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University of Nottingham > 100 Ways to change the world > Health and wellbeing

Colourful 3D image of biological cells and complex organisms from microscope.

Microscopic probe to catch cancer early

A hair-thin endoscopic probe could help doctors discover and treat cancer earlier. Its 3D imaging reveals if cells are soft, an early indicator of cancer, or have hardened to form tumours, enabling tests to be carried out at single cell level in the body for the first time.

Photo of person with a hand on their chest.

Cardio calculator could save many lives

A heart disease calculator, developed using data from 16 million UK adults, can more accurately predict the risk of cardiovascular disease. QR4 identifies high-risk patients missed by current tools and by improving early detection has the potential to save countless lives.

Photo of person in a virtual driving lab.

AI helps cars detect sleepy drivers

University researchers teamed up with BlueSkeye AI to road test technology that detects when drivers are in danger of falling asleep at the wheel. The EU-validated tests at our driving simulation facilities will allow the drowsiness monitoring technology to be rolled out in Europe, making roads safer.

Graphic with colourful circles with text reading 'I support Rare Disease Day; 29 February 2024'

Rare conditions: research makes a difference

Around 3.5 million people in the UK alone live with a rare condition. Our Rare Disease Research Network brings together more than 50 academics, who work with the NHS to deliver innovative treatments that make a real difference to patients living with rare conditions.

Photos of the MND association members.

New research partnership will speed up the race to find new treatments for MND

Experts at the University of Nottingham are joining forces with Stand Against MND and the MND Association, to carry out research to better understand motor neurone disease (MND) mechanisms – the biochemical processes that go wrong – in order to speed up the race to find new treatments.

Photos of Professor Nigel Mongan looking into a microscope.

Tackling cancer inequalities

A global, interdisciplinary team led by the University of Nottingham, funded by Cancer Grand Challenges, aims to address cancer inequalities in populations of African descent by gathering data on genetics, environment, and social factors to develop tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

Graphic of neon AI text on computer chip background.

Scientists receive funding to fight antimicrobial resistance using AI

University of Nottingham scientists join an international research effort, backed by over £1.43 million in funding, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using artificial intelligence and big data mining, aiming to develop the first EU-Africa AI-powered surveillance solution to identify and prevent AMR spread across human, animal, environmental, and food sectors.

Graphic of lungs highlighted in red inside a body.

Taking life-saving kits into homes of people with cystic fibrosis

People with cystic fibrosis are vulnerable to an infection that causes further lung damage. A quick, simple test developed by our experts is closer to being available for use at home, with the potential of protecting thousands of people worldwide.

Photo of people in scrubs rushing around a hospital hallway.

Miny marvel: detecting gastrointestinal cancers

Endoscopic screening is an effective way of detecting gastrointestinal cancers. By developing an ultraminiature, high-resolution camera that is cost-effective and fits inside standard endoscopes, our researchers hope to deliver high-quality screening to many more patients.

Photo of Scrience, Research, and Innovation minister Andrew Griffith MP wearing a lab coat in a lab.

New drug delivery systems

New anticancer agents are essential to reduce current treatment side effects. Researchers are working to develop a new targeted drug delivery system for a range of diseases to reduce side effects.

Photo of person holding milk in store

Co-op customer shopping habits highlight risk of iodine deficiency in vegan diets

Research by Nottingham University Business School stresses the importance of iodine awareness in transitioning to plant-based diets. The study highlights potential health risks related to deficiencies and emphasizes the need to check iodine levels in alternative milk products to make informed dietary choices.

Photo of person holding up blood tests

Novel approach identifies people at risk of developing TB

The University of Nottingham and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre have collaborated to identify individuals at higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). They used advanced imaging tools and an innovative bacteriophage-based assay called Actiphage. The research promises faster detection, targeted treatment, and improved disease control, offering hope for more effective global efforts to reduce TB transmission and improve public health outcomes.

Graphic of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus

Scientists solve mystery of how predatory bacteria recognises prey

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how predatory bacteria capture other bacteria. This discovery opens up new possibilities for combatting healthcare, environmental, and food-related challenges. It could lead to targeted antibiotics and solutions for bacterial issues, improving human health and environmental sustainability.

