STIs through the centuries
In this blog post we will explore the rising tide of STIs across the eons, how ancient Greeks feared the killer “scorpions and serpents” in semen, and how goat's milk was thought to be a curative for sexual ailments.
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How bacteria-munching viruses could offer an alternative to antibiotics
They look like something out of nightmare, but these so-called ‘spider viruses’ occur naturally, and could be a powerful new weapon in tackling the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages, or phages for short, have a remarkable and currently untapped …
What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work?
In this blog post, we explore the decades old science behind mRNA and the exciting technology behind mRNA vaccines will help ensure preparedness against future health threats.
How pathogen genomics could help us detect new health threats and improve vaccines
In this blog, we will explore the role of pathogen genomics in UK biosecurity and how we are developing our genomic systems to better protect public health in the UK.
How does COVID-19 variant JN1 compare to other variants?
With the emergence at the end of last year of COVID-19 variant JN.1, there are questions about how it compares to the many other variants that have been identified. JN.1 descends from variant BA.2.86 and has an additional mutation in …
UKHSA data dashboard takes over from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) dashboard
In this blog post, we will address some of the most common questions we've had from the public about the UKHSA data dashboard and how we will continue to develop it.
How does climate change threaten our health? From flooding to wildfires
The Health Effects of Climate Change report summarises the latest science on health threats from climate change in the UK. Since the last report in 2012, both the evidence and the risks have greatly escalated. Read 11 key takeaways in our latest post.
How to improve air quality in your home while making it more energy efficient
Climate change is a growing threat, and our homes contribute significantly to the problem through energy use and emissions. However, as we make our homes more energy-efficient, we need to ensure they remain healthy environments. On average in the UK, …
How GPs help us monitor the spread of flu and the effectiveness of vaccines
Established in 1957, the Royal College of GPs Research and Surveillance Centre is one of Europe's oldest general practice sentinel networks. It is an active research and surveillance unit that collects and monitors data from over 2000 practices across England and Wales. The RCGP collaborates with the University of Oxford, and UK Health Security Agency …
A look back at the UKHSA annual conference for 2023
Our second annual conference, UKHSA2023, brought together a range of people involved in public health and health protection science for speeches, panel discussions and exhibitions. It was a fascinating and busy 2 days in Leeds, with representatives joining from across the sector.