News
Study reveals unique stress hormone response in newborns undergoing heart surgery
Findings from a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism could pave the way for safer, more tailored post-operative care for newborns with congenital heart defects. The research investigated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis – the body’s primary stress response system. When a patient undergoes…
Inflammation and mental health
In this blog post, originally written for and published by the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Éimear Foley discusses new results from a pilot trial of anti-inflammatory treatment for depression. Think back to the last time you had a cold or flu. Alongside a runny…
Pilot trial suggests anti-inflammatory drug could help difficult-to-treat depression
Immunotherapy could be a promising new treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat depression. This is a key finding from a University of Bristol-led pilot randomised controlled clinical trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry today [20 May]. Researchers investigated, for the first time, whether tocilizumab, an existing anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to…
Weight loss could play role in managing patients with heart failure and obesity
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that the obesity-survival paradox may be misleading. For over 20 years, doctors have been puzzled by an apparent paradox. Patients living with heart failure and overweight (or obesity) often seemed to survive longer…
Volunteers needed to help improve research on periprosthetic femoral fracture
Patients and clinicians are invited to participate in a study to develop a ‘core outcome set’ for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PoPFF). PoPFF is where, after a hip or knee replacement, the thigh bone breaks near the implant. This is a serious complication that causes pain, loss of mobility and independence…
Feasibility trials should watch, listen and adapt—not just measure outcomes, Bristol researchers say
Research from NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol and Southmead Hospital suggests early studies assessing innovative invasive devices should: Embed qualitative observation and stakeholder interviews throughout Involve patients, clinicians, and industry partners from the start Expect to iteratively update key documents and training as evidence emerges Using the ASSIST feasibility study…
NIHR BRC: Bristol theme co-lead to play part in national Respiratory Transformation Partnership
We are very proud to announce that Professor James Dodd, workstream co-lead for our respiratory disease theme and North Bristol NHS Trust Respiratory Consultant, has taken up the role of national clinical lead within the recently launched …
Patients felt well‑informed when undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, Bristol study finds
A study supported by NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol found that clear conversations before surgery were linked with: High confidence among patients about their decision to proceed with surgery Low decisional conflict regarding their choice High confidence that risks had been adequately explained Researchers from the University of…
NIHR BRC: Bristol theme leads awarded Senior Investigator status
Professor Russ Jago and Professor Nick Maskell, who both co-lead National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC): Bristol themes, have been awarded Senior Investigator status by the NIHR in 2026. Now in its 19th year of appointments, NIHR Senior Investigators are among the most prominent and…