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The William Harvey Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

CPPM News

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.

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.

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.

Staff from the Genes & Health Stage 1 Team recruiting participants Trust is the most important factor for British South Asians when taking part in genetic research to tailor medications
1 November 2023

A study led by Dr Emma Magavern from the Centre of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine at Queen Mary University of London has gathered detailed insights from the British South Asian community that could lead to more successful implementation of genetic testing to help tailor the use of routine medications.

Blood Pressure Monitoring Unlocking the genetic mysteries of blood pressure: new research identifies potential causal genes and drug targets
8 September 2023

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and Universities of Manchester, Zaragoza and Oxford, have revealed the genetic underpinnings of blood pressure regulation, offering hope for more effective treatments and preventative measures for hypertension.

Co- authors Professor Morris Brown and Dr Xilin Wu Cause and cure discovered for common type of high blood pressure
12 June 2023

Clinicians at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Hospital have identified a gene variant that causes a common type of hypertension (high blood pressure) and a way to cure it, new research published in Nature Genetics shows. 

Heart 150 Queen Mary researcher receives major funding award
30 March 2023

Philip Eaton, Professor of Cardiovascular Biochemistry at Queen Mary University of London, has been awarded €2.5 million by the European Research Council (ERC) to help tackle cardiovascular disease.

Model of human heart.Model of a heart. Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash. Largest ever genetic study of QRS-T angles may improve risk prediction for cardiovascular disease
14 March 2023

A team of international researchers have performed the largest genetic analyses to date of electrocardiogram (ECG) measures associated with cardiovascular disease.

Healthcare professionals Study reveals how changes in workplace support and leadership training can improve mental health and reduce burnout in healthcare professionals
28 February 2023

Amongst healthcare professionals, the feeling of being supported in the workplace can protect them against adverse mental health and burnout, according to a new study published in CMAJ Open by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and medical staff at various hospitals across the UK.

Nurse taking patient's blood pressure. Ten-minute scan enables detection and cure of the commonest cause of high blood pressure
16 January 2023

Doctors at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Hospital, and Cambridge University Hospital, have led research using a new type of CT scan to light up tiny nodules in a hormone gland and cure high blood pressure by their removal. The nodules are discovered in one-in-twenty people with high blood pressure.

Large international study uncovers genes involved in heart disease
7 December 2022

Scientists link dozens of new genome sites to coronary artery disease risk and pioneer a powerful method for illuminating the biological roots of common disease.

Nurse taking patient's blood pressure. New drug can successfully treat patients typically resistant to high blood pressure treatment
7 November 2022

A new drug called Baxdrostat has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who may not respond to current treatments for the condition, according to results from a phase II trial led jointly by a Queen Mary University of London researcher and colleagues at CinCor Pharma, USA.

Study of over 5 million people’s DNA reveals genetic links to height
12 October 2022

An international team of researchers, including experts from Queen Mary University of London and the GIANT consortium, have identified over 12,000 genetic variants that influence a person’s height.

Patient with doctor Healthcare workers more than three times as likely to have experienced burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic
27 September 2022

Healthcare professionals working during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are up to 3.3-times more likely to be burned out compared to non-healthcare professionals, despite the rates of mental health issues being similar, according to new research led by Queen Mary University of London.

Annotation of an example ECG signal Researchers discover new genetic loci, pathways, therapeutic targets, and relationships with cardiovascular disease based on QT interval anomalies
6 September 2022

In a new study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have performed the largest multi-ancestry genetic analysis to date (>250,000 individuals), for markers derived from the electrocardiogram (ECG) that capture cardiac electrical activity in the heart ventricles.

T- wave morphology variations on the ECG signal could enable large-scale screening to predict SCD risk using smartwatches. Could T-wave morphology on a single-lead ECG heartbeat help to identify people at risk of sudden cardiac death?
30 August 2022

A joint collaboration involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London, University College London (UCL) and the University of Oulu has identified T-wave morphological variations (TMV), measured from a single beat single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), as a strong predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in low- and high-risk populations. 

