New lab space for researchers to tackle metabolic diseases
27 April 2010
Scientists developing an artificial pancreas for people with type 1 diabetes received a boost to their research with a new laboratory at Imperial, opened on 25 March.
The Metabolic Technology Lab was officially opened by Justin Webb, from the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. The lab is part of the Winston Wong Centre for Bioinspired Technology in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and is located in the Bessemer Building on the South Kensington Campus.
Scientists working in the lab are developing technology to help people with a range of metabolic diseases, which affect the body’s chemical processes that are critical in providing different cell types with the energy they need to function.
The opening of the lab also represents a significant step forward in the development of an artificial pancreas, giving researchers a dedicated space in which to carry out their work. The team is developing a microchip device that takes glucose readings from a monitor and continuously infuses insulin into the body, so that people with type 1 diabetes can do away with regular insulin injections.
Other technologies that will be developed in the lab include new sensors for measuring body chemistry, intelligent microchips to control metabolism and novel approaches for the management and monitoring of chronic disease.
— Colin Smith, Communications
Tags: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Issue 218, News
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