Depression in pregnancy alters male babies’ behaviour, but mothers don’t notice
Women who have symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy do not report concerns with their infant sons’ behaviour, but do with their daughters, according to a Cardiff University study. As many as one in four women experience depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy and evidence suggests it can increase the risk of emotional and behavioural … Continue reading Depression in pregnancy alters male babies’ behaviour, but mothers don’t notice
£2m trial looking at better use of antibiotics in sepsis
Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research is to coordinate a trial looking at use of antibiotics in sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life threatening complication of an infection and it is estimated that fifty two thousand people in the UK die every year as a result of it. Optimal treatment includes early recognition, prompt antibiotics … Continue reading £2m trial looking at better use of antibiotics in sepsis
Zebrafish discovery gives an insight into human hearing disorders
A study of the genetic make up of zebrafish has provided brand new insights into the cause of congenital hearing disorders in humans. Cardiff University reports its scientists were part of a team that identified how specific genes can dictate the patterns of the tiny cells, called hair cells, within our ears that allow us … Continue reading Zebrafish discovery gives an insight into human hearing disorders
Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease linked to highly active brains
A growing body of evidence supports the theory that neural hyperactivity and hyperconnectivity precede the pathological changes that lead to neurodegeneration. There are approximately 5.6 million people over the age of sixty five living with Alzheimer’s disease in the US. With an ageing population, this number is projected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025. … Continue reading Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease linked to highly active brains
Research finds psychotic experiences are quite common
Psychosis, also called a psychotic experience or episode, is when someone perceives or interprets reality differently to the people around them. This could involve seeing or hearing something that turned out not to exist or thinking something was happening that no one else noticed. It’s estimated that around 5-10% of people will have a psychotic … Continue reading Research finds psychotic experiences are quite common
Almost half of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales say they’ve gambled recently
The study, carried out by academics from Cardiff University, found 41% of eleven to sixteen year olds had taken part in some sort of gambling within the previous twelve months. The Guardian reports fruit machines were the most popular form of gambling, followed by playing cards for money with friends and buying scratch cards. The … Continue reading Almost half of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales say they’ve gambled recently
Deleted gene linked to autism and schizophrenia
Scientists have identified a specific gene they believe could be a key player in the changes in brain structure seen in several conditions, such as schizophrenia and autism. Cardiff University says the team from its Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute found that the deletion of the gene CYFIP1 leads to thinning of the insulation … Continue reading Deleted gene linked to autism and schizophrenia
Welsh scientists awarded funding for earlier bowel cancer screening
Cancer Research UK has awarded more than £500,000 to scientists in Wales to develop a new test which aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage. ITV reports Prof Paul Dyson at Swansea University, Dr Lee Parry at Cardiff University and Dr Sunil Dolwani at Bowel Screening Wales are looking at how a strain … Continue reading Welsh scientists awarded funding for earlier bowel cancer screening
Social media isn’t causing more eating disorders in young people
There is ongoing debate about whether eating disorders are more common in modern society. Some people say, because they are exposed to and sharing images of themselves in an unprecedented way, social media is affecting young people’s body image and may have an impact on their eating. According to a large survey conducted in 2017, … Continue reading Social media isn’t causing more eating disorders in young people
Gut changes in polar bears linked to retreat of Arctic sea ice
Retreating sea ice in the Arctic is altering the gut bacteria of polar bears, potentially holding negative implications for the long-term health of the species, according to research by Cardiff University and the United States Geological Survey. Polar bears are one of the most ice dependent marine mammals in the Arctic and are key indicators … Continue reading Gut changes in polar bears linked to retreat of Arctic sea ice
