Egg donation is a lifeline for families, offering hope to women with conditions like early menopause, older mothers, and men without a female partner pursuing surrogacy.

Across Europe, around 8 per cent of fertility treatment cycles rely on donated eggs, underlining just how crucial donors are to modern family-building.

Yet behind the scenes, the research team – which is also from Cryos International and The University of Ghent - show the path to becoming an egg donor is far tougher than many realise.

In their study of 2,443 women applying to be egg donors at Cryos, a commercial US egg bank, just 2.5 per cent were accepted and went on to have their eggs frozen and banked ready for donation.

This shows that recruiting egg donors is far more challenging than it might seem, with roughly only one in 40 women making it through what the authors describe as an exceptionally thorough recruitment process.

More than half of all applicants (51 %) were rejected almost instantly for failing to meet strict enrolment criteria such as age or body mass index.

A further 26.36 % dropped out during the process, missing appointments or simply failing to respond to the clinic.

Nearly one in five (19.69 %) were later ruled out after health problems were uncovered in their family history or they failed medical screening tests.

“While there is clearly strong interest in donating eggs, only a very small proportion of applicants ultimately meet the requirements, which has important implications for the availability of donor eggs in fertility treatment,” said lead author from The University of Manchester.

“Advances in egg freezing have enabled global egg banks to emerge, allowing frozen donor eggs to be shipped worldwide.

“However, from initial eligibility checks through to detailed medical screening, the process is designed to ensure that only donors who meet very specific safety and quality standards are accepted.

“It is striking that more than half of applicants are excluded at the very first step, and that a significant number also withdraw or disengage before completing the process, presumably as they find out more about it and realise it’s not for them”.

In a previous study investigating the recruitment of sperm donors at the same sperm and egg bank during the same time-period, the team found that only 1.03% of men who initially applied to be sperm donors were finally accepted.

Interestingly whether men applying to be a sperm donor chose to be ID-release or not had an impact on his likelihood of being recruited, this was not seen in the study of egg donor applicants.

The researchers say this contrast cannot be explained by motivation, as a previous surveys at the same clinic show sperm and egg donors report remarkably similar reasons for volunteering.

Co-author Anne-Bine Skytte, Medical Director at Cryos International who ran the egg bank where the study took place commented: “Despite similar motivations between sperm and egg donors, the recruitment pathways function quite differently. Egg donation involves a surgical procedure, whereas sperm donation typically requires repeated visits over an extended period. Therefore, whilst egg donation is more medically invasive, our findings show more success in recruiting egg donors suggesting that the surgical procedures do not necessarily put women off from donating.”

“We also saw that many women became more open to becoming ID-release as they progressed through the screening, with more than half switching from anonymous to ID-release.”

The authors suggest that counselling during the recruitment process may help donors feel more comfortable with the idea of future openness and contact

• The paper An analysis of the outcome of 2,443 women applying to be donors at a commercial egg bank in the US, is published in DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-026-01578-1

On Sunday 19 July, Ben Moorhouse (43) will spend hours walking the fully exposed central track of the ancient stadium at Monte Smith, where temperatures are expected to reach 35–40°C. With no shade, relentless sunshine and intense heat radiating from the ancient stone beneath his feet, the challenge will push him to his absolute physical and emotional limits.

The stadium, once used by athletes in ancient Greece, will become the setting for a deeply personal journey of remembrance, endurance and hope.

Every one of the 260 lengths has a meaning.

The number honours the birthday of Ben and Gaynor's daughter, Kallipateira Rodothea Moorhouse, who was stillborn on 26 October 2018 at 37 weeks of pregnancy, just two weeks before her due date. Like many stillbirths, her death was preventable. The couple also suffered a miscarriage at nine weeks in May 2019.

Holding his daughter in his arms, Ben made her a promise.

"As I held Kallipateira, I promised her that I would make sure she did not die for nothing."

Eight years later, that promise continues to drive everything he does.

Since Kallipateira's death, Ben has dedicated himself to raising awareness of stillbirth, supporting bereaved families and funding research that is helping save babies' lives.

The challenge also represents hope.

In May 2020, Ben and Gaynor welcomed their rainbow baby, Apollon Alexandros Moorhouse, after receiving specialist care from Alex Heazell, Professor of Obstetrics at The University of Manchester, based at the  Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre. professor Heazell is also  Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Tommy's Rainbow Clinic at St Mary’s Hospital in 91ֱ��.

"Like Kallipateira, most stillbirths are preventable. These are beautiful, healthy babies who should be alive. Our son Apollon is here today because of Professor Alexander Heazell and his team's pioneering research. Without that research, he would not be here today."

The challenge itself has been carefully designed.

The relentless repetition of 260 lengths, the brutal summer heat, physical exhaustion and mental endurance symbolize both the ancient Olympic spirit of the stadium and the lifelong endurance required to live with the loss of a baby.

Overlooking the stadium stands the Temple of Apollon - a remarkable personal connection, as Ben's six-year-old son was named after the Greek god.

Ben is no stranger to extraordinary endurance challenges. In 2021, he became the only person ever to walk around the entire island of Rhodes nonstop, covering 150 miles continuously to raise awareness and funds for stillbirth research. He has since completed further history-making challenges on the island.

During this year's challenge, the 53rd length will be dedicated to Ben's close friend, Lawrence Mann, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Ben said: "I am incredibly proud to take on this extreme challenge at the beautiful and historic Ancient Stadium of Rhodes. I hope it creates another small piece of history on the island while ensuring Kallipateira's legacy continues to save babies' lives.

The heat will be relentless. The conditions will be unforgiving. Every step will test me physically and mentally. But nothing compares to the pain of holding your dead baby in your arms. Every single one of those 260 lengths will be walked out of pure love.

"As I held Kallipateira, I promised her she would not die for nothing. On 19 July I will keep that promise once again. This challenge is for Kallipateira, for Apollon, for Lawrence, and for every family whose baby should have come home. I look forward to returning to my second home, the island of Rhodes, where I will honour my beautiful daughter."

Professor Alexander Heazell said: "Ben's determination to face the extreme heat and relentless monotony of 260 lengths in the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes is a profound testament to his endurance and his love for Kallipateira. The grueling training he has put his body through all year shows the lengths he will go to break the silence surrounding stillbirth.

“The funds raised will make a huge difference to our team's medical research. Ben's extraordinary resolve is actively helping us pioneer the science that saves babies' lives and prevents other families from the devastation of stillbirth. He carries the thoughts and gratitude of our entire team with him to Rhodes."

All funds raised will support Professor Alexander Heazell and his team in 91ֱ��, helping to reduce the number of preventable stillbirths and save babies' lives.

• All funds raised will support Professor Alexander Heazell and his team in 91ֱ��, helping to reduce the number of preventable stillbirths and save babies' lives.

Donations:

The research throws new light on sleep  -  one of the body’s most basic needs, which can trigger problems with mood, memory, metabolism, and long‑term health when disturbed.

There is already strong laboratory evidence showing that light can shift sleep timing and alter the balance of sleep stages.

We also know that sleep resets our internal body clock each morning and helps control when we feel alert, when we feel tired, and how deeply we sleep.

But scientists have long suspected that these effects also play out in everyday life. To test this, the team collected real‑world data using a simple wearable setup.

Eighty‑nine adults wore a light sensor capable of capturing melanopic light — the type of light that most strongly affects the body clock — alongside a consumer sleep tracker. They also filled in daily sleep diaries.

The devices produced more than 500 days of data, showing:

• People who spent longer in brighter daytime light tended to fall asleep earlier and wake earlier.
• Those with steadier, less chaotic light patterns across the week also showed healthier sleep timing.
• Participants with more regular light exposure — and fewer sharp swings between dim and bright light — experienced stronger deep sleep -  vital for memory, recovery, and overall health -  during the first part of the night.

The findings echo a growing concern about modern indoor life when most people spend their days in lighting far dimmer than natural daylight and their evenings in lighting far brighter than their bodies expect.

This mismatch has been linked to chronic health problems and higher mortality risk.

The new study shows these harmful patterns can be detected in everyday life and that good light habits — bright days — are linked to better sleep even outside the lab.

The researchers also found that people’s own reports of their sleep generally matched their wearable data.

But when sleep was more disrupted — with less deep sleep or less REM sleep — the gap between how people thought they slept and what their devices recorded grew wider.

The team also found that the most stable light patterns were linked to deeper sleep concentrated in the early part of the night.

Lead author from The University of Manchester and the Izmir Institute of Technology in Turkey said: “Our findings show that brighter days and steadier light routines aren’t just nice to have — they may be fundamental for healthier sleep.

“By simply getting more consistent daylight exposure, people could meaningfully improve how they sleep at night.”

“This study highlights the power of naturalistic research, showing that everyday environments can be measured using affordable consumer devices.

“It also points to a simple public health message: brighter days may lead to better nights.

“And keeping light exposure stable — avoiding chaotic patterns of dim and bright light — could help strengthen the body’s internal rhythms.”

• The study was published in on  10/07/26 bst. It was funded by the Wellcome Trust. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Izmir Institute of Technology Research University Support Fund. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s44323-026-00087-z

Understanding Animal Research (UAR) has published a of the ten organisations, which includes the University of Manchester,  that carried out the highest number of animal procedures – those used in medical, veterinary, and scientific research – in Great Britain in 2025. These statistics are freely available on the organisations’ websites as part of their ongoing commitment to transparency and openness around the use of animals in research. 

This list coincides with the publication of the Home Office’s on the statistics of scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain in 2025. 

The ten listed organisations were responsible for 1,347,667 procedures, 53% (more than half) of the 2,537,507 procedures carried out on animals for scientific research in Great Britain in 2025*. Of these 1,347,667 procedures, more than 99% were carried out on mice, fish, rats, and birds and 82% were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection. 

The ten organisations are listed below alongside the total number of procedures they carried out in 2025. Each organisation’s name links to its animal research webpage, which includes more detailed statistics. Case studies explaining how animal research has been used in recent medical research are also provided in the Notes to Editors section. This is the eleventh consecutive year that organisations have come together to publicise their collective statistics and examples of their research.

Sixty-nine organisations have proactively published their 2025 animal research statistics

69 organisations in the UK that have publicly shared their 2025 animal research statistics. This includes organisations that carry out or fund animal research.

All organisations are committed to the ethical framework called the ‘3Rs’ of replacement, reduction and refinement. This means avoiding or replacing the use of animals where possible, minimising the number of animals used per experiment and optimising the experience of the animals to improve animal welfare. However, as institutions expand and conduct more research, the total number of animals used can rise even if fewer animals are used per study. 

All organisations listed are signatories to the , which commits them to being more open about the use of animals in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK. More than 130 organisations have signed the Concordat, including UK universities, medical research charities, research funders, learned societies and commercial research organisations.

Hannah Hobson, Head of Communications and Engagement at Understanding Animal Research, said: “Animal research remains a small but vital part of the quest for new medicines, vaccines and treatments for humans and animals. Alternative methods are increasingly being phased in but, until we have sufficient reliable alternatives available, it is important that organisations that use animals in research maintain the public’s trust in them. By providing this level of information about the numbers of animals used, and the experience of those animals, as well as details of the medical breakthroughs that derive from this research, these Concordat on Openness signatories are helping the public to make up their own minds about how they feel about the use of animals in scientific research in Great Britain.”

Dr Maria Kamper, Strategic Director of the Biological Services Facility at The University of Manchester, said: “Scientific research involving animals remains a cornerstone of our ability to understand complex diseases and develop life-saving medical breakthroughs. At The University of Manchester, we recognize that the privilege of conducting this research carries a profound responsibility – not only to the animals in our care but to the public we serve. Our commitment to the Concordat on Openness is reflected in our award-winning digital platforms, where we share the reality of our work through virtual tours, detailed case studies, and transparent data. However, transparency is only possible because of our foundational 'culture of care’. By prioritizing exceptional animal husbandry, staff wellbeing, and ethical accountability, we ensure that our scientific excellence is always matched by our integrity. As we share our latest statistics, we remain dedicated to a sustainable research environment where open communication and world-class welfare standards go hand-in-hand to benefit society as a whole.”

Case study: University of Manchester Why older mice have smaller offspring – and how sex may play a role

A study by University of Manchester scientists has revealed some of the mechanisms which may explain why older mice are more likely to give birth to offspring that have not grown to their full potential in the womb.

The study in older animals showed that the placentas of male but not female offspring had increased cell damage from a biological state called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules called free radicals build up faster than the body can clear them.

It is associated with a range of pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, both of which increase the risk of stillbirth.

The study demonstrated reduced weight in both female and male fetuses in older mice, but the placental alterations were sex-specific.

The scientists are conducting further studies in mice to confirm these findings and also carrying out a parallel study to see if similar sex differentiated mechanisms exist in human placentas from mothers of advanced maternal age (AMA), defined as age 35 and over.

The study, published in the journal Reproduction also discovered placental mitochondria – the biological batteries that power cells – were working at a reduced rate in the placentas of both male and female pups but that there were more of them.

Mitochondria are a major source of free radicals. Reducing their rate of activity at the same time as increasing their numbers is a way they adapt to prevent further oxidative stress while maintaining the supply of energy needed for cells to work properly.

This could mean that the adaptation in placentas from females was more successful than in placentas from males because oxidative stress was not increased in placentas from females of older mice.

A study published in , focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which accounts for around 20% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mutations in the KRAS gene are one of the most common causes of NSCLC. The findings reveal that a subgroup of KRAS mutations known as KRAS codon 13 mutations, including KRAS G13C, behave differently from more common KRAS mutations such as KRAS G12C, creating an opportunity for a new precision medicine approach which is particularly effective.

Historically, researchers and oncologists could not effectively target KRAS mutations to treat NSCLC. While major advances have been made for the more common KRAS G12C mutation, patients with KRAS codon 13 mutations have had few targeted treatment options. Although KRAS codon 13 mutations account for a relatively small proportion of lung cancers (around 5% to 7% of KRAS-mutant NSCLC), researchers estimate that survival outcomes of up to 11,400 patients globally per year could be improved if they had access to targeted therapies developed specifically for these tumours.

This new research led by Dr Colin Lindsay from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and at The University of Manchester shows that KRAS codon 13 mutations, while being weaker KRAS mutations, interact with other aggressive genetic alterations, including mutations in BRAF, NF1, STK11 and KEAP1, to help tumours grow and spread.

The research team, including Dr Will McDaid and Dr Helen Adderley, at the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre worked in collaboration with US biotech company Revolution Medicines to investigate a new experimental drug called RMC-8839, which is a KRAS G13C-selective inhibitor designed to specifically target tumours carrying the KRAS G13C mutation by turning off the signals that tell the cancer cells to grow. In the laboratory, RMC-8839 successfully blocked KRAS G13C activation and reduced tumour cell growth.

The most striking finding was that KRAS G13C tumours appeared unusually sensitive to chemotherapy compared with other KRAS-driven cancers. When researchers combined RMC-8839 with chemotherapy, the results were significant, dramatically shrinking and eradicating tumours in cancer models, suggesting a potentially effective treatment combination for this genetic subtype.

Dr Colin Lindsay, consultant oncologist from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said. “Once we understand these changes and develop the first drug to target them, moving from the lab into the clinic usually happens quite quickly. What has been particularly exciting about this research is that it started from an observation that we made in the clinic, leading to over five years of scrutiny from multi-disciplinary scientists across academia and industry, all dedicated to the cause of cracking KRAS.”

Professor Angeliki Malliri, Professor of Cell Biology at The University of Manchester said: “The findings of this study add to the growing trend towards precision oncology, where treatments are increasingly tailored to the exact genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer rather than the organ in which it originated.”

Clinical trials will now be needed to determine whether the combination of RMC-8839 and chemotherapy can improve survival in patients with KRAS G13C-mutant lung cancer.

This study is supported by Cancer Research UK, The Christie Charity and the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and by Revolution Medicines. Data was provided by Genomics England.

