Articles
Identification of a novel key player in lupus disease opens the door to treatment
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, the precise cause of which is still unclear. Through dedicated work, Professor Shunichi Shiozawa from Kobe University, Japan, uncovers the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of systemic autoimmunity and identifies a novel key player. Shiozawa demonstrates that overstimulation of the host’s immune system by an immunogenic pathogen kickstarts the generation of […]
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Ending the debate: Routine or selective cholangiography during gallstone surgery?
Symptomatic gallstones are common in the Western world and treatment of choice is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). During surgery, an x-ray procedure called intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) gives the surgeon information on the anatomy and whether gallstones have migrated from the gallbladder to the deep bile ducts. The procedure helps avoid certain surgical complications and prevent problems from retained […]
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Screening frailty: A predictor of healthcare requirements in older people
People are living longer, and this is associated with increased pressure on healthcare services. Assessing how much support people need allows resources to be used effectively and patients to receive the best care. Frailty is associated with poorer health and more complications – but the condition can be hard to characterise. Maider Mateo-Abad and Dr Itziar Vergara at the Biodonostia […]
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Metabolic dysfunction: The liver and beyond
The liver is the centre of our metabolism, with metabolic dysfunction playing a pivotal role in liver diseases and type 2 diabetes. Despite extensive study, the mechanisms underlying these pathologies remain largely unexplained. Professor Philipp Kaldis of Lund University, Sweden, has collaborated with fellow researchers to investigate the role of metabolites during metabolic dysfunction in these diseases. Motivated by the goal […]
Lead ammunition used by hunters has us all in its sights
For millions of people, game meat is their primary source of protein, but if the animal is shot using lead (Pb) ammunition, its meat can be toxic. The lead in the ammunition also finds its way into wildlife, ecosystems, and the global food chain, taking the poison far beyond the gun barrel. There are non-lead alternatives, but hunters are slow […]
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Change by exchange: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a large German education agency with global perspectives aimed at spreading the value of ‘exchange’ across borders and cultures through diverse, funded research projects. Research Outreach was privileged to talk with Kai Sicks, Secretary General of the DAAD, on the objectives, achievements, and future goals of the organisation. Many borders exist that prevent […]
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The Leverhulme Trust: Funding for the future
‘Blue skies’ research is inherently risky as the value and indeed real-world application of research projects cannot be guaranteed. Yet, this type of curiosity-driven research plays an important role, not least in increasing public interest in science. The Leverhulme Trust, a UK-based funding body, encourages academics to research what they think are the important frontiers of their field. Research Outreach […]
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More than intention: Towards better collaboration within mental healthcare
The Netherlands prides itself on its commitment to caring for citizens with mental health issues, as well as having a first-rate healthcare system. However, that system has come under considerable strain lately. Anneloes van den Broek PhD, MHA, and Margot Metz PhD, both senior mental healthcare practitioners and researchers at GGz Breburg and Tilburg University, together with full professor Inge […]
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The British Science Association: An all-new community-led research landscape
The British Science Association (BSA) promotes the development of community-led research projects, interactive and inspiring science engagement, and effective science communication for all. While research in the sciences has often been labelled as insular and disconnected from society at large, the BSA aims to connect communities to researchers to solve pressing, real-world problems. Research Outreach was privileged to talk with […]
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The human vomeronasal organ: To preserve or not?
There is an ongoing debate among scientists regarding the significance of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a small defined area of uncertain function inside the nose in humans. During nasal surgery, this organ can be permanently damaged, thereby ceasing any associated function. Dr Tjasse D Bruintjes, ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Leiden University Medical Center, and Dr Ronald LAW Bleys, […]
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