Latest news with #QuadramInstitute
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Institute delighted as Princess Anne becomes patron
The Princess Royal has become the patron of a science institution following her visit meeting students, patients and NHS staff. The Quadram Institute at the Norwich Research Park made the announcement on Thursday. Opened in 2018-19, the institute combines a regional endoscopy centre and training academy, with a clinical research facility and state of the art bioscience laboratories to research gut health, microbiology and food. Prof Daniel Figeys, Quadram Institute director and chief executive officer, said the new patron had been an "inspiring and active champion for science over many years". "We are deeply honoured that the Princess Royal will support our institute with her patronage," he said. In December, Princess Anne toured the research institution where she spoke with more than 60 members of staff and students who were working to address challenges in human health, food and disease. The institute is a partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of East Anglia and the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Lady Dannatt MBE, the lord lieutenant of Norfolk, said the patronage confirmed Norwich and Norfolk's "growing reputation for scientific innovation and excellence on the world stage". Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Princess Anne officially opens £146m town bridge Quadram Institute
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Norwich science institute welcomes Princess Anne as patron
The Princess Royal has become the patron of a science institution following her visit meeting students, patients and NHS Quadram Institute at the Norwich Research Park made the announcement on in 2018-19, the institute combines a regional endoscopy centre and training academy, with a clinical research facility and state of the art bioscience laboratories to research gut health, microbiology and food. Prof Daniel Figeys, Quadram Institute director and chief executive officer, said the new patron had been an "inspiring and active champion for science over many years". "We are deeply honoured that the Princess Royal will support our institute with her patronage," he December, Princess Anne toured the research institution where she spoke with more than 60 members of staff and students who were working to address challenges in human health, food and institute is a partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of East Anglia and the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Dannatt MBE, the lord lieutenant of Norfolk, said the patronage confirmed Norwich and Norfolk's "growing reputation for scientific innovation and excellence on the world stage". Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are you getting enough B12? Nature's Best reveals why 'normal' might not be enough
Low B12 levels linked to cognitive decline and increased dementia risk 'Normal' levels may still be insufficient for optimal cognitive health B12 combined with folic acid can reduce homocysteine levels by 36% LONDON, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent research has highlighted the significant role of vitamin B12 in maintaining neurological health. A collaborative study by the UK's Quadram Institute and the University of California, found that vitamin B12 levels considered 'normal' may still be insufficient to prevent cognitive decline. Results showed that those with lower B12 levels, though still within the standard normal range, exhibited slower cognitive and visual processing speeds. Additionally, these individuals had more white matter lesions on the brain, which are associated with dementia and stroke risk. Further research has revealed that B12, when combined with folic acid, reduced total homocysteine concentrations by 36% and improvements in memory performance. High homocysteine levels are a cause for concern and can contribute to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and blood clots. In addition to supporting homocysteine levels and cognitive function, research has also linked optimal B12 levels to a range of other potential health benefits, including: Lower the risk of developing depression by 51% in older adults Increase testosterone concentrations in men with infertility Support the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes Alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue in individuals with fibromyalgia Reduce the risk of macular degeneration Pauline Peh, Brand Lead from leading UK supplement brand Nature's Best, said, "Vitamin B12 is an incredibly important nutrient that supports more than our brain and nerve health. "We are learning that even B12 levels that are within the 'normal' range, might still not be sufficient enough for optimal cognitive function, particularly in older adults or individuals following plant-based diets." "If you're struggling to meet the recommended 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day, there are some simple ways to increase your intake, like consuming more meat, fish, and fortified cereals, or considering a high-quality B12 supplement." "These compelling findings reinforce that B12 isn't just important; it's essential for maintaining cognitive, nerve, and overall health." View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Everyday household appliance could be an incubator for bacteria – here's how to prevent it
