 |
|
Groundbreaking biomedical researchers receive £395,000
March 13, 2003Internationally leading biomedical research at the University of Sussex involving the development of anti-cancer drugs and gene therapy applications has been boosted by a £395,519 grant.
The funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) was made to chemistry professors Norman Billingham and Steven Armes, whose work with new man-made long chain molecules has a range of potentially groundbreaking uses.
"This award will enable us to continue our research into this very exciting and important field of study for the next four years," says Professor Armes. "This special grant, called a Platform Grant, is only made to groups with a proven international reputation. You have to be invited to apply."
The Sussex team, working together with Professor Andrew Lloyd's group at the University of Brighton, are making long chain molecules, called block copolymers. These block copolymers can organise themselves in water to form tiny particles, known as micelles, that are just a few billionths of a metre in diameter. These micelles have a biocompatible exterior similar to human cell membranes. This means that they are 'stealthy' and are not attacked by the body's immune system. The micelle interiors can be loaded with a range of drugs that are typically only poorly water-soluble, such as anti-cancer drugs. "In five to ten years, this approach could be used commercially," says Professor Armes.
Working with Dr Snow Stolnik's group at the University of Nottingham, the Sussex team are also designing new block copolymers that combine with DNA for potential use in gene therapy, and, together with Dr Ian Hamley's group at the University of Leeds, new biocompatible gels that could be used to repair damaged blood vessels are being examined. Each of these inter-University partnerships is being funded by Biocompatibles, a Surrey-based UK biotech company that has proprietary technology in the field of biocompatible water-soluble polymers. Three joint Sussex-Biocompatibles patent applications have been filed within the last year.
Professor Armes and Professor Billingham have been working on water-soluble polymers since 1990 and are regarded as leading UK researchers in this field. More than twenty national and international collaborations with other academic institutions have been initiated during the last five years. They also have a number of other successful collaborations with UK industrial companies, including Unilever, Laporte, Avecia and Syngenta.
Sussex, University of
The Sussex team, working together with Professor Andrew Lloyd's group at the University of Brighton, are making long chain molecules, called block copolymers. These block copolymers can organise themselves in water to form tiny particles, known as micelles, that are just a few billionths of a metre in diameter. These micelles have a biocompatible exterior similar to human cell membranes. This means that they are 'stealthy' and are not attacked by the body's immune system. The micelle interiors can be loaded with a range of drugs that are typically only poorly water-soluble, such as anti-cancer drugs. "In five to ten years, this approach could be used commercially," says Professor Armes.
Working with Dr Snow Stolnik's group at the University of Nottingham, the Sussex team are also designing new block copolymers that combine with DNA for potential use in gene therapy, and, together with Dr Ian Hamley's group at the University of Leeds, new biocompatible gels that could be used to repair damaged blood vessels are being examined. Each of these inter-University partnerships is being funded by Biocompatibles, a Surrey-based UK biotech company that has proprietary technology in the field of biocompatible water-soluble polymers. Three joint Sussex-Biocompatibles patent applications have been filed within the last year.
Professor Armes and Professor Billingham have been working on water-soluble polymers since 1990 and are regarded as leading UK researchers in this field. More than twenty national and international collaborations with other academic institutions have been initiated during the last five years. They also have a number of other successful collaborations with UK industrial companies, including Unilever, Laporte, Avecia and Syngenta.
Sussex, University of
DNA Current Events and DNA News RSSInsect Resistance to Bt Crops can be Predicted, Monitored, and Managed
Since 1996, crop plants genetically modified to produce bacterial proteins that are toxic to certain insects, yet safe for people, have been planted on more than 200 million hectares worldwide.
Possible Link Studied Between Childhood Abuse and Early Cellular Aging
Children who suffer physical or emotional abuse may be faced with accelerated cellular aging as adults, according to new research from Butler Hospital and Brown University.
Biologists discover bacterial defense mechanism against aggressive oxygen
Bacteria possess an ingenious mechanism for preventing oxygen from harming the building blocks of the cell.
Just like old times: Generating RNA molecules in water
A key question in the origin of biological molecules like RNA and DNA is how they first came together billions of years ago from simple precursors.
Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants
A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics.
Scientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time.
Ancestry attracts, but love is blind
People preferentially marry those with similar ancestry, but their decisions are not necessarily based on hair, eye or skin colour.
Scientists unlock clues for tailoring corn plant for food, energy needs
Scientists have long known that the offspring of two inbred strains tend to be superior to both their parents. Now, a team of researchers including a University of Florida geneticist has discovered clues to why that might be the case for one of the most important crops in the world: corn.
Cigarettes Harbor Many Bacteria Harmful to Human Health
Cigarettes are "widely contaminated" with bacteria, including some known to cause disease in people, concludes a new international study conducted by a University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France.
