A team led by UCL and Cardiff University researchers has developed a novel measure of disease progression for Huntington’s disease, which enabled them to identify a genetic modifier associated with how rapidly the disease progresses (CheckOrphan, 2017). “We’ve identified a gene that could be a target for treating Huntington’s disease. While there’s currently no cure … Continue reading Genetic modifier for Huntington’s disease progression identified

A Cardiff University scientist is to explore whether viruses can be “trained” to tackle ovarian cancer after being given a £250,000 Cancer Research UK grant (BBC News, 2017). Dr Alan Parker, a senior lecturer at Cardiff University, will lead a team to examine and alter the Ad5 virus. In its original form it can can … Continue reading Cardiff University scientist to train virus to fight ovarian cancer

A groundbreaking research facility which will study the medical benefits of cannabis is set to be unveiled this summer (WalesOnline, 2017). MediPen, which launched a cannabis-based vaporiser last year, says it will run a “strenuous” course of clinical trials into the medicinal applications of cannabis from its 1,800sq ft site in Cardiff. The company says … Continue reading Cardiff set to become the home of a new cannabis research facility

Work has officially started at Delta Lakes in Llanelli ready for the £200m Wellness and Life Science Village (MediWales, 2017). Initial ground works are now underway to support the “once in a lifetime” future development of the Llanelli Waterside Joint Venture land. Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd has been appointed to carry out the site preparation … Continue reading Work starts on Llanelli Wellness and Life Science Village

Researchers from Swansea University Medical School and the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research have today cautioned that improved and consistent reporting of studies is needed in order to answer important questions about asthma (Swansea University, 2017). Nearly 10% of the UK population has a recorded diagnosis of asthma, accounting for almost 100,000 hospital admissions … Continue reading Researchers call for better quality reporting of asthma diagnosis and events

Jacob Hollenberg and his colleagues at the Karolinska Institute have conducted a study looking at whether drones could be used to get a defibrillator to the scene of an emergency more quickly than an ambulance (New Scientist, 2017). Having a bystander perform chest compressions while improve the chances of someone surviving a cardiac arrest, but … Continue reading Drones could carry defibrillators

Bionic hands for children may soon be available on the NHS as the world’s first clinical trial of a new type of prosthesis begins this week (Independent, 2017). The 3D printed devices for child amputees, based on popular Disney characters, are designed to be produced at a fraction of a cost of current models. Bristol-based … Continue reading World’s first trial of 3D printed bionic hands for children

Snake bite victims in Europe and Africa will soon benefit from anti-venoms produced in Carmarthenshire (WalesOnline, 2017). MicroPharm develops immunotherapy products to target infectious diseases and acute toxic conditions. It produces two anti-venoms for the treatment of snake bites from the European common adder and the carpet viper in West Africa. Its planned £2m expansion, … Continue reading Anti-venom from Wales will soon help snake bite victims in Africa

The GW4 Alliance will open a £2.3m shared facility for cryo-microscopy on September 1st 2017 at the University of Bristol (Cardiff University, 2017). The facility will provide researchers across the Great West region with a suite of state of the art microscopy and analysis tools, enabling them to better understand the molecular processes responsible for … Continue reading GW4 Alliance to open new microscopy facility

Glyndwr University have joined forces with Hasbro to conduct research into whether robotic cats can benefit people with dementia (Daily Post, 2017). The robotic cats were initially built and sold by Hasbro as toys, until the company began to explore the benefits they could make to the healthcare sector. Dr Joanne Pike, a senior lecturer … Continue reading Study to see whether robotic cats can benefit people with dementia