11 Aug 2015
Research offers clues to Parkinson’s disease causes and potential drug target
A stage-by-stage picture of a key cellular mechanism associated with the development of Parkinson’s Disease has been captured for the first time by a research team led by the University of Dundee. The findings give further understanding of the possible causes of Parkinson’s disease and offer potential for multiple targets for therapeutics to be developed. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with severe motor and non-motor symptoms. There are several genes associated with PD, with autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism (ARJP) being the most prevalent i...
10 Aug 2015
Fulbright students return to US with new insights into Scotland
Ten American undergraduates have returned to the USA after a five-week exchange visit to Scotland, hosted by the Universities of Dundee and Strathclyde, which offered them a valuable insight into Scottish identity, culture and innovation. From 5th July – 8th August, the students took part in the prestigious Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute, an intensive programme of lectures, seminars and cultural study visits exploring Scotland’s contribution to shaping the world and its place in today’s global society. The packed programme, led by senior academic staff, curators and guest speakers....
10 Aug 2015
Unravelling the genetics of diabetic neuropathic pain
Research from the University of Dundee could one day help identify which diabetic patients are most likely to experience neuropathic pain and how best to treat them by studying their genetic make-up. Neuropathic pain, caused by a lesion or a disease affecting the nervous system, is one of the most common complications of diabetes, currently affecting around 1 in 4 diabetic patients in the UK. The condition presents itself differently from patient to patient, ranging from constant burning pain to intermittent sharp, shooting pains, but is chronic and debilitating and greatly impairs the quality of life of ...
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6 Aug 2015
‘Loo Tour de Britain’ changing facility opens in Arbroath
A new Changing Places facility will open in Arbroath tomorrow thanks to the fundraising efforts of local man Grant Speed and his supporters. In July 2014 Grant took part in a gruelling, five-day 370 mile cycle and raised £10,624 towards a facility for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in his hometown with Angus council contributing the remaining amount needed to complete the work. Grant has seen first-hand the difficulties his sister Lois faces finding suitable toilet and changing facilities when she takes her son and daughter, Kien and Kelsey, out for the day. Inspired by the...
6 Aug 2015
Dundee iGEM team to develop forensic `toolkit’
A team of students from the University of Dundee are developing a forensic `toolkit’ that will allow investigators to determine the age of fingerprints, detect traces of steel on bone from stabbings, and produce a biosensitive spray that can reveal traces of bodily fluids at crime scenes. The project is this year’s Dundee contribution to the iGEM competition, a global challenge for students. iGEM – the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition – asks students to tackle a real world problem by designing and building a new device or system from a kit of biological part...