Media mentions
9 June 2011
Lithium could slow memory loss
Daily Express 28.4.2011
A cheap anti-depressant, lithium-based drug costing just 2.4p a dose could stave off Alzheimer’s disease, reports the Daily Express. Lithium helps slow the progression of memory loss, raising the possibility it could be used to prevent dementia. It has long been prescribed to treat mood swings and bipolar disorder. A study of elderly people found that those who took lithium pills had much better memories after a year, than others given a placebo. Professor Allan Young (Medicine) said: “This trial adds to the increasing evidence that lithium may have beneficial effects on the brain.” He called for further studies, adding: “Such trials will not be cheap but, were they to prove positive, the possible benefits in health to our ever-ageing population would be beyond any such price.”
Cuts will affect research
The Guardian 11.5.2011
Academics are warning the government that cuts to research funding will force scientists to share laboratories, reported The Guardian. Researchers say cuts to hardware and facilities budgets would transform scientific research in the UK, with top-end equipment concentrated ever more in elite universities and government centres, and other researchers striking deals to get access to the facilities. “The inevitable outcome is going to be fewer research departments in the UK,” said Emeritus Professor David Phillips (Chemistry), President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. “There is a lot of pressure on smaller departments who will see their income under threat,” he added.
Scientists debate smallpox
BBC Online 16.05.2011
Scientists at the 64th World Health Organisation Assembly debated whether the virus that causes smallpox, called the variola virus, should be eradicated, reported the BBC Online. The US and Russia are believed to be the only countries in the world that have stocks of the variola virus, which they say they are keeping to develop effective vaccines and antiviral treatments in case the smallpox virus should arise again, perhaps as a biological weapon. Professor Geoffrey Smith (Medicine), commenting on the current state of smallpox research, said: “It is fair to say the committee had mixed views on whether the research was there or nearly there but not quite.”
Gas will complement wind power
BBC Online 25.05.2011
The US conglomerate General Electric has launched a new gas turbine which it says will complement renewable energy, reports BBC online. The turbine will be able to quickly meet energy demands when wind and solar supplies are reduced due to changing weather patterns. The rising interest in gas power is due to the discovery of large shale gas deposits in the US, making gas more affordable. Professor Robert Gross (Centre for Environmental Policy) welcomed the technology, but warned against relying on gas power instead of wind, saying: “Development of renewable energy is still essential, since efficiency gains in fossil fuel stations will not be enough on their own to deliver deep cuts in carbon.”
Tags: Centre for Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Department of Medicine, World Health Organisation
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