MRC Epidemiology Unit
@mrcepid.bsky.social
Studying the genetic, developmental & environmental determinants of obesity, type 2 diabetes & related metabolic disorders. Contributing to their prevention.
New research by Alexandra Boskovic, @jhoenink.bsky.social & @thomasburgoine.bsky.social finds that fast-food outlet density in the UK increased by 36% between 2011 and 2024, with the gap between the most deprived areas and most affluent areas widening by 30%.
doi.org/10.1016/j.he...
doi.org/10.1016/j.he...
January 16, 2026 at 1:37 PM
New research by Alexandra Boskovic, @jhoenink.bsky.social & @thomasburgoine.bsky.social finds that fast-food outlet density in the UK increased by 36% between 2011 and 2024, with the gap between the most deprived areas and most affluent areas widening by 30%.
doi.org/10.1016/j.he...
doi.org/10.1016/j.he...
Researchers from the Global Diet and Activity Research Network (@mrcepid.bsky.social, @cam.ac.uk) contributed to a book on Urban Health in Africa, published by Johns Hopkins University Press (@hopkinspress.bsky.social).
Learn more - buff.ly/xtObDjW
Learn more - buff.ly/xtObDjW
January 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Researchers from the Global Diet and Activity Research Network (@mrcepid.bsky.social, @cam.ac.uk) contributed to a book on Urban Health in Africa, published by Johns Hopkins University Press (@hopkinspress.bsky.social).
Learn more - buff.ly/xtObDjW
Learn more - buff.ly/xtObDjW
Exciting news!
The EPIC-Norfolk & Fenland studies have been shortlisted by the
@novo-nordisk.bsky.social
for their Inter-SUSTAIN call.
Researchers are now called to submit proposals, and if successful both researcher and study database will receive funding.
buff.ly/ZisvSte
The EPIC-Norfolk & Fenland studies have been shortlisted by the
@novo-nordisk.bsky.social
for their Inter-SUSTAIN call.
Researchers are now called to submit proposals, and if successful both researcher and study database will receive funding.
buff.ly/ZisvSte
January 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Exciting news!
The EPIC-Norfolk & Fenland studies have been shortlisted by the
@novo-nordisk.bsky.social
for their Inter-SUSTAIN call.
Researchers are now called to submit proposals, and if successful both researcher and study database will receive funding.
buff.ly/ZisvSte
The EPIC-Norfolk & Fenland studies have been shortlisted by the
@novo-nordisk.bsky.social
for their Inter-SUSTAIN call.
Researchers are now called to submit proposals, and if successful both researcher and study database will receive funding.
buff.ly/ZisvSte
Register for today's Bradford Hill Seminar
It's an in person event with Prof. Clare Turnbull who will discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population: exploring the evidence gaps
📅 Wed 14 January 1 PM (UK)
Register - buff.ly/Hpbj8qM
It's an in person event with Prof. Clare Turnbull who will discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population: exploring the evidence gaps
📅 Wed 14 January 1 PM (UK)
Register - buff.ly/Hpbj8qM
January 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Register for today's Bradford Hill Seminar
It's an in person event with Prof. Clare Turnbull who will discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population: exploring the evidence gaps
📅 Wed 14 January 1 PM (UK)
Register - buff.ly/Hpbj8qM
It's an in person event with Prof. Clare Turnbull who will discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population: exploring the evidence gaps
📅 Wed 14 January 1 PM (UK)
Register - buff.ly/Hpbj8qM
Sign up to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus PhD Symposium!
It features inspiring keynote talks, student flash talks, career advice panels, & research skills workshops for PhD students undertaking their studies on the campus.
Registration is free and closes 16/01/2026 - buff.ly/MSLrw6b
It features inspiring keynote talks, student flash talks, career advice panels, & research skills workshops for PhD students undertaking their studies on the campus.
Registration is free and closes 16/01/2026 - buff.ly/MSLrw6b
January 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Sign up to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus PhD Symposium!
It features inspiring keynote talks, student flash talks, career advice panels, & research skills workshops for PhD students undertaking their studies on the campus.
Registration is free and closes 16/01/2026 - buff.ly/MSLrw6b
It features inspiring keynote talks, student flash talks, career advice panels, & research skills workshops for PhD students undertaking their studies on the campus.
Registration is free and closes 16/01/2026 - buff.ly/MSLrw6b
A lot of unhealthy food in the UK is sold using price promotions or special offers, such as ‘buy one get one free (BOGOF)’ deals.
