Press releases archive
New gene identified for familial motor neuron disease
Families suffering from a history of motor neuron disease have helped an international scientific team locate a new gene linked to the incurable disease. (Press release: 21 September 2011)
Museum visitors learn how the body functions
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) visitors had the chance to 'Meet a Physiologist' as part of science engagement events (News item: 19 September 2011)
Feeling blue, or yellow or green? Test your mood in the colourful Great Manchester Health Experiment!
14 September 2011: an open experiment to all residents of the City of Manchester (News item: 8 September 2011)
Bacteria shed light on new drug targets for inherited cancers
A purified protein found in bacteria could reveal new drug targets for inherited breast and ovarian cancers as well as other cancers linked to DNA repair faults (Press release: 8 September 2011)
11 million working days lost from stomach upset
Nearly 17 million people suffer from stomach upsets in the UK every year, leading to around 11 million lost working days Food Standards Agency research finds (Press release: 6 September 2011)
Manchester to host new £5m arthritis research unit
Patients across the North West and beyond are set to benefit from a new national research unit which will investigate the treatment of arthritis and other diseases affecting the joints and muscles (Press release: 25 August 2011)
Research reveals genetic link to human intelligence
University of Manchester scientists, working with colleagues in Edinburgh and Australia, have provided the first direct biological evidence for a genetic contribution to people’s intelligence (Press release: 9 August 2011)
Skin experts talk sun safety with Boots' Sunshine Sam
Scientists and the mascot of high street chemist Boots will be sharing tips on how to keep safe in the sun at two public events (Press release: 5 August 2011)
Study finds new method for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Measurements of brain activity could be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory problems (Press release: 2 August 2011)
Medical School lecturer wins top teaching honour
Dr Isobel Braidman has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (Press release: 28 July 2011)
Suicide and homicide rates in mental health patients revealed
Suicide rates among people with mental illness in England and Wales have fallen over the last decade, latest figures show. (Press release: 19 July 2011)
New Head appointed at Manchester Medical School
Professor Tony Freemont appointed as the new Head of Undergraduate Medical Education for Manchester Medical School (News: 11 July 2011)
Study aims to speed up osteoporosis diagnosis
Funding awarded from a leading medical research charity to develop a more effective way of routinely detecting osteoporosis in the spine (Press release: 11 July 2011)
Suicide prevention project scoops top award
STORM project gains 'Outstanding Social Impact' recognition at the Higher Education Social Entrepreneurship Champions of Change Recognition Awards (Press release: 8 July 2011)
Alcohol blamed for high suicide rates in Northern Ireland
Alcohol and drugs are fuelling homicide and suicide rates in Northern Ireland, with alcohol appearing to be key to the higher suicide rates than the rest of the UK (Press release: 29 June 2011)
Genetic-screening trial could reduce drug side-effects
Patients with a range of common inflammatory diseases are at greater risk of suffering side-effects from the widely-used drug azathioprine (Press release: 24 June 2011)
3-D movie shows what happens in the brain as it loses consciousness
Researchers have for the first time been able to watch what happens to the brain as it loses consciousness (Press release: 11 June 2011)
Public Lecture: Global and Public Health
By leading expert Lawrence O Gostin, Professor of Global Health Law at the Georgetown University Law Centre, 'Meeting Basic Survival Needs of the World’s Least Healthy People: Toward a Framework Convention on Global Health.' (Press release: 1 June 2011)
Collaboration boost for Manchester
The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). (Press release: 23 May 2011)
Computer game helps eye specialists treat disease in children
Eye consultant creates special test to check the vision of children to flag up problems caused by glaucoma, drug side-effects, brain tumours and other conditions (Press release: 19 May 2011)
Centre for inflammation research created
The University, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and AstraZeneca to establish a world-leading translational centre for inflammatory diseases (Press release: 12 May 2011)
Drug-resistance fears for deadly fungal disease
Deadly human fungal infections caused by strains of Aspergillus fungi appear to be developing resistance to drug treatments (Press release: 5 May 2011)
HIV drug could prevent cervical cancer
HIV antiviral drug, lopinavir, also attacks human papilloma virus (HPV) infections which can cause cervical cancer (Press release: 3 May 2011)
Psoriasis study will target stress and state of mind
New study to investigate if reducing stress levels through psychological therapy has a positive impact on the severity of the disease Psoriasis (Press release: 20 April 2011)
Mood swings of bipolar patients can be predicted, study shows
The future mood swings of people with bipolar disorder can be predicted by their current thoughts and behaviour, a study published today has found. (Press release: 19 April 2011)
Test identifies cancer patients to benefit from diabetes drug
A new test has been developed which identifies breast cancer patients that will benefit from 10p-a-day drug (Press release: 15 April 2011)
New state-of-the-art cancer research building announced
The Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) announces a new building for research to develop and improve cancer treatment (Press release: 31 March 2011)
Mobile phone use not related to increased brain cancer risk
Radio frequency exposure from mobile phone use does not appear to increase the risk of developing brain tumours (Press release: 17 February 2011)
Chance of dying early is 20 per cent higher in North England
The chances of dying early (under 75) are a fifth higher in the north of England than the south, since 1965. (Press release: 16 February 2011)
North West is largest centre for social science PhD training
Formation of North West Doctoral Training Centre leads to multiple postgraduate funding opportunities including Psychology, Social Work, and Health and Wellbeing (Press release: 10 February 2011)
