Latest news with #UniversityOfNottingham
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Skinny is back in fashion – but it's a trend that could prove deadly to the over-60s
In case you hadn't noticed, skinny is back. Sigh. Both the jeans and the Twiggy physique to slip into them. But while the glossies are full of suggestions on how to style your denim, there's a bit of an information gap when it comes to shedding the midlife pounds without damaging your long-term health. Fail to lose enough and you won't fit into that Hobbs summer dress. Shed too many and you could really be storing up trouble. As we age we lose muscle as well as fat and that places individuals at risk of becoming frail. I thought it was just an adjective, but frailty is actually a medical condition, which is common in older people. Symptoms include reduced muscle strength, fatigue, slower walking pace, lower activity levels, weight loss and increased vulnerability. Research by The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the University of Nottingham has just revealed that frail patients stay an average of three days longer in hospital after an operation than patients who are fit for surgery. Those who are severely frail remain on wards for six days longer. They are also three times more likely to suffer from complications and three times more likely to die in the first year after surgery. No wonder then that experts have called for all surgical patients over the age of 60 to be screened for frailty as standard practice to bolster recovery and slash extended stays in hospital. It sounds like an eminently sensible idea, but it might be better if more emphasis were placed on prevention rather than cure. In the age of the fat jab, a great many older people are reaching for Ozempic and Mounjaro to reduce their appetite and silence the food noise that has plagued them for most of their lives. But it's all too easy to get hooked. Photos of early adopter Sharon Osbourne are enough to put the wind up anyone. The 72-year-old wife of erstwhile hellraiser Ozzy was among the first celebrities to publicly confirm using the diabetes drug Ozempic in December 2022. She lost three stone in four months, but had subsequently admitted it was 'too much'. Her gaunt 'Ozempic face' caused concern among her fans and so she set about gaining a little of her old weight back. But to her consternation, she discovered she couldn't. The pendulum – or its metabolic equivalent – had swung too far. And although she's been off the drug for a while, she remains a shadow of her former self. Then, just last month, Dame Patricia Hewitt, 76, who was health secretary in Tony Blair's government, urged the NHS to tell slim elderly patients to maintain a higher 'buffer weight'. This came after she became severely ill on holiday in Australia, spending six weeks in hospital, during which time her weight plunged 'absolutely catastrophically' to below seven stone. She has since been advised to gain two stone to protect her health in the future. It might sound counter intuitive, but science has identified a 'longevity paradox' in that overweight, older adults are less prone to fragility and actually outlive those who are underweight, especially among women. Supermodel Kate Moss once observed that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. She's 51 and sylph-like as ever. But perhaps any day now she'll conclude that tastes change over time and future-proofing her body is the most delicious treat of all.
Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Brain Tumors Diagnosed in 2 Hours': Groundbreaking Test Speeds Up Detection With Unprecedented Accuracy and Life-Saving Potential
IN A NUTSHELL 🧬 Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a new method using nanopore sequencing to rapidly read tumor DNA. to rapidly read tumor DNA. ⏱️ The innovative approach reduces diagnosis time from weeks to as little as two hours , enabling quicker treatment decisions. , enabling quicker treatment decisions. 💊 Rapid identification of tumor types opens doors to new treatment options and faster access to clinical trials. and faster access to clinical trials. 💡 The method's cost-effectiveness and efficiency could significantly impact healthcare systems, improving patient care and outcomes. In the rapidly advancing field of medical technology, a groundbreaking development is poised to transform the way brain tumors are diagnosed and treated. Scientists at the University of Nottingham have devised a method that significantly reduces the time needed to identify tumor types from weeks to mere hours. This innovative approach could potentially save lives by allowing doctors to tailor treatments more swiftly and accurately. The implications of this advancement extend beyond mere speed, impacting the entire process of cancer treatment and patient care. Revolutionizing Tumor DNA Reading The essence of this innovation lies in nanopore sequencing, a cutting-edge technology that facilitates rapid DNA reading. The process involves passing DNA strands through a device equipped with microscopic holes, or pores. As each strand traverses these pores, the DNA's building blocks are sequenced. The resulting data is then compared against a comprehensive library of known brain tumor types using specialized software. This allows doctors to quickly identify the type of tumor a patient has, often in under two hours. Cost considerations are also taken into account, with each test priced at approximately $500, aligning with existing genetic testing costs. By potentially replacing four to five separate tests with a single comprehensive one, the method not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also reduces overall costs. Initial trials on 30 archived tumor samples, followed by 50 fresh samples, showed a high accuracy rate, with 90% of new samples correctly identified. Significantly, 76% of fresh samples were identified confidently within an hour, underscoring the method's speed and efficiency. 'Mach 6 From a Runway': US Unveils Hypersonic Jet Engine That Could Redefine Military Airpower and Global Strike Speed Unlocking New Treatment Pathways Beyond diagnostics, the rapid identification of tumor types can influence surgical decisions during operations. Surgeons can determine whether a more aggressive approach is warranted or if alternative treatments might be more beneficial. As Professor Matthew Loose, a co-author of the study, pointed out, knowing the exact tumor type during surgery could allow for the immediate application of targeted drugs, opening doors to innovative treatment options. This accelerated diagnostic process also holds promise for clinical trials. By quickly identifying suitable candidates, patients can gain faster access to cutting-edge therapies. The potential to integrate this method into routine clinical practice could revolutionize patient care, providing tailored treatment options much sooner and improving patient outcomes. 'Solid-State Shockwave Hits Battery World': New Tech Supercharges Lithium-Ion Speed by 30% in Unbelievable Energy Leap Implications for Healthcare Systems The introduction of this rapid testing method could have a profound impact on healthcare systems. By reducing the waiting time for genetic test results, the method not only alleviates patient anxiety but also streamlines clinical workflows. The possibility of diagnosing tumor types before a patient even leaves the operating room could optimize treatment plans from the outset. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of this approach could free up resources for other critical areas within healthcare systems. As the method gains traction, it could potentially become a standard practice, benefiting not just individual patients but entire patient populations. The dissemination of this technology could also encourage further research and development in the field of rapid diagnostics. China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever Future Prospects and Ongoing Research While the initial results are promising, ongoing research is essential to refine the technology and expand its applications. Researchers are exploring the potential to apply similar rapid diagnostic methods to other types of cancer, which could further enhance personalized medicine. The ongoing collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers will be crucial in integrating this technology into everyday medical practice. The study, published in the journal Neuro-Oncology, marks a significant milestone in cancer research. As healthcare continues to evolve, innovations like these pave the way for more efficient and effective patient care. The journey from laboratory research to clinical application is complex, but the potential benefits make it a pursuit worth undertaking. This advancement in rapid tumor diagnosis is a testament to the power of technological innovation in healthcare. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, one can't help but wonder: What other groundbreaking developments lie on the horizon, waiting to redefine the future of medicine? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Expert urges calm over mosquito disease found in UK
A virologist has said mosquito-borne diseases are "likely" to increase in range after West Nile virus was detected in the UK for the first time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said fragments of the virus - which can sometimes make people seriously ill - had been found in wetland in Retford, Nottinghamshire. Prof Jonathan Ball, director of the Centre for Global Virus Research at the University of Nottingham said climate change meant tropical viral diseases would become more established further north. This summer, Gamston in Retford will be among a number of locations to undergo mosquito surveillance as part of a national project to understand mosquito activity across Britain. The West Nile virus has two hosts, Prof Ball said, birds and mosquitoes. "Occasionally, that virus can pass on to humans and cause disease," he said. "About two in 10 people who are infected can show signs of disease, which is fever, those kinds of things. "But occasionally, about one in 150 people who become infected can show more severe disease." There have been no human cases of locally-acquired West Nile Virus in the UK to date. Prof Ball said the discovery of West Nile in Nottinghamshire was not something the general public needed to be "too concerned" about. "It is something we need to be aware of - it's likely that these are going to increase in range," he said. "It's just a general trend that lots of these viruses – knows as flaviviruses – these are viruses that circulate in mosquitoes and they're general around the tropics. "But because of global warming they're increasing their range northwards and it does mean there is a risk that we're going to see some of these tropical viral diseases become established further and further north." He added the best way to avoid the virus was to "avoid being bitten" by covering up and using insecticide. The project in Gamston will see the UK Health Security Agency work with Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to increase surveillance on land along the River Idle. Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time UK Health Security Agency
Medscape
22-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
New Genetic Test Could Diagnose Brain Tumours in 2 Hours
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new genetic test that can diagnose brain tumours in as little as 2 hours The test, called ROBIN, uses PromethION nanopore sequencing to deliver rapid methylome classification. The researchers said results could be available intraoperatively, allowing clinicians to make faster, more informed decisions. The same assay can also be used for next-day molecular profiling, including detection of single nucleotide, copy number, and structural variants. DNA methylation-based classification is now essential for diagnosing and managing many brain tumour subtypes. Current diagnostic methods rely on additional microarray-based assays to detect pathognomonic somatic mutations and structural variants. These steps often delay final diagnosis. Delays Cause Distress and Postpone Treatment Due to the high capital costs, current analytic tests are restricted to specialist tertiary care centres with high throughput, requiring samples to be sent across regions. Tests are sent to centralised facilities, meaning that clinicians have to wait six to eight weeks or longer before they receive full results. This delay can cause significant anxiety for patients and postpone the start of treatment. New Test Offers 2-Hour Turnaround In a study published in Neuro-Oncology , the Nottingham team of scientists and medics tested ROBIN's classifier performance on 50 prospective intraoperative cases. ROBIN, a software tool based on the P2 PromethION nanopore sequencers The test achieved a diagnostic turnaround time under 2 hours. Tumour classification began within minutes of sequencing. It was able to detect single nucleotide variants, copy number variants, and structural variants in real time. In many cases, methylation classification and identification were achieved within a few hours of sequencing. In 90% of classifiable cases, the test provided a complete integrated diagnosis within 24 hours. Its classifications matched the final diagnosis in 90% of cases. ROBIN was able to provide a full integrated diagnosis, with a mean turnaround time of 24 hours for the ultra-fast pipeline. Classifier performance demonstrated concordance with the final integrated diagnosis in 90% of prospective cases. Researchers say nanopore sequencing can improve diagnostic turnaround and offer reliable, clinically actionable intraoperative classification. The test also requires minimal tissue, enabling diagnosis from small samples, such as those obtained via stereotactic biopsy. "Revolutionary" Speed and Accuracy Study co-author Dr Simon Paine, consultant neuropathologist at Nottingham University Hospital, noted both the speed and accuracy of the test. "It really is revolutionary," he said in a press release. According to Cancer Research UK, about 12,700 people are diagnosed with brain tumours annually in the UK. More than 5000 die each year Incidence has increased by 24% since the early 2000s. Ten-year survival remains low, at just 11%. The Nottingham team believes that ROBIN could significantly improve care for thousands of UK patients each year. The researchers hope to see the test adopted across NHS trusts. However, they stressed that clinical trials are needed to confirm its utility in routine practice. The BRAIN MATRIX trial, funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, will assess how ROBIN can help match patients to personalised clinical trials. Dr Simon Newman, chief scientific officer at the charity, said in a press release that rapid diagnosis could reduce uncertainty for patients and speed up access to care. 'The potential to combine so many separate tests into one and deliver at a local level is a game changer,' he said.
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Brain tumours diagnosed in 2 hours, down from 2 months, using new DNA-based test
Scientists have developed an 'ultra-fast' test which can slash the time patients have to wait to find out which type of brain tumour they have. Patients usually wait six to eight weeks to find out their type of brain tumour. But the new 'game changer' tool, which assesses the DNA from a sample taken from the tumour, can achieve this in around two hours, experts found. This means patients can start treatment faster, and the test may even help surgical teams while they are operating to remove tumours, they said. Researchers from the UK's University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust assessed the new test on 50 patients. The new brain tumour test is a 'game changer', allowing suitable treatment to start almost immediately. Photo: Shutterstock The research team, which publishing their findings in the medical journal Neuro-Oncology, said the new test was 'in concordance with standard of care' for '90 per cent of cases'.
