A long-term UK study housing de-identified health data and samples from 0.5 million volunteers
UK Biobank has identified listings of de-identified health and genetic records for its 500,000 volunteers on Alibaba platforms. The charity has paused access to its research system, revoked credentials for three Chinese research institutions, worked with Chinese authorities to remove listings, and has referred the incident to the Information Commissioner.
A UK-led study shows a finger-prick blood test combined with online cognitive testing could triage dementia risk from home, while another tool using interpretable AI predicts 10-year obesity-related health risks to guide NHS interventions. Separately, an AI-assisted triage study in emergency medicine suggests AI may outperform humans in rapid decision-making, signaling a shift in clinical workflows.
Researchers using 12-year UK Biobank data show sitting for long periods increases cancer risk, while breaking up sedentary time with light activity reduces risk. Replacing an hour of sitting daily with movement could cut cancer deaths by about 12%.