• Targeting KRAS codon 13 mutations using direct combination approaches in non-small cell lung cancer is available

MyWay Diabetes, an NHS-supported online platform and app - which lets users view their diabetes health records, track results, and access simple education courses and advice - was rolled out across Greater 91ֱ�� during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The analysis followed 507 users for up to two years and showed clinically significant reductions in blood sugar alongside lower systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels, compared with more than 10,000 similar patients who did not use the platform.

The team also concluded that the digital approach was cost‑effective and may even reduce NHS spending over time.

Lead author from the University of Manchester said: “Managing type 2 diabetes requires people to make complex day-to-day decisions about their health.

“Our findings suggest that accessible digital tools such as MyWay Diabetes can support people in improving important risk factors linked to long-term diabetes complications.

“MyWay Diabetes was even able to provide benefit to real-world population during a particularly challenging period for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Luke Paterson lead health economist on the study while at The University of Manchester said: “Our analysis suggests digital diabetes self-management support can deliver health benefits at relatively low cost, and may even reduce long-term NHS spending.

“Even modest improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol across large populations can translate into meaningful reductions in future diabetes-related complications.”

Senior author from The University of Manchester said: “Digital self-management tools are likely to become increasingly important as health systems face growing pressures from long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

“What is particularly encouraging is that we observed improvements not only in blood glucose control, but also in blood pressure and cholesterol - changes that, at a population level, could translate into reductions in diabetes-related complications.

“The findings also suggest that scalable digital approaches may provide good value for financially constrained healthcare systems.”

Unlike many digital interventions, MyWay Diabetes links directly to NHS primary care records, giving users access to personalised results and educational resources in one place.

The researchers emphasised that although the study was observational, the large real‑world dataset strengthens confidence in the results and highlights the need for further evaluation across more diverse UK populations.

The study, Clinical and cost‑effectiveness of the digital intervention, MyWay Diabetes, in people with type 2 diabetes living in Greater 91ֱ�� during the COVID‑19 pandemic, is published in the journal PLOS One .

• The research was funded by Innovate UK, NHS England and the Greater 91ֱ�� Strategic Clinical Network.

Held on 28 May 2026, the forum brought together our leading academic researchers and senior scouting teams from pharmaceutical giants including AstraZeneca, GSK, and Sanofi. The event was designed to connect "investment-ready" research projects with companies actively looking to develop them further, accelerating the pathway from early scientific discovery to clinical application.

The forum forms a central pillar of the University's strategy to expand the commercial footprint of its Biological Services Facility (BSF). To meet the accelerated demands of global pharmaceutical partners, the BSF is leveraging its world-class infrastructure and advanced capabilities to play a leading role in preclinical service provision. By connecting industry with our expert researchers, the programme accelerates collaboration and strengthens the region’s ability to attract private investment.

Showcasing Global Research Excellence The day featured comprehensive presentations showcasing our University’s most innovative research across high-priority therapeutic areas. Researchers highlighted pioneering projects ranging from immunology programmes studying how the environment affects health, to innovative uses of advanced materials like graphene in medical treatments.

Further highlights included groundbreaking work on cancer treatments, stroke therapies, and specialist facilities, such as the BSF’s unique European research colony used to study biological rhythms. The event was also enriched by international perspectives, with Professor Karin Loré from the Karolinska Institute sharing insights into global vaccine research collaborations.

Institutional Support for Innovation-led Growth The initiative is strongly backed by senior University leadership, who emphasised the critical need to translate research into practical solutions that benefit patients and society more quickly. Registrar, Secretary & Chief Operating Officer of The University of Manchester Patrick Hackett  outlined the importance of working seamlessly with external partners, while Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Andy Trafford, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation, championed the institutional commitment to refining commercial pipelines.

Dr Maria Kamper, Strategic Director of the BSF and lead organiser of the event, said: "Our goal with the Research Innovation Forum was simple: to tear down the traditional barriers between academic discovery and industry execution. By aligning 91ֱ��'s exceptional scientific minds with the operational agility and world-class infrastructure of the BSF, we are creating a seamless pipeline that allows pharmaceutical partners to confidently accelerate their preclinical timelines. This is about turning incredible science into patient impact, faster than ever before."

The University aims for this forum to be the first of many, cementing partnerships that will turn scientific discoveries into new treatments and position Greater 91ֱ�� as a globally competitive leader in health innovation and life sciences.

The 35 graduates of the BSc Clinical Pharmacy are the first to complete the innovative five-year programme, which combines science, clinical practice and inter-professional education with hands-on placements in community healthcare settings.

Created to equip the next generation of clinical pharmacists in China with the skills needed to improve patient care and respond to growing healthcare demands identified within the Healthy China 2030 policy, the programme is delivered through a collaboration between The University of Manchester and China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) in Nanjing. Its distinctive five-year dual award structure draws on the strengths of both institutions.

The students, who joined the programme’s first intake in 2021, studied in both countries. They began with foundational training in China, continued with advanced clinical teaching in 91ֱ��, and then returned to China to apply their skills in practice.

Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in modern healthcare, working alongside doctors, nurses and other professionals to ensure patients receive the safest and most effective medicines. While the role is well established in the UK, it is still developing in China, where demand for highly skilled pharmacy professionals continues to grow.

These graduates enter the workforce at a time of increasing pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. The World Health Organization has identified a major global shortage of health workers, driven by ageing populations and rising levels of chronic disease. Medication errors also remain a serious challenge, costing an estimated $42 billion each year and often reflecting shortages in workforce capacity and medicines expertise. Strengthening the pharmacy workforce is therefore essential to improving patient safety and delivering more effective, patient-centred care.

A University of Manchester delegation, including Professor Keith Brennan, Vice-Dean for Internationalisation, joined senior leaders from CPU at the graduation event to show their support for the programme. Both institutions see it as critical to delivering long-term benefits for healthcare systems in China and the UK.

Professor Keith Brennan said: “This first cohort demonstrates how international partnerships can help co-develop the future healthcare workforce. Together with our colleagues at CPU, we are supporting the development of highly skilled clinical pharmacists who will play a vital role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.”

Professor Rong Hu, Dean of School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy at China Pharmaceutical University and Honorary Professor of the University of Manchester said: “It is wonderful to see our first cohort graduate. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to The University of Manchester for two years of dedicated teaching and support. We wish all graduates every success in their future careers and look forward to their contributions to global healthcare.”

Professor Li-Chia Chen said: “We are incredibly proud to see our first graduates. These students represent the future of clinical pharmacy in China, equipped with the skills, confidence and international perspective needed to improve patient care and support more patient-centred healthcare in the community.”

The partnership marks a significant step forward in developing the clinical pharmacy workforce in China, while strengthening long-term links between the UK and China in health education, research and innovation.

• Read more about our teaching partnerships in China

Led by researchers at The University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the study investigated the efficacy of a urine test which detects the presence or absence of blood pressure lowering medications — known as chemical adherence testing, or CAT.

They tested the hypothesis that the test would help in regular administration of blood pressure lowering medications and bring their blood pressure under control after its results were discussed with patients.

Known as the study, it was the largest randomised trial of its kind bringing together 12 recruitment centres in the UK.

The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and is published in on 16/06/26

CAT uses a special technique called liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect specific drugs or their metabolites in blood or urine samples.

It is mainly used in hospital hypertension and renal/cardiology clinics when doctors want to verify medication adherence in patients with resistant hypertension - the medical name for high blood pressure.

The researchers recruited 130 adults with hypertension who were taking at least two blood pressure medicines but were found to be non‑adherent after their urine was tested using CAT.

Participants were randomly assigned either to receive their CAT results alongside a personalised discussion about why they were missing doses, or to continue with usual care.

After a median follow‑up of nearly three months, average systolic blood pressure - – the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out - was not significantly different between the two groups.

While the adjusted systolic blood pressure in those who received the CAT intervention was approximately 5 mmHg lower than in the standard of care group, this difference did not reach the level of statistical significance.

Those who received the intervention, however, became more adherent to the prescribed blood pressure lowering medications 3 months after the intervention.

This showed a promising sign that it may improve medication adherence.

The findings highlight the challenges of tackling hidden non‑adherence, a problem that affects up to one in three people with high blood pressure and costs the NHS millions of pounds in unnecessary tests and treatments.

The authors argue that larger trials are urgently needed to understand whether CAT‑based interventions could play a role in improving long‑term outcomes for people with hypertension.

They also add that the technology may yet prove valuable as part of a personalised approach to managing chronic conditions where missing medications is common.

The Chief Investigator of OUTREACH is , Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Physician at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

He is also Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which partly supported the research.

He said: “Sharing the results of the CAT with the patients and the discussion for the reasons behind missing their blood pressure lowering medications appears to help in improving adherence.

While there was a trend for this improved adherence to favour lower blood pressure, we could not detect a statistically significant signal in blood pressure.

Hidden non‑adherence remains a major and costly problem in hypertension care, and our findings underline the need for larger, longer‑term trials to understand where CAT‑based approaches might still add value.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation and senior author on the study, said: “High blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the UK, where it is associated with 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes. This means it is crucial that people take medications to treat it as advised by their doctor.

“We hope that this personalised approach to monitoring adherence can help address the many reasons why people may not be taking their medication properly, and support them to do so in future. This study showed signs that this strategy may help improve adherence, but to properly judge its effectiveness, a larger study is needed.”

• The paper: Chemical adherence testing-guided intervention versus standard of care in patients with hypertension who are non-adherent to antihypertensive treatment in the UK (OUTREACH): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

The charity’s annual investment into the will increase from £11m to more than £17m this year - putting the city at the heart of its mission to beat cancer.

The boost in funding will be used to recruit up to eight senior researchers who will build on the Institute’s expertise and advance cancer research in areas including immunology, data science and AI.

Once fully established, their labs will attract up to 100 world leading researchers and research staff to join 91ֱ��'s fast-growing research community.

The investment will also help to develop the next generation of clinician scientists - funding two new positions in partnership with The Christie. This will further help to combine world-class research with placing patient care at each stage of the research journey.

Bringing new knowledge into the 91ֱ�� research ecosystem will be matched with investment in cutting-edge research and computational technologies.

These will allow the Institute’s world leading facilities to study cancer under closer detail than ever before and build a platform to ensure the long-term emergence of new discoveries.

The Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute sits in the Paterson building in Withington and is part of The University of Manchester.  The building is directly connected to The Christie which allows cells and samples from patients to be taken to the research lab in a matter of minutes.

Recently appointed Director of the Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute, hugely welcomes the boost in funding.

She said: “Having recently left London to move to 91ֱ��, I am delighted that Cancer Research UK recognises the level of expertise at the Institute and the power of our cancer research partnerships in 91ֱ��.

“The extra investment will make a huge difference moving forwards and will help us continue to attract the brightest minds to the city.

“While we are living in an exciting time for research, nearly 1 in 2 people.* are set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so there’s still much more to do. Patients will be at the very heart of everything we do and the Institute will be a real engine room for discovery."

Sharon Quennell, from Chadderton in Oldham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 36 after noticing a lump on her left breast. She underwent surgery followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

Now 62, she celebrated a quarter of a century free of cancer last year. Sharon works at North 91ֱ�� General Hospital and is a single mum to Ryan, aged 31, who has autism and learning disabilities.

She has visited the laboratories in the Institute many times.

Sharon said: “The extra investment is amazing news for 91ֱ��.

“As a former cancer patient, I am always humbled to hear about the exciting research work happening on my doorstep.”

Professor Ashley Blom, Vice President and Dean of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester said: “The CRUK 91ֱ�� Institute sits at the heart of the city’s cancer research strength, uniting world‑class scientists under one mission. Its teams push the boundaries of discovery, from understanding the biology of cancer to developing treatments that change clinical practice. So this increase in funding is great news for the University and the city, which holds a pre‑eminent place in global cancer research, driving discoveries that shape the future of treatment. This welcome news will create more opportunities for scientists to turn bold ideas into breakthroughs that can change what’s possible for patients.”

Professor Fiona Blackhall, Director of Research and Innovation and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, comments:  “What makes 91ֱ�� such an important hub for cancer research is that our research facilities are located on the site of one of Europe’s leading cancer hospitals, The Christie. This means we can carry out research at every stage – from basic science to trials involving patients – all on one site.

“This increase in investment reflects the level of expertise we have here in 91ֱ�� and the difference that we’re making for our patients.

“Cancer research is a collaborative effort and we at The Christie are proud to work with our partners in the Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute and The University of Manchester to find new and better ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer.”

Every year, around 45,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. **

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years and is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research.

* See CRUK website
** Based on the average annual number of new cases of cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD10 C00-C96 excluding C44) diagnosed in the North West in 2021-2023. 

Using different types of health data - from body measurements to genetics - the authors have built on evidence that there is a potential future where simple, high street eye scans could be used as a measure of how the rest of the body is functioning. 

Using “UK Biobank” data, a  UK volunteer-based study, the researchers developed an AI tool called “Ret-AAE” to explore the links between the eye and disease risk, blood test results, and the appearance and function of different organs, across over 68,000 people.

The study showed that the associations between the eye and body are incredibly broad, identifying that the appearance of the eye is linked to risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, Parkinsons disease, dementia and more.

Two types of scan were used in the study - 3D scans of the inner lining of the eye called “optical coherence tomography” (OCT), and simple photographs of the back of the eye called “colour fundus photographs”.

Both scan types are widely available at optometrists across the UK, with several million scans already captured every year by high street providers – making them a highly accessible health marker.

The team showed the two scan types might reveal complementary signals about our future health, with OCT more strongly linked to neurological traits and CFP having broader associations with cardiovascular traits.

Further analysis showed that the eye contains several signals that are captured by AI systems and reveal information about health – including the appearance of blood vessels and the nerves which connect the eye to the brain.

Some of the patterns the system picked up were caused by cataracts or natural differences in eye colour, showing that researchers might need to account for age and ethnicity when analysing the images.

One of the key contributions of the study is the work around the biological pathways that might link the eye to disease in the brain, blood vessels and heart.

Genetic analyses showed that eye features are linked to genes involved in neurodegenerative disease pathways, including those related to Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and broader neurodegeneration.

Physiological analyses linked eye features to blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, and the function of the heart.

‘Radiomic analyses’ -  which turn medical images into measurable data - showed associations between eye features and the size of the brain, as well as tiny changes in the brain’s tissue structure detected using MRI scans.

By studying the tiny molecules in the blood, the researchers also found several connections between features in the eye and fat‑related molecules in the body, which may link the eye to general health.

Lead author Medical Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellow, is an eye doctor and researcher at the University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� Royal Eye Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “Our findings show that the eye can reveal a remarkably broad picture of whole‑body health, offering a way to identify those at risk of heart and brain disease before they occur.

“Our study advances the use of deep‑learning‑derived eye traits in large‑scale biomedical research.”

Dr , Wellcome Clinician Scientist, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant,  from The University of Manchester, who oversaw this interdisciplinary work alongside FREng, also from the University, said: “While more work is needed before these tests could arrive on the high street - we hope and believe that routine eye tests will one day be used as part of health screening for disease prevention.”

Professor Frangi is also a RAEng Chair and Digital Infrastructure Programme Co-Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre’.

He said: “Using scans available on every high street, an eye test may become much more than a way to check your glasses prescription.”

“This work shows the interdisciplinary work ongoing in 91ֱ�� thanks to generous support by various translational structures, including the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre, and the BHF 91ֱ�� Centre of Research Excellence, among other funders”.

• Multi-omic analysis of deep learning-derived phenotypes links ophthalmic imaging to cardiovascular and neurological traits is published in on  Tuesday 16  June at 4pm UK time. DOI
• Funders included: the Medical Research Council; the Wellcome Trust; the British Heart Foundation; the Royal Academy of Engineering; and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre.

