Blogs

Improving care and quality of life for men with prostate cancer

We explore research into new ways to manage and treat prostate cancer. So men with the condition can live for longer and maintain their quality of life.


The history of healthcare research – 350 years of discovery

Healthcare research has come a long way in the past few hundred years. Here are a few examples of some of the most important research that has shaped modern healthcare.


Rheumatoid arthritis: managing pain and fatigue

Around 400,000 people in the UK live with rheumatoid arthritis and it can really affect people's quality of life. We explore studies looking at helping to manage pain and fatigue and how they can benefit people living with arthritis.


Using international data to improve multiple sclerosis treatments

Real patient data from people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is helping Dr Will Brown explore new ways of using existing treatments to reduce long-term disability.


Six key studies on psoriasis

For some people psoriasis is just a minor irritation, but for others it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. We explore six studies looking at different ways to diagnose, manage and treat the condition.


Six major health research breakthroughs in 2022-23

Find out what the six important health and care research breakthroughs were in 2022-23.


Four ways researchers are looking to improve pregnancy care

From the very early stages of conception right through to the care received after a baby is born, women can access a range of maternal services and support throughout their pregnancy journey.


Air pollution and respiratory health in the UK

A large number of people in the UK live with a respiratory-related disease. The NIHR is supporting many studies that are investigating the effects of air pollution on different groups. This includes studies involving babies, young children and pregnant women.


Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise and could affect more than 5.5 million people in the UK by 2030. Find out how lifestyle interventions, including diet, physical activity and weight loss, can prevent and, in some cases, treat the disease.


Improving our defences against respiratory infection and flu

Respiratory infections are one of the most significant winter pressures on the NHS. For some respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19, vaccines can reduce your risk. But there are other steps you can take as well.


Taking action on childhood obesity

Tackling obesity is a priority to address health inequalities and reduce risk for a range of diseases. Empowering individuals by supporting them to change their behaviours can have long term benefits.


How artificial intelligence is making it easier to diagnose disease

Artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up and sometimes outperform clinicians in a variety of tasks and is beginning to be integrated into day-to-day patient care. We've taken a closer look at how AI is playing a role in COVID-19, cancer and radiology research.


The ‘Make it Public’ strategy

We know it's important to our research volunteers that they are fully informed about the progress of the vital research they’re helping to deliver, that's why we're supporting the Health Research Authority’s 'Make it Public' strategy.


Six amazing breakthroughs from the last 12 months

Over the past few years, COVID-19 has placed health and care research at the forefront of all of our minds - the development and roll out of the vaccines was something the whole world was watching and waiting for.


What’s happening in dementia research?

Every 3 minutes someone in the UK develops dementia and it’s estimated that more than 900,000 people are currently living with dementia. In this blog, we look at some of the findings from recent research studies and share details of studies still underway.


Five ways young people are playing a pivotal role in research

Research focussing on children and young people helps researchers explore how to improve the healthcare for those who need it the most during their formative years. Read about how children and young people are helping.


Exploring the spectrum of cancer research

In this article, we look at some of the recent breakthroughs in cancer research and get the perspective of cancer research specialists, about the areas of research they’ve been involved in and the changes they’ve seen in cancer research over their careers.  


How volunteer input has shaped research

Understanding the experiences of those who have volunteered for research is vital for improving the way we carry out research, to ensure that future volunteers have the best experience possible. Find out how.


Exploring back pain research

With such a broad spectrum of potential causes and issues resulting from back pain, researchers continue to explore ways to manage and diagnose the condition. Find out what back pain is taking place and how to get involved.


How research revolutionised the HIV and AIDS landscape

We pulled out some of the recent breakthroughs and research findings in treatment, diagnosis, the management of HIV and improving mental and physical wellbeing.


What does asthma research look like?

There are currently an estimated 5.4 million people receiving treatment for asthma in the UK. Learn about what asthma research looks like and how to get involved.


Exploring health inequalities

Health inequality affects a broad spectrum of people from all sorts of groups, backgrounds, and geographical areas. Find out more about what is being done about it.


How you can make an amazing difference with health research

There are many different ways to be involved in research. Find out how easily research could fit into your life - however much time and energy you're able to commit.


Five amazing health research breakthroughs in the last 12 months

As unprecedented times highlight the importance of health research, we’re looking back over some of the most incredible advances from the NIHR in 2020-2021.


Deciphering diabetes

To mark Diabetes Awareness Week we spoke to Professor Melanie Davies to get the facts, bust the myths and learn more about the critical diabetes research happening right now.


Meet one of the research nurses making change possible

To find out what it takes, and get a glimpse of research from an insider’s perspective, we asked senior research nurse Arlene Lee to tell us about her role.


Meet the COVID-19 vaccine volunteers

When the COVID-19 pandemic put us into lockdown in 2020, the pressure was on for researchers to discover effective vaccines. We spoke to two of these vaccine volunteers to learn how and why they took part – and find out what advice they have for other aspiring research participants.