Blood-clotting agent can diagnose fatal genetic diseases, finds study
Researchers show that heparan cofactor II/Thrombin (HCII/T) complex can be used as a biomarker for mucopolysaccharide (MPS) diseases (Press release: 03 February 2011)
Suicide and homicide research contract won by Manchester Centre
The Centre for Suicide Prevention has won a major research contract worth approximately £1.5m (Press release: 20 January 2011)
Stem cell research and ethics in the spotlight at public event
Foreign stem cell clinics must be regulated according to a University of Manchester academic (Press release: 19 January 2011)
Manchester nuclear hormone research approach is a UK first
Manchester institutes join forces with GlaxoSmithKline to tackle chronic inflammatory disease (Press release: 14 January 2011)
University appoints new Vice-President and Dean for the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
Professor Ian Jacobs will take up his post on 28 March 2011 (6 January 2011)
New psoriasis study will tackle physical and psychological needs of patients
A five-year programme with a grant of £2m aiming to improve the care of people with psoriasis has been launched (Press release: 5 January 2011)
Professor appointed Chief Scientist of Cancer Research UK
Professor Nic Jones has been appointed as the next Chief Scientist of Cancer Research UK (Press release: 17 December 2010)
Cancer patients five times more likely to develop listeria
Researchers have shown that cancer patients have an increased risk of developing listeria than other patients (Press release: 15 December 2010)
Food-security idea wins Manchester bioscientists double honours
A team of early career bioscientists have earned top place in a national competition with ideas for food security (Press release: 14 December 2010)
Scientists identify how virus triggers cervical and mouth cancer
Scientists have discovered a new way in which the human papilloma virus triggers cancer (Press release: 14 December 2010)
Manchester scientist leads successful drug trial for childhood leukaemia
According to research a new cancer treatment increases survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Press release: 4 December 2010)
Soya beans could hold clue to treating fatal childhood disease
A naturally occurring chemical found in soy could be an effective treatment for a genetic disease (Press release: 2 December 2010)
Premature babies to benefit from breathing-support trial
North West trial of alternatives to ventilators could reduce the risk of lung problems for around 7000 babies a year (Press release: 1 December 2010)
Newspaper lists its top doctors
Newspaper's list of Britain's top doctors includes two clinical academics from the University of Manchester (15 November 2010)
Mental health book scoops award
'Primary Care Mental Health' has bagged first prize in Primary Health Care category of BMA Medical Book Awards 2010 (2 November 2010)
Student's art strikes a 'cord' with Placenta Clinic staff
Researchers in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre played host to local students (29 October 2010)
Research team wins £1.2m grant for ‘cell control’ study
Scientists awarded Wellcome Trust grant of £1.24m for five year study on how genes respond to hormonal changes and inflammation (Press release: 26 October 2010)
Manchester geneticist leads €5.4m immune disorders research programme
Specialist in genetic medicine leads multi-national team investigating genetics of immune system disorders (Press release: 26 October 2010)
New software brings facial-recognition technology to mobile phones
Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed software for mobile phones that can track your facial features in real-time (Press release: 26 October 2010)
Ageing and frailty expert to give public lecture in Manchester
Ken Rockwood to give public talk on the health care challenges and opportunities of an ageing population (Press release: 28 September 2010)
Living wills of suicide patients pose dangers, says expert
Professor argues that health workers should be cautious about adhering to advance directives in suicide cases (Press release: 23 September 2010)
New social intervention to help Pakistani women with depression
Trial ten week programme helped women feel more positive and improved satisfaction and social functioning (Press release: 22 September 2010)
Young Black women at increased risk of self-harm, study shows
Young Black women are significantly more likely to self-harm than people from other ethnic groups (Press release: 1 September 2010)
Hospitals provide inadequate medical care in 40% of overdose deaths
New study finds sub-standard care in over a third of cases where patients died (Press release: 5 August 2010)
Emergency care may be failing to spot suicidal patients
Study suggests many suicidal patients use emergency services in the year before their death (Press release: 27 July 2010)
Scientists to test new eczema cream
Skin experts test new eczema cream after oral trials of the drug reduced patients’ symptoms (Press release: 27 July 2010)
Disease genes that followed the Silk Road identified
Scientists identify key genes responsible for a disease that has spread along old silk trading routes (Press release: 20 July 2010)
£1.8million study launched to improve knee-osteoarthritis symptoms
Researchers at Manchester and Salford to carry out clinical trials in 300 patients with knee-osteoarthritis (Press release: 8 July 2010)
Charity appoints new teenage-cancer professor
John Radford appointed Professor of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Medicine by Teenage Cancer Trust (Press release: 7 July 2010)
Homicide and suicide rates among mentally ill on the decline
Report suggests previous rise may have been result of drug misuse (Press release: 7 July 2010)
Charity announces new funding for glaucoma research
Dr Forbes Manson awarded over £150,000 by leading eye-research charity to examine genetic causes of glaucoma (Press release: 25 June 2010)
Researchers unzip symptoms of the 'male menopause'
Scientists identify symptoms of the condition caused by reduction of testosterone production (Press release, 17 June 2010)
Rare genetic variations of DNA implicated in autism
New study suggests losses and duplications of DNA are likely to play a role in autism spectrum disorders (Press release, 10 June 2010)
Meditation reduces the emotional impact of pain
New study finds people who meditate regularly find pain less unpleasant as brains anticipate the pain less (Press release, 2 June 2010)
First 'Health and Criminal Justice Tsar' announced
