News and features: 2008

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December

Genome study takes targeted approach to cancer The quest for personalised cancer treatments is given a boost today by the announcement of an £8.5 million ($13 million) UK-US alliance, funded by the Wellcome Trust, to find the best treatments for cancers. 23 Dec 2008 New funding to enhance UK biomedical ethics research Three new grants totalling more than £1 million to support the best research in biomedical ethics have been awarded by the Wellcome Trust, it was announced today. 23 Dec 2008 Feature from About us > History Henry Wellcome the collector Fascinated by the "art and science of healing throughout the ages", Henry Wellcome collected books and objects on a colossal scale: by the time of his death, his collection held around 1.5 million items. 22 Dec 2008 Exhibition reflects on the art and science of touch A new exhibition supported by a People Award from the Wellcome Trust is showing at the Courtauld Institute of Art. 'Sculpture and Touch: Reflections on the art and science of a neglected sense' includes works by three contemporary artists and asks what role touch plays in our experience of sculpture. 19 Dec 2008 International public-private partnership offers new paradigm for medicinal chemistry The Wellcome Trust today announces a £4.1 million investment in a new initiative to generate small molecule inhibitors - 'chemical probes' - for 25 proteins involved in epigenetic signalling, and to release these probes into the public domain with no restriction on use. 18 Dec 2008 Feature Seeing doubles: studying twins Every year, researchers at the Department of Twin Research play host to around 1000 twin visits. Chrissie Giles went along with her identical twin, Katie, to see what it's like to be at the sharp end of a scientific study. 18 Dec 2008 Genetic variants link obesity to behaviour Researchers have identified new genetic variants associated with obesity that are active in the brain - suggesting that many genetic variants implicated in obesity are not involved in storing and using fat, but are affecting our behaviour. 17 Dec 2008 Wellcome Trust launches science media studentships The Wellcome Trust and Imperial College London are launching studentships to support biomedical students looking to explore a career in science broadcasting. 17 Dec 2008 Feature from About us > History The birth of the Wellcome Foundation Ltd In 1924, Henry Wellcome consolidated his commercial and non-commercial activities under a single corporate umbrella - the Wellcome Foundation Ltd. 16 Dec 2008 Technology Transfer projects scoop awards Two projects funded by the Wellcome Trust's Technology Transfer Division have won national awards for their innovative ideas. 15 Dec 2008 New psychotherapy has potential to treat majority of cases of eating disorders Wellcome Trust researchers have developed a new form of psychotherapy that has been shown to have the potential to treat more than eight out of ten cases of eating disorders in adults. 15 Dec 2008 Research exposes genetic link between diabetes and coeliac disease Research part-funded by the Wellcome Trust has revealed the common genetic origin of type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. 12 Dec 2008 Feature Crippen's nemesis: The father of forensics Dusty old index cards may be a far cry from the glamorous TV world of CSI, but when they shed new light on one of the first and most controversial figures in forensic science, it's enough to make Mike Findlay drop the remote control and head to the Wellcome Library. 11 Dec 2008 Maternal mental health 10 Dec 2008 HFE Act becomes law 10 Dec 2008 Gene links 10 Dec 2008 Animal protection 10 Dec 2008 Malaria vaccine trials offer hope of tackling major killer The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme has been at the centre of a major study to evaluate the world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate. 10 Dec 2008 Not-so-blind date 10 Dec 2008 Rewiring the brain 10 Dec 2008 Genes and social habits 10 Dec 2008 Small Arts Awards 10 Dec 2008 People Awards 10 Dec 2008 Internationally engaging 10 Dec 2008 American adventure 10 Dec 2008 'Reality' experiments in schools bring Darwin to life In his anniversary year, next March Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection will spring into life for secondary pupils as schools across the UK take advantage of a new set of classroom experiments to demonstrate the principles behind evolution and genetics. 10 Dec 2008 Local input 'essential' to improve childhood treatment in low-income countries, researchers argue Guidelines for childhood illness should have more local input, instead of relying on generic data from organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), say Trust-funded experts. 09 Dec 2008 Feature from About us > History Henry Wellcome's tropical medicine laboratories Henry Wellcome pioneered organised research of African tropical diseases, and founded laboratories in London and the Sudan. 09 Dec 2008 Treating severe malaria with a suppository saves lives in rural areas A cheap suppository could save the lives of many people who develop severe malaria in remote rural areas of Africa and Asia, according to research published online in the 'Lancet'. 