Voice changes, that can be recorded and measured with a mobile phone app, can signal a flare up in symptoms for people with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to a study published in ERJ Open Research [1]. A flare up of asthma or COPD, known as an exacerbation, means symptoms such as […]
2026
New research helps understand how a long, healthy lifespan may be passed down across generations
Gothenburg, Sweden: Understanding why some people stay healthy without developing disease until late in life (have an increased healthspan*), whereas others become infirm at a much younger age has important implications for the health of today’s ageing population. Life expectancy has significantly increased in the last two centuries, but healthspan has not kept pace. Survival […]
Large-scale European study shows that prevention in patients with inherited cancer risks produces substantial cost benefits
Gothenburg, Sweden: Screening people with the rare, inherited cancer-causing condition Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) brings both medical and economic benefits to patients and healthcare systems, according to research presented to the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics. The study, the first of its kind to look at these benefits Europe-wide, makes a convincing […]
Creating mini-brains from stem cells reveals a new, promising treatment for a devastating childhood disease
Gothenburg, Sweden: Variants in the DHDDS gene cause a severe neurodegenerative condition, characterised by tremors, seizures, coordination and learning difficulties, usually manifesting in early childhood. This Parkinson’s-like condition is extremely rare, and until recently, parents were told that there was nothing that could be done to slow down its progression. But now, researchers from The […]
Integrating genetic origin data with tumour analyses enables better prediction of survival
Gothenburg, Sweden: New research to be presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics shows that a cancer patient’s genetic ancestry can have a significant effect both on how their disease progresses and their survival. In the largest study of its kind, researchers examined nearly 1,900 specific genetic changes in tumours […]
Adding genetic data to steroid prescribing can help predict side effects
Gothenburg, Sweden: Oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are widely used and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. They work by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and calming the immune system. However, over one in ten patients develop side effects, particularly if they use steroids over a long period. Until […]
New non-invasive prenatal testing technique gives results comparable to invasive methods, with advantages in both safety and cost
Gothenburg, Sweden: While non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has revolutionised prenatal diagnostics by allowing the detection of a number of genetic problems in a foetus, it is currently limited and thus misses many genetic causes of abnormalities. But a new technique, presented to the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics, introduces a technology […]
Weight loss treatments linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people without diabetes
A study of more than 229,000 obese adults without diabetes in the United States has shown that weight loss drugs are associated with a decreased risk of obesity-related cancers. The research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (brand names: Mounjaro and Zepbound), were associated with […]
Experts call for women’s heart centres to tackle inequality in diagnosis & care
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Women are more likely to have undiagnosed and untreated cardiovascular disease. Dedicated women’s heart centres are needed to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. Sophia Antipolis, France – 26 May 2026. Women are more likely to face delays in diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and, as a […]
Common food preservatives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease
The study of 112,395 people includes detailed analysis of diet and food ingredients. Researchers found eight preservative food additives linked to high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. The highest risks were in people who ate the most preservatives. Sophia Antipolis, France – 21 May 2026. Eating foods that contain common preservative food additives may increase […]