Some survivors of Ebola have unique retinal scars
Researchers from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Translational Medicine have conducted a study of Ebola survivors to determine if the virus has any specific effects on the back on the eye using an ultra wide field retinal camera (University of Liverpool, 2017). To find out more about the broad-ranging symptoms of Post Ebola Syndrome … Continue reading Some survivors of Ebola have unique retinal scars
First proton beam therapy machine in the UK arrives tomorrow
The first cancer fighting proton beam therapy machine to be installed in the UK will arrive in Newport tomorrow (WalesOnline, 2017). The ground breaking technology was previously only available overseas, but the arrival of the fifty five ton cyclotron accelerator Proteus ONE machine will complete the final phase of a cancer centre being built in … Continue reading First proton beam therapy machine in the UK arrives tomorrow
New antibody drug conjugate could be used to target treatment-resistant childhood leukaemia
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that a protein called 5T4, found on the surface of cells, contributes to chemotherapy resistance in the most common type of childhood leukaemia (University of Manchester, 2017). Using a novel approach, early testing shows that targeting the protein with an antibody drug conjugate could hold promise in … Continue reading New antibody drug conjugate could be used to target treatment-resistant childhood leukaemia
Cross-species links identified for osteoarthritis
New research from the University of Liverpool, published today in NPJ Systems Biology and Applications, has identified cell messages that could help identify the early stages of osteoarthritis (University of Liverpool, 2017). Osteoarthritis (OA) is the destruction of the tissues of the joints and affects more than half of people aged over sixty five. It … Continue reading Cross-species links identified for osteoarthritis
New understanding of the silent changes in genes that cause cystic fibrosis
Researchers studying the root cause of cystic fibrosis have made a major advance in the understanding of silent gene changes with implications for the complexity of cystic fibrosis (University of Bristol, 2017). Cystic fibrosis is a common life-shortening inherited disease that affects over 70,000 people worldwide, the majority of whom are children and young adults. … Continue reading New understanding of the silent changes in genes that cause cystic fibrosis
Mice with 3D printed ovaries give birth
3D printed ovaries made of gelatine have allowed mice to conceive and give birth to healthy pups (Science, 2017). Engineered ovaries like these could one day be used to help restore fertility in cancer survivors rendered sterile by radiation or chemotherapy. This “landmark study” is a “significant advance in the application of bioengineering to reproductive … Continue reading Mice with 3D printed ovaries give birth
PCI Clinical Services begins moving in to its Bridgend Centre of Execellence
PCI Clinical Services has begun to move into its expanded Clinical Services Centre of Excellence in Bridgend (MediWales, 2017). The new storage and distribution facility will provide PCI with a substantial additional space, complementing its existing footprint currently utilised for specialist clinical trial logistics as well as packaging, labelling and qualified person activities for investigational … Continue reading PCI Clinical Services begins moving in to its Bridgend Centre of Execellence
Snail genome discovery could help combat schistosomiasis
Scientists at Aberystwyth University have contributed to international efforts to characterise the genome of a snail species responsible for passing on a parasite that kills 200,000 people every year (Aberystwyth University, 2017). Researchers at Aberystwyth University’s Barrett Centre for Helminth Control (BCHC) at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences have been studying the … Continue reading Snail genome discovery could help combat schistosomiasis
Research suggests a new approach to detecting and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease
A University of Manchester test on the mucus lining of the intestine, performed in mice, has found changes in bacteria that could lead to inflammatory bowel disease twelve weeks earlier than previously possible through looking at stool samples (University of Manchester, 2017). The findings, published in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, could lead to the possibility of … Continue reading Research suggests a new approach to detecting and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease
New “transformational” test for rare childhood genetic disorders
The way doctors diagnose a group of rare genetic disorders in children could be transformed by a new test developed by University of Manchester researchers (University of Manchester, 2017). Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are rare inherited conditions where enzymes that break down toxins or serve other essential functions in the body are missing. There … Continue reading New “transformational” test for rare childhood genetic disorders