08 Dec 2008 Sixth-form scientists tackle MS research project An ambitious collaboration between scientists and sixth-form pupils got underway this week, as students got an introduction to the practicalities of groundbreaking scientific research. 05 Dec 2008 Wellcome Collection wins silver in Visit London's Attraction of the Year awards Wellcome Collection, the unique gallery and museum on London's Euston Road that explores the relationships between medicine, life and art, has scooped a silver award at this year's Visit London Awards ceremony. 05 Dec 2008 Feature Meet the new CEO of the Wellcome Trust-DBT India Alliance Professor Anuradha Lohia has been appointed CEO of the India Alliance, a new independent charitable trust funded by an £80 million partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Government of India. Chrissie Giles meets her. 04 Dec 2008 The Watch Man: An installation by Shona Illingworth A major multi-media installation exploring trauma memory by artist Shona Illingworth will be shown as part of 'War and Medicine', this year's major temporary exhibition at Wellcome Collection. 03 Dec 2008 Rapid screening sorts the cancer drivers from the passengers Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have developed a new method to screen thousands of gene mutations for their ability to cause cancer. 02 Dec 2008 Feature from About us > History Wellcome's Physiological and Chemical Research Laboratories Henry Wellcome pioneered the idea that pharmaceutical research could lead to improved medicines and help doctors in their efforts to "lessen pain and postpone death". 02 Dec 2008 Antioxidants unlikely to prevent ageing Diets and beauty products claiming to have antioxidant properties are unlikely to prevent ageing, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust. 01 Dec 2008
November

International workshop aims to boost public engagement work in developing countries Public engagement practitioners from across the world are to share skills and experiences at an innovative conference to be held in South Africa, organised by the Wellcome Trust. 28 Nov 2008 Feature Europe's most highly cited researcher Richard Durbin helped to develop the confocal microscope and was one of the 'founding fathers' of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Now he is the most highly cited researcher in Europe. 28 Nov 2008 Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance launches its first fellowships Applications are now open for two of the three new fellowship schemes being launched by the Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, an £80m partnership between the Government of India and the Wellcome Trust. 27 Nov 2008 'Nitrogen bomb' behind new drug attack on dormant TB Trust-funded research has shown how a new drug destroys the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium from the inside, which may lead to new ways to treat latent TB as well as other bacterial infections. 27 Nov 2008 Study sheds light on stroke patients' 'forgotten' limbs Trust-funded researchers have revealed for the first time the mechanism underlying motor neglect, a condition where stroke patients 'forget' that they can use one of their arms. 26 Nov 2008 Feature from About us > History Henry Wellcome's family life Henry Wellcome married Syrie Barnardo in 1901. However, he was less successful in his private life than he was as a businessman and philanthropist. 25 Nov 2008 Investigating infections Two new programmes grants awarded through the Immunology and Infectious Disease funding stream should boost our understanding of two pathogens that pose a significant threat to human health. 24 Nov 2008 War artist's trip to Afghanistan at the heart of new exhibition New work by contemporary artist David Cotterrell will be unveiled for the first time as part of a major temporary exhibition - 'War and Medicine' - launching on 22 November at Wellcome Collection. 21 Nov 2008 New report shows the value of investing in medical research A study commissioned by the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust and Academy of Medical Sciences has demonstrated substantial financial and social benefits from investment in medical research. 21 Nov 2008 Feature Satellite maps chart the fight against malaria Integrated maps, combining data from satellites and other sources are providing new insights into malaria interventions. Abdisalan Noor, a Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellow in Kenya, talks about his work in the field of geospatial modelling. 21 Nov 2008 Public pitch proves successful in Sheffield A public 'Dragons' Den'-style pitching event at the recent Sheffield Doc/Fest saw the Wellcome Trust make two £10 000 Broadcast Development Awards on Saturday 8 November. 20 Nov 2008 Trust to coordinate breast cancer studies in international cancer effort The Wellcome Trust is to coordinate studies of different subtypes of breast cancer, as part of an international collaboration creating a clearer picture of the genomic changes involved in cancer. 19 Nov 2008 Bed net usage increases, but 90 million African children still exposed to malaria The use of bed nets to protect children from malaria has risen six-fold in the past seven years, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust. Despite this success, however, 90 million children still do not have access to this simple protective tool. 19 Nov 2008 Feature from About us > History Henry Wellcome's marketing innovations How the sales methods of Henry Wellcome and Silas Burroughs transformed the marketing of pharmaceuticals. 