In October 2025 price and multibuy promotions on unhealthy food and drink were banned in England. Scotland and Wales are planning to bring in similar bans.
(1/4)
In October 2025 price and multibuy promotions on unhealthy food and drink were banned in England. Scotland and Wales are planning to bring in similar bans.
(1/4)
January 12, 2026 at 3:15 PM
A lot of unhealthy food in the UK is sold using price promotions or special offers, such as ‘buy one get one free (BOGOF)’ deals.
In October 2025 price and multibuy promotions on unhealthy food and drink were banned in England. Scotland and Wales are planning to bring in similar bans.
(1/4)
In October 2025 price and multibuy promotions on unhealthy food and drink were banned in England. Scotland and Wales are planning to bring in similar bans.
(1/4)
Our first Bradford Hill Seminar of 2026 will be in-person with Professor Clare Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research to discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population.
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Our first Bradford Hill Seminar of 2026 will be in-person with Professor Clare Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research to discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population.
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
Just 12 studies examined nutrition & diet alongside drug treatment, and as trials varied widely in their approaches to dietary advice and nutritional assessment, lacking standardised protocols and reporting, it was difficult to reach robust conclusions to inform the optimal support.
(3/4)
(3/4)
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Just 12 studies examined nutrition & diet alongside drug treatment, and as trials varied widely in their approaches to dietary advice and nutritional assessment, lacking standardised protocols and reporting, it was difficult to reach robust conclusions to inform the optimal support.
(3/4)
(3/4)
In a systematic review published today, Dr Marie Spreckley, Dr Cara Ruggiero, and Dr Adrian Brown found a lack of robust evidence surrounding nutritional advice and support and its impact on calorie intake, body composition, protein adequacy, and patient experiences.
buff.ly/Az65PyP
(2/4)
buff.ly/Az65PyP
(2/4)
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM
In a systematic review published today, Dr Marie Spreckley, Dr Cara Ruggiero, and Dr Adrian Brown found a lack of robust evidence surrounding nutritional advice and support and its impact on calorie intake, body composition, protein adequacy, and patient experiences.
buff.ly/Az65PyP
(2/4)
buff.ly/Az65PyP
(2/4)
New @cam.ac.uk and @ucl.ac.uk research finds people prescribed weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatid may not receive sufficient nutritional guidance to support safe and sustainable weight loss, leaving them vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss.
🧵 (1/4)
🧵 (1/4)
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM
New @cam.ac.uk and @ucl.ac.uk research finds people prescribed weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatid may not receive sufficient nutritional guidance to support safe and sustainable weight loss, leaving them vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss.
🧵 (1/4)
🧵 (1/4)
Our first Bradford Hill Seminar of 2026 will be in-person with Professor Clare Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research to discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population.
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
January 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Our first Bradford Hill Seminar of 2026 will be in-person with Professor Clare Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research to discuss expanding testing of cancer susceptibility genes from the clinic to the population.
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
📅 Wed 14 Jan, 1 PM (UK)
Register: buff.ly/hZtYEKZ
@phgfoundation.bsky.social
The 2025 issue 5 of the epigram newsletter is out now!
In this issue we're counting the cost of calories, looking back at our 2025 research successes, and sharing a veritable feast of podcasts.
Happy Christmas from us to you and yours.
In this issue we're counting the cost of calories, looking back at our 2025 research successes, and sharing a veritable feast of podcasts.
Happy Christmas from us to you and yours.
December 18, 2025 at 5:25 PM
The 2025 issue 5 of the epigram newsletter is out now!
In this issue we're counting the cost of calories, looking back at our 2025 research successes, and sharing a veritable feast of podcasts.
Happy Christmas from us to you and yours.
In this issue we're counting the cost of calories, looking back at our 2025 research successes, and sharing a veritable feast of podcasts.
Happy Christmas from us to you and yours.
Have you noticed a school street closure in your neighbourhood?
Schemes restricting parking outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times have proliferated across the UK, @jennapanter.bsky.social and colleagues evaluated their impact on school travel.
Read more: buff.ly/tNiPnUQ
🧵 (1/3)
Schemes restricting parking outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times have proliferated across the UK, @jennapanter.bsky.social and colleagues evaluated their impact on school travel.
Read more: buff.ly/tNiPnUQ
🧵 (1/3)
December 16, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Have you noticed a school street closure in your neighbourhood?
Schemes restricting parking outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times have proliferated across the UK, @jennapanter.bsky.social and colleagues evaluated their impact on school travel.