Could a short low-intensity stimulation of the ear lower blood pressure? World’s first trial begins recruitment
24 August 2022

Afferent Medical Solutions Ltd in collaboration with researchers from Queen Mary University of London are running a clinical trial to determine if its AffeX device can reduce blood pressure by delivering a low voltage current to the specific region of the ear on a periodic basis.

Woman holds Covid-19 vaccine in hands. Credit: scaliger/iStock.com Unvaccinated individuals with heart problems up to 9 times more likely to die or suffer serious complications from COVID-19
4 May 2022

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have combined evidence from 110 previous Covid-19 studies and found that unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus when they already have high blood pressure, diabetes or major heart damage are up to nine times more likely to suffer serious outcomes - including death, lung failure, admission to intensive care and kidney problems.

Nurse taking patient's blood pressure. Scientists to trial world-first long-acting injection for high blood pressure
27 April 2022

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have been selected by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to create new networks aimed at transforming ageing research in the UK.

Genomic analysis visualisation Whole genome sequencing robustly detects the most common inherited neurological diseases and is adopted by healthcare
16 February 2022

Scientists have found whole genome sequencing (WGS) can quickly and accurately detect the most common inherited neurological disorders – something previously thought to be impossible – with the results supporting the use of WGS as a standard diagnostic tool within routine clinical practice.

More diversity improves genetic research into cardiovascular disease, according to new study
8 December 2021

A new study, co-led by Queen Mary University of London, has made the case for more diversity in genetic research.

Whole genome sequencing improves diagnosis of rare diseases and shortens diagnostic journeys for patients
11 November 2021

A world-first scientific study, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that whole genome sequencing (WGS) can uncover new diagnoses for people across the broadest range of rare diseases investigated to date and could deliver enormous benefits across the NHS.

New study links COVID-19 genetic susceptibility with blood clots, thrombophlebitis and circulatory diseases
7 September 2021

Research led by Queen Mary University of London associates genetically predicted COVID-19 susceptibility with increased blood clot events in legs and lungs, thrombophlebitis, and circulatory diseases.

Image of a pregnant woman. Photo by freestocks on Unsplash. Researchers successfully identify new gene variants that cause hypertension in pregnant women
12 August 2021

An international study, led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, has found a unique pair of gene variants that causes sudden onset high blood pressure in pregnant women.

A photo showing intermediate age-related macular degeneration. Breakthrough into leading cause of blindness
19 July 2021

A team of scientists, including researchers from Queen Mary University of London, has discovered that the most common form of adult blindness is probably caused by a failure of at least one of five proteins to regulate the immune system.

Renal denervation system Procedure using ultrasound energy found to treat high blood pressure
7 June 2021

A minimally-invasive procedure that targets the nerves near the kidney has been found to significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertension patients, according to the results of a global multicentre clinical trial led in the UK by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust.

Professor Munroe elected to prestigious fellowship
13 May 2021

Congratulations to Professor Patricia Munroe who has been elected to the highly prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship.

£54-million-award-to-transform-health-through-data-science Genes could be key to new Covid-19 treatments, study finds
14 December 2020

Potential treatments for Covid-19 have been identified after the discovery of five genes associated with the most severe form of the disease, in research involving Queen Mary academics.

Scientists discover more than 200 genetic factors causing heart arrhythmias
21 May 2020

Hundreds of new links have been found between people’s DNA and the heart’s electrical activity, according to a study of almost 300,000 people led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

International team delivers research breakthrough for leading cause of blindness
7 February 2020

Researchers have identified a new protein linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that could offer new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which affects over 1.5 million people in the UK alone.

Pinpointing rare disease mutations
31 January 2020

A new study from Queen Mary University of London and EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute has uncovered the genes essential for supporting life, which could help researchers to identify mutations responsible for rare childhood diseases.

Cardiovascular Genomics Professor among most highly cited researchers
26 November 2019

The William Harvey Research Institute is proud to announce that Panos Deloukas, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics, has been named in the top 0.1% of the world’s most influential researchers.

Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium Concentrations on Ventricular Repolarization in Unselected Individuals
25 June 2019

A new joint study involving researchers at Queen Mary University of London has identified background subclinical changes on the electrocardiogram as risk factors in cardiovascular mortality.

Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Disease Identifies Predispositions to Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Diseases
11 June 2019

A new study led by researchers at Queen Mary University has shown how genetic predisposition to coronary heart disease (including heart attacks) is genetically correlated to other diseases.

Leading genomics expert awarded knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours
7 June 2019

Professor Mark Caulfield, the interim Chief Executive at Genomics England and Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

 

DNA DNA discovery could have implications for mitochondrial donation treatment
24 May 2019

Mitochondria, the ‘batteries’ that produce our energy, interact with the cell’s nucleus in subtle ways previously unseen in humans, according to research involving academics from Queen Mary University of London.

London heart disease patients take part in clinical trial to test alternative to statins
20 May 2019

A clinical trial, coordinated by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, is currently recruiting patients in London to see whether a new cholesterol-lowering drug could save lives in people who are intolerant to statins.

Poor lung function in shorter people linked to increased risk of heart disease
28 March 2019

Results from a study led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London has found that an association between shorter stature and higher risk of heart disease is mainly attributed to our lungs.

Working long hours linked to depression in women
26 February 2019

Women who work more than 55 hours a week are at a higher risk of depression compared to men, according to a UCL-led study with Queen Mary University of London.

WHRI researchers in top 1 per cent worldwide
27 November 2018

Three researchers from the William Research Institute have been placed in the top 1 per cent in the world, in this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list.

Genetic tool to predict adult heart attack risk in childhood
10 October 2018

People at high risk of a heart attack in adulthood could be identified much earlier in life with a one-off DNA test, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Researchers awarded for lifetime achievements in blood pressure research
24 September 2018

Two academics from Queen Mary University of London have received prestigious awards from the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in recognition of their achievements in blood pressure research.

Study of one million people leads to world’s biggest advance in blood pressure genetics
17 September 2018

Over 500 new gene regions that influence people’s blood pressure have been discovered in the largest global genetic study of blood pressure to date, led by Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London.

Blood pressure medications and statins found to provide long-term cardiovascular benefits
28 August 2018

Death rates from heart disease and stroke could be significantly lowered by prescribing statins alongside blood pressure-lowering drugs, according to the results from a clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London.

New lab technology could reveal treatments for muscle-wasting disease
6 June 2018

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed new cell-based technologies which could improve understanding of the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and test potential drugs for the disease.

QMUL and UCL joint study identifies genes linked to impaired capacity to modulate heart rate during and after exercise
17 May 2018

A new study by researchers at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and University College London (UCL) has discovered 30 new gene locations that determine how the heart responds to and recovers from exercise.

Professor Panos Deloukas elected as Fellow of The Academy of Medical Sciences
10 May 2018

Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics at Queen Mary University of London has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to genomic medicine. 

Hormone imbalance causes treatment-resistant hypertension
12 April 2018

British researchers have discovered a hormone imbalance that explains why it is very difficult to control blood pressure in around 10 per cent of hypertension patients.

100,000 Genomes Project to sequence its 500th genome later this month
6 February 2018

Professor Mark Caulfield spoke to Observer Science Editor Robin McKie about the pioneering work of the 100,000 Genomes Project as it approaches its halfway point.

Multinational companies continue to produce unregulated antibiotics in India
6 February 2018

Millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, according to a new joint study led by Dr Patricia McGettigan from the William Harvey Research Institute.

A new hope for reducing uncontrollable blood pressure
12 July 2017

At The Royal London Hospital, on 30 June 2016, the Barts Blood Pressure Clinic became the first hospital in the country to provide two NHS patients with the innovative Barostim Neo™ device that could transform and save the lives of people living with uncontrollable blood pressure. 

Some statin-related side-effects are due to 'nocebo' effect
3 May 2017

Patients report more side effects when they know they are taking a statin, than when they do not know whether they are on the drug or a dummy pill, according to a study by researchers from Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Major global study reveals new hypertension and blood pressure genes
13 September 2016

Thirty-one new gene regions linked with blood pressure have been identified in one of the largest genetic studies of blood pressure to date, involving over 347,000 people, and jointly led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of Cambridge. 

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