• Just 4% of patients in the dataset were offered social prescribing between 2019 and 2024

• Patients living in the least deprived areas were significantly more likely to be offered social prescribing than those in the most deprived communities

• Women were substantially more likely than men to be offered social prescribing

• Older patients and people with multiple long-term conditions were more likely to receive offers

• More than three quarters (77.7%) of those offered social prescribing received a referral

• Ethnic minority patients were generally as likely - or more likely - to accept referrals

What else did the study find?

The researchers analysed anonymised NHS primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), one of the largest healthcare datasets in England.

The study explored which groups of patients were offered social prescribing and which went on to receive referrals after offers were made.

Social prescribing schemes aim to support people whose health may be affected by wider social issues such as loneliness, poor housing, financial stress or isolation by linking them with non-medical community services through dedicated NHS link workers.

Clear inequalities

Patients in more affluent areas consistently had higher odds of being offered social prescribing than those in deprived areas, despite evidence that poorer communities often experience worse health outcomes and greater levels of long-term illness.

Women were also more likely to be offered referrals than men across almost every age group examined.

The study found strong links between long-term illness and social prescribing access, with patients suffering multiple health conditions far more likely to receive offers and referrals.

Why it matters

Researchers say the findings are significant because social prescribing has become a major part of NHS plans to reduce pressure on healthcare services and improve public health.

Since 2019, thousands of social prescribing link workers have been recruited across England through the NHS Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme.

The researchers warn that unequal access to these services could risk widening existing health inequalities if patients in deprived communities are less likely to benefit. However, the study also found encouraging signs once offers had been made.

Patients from ethnic minority backgrounds were often more likely than white patients to accept referrals, while deprivation itself did not appear to reduce uptake after an offer was made.

Researchers say this suggests the key inequality may lie in access to offers rather than willingness to engage.

Men and older patients less likely to engage

The study also found important differences between being offered social prescribing and accepting referrals.

While older patients were more likely to be offered support, they were less likely to go on to receive referrals once offered. Male patients were consistently less likely than women to both receive offers and proceed to referral.

Researchers say more work is needed to understand why some groups may be underrepresented or less likely to engage with social prescribing services.

What the researchers say

“It is concerning that the patients most likely to benefit from social prescribing support appear to be among the least likely to be offered it,” said Research Fellow Anna Wilding. “People living in deprived communities are more likely to experience long-term illness, financial hardship, isolation and poor mental health - the very issues social prescribing is designed to help address.”

“Our findings suggest the biggest challenge is not whether people will engage with social prescribing once offered support, but ensuring disadvantaged communities are not left behind in the first place.”

Publication details

The study was published in journal PLOS One.

DOI:

The study led by the Indian Childhood Collaborative Leukaemia (ICiCle) group, which includes University of Manchester researchers, treated over 3000 children with acute B‑cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at six major centres across India.

ALL is a fast‑growing blood cancer that starts from very early B‑cells in the bone marrow. It is the most common form of ALL, especially in children.

Publishing in the Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, the researchers compared the standard four‑week continuous steroid course with a pulsed schedule given in weeks one, two and four.

Children on the pulsed schedule had far fewer early deaths, with rates falling from 3.5% to 1.3%.

Most leukaemia related early  deaths are currently caused by severe infections linked to continuous steroid use - a major challenge in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

Crucially, the shorter steroid exposure did not affect how well treatment worked, with remission rates of around 98% in both groups.

Survival outcomes were also similar, showing that the safer approach does not compromise cure.

The trial also found that using a powerful and highly effective class of chemotherapy drugs called anthracyclines early in treatment increased the risk of treatment‑related deaths.

The findings come from the ICiCle‑ALL‑14 trial, the first multicentre randomised paediatric oncology trial conducted in India.

Childhood leukaemia now has survival rates above 90% in many wealthy countries.

But children in low‑ and middle‑income countries still face far higher risks of dying during treatment, often because infections strike early on.

Since 2013, the ICiCle group team has been working to bring a consistent, modern treatment approach to children with leukaemia across India, rolled out to centres across India.

Professor Vaskar Saha from The University of Manchester and Tata Medical Center, is lead author and founder of the ICiCle group.

He said: “We show for the first time that a simple change in how we give steroids can save lives. By reducing continuous exposure, we appear to lessen the risk of severe infections without compromising the effectiveness of treatment. This is a practical, low‑cost intervention that could be adopted widely, particularly in settings where treatment‑related mortality remains high.”

Professor Venkatraman Radhakrishnan of the Cancer Institute (WIA) said: “The study provides robust randomised evidence that steroid scheduling itself is a modifiable determinant of induction mortality. The lack of any detriment in MRD response or survival makes this a particularly compelling practice change.”

The study was funded by the National Cancer Grid, Indian Council of Medical Research, DBT-Wellcome India Alliance and Tata Consultancy Services.

The participating centres were:

• BR Ambedkar Rotary Cancer Hospital — All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
• Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER Chandigarh — Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
• Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS New Delhi — All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai — National cancer centre
• Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Tata Medical Center Kolkata — Tertiary paediatric cancer service
• Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) Chennai — One of India’s oldest cancer institutes

Functional precision approach in patients with very high risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in India: a single-centre cohort study is published in DOI: 

The group, backed by House of Lords peer Baroness Natalie Bennett, say the UK urgently needs a new national strategy to tackle fungal antimicrobial resistance — a growing and often overlooked threat to human health, food production and the environment.

In a new paper published in Nature NPJ Antimicrobials and Resistance, they reveal how widespread use of fungicides in agriculture could be undermining life‑saving medicines used to treat patients.

Calling for sweeping changes, including a powerful cross-government body to coordinate action, they argue for a nationwide system to monitor resistance in both the environment and clinics, and stricter regulation of fungicides linked to resistance.

Dr Michael Bottery, co-author of the study from The University of Manchester, said: “Fungal resistance is a silent and underestimated threat. The same substances helping to protect crops are also reducing the effectiveness of essential medicines. If we fail to act, we risk losing critical treatments and putting lives at risk.”

The concern centres on so‑called “dual-use” fungicides — chemicals used in both medicine and farming. In the UK, these are applied to around 94 per cent of arable crops, exposing fungi in the environment to the same compounds relied upon in hospitals.

Over time, this exposure allows fungi to evolve and develop resistance, making infections harder to treat when they infect humans. Some resistant strains have already been detected in clinical settings, raising fears that treatments could become increasingly ineffective.

Fungal infections already pose a major global threat, killing an estimated 2.5 million people each year. They disproportionately affect vulnerable patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, or intensive care treatment.

Despite this, researchers warn that the UK’s current response is fragmented, with responsibility split between agriculture, healthcare and environmental regulators, and limited coordination between them.

They argue that without better surveillance, dangerous resistance trends may go unnoticed until it is too late. More coordinated data-sharing, they say, could allow earlier intervention and more effective policymaking.

Speaking in parliament Baroness Bennett added that tackling the issue requires recognising the close links between human health, farming and ecosystems.

Dr Bottery added: “Without urgent action, the UK risks sleepwalking into a crisis that could threaten not only public health, but also food security, as resistance undermines crop protection and agricultural productivity.”

The full paper, “Addressing the Dual-Use of Antifungals and Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance (fAMR) through a One Health Approach”, is open-access and .

• The image was created with AI

Professor Zühlke is also honorary professor at The University of Manchester and Vice President of the South African Medical Research Council.

The award was given in  recognition for her work with children with heart conditions especially rheumatic heart disease (RHD) that disproportionately affects children living in poverty.

Zuhlke’s research repositioned RHD as a socio-political issue tied to health system deficiencies and inequities.

In a press release, UNESCO said her dedication to scientific excellence, leadership in global health, and capacity building activities have improved the lives of vulnerable children with cardiovascular disease.

The five researchers will be recognized for their pioneering contributions to life and environmental sciences ON  11 June at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

This year's selection highlights their major roles in tackling global health and environmental challenges, from revolutionary tissue engineering and genomic research to agricultural innovation and the impact of nutrition on mental health.

The programme, now in its 28^th year, reflects the growing excellence of women in science worldwide.

The Laureates were selected from a record 504 nominations representing 89 countries, and now join the more than 5,000 women who have been recognized by the programme.

That includes 142 International Award Laureates, among whom seven have received a Nobel Prize in science.

This selection was conducted by an independent international jury chaired by Professor Brigitte L. Kieffer, Research Director Emeritus at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) France, Member of the French Academy of Sciences and former Laureate of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards.

Professor Zühlke  said: “ I am deeply humbled by this immense honour. Childhood-onset heart disease remains not only globally neglected but also serves as a stark barometer of inequality and inequity, with profound differences in survival, outcomes, and quality of life. My sincere thanks go to all those working tirelessly in this field, as well as to the exceptional support from my academic institutions, including the University of Manchester, and to my collaborator of over a decade, Professor Bernard Keavney. This equitable partnership has really extended our work and improved our science, but also served as a source of capacity development for all in the team”.

BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine , a longterm collaborator with Prof Zühlke at The University of Manchester, said: “This well-deserved award reflects Liesl’s huge contributions to the cardiovascular health of children and young people in poor countries. Liesl is a truly remarkable and inspiring woman.”

The NHS programme called “Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes” is a website containing written articles, videos, self-assessment quizzes and tools.

It supports people to live well with T2D by providing information and advice about eating well, becoming more active, living with diabetes, and emotional wellbeing.

Published today in PLOS One, the study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The research team analysed data from people with T2D who activated a Healthy Living account and found they experienced better health outcomes at one year than those who did not take part.

They examined who was most likely to use the programme (uptake) and how engagement related to changes in HbA1c – a blood test used to measure average blood sugar levels - blood pressure, body mass index, insulin use, and completion of essential diabetes care processes.

The findings show, uptake of the programme was highest among women, people from least deprived areas (vs. most deprived areas), and people of White ethnicity, and current smokers (vs. never smokers).

To assess clinical outcomes, the study compared 4,940 Healthy Living users with 24,685 similar individuals who did not register for the programme. After a year, Healthy Living users saw an average HbA1c drop of 1.3 mmol/mol, alongside small but steady dips in BMI and blood pressure, all pointing to better day‑to‑day control of their diabetes.

They were also 1.6 times more likely to complete the routine yearly MOT that helps spot problems early, keeping on top of the vital checks that protect the eyes, feet, heart and kidneys in the long run.

However, the study highlights that even small average improvements can translate into meaningful reductions in T2D‑related complications when applied across large populations.

It also underscores the need to address inequalities in uptake, with notably lower participation among Asian and Black communities despite higher T2D prevalence.

Lead author Dr said: “What this study shows, in the plainest possible terms, is that a free, nationally available NHS educational programme can help people with T2D make measurable improvements to their health, even when used in the complex reality of everyday life.

“It’s not a silver bullet, but it is a practical tool that works – and the challenge now is ensuring that everyone who could benefit has the opportunity to do so.”

“We feel Healthy Living offers a scalable, accessible option for supporting type 2 diabetes self‑management, particularly for people who face barriers to attending in‑person diabetes education programmes.

“Improving uptake among underserved groups will be essential to ensuring the programme reduces existing health inequalities.”

Co-author , Principal Investigator and an Honorary Reader at The University of Manchester said: “People’s outcomes were better for those who attended more of the Healthy Living programme, so it would be worthwhile for the NHS to find ways to encourage people to attend for longer, such as improved signposting and motivational messages”

• The paper Examining the uptake, retention, and effectiveness of a national online type 2 2 diabetes self-management intervention in England (Healthy Living): a retrospective 3 cohort study is available DOI

The findings show that virtual wards can provide a safe alternative to hospital care for some patients, allowing people to recover at home while still receiving clinical oversight. However, patients and carers often take on more practical and emotional responsibility than may be recognised as they assume duties that would normally be carried out by clinicians in hospital settings. This includes monitoring symptoms, managing equipment and responding to signs of deterioration, especially overnight or outside normal working hours.

The study, published in the journal and led by researchers at The University of Manchester, is funded by the NIHR Greater 91ֱ�� Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC) and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater 91ֱ�� (ARC-GM).

Using qualitative methods, including observation work and interviews with patients and carers, the researchers evaluated virtual wards services across four sites in North-West England. Their findings show that safety in virtual wards does not rely on technology alone, but is strongly shaped by the relational and emotional support provided to patients, carers and clinicians.

Dr Kelly Howells, Research Fellow at The University of Manchester and the NIHR GM PSRC, said: “Virtual wards can help people receive acute care safely at home, but our study shows safe care depends on more than technology.

“Patients, carers and clinicians all play a role in managing risk, with patients and carers often taking on important practical and emotional responsibilities, particularly outside normal working hours. Health services need to recognise and better support this work.”

The researchers suggest that hospital at home services that combine technology with in‑person home visits could help make care safer, more flexible, and accessible for a wider range of patients. Recognising and supporting the work undertaken by patients and carers is essential to ensure virtual wards are safely delivered.

As virtual wards expand as a key component of NHS policy to shift acute care from hospital to community settings, practice must ensure there is space for relational and training support for clinicians, patients, and carers so that remote acute care can be safely implemented across health systems.

The paper Shifting boundaries of risk-work in virtual wards in North-West England: a multisite qualitative evaluation is available . DOI  

This study builds on earlier work by the NIHR GM PSRC and ARC-GM exploring virtual wards through the perspectives of patients, carers and staff, helping to deepen understanding of how virtual ward services operate in practice.

Read more in

• The image was created with AI 

Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet, will continue to fund the renowned Dental Health Unit (DHU) at the University.

Selling its health and hygiene products in more than 200 countries and territories, Colgate-Palmolive is the global leader in toothpaste and manual toothbrushes.

The global leader in oral health has been working with The University of Manchester since 1968, amounting to the University’s longest ever business partnership. The DHU has been a leading centre for oral health research for almost 60 years.

Initially carrying out clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of Colgate products in collaboration with Colgate’s Research & Development team, the DHU has quickly evolved into a public health-focused program working collaboratively to mentor PhD candidates and to develop leaders in dentistry throughout the UK and beyond.

The extension of the funding will support high-quality clinical and behavioural research to generate real-world evidence for policy and practice. It will also allow the DHU to run a Fellowship Program – training the next generation of oral health researchers. The first awards to train future leaders have been announced with funding available for early career researchers in Europe and North America.

Anne-Marie Glenny, Professor of Health Sciences and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the School of Medical Sciences, said: “For over 50 years, the Dental Health Unit and our proud, historic association with Colgate Palmolive has reaped real health impacts, carrying out world -leading oral health research and supporting the development of research and policy leaders.

“The next chapter for the Dental Health Unit aims to enhance our impact in areas such as dental public health, behavioural science and clinical study management by building a robust network of collaborations with leading academic institutions.

"We will strategically expand our PhD program across renowned universities throughout the UK, Europe and North America.

"By fostering alliances with leading researchers, we are committed to advancing innovation and shaping thought leadership in oral health and behavioural insights.”

Professor Jan Clarkson, Academic Director at the DHU said: “This collaboration between the University and Colgate-Palmolive aims to establish the DHU as a strategic hub for advancing oral health behaviour change, leveraging behavioural insights, and innovative oral health research to deliver impactful, scalable outcomes that improve public health policies and oral health globally.

“This long standing private-public collaboration endeavours to advance global oral health research and education, leveraging industry and academic expertise to drive international excellence in scientific innovation, improve patient outcomes, and shape public health policies.”

Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Executive Vice President Chief Clinical Officer, Colgate Palmolive, said: “Colgate-Palmolive’s purpose is to reimagine a healthier future for all. We are proud of the accomplishments of our longstanding partnership with the University of Manchester through this Dental Health Unit. The pioneer DHU at the University of Manchester has advanced oral health through innovative, multidisciplinary research streams for more than half a century, breaking down silos between academia, clinicians, industry, policy makers and the communities that we all serve. And our collaboration has served as a model for others globally, with our more recent DHUs based in Latin America and India.”

The study was carried out by University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust  researchers.

