All articles tagged with #uk biobank
A large UK Biobank imaging study of over 25,000 participants aged 44–81 found that lifetime cannabis users have brain connectivity patterns that resemble younger brains and outperformed non-users on several cognitive tests, with aging-related networks showing opposite changes; however, being cross-sectional and based on lifetime use, the study cannot establish causation and the effects are modest.
A large health study using UK Biobank and FinnGen data finds cheese consumption is associated with a 28% lower risk of sleep apnea, with researchers applying Mendelian randomization to explore causality and identifying several biomarkers potentially mediating the effect; experts caution that correlation is not causation and advise moderation and standard sleep apnea guidance from clinicians.
A UK Biobank study of 61,290 MRI scans used surface-to-surface analysis to link gluteus maximus morphology to type 2 diabetes risk, finding men with T2D tend to have a flattened, atrophied glute, while women show outward bulging from fat deposition. Larger gluteus maximus at baseline linked to lower future diabetes risk after adjusting for age, BMI, and lifestyle. The findings suggest muscle phenotype, not just quantity, matters for diabetes risk and could inform clinical assessments, though MRI-based shape analysis is not scalable for routine care and requires further longitudinal validation.
A June 2025–based observational analysis of over 88,000 UK Biobank participants found disrupted sleep patterns—irregular bedtimes, fragmented sleep, and unstable rhythms—are associated with a higher risk of 172 diseases across metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Experts caution that correlation does not prove causation, but point to mechanisms like circadian misalignment and impaired immune/metabolic function; improving sleep through consistent routines, limiting late-night screens and caffeine, managing light exposure, and CBT-I are suggested avenues for better health.
This study mapped over 1.4 million associations between plasma metabolites and a wide range of human phenotypes in 274,241 UK Biobank participants, revealing metabolic signatures linked to diseases, traits, and aging, and identifying potential causal relationships and biomarkers for personalized risk assessment and intervention.
A UK Biobank study found that certain food additives, including flavors, colorings, sweeteners, and sugars, are associated with increased mortality risk, while gelling agents may offer protective effects, highlighting the varying health impacts of ultra-processed food components.
UK Biobank's extensive imaging and health data from 100,000 participants provide unprecedented insights into how diseases develop silently over time, enabling earlier detection and better understanding of health risks through advanced imaging and AI analysis.
The UK Biobank completed the world's largest whole-body imaging project, scanning 100,000 volunteers over 15 years, creating an extensive dataset that is revolutionizing disease research, diagnostics, and AI development for early detection and understanding of health and aging.
The UK Biobank has completed its goal of scanning 100,000 volunteers' brains, hearts, and organs over an 11-year project, providing valuable data for early disease detection and research, with the use of AI to analyze the vast amount of imaging data.
A large study found that brighter night-time light exposure is associated with increased risks of five major cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that circadian disruption from artificial light may contribute to heart health issues. The research emphasizes the importance of managing night light exposure to reduce cardiovascular risk, especially during sleep.
A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health highlights the importance of consistent sleep patterns for cardiovascular health. Researchers found that individuals with irregular sleep schedules were 26% more likely to experience cardiovascular issues, such as strokes and heart attacks, compared to those with regular sleep patterns. The study, which analyzed data from over 70,000 UK residents, suggests that maintaining a consistent sleep and wake time is crucial, potentially even more so than sleep duration, for reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study using data from the UK Biobank suggests that exercising in the early morning or late evening can significantly reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. Researchers found that physical activity peaks at around 8am and 6pm were associated with an 11% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to other times of the day. This finding could lead to targeted cancer prevention strategies focusing on the timing of exercise. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with increasing incidence among younger adults.
Researchers have identified a specific genetic trigger for obesity linked to the SMIM1 gene, which affects thyroid function and energy expenditure. This mutation, found in about 1 in 5,000 people, leads to significant weight gain. The study suggests potential treatment with thyroid medication, pending further research and clinical trials.
A cohort study of 247,867 adults from the UK Biobank found that habitual short sleep duration, particularly less than 6 hours daily, was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) even among those with healthy dietary habits. While adherence to a healthy diet was linked to reduced T2D risk, the increased risk associated with short sleep duration persisted. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between sleep duration, dietary habits, and T2D risk for public health and diabetes prevention strategies.
Researchers have identified biological markers in blood samples from over 50,000 healthy volunteers that can predict the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, nearly 15 years before clinical diagnosis. The discovery of four proteins in the blood, when combined with conventional risk factors, allowed for an estimated 90% accuracy in predicting dementia. This development could lead to the creation of a screening kit for use in the NHS, potentially aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of dementia, particularly with the emergence of new Alzheimer's drugs. However, further studies and regulatory approval are needed before such blood tests can be used in healthcare settings.