New audit system maps how mental-health risks emerge in AI chatbot conversations
7 August 2026
Scientists have developed a framework for stress-testing how AI chatbots respond to vulnerable users, helping researchers identify weaknesses and test ways of making mental-health interactions safer.
Expert Comment: Climate-friendly food procurement and advertising: what are local authorities in England doing?
6 August 2026
Professor Mike Rayner (Nuffield Department of Population Health), Dr Jessica Renzella (Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences) and Dr Hannah Forde (Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences) argue that local authorities could play a significant role in steering UK diets to become healthier and more sustainable.
Oxford researchers uncover how Parkinson's disease protein damages brain cells
5 August 2026
A new study reveals a key mechanism by which the protein alpha-synuclein, the hallmark of Parkinson's disease, damages neurons (brain cells) by blocking a vital cellular gateway. The results of the study, published in Nature Communications, help to explain how the disease begins and highlights a potential new target for treatment.
Combination of tobacco control policies needed to further reduce smoking deaths
4 August 2026
Studies have shown that long‑term quitters who haven’t smoked for 10 years or more get back almost all of the lost life. Saving more lives needs combined measures.
The Global Health Network joins the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
4 August 2026
The Global Health Network, a WHO Collaborating Centre with more than one million members worldwide, has joined the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, strengthening the department's work to advance global primary health care.
New study highlights importance of heart disease treatments targeting both cholesterol and inflammation
29 July 2026
The study identifies 12 proteins that could lead to new heart disease treatments targeting both cholesterol and inflammation.
Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research celebrates ten years of progress
28 July 2026
Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research marks ten years of pioneering research, with the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health now leading the next phase of its work to improve miscarriage care and prevention.
Trial exploring effects of drug on liver in psoriasis patients recruits first UK patient
28 July 2026
The first patient in the UK has been recruited to a clinical trial investigating how a new drug affects liver inflammation and scarring in people with psoriatic disease using a new non-invasive MRI scanning technique.
First volunteer vaccinated in the world's first Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine trial
24 July 2026
The University of Oxford’s Oxford Vaccine Group has today successfully vaccinated the first volunteer in the world’s first clinical trial of a vaccine designed to protect against Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV).
AI could help identify patients at risk of psychosis more quickly
23 July 2026
AI has been shown to be effective in identifying and analysing symptoms from psychiatric interviews, which could help speed up assessments and access to care for those who need it most, according to a new study.
MORU’s contribution to ASEAN health highlighted during The Princess Royal’s Thailand visit
22 July 2026
The visit highlighted MORU’s longstanding contribution to health across Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, and the value of collaboration between Mahidol University and Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine.
Global study finds many countries are overusing powerful antibiotics while millions lack access to the medicines they need
22 July 2026
Countries around the world are prescribing too many broad-spectrum antibiotics while millions of people still cannot access the medicines they need to treat serious infections, according to a new study led by researchers from City St George's, University of London and the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.
Blood pressure-lowering benefits emerge early and do not build up over time
21 July 2026
An analysis of data from more than 358,000 participants has found that the cardiovascular benefits of blood pressure-lowering treatment are established within months of starting therapy and do not progressively increase with longer treatment.
A third of adolescents have seen self-harm content online, despite most not looking for it – new Oxford study
21 July 2026
One in three young people have seen self-harm content online in the course of the previous month, despite the majority not actively seeking it out, according to a major new study from the University of Oxford.
Can children shape their parents’ lives? Study suggests family influence flows both ways
21 July 2026
Children’s characteristics may influence family dynamics over time, challenging the traditional view that influence flows primarily from parents to children, according to a new study.
Oxford-led newborn screening pilot expanded to include all babies in England
20 July 2026
Every newborn baby in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), following the expansion of a pioneering University of Oxford-led pilot that introduced the country’s first routine test for the condition.
Salsa classes shown to reduce depressive symptoms in young adults
15 July 2026
A new trial led by the University of Oxford suggests it may offer a promising, accessible addition to youth wellbeing support.
Infections linked to higher risk of brain and mental health conditions for up to two years
15 July 2026
A large study of more than 1 million matched patient pairs has found that serious infections across the body are followed by increased risks of psychiatric and neurological diagnoses, especially in adults.
Study shows AI can be safely deployed in NHS prostate cancer diagnosis
15 July 2026
Findings from the landmark Articulate Pro study have now been published, marking a major milestone for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in NHS histopathology laboratories and demonstrating its potential to improve and standardise prostate cancer diagnosis.
World’s first Phase I Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine trial launched by Oxford Vaccine Group
13 July 2026
The University of Oxford’s Oxford Vaccine Group has launched the world’s first Phase I clinical trial, BD-Ebov, of a vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda.