Gene mutation can cause brain malformation in children
Researchers from Cardiff University and Université Libre de Bruxelles have identified how the function of a key gene significantly impacts nerve stem cell growth, and how it can lead to abnormal brain development in unborn babies (Cardiff University, 2017). The new research, published in PNAS, reveals a pivotal role for the Dmrta2 gene in regulating … Continue reading Gene mutation can cause brain malformation in children
Two Welsh firms using technology to tackle bedsores
Two firms in Wales are hoping they can help offer new solutions to tackle bedsores (BBC News, 2017). Treating wounds caused by issues such as pressure ulcers costs NHS Wales £600m, 10% of its annual budget. Across the UK the bill is about £4bn. Paula Lawrence, a specialist nurse at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, … Continue reading Two Welsh firms using technology to tackle bedsores
Welsh Ambulance Service moves its researchers to new base at Swansea University Medical School
The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) has moved its research and innovation offices to the Institute of Life Sciences at Swansea University Medical School, further strengthening the links between the two teams (Swansea University, 2017). WAST has many national and international research and innovation partners, but its longstanding relationships with Swansea University have given … Continue reading Welsh Ambulance Service moves its researchers to new base at Swansea University Medical School
World’s most detailed scan of the brain’s internal wiring produced
The world’s most detailed scan of the brain’s internal wiring has been produced by scientists at Cardiff University (BBC News, 2017). The MRI scan reveals the fibres which carry all the brain’s thought processes. It has been done in Cardiff, Nottingham, Cambridge and Stockport, as well as London, England and London, Ontario. The scans also … Continue reading World’s most detailed scan of the brain’s internal wiring produced
IMPSPEX Diagnostics secures €1.5m in EU funding to fight global infections
IMSPEX Diagnostics has secured €1.5m in EU funding to lead a European project to revolutionise the way respiratory illnesses are diagnosed (Welsh Government, 2017). The investment will see IMSPEX Diagnostics, which is based in Abercynon, team up with leading manufacturers and clinical trial specialists in Germany and Ireland and with the University of Warwick and … Continue reading IMPSPEX Diagnostics secures €1.5m in EU funding to fight global infections
First patient treated with Creo Medical device
The first patient has been treated with a device made by Chepstow-based surgical technology company Creo Medical (MediWales, 2017). The AIM-listed company’s Speedboat device has been used by Professor Brian Saunders at St Mark’s Hospital in London to treat a patient with a large pre-cancerous lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. Craig Gulliford, chief executive of … Continue reading First patient treated with Creo Medical device
Chinese company in joint venture with Cardiff University
Realcan, a major Chinese biomedical service provider is teaming up with Cardiff University to explore research opportunities (China Daily, 2017). Realcan will provide £1m of funding to Cardiff University over a three year period. The investment will allow PhD students with Realcan to partner with Cardiff University’s clinicians and biomedical scientists as well as Realcan … Continue reading Chinese company in joint venture with Cardiff University
ReNeuron expecting “significant clinical milestones”
Losses have widened at ReNeuron but the Bridgend-based cell therapy company is expected to achieve “significant clinical milestones” over the next three years (Insider Media, 2017). The AIM listed business reported a pre-tax loss of £18.2m in its results for the year ending March 31st 2017, up from £12.8m in 2015/16. Royalty income was £46,000, … Continue reading ReNeuron expecting “significant clinical milestones”
Swansea schoolgirl puts pressure ulcer app to the test
A schoolgirl with spina bifida has helped experts at Morriston Hospital in Swansea put an innovative new app to the test (Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, 2017). The app was created by PUPIS, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Heath Board’s multidisciplinary Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Intervention Service, with Welsh Government funding. It may eventually be … Continue reading Swansea schoolgirl puts pressure ulcer app to the test
UK’s first artificial heart pump due to begin trials in 2018
Scientists have said the UK’s first artificial heart pump has moved a step closer to being used on patients (BBC News, 2017). The heart pump has been developed at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science 2 by Calon Cardio, and clinical trials are due to begin in late 2018 with the aim of a full … Continue reading UK’s first artificial heart pump due to begin trials in 2018