18 Nov 2008 Trust funding virtual restoration of historic library The vast library of Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753), whose collections helped found the British Museum, is being reassembled online, thanks to a grant from the Wellcome Trust's Research Resources in Medical History scheme. 17 Nov 2008 Enhanced funding for clinicians 17 Nov 2008 Infectious ideas 17 Nov 2008 Superlambanana 17 Nov 2008 Flu fighters 17 Nov 2008 Humanities resources 17 Nov 2008 Research evidence in policy making 17 Nov 2008 Virtual ears help scientists get to grips with the cocktail party effect New research has helped scientists understand how our brains develop their ability to pinpoint and focus on particular sounds amongst a background of noise - the so-called "cocktail party effect". 14 Nov 2008 Risky decision-making essential to becoming an entrepreneur The difference between the winners and losers of the TV show 'The Apprentice' could all be down to risky decision-making, according to a Wellcome Trust-funded researcher. 13 Nov 2008 Feature The curious case of the Glasgow Spy A tale of espionage, forgery and astute bureaucracy from the Wellcome Foundation Archive. 13 Nov 2008 Prizes and appointments 12 Nov 2008 Q&A 12 Nov 2008 Explore 'War and Medicine' online As part of Wellcome Collection's 'War and Medicine' exhibition, which opens 22 November, new image galleries, exclusive video and an interactive feature, 'Remembering War: Your memories', have been added online. 12 Nov 2008 Cortisol in the act 12 Nov 2008 Wellcome Trust expands support for genome-wide association studies The Wellcome Trust is seeking new proposals for its Genome-Wide Association Studies in Disease initiative, building on the success of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. 11 Nov 2008 Feature from About us > History Without Silas Burroughs, the Wellcome Trust would never have existed Silas Burroughs gave Henry Wellcome the chance to become a multi-millionaire by offering him a junior partnership in his firm. But it was Wellcome who turned Burroughs Wellcome & Co. into a pharmaceutical giant. 11 Nov 2008 Sharing Science 10 Nov 2008 Bionic assassins see through HIV's many disguises In a long-standing collaborative research effort partially-funded by the Wellcome Trust, scientists have engineered immune cells to act as "bionic assassins" that see through HIV's many disguises. 09 Nov 2008 Patients 'may not feel prepared' for rapid HIV test results Although rapid HIV tests may offer fast results, patients may not be as eager to receive them, a new Trust-funded study indicates. 07 Nov 2008 Genetic study provides new insights into molecular basis of language development Scientists have identified the first gene that is associated with a common childhood language disorder, known as specific language impairment (SLI). The gene - CNTNAP2 - has also been recently implicated in autism, and could represent a crucial genetic link between the two disorders. 06 Nov 2008 Feature Guitarist Pat Martino's recovery from a brain tumour When Pat Martino awoke from surgery to remove a brain tumour, he had forgotten that he was a world-renowned jazz guitarist. A new documentary sheds light on his recovery from amnesia. 06 Nov 2008 Mouse provides new clues to hearing loss Researchers have identified a mutant mouse that provides new clues to the genetic cause of progressive hearing loss in humans. 04 Nov 2008 Feature from About us > History The birth and growth of Burroughs Wellcome & Co. In 1880, Henry Wellcome and Silas Burroughs set up their eponymous pharmaceutical company, which would become a global driver of innovation and research. 04 Nov 2008 New initiative aims to encourage use of research evidence in policy making The Wellcome Trust and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research have announced a new initiative to promote the use of research evidence in developing health policy. 03 Nov 2008
October

Dramatic fall in number of malaria deaths along Kenyan coast A new study shows a dramatic fall in the number of people dying from malaria infection in coastal Kenya. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), highlights the importance of the prevention and rapid treatment of malaria infection. 31 Oct 2008 Wellcome Trust welcomes HFE Bill approval Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, strongly welcomed the passing of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (HFE) through the House of Lords today and said the Wellcome Trust looked forward to it gaining royal assent. 30 Oct 2008 Feature Back to the bench Chrissie Giles meets two of the three scientists awarded Wellcome Trust Career Re-entry Fellowships this year to find out what they've been doing away from science, and how it has been for them getting back to the lab. 30 Oct 2008 Brain's 'hate circuit' identified Hate activates distinct areas of the human brain, two of which are involved in romantic love, according to a study by the Wellcome Laboratory of Neurobiology at University College London. 29 Oct 2008 Huge appetite for medical engineering in the UK A £45 million fund set up by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for multidisciplinary projects in medical engineering has had an overwhelming response. 