Bird flu vaccine trial begins against potential pandemic strain
The UK has begun a clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine targeting H5N1 bird flu, recruiting 4,000 volunteers from high-risk groups to assess safety and immune response.
‘World-first’ vaccine designed by artificial intelligence
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an artificial intelligence-designed vaccine targeting multiple coronavirus variants. Early human trials involving 39 people assessed the vaccine’s safety and immune response.
Cheltenham A&E to remain open as doctors’ strike called off
Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E will remain open after resident doctors called off a planned four-day strike following a new government pay offer.
All newborns in England to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy from 2027
England will screen all newborns for spinal muscular atrophy beginning in October 2027, expanding from a limited pilot to provide universal coverage across the country.
Energy drinks to be banned from sale to under-16s in England
England will ban sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s starting in April next year, with retailers facing fines up to £2,500 for violations.
Prostate cancer trial using focal therapy has fewer side effects
A 10-year NHS study found that focal therapy for prostate cancer offers comparable cancer control to surgery or radiotherapy while producing fewer side effects like incontinence or sexual dysfunction.