Technique finds gene regulatory sites without knowledge of regulators
A new statistical technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois allows scientists to scan a genome for specific gene-regulatory regions without requiring prior knowledge of the relevant transcription factors.
More DNA Current Events and DNA News Articles
 |
Thames & Kosmos Genetics and DNA by Thames & Kosmos In depth investigation of genetics and DNA. Isolate the DNA from a tomato, learn about inheritance and how traits are expressed, build a DNA model, breed bacteria to experiment with genetic engineering. The full-color, 48-page manual guides your experiments. |
 |
DNA: The Secret of Life by James D. Watson (Author) James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA and author of the international bestseller "The Double Helix" tells the story of the amazing molecule since its discovery fifty years ago, following modern genetics from his own Nobel prize-winning work in the fifties to today's Dolly the sheep, designer babies and GM foods. Professor Watson introduces the science of modern genetics, along with its history and its implications, in this magnificent guide to one of the most triumphant achievements of human science. |
 |
Science Wiz DNA Kit by Sciencewiz The central concepts of molecular biology becomes child's play in this set of camp favorites. 40 Page science book and materials with 8 Major Activities. Makes the DNA revolution accessible. Extract DNA from a fruit Probe and spool real DNA Build a double helix Solve a chromosome puzzle Is it a boy or a girl? Play the gene construction game Country of Origin: U.S.A., China & Hong Kong. |
 |
DNA Science: A First Course, Second Edition by David Micklos (Author), Greg A. Freyer (Author) This is the second edition of a highly successful textbook (over 50,000 copies sold) in which a highly illustrated, narrative text is combined with easy–to–use thoroughly reliable laboratory protocols. It contains a fully up–to–date collection of 12 rigorously tested and reliable lab experiments in molecular biology, developed at the internationally renowned Dolan DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which culminate in the construction and cloning of a recombinant DNA molecule. Proven through more than 10 years’ of teaching at research and nonresearch colleges and universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and advanced biology programs in high school, this book has been successfully integrated into introductory biology, general biology,... |
 |
K'NEX Educational DNA, Replications and Transcription Set by K'NEX K'Nex kits inspire young minds and satisfy kids' curiosity on how to build simple creations. Each innovative kit keeps young builders busy and intrigued for hours on end. This K'Nex Kit allows one to two kids to work as a team. Models demonstrate the structure and processes of DNA and mRNA molecules. Everything comes in a large compartmentalized storage case with snap-on lid. Curriculum sold separately. |
 |
DNA on DNA by DNA Previously released on CD by No More Records, now issued on a limited edition 2LP featuring newly-discovered songs exclusive to this LP: "Pompeii," "Shrinking Thing," "Drinking Water," plus two encores from DNA's final performance at CBGB's. Definitive collection of studio and live recordings by New York's seminal no wave band DNA. Surviving two line-ups over a brief period of four years; this highly influential, strikingly original and extremely under-recorded band left a huge void in its wake. Formed in 1978, Brazilian-raised singer/guitarist Arto Lindsay hastily assembled an international trio of non-musicians. Robin Crutchfield played keyboard and Japan's Ikue Mori played drums. DNA played their first gig within weeks and recorded their first 7" shortly afterwards. The ear of Brian... |
 |
Genes and DNA (Kingfisher Knowledge) by Richard Walker (Author), Steve Jones (Author) Genes & DNA explores modern genetics, from an investigation of genes and their function, to forensics, therapy, and cloning. |
 |
DNA Starring: Tom Conti Also With: Samantha Bond (Performer) Forensics expert Joe Donovan uses science to snare killers—and save himself. Award-winning actor Tom Conti (Shirley Valentine; Reuben, Reuben) stars as Joe Donovan, an accomplished but troubled criminologist who returns from a mental breakdown to lead Manchester’s crack Forensic Investigations Unit. Called in to consult on a murder case that suspiciously resembles the one that drove him into near madness years ago, Donovan redeems his reputation and rediscovers his devotion to the job. Yet his professional dedication bleeds into his personal life, alienating his wife (Samantha Bond, Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies) but appealing to his son (Ryan Cartwright, The Grimleys), who wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. Packed with fascinating procedural details and... |
 |
The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA by Mark Schultz (Author), Zander Cannon (Illustrator), Kevin Cannon (Illustrator) The Stuff of Life gives readers a complete introduction to the history of genetics that's as easy to understand as it is entertaining to read. |
 |
Discovery Exclusive DNA Explorer Kit by DISCOVERY CHANNEL Explore one of the newest frontiers in science - DNA mapping. From science labs to courtrooms, few discoveries are as exciting as the world of DNA. With this deluxe, first-of-its-kind kit, you can extract, view and map real DNA yourself. Ideal for budding forensic-scientists or secret agents, the working lab and tools are just like the real thing. Plus, you |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |