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14/03/2017
Queen's University Scientists Reveal Landmark Study In Fight Against MS
Research scientists at Queen's University have discovered that specific cells from the immune system are key players in brain repair.
The research study, led by Dr Yvonne Dombrowski and Dr Denise Fitzgerald at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, is being hailed as a landmark study in unravelling the mysteries of how the brain repairs damage. This is crucial in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects 2.3 million people world-wide and over 4,500 people in Northern Ireland.
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults and is the result of damage to myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve.
Until now, medical treatment could limit relapses but could not reverse the damage already done by the condition. The aspect of the new research is that the team have uncovered beneficial effects of immune cells in myelin repair that have potential to reverse myelin damage. The study was an international collaboration including experts in Cambridge, San Francisco, Edinburgh, Maynooth and Nice.
This is a fundamental breakthrough that could revolutionise the treatment of debilitating neurological disorders such as MS.
Dr Dombrowski, who is the lead author of the report, explained: "At Queen's we are taking a unique and fresh approach to uncover how the immune system drives brain repair. This knowledge is essential to designing future treatments that tackle neurological diseases, such as MS, in a new way – repairing damage rather than only reducing attacks. In the future, combining these approaches will deliver better outcomes for patients."
The research study, led by Dr Yvonne Dombrowski and Dr Denise Fitzgerald at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, is being hailed as a landmark study in unravelling the mysteries of how the brain repairs damage. This is crucial in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects 2.3 million people world-wide and over 4,500 people in Northern Ireland.
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults and is the result of damage to myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve.
Until now, medical treatment could limit relapses but could not reverse the damage already done by the condition. The aspect of the new research is that the team have uncovered beneficial effects of immune cells in myelin repair that have potential to reverse myelin damage. The study was an international collaboration including experts in Cambridge, San Francisco, Edinburgh, Maynooth and Nice.
This is a fundamental breakthrough that could revolutionise the treatment of debilitating neurological disorders such as MS.
Dr Dombrowski, who is the lead author of the report, explained: "At Queen's we are taking a unique and fresh approach to uncover how the immune system drives brain repair. This knowledge is essential to designing future treatments that tackle neurological diseases, such as MS, in a new way – repairing damage rather than only reducing attacks. In the future, combining these approaches will deliver better outcomes for patients."
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All but some 400 homes and businesses have had their power restored following damage caused by Storm Eleanor. It is understood that engineers worked throughout the night in an effort to repair damaged networks and reconnect homes and businesses across NI. Over 25,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm.
09 December 2010
Warning As Cold Callers Cash-in
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A warning has been issued to look out for bogus tradesmen who offer immediate help on urgent house repairs. The NI Trading Standards Services said that consumers should "pour money down the drain" when such bogus workmen call at your home offering urgent repairs.
19 July 2007
Windsor Park dispute continues
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Windsor Park dispute continues
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22 July 2016
Queen's Researchers To Examine How To Reverse Damage Caused By MS
Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have started a £2 million research programme to examine how to reverse the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The programme is being funded by the Wellcome Trust and BBSRC.
Queen's Researchers To Examine How To Reverse Damage Caused By MS
Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have started a £2 million research programme to examine how to reverse the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The programme is being funded by the Wellcome Trust and BBSRC.
11 September 2013
£5m Payout After Girl Suffers Brain Damage At Birth
A girl from County Antrim is to receive £5m in damages after she suffered brain damage at birth. The settlement was agreed during the summer months but has only just been announced.
£5m Payout After Girl Suffers Brain Damage At Birth
A girl from County Antrim is to receive £5m in damages after she suffered brain damage at birth. The settlement was agreed during the summer months but has only just been announced.
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