27 Oct 2008 DNA in the Dock: The National DNA Database on trial Should the DNA of every person in Britain be placed on the National DNA Database? That is the question to be addressed by 12 specially chosen jurors at Cardiff Crown Court on Saturday 8 November 2008. 24 Oct 2008 Trust Fellow launches genetic study of major depression in women in China Professor Jonathan Flint, a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow, has received a £1.4 million grant from the Trust for a major new study into the genetics of major depression, to be carried out in a population of women in China. 23 Oct 2008 Tune-In at Wellcome Collection A free weekend event on Saturday 8 November at Wellcome Collection explores improvisation and wellbeing. 22 Oct 2008 Feature Vive la différence Ethnic differences seem to play a major role in a person's susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Chrissie Giles talks to Professor Nishi Chaturvedi about a major new study, SABRE. 22 Oct 2008 New test to predict patients at risk of active TB A new blood test developed by Trust-funded researchers can reveal which patients may develop active tuberculosis much more precisely than the commonly used TB skin test. 21 Oct 2008 21st century could be the "age of paranoia", warns expert Paranoia is on the increase and could go unchecked unless we take urgent action, claims a leading scientist. Dr Daniel Freeman, a Wellcome Trust fellow, warns that changes in how we live and work could mean that we are entering an "age of paranoia". 20 Oct 2008 Make a Piano in Spain, at Wellcome Collection A newly commissioned work by artist John Newling for Wellcome Collection, the 'Make a Piano in Spain' installation will be on display from 15 October to 14 November. 17 Oct 2008 Capital letters bring multi-million pound joy to UK universities Nine of the UK's leading universities have received awards totalling almost £30 million to help create new, internationally-competitive research facilities under the Wellcome Trust's Capital Awards in Biomedical Sciences initiative. 16 Oct 2008 People with autism make more rational decisions People with autism-related disorders are less likely to make irrational decisions and are less influenced by gut instincts, according to research. 16 Oct 2008 Patient support website launches new autism sections Award-winning website www.healthtalkonline.org has launched two new sections funded by the Wellcome Trust: Life on the Autism Spectrum, and Parents of Children with Autism. 15 Oct 2008 Trust's £1 million commitment to open access Trust-funded researchers receive more support than ever before to fulfil their grant conditions and make their research open access. 14 Oct 2008 KCL research uncovers bald facts of hair loss Investigators from King's College London are part of a global research team that has identified two genetic variants that, when present together, increase the risk of male pattern baldness seven fold. 14 Oct 2008 Clarke's Cabinets of Cures: Blood, Mermaids and Madness 'Clarke's Cabinets of Cures' by Mark Clarke is a series of mismatched cabinets with fascinating stories to tell, on display at Wellcome Collection from 14 October. 14 Oct 2008 Medical London: City of Diseases, City of Cures A unique celebration of and guide to London's medical history will be published on 10 November 2008 by Strange Attractor Press, in association with Wellcome Collection. 14 Oct 2008 New award celebrates medicine in literature The Wellcome Trust Book Prize is open to outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction on the theme of health, illness or medicine. The £25 000 annual award, created by the Wellcome Trust, is the first of its kind to bring together the traditionally diverse fields of medicine and literature. 13 Oct 2008 Research training for clinicians - applications open Applications are now being taken for the autumn 2009 intake to the Trust's Research Training Programmes for Clinicians. 10 Oct 2008 Genome of a monkey-human malaria parasite reveals surprises Researchers have decoded the genome of a malaria parasite that has a host range from monkeys to man. Identified originally in monkeys, the Plasmodium knowlesi parasite was first reported in a human infection just over 40 years ago. 09 Oct 2008 Essay competition success for Cambridge students The winners of the 2008 Wellcome Trust and New Scientist essay competition have been announced, with students from the University of Cambridge scooping first and second place. 09 Oct 2008 Dundee researchers get £1.7m to tackle trypanosomes Researchers at the University of Dundee have been awarded £1.7 million by the Wellcome Trust to try and find a chink in the armour of the parasite that causes one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases. 08 Oct 2008 Genetic finding implicates innate immune system in major cause of blindness Scientists have identified one of the genes implicated in age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. 07 Oct 2008 Trust awards £2m for national survey of sexual attitudes The Wellcome Trust is co-funding Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, set to be carried out in 2010. 03 Oct 2008 Start-up funds announced for clinical lecturers A £5 million grant scheme has been launched to enable clinicians to pursue academic research projects alongside care of patients. 02 Oct 2008 £30 million initiative for innovative approaches to neurodegeneration research The UK's two largest medical research funders today announce the launch of a £30 million partnership to boost research into neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. 02 Oct 2008 Dyslexia gene associated with reading difficulties in general population A gene thought to be associated with dyslexia is also connected with reading ability in the general population, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust. 01 Oct 2008