The discovery was made when researchers looked at early data from volunteers in the ongoing community-based EARLY-HF study in Greater 91ֱ��. When heart scans were offered to the 550 volunteers aged over 50 with cardiometabolic issues, researchers discovered that nearly one in 10 people (nine per cent) had already suffered a heart attack without realising it.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) had undetected or poorly managed heart or circulatory problems which required medical attention.

To take part in the study, people had to have at least two health issues from a list of seven which affect millions of people in the UK. These included high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the heart rhythm problem atrial fibrillation, obesity and chronic kidney disease.

The most common issues for study participants were pre-existing high blood pressure, which had already been diagnosed in 88 per cent of the study group, and obesity, which affected 70 per cent. Meanwhile 42 per cent of the volunteers had diabetes.

Led by Consultant Cardiologist at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of Manchester, researchers wanted to understand the rate of hidden illness which had been unrecognised and untreated in this group.

They discovered almost two-thirds (60 per cent) had high blood pressure which was not under proper control or being effectively managed, raising their potential risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Among the study volunteers, 34 per cent were classified as living in an area that is among the top 20 per cent most deprived in England,¹ while 28 per cent lived in an area among the 20 per cent least deprived. There were more men than women in the study, with males making up 59 per cent of volunteers.

The researchers suggest the rates of undetected health problems found in Greater 91ֱ�� are likely to be reflected in communities across the UK.

British Heart Foundation Research Fellow at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester, helped to run the study and presented the findings at the BCS conference in 91ֱ��. He said:

“My colleagues and I were shocked by just how much unrecognised disease we found. While our study involves people who would be considered at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, finding so many people who had experienced a heart attack and didn’t know it was not something we ever anticipated going into this study.”

The Detecting EARLY Heart Failure in Greater 91ֱ�� (EARLY-HF) study aims to detect people at risk of developing heart failure earlier, within socioeconomically and ethnically diverse communities who may have reduced access to healthcare.

Heart attacks and other heart and circulatory issues, like those discovered in the study so far, can lead to heart failure – a condition which affects more than a million people in the UK and means the heart cannot pump blood properly, which can cause severe breathlessness and fatigue.

Most study participants (81 per cent) were recruited via their GP surgery, with another 12 per cent signing up after seeing a social media advert, and others recruited through community events or signposted to the project by family and friends.

Everyone involved in the study had blood tests, an ECG and a cardiac MRI scan, and answered questions about their health and medical history. These tests revealed that 125 people out of 550 (23 per cent) had a heart or circulatory issue that required medical attention.

On cardiac MRI scans, signs of scarring suggested that 46 people (nine per cent) had previously had a suspected heart attack. These diagnoses were confirmed by a consultant cardiologist, who looked over every scan. Letters were sent to people’s GPs, and they were then referred on for further tests and treatment.

Researchers found that 331 people in the study (60 per cent) had a blood pressure reading of 140/90mmHg or higher – the usual threshold for a diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension).

While 27 of these were undetected cases of high blood pressure, 304 people (92 per cent of them) were known to have it when they joined the study, with 224 already taking blood pressure-lowering medication. The researchers say this suggests their treatment plan was inadequate, as it had not brought their blood pressure down to a normal level.

Blood tests revealed 162 people (30 per cent) had elevated levels of the protein NT pro-BNP - a sign that their heart was under strain.

The study continues to recruit people in Greater 91ֱ�� with at least two cardiometabolic conditions – related to the heart, blood vessels or metabolism.

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said:

"These shocking findings should ring alarm bells for our healthcare leaders. They show that our current approach to prevention isn’t fit for purpose, and too many people are slipping through the gaps as a result.

“All too often we see patients too late, when years of living with treatable risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol have built up leading to heart attacks or heart failure. We have made huge strides in our ability to treat cardiovascular disease over the past 65 years, but right now we’re missing opportunities to prevent it in the first place. The picture this study paints won’t improve without a radical shift in how we identify and treat people at risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Professor Chris Miller, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist at The University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, who leads the EARLY-HF study said: “These findings underscore the need to address disparities in cardiovascular disease detection, healthcare access, and outcomes, including by engaging people through non-traditional channels such as text messaging and social media.”  

• Theis supported by Innovate UK Greater 91ֱ�� Innovation Accelerator, AstraZeneca, and British Heart Foundation. The sponsor of the study is 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

Lead researchers and will trial the new course which has been shown to improve the way carers and people with dementia communicate with each other across England.

Difficulties communicating can result in a person with dementia losing confidence, withdrawing during interactions, or feeling disconnected from and devalued by the other person.

However, University of Manchester led research has shown that interventions focusing on communication can improve the person with dementia’s communication and behavioural symptoms.

Carers reported positive experiences of using the method called , a detailed study of the experience of 15 carers published in the journal showed.

And a second NIHR-funded study, published in found it was possible to measure participants psychological health, quality of life and service use when trialling the course.

Now the research team are able to progress to a multi-centre trial of the method across three proposed sites in England, thanks to the NIHR funding. The course will be offered across Greater 91ֱ�� with Greater 91ֱ�� Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust as the lead site.

The course, pioneered by 91ֱ��’s Dr Lydia Morris and Professor Warren Mansell brings a glimmer of hope to the 700,000 people supporting a family member, partner, or friend with dementia.

Empowered Conversations uses evidence based psychological and communication theories to support carers to improve relationships and reduce stress.

For example, it uses Mentalisation Theory, which is about understanding our own thoughts and feelings while recognising that others have their own minds with different perspectives.

Professor Berry from The University of Manchester is also Mental Health Co-Theme Lead at the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre and Co-Director of the Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit at Greater 91ֱ�� Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “In dementia care, relationships often change dramatically, for example, a child may become the carer of a parent, or a spouse may shift from partner to caregiver.  Carers often face a painful conflict between remembering the person as they used to be and coping with who they have become.

“Seeing someone who looks the same physically but has changed in memory, personality, and communication can feel confusing, distressing and bring a sense of loss and grief.

“Stress associated with these changes in close relationships can make it harder to understand and interpret another person’s thoughts and feelings.  While some carers adapt by adjusting their expectations and priorities, this kind of coping does not happen easily or automatically. This is where learning skills in mentalisation can help.”

Among the positives, carers said the course resulted in changes to themselves, their relationships, and their communication skills.

Participants also described letting go of their expectations of what the person should be able to do and replacing that with more realistic goals.

Dr Morris, who is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at the University, added: “In a landscape where provision of post-diagnostic dementia support is variable or limited, it appears that Empowered Conversations can offer carers an intervention that is appreciated and accessible.

“Communication difficulties are associated with increased carer stress and burden and can contribute to the breakdown of the interpersonal relationship between the carer and person with dementia.

“Training does exist, but it focuses on practical communication skills without addressing the emotional and relational contexts of care and communication.

“However, the carers we worked with reported positive experiences of participating in Empowered Conversations and valued meeting people who, despite sometimes different circumstances, shared their understanding of supporting someone with dementia.

“The course supported participants to rethink communication and have a greater appreciation of the other person’s perspective during everyday interactions.”

• Image is AI generated

A highly experienced consultant and chartered psychologist, Dame Robina Shah DBE has spent over 30 years working across healthcare, medical education, patient safety, public service, social justice, and inclusion.

She is currently Professor of Psychosocial Medicine and Medical Education at the University of Manchester Medical School and Director of the Doubleday Centre for Patient Experience.

Dame Robina’s contribution to patient care was recognised through her appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, following her earlier MBE for services to academic research in learning disabilities.

Through her roles in a wide range of sports organisations, including the FA Council, FA Women’s Football Board, 91ֱ�� County FA, and Oldham Athletic Football Club, Dame Robina has also made a significant contribution to football governance, player welfare, disability football, women’s football, and widening opportunity through sport.

Dame Robina has been nominated for the Freedom by the City of London Corporation’s Deputy Policy Chair, James Thomson, and City Corporation Lead Member for Sport, Edward Lord.

Speaking after her Freedom ceremony, Dame Robina Shah said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Freedom of the City of London. This unexpected recognition has touched me greatly.

“I thank my nominators, James Thomson and Edward Lord, and accept the Freedom with humility and appreciation, mindful of the many people who have guided, supported, and encouraged me throughout my life.

“The City of London has long held a special significance for me. Although 91ֱ�� is my home and the place where I was born, I have had the privilege, through my civic and public roles, of attending many events in the City and seeing first-hand its unique history, traditions and contribution to public life.

“This recognition of my contribution to the NHS, sport, particularly football, and governance is especially meaningful, because these areas have shaped much of my life’s work and public service. I wish to thank the many colleagues, patients, volunteers, community partners and organisations that I have had the privilege of working alongside over the years. Much of what I have been able to contribute has only been possible through collective effort, shared purpose and the generosity, trust and support of others.

“At this time, I also think warmly of my parents, whose values, kindness and humanity shaped the lens through which I have tried to serve others. They taught me to notice people, especially those who may otherwise go unseen, and nurtured in me a curiosity about people’s stories, lives and experiences, grounded in compassion, dignity and respect.

“I also want to acknowledge my family, Tariq, Zainab, Raabiyah and Sulaymaan, whose love, support and patience have been central to all my achievements.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “Dame Robina Shah’s Freedom of the City of London recognises her distinguished career and expertise in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, medical education, patient care, inclusion, and football governance.

“A very deserving recipient of the Freedom, I hope that Dame Robina and her guests will have very fond memories of her ceremony at Guildhall for many years to come.”

Deputy City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, James Thomson, said: "I am honoured to have nominated Dame Robina for the Freedom of the City of London.

“Robina's public service has been extraordinary, especially, in giving young people opportunity through education and skills, tackling inequality and hate crime, and supporting the most vulnerable in society and giving them a voice.

“Robina is an inspirational role model to so many and has a personal warmth that is infectious."

City of London Corporation Lead Member for Sport, Edward Lord OBE, said: "Dame Robina has made a demonstrable contribution to public life in Greater 91ֱ��, and to the nation.

“In particular, her involvement in providing independent governance expertise to the Football Association and now, on the board of Oldham Athletic Football Club, marks her out as someone worthy of recognition.

“As a fellow Lancastrian, it was a genuine pleasure to support her nomination for the City Freedom."

The City Corporation’s  aims to make the Square Mile a global sports destination, by offering attractive and valued sport facilities, venues, activations, and events for residents, workers, and visitors.

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.  

Recent notable recipients include broadcaster and breast cancer charity ambassador, Gloria Hunniford; two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; novelist, Ken Follett; actor, Ray Winstone; and City of London Police Special Constable and TV presenter, Penny Lancaster.

The breakthrough could help explain why millions of people develop sight‑threatening conditions such as age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as rarer inherited eye diseases.

The research is published in today.

Epidemiological research predicts that AMD, a leading cause of visual impairment in adults , will affect 288 million people worldwide by 2040.

And rarer inherited  eye disorders  which  interfere with cells in the retina that sense light and send visual signals to the brain include  Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and cone‑rod dystrophy.

The researchers analysed whole‑genome sequencing data alongside RNA profiles from 201 donated human eyes.

That allowed them to study two key tissues involved in vision: the neurosensory retina, which captures light, and the retinal pigment epithelium, which supports and nourishes it.

By comparing DNA differences with gene activity in these tissues, the researchers found over 1.4 million genetic signals that influence how genes are turned on or off, known as expression quantitative trait loci, or eQTLs.

The signals influence how nearly 10,000 genes behave in the retina and almost 4,000 genes in the retinal pigment epithelium.

Many of the genetic effects were found in regions of the genome that act as regulatory switches, helping to turn genes on or off.

The study also identified hundreds of individuals whose retinal gene activity was unusually high or low compared with typical patterns.

Among these “expression outliers,” the researchers pinpointed nearly 300 rare genetic variants that could plausibly explain the unusual gene activity.

These variants included rare changes in parts of DNA that don’t code for proteins, as well as bigger structural shifts and differences in how many copies of certain DNA segments a person has.

Together, they accounted for around 28% of the outliers, offering new leads for understanding how rare mutations contribute to eye disease.

The findings provide an unprecedented resource for scientists studying the genetic roots of vision disorders, and are available to other researchers for

They also offer a roadmap for future research into personalised treatments and earlier diagnosis.

Author , from The University of Manchester,  said: “Our study marks a major step toward decoding the complex genetic architecture of the human eye.

“And it opens the door to new strategies for protecting and restoring vision in the future.

“It reveals how both common and rare genetic differences shape the way they are expressed in the human retina.

“By understanding these patterns, we move closer to uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive heritable vision loss and to developing more targeted therapies.”

PhD Student at The University of Manchester, Jacob Sampson, who performed the extensive computational analysis reported in the study, added: “We hope this dataset will accelerate discoveries across ophthalmology, genetics, and precision medicine.

“And we hope it will support efforts to identify individuals at risk of sight‑threatening disease before symptoms appear.

Prof Simon J. Clark from the  University of Tübingen in Germany, said: “These sorts of fundamental discoveries are only possible by using very well characterised human donor material.

“We are incredibly lucky to have access to one of Europe’s largest human eye donor repositories, founded originally in 91ֱ�� back in 2015.

“We remain forever grateful for the generosity of all those donors and their families who contributed over the years.”

The team included scientists from The University of Manchester, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, University of Tübingen, University of Southampton, Universitas Riau, 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, and the European Bioinformatics Institute.

• The research was supported by the Macular Society, Fight For Sight, the Medical Research Council and the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre.
• The paper Paired DNA and RNA sequencing uncovers common 1 and rare genomic variants regulating gene 2 expression in the human retina is published in nature Communications and available . DOI https://www.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-72979-4 

The report, was partly based on research evidence submitted by  the University of Manchester’s  .

Cited in the report, Professor of Primary Care and Community Health  at the University of Manchester told the Committee: “Evidence-based exercise programmes, particularly resistance training, could both prevent frailty from developing and reverse it. Exercise programmes to prevent frailty could decrease the risk factors linked to developing conditions associated with ageing, including dementia.”

Boosting resilience to illness, frailty and falls through physical activity will be key to keeping the country’s ageing population healthy and living independently for longer., the MPs said.

This change will be fundamental to the Government’s objective of switching the NHS’s focus from treating illness to preventing it 

The report follows the cross-party Committee’s and recommends:

• Advice and social prescribing of physical activity should become a core, routine offering to older people from their GPs and other clinicians.
• Stronger links between local NHS services with leisure providers and community groups to make exercise more accessible.
• The Care Quality Commission should be charged with checking that exercise programmes are being provided to residents in care homes. 

The Committee also called for a national conversation and a cultural shift in the way that ageing is perceived and talked about in society. Negative stereotypes can leave older people feeling resigned to becoming inactive, at the point in their lives when a sedentary lifestyle can have serious consequences, including increasing risk of falls.

Health and Social Care Committee Chair, Layla Moran MP, said: “Healthcare experts and the Government are all agreed that staying physically active can help older people to live not just longer, but healthier, happier, more sociable lives.

“Promoting active lifestyles among older people would also tackle two policy objectives at once – shifting the NHS’s focus to prevention, and bringing services closer to home, not the nearest hospital. Experts told us that exercise can be more effective than medication, and these changes would also cut the NHS’s vast expenditure on drugs. It’s a win-win, and this report sets out how the Government can make it happen.

Key facts

• Being physically active cuts the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, and some cancers.
• By 2035, 68% of people aged over 65 are expected to have two more serious health conditions, up from 54% in 2015. This causes lower quality of life, increases the chance of hospital admission and creates more complex care needs.
• In 2022, there were around 12.7 million people in the UK aged 65 or over, approximately 19% of the population. This is expected to rise to 22.1 million people (27% of the population) by 2072.
• The ONS and Health Foundation have shown that the average healthy life expectancy of children born in the most deprived areas of England is around 18 years lower than those born in the most affluent.
• In the UK, physical inactivity is associated with one in six deaths and is estimated to cost £7.4 billion annually.

