Researchers identify over 2,000 genetic signals linked to blood pressure in study of over 1 million people 30 April 2024
The Queen Mary-led study reveals the most detailed picture yet of genetic contributors to blood pressure. The findings lead to improved polygenic risk scores, which will better predict blood pressure and risk for hypertension.
Trust is the most important factor for British South Asians when taking part in genetic research to tailor medications 1 November 2023
A study led by Dr Emma Magavern from the Centre of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine at Queen Mary University of London has gathered detailed insights from the British South Asian community that could lead to more successful implementation of genetic testing to help tailor the use of routine medications.
Unlocking the genetic mysteries of blood pressure: new research identifies potential causal genes and drug targets 8 September 2023
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and Universities of Manchester, Zaragoza and Oxford, have revealed the genetic underpinnings of blood pressure regulation, offering hope for more effective treatments and preventative measures for hypertension.
Cause and cure discovered for common type of high blood pressure 12 June 2023
Clinicians at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Hospital have identified a gene variant that causes a common type of hypertension (high blood pressure) and a way to cure it, new research published in Nature Genetics shows.
Queen Mary researcher receives major funding award 30 March 2023
Philip Eaton, Professor of Cardiovascular Biochemistry at Queen Mary University of London, has been awarded €2.5 million by the European Research Council (ERC) to help tackle cardiovascular disease.
Largest ever genetic study of QRS-T angles may improve risk prediction for cardiovascular disease 14 March 2023
A team of international researchers have performed the largest genetic analyses to date of electrocardiogram (ECG) measures associated with cardiovascular disease.
Study reveals how changes in workplace support and leadership training can improve mental health and reduce burnout in healthcare professionals 28 February 2023
Amongst healthcare professionals, the feeling of being supported in the workplace can protect them against adverse mental health and burnout, according to a new study published in CMAJ Open by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and medical staff at various hospitals across the UK.
Ten-minute scan enables detection and cure of the commonest cause of high blood pressure 16 January 2023
Doctors at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Hospital, and Cambridge University Hospital, have led research using a new type of CT scan to light up tiny nodules in a hormone gland and cure high blood pressure by their removal. The nodules are discovered in one-in-twenty people with high blood pressure.
Large international study uncovers genes involved in heart disease 7 December 2022
Scientists link dozens of new genome sites to coronary artery disease risk and pioneer a powerful method for illuminating the biological roots of common disease.
New drug can successfully treat patients typically resistant to high blood pressure treatment 7 November 2022
A new drug called Baxdrostat has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who may not respond to current treatments for the condition, according to results from a phase II trial led jointly by a Queen Mary University of London researcher and colleagues at CinCor Pharma, USA.
Study of over 5 million people’s DNA reveals genetic links to height 12 October 2022
An international team of researchers, including experts from Queen Mary University of London and the GIANT consortium, have identified over 12,000 genetic variants that influence a person’s height.
Healthcare workers more than three times as likely to have experienced burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic 27 September 2022
Healthcare professionals working during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are up to 3.3-times more likely to be burned out compared to non-healthcare professionals, despite the rates of mental health issues being similar, according to new research led by Queen Mary University of London.
Researchers discover new genetic loci, pathways, therapeutic targets, and relationships with cardiovascular disease based on QT interval anomalies 6 September 2022
In a new study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have performed the largest multi-ancestry genetic analysis to date (>250,000 individuals), for markers derived from the electrocardiogram (ECG) that capture cardiac electrical activity in the heart ventricles.
Could T-wave morphology on a single-lead ECG heartbeat help to identify people at risk of sudden cardiac death? 30 August 2022
A joint collaboration involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London, University College London (UCL) and the University of Oulu has identified T-wave morphological variations (TMV), measured from a single beat single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), as a strong predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in low- and high-risk populations.