September

Researchers reveal how embryos implant in humans A study published this week in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences' outlines the mechanism behind embryo implantation in the human uterus. 30 Sep 2008 New Trust/NIH PhD scheme now open Applications are now open for four-year collaborative PhD training in the UK/Republic of Ireland and the National Institutes of Health campus at Bethesda, USA. 29 Sep 2008 Drawing on Life: Scientists and artists join forces to launch the Big Draw 2008 The Campaign for Drawing, Bow Arts Trust and University College London present 'Drawing on Life' at Wellcome Collection and UCL, 26-28 September. 25 Sep 2008 National testing distorts science teaching in primary schools Science must remain a core subject in primary schools, but national testing distorts the teaching of science at primary level and reduces opportunities to cultivate and harness children's natural curiosity. 23 Sep 2008 Study reveals risk factors for developing stuttering in bilingual children Bilingual children who learn two languages in early childhood are more likely to develop stuttering than those who speak another language in the home and do not learn English until they attend school, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust. 22 Sep 2008 Development of a new class of antibiotics to treat MRSA A new class of drugs that kill MRSA in the lab has been discovered and could form the basis of new treatments to fight the infection, according to research published in the journal 'Science'. 19 Sep 2008 New Trust support for MB/PhD graduates Exciting new funding opportunities to help MB/PhD graduates develop research careers are now available. 18 Sep 2008 Inflammatory response to infection and injury may worsen dementia Inflammation in the brain resulting from infection or injury may accelerate the progress of dementia, research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests. The findings, published this week in the journal 'Biological Psychiatry', may have implications for the treatment and care of those living with dementia. 17 Sep 2008 Clinical veterinary fellowships now open for 2008 The Wellcome Trust's clinical veterinary fellowship schemes, which help vets develop research careers, are now open for applications. 16 Sep 2008 New members sought for UK Biobank's Ethics and Governance Council Are you interested in joining the Council that oversees the ethical and governance aspects of UK Biobank's work? 16 Sep 2008 The 'sat nav' in our brains Our brains contain their own navigation system much like satellite navigation ('sat-nav'), with in-built maps, grids and compasses, neuroscientist Dr Hugo Spiers told the BA Festival of Science at the University of Liverpool today. 12 Sep 2008 Story of early eastern medicine to be revealed to the world A new partnership between the Wellcome Library, one of the world's leading resources for the history of medicine, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) in Egypt, the leading institution for the documentation of Egyptian, Arabic and Islamic cultural heritage will reveal the story of early medicine in the Eastern world. 12 Sep 2008 Cell therapy trial to treat infection in transplant patients The first patient has been treated in the CMV~IMPACT study, a clinical trial aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of a new type of cell therapy to treat infections in bone marrow transplant patients. 11 Sep 2008 War and Medicine at Wellcome Collection A groundbreaking exhibition at Wellcome Collection will consider the continually evolving relationship between warfare and medicine, beginning with the disasters of the Crimean War in the 1850s and continuing through to today's conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. 11 Sep 2008 Wellcome Trust and Indian government announce £80 million partnership to boost biomedical research The jointly-funded Biomedical Research Career Programme will fund cutting-edge biomedical research in India, and complement recent Wellcome Trust investment to support public health research in the country. 10 Sep 2008 Large-scale genome studies reveal evolution in action Large-scale genome studies looking at genetic variation show that humans are still evolving, Professor Gil McVean from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics told the BA Festival of Science. 09 Sep 2008 Online database for Leptospira launched A new online sequence database should help researchers understand more about the epidemiology of the bacterial infection leptospirosis. 05 Sep 2008 Structure of key epigenetics component identified Scientists from the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) have determined the 3D structure of a key protein component involved in enabling 'epigenetic code' to be copied accurately from cell to cell. 04 Sep 2008 Membrane Protein Laboratory opens at Diamond synchrotron The official opening of the Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL) takes place today at Diamond Light Source, the UK's synchrotron science facility, with funding from the Wellcome Trust. 01 Sep 2008 Research into bacterial channel brings hope for fighting superbugs Scientists have described a mechanism that protects bacteria against stress, which could lead to new ways of destroying superbugs such as C. difficile and MRSA 01 Sep 2008 Scientists examine bird flu infections to monitor for 'pandemic' mutations Scientists funded by the Wellcome Trust are to examine what is preventing the H5N1 avian influenza virus from causing a human pandemic and what mutations are required to realise its deadly potential. 01 Sep 2008
