MRC Epidemiology Unit
Scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge in collaboration with Huma Therapeutics Limited have published results from the Fenland COVID-19 study, showing that participants had high, sustained levels of engagement with a smartphone app developed by Huma to collect information including health related measurements from individual participants. The COVID-19 […]
How well did the SWiM-C weight management programme support health during COVID-19?
A new study in the International Journal of Obesity examines the effect over 12 months of the SWiM-C weight management programme. The results show that while the effect of SWiM-C on weight was inconclusive, it improved health behaviours and wellbeing. The SWiM-C (Supporting Weight Management during COVID-19) programme was funded by NIHR and the European […]
The “zero-chance” doctor who now advises government
In an interview with Charis Goodyear originally published in the University of Cambridge’s ‘This Cambridge Life’ MRC Epidemiology Unit scientist Dr Raghib Ali describes how after growing up on free school meals at one of the lowest performing state schools in the country, he went on to become a leading epidemiologist and OBE awardee. He’s […]
Fenland Study finds widening inequalities in physical activity and diet during the COVID-19 pandemic
Findings from a Cambridgeshire study published in the journal Public Health show that diet quality and physical activity levels fell substantially during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. The fall was greatest in those living in less affluent areas. If these behaviour changes persist, this could have a considerable impact on widening inequalities, with those […]
Proteogenomic analysis explains why some people suffer more from COVID-19 than others
A large number of people are still contracting COVID-19. Fortunately, most of them are experiencing only mild symptoms, largely thanks to the high vaccination rate. However, in some individuals the disease takes a much more severe cause and our understanding about the underlying reasons is still insufficient. The human genome may hold a key to […]
Social media can be a force for good in a crisis: lessons from Lagos
In this article originally published in The Conversation, Dr Tolullah Oni and Dr Camaren Peter discuss new research on the role that social media played in driving public engagement with Covid-19 health measures in Lagos, Nigeria, and lessons for responses to future crises. In times of crisis, it is especially crucial that governments share accurate, up […]
COVID-19 Study demonstrates potential for at home blood sample collection
The ability to collect a blood sample painlessly from people at home without the need of a healthcare worker visit could transform the way healthcare and health research are conducted. This has been demonstrated by new study results published on 10 May 2022 in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. Lockdown learning At the height […]
Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity in 2020: a follow up study during COVID-19
Today, 22 September, 2021, Public Health England (PHE) have published the report Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity in 2020: a follow up study during COVID-19. The study aimed to describe and assess the impact of the pandemic on the diet and physical activity of people in the UK by following up participants who had previously […]
Unit researchers contribute to Lancet series highlighting need to improve physical activity worldwide
Researchers at the MRC Epidemiology Unit are among scientists from across the world contributing to The Lancet 2021 series on physical activity. Key findings revealed in the series include: Worldwide progress to improve physical activity has stalled; overall deaths associated with inactivity remain at more than 5 million people per year. No progress has been […]
Study finds almost 1 million extra deaths in 29 high income countries in 2020 during Covid-19 pandemic
An international collaboration, led by researchers at the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford, including Professor Martin White of the MRC Epidemiology Unit, has calculated that approximately one million excess deaths occurred in 2020 across 29 high income countries. The results are published today in the BMJ. Assessing the coronavirus pandemic’s […]