New research on how bacteria resists last-resort antibiotic
A team of University of Bristol-led researchers has provided the first clues to understand how the mcr-1 gene protects bacteria from colistin, a last resort antibiotic used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections that do not respond to other treatment options (University of Bristol, 2017). Last year, members of the team, led by Dr Jim Spencer … Continue reading New research on how bacteria resists last-resort antibiotic
Aberystwyth University submits planning application for new Innovation Campus
A planning application has been submitted for a new £40.5m Innovation and Enterprise Campus at Aberystwyth University (WalesOnline, 2017). Based on the University’s Gogerddan campus, the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus (AIEC) development will feature a bio-refining centre, future food centre, analytical science laboratories and a seed processing and biobank facility. The campus is planned … Continue reading Aberystwyth University submits planning application for new Innovation Campus
Swansea University study looking at delaying the onset of dementia
Dr Claire Hanley, a psychologist from Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences is recruiting for a study using transcranial direct current stimulation, a technology which could ultimately delay the onset of dementia (Swansea University, 2017). Dementia costs £1.4bn per year in Wales. Dr Hanley specialises in cognitive neuroscience, specifically what happens to the … Continue reading Swansea University study looking at delaying the onset of dementia
Welsh researchers have made a major breakthrough in diagnosing bowel cancer
A simple blood test developed by Welsh experts could lead to bowel cancer patients being diagnosed much earlier and significantly improve their chances of survival (WalesOnline, 2016). Initial signs are so promising the test could become used throughout the NHS within the next few years, with a clinical trial starting in GP practices across Abertawe … Continue reading Welsh researchers have made a major breakthrough in diagnosing bowel cancer
Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre announces strategic collaboration with Singulex
The University of Manchester has announced a strategic collaboration with US company Singulex, a leader in the use of single molecule counting technology as a diagnostic tool (The University of Manchester, 2016). Singulex has installed its SMCTM powered Sgx ClarityTM System in the Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre (MMPathIC) labs as part of its ongoing … Continue reading Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre announces strategic collaboration with Singulex
Genetics links sleep disturbance with restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia and obesity
A team of American and British scientists have discovered genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders including obesity (The University of Manchester, 2016). Lead author Dr Jacqueline Lane, postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and joint senior authors Richa Saxena, Assistant Professor of Anaesthesia at the MGH and Harvard Medical … Continue reading Genetics links sleep disturbance with restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia and obesity
Laser treatment prostate cancer is a potential game changer
Scientists at University College London have made what they believe is a real breakthrough for prostate cancer, long seen as the Cinderella of cancers, using a drug derived from bacteria found at the bottom of the sea, injected into the bloodstream and activated in the prostate by laser beams (The Guardian, 2016). The treatment has … Continue reading Laser treatment prostate cancer is a potential game changer
Further evidence found for causal links between cannabis and schizophrenia
A study by the University of Bristol’s School of Experimental Psychology has found people with a greater risk of developing schizophrenia are more likely to try cannabis (University of Bristol, 2016). Earlier this year scientists warned about the increased risk of psychosis for vulnerable people who use cannabis. Their warnings followed evidence suggesting an increased … Continue reading Further evidence found for causal links between cannabis and schizophrenia
Cardiff University developing low-cost tool for dementia assessment
Cardiff University has been awarded around half a million pounds to develop a low-cost cognitive tool for dementia assessment in low and middle income countries (LMICs) (Cardiff University, 2016). Expanding on existing work at Cardiff University and the University of California, San Francisco, the new project will generate novel tablet-based tools for dementia diagnosis, in … Continue reading Cardiff University developing low-cost tool for dementia assessment
Scientists trial a living bandage for knee injuries
A living bandage made from stem cells, which could revolutionise the treatment and prognosis of meniscal tears, a common sporting knee injury, has been trialled in humans for the first time by scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Liverpool (University of Bristol, 2016). Meniscal tears are suffered by over one million people a year … Continue reading Scientists trial a living bandage for knee injuries