Read more: buff.ly/tNiPnUQ
🧵 (1/3)
Schemes restricting parking outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times have proliferated across the UK, @jennapanter.bsky.social and colleagues evaluated their impact on school travel.
Read more: buff.ly/tNiPnUQ
🧵 (1/3)
Watch a recording of the Bradford Hill Seminar "From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues" with Dr Muin J. Khoury, who until recently led the Office of Public Health Genomics at the CDC.
buff.ly/Xmqg2aI
@phgfoundation.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @dphpc.bsky.social
buff.ly/Xmqg2aI
@phgfoundation.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @dphpc.bsky.social
December 16, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Watch a recording of the Bradford Hill Seminar "From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues" with Dr Muin J. Khoury, who until recently led the Office of Public Health Genomics at the CDC.
buff.ly/Xmqg2aI
@phgfoundation.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @dphpc.bsky.social
buff.ly/Xmqg2aI
@phgfoundation.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @dphpc.bsky.social
Yajie Zhao et al. report on the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify new rare, protein-coding gene varients and biological mechanisms associated with adult BMI and type 2 diabetes risk, using data from the @ukbiobank.bsky.social UK & All of Us studies.
Nature Genetics: buff.ly/x8fbPnF
Nature Genetics: buff.ly/x8fbPnF
December 12, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Yajie Zhao et al. report on the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify new rare, protein-coding gene varients and biological mechanisms associated with adult BMI and type 2 diabetes risk, using data from the @ukbiobank.bsky.social UK & All of Us studies.
Nature Genetics: buff.ly/x8fbPnF
Nature Genetics: buff.ly/x8fbPnF
Recruitment and data collection for Fenland phase 3 study is now complete. We are grateful to the more than 5,000 Fenland Study participants who took part in this phase of the study.
Read our full news article at buff.ly/VcW4Sm2
🧵 (1/4)
Read our full news article at buff.ly/VcW4Sm2
🧵 (1/4)
December 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Recruitment and data collection for Fenland phase 3 study is now complete. We are grateful to the more than 5,000 Fenland Study participants who took part in this phase of the study.
Read our full news article at buff.ly/VcW4Sm2
🧵 (1/4)
Read our full news article at buff.ly/VcW4Sm2
🧵 (1/4)
Congratulations to Dr Cara Ruggiero @cararuggiero.bsky.social, who was named runner-up for the British Nutrition Foundation Drummond Early Career Scientist Award 2025, presented at the BNF Annual Conference held at the Royal College of Physicians in central London on Tuesday, 25th November 2025.
December 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Congratulations to Dr Cara Ruggiero @cararuggiero.bsky.social, who was named runner-up for the British Nutrition Foundation Drummond Early Career Scientist Award 2025, presented at the BNF Annual Conference held at the Royal College of Physicians in central London on Tuesday, 25th November 2025.
Nature Communications paper by Dr Robert Luben et al, using data from studies including UK Biobank & EPIC-Norfolk, identifies novel genetic risk factors for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in European populations, ilumnating the genetic underpinnings of this blinding disease: buff.ly/MMcCprh
December 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Nature Communications paper by Dr Robert Luben et al, using data from studies including UK Biobank & EPIC-Norfolk, identifies novel genetic risk factors for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in European populations, ilumnating the genetic underpinnings of this blinding disease: buff.ly/MMcCprh
"A key strength [of the guidance] is the emphasis on combining medication with behavioural support and on the need for equitable access, rather than presenting drugs as a stand-alone solution."
@drmariespreckley.bsky.social comments on new WHO guidance on weight loss drugs.
buff.ly/BEypph6
(1/2)
@drmariespreckley.bsky.social comments on new WHO guidance on weight loss drugs.
buff.ly/BEypph6
(1/2)
December 2, 2025 at 1:12 PM
"A key strength [of the guidance] is the emphasis on combining medication with behavioural support and on the need for equitable access, rather than presenting drugs as a stand-alone solution."
@drmariespreckley.bsky.social comments on new WHO guidance on weight loss drugs.
buff.ly/BEypph6
(1/2)
@drmariespreckley.bsky.social comments on new WHO guidance on weight loss drugs.
buff.ly/BEypph6
(1/2)
Kelly Kokka & James Woodcock have been awarded funding for a project using AI to help planners create healthier and more sustainable cities.
By analysing street camera images and travel patterns across 45 cities worldwide they will create detailed neighbourhood maps showing how people move.
