The robotic pet dragon helping with loneliness
A robotic pet dragon has been created to monitor a person’s movement, which can also help to combat loneliness if they live by themselves. The BBC reports it has been designed by Aberystwyth University’s Smart Home Lab as part of a study into how robots might help older people or those with health conditions to … Continue reading The robotic pet dragon helping with loneliness
Are water births safe?
New research led by Cardiff University confirms that for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, having a water birth is as safe as leaving the water before birth. Cardiff University says researchers looked at the birth experiences of over eighty seven thousand women with an uncomplicated pregnancy who used water immersion during labour for comfort and … Continue reading Are water births safe?
How beeswax could help families in warzones
Beeswax and local herbs could be crucial in helping families living in conflict zones store food, according to scientists from Cardiff University and Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute of National Technical University, Ukraine. Professor Les Baillie from Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has worked with Dr Yudina Yuliia of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute of … Continue reading How beeswax could help families in warzones
Targeting inflammation to tackle Long Covid
Overactivation of the immune system leading to circulation of inflammatory proteins around the body contributes to the development of Long Covid, and could be targeted to provide treatments for patients. Cardiff University research has uncovered biological markers that could be targeted by repurposing medication to treat Long Covid. The research conducted extensive analysis of plasma … Continue reading Targeting inflammation to tackle Long Covid
Fussy eaters are more likely to experience Pica eating disorder
Children who experience eating difficulties, including undereating, overeating, and fussy eating are more likely to experience pica, an eating disorder characterised by eating non-food items such as paper or soap, according to new research by Cardiff University. In collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders at the University of North Carolina and the … Continue reading Fussy eaters are more likely to experience Pica eating disorder
£13 million for biotechnology research to address environmental challenges
The Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (CEB) at Bangor University is part of a new research centre, the first of its kind in the UK, being formed to enhance and develop the natural abilities of micro-organisms in cleaning up our planet. Tackling environmental pollutants and waste using microbes, the new centre is being established with £13m … Continue reading £13 million for biotechnology research to address environmental challenges
Magicians are less likely to have mental health problems
Research undertaken at Aberystwyth University has demonstrated that magicians are less likely to suffer from the mental health challenges faced by other creative people, like musicians and comedians. From comedians like Robin Williams to poets and painters like Sylvia Plath and Vincent Van Gogh, many famous names have had well publicised mental health problems. While … Continue reading Magicians are less likely to have mental health problems
Smart watches could detect Parkinson’s up to seven years before major symptoms appear
Smart watches could be used to speed up diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease by as much as seven years, using a new AI tool. People developing Parkinson’s undergo subtle shifts in walking and sleep years before “hallmark” symptoms such as shaking and difficulty balancing appear, but they are not typically picked up until the disease is … Continue reading Smart watches could detect Parkinson’s up to seven years before major symptoms appear
“We built a human skin printer from Lego”
Welsh scientists have built a human skin printer from Lego for less than £500 and which could change the way doctors treat skin diseases. WalesOnline reports Sion Coulman, Chris Thomas and Oliver Castell, lecturers at Cardiff University, were involved in the project, which was funded by the British Skin Foundation. The three men explained that … Continue reading “We built a human skin printer from Lego”
“Benjamin Button” cell reverse ageing technique used in Parkinson’s research
Researchers are using a pioneering “Benjamin Button” reverse ageing technique to come to a better understanding of Parkinson’s disease, which could lead to more effective treatments. The technique takes skin cells that have been donated by people with the condition and turns them back into stem cells by using a combination of “reprogramming factors”. Stem … Continue reading “Benjamin Button” cell reverse ageing technique used in Parkinson’s research