Led by The University of Manchester and The University of Huddersfield, they combined traditional EEG brain‑wave analysis with cutting‑edge machine‑learning tools to probe how people with a history of alcohol dependence learn from rewards and punishments.

The researchers used a reward-learning game – which they asked 20 abstinent alcohol-dependent and 26 healthy volunteers to complete while their brain activity was recorded.

The team found that both groups performed the task just as well as each other, however their brain signals told a different story.

A key brain response called feedback‑related negativity (FRN)- which reflects how we react to mistakes or bad outcomes - was reduced in people with a history of alcohol dependence.

This blunted signal appeared after both good and bad outcomes and did not vary with how long someone had been abstaining from alcohol.

The scientists say this could be a stable trait of alcohol dependence, reflecting underlying reward processing differences in people who are at risk of alcohol problems.

The study also looked at another signal, the feedback‑P3, which shows how strongly your mind reacts when you get important feedback and starts updating what you’ve learned.

Overall, it did not differ between the groups, but for people recovering from alcohol dependence, this signal was largest in the early stages of abstinence, and after many years appeared more similar to that of healthy people.

Researchers say this may reflect a brain change linked to abstinence itself.

To dig deeper, the team used a machine learning method called tensor decomposition to uncover hidden patterns in the EEG signals.

In the people with alcohol dependence, this revealed unusually early and strong activity in centro‑frontal brain regions near the top and front of the head.

This early surge was most pronounced in those in the earlier stages of recovery and could reflect, the scientists say, heightened sensitivity to feedback or a compensatory mechanism helping people maintain performance despite alcohol‑related brain changes.

They also found that healthy volunteers showed a different pattern, with a later burst of activity in the brain’s parietal lobe, linked to processing sensory information before evaluating reward value.

The researchers used unsupervised machine learning - a method that finds patterns without being told what to look for - to break down the large amounts of EEG data.

This helped discover overlapping brain signals would have been difficult to spot using traditional methods alone.

Lead author from The University of Manchester, who is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) as part of its , said: “Alcohol dependency is a complex and challenging health condition, and many people have difficulties maintaining recovery despite treatment and support.

“We believe our findings offer fresh insight into how alcohol dependence can influence the brain systems involved in learning and reward.

“Larger, long‑term studies are now needed to understand if the EEG markers we identified here could one day help track recovery or identify those people who might need extra support.

Researchers conducting the study are funded by the is UKRI Future Leaders Fund, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and the National Institute for health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre. It is published in the journal Clinical Neurophysiology.

• The paper Altered EEG markers of reward learning during abstinence in alcohol dependence: a probabilistic reversal learning study is available hereDOI

Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manchester, he is one of 60 exceptional biomedical and health scientists, the latest cohort of Fellows have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to advancing medical science, through discovery research, translational work and the application of scientific knowledge in ways that deliver tangible benefits for patients and the wider public.

This year’s cohort reflects the Academy’s continued focus on evolving its Fellowship to be diverse, relevant and representative of the biomedical and health research community. Of the 60 new Fellows elected in 2026, 42% are women (25 Fellows) – the highest proportion ever elected in a single year.

The new Fellows are drawn from 28 institutions and represent eight nationalities, with representation from across the UK. The cohort includes three new Fellows from Wales, the first elected in four years, including the first Fellow ever from Bangor University, as well as the first new Fellow elected from Northern Ireland since 2021.

The new intake spans a wide range of sectors, disciplines and research pathways. It includes five new Fellows elected from industry, alongside recognition of expertise in traditionally under‑represented areas such as speech and language therapy, medical ethics, traumatic brain injury and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

The Fellows elected this year join an esteemed Fellowship of over 1,500 researchers who are at the heart of the Academy’s work to nurture scientific talent and shape research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.

Professor Appleby was elected for his pioneering work in suicide prevention and mental health. An epidemiologist and psychiatrist, his research has brought new rigour to the study of suicide through innovative study designs that have demonstrated how targeted interventions can reduce suicide rates. His work has directly informed national policy, including the most recent suicide prevention strategy, and he has played a central role in advising the NHS and government on mental health for more than two decades.

He  said: “I’m delighted to become a Fellow of the Academy. I see it as recognition of the field I work in - suicide prevention - which not long ago was seen as a difficult subject, as bereaved families can tell us. At a time when people are exposed to an overload of health information online, the Academy has a vital role in setting the standards of evidence on which the public can rely.”

Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences: “It is a privilege to welcome this outstanding new cohort to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Each of our new Fellows has been recognised by their peers for exceptional achievement for the influence their work has had in advancing medical science and improving health.

“The diversity of disciplines represented this year reflects the richness of modern medical science and the value of collaboration across fields. At a time when health challenges are increasingly complex, the Academy’s Fellowship provides a trusted, independent platform for scientific leaders to work together, champion excellence, and help ensure research delivers real benefits for people and communities.”

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 June.

The population-based study of more than two million people showed individuals with an intellectual disability are more likely to develop bowel cancer, especially before the age of 50.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater 91ֱ�� Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC), the study is published in (20/05/26). The research team is supported by both the NIHR GM PSRC and the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

People with an intellectual disability present to their GP more often with symptoms linked to bowel cancer, but are less likely to receive key investigations such as stool tests, urgent referrals, or endoscopy the team show.

They were less likely to be diagnosed through screening programmes and more likely to be diagnosed in emergency settings or even on the date of death.

And they were also more likely to be diagnosed at stage IV, when the cancer has already spread.

Among those with early-stage disease, rates of curative surgery were similar, but survival remained significantly worse for people with an intellectual disability.

For advanced bowel cancer, individuals with an intellectual disability were far less likely to receive systemic anticancer therapy, which may contribute to poorer outcomes.

The findings highlight multiple missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis, including lower use of stool tests used to check for early signs of bowel cancer and fewer urgent suspected cancer referrals.

The researchers used anonymised GP records from a large UK database containing information on about 50 million people.

The records were linked with national data on deaths, cancer, hospital care, ethnicity and deprivation to support the research.

The study also raises concerns that current screening programmes, which often begin at age 50, may not adequately protect people with an intellectual disability, given their higher risk at younger ages.

They also highlight that emergency diagnoses can limit the time available for coordinated treatment planning, which may contribute to poorer survival even when surgery is offered.

However, lifestyle factors linked to early-onset bowel cancer—such as obesity, diet, and physical inactivity—may be more common among people with an intellectual disability, potentially amplifying their risk.

And distinguishing concerning symptoms may be more challenging for people with learning disabilities, though the researchers caution that this does not fully explain the scale of under-investigation.

Lead author Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and The Christie said: “Our findings show clear and avoidable inequalities in bowel cancer diagnosis and treatment for people with an intellectual disability, and they underline the urgent need for earlier screening and more proactive investigation of symptoms.”

Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: “This study lays bare the stark truth that people with a learning disability are being diagnosed with bowel cancer too late, too often, and are missing out on chances for earlier treatment that could save lives. We need the NHS, government and cancer services to join us in making inclusive health a priority, acting on these findings and putting the right support in place at every stage of the cancer pathway.”

Claire Coughlan, Clinical Lead at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if it is diagnosed early. However, this study makes clear that people with an ID are not only at increased risk of developing bowel cancer; they also face considerable barriers which can lead to later diagnosis and treatment.”

Lisa Every and her niece Chloe’s story

Chloe Every died aged 27 in 2019, not long after being diagnosed with an advanced form of bowel cancer. She had a learning disability and myotonic dystrophy, a muscle condition known to affect the heart and breathing.

For Chloe’s family, the fact that her cancer was only identified at such a late stage is central to everything that followed. Like many people with a learning disability, Chloe was diagnosed when the disease was already advanced, limiting treatment options and reducing her chances of survival. Her family believe there were missed chances to investigate symptoms earlier and to take her health concerns seriously before her condition deteriorated.

Once Chloe was admitted to Queen’s Hospital in Romford, those missed chances continued. Her aunt Lisa Every says that Chloe’s learning disability and underlying condition were not properly considered when decisions were made about her care. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, there was no clear, coordinated plan that took account of her complex needs.

Chloe was left in the hospital’s initial assessment unit for six days, far longer than was appropriate. This delay meant she did not receive consistent care under one consultant at a critical point in her illness and contributed to a lack of joined up decision making. At a time when urgent, proactive care was needed, Chloe’s treatment drifted.

Her pain was not adequately managed, and she was given medication without a clear clinical reason. Despite her myotonic dystrophy and the known cardiac risks associated with it, staff did not contact Chloe’s specialist, who had treated her for many years. This was another missed opportunity to ensure her cancer treatment was informed by her wider health needs.

During her hospital stay, Chloe suffered two cardiac arrests. Before the first, she was not observed in line with her needs by nursing staff. An irregular heartbeat was noted shortly before she was given an enema, but this was not escalated to a doctor. After she was transferred to a general ward, Chloe was again not properly monitored. She later experienced a second cardiac arrest. The causes of either cardiac arrest were never investigated.

Mencap supported Lisa to fight for an inquest into Chloe’s death and forced the NHS to revisit a request that had previously been ignored. The subsequent A Level 3 Serious Untoward Investigation by the NHS Trust identified a series of serious failings in Chloe’s care. These included poor pain management, lack of specialist input, failures in observation and monitoring, and the fact that the Trust’s Learning Disability Admission Pathway was not properly followed when Chloe was admitted.

For Lisa, the experience is marked by repeated moments where earlier action could have made a difference, from diagnosis through to end-of-life care.

‘I was told by the head of palliative care not to be distressed if Chloe was not in ITU because she was being moved to a ward, which I assumed would be a palliative ward,’ Lisa said.

‘When I arrived, Chloe was not on any medical support at all. The nurse in charge did not know Chloe had a learning disability until I told her.

‘I was told to go home because the nurse had “11 patients to look after” and that Chloe was “fine”. Chloe was then left unmonitored until she was found unresponsive.’

Chloe died shortly afterwards.

Her story reflects wider evidence showing that people with a learning disability are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer late, more likely to experience delays and missed chances for investigation, and more likely to face fragmented care once diagnosed. For Lisa, speaking out is about showing the consequences of those missed chances.

‘Chloe was young and she was loved,” she said.

‘She should have had the same chance as anyone else to be diagnosed earlier and to have her needs properly understood and acted on.’half goes here

• the paper Bowel Cancer Care in Individuals with an Intellectual Disability: A Population-Based Cohort 91ֱ�� of Symptoms, Diagnostic Pathways, Treatment and Survival is available DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04906-9

The launch event introduces Jay’s Personalised Safety Planning Toolkit, a co‑designed set of materials created with researchers, people with personal experience of suicide and self-harm, and healthcare professionals.

Inspired by the family of Jaymie Mart, known as Jay, who died by suicide in 2012 at the age of 32, the toolkit -which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) -  offers clear, practical guidance to help adults create and review personalised safety plans.

Jay’s mother Paula’s experiences have formed a key part of research looking at how better to support people at times of acute mental crisis and prevent deaths from suicide.

She said: “The toolkit helps as a guide in understanding and setting up an individualised safety plan for people in difficult times. They  can help to change a mindset during times of crisis, that will hopefully keep them safe until they can get help,  if needed, from family, friends or mental health professionals.”

Safety plans are structured tools that support people experiencing self‑harm or suicidal thoughts by helping them identify strategies to stay safe during a crisis.

The resource is designed for families, friends, wider support networks, individuals themselves, and health and social care professionals.

The event is open to anyone interested in suicide prevention and safety planning, including practitioners, people who use safety plans, and those who support them.

The free full‑day programme runs from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road in 91ֱ��.

The day features interactive sessions and workshops designed to introduce the toolkit and demonstrate how it can be used in real‑world settings, and includes a live performance about safety plans for suicide, from an theatre-arts company run by people with learning difficulties.

The event aims to strengthen community understanding of personalised safety planning and improve access to supportive, evidence‑based resources.

, Professor of Psychiatry and Population Health at the University of Manchester is also Mental Health Theme co-lead at the NIHR Greater 91ֱ�� Patient Safety Research Collaboration

He said: “Safety Plans can be a vital component of mental health care but it’s really important they meaningfully involve the person themselves.

“I am delighted to be part of this important event which will have co-production at its heart”

• The toolkit was funded by the , and supported by the , and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria. The research is a collaboration between the University of Manchester, Northumbria University, Newcastle, and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR GM PSRC, NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Publishing in one of the world’s leading scientific journals Cell, the researchers analysed 322 healthy people from Europe, East Asia and South Asia to build the most detailed picture yet of how genetic ancestry and environment shape our biology.

They used a sweeping “multiomics” approach, measuring everything from genes and proteins to gut bacteria, metabolic chemicals and metals to understand how ethnicity and geography shape our biology.

By recruiting people of the same genetic ancestry living on different continents, the scientists were able to separate the effects of DNA from the influence of environment with unprecedented clarity.

Genetic ancestry refers  to the estimation of where your ancestors came from based on patterns in your DNA, inherited across generations.

They found that your ethnic background leaves a deep mark on your immune system, metabolism and gut bacteria no matter where you move.

South Asian volunteers showed signs of higher exposure to pathogens across multiple biological layers.

European participants had richer gut microbial diversity and higher levels of chemicals tied to heart disease risk.

But geography also rewired key molecular networks involved in cholesterol, inflammation and energy processing.

Moving continents was enough to shift major metabolic pathways and alter the balance of gut microbes.

The most dramatic finding was that geography appears to change biological age — the molecular measure of how old your cells look.

East Asians living outside Asia were biologically older than those who stayed in Asia.

Europeans showed the opposite pattern, appearing biologically younger when living outside Europe.

The researchers say this suggests environment and genetic ancestry interact in surprising ways that could speed up or slow down ageing.

The study also uncovered a never-before-seen link between a telomerase gene involved in cellular ageing and a specific gut microbe, connected through a lipid molecule called sphingomyelin.

This unexpected three-way link hints at a molecular chain reaction through which gut bacteria may influence how quickly our cells age.

The findings create a powerful new resource for precision medicine, highlighting the need for healthcare tailored to genetic ancestry and environment rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

The researchers say their open-access dataset will help scientists and clinicians develop more accurate diagnostics, treatments and prevention strategies tailored to genetic ancestry, environment and individual biology.

“What this study shows, more clearly than ever before, is that our biology is shaped by a combination of both our genetic ancestry and the places we live,” said co‑author Professor from The University of Manchester.

91ֱ�� carried out analysis of biological metals alongside the international groups looking at proteins, the immune system, metabolism and microbiomes to generate a massive integrated picture of human variability.

Professor Unwin added: “We were struck by how consistently ethnicity influenced immunity, metabolism and the microbiome, even when people moved thousands of miles away.

“However, it is equally clear that where we live can have substantial impacts on nudging key molecular pathways — even how our cells appear to age — in different directions depending on who you are. It proves that precision medicine must reflect real global diversity, not a single population.”

Michael Snyder, Professor of Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine who led the study said: “Our study is special because for the first time we have deeply profiled people from around the world, including Asia, Europe and North America. This enables us to see what properties such as metabolites and microbes are associated with ethnicity and which ones with geography.

“One interesting finding is the association of age with geography. East Asians that live outside of Asia have a higher biological age than those residing in Asia. For Europeans, those residing outside of Europe are younger.”

• The paper A Comparison of Deep Multiomics Profiles Across Ethnicity, Geography, and Age is available DOI

According to The University of Manchester researchers, medication can be disrupted at the point of release, especially when people are discharged at short notice or outside normal working hours, when services are least able to coordinate care.

The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater 91ֱ�� Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC), is published in the journal Health Expectations today(insert date).

It paints a picture of a system which needs to better coordinate to keep people safe during one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Healthcare staff interviewed by the researchers described delays in transferring medical records between prison and community GPs, confusion over who is responsible for discharge planning, and staffing pressures that can leave little time to prepare people for release.

They also highlighted the lack of integrated IT systems, meaning important information can fail to follow people out of the prison gates, which can lead to missed doses, interrupted treatment, and increased risk of harm.

