NIHR Maudsley BRC Blog

Our latest news and events

Largest study of its kind identifies 20 new genes linked to bipolar disorder

The largest genetic study of bipolar disorder ever, supported by the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, has identified 30 genetic variants that act to increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder, 20 of which are newly discovered.

The large-scale genome-wide association study was undertaken by a group of 207 institutions from 22 countries. The study was published in Nature Genetics.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 2 May 2019

Autistic people urge scientists to work alongside them

An initiative to bring autistic people together with scientists to share ideas and influence the research agenda has culminated in an exhibition of thought-provoking portraits at Science Gallery London.  

Changing the Face of Autism Research Together is led by Dr Kinga Bercsenyi, Sir Henry Wellcome Fellow at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College London. Its aim is to establish a dialogue between the autistic community and researchers, so that future studies are influenced by the views, priorities and input of autistic people.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 2 Apr 2019

2019 NIHR Senior Investigators announced

Two investigators supported by the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) have been appointed to the NIHR College of Senior Investigators for 2019. The appointees were named in the 12th round of the NIHR Senior Investigator competition.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 15 Mar 2019

Largest ever study of depression and anxiety now recruiting individuals from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales

Researchers at King’s College London launched the largest ever single study of depression and anxiety in September 2018, recruiting in England, and are now opening the study in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. By recruiting at least 40,000 people who have experienced either depression or anxiety at some point in their life, the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study will make important strides towards better understanding of these disorders and improving the lives of future patients.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 25 Feb 2019

Cannabis-based medicine to be tested in Alzheimer's trial

Researchers from the NIHR Maudsley BRC are to lead a pioneering new study into a cannabis-based treatment for people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK has awarded over £250,000 for the landmark phase II clinical trial of Sativex®, a cannabis-based medicine licenced in the UK. The drug has already been found to be safe in people and has been approved for use in the treatment of muscle stiffness and tightness experienced by people with multiple sclerosis. However, Sativex® is not currently licensed in the UK for any other indication, including treatment of the symptoms of dementia.

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 21 Feb 2019