Could a short low-intensity stimulation of the ear lower blood pressure? World’s first trial begins recruitment 24 August 2022
Afferent Medical Solutions Ltd in collaboration with researchers from Queen Mary University of London are running a clinical trial to determine if its AffeX device can reduce blood pressure by delivering a low voltage current to the specific region of the ear on a periodic basis.
Unvaccinated individuals with heart problems up to 9 times more likely to die or suffer serious complications from COVID-19 4 May 2022
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have combined evidence from 110 previous Covid-19 studies and found that unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus when they already have high blood pressure, diabetes or major heart damage are up to nine times more likely to suffer serious outcomes - including death, lung failure, admission to intensive care and kidney problems.
Scientists to trial world-first long-acting injection for high blood pressure 27 April 2022
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have been selected by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to create new networks aimed at transforming ageing research in the UK.
Whole genome sequencing robustly detects the most common inherited neurological diseases and is adopted by healthcare 16 February 2022
Scientists have found whole genome sequencing (WGS) can quickly and accurately detect the most common inherited neurological disorders – something previously thought to be impossible – with the results supporting the use of WGS as a standard diagnostic tool within routine clinical practice.
More diversity improves genetic research into cardiovascular disease, according to new study 8 December 2021
A new study, co-led by Queen Mary University of London, has made the case for more diversity in genetic research.
Whole genome sequencing improves diagnosis of rare diseases and shortens diagnostic journeys for patients 11 November 2021
A world-first scientific study, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that whole genome sequencing (WGS) can uncover new diagnoses for people across the broadest range of rare diseases investigated to date and could deliver enormous benefits across the NHS.
New study links COVID-19 genetic susceptibility with blood clots, thrombophlebitis and circulatory diseases 7 September 2021
Research led by Queen Mary University of London associates genetically predicted COVID-19 susceptibility with increased blood clot events in legs and lungs, thrombophlebitis, and circulatory diseases.
Researchers successfully identify new gene variants that cause hypertension in pregnant women 12 August 2021
An international study, led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, has found a unique pair of gene variants that causes sudden onset high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Breakthrough into leading cause of blindness 19 July 2021
A team of scientists, including researchers from Queen Mary University of London, has discovered that the most common form of adult blindness is probably caused by a failure of at least one of five proteins to regulate the immune system.
Procedure using ultrasound energy found to treat high blood pressure 7 June 2021
A minimally-invasive procedure that targets the nerves near the kidney has been found to significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertension patients, according to the results of a global multicentre clinical trial led in the UK by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust.
Professor Munroe elected to prestigious fellowship 13 May 2021
Congratulations to Professor Patricia Munroe who has been elected to the highly prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship.
Genes could be key to new Covid-19 treatments, study finds 14 December 2020
Potential treatments for Covid-19 have been identified after the discovery of five genes associated with the most severe form of the disease, in research involving Queen Mary academics.
Scientists discover more than 200 genetic factors causing heart arrhythmias 21 May 2020
Hundreds of new links have been found between people’s DNA and the heart’s electrical activity, according to a study of almost 300,000 people led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
QMUL hosts Precision Medicine Leadership event showcasing developments from academia and industry 8 April 2020
International team delivers research breakthrough for leading cause of blindness 7 February 2020
Researchers have identified a new protein linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that could offer new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which affects over 1.5 million people in the UK alone.
Pinpointing rare disease mutations 31 January 2020
A new study from Queen Mary University of London and EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute has uncovered the genes essential for supporting life, which could help researchers to identify mutations responsible for rare childhood diseases.
Cardiovascular Genomics Professor among most highly cited researchers 26 November 2019
The William Harvey Research Institute is proud to announce that Panos Deloukas, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics, has been named in the top 0.1% of the world’s most influential researchers.
Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium Concentrations on Ventricular Repolarization in Unselected Individuals 25 June 2019
A new joint study involving researchers at Queen Mary University of London has identified background subclinical changes on the electrocardiogram as risk factors in cardiovascular mortality.
Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Disease Identifies Predispositions to Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Diseases 11 June 2019
A new study led by researchers at Queen Mary University has shown how genetic predisposition to coronary heart disease (including heart attacks) is genetically correlated to other diseases.