Lead author Research Associate at The University of Manchester said: “There are clear opportunities to reduce medication-related risks at the point of discharge. Discharge planning interventions developed collaboratively with prisoners and relevant services and which prioritise coordination and informational continuity are needed.”

Co-author , Professor of Health Services and Mental Health at The University of Manchester added: “Medication safety breaks down at one of the most vulnerable points in care—when people leave prison. Our findings show that with better coordination, earlier planning, and improved information sharing, many of these risks are preventable.”

The research team interviewed 12 professionals including GPs, pharmacists, and prison officers, analysing their insights using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety framework (SEIPS) .

SEIPS is a model used in healthcare to understand how different parts of a work system affect patient safety and care outcomes.

They identified five major factors driving unsafe medication transitions: unpredictable release practices, poor communication between services, staffing shortages, outdated or incompatible IT systems, and patient-level challenges such as low health literacy, substance use, and unstable housing.

The study warns the pressures are intensified by the high turnover in prisons, with nearly half of all sentenced admissions in 2023 lasting under 12 months, and by the complex health needs of people in custody, who experience far higher rates of mental illness, chronic conditions, and substance dependence than the general population.

The researchers call for earlier discharge planning beginning at prison entry, electronic prescribing to ensure timely access to medication, better continuity of medical records, dedicated transitional discharge teams, and multi‑disciplinary meetings to coordinate complex cases.

Dr Planner added: “These findings show that safer medication management is achievable but will require coordinated action across prison and community healthcare systems.

“Improving communication, clarifying responsibilities, and strengthening processes could significantly reduce avoidable harm for thousands of people leaving prison each year.”

• The paper Exploring medication safety in transitions from prison to community: a qualitative study is available . DOI  

The author of more than 350 research papers and two major textbooks on oral cancer, he is widely regarded as a global authority in oral oncology, population health, and dental education.

He joins from James Cook University in Australia, where he is Academic Head of Dentistry and Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences.

Professor Thomson is a dual‑qualified UK and Australian specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine.

He trained in 91ֱ�� and Newcastle, earning both dental and medical degrees before completing four surgical fellowships across the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.

His early academic career began at 91ֱ��, where he completed MSc and PhD degrees focused on epithelial biology and cancer research.

He later became Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Newcastle University, a role he held for nearly 20 years.

Professor Thomson has been recognised with major honours, including the Hunterian Professorship in 2009 and the King James IV Professorship in 2011.

He went on to earn a Higher Doctorate (DDSc) from 91ֱ�� in 2014 for his work in oral oncology.

In 2016, he completed an MD at the University of Bath for research into early intervention for potentially malignant disorders.

His international career includes senior academic and leadership roles in Singapore, Queensland, Hong Kong, Central Lancashire, and Griffith University.

He became Head of Dentistry at James Cook University in 2021, where he strengthened clinical training and expanded research partnerships.

Welcoming  the appointment, Professor Tony Heagerty, Head of the School of Medical Sciences at The University of Manchester said: " The appointment of Peter Thomson as  Head of the Division of Dentistry at The University of Manchester marks an exciting new chapter for dental education and research.

“He brings exceptional experience, international leadership, and a deep commitment to improving oral health. His expertise in cancer research and dental education will help us shape the future of our programmes and strengthen our global impact."

Professor Thomson said: “ I’m delighted to be returning to 91ֱ�� and am looking forward to working with colleagues to grow research, enhance clinical training, and support the next generation of dental professionals.”

Organised by , the roundtable was hosted at the University as one of 24 research-intensive universities which have pledged to strengthen the NHS and the public health system under the Russell Group’s Healthier Communities 2030 commitment, through expanding training, widening access to health careers and accelerating innovation.

A vital part of this commitment is engaging stakeholders in each region, to make sure universities are best applying their globally renowned expertise to local needs and experiences.

Attendees included representatives from the NHS and the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA), in addition to academics, local councils, alumni and current students.

They heard from Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Ashley Blom, Vice-President and Dean for the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester, and medical students and graduates of the 91ֱ�� Access Programme (MAP).

The discussion was framed on the themes of pipeline, skills and partnership, and how these can be aligned to create a more resilient and inclusive future health workforce.

The University of Manchester is proud to run the UK’s largest medical school and it is the biggest provider of graduate healthcare professionals to the NHS in the North West. This is underpinned by the University’s deep partnerships across the health and care ecosystem.

MAP, which marks its 20^th anniversary this year, has supported more than 8,500 young people from under-represented backgrounds access higher education.

Under the Healthier Communities 2030 commitment, Russell Group universities are aiming to train 181,000 UK graduates with the skills the country needs to build a healthier future.

The universities have also pledged to harness research expertise to increase support for new life sciences spinouts, with the aim to help them secure around £5 billion in external investment.

For more information on the Healthier Communities initiative, please visit the .

The research partially answers a quandary puzzling scientists for decades on why squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in the mouth, lungs, and skin often look similar under the microscope, but vary dramatically in how aggressively they grow and spread. Squamous cell carcinomas are a type of epithelial cancer.

Co-author from The University of Manchester says the key to the difference lies not in the cancer cells themselves, but in the fibroblasts—supporting cells in the surrounding tissue—that send powerful biochemical signals shaping how the cancer behaves.

The translational study published in Nature Metabolism is funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research.

According to the study, fibroblasts from the mouth and lungs have strikingly different patterns of fat metabolism, producing and transferring different types of fats to nearby cancer cells.

The transferred fats act as molecular cues that push SCC cells to become more invasive through a process known as epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition, a change that allows cancer cells to move more freely and spread.

In oral cancers, fibroblasts supply cancer cells with sphingomyelins, a type of fat that activates the ceramide/S1P/STAT3 pathway, a chain of molecular events known to drive cancer cell migration and invasion.

In lung cancers, fibroblasts instead transfer another type of fat called triglycerides, which stimulate cholesterol production inside the cancer cells and fuel a highly invasive behaviour associated with poorer patient survival.

By contrast, fibroblasts in the skin contain far fewer fats, and as a result, cutaneous SCC tends to be less invasive than its oral or lung counterparts.

Dr Viros said: “These findings highlight that the tumour microenvironment—particularly the fibroblasts and the fats they produce—plays a decisive role in determining how dangerous a particular SCC will become.

“It suggests several promising therapeutic strategies, including blocking fat production in fibroblasts, preventing cancer cells from taking up these fats, or disrupting the pathways that break them down once inside the tumour. It is encouraging that many drugs that already exist approved for lipid disorders, like statins, can potentially be repurposed to prevent aggressive epithelial cancers”.

Co-author Dr Timothy Budden from the University of Liverpool said: “Targeting these fat‑driven interactions could slow or even halt the spread of oral and lung SCC, offering new hope for patients with these aggressive cancers.

“So we think this work opens the door to more personalized cancer treatments based on the biology of the tissue where the tumour arises, rather than treating all SCCs as a single disease.”

• The paper Tissue-specific fibroblast lipid cues impose the rate of epithelial cancer invasion is available DOI:

The partnership will build  an  interdisciplinary team focused on the links between domestic violence, family courts and women’s health in South India.

That, they say,  will generate early frameworks that can inform future reforms, judicial training and survivor‑centred practice, laying the foundation for long‑term community partnerships and multi‑country research.

Domestic violence is widespread in India, with national surveys showing that almost half of Indian women have faced some form of spousal abuse.

The southwestern state  Karnataka alone recorded more than seventeen thousand cases in 2022.

Lead researcher from The University of Manchester said: “Although India handles well over a million family disputes each year, there is still no systematic research on how these legal journeys shape women’s long‑term wellbeing.

“And there is some evidence which shows that court processes can sometimes prolong stress, fear and control.”

The project will initially focus on assessing the feasibility of the study and map how family court procedures actually work for the women who go through the system.

The team will also map key organisations in Karnataka, from women’s police stations to community health workers, to understand where survivors seek help and where systems may be falling short.

“This groundwork matters because India needs its own evidence base to make sure women are supported, not harmed, when they turn to the courts,” added Dr Dalgarno.

The collaboration will provide opportunities for students in 91ֱ�� and Karnataka interested in understanding   the intersection of law, health and gender‑based violence

is Clinical Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology and Head of the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care.

She said: “This  partnership aligns closely with both our universities’ commitments to tackling inequality, strengthening international collaboration and improving outcomes for marginalised communities.

“By focusing on women’s health, domestic violence and legal systems, the project speaks directly to shared priorities around gender equality, prevention of harm and access to safe, trauma‑informed services.”

Professor Arathi Rao from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education said: “Family courts are often a crucial point of contact for women seeking protection from domestic violence. Legal processes, while designed to deliver justice, can also impact women’s health, safety, and well-being.

“By examining these intersections, we aim to inform more responsive, survivor-centred systems that truly protect and support women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

The findings - published in the International - emerge against a backdrop of rising mental health needs.

The researchers analysed Annual Population Survey data from more than 535,000 working‑age adults between 2015 and 2020 to examine whether regional differences in the supply of NHS Talking Therapies were linked to labour force participation.

They found that people reporting long‑term mental health problems were less likely to be in the labour force than otherwise similar adults without such conditions: a participation gap of 36% in the analysis sample.

After adjusting for a wide range of personal and local factors, the researchers found that increasing the volume of supply of talking therapies by one additional appointment offered per referral in the average region, equivalent to about 22% more appointments, was associated with a 0.92‑percentage‑point reduction in the labour force participation gap.

The association was strongest among people aged 45 to 65, those not claiming benefits, and men.

The researchers highlight how decades of evidence show that pharmacological and psychological therapies can reduce symptoms and improve productivity, absenteeism and labour force participation.

The NHS Talking Therapies programme, launched in England 18 years ago, is considered to be the first large‑scale programme of its kind.

It was designed to expand the supply of evidence‑based psychological treatments, reduce stigma, and make it easier for people to seek help.

The service offers assessment appointments, tailored treatment plans and session‑by‑session monitoring.

Although previous studies have shown these sorts of impacts in individual patients, this study examined the impact of differences in therapy provisions across areas.

The authors argue that the supply of therapy services may have indirect effects on economic activity by improving help‑seeking behaviour, reducing stigma, and influencing how GPs manage mental health problems in primary care.

They note that only around one‑fifth of working‑age adults with a mental health diagnosis receive a course of NHS Talking Therapies, suggesting that wider community‑level effects may be important.

Lead author is, a PhD researcher from The University of Manchester.

He  said: “Our findings suggest that improving access to psychological therapies doesn’t just support people’s wellbeing — it may also help close the long‑standing labour market gaps experienced by those with mental health problems.

“As governments look for ways to boost labour force participation, mental health policy should be part of that conversation.

“Policymakers should consider the indirect economic effects of expanding psychological therapy services when designing future mental health strategies.”

• The study was funded by Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) and supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• The paper Availability of psychological therapies and workforce participation of individuals with long-term mental health problems: a retrospective observational study” is available DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-026-00706-z

Fifty researchers from institutions  around the world -  including the University of Manchester - have issued the alert in calling for urgent action to stop fungal infections becoming untreatable.

They say fungi in soil, crops and hospitals are increasingly resistant to the medicines used to control them.

For most healthy people this poses little danger, but for patients with weakened immune systems the infections can be deadly.

Global strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance have focused too heavily on bacteria and viruses while largely overlooking fungi, they argue.

To combat it, they have produced a five‑step plan to improve awareness, surveillance, infection control, responsible drug use and investment in new treatments.

The plan is intended to help shape the World Health Organization’s updated Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance later this year.

Scientists warn that several dangerous fungi are already spreading, including Trichophyton indotineae, which causes severe skin infections that are increasingly hard to treat.

Hospitals are also battling Candida auris, a fungus that can trigger life‑threatening bloodstream infections and kills around a third of those affected.

Another concern is Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mould that has developed resistance to widely used azole drugs in many countries.

Experts say much of this resistance begins not in hospitals but in the environment.

Fungicides used in agriculture are chemically similar to antifungal medicines used in human healthcare, allowing resistant strains to evolve in fields before reaching patients.

This link between environmental, agricultural and medical use — known as One Health — means resistance in crops can undermine treatments for people.

Researchers say coordinated action across science, farming, healthcare and policy is now essential to protect both global food supplies and patient safety.

They point to early initiatives, including the WHO’s fungal priority pathogen list and new One Health working groups, but warn these efforts must be embedded in global antimicrobial resistance policies.

The authors are urging governments and international bodies to prioritise antifungal resistance before more infections become untreatable.

“Farmers use huge amounts of fungicides to protect crops, and some of these chemicals stay in the environment for decades,” said Professor from the University of Manchester.

“There is now clear evidence these chemicals are helping fungi evolve into strains that can no longer be treated in people, plants or animals.”

“If we don’t act, we will see more infections that simply can’t be cured, which puts lives and food supplies at risk,” he added.

Professor Paul Verweij from Radboud University Medical Center in the natherlands, said: “We are already seeing a quiet rise in dangerous fungi, from Candida auris in intensive care units to moulds in the community that no longer respond to standard medicines.

“Unless antifungal resistance is included in the WHO’s 2026 global plan with proper funding and targets we risk repeating the same mistakes made with antibiotic resistance.

“Using the same types of antifungal chemicals in both farming and medicine is speeding up resistance, and what happens in the fields is now affecting what happens in hospital wards,” added  Professor Michaela Lackner of the Medical University of Innsbruck.

• Image: aspergillus fumigatus. Credit Isabelle Storer
• Closing the gap on fungal resistance is published in  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04334-5

The findings, published today in  journal BBA: Molecular Basis of Disease  shed new light on ocular coloboma, a rare congenital eye condition affecting around 1 in 5000 births and responsible for roughly 10% of childhood blindness.

Some of the researchers are also based at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust  and the Greenwood Genetic Centre in the United States.

Coloboma arises when a structure in the developing eye, the optic fissure, fails to close properly and often co‑occurs with other tissue‑fusion problems such as cleft lip and/or palate.

The research focused on YAP1, a protein that helps guide how organs form and how tissues stay healthy.

YAP1 acts like a switch inside cells, helping them decide when to grow, change, or survive based on signals they receive.

Although changes in YAP1 have been linked to coloboma, it has been unclear why some people with these changes develop severe eye defects while others remain unaffected. To address that, they tested the different variants and compared their effects.

To understand the consequences of YAP1’s inactivity during eye development, the researchers studied human retinal organoids - lab-grown miniature versions of the developing human retina grown in the lab. When they reduced the activity of YAP1, they saw effects on how early retinal cells grow and develop.

Disrupting YAP1, they found,  reduced the activity of genes needed for early retinal cells to grow and maintain their identity.

 As a result, the cells developed more slowly, providing a potential explanation for how eye formation goes wrong.

The study also showed that not all YAP1 variants have the same effect. Using computer modelling alongside experimental data, the researchers found that the precise location of each genetic change determines how strongly it disrupts YAP1 function.

This helps explain why coloboma can vary so widely between individuals, even among those carrying changes in the same gene.

Coloboma has been linked to disease causing variants in more than 40 genes, but thanks to the study, YAP1 is now identified as  an important contributor.

“These findings give us a much clearer picture of how small genetic changes can have major effects during eye development,” said the lead author from The University of Manchester.

“By pinpointing how each variant disrupts YAP1’s function, we can better interpret genetic results in patients and move closer to ways of supporting healthy eye formation.

“By combining stem‑cell models with detailed genetic testing, we’re finally beginning to understand how tiny changes in YAP1 can have such a big impact on how the eye forms.

“This work brings us a step closer to explaining why some children develop coloboma.

“Though retinal organoids cannot currently replace the use of animal models, this study shows how they can help us meet our ethical and legal obligations to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research wherever feasible.

“It also offers a new framework for understanding how likely YAP1 mutations are to cause disease in children with unexplained eye conditions.”

