Researchers discover cell communication mechanism that drives cancer adaptation
28 July 2020
Collaborative Cancer Research UK-funded studies from University of Oxford researchers have uncovered a new mechanism by which cancer cells adapt to the stresses they encounter as they grow and respond to therapies. This mechanism involves cells releasing small vesicles, known as exosomes.
New study enables identification of people at particular risk of rare, but serious, muscle-related side effect of statin therapy
24 July 2020
Statins are prescribed to millions of people worldwide to reduce their risks of suffering heart attacks and strokes. Researchers at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, in collaboration with other researchers, have published new findings that identify a combination of factors that put some patients at higher risk of myopathy, which is a rare side-effect of statin therapy characterised by muscle pain or weakness in combination with high blood levels of creatine kinase, a marker of muscle damage.
New Programme Helps Frontline Healthcare Workers at Risk from PTSD and Depression
24 July 2020
Researchers from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford have developed a new mental health treatment programme to provide frontline healthcare workers with 1-to-1 support, including fast-track access to PTSD or depression treatment. This evidence-based programme, called SHAPE Recovery, builds on an outreach programme shown to reduce rates of PTSD and depression.
Why we can’t tell if warmer weather slows down the spread of coronavirus
23 July 2020
Many people believe that warm weather protects us from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. The concept of "catching a cold" in summer is counter-intuitive. Yet what does the data say about the effect of the weather on the spread of the coronavirus?
Running, cycling and singing against COVID-19
23 July 2020
People around the country are doing some incredible things to support Oxford’s time-critical coronavirus research, from running multiple marathons to embarking on epic cycle rides, and even releasing music.
Antibiotics disrupt development of the 'social brain' in mice
23 July 2020
Antibiotic treatment in early life seems to impede brain signalling pathways that function in social behaviour and pain regulation in mice, a new study by Dr Katerina Johnson and Dr Philip Burnet has found. It was published today in BMC Neuroscience.
New digital classification method using AI developed for colorectal cancer
21 July 2020
A new study from S:CORT demonstrates an easy, cheap way to determine colorectal cancer molecular subtype using AI deep-learning digital pathology technology.
New evidence against one proposed mechanism of hypoxia in COVID-19
21 July 2020
DPAG is among the departments receiving funding from the University's research respond fund to undertake COVID-19 research. As part of this effort, the Swietach lab has been studying oxygen transport in the blood of COVID-19 patients.
New treatment reduces COVID-19 patients needing intensive care
21 July 2020
The preliminary results of a clinical trial supported by NIHR Oxford BRC researchers have suggested that a new treatment for COVID-19 dramatically reduces the number of patients needing intensive care.
Oxford immunologist on coronavirus vaccine: our early results look highly promising
21 July 2020
A vaccine against COVID-19 is urgently needed if we’re to stop the virus spreading and prevent potentially millions of further deaths. We’re now one step closer to that goal.
New study reveals Oxford coronavirus vaccine produces strong immune response
20 July 2020
A team of scientists at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group has taken the next step towards the discovery of a safe, effective and accessible vaccine against coronavirus.
Oxford study suggests notable decline in coronavirus cases and R rate on Isle of Wight after launch of the test and trace programme
16 July 2020
Coronavirus COVID-19 General Research
A team of epidemiologists, mathematical modellers and economists at Oxford University has released an independent analysis of the trends in the number of coronavirus infections (incidence) on the Isle of Wight, UK before and during the first phase of the test and trace programme (TT), including the first version of the NHS contact tracing app. Results of the study, which has not yet been subject to formal peer review, can be explored on EpiNow interactive tool.
Agile start-ups partner with academics to find COVID-19 solutions
16 July 2020
Coronavirus COVID-19 General Innovation Research
Three companies at Oxford’s BioEscalator are developing new detection methods and have discovered potential therapeutics in the fight against COVID-19.
Plug COVID-19 research gaps in detection, prevention and care
16 July 2020
Coronavirus COVID-19 General Research
The global research community asks for the right research in the right places for COVID-19. The Global Health Network, the African Academy of Sciences and UK Collaborative on Development Research release a report in Nature that calls for the use of research evidence on the optimal implementation of public health interventions for COVID-19 in varied global settings.
Most national dietary guidelines are not compatible with global environmental and health targets, and are in need of reform
16 July 2020
Adopting more stringent guidelines in the UK could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and reduce diet-related deaths by more than 100,000 a year
New Oxford Sparks podcast launched: How do you measure pain?
15 July 2020
In this episode of the Big Questions podcast, Dr Andy Segerdahl (Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences) explains his research looking at how the brain and spinal cord process pain.