In Spain they have been developing a chemical process whereby nano-particles can be hollowed out into different shapes and used in aiding scans and drug therapies. Scientists at the Catalan Institution of Nanotechnology has been refining the 'galvanic effect', whereby gold cations oxidise silver atoms at room temperature. The silver ions formed then dissolves in a given solution and the solid gold metal is deposited on the silver cube. This leads so some surfaces of the silver solid being protected whilst further redox occurs; this leads to a single hole in the cube. This then catalyses the 'Kirkendall effect' where silver atoms 'migrate' to the gold on the outside creating a void in the cube.
The galvanic effect and the Kirkendall effect have been around for years however the reactions were too aggressive. Now the process is more successful; scientists have altered the method to make the silver more resistant, the cationic gold less aggressive and bi-products which do not interfere. This gives scientists an increased ability to control the shape of the nano particles. These can be used to develop MRI scanning techniques and administrating controlled drugs on a nano-scale.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
I'M GOING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL!
Yesterday I got an email from UCAS informing me that my status has changed. I logged on to find an offer from Brighton and Sussex Medical School! I nearly forgot how to breathe when I read 'unconditional' on my computer screen. It felt almost surreal, I've spent the last 3 years working towards this place, determined to reach my goal. It honestly felt like a life changing moment. I am going to follow my dreams and become a doctor.
As a carer I am able to provide personal care for the elderly and use communication and teamwork on a day to day basis. A career in medicine will allow me to take this further and will challenge me both emotionally and intellectually. It is everything I could have wished for.
As a carer I am able to provide personal care for the elderly and use communication and teamwork on a day to day basis. A career in medicine will allow me to take this further and will challenge me both emotionally and intellectually. It is everything I could have wished for.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Alzheimer's News
Can Eating Fish Protect Against Alzheimer's?
Several newspapers have reported that people who eat grilled or baked fish once a week are 5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study conducted at Pittsburgh University has looked at the relationship between eating fish and cognitive decline. It is thought to be linked to the omega-3 fatty acids however the study did not consider other lifestyle of dietary factors.
A New Alzheimer's Jab in the UK?
A new injection is being tested aiming to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The medication works by accelerating the break down of Amyloid Beta. These protein plaques which build up in the brain cause the microfibrils to lose their integrity and lead to cognitive decline. The drug, Gantenerumab, is being given to 50 patients with mild to moderate symptoms on a month;y basis. Alzheimer's Research UK believe the drug is very promising however there is still a long way to go and more research is required.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/news/uk-scientists-trial-alzheimers-jab--id801231020-t116.html
Several newspapers have reported that people who eat grilled or baked fish once a week are 5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study conducted at Pittsburgh University has looked at the relationship between eating fish and cognitive decline. It is thought to be linked to the omega-3 fatty acids however the study did not consider other lifestyle of dietary factors.
A New Alzheimer's Jab in the UK?
A new injection is being tested aiming to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The medication works by accelerating the break down of Amyloid Beta. These protein plaques which build up in the brain cause the microfibrils to lose their integrity and lead to cognitive decline. The drug, Gantenerumab, is being given to 50 patients with mild to moderate symptoms on a month;y basis. Alzheimer's Research UK believe the drug is very promising however there is still a long way to go and more research is required.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/news/uk-scientists-trial-alzheimers-jab--id801231020-t116.html
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Sleeping Trends- Student BMJ Dec 11
As I am currently on the night shifts, I thought this was a relevant article found in eyespy of this month's Student BMJ!
Australian researchers have found that teenagers who go to bed and wake up earlier are physically healthier than those who have a later routine. Adolescence who go to bed and get up later are 2.16 times more likely to be obese, even though they have slept for the same amount of hours. They were also found to spend more time in front of the television and 30 minutes less physical activity.
This knowledge could be used to inform young people on the effects of sleeping routine. In addition to previous research suggesting that a lack of sleep can contribute to obesity; this research suggests that the time you get your sleep is also a factor.
Australian researchers have found that teenagers who go to bed and wake up earlier are physically healthier than those who have a later routine. Adolescence who go to bed and get up later are 2.16 times more likely to be obese, even though they have slept for the same amount of hours. They were also found to spend more time in front of the television and 30 minutes less physical activity.
This knowledge could be used to inform young people on the effects of sleeping routine. In addition to previous research suggesting that a lack of sleep can contribute to obesity; this research suggests that the time you get your sleep is also a factor.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Bowel cancer screening
Around 16 000 people in the UK die from bowel cancer ever year. The current bowel cancer screening programme is said to reduce the total deaths by a sixth however work in the journal Gut suggests that more sensitive measures are required. It has been proposed that the techniques can leave tumours in certain parts of the colon undetected and undiagnosed.
People being tested have their faeces checked for signs of abnormal bleeding and those with further testing required are normally sent for a colonoscopy. NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are pleased that they are on target to reduced the bowel cancer deaths by 16% by the means of early detection.
A study conducted at Nottingham University has found that it is more difficult to detect tumours on the right side of the colon. Statistics suggest that 25% of all colon tumours exist in the right. Researchers are still unsure why cancers in this area are hard to detect. Possible explanations include that they grow faster or are less likely to bleed.
There is a much better screening test available however due to the economic climate, we do not currently have the funds.
People being tested have their faeces checked for signs of abnormal bleeding and those with further testing required are normally sent for a colonoscopy. NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are pleased that they are on target to reduced the bowel cancer deaths by 16% by the means of early detection.
A study conducted at Nottingham University has found that it is more difficult to detect tumours on the right side of the colon. Statistics suggest that 25% of all colon tumours exist in the right. Researchers are still unsure why cancers in this area are hard to detect. Possible explanations include that they grow faster or are less likely to bleed.
There is a much better screening test available however due to the economic climate, we do not currently have the funds.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Liver Disease Epidemic?
A health warning in the North East of the country has been reported after the number of alcoholic liver disease patients (early thirties) has increased by 400% in 8 years. It should also be noted that nationally we have seen an increase of 61%.
Specialists believe the cost of alcohol and the way in which it is advertised have lead to our 'drinking culture'. This appears to be having a massive affect on the health of the nation. Many young people are being diagnosed with terminal liver disease and unless we change our drinking habits this is only likely to worsen.
One of the major issues is that alcohol is widely available and teenagers are drinking from a younger age. However we are working towards altering the rules on advertising and broadcasting the sale of alcohol, which should hopefully help to alter the public's view on drinking.
I think this article shows the importance of prevention campaigns and informing the right populations to make sure the message comes across. This should influence our behaviour and hopes to change it for the better.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15997695
Specialists believe the cost of alcohol and the way in which it is advertised have lead to our 'drinking culture'. This appears to be having a massive affect on the health of the nation. Many young people are being diagnosed with terminal liver disease and unless we change our drinking habits this is only likely to worsen.
One of the major issues is that alcohol is widely available and teenagers are drinking from a younger age. However we are working towards altering the rules on advertising and broadcasting the sale of alcohol, which should hopefully help to alter the public's view on drinking.
I think this article shows the importance of prevention campaigns and informing the right populations to make sure the message comes across. This should influence our behaviour and hopes to change it for the better.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15997695
Saturday, 3 December 2011
NCFE Community Mental Health and Psychiatry Level 4
I've just passed my first assignment and I am well on my way towards submitting my second one to my online tutor. Doing this home learning course is giving me a chance to explore an area of medicine which I am interested in. It is also providing the opportunity to partake in formal education alongside the practical and emotional learning which I am getting from working in the nursing home.
Assignment one looked at the role of advocacy and the community mental health team. I used research from internet journals to evaluate their effectiveness in several different essays. My next assignment is about the Mental Health Act and is broken down into 5 parts looking at different aspects of the law including sectioning a patient. Once I have completed assignment 2 I can start exploring specific mental health conditions and the implications of associated problems. Whilst studying my A level in Psychology I particularly enjoyed learning about schizophrenia. I think this qualification will fuel my interest in mental health and give me a chance to look at conditions which I haven't studied before.
Assignment one looked at the role of advocacy and the community mental health team. I used research from internet journals to evaluate their effectiveness in several different essays. My next assignment is about the Mental Health Act and is broken down into 5 parts looking at different aspects of the law including sectioning a patient. Once I have completed assignment 2 I can start exploring specific mental health conditions and the implications of associated problems. Whilst studying my A level in Psychology I particularly enjoyed learning about schizophrenia. I think this qualification will fuel my interest in mental health and give me a chance to look at conditions which I haven't studied before.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Facebook Friends corresponds to brain size- Student BMJ Dec
I got my StudentBMJ delivered to my door this morning- always something I look forward to at the beginning of a new month!
I found an interesting and quirky article from the Proceedings of the Royal Society about brain structure and functioning when looking at social networking. The number of Facebook friends 'reliably predicts' the amount of grey matter in areas of the brain associated with social perception and associative memory (right superior temporal sulcus- yellow on the diagram 1). Grey matter is made up of neuronal cell bodies, it processes information and controls memories, emotions and intellect (we studied this in A2 Biology).
They also found a link between the size of real life peer group and the amount of grey matter in an area used for emotional learning and memory consolidation (amygdala- see diagram 2).
Diagram 1 is sourced from http://www.headway.org.uk/About-the-brain.aspx
Diagram 2 is sourced from http://northofneutral.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/beware-of-amygdala-hijacks/
Diagram 1 is sourced from http://www.headway.org.uk/About-the-brain.aspx
Diagram 2 is sourced from http://northofneutral.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/beware-of-amygdala-hijacks/
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