Impact of our research
Our biomedical research has a positive impact on societies, business and individuals across the globe. We face up to the world’s greatest healthcare challenges and bring benefit where it’s needed most.
The breadth of research conducted within the Faculty ranges from the understanding of the basic mechanisms that underpin health to the development of new tests and treatments and their translation into innovations in clinical care.
More of our major findings and their impact in society are highlighted in the following case studies.
Macular degeneration
Dr Ian Murray has developed an instrument for monitoring macular pigment levels and helping patients avoid the development or progression of AMD.
Anti-ageing products
Our skin ageing research led to Boots developing its popular No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum.
Airway diseases
Safer and more effective treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease arose from our research.
Artificial lights
Researchers have redesigned artificial lights to suit our biological needs.
Aspergillosis
We carried out research that led to the world's most effective first line therapy for the fungal infection aspergillosis.
Breast cancer
Our research into the link between breast cancer and bone loss led to changes in international guidelines and treatments.
Breast cancer diagnosis
Over 1.5 million women who develop breast cancer each year have benefited from our research into treatment and prevention.
Cancer support
We have helped improve nutritional care, return to work rates and support needs assessment during end of life care for patients and their families.
Cardiovascular diabetic risk
Our clinical trial led to a global transformation in how type 2 diabetic patients are treated to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Cervical screening
Our research has had a major impact on cervical screening policy and practice in the UK and influenced thinking internationally.
Childhood leukaemia
Children in the UK with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia now benefit from one of the highest cure rates in the world thanks to our research.
Climate-proofing cities
Faculty scientists have demonstrated how important trees can be to the quality of city living.
Community care policy
Our dementia research has influenced numerous care policies and recommendations in England.
Community pharmacy
Our research led to a scheme that enables patients to receive free treatment for minor ailments at their local pharmacy.
Deaf children
The NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme was created in the wake of our research.
Dental screening
Government policy on dental screening in schools has changed significantly following our research.
Distributing NHS resources
Our ongoing research is helping the NHS distribute its budget more fairly across the country.
Drug development
We have helped reduce the usage of animals in drug research and set up a spin-out company specialising in early scientific trials in humans.
Drug discovery
Our researchers have developed an improved method for determining the 3D structure of molecules and aiding drug discovery.
Enhancing patient experience
Research at the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre means NHS patients can make informed choices.
Endocrine diseases
Manchester researchers have helped develop testing kits to accurately measure the hormone levels of patients.
Falls prevention
Ground-breaking research is helping reduce the number of falls among older people by up to one-third.
Gene identification
We have an exceptional record in identifying genes linked to rare diseases. Researchers identified the molecular basis for 29 rare disease genes from 1993 to 2013.
Genetic skeletal diseases
University research has had a major influence on establishing the correct diagnosis of genetic skeletal diseases.
GP patient care
Our research has shaped the design of national systems of accreditation for general practice in the UK, Europe and globally.
Growth disorders
Our work has led to new diagnostic tests and influenced clinicians worldwide in recognising specific growth disorders and ensuring the right tests are used.
Improving our waterways
Our research into water pollution was the first step in the redevelopment of Salford Quays.
Lung cancer
We have developed ground-breaking treatments for non-small cell lung cancer and optimised treatment for advanced small cell lung cancer.
Lysosomal disorders
Thousands of children suffering from rare inherited metabolic diseases worldwide have dramatically better life expectancy and quality of life thanks to our research.
Managing depression
The management of depression and anxiety in the UK has been transformed thanks to our researchers.
Medical tests
Faculty research has led to more accurate testing of genotoxicity.
MicroRNA database (miRBase)
A microRNA database (miRBASE) developed at Manchester has become an essential resource in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
MRI biomarkers
Our researchers have been developing new magnetic resonance imaging methods to identify effective new treatments and target treatments for greater patient benefits.
Neonatal eczema
Our research in newborn skincare means parents now have peace of mind when choosing products that are safe to use for cleansing their new baby's skin.
Oral health
Our researchers have changed global practice and reduced unnecessary prescriptions for specific antibiotics by 8,000 a month in England alone.
Neurofibromatoses
Our world-leading research has brought about the significantly improved management of two types of tumours that grow in the human nervous system.
Parenting skills
An estimated 7 million families in 25 countries have benefited from TV shows, DVDs and resources developed by a team from our Parenting and Family Research Group.
Pay for performance
Our primary care research has shaped the design of pay-for-performance schemes in GP surgeries, where they are rewarded for meeting performance measures.
Prescribing errors
Research conducted from 1996 to date has led to the reduction of prescribing errors, improving patient safety in primary and secondary health care settings.
Preserving wildlife
Research by our staff and students is playing a vital role in preserving wildlife and the culture of indigenous people in the rainforests of Ecuador.
Protein fingerprinting
Researchers have developed a method of protein fingerprinting which allows the unique diagnosis of new members of protein families.
Psychosis
Research from the late 1990s led to major changes in mental health policy and clinical guidelines and practice for the early treatment of psychosis in the UK and abroad.
Radiotherapy
Pioneering research has led to the development of techniques that target the resistance of tumour cells to radiotherapy treatment.
Reducing infection
Dr Curtis Dobson has invented a technology which could reduce infections from common medical devices such as contact lenses.
Rheumatoid arthritis
More effective prescribing and improved outcomes for thousands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis has resulted from our research.
Risk management
Our researchers developed a method for training health and other frontline professionals in suicide risk assessment and management skills.
Schizophrenia
Pioneering work on psychological interventions by our researchers has transformed treatment and care for people with schizophrenia.
Stroke services
Our research has had a direct influence on stroke guidelines for managing and rehabilitating cognition and communication post-stroke.
Suicide deaths
Changes to NHS clinical practice and policy resulting from our research have led to a fall in the number of deaths by suicide nationally.
Swallowing problems
Pioneering research has led to the introduction of the world's first effective throat stimulation treatment for stroke patients with dysphagia.
Treating schizophrenia
Our research has reversed medical opinion on the advantages of 'wonder drugs' used to treat schizophrenia.
Utopia Documents
Researchers at Manchester have developed Utopia Documents, an innovative software system that links biomedical data to scientific literature.
Worm infections
Researchers have developed an educational programme that focuses on the immune response and biology of parasitic worm infections.