August

Naked Scientist wins award for science communication Dr Chris Smith, whose pioneering radio show 'The Naked Scientists' is part-funded by the Wellcome Trust, has been awarded the Royal Society's prestigious Kohn Award for his work engaging a diverse audience with science. 28 Aug 2008 Babies' ability to perceive nonverbal communication may be hard-wired Babies as young as four months old are able to recognise non-verbal communication signals, according to research published this week. 28 Aug 2008 New beta-blocker to offer hope to heart and lung sufferers The Wellcome Trust has awarded £2.8 million to researchers at the University of Nottingham to develop a new drug that could ease the suffering of hundreds of thousands of heart disease patients currently unable to take beta-blockers. 27 Aug 2008 New light-sensitive pathway in the eye found to control sleepiness A set of nerve cells in the eye control our levels of sleepiness according to the brightness of our surroundings, Oxford University researchers, supported by the Wellcome Trust and a European Commission grant, have discovered. 21 Aug 2008 Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour The Wellcome Trust is collaborating with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to develop a new Research Centre in Neural Circuits and Behaviour, to be called the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre. 21 Aug 2008 Common cold and asthma research takes its next steps New research funded by the Wellcome Trust explores the mechanisms behind rhinovirus infection (the virus behind the common cold) and how it can result in symptoms typical of an asthma attack. 20 Aug 2008 Guts, instinct and evidence Personal papers of Sir Bernard Spilsbury, 'the father of modern forensics', have been purchased at Sotheby's by the Wellcome Library, Europe's leading resource for the study of the history of medicine. 15 Aug 2008 Newly-qualified postdocs scoop prestigious fellowships The Wellcome Trust has awarded prestigious Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowships to 17 outstanding young postdoctoral researchers. 13 Aug 2008 'Drawing on Life' website launched Up-to-date festival information, exclusive video content and more now available. 12 Aug 2008 Attention-grabbers snatch lion's share of visual memory Our visual memory is not as good as we may think, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust - but it can be used more flexibly than scientists previously thought. 08 Aug 2008 Modified viruses bring malaria vaccine hope Oxford scientists have harnessed the power of pox and common cold viruses to create a new kind of malaria vaccine, which has shown huge promise in animal studies. 07 Aug 2008 Wellcome Trust investment portfolio update Following today's press speculation, the Wellcome Trust confirms that it has acquired 39.35m shares equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the issued share capital of Marks and Spencer in recent weeks. 07 Aug 2008 Skeleton crew reveals secrets of the Mary Rose A television documentary part-funded by the Wellcome Trust sheds new light on the events of 19 July 1545 when the Mary Rose, flagship of the English navy, sank during the Battle of the Solent. 05 Aug 2008 £1m for Science Gallery in Dublin The Wellcome Trust is supporting the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin with a capital award of £1 million. It's the first time the Trust has made a major award for public engagement with science in the Republic of Ireland. 01 Aug 2008
July

Large-scale genetic studies provide insight into causes of schizophrenia New research published in 'Nature' and 'Nature Genetics' has provided fresh insights into the genetics of schizophrenia. The researchers hope the findings will help end some of the stigma surrounding the disease. 31 Jul 2008 Criminal bee-haviour Researchers are using a model developed to hunt down serial killers to study foraging behaviour in bumblebees. 30 Jul 2008 Conference Centre gift aids over half a million The Wellcome Collection Conference Centre has announced that it will gift aid its profits back to support the overall running costs of Wellcome Collection, the unique venue that houses it. 30 Jul 2008 Study aims to understand relationship between health and ethnicity Over 4000 people from different ethnic backgrounds are being invited to take part in the follow-up to an influential study that looked at how risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes differ according to a person's ethnicity. 