World’s first smart breathing tube for patients

World’s first smart breathing tube for patients

We have developed the world’s first smart breathing tube for mechanically ventilated patients. Now human trials of the tubes, which use optical fibre sensors to adjust pressure on the windpipe and reduce risk of injury, could help transform monitoring of seriously ill and anesthetised patients.

Tissue-on-chip’s drug revolution

Tissue-on-chip’s drug revolution

Tissue-on-chip technologies developed by biomedical engineers and medical researchers at Nottingham are key to an international drive to speed up drug development and replace animal testing.

Tackling type 1 diabetes

Tackling type 1 diabetes

Researchers have been awarded funding to develop new drugs to help people with Diabetes to make their own insulin. Improving the survival of donor islet transplant could pave the way for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

World’s first wearable brain scanner

World’s first wearable brain scanner

We developed the world’s first wearable brain scanner, which is set to transform understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as autism, epilepsy and dementia. Professor Matt Brookes, who leads the team behind this revolutionary technology, was awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.

Device to control Tourette's

Device to control Tourette's

A wrist device has been developed and successfully trialled to control tics caused by Tourette's. The research team have won the STEM Research Project of the Year Times Higher Education (THE) Award for their life changing work.

MRI: born in Nottingham

MRI: born in Nottingham

An MRI scan takes place every three seconds and countless millions of patients have benefited from Sir Peter’s Mansfield’s invention. Fifty years on, our innovations in medical imaging continue to revolutionise understanding of our brains and bodies.

Hungry for words: raising awareness of eating disorders

Hungry for words: raising awareness of eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious and complex psychiatric disorders, and they can prove fatal – anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions. Our research has created a bridge between science and the arts and humanities to help address this challenge. We help people, who may be struggling to express their fears, find a voice and feel listened to, while our findings inform the responses of healthcare practitioners.

Sustainable food chain

Sustainable food chain

Meat production is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gases and according to a 2022 United Nations report a shift towards plant-based diets could have real impact on climate change. At the International Flavour Research Centre, our scientists are exploring plant-based meat alternative flavours, which will encourage people to eat less meat and make the food chain less damaging to our planet.

Project Period

Project Period

A lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints, is becoming a growing issue across low-income households in the UK. Project Period provides free sanitary products for students and staff across our campuses.

Quantum leap for brain tumour treatment

Quantum leap for brain tumour treatment

Glioblastoma is an elusive and formidable form of brain cancer, with low survival rates. Our researchers have discovered that electrically charged gold nanoparticles trigger self-destruction of glioblastoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unscathed. This world-first ‘quantum therapeutic’ could be delivered to the tumour as a spray or injection during brain surgery.

Student creates foodbank cookbook

Student creates foodbank cookbook

For families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, dietetics student Sophie Conant created simple recipes featuring ingredients commonly provided by foodbanks. The nutritious recipes have been designed to be cooked using just a kettle or microwave.

Tackling antibiotic resistance

Tackling antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge. FARMWATCH, a collaboration with our scientific and industry partners in China, uses machine learning to pinpoint disease in poultry farms, reducing antibiotic treatment and lowering the risk of antibiotic resistance spreading.

Cleaner cooking, healthier lives

Cleaner cooking, healthier lives

Inhaling smoke from cooking on wood fires or stoves causes ten times as many deaths as malaria. Such smoke is also a leading source of CO2 emissions. Our Clean Cooking project in Malawi explores sustainable technologies to reduce this toll on people and the planet.

Remote-control 'snake' tool for surgery

Remote-control 'snake' tool for surgery

A snake-like robot, developed by our engineers and used by industry to carry out remote-controlled repairs in tight, inaccessible places inside jet engines or nuclear plants, is now being developed for use in cancer surgery.

3D printing a healthcare revolution

3D printing a healthcare revolution

3D printing allows biological pills to be delivered quickly and cheaply to individual patients, or assembles ‘living’ plasters to speed up healing. Our researchers are helping manufacturers and clinicians deliver a revolution in personalised healthcare.

World’s first anti-biofilm polymer

World’s first anti-biofilm polymer

We’ve collaborated with water management company Angel Guard to introduce the world’s first anti-biofilm polymer. This revolutionary material inhibits bacterial biofilm formation in water systems, which has the potential to save thousands of lives by reducing infections.