New test for blood cancer progression
A new test that could hold the key to predicting blood cancer patients’ survival has been developed by Cardiff University (BBC News, 2017). Researchers said the length of the telomeres gave an “accurate indicator” of disease progression. Shorter telomeres can leave chromosome ends exposed, accelerating cancer progression and drug resistance. The team believe the study … Continue reading New test for blood cancer progression
Sleeping pills linked to hip fractures
Older people who have been newly prescribed sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are more than as likely to have a hip fracture in the first two weeks compared with non-users, according to a new study by researchers at Cardiff University and King’s College London (Cardiff University, 2017). Dr Ben Carter, who works at Cardiff … Continue reading Sleeping pills linked to hip fractures
Launch of £13m dementia research centre at Cardiff University
Cardiff University will be playing a major role in the UK’s biggest dementia research initiative with the launch of a £13m dementia research centre (Cardiff University, 2017). With the potential to be awarded a further £17m in research funding over the next five years, the UK DRI at Cardiff University is set to become the … Continue reading Launch of £13m dementia research centre at Cardiff University
Cellesce completes six figure funding round
Cellesce, a Cardiff-based life sciences company, has completed a six figure funding round led by Finance Wales, to support its research (Insider Media, 2017). Cellesce is a biotechnology company that has developed new bioprocessing technology for the growing and expansion of organoids. Organoids are derived from stem cells and grown in a lab. They are … Continue reading Cellesce completes six figure funding round
How to prevent tooth decay in children
A Cardiff University-led study has found applying fluoride varnish to children’s teeth is just as effective at preventing tooth decay as the alternative method of sealing teeth, and could save the NHS money (Cardiff University, 2017). The “Seal or Varnish?” study, in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Community Dental Service, treated just … Continue reading How to prevent tooth decay in children
New insights into CMV, the leading viral cause of congenital birth defects
A study led by Cardiff University has revealed why CMV, a virus responsible for 1,000 birth defects each year in the UK, is so adept at evading the immune system (Cardiff University, 2017). The new findings, published in eLIFE, could help in the development of treatments for this and other currently untreatable viruses. By studying … Continue reading New insights into CMV, the leading viral cause of congenital birth defects
First person in Wales undergoes pioneering robotic surgery
Denise Casey, who has epilepsy, has become the first person in Wales to undergo pioneering robotic surgery (BBC News, 2017). The robot, built by Renishaw in Rhondda Cynon Taff, implanted probes into the woman’s brain. Denise Casey, of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of thirty one and has had … Continue reading First person in Wales undergoes pioneering robotic surgery
Number of people with Type 2 diabetes trebles since 1991
A Cardiff University study has concluded the number of people in the UK with Type 2 diabetes has trebled over the last two decades (Cardiff University, 2017). The new findings, based on data collected by GP services in the UK between 1991 and 2014, also show a marked increase in life expectancy for people with … Continue reading Number of people with Type 2 diabetes trebles since 1991
New way to make artesmisinin
Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a new way of creating artesmisinin, a drug commonly used as the first line of defence against malaria (Cardiff University, 2017). Artemisinin is a drug recommended by the World Health Organisation for treatment of all cases of severe malaria and works by attacking all stages of the malaria parasite … Continue reading New way to make artesmisinin
No meaningful benefit using antibiotics for mildly infected eczema in children
Estimates suggest that 40% of eczema flares are treated with topical antibiotics, but findings from a study led by Cardiff University suggest there is no meaningful benefit from the use of either oral or topical antibiotics for milder clinically infected eczema in children (Cardiff University, 2017). Eczema affects around one in five children in the … Continue reading No meaningful benefit using antibiotics for mildly infected eczema in children
