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Breastfeeding linked to infant temperament
New evidence from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, in Cambridge, suggests that breastfed babies may be more irritable than their bottle-fed counterparts. Read more... [10 January 2012]
Physical activity reduces the effect of the 'obesity gene'
The genetic predisposition to obesity due to the 'fat mass and obesity associated' (FTO) gene may be substantially reduced by living a physically active lifestyle according to new research by a large international collaboration, led by Ruth Loos from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, in Cambridge, UK, and published in this week's PLoS Medicine. Read more... [02 November 2011]
Genetic analysis suggests that a Cardiac hormone may protect against development of diabetes
Research lead by the MRC Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge has used two different approaches to demonstrate that a cardiac hormone may help protect against developing type 2 diabetes. Read more... [02 November 2011]
'Lean gene' increases risk of heart disease and diabetes
Having a leaner body may not always give you a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the newest findings of a Medical Research Council (MRC) study. Researchers led by the MRC Epidemiology Unit have identified a gene that is linked with both having less body fat and an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Read more... [27 June 2011]
Interventions to promote cycling
Community-wide promotional activities, improving cycle routes and targeted marketing to households all have the potential to increase cycling in the population, finds a study published by the British Medical Journal on 19 October. This could make a valuable contribution to improving public health. Read more... [19 October 2010]
Regular exercise helps shed the genetic likelihood of obesity by forty percent
Genetic predisposition to obesity can be reduced by around 40% with regular physical activity, according to new research from the Medical Research Council (MRC). Read more... [01 September 2010]
Too much World Cup TV could be a deadly own goal
New research from the Medical Research Council (MRC) has provided fresh insights into the lifestyle factors contributing to heart disease, which causes 193,000 deaths a year and is responsible for a third of the UK’s deaths. Read more... [24 June 2010]
Fenland Study celebrates its 5,000th volunteer
The MRC Epidemiology Unit celebrated the recruitment of its 5,000th volunteer to the Fenland Study with a presentation by the Unit's Director, Professor Nick Wareham. Read more...
Vigorous activity particularly important in curbing childhood obesity
A study by the MRC Epidemiology Unit has found that activity of moderate and vigorous intensity is beneficial even in children who spend a lot of sedentary time sitting in front of screens or playing computer games. Read more...
Early first steps boost physical activity
Children who begin standing and walking at an earlier age spend more of their leisure time playing sports and do better in school physical education classes during their teenage years, according to researchers from the MRC Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge. Read more...
Needs of bottle feeding mothers not being met
A review of mothers' experiences of bottle-feeding by the MRC has shown that many feel that they do not receive sufficient information and support from healthcare providers about how to bottle-feed correctly. Read more...
Inactive adults face higher diabetes and heart disease risk
Research by the MRC Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge has shown that there is an association between time spent physically inactive, or sedentary, and increased levels of insulin in the blood, a predictor of diabetes risk. Read more...
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