EKF Diagnostics, a global in vitro diagnostics company based in Penarth, has introduced one of the first tests to precisely measure levels of Covid-19 neutralising antibodies in individuals. Unlike other antibody tests, MediWales reports the Kantaro COVID-SeroKlir SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test kit determines both the presence and specific quantities of human IgG antibodies to the … Continue reading EKF introduces accurate quantitative Covid-19 antibody test kit

A new study has shown that a key type of immune cell “self-renews” in humans. Cardiff University says it is an unexpected discovery, as it was previously thought this specific type of “senescent” killer immune cell had reached “end-stage” and would die following one more stint at helping people fight off, or live with, certain … Continue reading Key type of immune cell “self-renews” in humans

Life Sciences Hub Wales has appointed five non-executive directors to join its board to play a critical role in shaping the organisation’s future strategic direction. The new directors will actively support the organisation in making Wales the place of choice for health and wellbeing innovation through sharing tactical insight and guidance. Each non-executive director brings … Continue reading Five non-executive directors set to join Life Sciences Hub Wales

A group of researchers are to evaluate whether a simple blood test for bacterial infection could help to reduce the use of antibiotics in patients with Covid-19. A procalcitonin blood test (PCT) is used in hospitals to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections and guide antibiotic treatment. Cardiff University reports this study will investigate whether … Continue reading New study to evaluate antibiotic use in Covid-19 hospital patients

A new study from Swansea University suggests women who stop taking their asthma medication during pregnancy are at risk of giving birth prematurely and are less likely to breastfeed their babies. Many women in the UK are prescribed medicines for asthma before or during pregnancy, at around 11.8% of the population. However, prescription records show … Continue reading Stopping asthma medication while pregnant risks preterm birth

An international team of researchers has connected specific genetic regions which influence facial features. Cardiff University reports this means they can see the signals of normal facial features in the genome, but it is also hoped their work can shed light on craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate. The findings have been published … Continue reading Scientists reveal a genetic map of the human face

Researchers from Cardiff University have been testing the feasibility of using microwave ovens and dry heat to decontaminate crucial PPE being used to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Reporting their findings in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the team have shown that certain types of respirators can be effectively decontaminated in just ninety seconds using an … Continue reading Reusing face masks: are microwaves the answer?

The investment for the Cardiff based company consists of £1m from Wealth Club, a high net worth investment service, and £200,000 from the Development Bank of Wales. WalesOnline reports the finance will fund further business growth, product development and expansion into new global markets. Earlier this year Bond received £700,000 in equity funding from the … Continue reading Bond Digital Health secures a £1.2m equity boost to support expansion plans

A new study by a Cardiff laboratory has proved that an alternative blood alcohol test is more accurate and sensitive than the test currently used by bodies including the DVLA and health providers. Business News Wales reports Cansford Laboratories has confirmed previous research that the newer PEth blood test is better at detecting regular alcohol … Continue reading Study proves alternative blood alcohol test is more accurate

A trial of a cold remedy containing seaweed which could potentially combat coronavirus is underway in Swansea. WalesOnline reports a research study by Swansea University involving four hundred and eighty frontline NHS workers in the city is examining the efficacy of Boots Dual Defence in preventing Covid illness and reducing the severity of its symptoms. … Continue reading Trials in Swansea to see if a popular Boots cold remedy can stop coronavirus