Zebrafish larvae could be an alternative pain research model

Having previously debunked the claim that fish don’t feel pain, the University of Liverpool’s Dr Lynne Sneddon has become a leading figure in the movement to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in scientific research (University of Liverpool, 2017). Uncomfortable with the increasing use of adult fish in pain research, she and her … Continue reading Zebrafish larvae could be an alternative pain research model

Hunger hormone appears to promote the growth of new brain cells

A stomach hormone that stimulates appetite seems to promote the growth of new brain cells and protect them from the effects of ageing, and may explain why some people say that fasting makes them feel mentally sharper (New Scientist, 2017). When ghrelin was first discovered, it became known as the hunger hormone. It is made … Continue reading Hunger hormone appears to promote the growth of new brain cells

Liquid biopsy can spot cancer recurrence a year before conventional scans

A revolutionary blood test has been shown to diagnose the recurrence of cancer up to a year in advance of conventional scans in a major lung cancer trial (The Guardian, 2017). The test, known as a liquid biopsy, could buy crucial time for doctors by indicating that cancer is growing in the body when tumours … Continue reading Liquid biopsy can spot cancer recurrence a year before conventional scans

Connshing syndrome named as new cause of hypertension

Research led by scientists at the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with colleagues in Germany, has revealed a new cause of hypertension which could lead to major changes in managing the condition (University of Birmingham, 2017). Hypertension often goes unnoticed, but if left untreated can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies estimate … Continue reading Connshing syndrome named as new cause of hypertension

Ambulance response times are effected by air temperature

Ambulance response times in London worsen when air temperatures rise or fall beyond certain limits in summer and winter, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham (University of Birmingham, 2017). Services are vulnerable to disruptions from both hot and cold weather, with the speed of ambulance response beginning to suffer … Continue reading Ambulance response times are effected by air temperature

Tiny cages could be used to keep vaccines safe

Vaccines and antibodies could be transported and stored without refrigeration by capturing them in tiny silica cages, a discovery which could make getting vital medicines to remote or dangerous places much easier, cheaper and safer (University of Bath, 2017). Vaccines and many other medicines contain proteins which break down and become unusable at room temperatures, … Continue reading Tiny cages could be used to keep vaccines safe

Stimulate your brain when you’re young if you want to stay mentally healthy

Stimulating the brain by taking on leadership roles at work or staying on in education help people stay mentally healthy in later life, according to new research (Bangor University, 2017). The large-scale investigation published in PLOS Medicine and led by Professor Linda Clare of the University of Exeter, recently of Bangor University’s School of Psychology, … Continue reading Stimulate your brain when you’re young if you want to stay mentally healthy

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

A pacemaker for the brain can help memory

Well timed pulses from electrodes implanted in the brain can enhance memory in some people, scientists reported today, in the most rigorous demonstration to date of how a pacemaker-like approach might help reduce symptoms of dementia, head injuries and other conditions (The New York Times, 2017). The report is the result of decades of work … Continue reading A pacemaker for the brain can help memory

Bangor University computer games to research to help treat Parkinson’s disease

Research into how computer games stimulate the brain could be used to help treat Parkinson’s disease (BBC News, 2017). The study looked at the effects of touch screen “spatial reasoning games” on the part of the brain used to control movement. Early research involving sixteen people with Parkinson’s disease showed it could help stimulate impaired … Continue reading Bangor University computer games to research to help treat Parkinson’s disease

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