Dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, is one of 58 exceptional biomedical and health scientists elected by the Academy to its prestigious Fellowship. 

New cardiac research will save women’s lives by improving detection of heart failure
15 May 2024

An important new study involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London has advanced how heart failure is detected in women – meaning more female patients can be diagnosed at an earlier stage. 

Blood cells Research finds genetic variation that could lead to increased risk of viral infections
9 May 2024

A new study, led by Jesmond Dalli, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, has found that people with a genetic mutation which leads to a reduction in a protein called LGR6, found on the surface of immune cells, have a decreased ability to clear viral infections.

Researchers identify over 2,000 genetic signals linked to blood pressure in study of over 1 million people
30 April 2024

The Queen Mary-led study reveals the most detailed picture yet of genetic contributors to blood pressure. The findings lead to improved polygenic risk scores, which will better predict blood pressure and risk for hypertension.

Professor Sian Henson Celebrating International Day of Immunology: Q&A with Professor Sian Henson
29 April 2024

International Day of Immunology, observed annually on April 29, is dedicated to increasing global awareness of the importance of immunology for health and wellbeing. This year's theme is focused on the science of ageing and immunology. 

To mark the day we spoke to Sian Henson, Professor in Immunology at the Centre for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London.

 

Positive results from the KARDIA-2 Phase 2 study evaluating Zilebesiran for hypertension treatment have recently been announced
15 April 2024

The study showed significant reductions in blood pressure across three independent cohorts, with encouraging safety profiles. Zilebesiran aims to address treatment gaps in hypertension management and offers the potential for biannual dosing.

Healthcare professional Researchers propose guidance for improving mental wellbeing among healthcare professionals
10 April 2024

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have proposed a multi-pronged approach to support the mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals in the UK and globally. 

Analysing the evidence: an interview with Professor Amrita Ahluwalia
10 April 2024

In this interview, Professor Ahluwalia discusses her role in analysing some of the evidence collected during a police investigation into the use of a legal chemical to assist suicide.

Naked Mole Rat Secrets of the naked mole-rat: new study reveals how their unique metabolism protects them from heart attacks
27 March 2024

This unusual, subterranean mammal with extreme longevity shows genetic adaptations to low oxygen environments which could offer opportunities for advancing other areas of physiological and medical research in humans. 

Success for WHRI at the FMD Staff Awards 2024
8 March 2024

The FMD Staff Awards, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FMD) at Queen Mary University of London, recently took place at the Barbican Conservatory. The event proved to be a huge success for the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), as staff secured an impressive total of five awards.

Professor Li Chan named winner of 2024 European Journal of Endocrinology Award by the European Society of Endocrinology
27 February 2024

The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) announced that the 2024 European Journal of Endocrinology (EJE) Award has been awarded to Professor Li Chan.

Queen Mary part of innovative project using AI to create personalised therapies for heart patients
20 February 2024

The project will develop personalised treatment for heart patients, using their own genetic and other medical information.

Thyroid Gland New study explores the genetic links between thyroid function, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia
16 February 2024

In a new study, published in Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, Springer Nature, researchers from Queen Mary University of London investigate the association between genetics, thyroid function, and mental health disorders.

Covid-BP study smartphone app New study shows personalised approach starting with small drug doses adjusted according to progress improved treatment of hypertension during COVID lockdown
8 February 2024

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that personalising the dose of amlodipine using novel doses can improve blood pressure (BP) control and achieve high adherence in participants measuring their BP at home.

Blood cells Study finds new treatment to reverse inflammation and arterial blockages in rheumatoid arthritis
5 February 2024

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found that the molecule RvT4 enhances the body’s natural defences against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Queen Mary researchers win PPEF Silver Jubilee Award to investigate best physiotherapy practice for common musculoskeletal conditions
24 January 2024

Researchers from the Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, have been awarded a £500,000 grant from the Private Physiotherapy Educational Foundation (PPEF) for an innovative 3-year research programme. The project aims to integrate research, education, and innovation to define and disseminate best practice for common musculoskeletal conditions.

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