Patient’s app helps people with breast cancer prepare for treatment
A mobile app designed by a patient is helping people with breast cancer prepare for the start of radiotherapy. The treatment requires them to raise their arm above their head, but patients often find that difficult or painful after breast surgery. Exercises are important but Karen Bonham said leaflets giving details did not help her … Continue reading Patient’s app helps people with breast cancer prepare for treatment
Space travel could make astronaut’s brains “leaky”
Human brains could become ‘leaky’ during space travel, according to research by the University of South Wales. ITV reports Professor Damian Bailey found changes in gravity and long-term space flights could weaken the blood-brain barrier that helps protect the brain. This can then lead to swelling and increased pressure in the brain which, according to … Continue reading Space travel could make astronaut’s brains “leaky”
Bond Digital Health doubles its predicted revenue in 2020 to £3m
Cardiff based Bond Digital Health is predicting significant growth in 2020 on the back of inroads made into the global diagnostics market. WalesOnline reports the digital health company, based at Life Sciences Hub Wales, has doubled its 2020 revenue predictions from £1.5m to more than £3m as a result of recent trips to California in … Continue reading Bond Digital Health doubles its predicted revenue in 2020 to £3m
Girls more likely than boys to be admitted to hospital after self-harming
A study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, reveals a gender disparity that is particularly evident among ten to fifteen year olds who have self-harmed. Most analyses of self-harm among young people have been restricted to hospital admissions or primary care data. But Swansea University say this research, led by Professor Ann John, … Continue reading Girls more likely than boys to be admitted to hospital after self-harming
£2m trial looking at better use of antibiotics in sepsis
Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research is to coordinate a trial looking at use of antibiotics in sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life threatening complication of an infection and it is estimated that fifty two thousand people in the UK die every year as a result of it. Optimal treatment includes early recognition, prompt antibiotics … Continue reading £2m trial looking at better use of antibiotics in sepsis
Zebrafish discovery gives an insight into human hearing disorders
A study of the genetic make up of zebrafish has provided brand new insights into the cause of congenital hearing disorders in humans. Cardiff University reports its scientists were part of a team that identified how specific genes can dictate the patterns of the tiny cells, called hair cells, within our ears that allow us … Continue reading Zebrafish discovery gives an insight into human hearing disorders
Device with a heartbeat for people with advanced dementia
HUG, which looks like a soft toy on the outside, has been specially designed to help people with advanced dementia. The BBC reports designers at Cardiff Metropolitan University hope it can help to ease anxiety and depression. Designer Prof Cathy Treadaway said “HUG was developed out of a research project designing playful objects for people … Continue reading Device with a heartbeat for people with advanced dementia
Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease linked to highly active brains
A growing body of evidence supports the theory that neural hyperactivity and hyperconnectivity precede the pathological changes that lead to neurodegeneration. There are approximately 5.6 million people over the age of sixty five living with Alzheimer’s disease in the US. With an ageing population, this number is projected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025. … Continue reading Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease linked to highly active brains
Research finds psychotic experiences are quite common
Psychosis, also called a psychotic experience or episode, is when someone perceives or interprets reality differently to the people around them. This could involve seeing or hearing something that turned out not to exist or thinking something was happening that no one else noticed. It’s estimated that around 5-10% of people will have a psychotic … Continue reading Research finds psychotic experiences are quite common
Almost half of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales say they’ve gambled recently
The study, carried out by academics from Cardiff University, found 41% of eleven to sixteen year olds had taken part in some sort of gambling within the previous twelve months. The Guardian reports fruit machines were the most popular form of gambling, followed by playing cards for money with friends and buying scratch cards. The … Continue reading Almost half of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales say they’ve gambled recently