Professor Louis Appleby will be the first National Clinical Director for Health and Criminal Justice (Press release, 1 April 2010)
Skin expert to make marathon effort
Chris Griffiths is hoping to raise £80,000 for the British Skin Foundation in the Virgin London Marathon on April 25 (29 March 2010)
Professor receives lifetime award in genetics
Dian Donnai is the 2010 recipient of the March of Dimes/Colonel Harland Sanders Award for lifetime achievement (26 March 2010)
Sight charity looks to Manchester
Fight for Sight awards £500,000 for research into retinal care services (22 March 2010)
Cancer charity launches £5m appeal for pioneering research
Breakthrough Breast Cancer has launched a £5 million appeal for its pioneering Research Unit (Press release, 8 March 2010)
Clinical research facility to hold Open Day
The Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility is holding an Open Day on Friday, 12 March (3 March 2010)
Speakers to debate challenges for Haiti
Influential speakers are to explore what the future holds for Haiti (Press release, 25 February 2010)
New funding for Parkinson's research
Innovation grant awarded to Shaheen Hamdy to investigate why people with Parkinson's disease have trouble swallowing (Press release, 15 February 2010)
Suicides by mental health patients preventable, says report
Preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year (Press release, 3 February 2010)
Ethnicity and past pregnancies determine breastfeeding rates
Published study found ethnicity and number of previous births can predict length of time a woman breastfeeds her child (Press release, 28 January 2010)
Manchester researcher appointed new ‘Dementia Tsar’
Professor Alistair Burns takes up new National Clinical Director for Dementia post (Press release, 25 January 2010)
£500,000 awarded to eye disease research project
Fight for Sight charity funds research programme to develop services for patients with inherited retinal diseases (21 January 2010)
Top kidney expert appointed as paediatrics professor
Professor Adrian Woolf has been appointed to the Chair of Paediatric Science (21 January 2010)
Lupus research in Manchester under the spotlight
Professor Ian Bruce helps promote lupus awareness (20 January 2010)
Scientists put psoriasis drugs to the test
Results of two clinical trials should help inform physicians treating the condition (Press release: 14 January 2010)
Triple grant success for medical researchers
Grants awarded for research into pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and motor neurone disease (Press release: 26 November 2009)
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) opens for business
MAHSC formally launched (Press release: 20 November 2009)
Respiratory research wins conference prize
Dr Khaled Al-shair has been awarded the European Respiratory Society Young Scientist prize (13 November 2009)
HPV vaccine makes girls more cautious about sex
Nearly 80% of girls say that having the HPV vaccine makes them think twice about the risks of having sex (Press release: 27 October 2009)
Celebrity supports non-animal cancer research
Former Pet Rescue host, Wendy Turner Webster will learn about findings that could lead to a new approach to treating early-stage cancers (Press release: 27 October 2009)
Exonerated death row prisoner shares his experiences
John Thompson, whose murder conviction was quashed after seven stays of execution, visited The University of Manchester today (Press release: 13 October)
Father Ted star launches memories campaign for Alzheimer's research
Pauline McLynn will kick-start new Memories Matter campaign on World Alzheimer's Day (Press release: 21 September 2009)
Skin-disease patients show brain immunity to faces of disgust
New research has found that people with psoriasis are less likely to react to looks of disgust by others (Press release: 27 August 2009)
Unlocking the body’s defences against cancer
Scientists have discovered a way to allow healthy cells to stop cancerous cells developing into tumours (Press release, 25 August 2009)
Women take extreme diet to help scientists study breast cancer risk
Ten women took a 900 calorie-a-day diet to help scientists discover a link between weight and breast cancer risk. (Press release, 5 August 2009)
Homicide by mentally ill has risen in England and Wales
The number of people killed by individuals suffering from mental illness in England and Wales increased between 1997 and 2005, figures released today show. (Press release: 29 July 2009)
Government must triple dementia research funding or pay price, warn scientists
University of Manchester scientist joins leading dementia researchers in call to end "years of under-funding" (Press release: 21 July 2009)
New way to kill cancer found using body’s immune system
Breakthrough that could eventually lead to new treatments for a range of different cancers. (Press Release: 21 July 2009)
Drug resistance fears over killer fungal disease
Treatments for common airborne fungal disease are proving less effective due to increased resistance (Press Release: 16 July 2009)
Budding young artists rise to the ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge
Young artists from Sale Grammar School will be finding out which of them have won the first ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge today (Press release: 13 July 2009)
National teaching award for medic
Dr Ged Byrne is one of 50 lecturers and support staff from across the UK to have been awarded a prestigious Individual National Teaching Fellowships (Press release, 25 June 2009)
Scientists discover link in childhood brain disease research
University of Manchester scientists have discovered a new link between a rare childhood disorder and a common immune system disease. (Press release: 16 June 2009)
Blind patients in Manchester join global trial of 'bionic eye'
Manchester eye specialists have implanted an artificial retina or 'bionic eye' in two patients who became blind due to advanced retinitis pigmentosa (Press release: 15 June 2009)
Manchester researcher in hormone research breakthrough
Researchers at the Universities of Manchester and Birmingham have solved a genetic problem that causes the accumulation of male hormones in women (Press release: 15 June 2009)
Honours even for two Manchester academics
Two University of Manchester academics recieved OBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. (13 June 2009)
University honours top nurse with building opening
The University of Manchester officially opens the new Jean McFarlane Building (Press release: 2 June 2009)
Promising results for drug to stop scarring
A drug designed to reduce scarring after surgery or injury has shown promising results in early human trials. (June 2009)
