31 May 2019

Dundee scientists trial “pregnancy test” for chest infection

A new test which could detect a person’s risk of getting a chest infection within minutes has been trialled by scientists at the University of Dundee. The neutrophil elastase airway test stik (NEATstik) detects the presence of an enzyme called neutrophil elastase, which is found in the phlegm produced by coughing. During the body’s natural response to infection, neutrophil elastase is used to attack bacteria which cause chest infections. More neutrophil elastase is produced when people have a chest infection and it can therefore be used to detect the presence of one. The NEATstik test works b...

30 May 2019

Abseiling students take on the Tower for charity

They may be cool under pressure in the classroom, but University of Dundee Nursing students will have to prove they have a head for heights when they take on a charity abseil this weekend. A combined team of eight students and staff will descend the University’s Tower Building on Sunday to raise funds for the Archie Foundation. Dubbed ‘Archie’s Angels,’ the group is already flying high in its fundraising efforts, with the event set to raise more than £5,000 for the charity. Among those set to lower themselves down one of the city’s highest buildings is Nursing Lecture...

29 May 2019

Eden Project public lecture in Dundee

David Harland, Chief Executive for Eden Project International, will give a public lecture at the University of Dundee on Monday 17 June, highlighting how the Eden Project is now expanding around the world. Dundee is already seeing how a major visitor attraction can help change perceptions of a city, with the remarkable effect V&A Dundee is having in attracting visitors. The Eden Project did the same for Cornwall with their iconic Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity. David Harland will share Eden’s experiences of setting up iconic attractions worldwide, in his lecture titled `The...

29 May 2019

Police Scotland ‘a leader’ after stop and search modifications

Changes to Police Scotland’s stop and search policy have made it a leader in European law enforcement, a University of Dundee expert has said. Dr Megan O’Neill says that revisions to the controversial procedure have helped to make the actions of officers more effective in tackling crime, while improving transparency. A senior lecturer within Dundee’s Geography Department, Dr O’Neill was one of three academics whose recommendations were adopted by Police Scotland to improve both the efficacy of stop and search as well as public perception of the practice. She will be discussing he...

27 May 2019

First UK visit for Hammerclub will reconnect Dundee with silver heritage

Dundee’s precious metals heritage will be connected to its growing contemporary reputation for design when a prestigious exhibition and gathering of silversmiths takes place in the city later this month. Hammerclub, a forum for silversmiths from across Europe, will be hosted by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June. It will be the first time in the 17-year history of the organisation that its flagship annual event has taken place in the UK. Around 100 silversmiths will come together for two days of visits and talks alongside the exhibition of their w...