Tag Archives: public health

Royal College of Physicians Urges National Action as Maternal Obesity Reaches One in Four Pregnancies

(IN BRIEF) The Royal College of Physicians has issued a major warning that maternal obesity now affects one in four pregnancies in the UK and represents an urgent public health crisis, outlining in a new RCP View the significant risks … Read the full press release

Study Finds Long-Term Brain Health Risks From Growing Up With Solid Fuel Smoke

(IN BRIEF) A new University of Helsinki study shows that exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels during childhood may have lasting effects on cognitive health, with impairments becoming evident decades later. Using data from over 7,000 adults, the … Read the full press release

Global Analysis Led by University of Liverpool Highlights Power of Exercise in Pregnancy

(IN BRIEF) University of Liverpool researchers have led the largest global analysis to date showing that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Drawing on data from more than 100 trials and nearly 36,000 women, … Read the full press release

University of Southampton trial finds promising results for next-generation whooping cough vaccine aimed at preventing colonisation

(IN BRIEF) A new University of Southampton–led human challenge trial has shown that BPZE1, a nasal spray vaccine for whooping cough, can prevent the bacteria from colonising the nose and throat — a first for any whooping cough vaccine. Conducted … Read the full press release

University of Liverpool-led BMJ review confirms no clear link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD

(IN BRIEF) A major review led by the University of Liverpool and published in The BMJ finds no reliable evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism or ADHD in children. Evaluating nine systematic reviews comprising 40 studies, researchers determined … Read the full press release

#ItTakesATeam: EMA and EU Healthcare Partners Strengthen Cooperation to Keep Medicines Available for Patients

(IN BRIEF) The European Medicines Agency (EMA), together with leading European healthcare professional and consumer organisations, has launched the #ItTakesATeam campaign to raise awareness of collective efforts in preventing and managing medicine shortages across the EU. The initiative, co-created with … Read the full press release

Pertussis Rebounds Across Europe as Infant Risk Rises With Falling Immunity and Maternal Vaccine Uptake

Pertussis cases surge: Over 60,000 reported in Europe; infants most at risk. Maternal vaccination expands: Finland, Norway, and UK updated pregnancy vaccine strategies. BioNet advances: Submitted recombinant pertussis vaccine to EMA; secured EU-GMP approval. Nasal vaccine progresses: ILiAD’s BPZE1 granted … Read the full press release

Cancer incidence increasing across age groups as ICR study identifies shared global risk patterns

(IN BRIEF) A new global analysis by The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, has found that cancer incidence is rising in both younger and older adults, disputing the idea that the global increase is limited to those under 50. … Read the full press release

Vilniaus vandenys Secures EIB Loan to Modernize Water and Wastewater Networks Across the Vilnius Region

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a €50 million loan to Vilniaus vandenys, Lithuania’s largest water utility, to upgrade and expand water and wastewater infrastructure in the Vilnius region. The project includes station upgrades, network extensions, and … Read the full press release

GSK Achieves Landmark NMPA Approval for Shingrix as First Shingles Vaccine for Immunosuppressed Patients in China

(IN BRIEF) GSK’s Shingrix vaccine has been approved by China’s NMPA for adults aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, marking the first shingles vaccine available for this group in the country. Affecting about six million people annually … Read the full press release

University of Bristol’s Online Lichen Sclerosus Guide Wins National Award for Empowering Patients and Improving Communication

(IN BRIEF) The Lichen Sclerosus Guide, co-produced by the University of Bristol, University of Nottingham, and NHS partners, has won the 2025 Picker Experience Network Award for excellence in patient communication. The online guide provides vital information and support for … Read the full press release

EIB and European Commission Support BioNTech’s First mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing Facility in Africa with up to €95 Million in Financing

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank and European Commission are jointly supporting BioNTech’s mRNA manufacturing facility in Kigali, Rwanda, with up to €95 million in blended financing. The project aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to produce vaccines locally for diseases … Read the full press release

University of Bristol Research Shows Menu Reshuffles Can Steer Diners Toward Healthier, Lower-Carbon Choices

(IN BRIEF) A University of Bristol-led study, published in Nature Food, has shown that reorganising the order of meals on a weekly set menu can cut diners’ carbon footprint by around one-third and reduce saturated fat intake, without altering recipes … Read the full press release

EMA Recommends Approval of Pfizer-BioNTech’s LP.8.1 COVID-19 Vaccine for Broad Use in EU

(IN BRIEF) Pfizer and BioNTech have received a positive recommendation from the EMA’s CHMP for their LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY® LP.8.1, for individuals aged six months and older. This updated vaccine offers improved immune protection against prevalent SARS-CoV-2 subvariants, … Read the full press release

University of Liverpool Leads £1.46 Million UKRI-Funded Study to Tackle Food Inequality in Social Housing

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has been awarded £1.46 million by UKRI to lead SCHOUSE, a collaboration with the University of Cambridge and local partners. The project will explore why social-housing residents in Liverpool have poorer diets—examining income, employment, … Read the full press release

University of Southampton and Cambridge Warn That Responsible AI Is Crucial for Better UK Public Services

(IN BRIEF) A joint report from the University of Southampton and the University of Cambridge, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, explores artificial intelligence’s growing impact on UK public services. While AI-driven tools—such as council chatbots, GP booking systems, and hospital … Read the full press release

Sanofi Begins Early Global Distribution of Beyfortus to Strengthen RSV Protection for 2025–2026 Season

(IN BRIEF) Sanofi has launched early global shipments of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) in anticipation of the 2025–2026 RSV season, enabling healthcare providers to begin immunizations well before the typical onset of infections in November. In collaboration with AstraZeneca, Sanofi has significantly … Read the full press release

EIB Grants €150 Million Loan to Acqua Novara.VCO for Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Piedmont

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted €150 million to Acqua Novara.VCO to help fund a €300 million investment plan for the modernization of water and wastewater services in the Italian provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The project, … Read the full press release

University of Glasgow Appoints Professor Emma Thomson as Permanent Director of CVR, Leading Advancements in Virus Research

(IN BRIEF) The University of Glasgow has appointed Professor Emma Thomson as the new Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), after she served as Interim Director from February. An expert in emerging infectious diseases, Professor … Read the full press release

Study Reveals Link Between Teenage Obesity in Fathers and Increased Health Risks in Future Generations

(IN BRIEF) A study from the University of Southampton and the University of Bergen reveals that boys who become overweight during their early teens may inadvertently affect the health of their future children. The research found epigenetic changes in genes … Read the full press release