£39m Research centre honours Manchester Nobel Laureate
The University has officially opened the AV Hill Building, an award-winning £39M research centre (June 2009)
Vitamin D may lessen age-related cognitive decline
New research suggests eating fish may really be good for the old grey matter, as is a healthy dose of sunshine. (Press release, 21 May 2009)
Couples to rely on male contraceptive for new trial
Couples are being asked to replace their usual form of birth control with a new male contraceptive in a study to test its effectiveness. (Press release: 20 May 2009)
Research team to examine GP performance indicators
Researchers at The University of Manchester have been awarded £1.2 million to extend a pilot scheme looking at the performance of GP practices across England. (Press release: 19 May 2009)
Boost for breast cancer as Professor funds research in his wife’s memory
A landmark £1million donation from the Muriel Edith Rickman Trust has funded a new Chair and lab dedicated to breast cancer research (Press release: 11 May 2009)
Protein ‘magnet’ uncovers clue to cancer cell spread
The destruction of a protein ‘magnet’ could lead to cancer cells breaking away from a tumour and spreading around the body (May 2009)
Professor's pledge boost for lymphoma research
Research at the School of Cancer and Imaging Sciences has been boosted following a generous gift from a former professor (May 2009)
PhD Studentships awarded
The Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI) recently announced its two latest PhD studentships (May 2009)
Anti-ageing cosmetic reduced wrinkles in clinical trial
Scientists testing a cosmetic anti-ageing product sold on the high street have shown it can clinically reduce wrinkles. (Press release: 28 April 2009)
£9.5million investment in Manchester’s Biomedical Research Centre
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has today agreed further funding and support for Manchester’s pioneering Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) (Press release: 24 April 2009)
Manchester scientists to lead stillbirth research projects
Scientists in Manchester have embarked on two important research programmes to help discover why 17 babies each day in the UK are stillborn or die early in life (Press release: 24 April 2009)
BRC wins £½ million award to help make pregnancy safer
Manchester’s National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) is celebrating a £540,000 research award from the Wellcome Trust (Press release: 24 April 2009)
Service of thanksgiving for body donors
On Wednesday, April 29, the University of Manchester is to hold its second annual service of thanksgiving for people who have donated their bodies for medical research in the past year. (24 April 2009)
Low birth weight linked to heart disease and diabetes
Lower weight at birth may increase inflammatory processes – leading causes of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes – in adulthood. (Press release: 2 April 2009)
Fireflies and jellyfish illuminate cause of infertility
Luminescent and fluorescent genes from fireflies and jellyfish shed light on possible causes of infertility and autoimmune diseases in humans (Press release: 27 March 2009)
Experts turn to web to combat distressing skin disease
People experiencing the skin disease psoriasis may get relief from their symptoms and the psychological distress they can cause through a new web-based therapy programme. (Press release: 23 March 2009)
Medical School to host first communication conference
The University of Manchester Medical School Communication team is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the first ever national conference of the UK Council of Communication Teaching in Undergraduate Medical Education. (16 March 2009)
Manchester is recognised as a national leader in healthcare and research
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) has achieved official national status, bringing huge benefits to local patients (Press release: 9 March 2009)
Young ex-servicemen at increased risk of suicide
Young men who have served in the British Armed Forces are up to three times more likely to take their own lives than their civilian counterparts, research published tomorrow (March 3) has found. (Press release: 2 March 2009)
Student to face marathon desert challenge
Medical student competes in six marathons over six days in the Moroccan desert (Press release: 11 February 2009)
Fish oils to boost skin health
Pioneering study launched to discover whether fatty acids in oily fish could improve skin immunity, so reducing the risk of skin cancer (Press release: 20 January 2009)
Fungal pill could provide asthma relief for 150,000 UK sufferers
Up to 150,000 people suffering from severe asthma in the UK could benefit from taking antifungal medication already available from pharmacists (Press release: 29 December 2008)
Manchester's Primary Care Research Group comes 2nd(*) in the country for research
RAE results showed 80% of their research was classified in the two top international categories (Press release: 18 December 2008)
Cancer research in Manchester ranked top in the UK
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirms Manchester conducts world-leading cancer research (Press release: 18 December 2008)
Manchester smashes the “Golden Triangle” for research
The University of Manchester has smashed the “Golden Triangle” of research universities traditionally dominated by Oxford, Cambridge and London, according to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (Press release: 18 December 2008)
Statin warning for pregnant women
Pregnant women or those hoping to start or extend a family should avoid using the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins, say scientists. (Press release: 9 December 2008)
New evidence shows drug treatment cuts crime
Groundbreaking research demonstrates that drug users in treatment commit fewer crimes to feed their habit. (Press release: 17 November 2008)
New research finds way to restore colour to white hair following illness
Scientists have discovered a way to potentially restore colour to white hair, new research in the British Journal of Dermatology reveals this month. (Press release: 13 November 2008)
Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths
Women with a history of serious mental illness are much more likely to have babies that are stillborn or die within the first month of life, new research reveals. (Press release: 10 November 2008)
Experts to host diabetes day for the public