It is something that you almost certainly use every single day. But this common household appliance could become an 'incubator' for dangerous pathogens. Scientists have warned that this everyday item could be home to 1.8 million bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. And they say that homeowners failing to use it correctly could be making the situation much worse. According to Professor Judith Evans, of London South Bank University, and Oleskii Omelchenko, a PhD researcher at the Quadram Institute, your fridge could be a breeding ground for disease. Although it is meant to keep your food fresh and safe, fridges can help bacteria grow if the temperature isn't right. However, the experts warn that even a 'well-chilled' fridge could harbour invisible dangers if you don't take the right precautions. So, here's what you can do to stop your fridge from becoming a hotspot for bacteria. Professor Evans told MailOnline: 'A lot of fridges are not operating at the correct temperature. Fridge temperatures are often high enough to enable bacteria to grow. 'Generally, the higher the temperature, the higher the level of growth.' According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the UK's food safety watchdog, a fridge needs to be at least 5°C (41°F) or colder to prevent bacteria from developing. However, studies have shown that the average UK fridge temperature is just above this safe limit at 5.3°C (41.54°F). That might not seem like a big difference, but it becomes a problem because of how often fridge temperatures fluctuate. Some fridges spend as much as half their time above the safe limit, and studies have even found fridges running at temperatures as high as 15°C (59°F). At these temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly on your food and quickly reach levels which could cause food poisoning. Writing in The Conversation, Professor Evans and Mr Omelchenko say: 'Part of the problem is that many fridges lack an accurate, accessible way to monitor their internal temperature. How to keep your fridge safe Keep raw foods – like meat and fish that need cooking – separate from ready-to-eat items such as fruits or sandwiches. Store raw meat and fish on the bottom shelf of the fridge. That way, if any juices leak, they won't drip onto other foods. Consume ready-to-eat products within four hours of removing them from the fridge. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before, during and after meal preparation. Source: 'On top of that, every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. The longer the door stays open, especially if you're lingering while choosing a snack, the more the internal temperature climbs toward room temperature, creating a more suitable environment for bacteria to thrive.' To prevent the temperature from changing too much, Professor Evans and Mr Omelchenko suggest making a few simple changes. By limiting how often you open the door or using a rotating organiser to help find items quickly, you can prevent warm air from entering the fridge. Likewise, checking the fridge's seals every few months and ensuring they are clean will help to prevent leaks. Remembering that the temperature in your fridge isn't even can also help keep unwanted bacteria from developing. The scientists write: 'The coldest spot is usually at the back, while the warmest is on the door. That means items like milk or raw meat are best stored near the back - not in the door. The door is fine for butter or fizzy drinks.' Keeping the fridge about 75 per cent full rather than cramming everything in will also help cold air circulate and avoid any warm spots. However, the scientists warn that even ensuring your fridge is perfectly cold might not be enough to ensure bacteria don't develop. Studies have shown that fridges can contain pathogens that have been brought in by food or packaging that may have been contaminated. Professor Evans says that the biggest risks come from 'raw and cooked meats, ready prepared salads, food beyond its 'eat-by' date, and poor handling and cross contamination.' Likewise, although cold temperatures prevent most bacteria from growing, others, such as Listeria monocytogenes, can multiply in low temperatures. Listeria can trigger symptoms ranging from mild flu-like conditions to severe complications like meningitis or sepsis. This species of bacteria is particularly dangerous to pregnant people and older adults and can be found in soft cheeses, cured or smoked fish, sushi, deli meats, and pre-packaged fruits. Additionally, the trusty 'sniff test' for those leftovers won't be enough to ensure you're not eating anything dangerous, since Listeria and Salmonella don't always produce any odour. The FSA suggests that any foods left at room temperature must be thrown away if they have been left out for more than two hours, or more than one hour if the temperature is over 32°C (90°F). However, putting food in the fridge only slows the growth of bacteria rather than stopping it entirely, so the government watchdog advises that leftovers must be eaten within 48 hours.
South China Morning Post
12-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Why a healthy gut microbiome could protect against dementia, and what you should eat
This is the 62nd instalment in a series on dementia , including the research into its causes and treatment, advice for carers, and stories of hope. Advertisement What you eat affects your brain. Food affects cardiovascular health, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. All of these can influence brain health since the gut is connected to the brain via the gut-brain axis For some time, it has been accepted that gut health may affect mental health, but increasingly doctors believe it could play a significant role in brain health, too. Millions of microbes – bacteria, fungi, viruses – live in our gastrointestinal tract, forming our gut microbiome , which plays a key role in many facets of health – including immunity. Advertisement An out-of-balance microbiome can lead to a variety of diseases. Professor Simon Carding, who leads the Food, Microbiome and Health Research Programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience in Norfolk in the UK, says that understanding more about the link between our gut and our brains could help prevent diseases like dementia.