Leading genomics expert awarded knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours 7 June 2019
Professor Mark Caulfield, the interim Chief Executive at Genomics England and Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
DNA discovery could have implications for mitochondrial donation treatment 24 May 2019
Mitochondria, the ‘batteries’ that produce our energy, interact with the cell’s nucleus in subtle ways previously unseen in humans, according to research involving academics from Queen Mary University of London.
London heart disease patients take part in clinical trial to test alternative to statins 20 May 2019
A clinical trial, coordinated by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, is currently recruiting patients in London to see whether a new cholesterol-lowering drug could save lives in people who are intolerant to statins.
Poor lung function in shorter people linked to increased risk of heart disease 28 March 2019
Results from a study led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London has found that an association between shorter stature and higher risk of heart disease is mainly attributed to our lungs.
Working long hours linked to depression in women 26 February 2019
Women who work more than 55 hours a week are at a higher risk of depression compared to men, according to a UCL-led study with Queen Mary University of London.
WHRI researchers in top 1 per cent worldwide 27 November 2018
Three researchers from the William Research Institute have been placed in the top 1 per cent in the world, in this year’s Highly Cited Researchers list.
Genetic tool to predict adult heart attack risk in childhood 10 October 2018
People at high risk of a heart attack in adulthood could be identified much earlier in life with a one-off DNA test, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Researchers awarded for lifetime achievements in blood pressure research 24 September 2018
Two academics from Queen Mary University of London have received prestigious awards from the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in recognition of their achievements in blood pressure research.
Study of one million people leads to world’s biggest advance in blood pressure genetics 17 September 2018
Over 500 new gene regions that influence people’s blood pressure have been discovered in the largest global genetic study of blood pressure to date, led by Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London.
Blood pressure medications and statins found to provide long-term cardiovascular benefits 28 August 2018
Death rates from heart disease and stroke could be significantly lowered by prescribing statins alongside blood pressure-lowering drugs, according to the results from a clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London.
New lab technology could reveal treatments for muscle-wasting disease 6 June 2018
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed new cell-based technologies which could improve understanding of the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and test potential drugs for the disease.
QMUL and UCL joint study identifies genes linked to impaired capacity to modulate heart rate during and after exercise 17 May 2018
A new study by researchers at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and University College London (UCL) has discovered 30 new gene locations that determine how the heart responds to and recovers from exercise.
Professor Panos Deloukas elected as Fellow of The Academy of Medical Sciences 10 May 2018
Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics at Queen Mary University of London has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to genomic medicine.
Hormone imbalance causes treatment-resistant hypertension 12 April 2018
British researchers have discovered a hormone imbalance that explains why it is very difficult to control blood pressure in around 10 per cent of hypertension patients.
100,000 Genomes Project to sequence its 500th genome later this month 6 February 2018
Professor Mark Caulfield spoke to Observer Science Editor Robin McKie about the pioneering work of the 100,000 Genomes Project as it approaches its halfway point.
Multinational companies continue to produce unregulated antibiotics in India 6 February 2018
Millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, according to a new joint study led by Dr Patricia McGettigan from the William Harvey Research Institute.
A new hope for reducing uncontrollable blood pressure 12 July 2017
At The Royal London Hospital, on 30 June 2016, the Barts Blood Pressure Clinic became the first hospital in the country to provide two NHS patients with the innovative Barostim Neo™ device that could transform and save the lives of people living with uncontrollable blood pressure.
Some statin-related side-effects are due to 'nocebo' effect 3 May 2017
Patients report more side effects when they know they are taking a statin, than when they do not know whether they are on the drug or a dummy pill, according to a study by researchers from Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Major global study reveals new hypertension and blood pressure genes 13 September 2016
Thirty-one new gene regions linked with blood pressure have been identified in one of the largest genetic studies of blood pressure to date, involving over 347,000 people, and jointly led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of Cambridge.