Genomic analysis of Covid-19 lineages in Wales
Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething has issued a written statement on the genomic analysis of Covid-19 lineages. He writes “Through SAGE and the Technical Advisory Group, the Welsh Government receives updates on the genetic makeup of the virus that causes Covid-19. The insights that come from studying the very building blocks … Continue reading Genomic analysis of Covid-19 lineages in Wales
Non-routine testing of patients with suspected Covid-19 “of little benefit” to assess risk
Non-routine testing of patients with suspected Covid-19 to help predict their prognosis on admission to emergency departments offers limited benefit and could have significant cost implications, according to a collaborative evaluation by Cardiff University and the University Hospital of Wales. Cardiff University says the researchers drew together laboratory and clinical findings at Wales’ largest hospital … Continue reading Non-routine testing of patients with suspected Covid-19 “of little benefit” to assess risk
Faster coronavirus testing with simple algebraic equations
A mathematician from Cardiff University has developed a new method for processing large volumes of Covid-19 tests which he believes could lead to significantly more tests being performed at once and results being returned much quicker. Cardiff University reports Dr Usama Kadri, from its School of Mathematics, believes the new technique could allow many more … Continue reading Faster coronavirus testing with simple algebraic equations
Fewer young people in Wales vaping but no drop in smoking
E-cigarette use among young people has fallen for the first time in Wales but declines in youth smoking have stalled, according to analysis from Cardiff University. The report is based on responses from 119,388 eleven to sixteen year olds who took part in the School Health Research Network’s (SHRN) 2019 Student Health and Wellbeing survey, … Continue reading Fewer young people in Wales vaping but no drop in smoking
New report reveals lack of mental health support for skin disease patients
The vast majority of skin disease patients feel their condition affects their mental health and many struggle to access appropriate treatment, according to a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Skin. Cardiff University reports five hundred patients with a range of skin conditions were surveyed in March and April of this year, along … Continue reading New report reveals lack of mental health support for skin disease patients
Playing with dolls activates the brain regions associated with empathy and social skills
A team of researchers from Cardiff University has used neuroscience for the first time to explore the impact doll play has on children. In an eighteen month study, the team monitored the brain activity of thirty three children, aged between four and eight, as they played with dolls. Cardiff University reports they found that doll … Continue reading Playing with dolls activates the brain regions associated with empathy and social skills
Smoking and obesity could increase the risk of severe coronavirus and sepsis
An international team of scientists has identified genetic evidence that suggests both smoking and obesity can increase the risk of severe Covid-19. The researchers also found the same was true for the risk of developing sepsis, a dangerous inflammatory response faced by many patients with other infections. The findings, published in Circulation, highlight that stopping … Continue reading Smoking and obesity could increase the risk of severe coronavirus and sepsis
Accelerate supports the development of safer VR experiences in healthcare
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) and Cardiff University’s Clinical Innovation Accelerator (CIA) are collaborating with Rescape Innovation Ltd to improve the safe deployment of virtual reality for health care staff and patients. Rescape Innovation are pioneering the use of VR in healthcare to reduce pain, anxiety and improve … Continue reading Accelerate supports the development of safer VR experiences in healthcare
Rescape overfunding after successful crowdfunding campaign
A Cardiff based immersive technology in healthcare pioneer is overfunding after its successful crowdfunding campaign secured backing from a wide range of investors. Insider Media reports Rescape Innovation has already raised more than £350,000 through Crowdcube to help the company expand its use of virtual reality in the treatment of patients and to help frontline … Continue reading Rescape overfunding after successful crowdfunding campaign
Crab shells could protect NHS staff from coronavirus
A material derived from waste crab shells is being tested for use as a virucide for use on PPE and other medical devices. Bangor University reports its experts are working Pwllheli based Pennotec (Pennog Limited) to develop a unique coating which has long lasting virus destroying properties. The BBC reports the crab shells providing the … Continue reading Crab shells could protect NHS staff from coronavirus
