Author: Louise Vennells

This author has written 28 articles

International research breakthrough for remote Alzheimer’s testing

International research breakthrough for remote Alzheimer’s testing

A groundbreaking international study has demonstrated that Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers can be accurately detected using simple finger-prick blood samples that can be collected at home and mailed to laboratories without refrigeration or prior processing. The research, led by US institute Banner Health working with the University of Exeter Medical School and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) publishes today in Nature Medicine. It represents the first large-scale validation of this accessible testing approach that…

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Revealed: genetic process which could be treatment target for deadly fungal disease Candida auris

Scientists have discovered a genetic process which could unlock new ways to treat mysterious and deadly fungal infection which has shut down multiple hospital intensive care units. Candida auris is particularly dangerous for people who are critically ill, so hospitals are vulnerable. While it seems to live harmlessly on the skin of increasing numbers of people, patients on ventilators are at high risk.  Once infected, the disease has a death rate of 45 per cent, and can resist…

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Triple gold European medals for green-minded running star Innes Fitzgerald

Triple gold European medals for green-minded running star Innes Fitzgerald

Exeter student running sensation Innes Fitzgerald has won gold at the European Cross-Country Championships, bagging her a triple gold win in her age bracket. On Sunday, Innes, 19, won the 4.5k race in Lagoa, Portugal for a third consecutive year, this year with a time of 14.35. Her 32-second lead is the biggest margin of victory in women’s under 20 racing in the history of the events. It caps a year that has seen the rising star smash…

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Epilepsy can lead to earlier deaths in people with intellectual disabilities

A combination of missed prevention opportunities and health inequalities can result in the early deaths of people living with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, a study has shown. Around 1.2million people in England have some form of intellectual disability, with epilepsy estimated to impact 20-25% of them – up to 300,000 people – compared to just 1% of the general population. However, until now there has been no national-level population-based evidence on the risks and protective factors specifically contributing…

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Exeter patient first in UK to trial new 3D imaging technology for rheumatoid arthritis

Patients suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis in Exeter will be the first in the country to trial a new type of 3D imaging technology that could help avoid permanent damage to joints by detecting rheumatoid arthritis at the earliest stages. With funding from Innovate UK, the University of Exeter is undertaking the first live trials of the AdaptixOrtho350 – a new, portable imaging technology that offers 3D imaging at a similar cost and radiation dose to traditional 2D…

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Exeter renews collaboration agreement with Arab-American University Palestine

Research and education links between Exeter and a university in Palestine will continue, thanks to the signing of a renewed collaboration agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Exeter and the Arab-American University in Palestine (AAUP)that underpins the collaborative “Stories of Hope” translational genomic research programme was first signed in 2019. It recognises a commitment by both parties to reduce the genomic healthcare inequalities faced by Palestinian families affected by rare genetic conditions, some of…

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Predicting who is at risk of developing type 1 diabetes, as new drugs now available

A test using genetics to predict who is at the highest risk of developing type 1 diabetes could one day be applied to largescale health studies, to identify adults who could benefit from new drugs, new research shows. Known as a genetic risk score, the test uses all genetic information to predict risk of going on to develop type 1 diabetes. This genetic risk score also feeds into an online clinical calculator, previously developed by the team led…

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Predicting who will develop type 1 diabetes easier and cheaper thanks to new calculator

Predicting who will develop type 1 diabetes is now cheaper and more accessible, thanks to a new tool based on research conducted at the University of Exeter which could one day help determine who to target with recently approved drugs to delay the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s own immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, which means people need to inject insulin daily. Knowing who is at highest risk of developing type 1…

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Exeter researcher  selected for inaugural BioFAIR Fellowship to advance FAIR data practices

A data research scientist form the  University of Exeter  has  been selected to join the inaugural BioFAIR Fellowship, a prestigious UK-wide initiative aimed at transforming life sciences through better data practices. Dr Craig Willis of the University of Exeter will join a diverse cohort of fellows working to embed FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles across the life sciences. His  involvement marks a significant step forward in promoting open science and sustainable data stewardship across the…

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Unique Nursing degree apprenticeship offers 15-month route to degree 

A unique new Degree Apprenticeship to upskill Nursing Associates to become Registered Nurses in 15 months is launching at the University of Exeter.   Subject to approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the earn-while-you-learn programme will blend work-based practice with flexible online and in-person learning, and will empower apprentices to advance their clinical and theoretical knowledge and achieve the high-level skills to progress to a registered nursing qualification, while continuing to care for patients  Exeter’s innovative approach has been developed with a strong focus on inclusivity and widening participation. Much of the learning will take place online,…

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Stroke survivors invited to join new rehabilitation study using gaming technology 

A new study is inviting stroke survivors with limited movement to take part in research that has turned rehabilitation exercises into a fun online game.   The University of Exeter study is exploring whether game-based exercises can help people regain movement and confidence at home, even several years after a stroke.  Stroke affects around 100,000 people in the UK every year, and more than 1.2 million people are living with its effects. About 70 per cent of them are left with upper limb impairments.  While rehabilitation is known to improve…

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‘Worms in space’ experiment aims to investigate the biological effects of spaceflight

Universities of Exeter and Leicester collaborate on mission to send nematode worms to the International Space Station A crew of tiny worms will be heading on a mission to the International Space Station in 2026 that will help scientists understand how humans can travel through space safely, using a Leicester-built space pod. The experiment is based upon a concept and early development by the University of Exeter over more than 8 years A team of scientists and engineers…

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