Research News

Genetic mutation in African malaria parasite shown to give resistance to best drugs

Scientists have identified genetic mutations in the deadliest malaria parasite in Africa that are giving it resistance to one of the most powerful anti-malarial drugs.

Scientists find evidence of a biological trigger for high blood pressure

Scientists have identified what could be a biological tipping point in the development of high blood pressure, in a discovery that could one day lead to new treatment.

Women with preeclampsia in first 37 weeks of pregnancy are at higher risk of heart problems in later life

Women with preeclampsia in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy are at greater risk of developing heart problems in the years after giving birth than those who develop the condition in the final weeks, according to new research.

Researchers uncover new clues about how cancer cells communicate and grow

Researchers have shown that the communication signals sent around the body by cancer cells, which are essential for the cancer to grow, may contain pieces of RNA. The study also found early indications that these genetic instructions can be intercepted and modified by chemotherapy to help prevent cancer cells growing.

Scientists discover new gene that increases the risk of stroke

A genetic variant that increases the risk of a common type of stroke has been identified by scientists in a study published online in Nature Genetics

Children dropped off by car at the school gates lead less active lives overall

Children whose parents drive them to school lead less active lifestyles overall than those who walk, cycle or take public transport, according to new research.

New gene discovery provides clue to brain, eye and lymphatic development

Researchers have found a new gene that, when mutated, can lead to lymphoedema (swollen limbs) as part of a rare disorder that can also cause problems with eye and brain development.

Benefits of aspirin more modest than previously believed

People without a history of cardiovascular disease (such as heart attack or stroke) are unlikely to benefit from a regular dose of aspirin, given the associated risk of internal bleeding. This is the finding of the largest study to date into the effects of aspirin in people without established cardiovascular conditions.

Shorter malaria treatment proven as effective in treating seriously ill children as standard course

A shorter anti-malaria treatment is as effective in treating seriously ill children as the standard regimen, according to new research.

Penicillin doses for children should be reviewed, say experts

A team of scientists and clinicians, led by researchers at King’s College London and St George’s, University of London, are calling for a review of penicillin dosing guidelines for children, that have remained unchanged for nearly 50 years.

Ultraviolet rays believed to prevent chickenpox spreading

Ultraviolet rays help prevent the spread of chickenpox, meaning people in milder climates are more at risk of catching the disease, according to new research.

MRC awards SGUL team 2.6million for trial of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis drugs

A group of St George’s researchers has been awarded £2.6million by the Medical Research Council (MRC) to conduct a trial of two new drug treatments for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

Reasons why women request caesarean sections need to be explored more by clinicians

Clinicians need to explore the reasons behind why women request a caesarean section rather than counsel women about the risks says a new review published today (17 October) in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (TOG).

Gene mutation shown to cause leukaemia and lymphoedema

Researchers have discovered a gene that when mutated can cause lymphoedema (swollen limbs due to a failure of the lymph system), immune abnormalities, deafness and leukaemia.

New score can tell doctors how long cancer patients have left to live

A new scoring system can more reliably predict whether patients with advanced cancer are likely to survive for “days”, “weeks” or “months” finds a study published today.

Researchers find early evidence that TB jab could help fight cancer

Scientists have found a potential new mechanism to stimulate the body’s own ability to fight cancer using Baculillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) – the germ commonly used to inoculate against tuberculosis (TB).

First approval for production of an anti-HIV antibody in plants

UK regulators have approved Europe’s first clinical trial of an antibody produced from genetically modified (GM) plants. This landmark decision sets the stage for the testing in humans of an anti-HIV product made from modified tobacco plants.

New discovery throws light on blood pressure regulation

Researchers have discovered that a protein found in the walls of blood vessels plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure; a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people with high blood pressure.

Study confirming statin-diabetes link finds NICE-recommended drug is not best for patients on high doses

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but this risk is outweighed by the protection they offer against coronary events such as heart attack and stroke, confirms a new large-scale study. The same study also showed that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)-recommended statin does not protect against coronary events as effectively as an alternative statin amongst patients taking high doses.

Multi-million euro project launched to prevent and treat heart disorder

A major €12 million, St George’s-led project has been launched to improve the care of patients in Europe with the heart condition atrial fibrillation.