University of Liverpool head and neck cancer research gets £200k boost
A research project, based out of the University of Liverpool, which will bring together a multidisciplinary team of cancer surgeons, medical oncologists and scientists in Liverpool, has been given the go ahead thanks to £200,000 of grant funding (University of Liverpool, 2017). North West Cancer Research (NWCR) has awarded funding for a three year long … Continue reading University of Liverpool head and neck cancer research gets £200k boost
Bacterium lassoes its way from the mouth to the heart to cause cancer
The human mouth can harbour more than seven hundred different species of bacteria (University of Bristol, 2017). Under normal circumstances these microbes co-exist with us as part of our resident oral microbiota. But when bacteria spread to other tissues via the blood stream, the results can be catastrophic. Researchers from the University of Bristol have … Continue reading Bacterium lassoes its way from the mouth to the heart to cause cancer
New company provides vital resource to scientists in the fight against arthritis
University of Manchester researchers have established a new social enterprise, Inspiral Biomedical Limited, to support the development of new tests and treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (University of Manchester, 2017). Musculoskeletal conditions have a significant impact on people’s quality of life and are a huge burden on society. In the UK, around 21% … Continue reading New company provides vital resource to scientists in the fight against arthritis
Turning off the protein tap, a new clue to neurodegenerative disease
A University of Manchester study has found disabling a part of brain cells that acts as a tap to regulate the flow of proteins has been shown to cause neurodegeneration (University of Manchester, 2017). The research, which was carried out in mice, focused on the Golgi apparatus, a compartment inside all cells in the body … Continue reading Turning off the protein tap, a new clue to neurodegenerative disease
Injection could permanently lower cholesterol by changing your DNA
A one-off injection could one day lower your cholesterol levels for the rest of your life (New Scientist, 2017). People born with natural mutations which disable a specific gene have a lower risk of heart disease, with no apparent side effects. Now a single injection has successfully disabled this gene in animal tests for the … Continue reading Injection could permanently lower cholesterol by changing your DNA
BBI Group acquired by Exponent Private Equity
BBI Group has today announced the completion of its acquisition by Exponent Private Equity (MediWales, 2017). Commenting on the deal, BBI Group CEO Lyn Rees said “This acquisition represents a firm commitment to the future growth plan of BBI, with the new ownership backed by a proven track record in the investment of resources for … Continue reading BBI Group acquired by Exponent Private Equity
Cardiff University will be the title sponsor of BioWales 2017
Cardiff University has been confirmed as title sponsor of BioWales 2017, the leading event for the life sciences sector in Wales (Cardiff University, 2017). BioWales returns to Wales Millennium Centre on March 7th – 8th 2017. Now in its fifteenth year, BioWales builds on Wales’ collaborative strength, bringing together industry experts, life science investors and … Continue reading Cardiff University will be the title sponsor of BioWales 2017
Proton Partners make two senior appointments
Proton Partners International, which is currently developing cancer treatment centres in Newport, Northumberland and Reading, has made two appointments to its senior executive team (Business Insider, 2017). Dr Ian Barwick, the former COO of the Life Sciences Hub Wales, is company’s new chief scientific officer. He will play an integral role in patient-led research. Lis … Continue reading Proton Partners make two senior appointments
Male contraceptive gel 100% effective in trial with monkeys
A male contraceptive gel has been found to work reliably in a trial in primates, bringing the prospect of an alternative form of birth control for humans closer (The Guardian, 2017). The product, called Vasalgel, is designed to be a reversible and less invasive form of vasectomy and in the latest study was 100% effective … Continue reading Male contraceptive gel 100% effective in trial with monkeys
New type of T-cell “key player” in rheumatoid arthritis
Researchers have helped identify a genetically-distinct subset of helper T-cell associated with tissues affected by rheumatoid arthritis (University of Birmingham, 2017). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, where the immune system attacks its own tissues and causes chronic inflammation and pain. T-cells are important mediators of the disease, interacting with … Continue reading New type of T-cell “key player” in rheumatoid arthritis