(1/2)
By analysing street camera images and travel patterns across 45 cities worldwide they will create detailed neighbourhood maps showing how people move.
(1/2)
December 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Kelly Kokka & James Woodcock have been awarded funding for a project using AI to help planners create healthier and more sustainable cities.
By analysing street camera images and travel patterns across 45 cities worldwide they will create detailed neighbourhood maps showing how people move.
(1/2)
By analysing street camera images and travel patterns across 45 cities worldwide they will create detailed neighbourhood maps showing how people move.
(1/2)
Join our next online Bradford Hill Seminar with Dr Muin J. Khoury, who led the Office of Public Health Genomics at the CDC and will discuss:
From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues!
📅 Wed 10 December, 1 PM (UK)
Info and registration - buff.ly/i1j3aoU
🧵 (1/2)
From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues!
📅 Wed 10 December, 1 PM (UK)
Info and registration - buff.ly/i1j3aoU
🧵 (1/2)
December 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Join our next online Bradford Hill Seminar with Dr Muin J. Khoury, who led the Office of Public Health Genomics at the CDC and will discuss:
From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues!
📅 Wed 10 December, 1 PM (UK)
Info and registration - buff.ly/i1j3aoU
🧵 (1/2)
From Genes to Public Health: The Journey Continues!
📅 Wed 10 December, 1 PM (UK)
Info and registration - buff.ly/i1j3aoU
🧵 (1/2)
We have donated manually operated clinical couches, automatic BP monitors, ECG machines & clinical trolleys to Medical Aid International; a social enterprise that works to advance patient care in low & middle income countries through long-term, sustainable change.
November 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We have donated manually operated clinical couches, automatic BP monitors, ECG machines & clinical trolleys to Medical Aid International; a social enterprise that works to advance patient care in low & middle income countries through long-term, sustainable change.
Looking for reliable, high-quality biological sample processing and storage services?
The MRC Epidemiology Unit BioRepository has a dedicated team & state-of-the-art facilities at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Research Park.
📨 For a quote: [email protected]
buff.ly/59J0cNp
The MRC Epidemiology Unit BioRepository has a dedicated team & state-of-the-art facilities at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Research Park.
📨 For a quote: [email protected]
buff.ly/59J0cNp
November 25, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Looking for reliable, high-quality biological sample processing and storage services?
The MRC Epidemiology Unit BioRepository has a dedicated team & state-of-the-art facilities at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Research Park.
📨 For a quote: [email protected]
buff.ly/59J0cNp
The MRC Epidemiology Unit BioRepository has a dedicated team & state-of-the-art facilities at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Research Park.
📨 For a quote: [email protected]
buff.ly/59J0cNp
Can we trust the science of nutrition?
Was the question asked of @mrcepid.bsky.social’s Prof. Nita Forouhi & others on an expert panel for the BBC’s A Question of Science.
Prof. Brian Cox and guests dive into the complex world of diet, nutrition & food choices.
Listen - buff.ly/DSDX2UY
Was the question asked of @mrcepid.bsky.social’s Prof. Nita Forouhi & others on an expert panel for the BBC’s A Question of Science.
Prof. Brian Cox and guests dive into the complex world of diet, nutrition & food choices.
Listen - buff.ly/DSDX2UY
November 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Can we trust the science of nutrition?
Was the question asked of @mrcepid.bsky.social’s Prof. Nita Forouhi & others on an expert panel for the BBC’s A Question of Science.
Prof. Brian Cox and guests dive into the complex world of diet, nutrition & food choices.
Listen - buff.ly/DSDX2UY
Was the question asked of @mrcepid.bsky.social’s Prof. Nita Forouhi & others on an expert panel for the BBC’s A Question of Science.
Prof. Brian Cox and guests dive into the complex world of diet, nutrition & food choices.
Listen - buff.ly/DSDX2UY
Analysis of changes in physical activity and diet quality in 7,256 Fenland Study participants finds that while improvments in each were independently associated with lower increases in body fat, the greatest benefits were achieved by combining both.
News blog post buff.ly/l60E8nz
🧵 (1/4)
News blog post buff.ly/l60E8nz
🧵 (1/4)
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Analysis of changes in physical activity and diet quality in 7,256 Fenland Study participants finds that while improvments in each were independently associated with lower increases in body fat, the greatest benefits were achieved by combining both.
News blog post buff.ly/l60E8nz
🧵 (1/4)
News blog post buff.ly/l60E8nz
🧵 (1/4)