• Domain-specific mechanisms of YAP1 variants in ocular coloboma revealed by in-vitro and organoid studies is available DOI:

• Image: retinal organoid

The initiative, called KOKU Bladder, brings together evidence‑based education, pelvic floor muscle training, behaviour change techniques and gamification to support engagement and long‑term adherence.

The programme is designed for people to use independently at home while also complementing face‑to‑face care delivered by healthcare professionals.

Pelvic health plays a vital role in healthy ageing, helping people maintain mobility, dignity, independence and overall quality of life.

Urinary incontinence affects more than 14 million people in the UK and between 55 and 60 million across Europe.

Around one in three adults over 60 experience urinary incontinence, rising to nearly half of those aged 80 and above.

Despite its scale and impact, incontinence remains one of the most under discussed and under treated health conditions, often hidden due to stigma, embarrassment and fragmented services.

Professor  Javier Jerez‑Roig from the University of Vic, Principal Investigator, said: “KOKU Bladder is not just another digital tool; it is a solution shaped directly by the people who will use it and the professionals who support them.”

Professor  Emma Stanmore from The University of Manchester is CEO of KOKU Health, a UK digital health company which originated as a research project at the University of Manchester 

As a university spin-out, KOKU translates academic research into a practical tool designed to reduce falls, improve mobility, and support people to live healthier, more independent lives at home.

She added: “By embedding gamification within a clinically credible framework, we aim to make self‑management both motivating and meaningful.”

Although several digital pelvic health tools already exist, a recent review identified only four evidence‑based solutions that include people over 50, and none have been genuinely co‑designed with end users and professionals.

In 2025, a total of 54 people across Spain, Lithuania and the UK contributed to the co‑design of KOKU Bladder, including 31 potential users, 15 healthcare professionals and eight experts in pelvic health and ageing.

Participants highlighted the need for clinically trustworthy content, adaptive pelvic floor training, meaningful personalisation, multimedia guidance and embedded behaviour change techniques such as goal setting, self‑monitoring and feedback.

KOKU Bladder is now in its pilot phase, with 75 participants testing the platform across English, Spanish and Lithuanian versions.

The next stage of the project will be an experimental study beginning this summer in 91ֱ��, led by The University of Manchester to formally evaluate feasibility, engagement and user experience.

• More information about the project is available at , where you can also register interest via the Contacts section

The study, published in PLOS Mental Health comes as Colombia has taken steps to expand healthcare access to some of the 2.86 million Venezuelans in the country, including offering temporary protection status.

However large numbers of the migrants are ineligible for protection, particularly those with irregular status who can only access emergency services or limited humanitarian programmes while discrimination and administrative barriers persist.

Led by GP Dr John Fitton, the study was adapted from his Master of Public Health dissertation at The University of Manchester. He is now a PhD student at University College London.

Nariño, on the Ecuadorian border, is a major crossing point for Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic collapse, political instability, food insecurity, and breakdown of health and social services.

That and the physical and emotionally exhausting nature of the journey itself contributed to their poor psychological condition.

Dr Fitton also says substance abuse-  particularly  among unaccompanied men in transit -  may be seen as self‑medication for hunger, exhaustion and distress.

The drugs, he says, are cheap, widely available along routes, and may even be more accessible than food when resources are scarce.

The researcher interviewed frontline community workers, who explained how recent cuts in international aid to NGOs working in Colombia have intensified gaps in care.

The community workers reported that mental health services for irregular migrants in Nariño are now almost entirely provided by dwindling numbers of humanitarian and community organisations.

As the organisations start to withdraw through lack of funding, irregular migrants are likely to be left with no mental health support at all.

The community workers described how poverty, unstable housing, lack of transport and the pressures of constant movement make it nearly impossible for migrants to seek ongoing mental health treatment.

And there was, said Dr Fitton, confusion among some healthcare staff about migrants’ legal rights and documents conflicting views on whether discrimination affects access to care.

“Our findings show that community workers are doing everything they can, but the system in Colombia is simply not built to meet the mental health needs of people in constant transit,” said Dr Fitton.

“We show a system under strain with community workers struggling to fill widening gaps in support.

“Caught between hunger, exhaustion and exclusion, some migrants slide into a brutal spiral: substances numb pain but deepen isolation, bar them from shelter, fracture their dignity, and leave a mental health crisis untouched.

“What begins as a will to survive has become a sorry tale of abandonment by systems and services.”

• The paper Barriers to access and unmet needs in mental health care for Venezuelan migrants in a southern border region of Colombia: the experiences of community workers is available . DOI:
• Image: John Fitton at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia in Pasto, Nariño who hosted him.

The new grant funded by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Health Technologies Connectivity Award will assess the benefit and suitability of the software for use within the NHS.

The researchers hope the software, called (In Silico Assessment of pregnancy via Digital Integrated Environments) will help doctors tackle the stubbornly high prevalence of stillbirths. Late-term losses are especially hard to foresee, as clinicians continue to lack an accurate means of assessing a baby's oxygen supply before birth.

Around half of stillbirths are associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition caused by impaired placental function that limits the baby’s growth. Current ultrasound tools detect only around half of FGR cases, and even when identified, there is no treatment. Clinicians must instead make complex decisions about the timing of birth, balancing the risks of premature delivery against the danger of waiting too long.

from The University of Manchester said: “Today’s clinical decision-making relies on indirect indicators such as Doppler ultrasound, fetal movements and heart rate patterns. While umbilical artery Doppler has helped reduce stillbirth risk in premature babies, most stillbirths still occur in pregnancies where Doppler results appear normal. Crucially, no existing clinical test can directly assess fetal oxygenation – the primary driver of stillbirth risk.”

Dr Michele Darrow from the Rosalind Franklin Institute said: “By integrating computational physics-based modelling, imaging science and physiological insights, the software we have developed is able to generate real-time, actionable information.”

The researchers are working with international partners at the University of Auckland to address the gap by rethinking how routinely collected clinical data are interpreted. The Auckland team’s work focuses on integrating physiological understanding with advanced physics-based modelling. This approach underpins the development of SADIE, which uses existing ultrasound technology and clinical data to predict fetal oxygen status in under 30 seconds. 

Dr Darrow added: “While the proof-of-principle results are promising, further work is needed before SADIE can be tested in large‑scale clinical trials. This new funding aims to ensure the models can run reliably in real time and produce predictions that clinicians can rely on.”

Working with clinicians and health system leaders, the team will also assess where SADIE will fit within current NHS care pathways. This step is essential to designing future clinical trials that can demonstrate whether smarter use of ultrasound data can reduce stillbirth while avoiding unnecessary early intervention.

By combining imaging science, computational modelling and clinical insight, this work reflects the researcher’s mission to develop transformative technologies that improve human health.

Published in the journal , the study shows that SAFER‑Dem is highly inclusive and has the potential to provide safer, more coordinated transitions from hospital to community care, which supports the goals of the NHS 10‑Year Health Plan for England.

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Three Schools Dementia Career Development Award and the .

Care bundles are a set of practical, evidence‑based interventions designed to improve the quality and safety of care for patients. The NHS Improvement SAFER patient flow bundle, for example, is a practical tool designed to reduce delays and improve patient safety in adult inpatient wards. The research team had already developed a care bundle called SAFER‑Mental Health (SAFER‑MH), which is an adapted version of the NHS SAFER patient flow bundle tailored to the specific needs of mental health settings.

By applying a co-designing approach, researchers worked with participants to redesign SAFER‑MH into a clearer, simpler, and more dementia‑inclusive version, the SAFER-Dem.  

, Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, who led the study, said: “People with dementia often have difficult experiences when discharged from mental health hospitals. Many feel confused, unheard, or not involved in decisions about their own care. Staff also report challenges, such as lack of time, unclear communication and busy ward environments.

“We worked directly with people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and healthcare professionals to help improve the discharge process from hospital to community for people with dementia. Our study participants took part in workshops and interviews, where they tried out early versions of the SAFER‑Dem materials and gave feedback. Altogether, 29 people participated.”

Participants agreed that current discharge processes are often poor. Common problems included unclear communication, not receiving enough information, difficulty navigating busy environments, and a lack of involvement in planning. Medication information was a particular concern. As a result of the workshops and interviews, key changes were proposed to refine the dementia-inclusive discharge care bundle.

Overall, participants felt that SAFER-Dem could help improve conversations, support shared decision‑making, and make the discharge process feel more person‑centred. However, they noted that people with more severe dementia may need more support or may not always be able to use the materials independently.

Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti from The University of Manchester said: “Our study shows that by improving the quality and consistency of discharge planning, SAFER-Dem has the potential to enhance patient safety, strengthen system resilience, and support more timely discharges where appropriate. It may also help reduce avoidable readmissions by ensuring that patients leave hospital with the right support in place.

“The SAFER-Dem intervention is not just about speeding up discharge, but about improving how discharge is delivered—making it safer, more personalised, and more effective for both patients and the wider health system.”

The researchers concluded that SAFER‑Dem shows real promise for making discharge from mental health inpatient care safer, clearer, and more inclusive for people living with dementia. Further evaluation and testing will help determine how SAFER‑Dem can be scaled across mental health services.

• The paper SAFER-Dem: generating co-designed adaptations to a discharge care planning bundle for people living with dementia, published in the BMJ Open is available . DOI: 

The striking structure located within the leafy Brunswick park area of campus is being modernised to ensure students will have the best experience while studying at 91ֱ��. 

“The Zochonis building is being comprehensively refurbished to become one of the first net zero carbon buildings on campus. The refurbishment delivers modern lecture theatres and teaching rooms, dedicated research facilities for clinical, developmental and experimental psychology, and welcoming student social and study areas, all designed to support learning, collaboration, and wellbeing.”  Dr Nils Muhlert, Head of Division for Psychology, Communication & Human Neurosciences, Academic Lead for Zochonis refurbishment.

Students will enjoy:

• Refreshed teaching spaces and lecture theatres
• A cozy campus hub where you can prepare lunches and relax
• Modern study spaces
• State-of-the-art psychological research spaces, including clinical suites and virtual reality facilities.   

Zero Carbon
The Zochonis refurb project is a big step towards UoM’s carbon reduction ambitions. Matt Ellmore, Senior Project Manager, Estates & Facilities Directorate said:  “We are insulating the roof and facade, servicing all windows, switching to LED lighting throughout, installing solar panels, and replacing the gas boiler system with air-source heat pumps. These measures will result in an 80% annual reduction in emissions, equivalent to 238 tonnes of carbon saved each year.” 

Delivering sustainability
In addition to improving carbon and energy efficiencies, the university is also aiming to enhance students' experience by increasing the quality of cycling facilities, connecting researchers to data from projects, sharing innovations and best practice with our partners and supplying a healthy environment that provides for people and nature.  

During an emotional visit to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 91ֱ�� and the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre, Kimberley met with scientists and researchers and witnessed first-hand how The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, set up at Sarah’s request and supported by the bandmates, is transforming lives.

At the heart of that impact is Annette Illing, a mum of three who had no symptoms, no family history of breast cancer, and no reason to suspect anything was wrong. But after taking part in a groundbreaking study to identify which women are most at risk of developing breast cancer in their 30s and backed by the Appeal, Annette received news that would change everything.

What began as a simple decision — “Why not?” — led to an early diagnosis that may ultimately have saved her life.

Annette’s dad and sister are both GPs, and the opportunity to better understand her breast cancer risk while contributing to vital research felt like a positive step. “I couldn’t really see any negatives,” she recalls. “It would either be ‘I’m fine’ and carry on as I am, or ‘I’m at increased risk’ and might need to make some lifestyle changes.”

At just 39 years old, and with no family history of breast cancer, Annette wasn’t overly concerned about having a genetic risk factor.

After researching the (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women) study and learning it was supported by The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, () Annette decided to take part. The BCAN-RAY study is also funded by Cancer Research UK with support from the Shine Bright Foundation.

It was a decision that proved life-changing as in June 2025, after Annette had been identified as being at increased risk by the BCAN-RAY study, she had her first mammogram and was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

She says: “It was a huge shock as I don’t have a family history of breast cancer. It was scary to hear the word ‘cancer,’ but there was hope. I’d rather know and have choices than not know. It was caught early, meaning it could be removed, and preventive treatment was available.”

Without the BCAN-RAY study, Annette would have waited another decade for her first routine mammogram. “When the mammogram picked up my cancer, it was undetectable by any other means. If I’d waited, it would have grown and changed my prognosis. It could have been a completely different story,” she says.

Dr from The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), leads the BCAN-RAY study and said: “This study was designed to identify women at increased risk of breast cancer. Annette’s experience shows exactly why this is so important. By detecting breast cancers at the very earliest stages, treatment is more straight forward and survival outcomes much better. We can also offer women approaches to prevent breast cancer to stop them developing the disease at all. Early detection may have saved Annette’s life, and we want to offer that same chance to many more women.”

Annette from Withington, 91ֱ��, underwent two surgeries at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, followed by radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and is now on preventive hormone therapy for five years. She will also have annual mammograms for peace of mind. She says: “I feel very hopeful for the future. My cancer has been removed, and I’m in the best possible position to move forward.”

As a mum to three daughters aged 13, 11 and 8 yrs old, Annette is particularly thankful to have been part of the BCAN-RAY study. She says: “I am so grateful for this study and future studies like it, so that I know my daughters will be well looked after by the Breast Cancer Family History Risk and Prevention Clinic when the time comes.”

She adds: “I could not have got through the last six months without the support of my husband Mark, my daughters and my faith. To my family and friends who have picked me up when needed, listened to me and allowed me an outlet to process each step; to my group of ladies who I met during surgery and physio  sessions, who I have shared experiences with and understand what it's like to go through the treatment; to my employer and class team who have been incredibly supportive, I thank each and every one of them.”

Annette now encourages others to take part in studies like BCAN-RAY and to perform regular breast checks. “Many women I’ve met found their cancers by noticing changes. Please check your breasts regularly,” she says.

Dr Dani Skirrow, Science Engagement Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Even in the darkest days of her cancer journey, Sarah Harding was a fearless advocate for research. She bravely faced up to the pain the cancer caused her, undergoing treatment whilst thinking of ways to help other women in a similar position.

“It is a fitting tribute to Sarah that the study supported by her legacy has taken us towards smarter ways to identify women who have a high risk of getting breast cancer when they’re young. We’re getting promising insights into how we could provide tailored support to these women in their thirties, offering them access to early screening and prevention opportunities. Annette’s story illustrates the powerful impact this could have in the future.

“Further research will be needed to refine the tools created as part of this study before they can be rolled out more widely. But the progress made by the BCAN-RAY study moves us closer to a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of breast cancer.”

Research such as the BCAN-RAY study is central to The Christie Charity's commitment to supporting The Christie hospital’s vision of ‘learning from every patient’ and trebling the number of patients participating in research by 2030. Studies have shown that cancer patients treated at research-intensive hospitals have better outcomes than those treated in hospitals with little or no research activity. The Charity has pledged to support and fund this goal with £30m over the next five years to accelerate research and innovation in 91ֱ��, with the ultimate aim of bringing tomorrow’s treatments to patients faster.

• Find out how you can support innovative cancer research at The University of Manchester here: Challenge Accepted
• Picture caption: Kimberley with members of the BCAN-RAY research team

Ava Begley’s parents say they feel “deeply grateful” that the researchers, from 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and The University of Manchester (UoM), have made this discovery, which is one of the most common genetic causes of severe epilepsy.

Delivered through the this groundbreaking work is already transforming the lives for many children and young people around the world, providing long-awaited answers and hope for the future.

Ava’s parents, Daniel Begley and Elizabeth Dowd, from Sydney, Australia, said: “Our first reaction was a mixture of emotion – relief at finally having a diagnosis, but also sadness in understanding the seriousness of the condition and how rare it is. Above all, we felt grateful that Ava’s experience may contribute to greater knowledge and future progress and treatment.”

This new condition, which the researchers have named as “Recessive RNU2-2-related neurodevelopmental disorder”, results in difficult-to-control seizures and severe developmental delays in children, often appearing within their first year of life.

