The School of Health and Life Sciences is involved in ground-breaking, internationally relevant research that is continuing to establish the University as a force for good. Our academics are making a difference in a number of areas and below are just some of the School’s recent research highlights:
EYE DISEASE BREAKTHROUGH FROM UWS ACADEMICS
UWS academics have discovered the world’s first treatment for serious eye condition, Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), which affects millions of people across the globe annually.
Following 13 years of ground-breaking research UWS has developed a novel compound to prevent the development of the condition, for which current treatments are extremely difficult and often ineffective.
The disease is caused by cyst-forming microorganism, Acanthamoeba, which invades the cornea of the eye and is commonly found in lakes, oceans and rivers, as well as domestic tap water, swimming pools and hot tubs.
LEADING RESEARCH AT UWS SET TO IMPROVE FISH HEALTH AND BOOST AQUACULTURE SECTOR
Researchers at UWS are working towards a significant breakthrough in proactively managing fish health with the development of a biochemical monitoring tool that could transform the global aquaculture sector.
The diagnostic method – similar to approaches used in human and veterinary medicine – involves regular analysis of biomarkers in blood samples, such as mineral or electrolyte levels. Monitoring biomarkers and changes in fish behaviour could allow seafood producers to identify health concerns and pre-emptively manage fish health, using real-time results to inform treatment decisions.
UWS STUDY EXPLORES IMPACT OF MENSTRUATION ON ELITE SPORT
A first-of-its-kind study by researchers at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has explored the impact of the menstrual cycle on elite sporting performance and players’ experiences.
The research found that 93 per cent of the international female rugby players interviewed reported menstrual cycle-related symptoms, with 67 per cent considering these to be performance-impairing.
The menstrual cycle symptoms reported were variable, including painful menstruation, heavy bleeding, anxiety, reduced energy levels, distraction, and reduced motivation.
UWS TO LEAD MAJOR NEW GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH STUDY
The impact of antibiotic waste and its role in fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a serious global public health challenge – will be studied by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) as part of a major new £800,000 research project.
Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology, and forming part of the recently-announced £8 million research collaboration between the UK and India, the University’s Schools of Health and Life Sciences; Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences and Education and Social Sciences will work together in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) to study the global issue.
Last updated: 18/10/2022