There is much excitement in the news today about reports that doctors at Moorfields Eye Hospital have used gene therapy to dramatically improve the night vision of an 18-year-old man suffering from Leber's congenital amaurosis. This disorder leads to a progressive loss of vision, and in many patients blindness at an early age. Until now … Continue reading Gene Therapy for blindness
Month: April 2008
Speaking to the West Coast: A Review
I have now finished a five day speaking tour of research institutions on the West Coast. Here's what happened. Monday April 20th - I headed out to the University of Washington. My first engagement was a speaking slot on the Dave Ross radio show about the importance of research (Listen to the interview here). At … Continue reading Speaking to the West Coast: A Review
Washington State: Speaking to Students, Speaking of Research
Earlier today, I spoke on the Dave Ross show at 9:35am. Mp3s will be available on his website soon (listen here). We covered animal activism in the UK and USA, as well as the importance of animals in the development of modern medicine, and why scientists and students need to stand up for biomedical research. … Continue reading Washington State: Speaking to Students, Speaking of Research
Calming the Storm – learning from research
In recent years we have become all too aware of the danger posed by viruses avian H5N1 influenza and SARS. The high death rate associated with such infections is due to the infection causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where the infected individuals own immune system overreacts to the presence of the virus in what … Continue reading Calming the Storm – learning from research
Speaking of Research gains support on Facebook – Launches on Myspace
Speaking of Research Facebook group has reached 100 members. While not quite comparing with the dizzying heights of Pro-Test's Facebook group, at near 3,000 members (or indeed 200,000+ people proposing we panic buy carrots), it is still a decent start from which we hope to build on. So if you're life has not yet been … Continue reading Speaking of Research gains support on Facebook – Launches on Myspace
Avoiding the Side Effects of Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy has been a mainstay of cancer treatment for over a century, and in that time has saved the lives of countless patients, but at high doses can have serious side effects when it damages healthy tissue as well as killing cancer cells. A study published this week in the journal Science (1) describes … Continue reading Avoiding the Side Effects of Radiotherapy
Speaking (of Research) to the West Coast – University Tour!
During World Week for Animal In Labs (19th - 27th April), I will be travelling to Washington, Oregon and California to give talks to university students about the importance of animal research, and why students must stand up to defend it. I still have one or two days free (and I am prepared to give … Continue reading Speaking (of Research) to the West Coast – University Tour!
PETA Staff join SR Facebook group – defection or deceit?
I'd like to give a warm welcome to Speaking of Research's two newest Facebook Group members - Justin Goodman (Winner of PETA's prized "Nanci Alexander Award" for best activist, and now permanent staff at PETA), and Ryan Huling (College Campaign Coordinator for PETA). However, one must wonder why PETA staff are joining a group which … Continue reading PETA Staff join SR Facebook group – defection or deceit?
Speaking of Research 