17 Jun 2015
Discovery of a novel antimalarial compound published in Nature
The details of the discovery, properties and mechanism of action of a novel antimalarial compound, DDD107498, have been published in the journal Nature. DDD107498 has the potential to treat malaria patients in a single dose, including those with malaria parasites resistant to current medications, and help reduce the transmission of the parasite. The compound was identified through a collaboration between the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). “The publication describes the discovery and profiling of this exciting new compound,” said...
17 Jun 2015
Public must be at forefront of decisions over gas development in Scotland - report
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has published a wide-ranging report into options for Scotland’s gas future, calling for the public to be given a genuine opportunity to influence the decision-making process and be provided with meaningful information. The report follows a Scottish Government announcement in January of a temporary moratorium on unconventional gas development, including the use of fracking, to allow for a national debate. Professor Peter Cameron, Director of the University of Dundee’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy, contributed to the report. Pro...
15 Jun 2015
Roddy Doyle in conversation on 24th June
Best-selling and award-winning writer Roddy Doyle will discuss his celebrated career ahead of receiving an honorary degree from the University of Dundee next week. Widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost contemporary novelists, Doyle will deliver the Honorary Graduate lecture at the Dalhousie Building on Wednesday, 24th June. He will have the title of Doctor of Laws bestowed upon him during the University’s graduation ceremony the following day. Roddy Doyle is the author of eleven acclaimed novels, including the Barrytown Trilogy, two collections of stories, two books of dialogues and ...
15 Jun 2015
Scots sheep farmer spins out new wool business
An Angus sheep farmer is launching a new business after using natural wool to create a luxury product range of cushions, pads, pillows and bedding, with the support of the University of Dundee-led Design In Action project. Julie Hermitage will launch her new company UAN Scotland Ltd at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh on June 18th after being inspired to use natural wool having seen the problems suffered by her own children with asthma and missing sleep. Design In Action has assisted Julie since she attended their Rural Chiasma event in June 2013. The project helps entrepreneurs to create new innovat...
15 Jun 2015
A super-targeted method of destroying tumour proteins
Scientists at the University of Dundee have developed a super-targeted method of destroying malevolent proteins in tumour cells, removing the threat of collateral damage to surrounding proteins. The research team led by Dr Alessio Ciulli in the College of Life Sciences at Dundee has developed a small molecule that can hone in highly selectively on a single protein, BRD4, which has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer. BRD4 and its sister proteins BRD2 and BRD3 are members of a group of proteins known as the BET bromodomains. These have previously been identified as being strong targets for dru...