Published in the journal , the research has so far identified 84 individuals living with the new condition, while experts estimate that thousands more remain undiagnosed across the world.

The team estimates that millions of people globally could be ‘carriers’ of the faulty gene behind this disorder.

91ֱ�� lead and first author of the paper Dr Adam Jackson, Academic Clinical Fellow at the 91ֱ�� Centre for Genomic Medicine, part of MFT, and The University of Manchester, explained: “We believe that as many as in 1 in 100 people could unknowingly be carriers of this condition. If both parents are carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance with every pregnancy that their child could be affected. We estimate roughly 1 in 40,000 people may be living with this condition, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders currently known. Our discovery brings hope for many patients and families who have been searching for answers and is already having a positive impact around the world.”

This major advance builds on in which they showed the importance of the RNU genes in brain development and function.

The research team made the new discovery by analysing changes in several hundred RNU genes in data of individuals who took part in the 100,000 Genomes Project, a Genomics England initiative to sequence and study the role genes play in health and disease.

Dr Jackson, who is also an early career researcher in the NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC’s Rare Conditions Theme, explained: “What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that RNU2-2 is extremely small in comparison to other genes. Unlike most other genes, RNU2-2 does not even make a protein. We were astonished to discover how changes in this tiny gene can have such profound effects in so many individuals.”

Children with the condition experience severe early on in life, often in their first year. This means they have seizures – sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain which can cause the body to stiffen, jerk, shake and lose consciousness. These seizures can be difficult to fully control with medication, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapies.

The condition also has a profound impact on brain development, causing delays or inability to achieve key milestones such as walking or talking. Almost all affected individuals have significant learning problems.

Ava’s story

6-year-old Ava has lived with complex neurological symptoms from early childhood and requires full-time care and ongoing medical support.

Ava’s condition includes developmental delay, profound intellectual disability and severe epilepsy with frequent seizures. She would often experience 100 to 200 seizures per day, but these are now more controlled with medication.

Ava is non-verbal and cannot communicate through speech or gestures. She requires full-time support with daily life, including bathing, toileting and feeding. She also experiences major motor and balance difficulties, can only walk short distances and falls frequently. Ava often bites and pulls hair out and screams in frustration.

Collaborating with 91ֱ�� researchers, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Clinical Genetics Team who support Ava and her family, were able to link Ava’s condition to the newly identified recessive RNU2-2-related disorder.

Ava’s dad, Daniel and mum, Elizabeth, said: “Ava is a beautiful little girl with a bright presence. She loves looking through books, music, sensory play, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. Even with the immense challenges she faces, Ava brings extraordinary love and meaning into our lives. She has a deep presence about her that touches everyone who meets her.

“For many years we have been through extensive medical investigations, specialist appointments, and genetic testing, hoping to find an answer that could explain Ava’s condition and guide her care. Like many rare disease families, we have lived with a long period of uncertainty.

“Having a diagnosis is incredibly meaningful. It gives Ava a name and a place in the medical world, rather than being an unanswered mystery. It helps us feel that we are getting closer to the starting point of being able to find a cure/treatment, and provides hope that research and awareness may lead to better understanding and support in the future.

“We believe that rare disease research is vital, not only for families like ours, but for the broader medical community. Ava’s journey has been challenging, but she is deeply loved, and we are committed to advocating for her and for all children living with rare and complex conditions.”

91ֱ�� lead and senior author Consultant Clinical Geneticist at the 91ֱ�� Centre for Genomic Medicine at MFT, Professor of Genomic Medicine and Rare Diseases at UoM and Rare Conditions Theme Co-Lead at the NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC said: “Our work helps expand knowledge of conditions related to RNU genes, an emerging group of diseases which potentially affect around 1 in 10,000 individuals globally. It also shines a light on the regions of the human genome sometimes dismissed as ‘junk DNA’. We now see that so-called ‘dark regions’ are vital for health.”

Prof Banka, who is also Clinical Director of the , a virtual centre based at MFT which aims to improve the lives of people with rare conditions, added: “At MFT, we have established a dedicated RNU clinic to identify and support more patients with these conditions. Looking to the future, this discovery paves the way to help unlock life-changing treatments for the recessive RNU2-2-related neurodevelopmental disorder.”

Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, said: “Discovering the cause for conditions like Ava’s is the first step to personalised treatment and improved lifelong health and quality of life. This breakthrough is a testament to the robust research infrastructure the NIHR has developed over the last 20 years, enabling us to turn world-class genomic science into better care.”

• The paper 'Biallelic variants in RNU2-2 cause a remarkably frequent developmental and epileptic encephalopathy is published in DOI: . 

A team of cancer genomics* scientists from The University of Manchester and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, forensically examined the genetic make-up of tumours in 16 different cancers. Their findings, which have been published in , are the culmination of six years’ of research and could significantly increase the number of cancer patients eligible for targeted and immune-based treatments. 

This landmark study was co-led by Professor David Wedge at the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre and Professor Richard Houlson from The Institute of Cancer Research. It used whole-genome sequencing data from nearly 11,000 NHS patients with cancer, and is part of Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, which is the largest single genomics study for cancer ever to be undertaken worldwide. 

The researchers analysed hundreds of millions of mutations in 11,000 tumours which covered the whole genome of a human being which consists of more than three billion bases and includes around 20,000 genes. From this they were able to identify the most comprehensive map to date of genetics ‘scars’ left behind in cancer DNA. 

In total the team of ‘data detectives’ catalogued 370 million mutations and assigned them to 134 distinct mutational ‘signatures’ which are patterns of DNA damage that act like fingerprints of the processes that caused the cancer. Of these, 26 signatures were not previously included in the database of known signatures used by many scientists. 

The most significant finding was that many more patients may benefit from precision therapies than currently recognised. The study identified large numbers of tumours with evidence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) which is a weakness in DNA repair that makes cancers vulnerable to PARP inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy. HRD was identified in 16% of breast cancer tumours and 14% of ovarian cancer tumours, so based on UK figures, researchers estimated that more than 7,700 breast cancer patients and over 1,000 ovarian cancer patients in the UK could benefit from HRD-targeted therapies which is much greater than are currently identified through standard genetic testing for mutations in genes such as BRCA1/BRCA2 alone. 

This study also supports the growing theory that toxins produced by particular strains of E. coli in the gut could be the potential cause of the rise in early-onset bowel cancer in younger people. The team found this signature occurs more in younger patients than older patients, in contrast with several other signatures that tend to increase with a patient’s age. 

, professor of cancer genomics and data science at The University of Manchester said: “Every cancer develops because DNA is damaged over time. Different causes such as ultraviolet light, tobacco smoke or inherited gene faults leave different patterns in the genome. By reading these patterns we can now understand, in a larger proportion of cancers, what caused the cancer, when key mutations occurred, and which treatments are most likely to work.

“Until now, most testing has focused on mutations of a single base (or ‘letter’) in a cancer’s DNA. By analysing the entire genome and examining more complex mutations that affect multiple bases, I hope our research contributes to better predictions of which treatment might benefit specific patients. This could enable better targeting of treatment to those patients most likely to benefit, given the genetic make-up of their tumours.”

Professor Richard Houlston, head of cancer genomics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “The scale of this study was very large, as we analysed samples from almost every tumour type. The quantity of data was enormous, and although laborious to work through, we have been rewarded with a very exciting outcome. This study provides one of the clearest demonstrations yet that reading the full genetic history of a tumour can unlock clues to better patient care.  The future of cancer treatment lies not just in finding mutations, but in understanding the story they tell.”

Professor , Director of the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre, a partnership formed in 2006 by The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said: “This remarkable and comprehensive study demonstrates how 91ֱ�� is leading the charge in the field of big data genomics. The world-class research coming out of the Wedge lab is pioneering, and will transform our understanding of the human genome and the potential for better cancer treatments for our patients.”

The study is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre. 

* cancer genomics is the study of genetic changes in cancer cells to understand tumour development, progression and to guide personalised treatment.

• The study a Comprehensive repertoire of the chromosomal alteration and mutational signatures across 16 cancer types is published in https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02474-x

The recovery plan launched in January 2023 after one of the most testing years in NHS history with a perfect storm of pressures resulting in overwhelmed A&E departments, and significant numbers of patients waiting over 12-hours for beds.

Using national performance data, the 91ֱ�� team show that initial improvements in the 4-hour and 12-hour waiting time targets and in the category two ambulance response times were achieved in the 12 months after the plan was announced. These initial performance improvements have since plateaued.

said: “A core aim of the recovery plan was to bring people together to coordinate a unified whole system response to tackle urgent and emergency care performance. This has happened – though the complexity of meeting national targets, addressing local challenges and responding to rising demand means that many systems have been running to stand still.”

The recovery plan set out a number of ambitions, including:

• Improve to 76% of patients being admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours by March 2024.

• Improve ambulance response times for Category 2 incidents to 30 minutes on average over 2023/24.

During the period the recovery plan was implemented, the trend of declining performance for 4-hour waits and 12-hour waits was arrested, and performance improved across 4-hour waits, 12-hour waits and Category 2 ambulance response time between February and September 2023.

However, following September 2023, initial rates of improvement were not maintained across the different indicators, and performance plateaued. The findings demonstrate that meaningful improvement towards the set targets takes time to deliver, especially in the context of rising volumes in ED, experienced over this period.

The 91ֱ�� team found that successful and sustainable change depends not only on service developments but also on three broad enablers - improved communication, partnership working, and visible and present leadership - identified via in-depth key informant interviews conducted as part of the evaluation.

said “Our real-time evaluation of the impact of the 2023 recovery has provided crucial insights that have informed current and future winter planning. This demonstrates the value of NIHR’s investment in independent, rapid and responsive evaluation to inform decision-making and future service delivery.”

The report Independent evaluation of the 2023-2025 NHS Delivery Plan for Recovering Urgent and Emergency Care Services, including prioritisation of the high-impact initiatives is available .

It follows a campaign led by a national coalition of partners, including academics from The University of Manchester, and  legal representatives from Garden Court Chambers and Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, who challenged the previous policy framework.

The rules, which affect asylum seekers who have waited 12 months or more for a decision on their initial claim, come into effect on 26 March 2026.

The previous policy restricted asylum seekers to occupations on the Immigration Salary List, excluding most health professions, including doctors and nurses.

One of the leading voices in the campaign was the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education (REACHE), directed by, Dr Aisha Awan, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation.

Displaced clinicians at REACHE receive specialist language, clinical and acculturation training alongside strong pastoral support, enabling them to secure regulatory registration and safely return to practice within the NHS.

The policy change follows legal proceedings which highlighted that highly qualified, NHS-ready clinicians were unable to work in shortage specialties despite clear workforce need.

Dr Awan said: “As we continue to witness increasing displacement of people by conflict and global events, we must ethically address that doctors, nurses and health professionals becoming deskilled is a huge loss to humanity.

“Alongside being economically counterproductive, undermining NHS workforce capacity and negatively impacting mental health and integration.

“At a time of increasingly hostile rhetoric around migration, it’s been important to show the impressively positive impacts of this programme on the NHS and patients.

 “I’m immensely  proud to be part of our University which supports this sort of positive and impactful change. Our success demonstrates how evidence, persistence and coalition-building can influence systems, no matter how big the resistance to change.”

Undergraduate students from the University’s school of Law, Medicine, Computer Sciences and Languages were involved in the Interfaculty Service Learning project, attending the judicial review hearings.

Maria-Ioana Dicu a second year computer science undergraduate, was one of the undergraduates  to observe how research, evidence and advocacy connect within real-world policy debates.

She  said:  “These doctors resilience and desire to help others was incredibly powerful and their fight to practice shows the impact you can have if you step outside your comfort zone, even against all the odds.”

Aaron Drovandi, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education Research at The University of Manchester, who was involved in the data and evaluation for REACHE said: “The team have achieved tremendous impact on international debate and national policy, with the work being  acknowledged by a broad range of stakeholders including the British Medical Association and World Health Organisation.”

Stephanie Harrison KC, Garden Court Chambers, said: “Our clients were highly qualified doctors who wished to provide their skills to NHS patients in need. One of our clients was able to take up a role that had remained unfilled for over a year. This is an important step but the full removal of restrictions still recommended. It is important that policy is guided by reason and compassion, recognising both the contribution individuals can make and the wider needs of society.”

Becky Hart, from Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, said: “We are glad the Secretary of State has agreed to amend her policy to expand the jobs those claiming asylum can work in… to include doctors, nurses, and other skilled occupations.”

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President (Social Responsibility), at The University of Manchester  said: “We are proud to have played a part in this success, which is a powerful illustration of how The University of Manchester values social responsibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“It also reflects our obligation, as a university, to act ethically, contribute positively to society, and prepare students not only academically but also as responsible global citizens. It is a concept that connects education with real-world impact, so that we do not exist in isolation but actively shape a better future.”

Image from left to right:
Front Row: Becky Hart Solicitor Bhatt Murphy; Isaac Ricca-Richardson KC Garden Court Chambers; Aisha Awan Senior Clinical Lecturer UoM, Director of REACHE 
Back row: REACHE Doctors;  Stephanie Harrison KC  Garden Court Chambers; Maeve Keaney - REACHE Founder; Maria-Ioana Dicu - UoM Yr 2 Computer Science Undergraduate, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Dorothy Anand - UoM Yr 2 Law Undergraduate, Faculty of Arts

Announced on Tuesday (24 March), the Russell Group’s 24 leading universities, including The University of Manchester, set out plans to train more than 181,000 students in subjects critical to health and care by 2030 – an increase of more than 15%. This includes doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives delivering frontline care, alongside engineers, social scientists and technology specialists whose expertise is increasingly essential to improving today’s healthcare services.

The University of Manchester already educates around 3,000 medical and dentistry students, and Russell Group universities in the North West collectively train over 17,000 people in the skills we need for a healthier future.  

The commitment will also support the growth of life sciences companies, helping to bring new treatments, technologies and high-skilled jobs to communities across the country.

While expanding training, universities will also work to remove barriers so that more students from disadvantaged backgrounds can access medical and health careers. This includes expanding initiatives, such as targeted gateway courses, summer schools and mentoring that make health and care careers more open to students from all backgrounds.

At The University of Manchester, the commitment builds on a long-standing focus on widening participation and supporting regional skills needs, particularly across Greater 91ֱ�� and the North West.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, who is chairing the Russell Group working group behind the commitment, said: “One thing that distinguishes Russell Group universities – like The University of Manchester – is our unique combination of groundbreaking discovery research and our role in training the health workforce of the future.

“Our commitment is to training 181,000 graduates in health and care-related subjects by 2030, a 15% increase; increasing access for students from all backgrounds to join these vital professions; and supporting the growth of life sciences and innovation to help create high-skilled jobs and attract investment into communities.

“And we’re going to do it in partnership with the NHS and the patients, families, workers, industries and communities we serve. It’s about ensuring that the work of our universities translates into meaningful, real-world impact.

“There is more to do, but this represents an important step forward.”

The University of Manchester recently formed a new partnership with Wigan & Leigh College and the Greater 91ֱ�� Colleges network to place PhD researchers into Further Education classrooms, helping to strengthen teaching in priority subjects such as engineering, digital skills and STEM. The programme helps colleges with specialist expertise, while giving postgraduate researchers valuable teaching experience and building stronger links between further and higher education.

Other recent initiatives include hands-on pharmacy workshops and Healthcare Careers Pathway Days, offering students opportunities to meet professionals, visit campus and gain practical advice on applications.

The University also runs , such as Lancashire Access Medics and the , designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds into medicine.

While delivering on these commitments, Russell Group universities will for the first time convene a nationwide series of community engagement events.

The University of Manchester will host an in-person roundtable event bringing together partners from across the region to explore the future of the healthcare workforce. It will focus on how The University of Manchester can work with the health ecosystem in Greater 91ֱ�� to expand inclusive pathways into health careers and secure a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent for the NHS.