Researchers have found that a key clone of community-acquired MRSA has evolved from the 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to meticillin antibiotics. The highly-virulent toxin Panton-Valentine leucocidin is shared by both strains, posing a serious public health challenge.
A three-year study funded by £253,823 is set to investigate the role of hormones in post-natal illnesses. Research suggests that changes in brain chemistry following childbirth may contribute to psychiatric disorders in some women, with up to 10% experiencing anxiety and unhappiness.
Scientists have identified two populations of immune cells in the liver that can cause scarring and break it down. This discovery may lead to future treatments for liver damage and cirrhosis, a condition that affects more women in the UK than cervical cancer.
A recent survey of UK scientists suggests a link between success and encouragement, with women performing better than men in some areas. The UK is working to improve these numbers through initiatives like the Athena Project, which aims to promote women's careers in science, engineering, and technology.
The UK has created several programs to recruit, retain and promote women in science, engineering and technology. The programs will feature opportunities for study abroad, research, investment and trade with the UK.
A US team of biomedical engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has won a British biotech business plan competition. The team presented their idea for an automated retina imaging device to a panel of judges in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was selected as one of the top four teams representing North America.
The MRC CRASH* trial found that giving patients corticosteroids after a head injury increased the risk of death within two weeks, with 21% of those treated dying compared to 18% on placebo. The trial involved over 10,000 patients from nearly 50 countries and challenges previous studies' findings.
A UK university study found significant brain damage in 36% of premature babies and 61% of full-term infants before labor began. This suggests that key signs were often overlooked during childbirth, leading to potential mismanagement of pregnancy and labor.
The UK government has launched a £10 billion 10-year investment framework to boost science and innovation, with a focus on growing the knowledge-intensive sector. The plan includes annual real growth in public science funding of 5.8% over the next decade, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2017.
The creation of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration will expand the number and range of clinical trials in the UK, particularly in children
The UK trial found no objective evidence that cannabis benefits people with multiple sclerosis, but a majority of patients reported improved symptoms. The study involved over 600 patients and assessed the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing muscle stiffness and improving overall wellbeing.
The UK has launched a new 'global partnerships' program aimed at fostering science and technology partnerships with the US. The program, which combines expertise from three British Government divisions, has already yielded over 20 partnership projects in its US pilot program.