Leading experts in diabetes research are holding an open day for people affected by the condition to learn more about the disease and discover what is being done to find a cure. (Press release: 23 October 2008)
UK teen suicide rates on the decline
Suicide rates in those aged 10-19 in the UK declined by 28% in the seven year period from 1997-2003, shows a study published today in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. (Press release: 23 October 2008)
Scientist awarded prestigious scientific fellowship
University of Manchester scientist Dr Gillian Farnie has become the second Breast Cancer Campaign scientific fellow in Manchester, receiving a grant worth almost £460,000. (Press release: 22 October 2008)
Washout summers putting health of British Asians at risk
Researchers are to launch a study to discover how much sunlight British Asians need after two washout summers have led to a resurgence of rickets. (Press release: 14 October 2008)
Computers could revolutionise breast screening
Computer technology could transform the way screening for breast cancer is performed, thanks to research by The University of Manchester. (Press release: 1 October 2008)
£2 million study to reveal workings of dementia genes
Study to provide clearer understanding of the genetic causes underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (Press release: 23 September 2008)
Teen cancer survival rates on the rise
The first national report detailing survival for teenagers and young adults with cancer shows that survival rates climbed by about 11% over two decades (Press release: 19 August 2008)
Researching the power of the placebo effect in arthritis patients
Three-year study aims to find out if placebos work by releasing natural painkillers in the body (Press release: 7 August 2008)
Study reveals cost of stabbings to NHS
Research by the Trauma Audit Research Network reveal injuries from gun and knife crime cost the NHS over £3million a year (Press release: 1 August 2008)
Funding boost in fight against leukaemia
Researchers awarded £1.6 million to study genes involved in leukaemia (Press release: 3 July 2008)
Pioneer of medical education honoured with national award
GP Val Wass – Professor of Community Based Medical Education at The University of Manchester – has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. (Press release: 26 June 2008)
Professor collects his Royal honour
Professors Bill Shaw and Philip Dyer were recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List (25 June 2008)
Manchester clears first hurdle in €170 million biobank building boom
Pan-European research infrastructure will manage biological samples across continent (Press release: 19 June 2008)
Drink and drugs fuel Scottish suicide and homicide rates
Scots twice as likely as English to take their own life, study reveals (Press release: 16 June 2008)
Manchester scientists showcase work to local MP
MP Tony Lloyd visited The University of Manchester today (Friday, 13 June) to check on the progress of two of the 11 research projects in Manchester funded by Breast Cancer Campaign. (Press release: 13 June 2008)
Studies reveal extent of delays in diagnosing teenagers with cancer
Call for raised awareness among professionals to recognise worrying signs and respond quicker (Press release: 9 June 2008)
Male painters exposed to fertility-damaging chemicals
New research suggests decorators are more likely to have poor semen quality (Press release: 23 May 2008)
Skin elasticity could provide clues to better health
Help the Aged funds study to unlock secrets of body ageing (Press release: 22 May 2008)
Diabetes researcher's double delight
Professor Andrew Boulton receives two prestigious awards (May 2008)
Endocrinology studentships awarded
Society for Endocrinology studentships awarded to investigators in the Endocrine Science Research Group (May 2008)
Two top docs rewarded for contribution to healthcare
Professors Philip Baker and Ashley Woodcock have been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (May 2008)
Scaling the heights in the lab...and outdoors
Six young scientists who are helping to identify the genes behind rheumatoid arthritis are about to scale Yorkshire’s Three Peaks to raise money for their funding body the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). (April 2008)
A Nobel contribution to peace prize
An expert on respiratory problems in the School of Medicine has helped an international panel of climate change experts win the Nobel Prize for Peace. (January 2008)
Abdominal fat distribution predicts heart disease
Abdominal obesity is a strong independent risk factor for heart disease, and using the waist-hip ratio rather than waist alone is a better predictor of heart disease risk (December 2007)
World’s first major genome screen for osteoarthritis
University of Manchester scientists are part of the world’s first search of the human genome for genetic risk factors for osteoarthritis (October 2007)
Manchester gets first vaccinations against cancer virus
Girls aged 12-13 in Greater Manchester are the first in the UK to be offered immunisation against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – which causes 70% of cervical cancer cases (October 2007)
'Bionic' nerve to bring damaged limbs and organs back to life
Researchers in the School of Medicine have transformed fat tissue stem cells into nerve cells – and now plan to develop an artificial nerve that will bring damaged limbs and organs back to life. (October 2007)
Cancer researchers impress their peers...and potential patients
The School's researchers enjoyed a successful appearance at the National Cancer Research Institute conference in Birmingham recently with their work hitting the headlines. (October 2007)
Exciting new back pain treatment a real possibility
Researchers in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine are hopeful that they can transform the treatment of low back pain, having won a grant from the Arthritis Research Campaign. (September 2007)
Free health 'MOTs' in world's biggest male ageing study
Researchers in the School of Medicine are offering free health ‘MOTs’ to older men from South Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities as part of the world’s biggest study of male ageing. (August 2007)
Manchester research group wins second prestigious US grant
University of Manchester researchers have won a $1.5M National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to investigate how emotional distress can affect wound healing. (July 2007)
Clues to new genes behind rheumatoid arthritis
Researchers at the School of Medicine have identified evidence of several new genes behind the chronic inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects 387,000 people in the UK. (June 2007)
Paterson PhD student wins national best thesis prize
The Pontecorvo prize is awarded every year to the CR-UK-funded student judged to have submitted the best PhD thesis. (June 2007)
Walk to save our skins
Leading dermatologist Professor Chris Griffiths and his team are supporting the organization that supports them – by taking part in this year’s Walk for Skin (May 2007)
Double honour for excellence in medical science
Two School of Medicine academics have been recognised for their contribution to medical science with their election to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. (May 2007)
Exercise on prescription in new clinical trial
Patients from Macclesfield in Cheshire suffering from chronic pain are to be offered free exercise on prescription at their local gyms as part of a major new clinical trial aimed at developing more effective ways of reducing their painful symptoms. (May 2007)
Maggots rid patients of MRSA
University of Manchester researchers are ridding diabetic patients of the superbug MRSA – by treating their foot ulcers with maggots. (May 2007)
Myconostica labs launched
Spin out biotechnology company Myconostica has launched its new laboratory complex, in an opening ceremony presided over by President and Vice Chancellor Professor Alan Gilbert. (April 2007)
Arthritis pain processed in the brain's 'fear zone'
Researchers in the School of Medicine's Division of Medicine and Neurosciences have discovered that arthritis pain is processed in the parts of the brain concerned with emotions and fear. (April 2007)
Older breast cancer patients receive poorer care
Researchers led by the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work have found that older women with breast cancer get a lower level of care than younger women. (April 2007)
First non-drug treatment improves asthma control
A global study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has found that a new procedure called bronchial thermoplasty can improve asthma control. (April 2007)
Swell gel could bring relief to back pain sufferers
Professor Tony Freemont from the Division of Regenerative Medicine and Dr Brian Saunders from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences have developed a ‘microgel’ that swells and stiffens when injected into a damaged area of the spine (March 2007)
Major prize for waxing lyrical
PhD student Joanne Slater in the Division of Medicine and Surgery has won the prestigious Thomas J Walsh award for 'best presentation' at the international Focus on Fungal Infections conference (March 2007)
Health teams show their initiative
Teams from the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences were nominated in two categories at the Department of Health's Health and Social Care Awards in February (March 2007)
Fox goes to Warren
MRC Clinical Research Fellow Dr Richard Warren has become one of a handful of non-US researchers to win the Everett C Fox Prize for best oral scientific presentation (March 2007)
Food safety leadership role
Professor Sarah O'Brien appointed Chair of the national Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food. (March 2007)
Researcher looks west on GP contracts
Dr Ruth McDonald from the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre has been awarded a prestigious Harkness Fellowship by the Commonwealth Fund. (February 2007)
New insights into the genetics behind autism
Researchers from the School of Medicine have played key roles in the international Autism Genome Project (February 2007)
Medicines for Children Research Networks now live
The new national Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) was officially launched at the end of last year by Wigan MP Andy Burnham, Minister for Delivery and Quality within the Department of Health. (February 2007)
Study gives hope to accident victims
Researchers in the School of Medicine’s Division of Regenerative Medicine hope to put an end to the nerve cell death that affects around 50,000 people each year (February 2007)
New Manchester lead for National School of Primary Care Research
Helen Lester has joined the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre as Professor of Primary Care (February 2007)
arc Unit made Centre of Excellence
The arc Epidemiology Unit in the School of Medicine has been made a Centre of Excellence in Rheumatology (February 2007)
Nobel Laureate visit
Nobel Laureate of Medicine Professor Arvid Carlsson visited the Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit in November, to meet its staff and give an informal talk. (January 2007)
Problem drug use declining in previous hot spots
Research led by the National Drug Evidence Centre in the School of Medicine has found that drug misuse seems to have passed its peak in some previous problem areas. (December 2006)
Pain relief effectiveness down to mind-set?
Research by the Human Pain Research Group based at Hope Hospital suggests that people’s responses to placebo or 'dummy' pain relief depends upon their way of thinking. (December 2006)
World authority
Dr Mike Donmall of The National Drug Evidence Centre in the Division of Epidemiology and Health Sciences has authored the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime/European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction's global tool kit (December 2006)
New risk-assessment approach could help protect community
A new study by Drs Mike Doyle and Mairead Dolan of the Division of Psychiatry has outlined new measures to predict whether a person discharged from mental health services is likely to act violently in the community. (December 2006)
Lupus and heart disease link
Dr Sahena Haque of the arc Epidemiology Unit is investigating why women with the inflammatory condition lupus have a five to six-fold higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. (December 2006)
Ground-breaking study on suicide and homicide by people with mental illness
A comprehensive analysis of suicide and homicide by people with mental illness in England and Wales, directed Professor Louis Appleby of the Division of Psychiatry, was published on 4 December. (December 2006)
Reaching new heights
Independent undergraduate group the Manchester Altitude Research Society in the School of Medicine has won the best presentation award at the Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society’s annual conference (December 2006)
Young Biotechnologist of the Year
Dr Stephen Richardson of the Division of Regenerative Medicine was named Northwest Young Biotechnologist of the Year at the NWDA’s annual BioNow awards in mid-November (November 2006)
Frantic brain activity!
Dr Stuart Pickering-Brown of the Division of Regenerative Medicine has won a grant of around £770k over three years from the Medical Research Council (MRC), to carry out follow-on work from his recent ground-breaking paper in Nature. (November 2006)
New anti-psychotic drugs no better than older, cheaper ones
Research led by the Division of Psychiatry has found that schizophrenia patients respond just as well - and perhaps even better - to older psychiatric drugs as newer, costlier alternatives. (November 2006)
Heart support
Professor Mark Boyett of the Cardiac Electrophysiology group in the Division of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Sciences has secured over £1m further funding from the British Heart Foundation. (November 2006)
Small risk of suicidality among adolescents taking antidepressants
A new study led by Dr Bernadka Dubicka of the School of Medicine’s Division of Psychiatry suggests a small but statistically significant increased risk of self-harm or suicidality among young people taking antidepressants. (November 2006)
Fewer suicides among psychiatric in-patients
A comprehensive national investigation into trends in NHS in-patient suicide has been conducted by the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide (November 2006)
Good vibrations for bad backs?
A team in the School of Medicine’s Centre for Rehabilitation Science is carrying out the first study of whether therapeutic ultrasound (TU) can help sciatica. (October 2006)
How much sun do Mancunians need?
Researchers in the School of Medicine’s Division of Medicine and Neurosciences are investigating the potential impact of the region’s cloudy skies on our physical health. (October 2006)
Teenage motherhood: a nutritional risk?
A new study led by Dr Rebecca Jones of the School of Medicine is to look at whether pregnant teenagers’ unborn babies could be competing with their mothers for vital nutrients. (October 2006)
Computer aided detection could help breast cancer screening
A novel approach to reading mammograms with the help of a computer could free up hundreds of medical man-hours. (September 2006)
Healthcare sociology professor wins book prize
Academics from the universities of Manchester and Liverpool/Central Lancashire have won the top prize of BMA Medical Book of the Year 2006. (September 2006)
HIV drug could prevent cervical cancer
Researchers in the School of Medicine’s Division of Human Development and Reproduction are developing a topical treatment for the human papilloma virus. (August 2006)
New dementia gene discovery
New research by an international collaboration of scientists, including researchers from the Divisions of Regenerative Medicine and Medicine and Neurosciences, has identified a second gene mutation causing a common type of dementia. (August 2006)
GPs playing it straight
Research from the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre (NPCRDC) on the first year of the new GP contract suggests that few GPs are ‘cooking the books’ to increase their income. (August 2006)
Early osteoporosis detection hope
People at risk of the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis could benefit from exciting new research in the Division of Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering. (August 2006)
Big kids getting TOO big
The epidemic of obesity in young children has been far worse in the tallest, fastest-growing group, according to research led by Dr Iain Buchan. (August 2006)
Back pain study launched
Researchers in the Centre for Rehabilitation Science within the Division of Epidemiology and Health Sciences are recruiting low back pain sufferers to test the therapeutic effect of a technique called spinal manipulation. (July 2006)
The good news about cancer…
Around half of all cancers could be prevented through changes in lifestyle – 135,000 cases a year in the UK alone. (July 2006)
Young researchers show what they’re made of
The School of Medicine held its first Research Showcase event in July, where young investigators and postgraduate researchers from each Division presented summaries of their work. (July 2006)
Recently released prisoners at high risk of suicide
Professor Jenny Shaw of the School of Medicine's Division of Psychiatry has found that recently released prisoners are at a much greater risk of suicide than the general population. (July 2006)
Manchester wins funding boost for cancer research
The University has been named one of the beneficiaries of an £84m funding pay-out, to boost experimental medicine in the UK and Ireland. (July 2006)
Faculty provides Arthritis Research Campaign’s first medical director
Professor Alan Silman, Director of the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) Epidemiology Unit in the School of Medicine, has been appointed the first medical director of the arc. (July 2006)
Law professor demands better understanding of pathologists’ work
A Professor of Law is to argue that a better understanding of what pathologists do is essential to modern medicine and equally pathologists should respect and understand public opinion. (July 2006)
Manchester leads development of multi-faceted medics
The School of Medicine has been awarded three Clinical Senior Lectureship Awards by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. (July 2006)
Professor receives Bjorn Folkow award
Professor Tony Heagerty of the Division of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Sciences in the School of Medicine has won the European Society of Hypertension’s Bjorn Folkow Award. (June 2006)
UK heart disease prevention threshold “cheapest but least effective”
Professor Paul Durrington of the School of Medicine has led a comparative study of recommendations on the use of cholesterol-lowering statins to prevent cardiovascular disease. (June 2006)
International heart research conference
The European section of the International Society for Heart Research will hold its 26th Annual Scientific Meeting at the University from 14 to 17 June. (June 2006)
Codeine may be no cure for cough
Scientists at the University’s North West Lung Centre have found that codeine - a standard ingredient in cough remedies – could be no more effective than an inactive placebo compound at treating cough. (May 2006)
New director for tissue regeneration centre
A £1.45m grant from the North West Development Agency has allowed the University to establish the UK Centre for Tissue Regeneration (UKCTR), where researchers from across campus are investigating ways of making tissues reproduce themselves. (May 2006)
Blisters, sweat and tears for baby charity
Professor Phil Baker and Drs Justine Nugent, Rebecca Lee Jones, Michael Taggart and Paul Speake from the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre took part in the 10k Great Manchester Run in May, to raise money for the charity, Tommy’s. (May 2006)
Primary care professor moves to Department of Health
Professor Martin Marshall, previously Head of the Division of Primary Care in the School of Medicine, has been appointed Deputy Chief Medical Officer in the Department for Health. (May 2006)
Multi-million pound centre for genetics research launched
The Nowgen Centre, the new multi-million-pound centre for genetics in healthcare and home of the North West Genetics Knowledge Park, was officially opened in April by Dr John Stageman, Vice President for Global Sciences and Information at AstraZeneca. (April 2006)
UK Biobank launched in south Manchester
Around 3,000 south Manchester residents became trailblazers in a visionary medical project during March and April, when they took part in the start-up phase of UK Biobank. (April 2006)
Pubs study supports ‘smoke-free’ Commons vote
A study of 64 North West pubs supports the House of Commons vote to make all workplaces smoke-free. (March 2006)
New research identifies specific teenage and young adult cancers
Professor Jillian Birch of the School of Medicine has analysed new data from more than 16 million cancer cases, and discovered specific cancers most likely to affect teenagers and young adults. (March 2006)
Research team sweeps the board with intensive care innovations
A team that includes researchers from the universities of Manchester and Hull has taken both first and second prizes in a nationwide innovation competition run by Microsoft. (March 2006)
Faster and more accurate smear test trialled
Researchers in the Division of Human Development and Reproduction are testing automated cervical screening systems, that could improve accuracy and speed up waiting times as well as reducing costs. (March 2006)
New foundation year widens access to medicine and dentistry
Bill Rammell MP, the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, officially launched the University’s Foundation Year in Medicine and Dentistry at Xaverian College in Rusholme in March. (March 2006)
Tomorrow's medical researchers to be nurtured in Manchester
The School of Medicine has been granted funding for eleven new Department of Health (DH) Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs), as part of a flagship scheme to train the medical researchers of the future. (March 2006)
Gene therapy shield for cancer treatment
Researchers at the University’s Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, funded by Cancer Research UK, have developed an approach which could shield cancer patients’ healthy stem cells of during radiotherapy - enabling stronger doses to be administered safely. (March 2006)
Sperm banking gives teenage cancer patients hope for the future
A team in the School of Medicine’s Division of Human Development and Reproductive Health has found that boys as young as 13 being treated for cancer could bank sperm samples, so that they might be able to have children in the future. (March 2006)
‘High-efficiency’ vacuums no protection against dust mites
A team at the North West Lung Centre, run by the University and based at Wythenshawe Hospital, has discovered that vacuum cleaners with ‘high-efficiency particulate air’ or HEPA filters are no more effective than standard models at reducing exposure to dust-mites. (February 2006)
Chemical warfare agent detection technology used to treat lung disease
A team of researchers are using a sensor, commonly used to detect explosives at airports, to develop a new way of diagnosing lung disease. (January 2006)
New brain scanner can see brain's electrical operations
Scientists at The University of Manchester are developing a portable brain scanner which is directly sensitive to the brain's electrical operation. (January 2006)
Researcher receives young healthcare scientist award
Postdoctoral researcher Dr Anthony Hobson of the Gastrointestinal Sciences research group based at Hope Hospital has been named Young Healthcare Scientist of the Year, by the Department of Health’s Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Professor Sue Hill. (December 2005)
Researcher named as AstraZeneca Scholar of the Year
Dr Gillian Farnie of the School of Medicine has been awarded the prestigious honour of AstraZeneca Scholar of the Year. (January 2006)
Medical student awarded prestigious University Service Medal
Fourth-year medical student Suzy Stokes has been awarded the second-ever University Service Medal for her kindness to a stranger she met on Kilimanjaro. (December 2005)
Hypnotherapy treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome discovered
Peter Whorwell, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology in the School of Medicine and Director of the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service, has discovered a way to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) using hypnotherapy. (November 2005)
Pillows - a hot bed of fungal spores
Researchers in the North West Lung Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital have discovered millions of fungal spores right under our noses – in our pillows. (November 2005)
WTCRF has recruited final volunteer for cancer trial
The Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF), the dedicated research centre of the University and its partner NHS trusts, has recruited the final volunteer required for its part in a huge nationwide trial of ovarian cancer screening. (November 2005)
Department of Health Fellowship awarded
Dr Mary Lou Harris of the Gastrointestinal Sciences group based at Hope Hospital has been awarded a Fellowship by the Department of Health. (November 2005)