29 Jul 2008 Eliza Manningham-Buller joins the Wellcome Trust Board Baroness Manningham-Buller, former Director General of the Security Service, has joined the Board of Governors of the Wellcome Trust, the largest charity in the UK. 29 Jul 2008 Controlling lung inflammation A new discovery could lead to treatments that turn off the inflammation in the lungs caused by influenza and other infections, according to a study carried out by one of the first ever recipients of a Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow. 28 Jul 2008 Prevalence of dementia in the developing world substantially underestimated Previous estimates of levels of dementia in the developing world may have substantially underestimated the problem, according to new research. 28 Jul 2008 New TB vaccine moves a step closer Dr Helen McShane, a Wellcome Trust Senior Clinical Research Fellow, has moved a step closer to developing the first new vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) in over 80 years. 25 Jul 2008 Major new funding to investigate the impact of medicine in human culture Two significant awards to support the best research in medical humanities have been announced by the Wellcome Trust. 24 Jul 2008 Skeletons: London's buried bones opens at Wellcome Collection The largest ever display of human skeletal remains launches today in Wellcome Collection, as part of a free exhibition revealing what lies just metres beneath London's streets. 23 Jul 2008 Malaria Millennium Development Goal 'unlikely to be met' The goal to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria globally is unlikely to be met, according to Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow Professor Bob Snow. The statement comes in a report published today in the open access journal 'PLoS Medicine'. 22 Jul 2008 Three-day drawing festival launches The Big Draw 2008 The Campaign for Drawing, Bow Arts Trust and University College London present 'Drawing on Life' at Wellcome Collection and UCL, 26-28 September. 22 Jul 2008 Underactive brain regions linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder Study reveals that the brain regions responsible for stopping habitual behaviour are underactive in people with OCD and their unaffected close relatives. 18 Jul 2008 Attention seekers: pinpointing the chemicals behind attention span Researchers at Newcastle University and University College London unlock the chemical basis of attention span. 17 Jul 2008 Trust announces decision regarding Hanley Grange The Wellcome Trust was approached by Jarrow Investments Ltd to consider becoming a partner in the Hanley Grange eco-town submission. The Trust has given very careful consideration to the approach and has decided not to proceed with this proposal. 17 Jul 2008 Wellcome Trust brings academia and industry together to share clinical and research expertise The Wellcome Trust today announces four major new partnership programmes between academia and industry as part of an initiative to foster a new generation of clinicians trained in translation and therapeutic medicine. 17 Jul 2008 New investment strengthens infection research in the UK Two major infection research consortia have been established in London and Oxford to conduct collaborative research into nationally important areas including healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic resistance. 16 Jul 2008 RBG Kew and the Wellcome Trust sow seeds for The Great Plant Hunt To coincide with the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, the Wellcome Trust has teamed up with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to create The Great Plant Hunt, an innovative project that aims to get primary school children out and about and excited by nature. 14 Jul 2008 Novel science film collaboration keeps it reel Short films on science produced by collaborations between film-makers and scientists are now available to watch online. 11 Jul 2008 Discovery of key malaria proteins could mean sticky end for parasite Scientists funded by the Wellcome Trust have identified a key mechanism that enables malaria-infected red blood cells to stick to the walls of blood vessels and avoid being destroyed by the body's immune system. 10 Jul 2008 Year in Review 2007 published The Wellcome Library's 'Year in Review 2007' is now available as a PDF document for viewing and downloading. 09 Jul 2008 Friend or foe? Liver cells come under scrutiny The Wellcome Trust has funded a novel study to investigate the role of a particular type of cell in liver injury and regeneration. 07 Jul 2008 Inspiring teachers to enthuse next generation of bright sparks A £30 million fund has been launched to put the wonder of contemporary science and hands-on experiments back at the heart of science lessons in every school in Britain. 07 Jul 2008 Exploring the issues of genetic testing Wellcome Collection hosts a public debate on the issues surrounding genetic testing on Thursday 10 July. 04 Jul 2008 Wellcome Trust-funded project teaches robots to love punk music The robots mirror the human ability to learn to love punk music. 03 Jul 2008 Shifts in Perception at Wellcome Collection An event for the inquisitive, examining the extraordinary ways we perceive the world around us, will take place at Wellcome Collection on 18 and 19 July 2008. 03 Jul 2008 More research needed into effect of sleep apnoea on elderly, scientists say The call comes as the team at Imperial College London publish a study showing that older people have a delayed cardiovascular response to arousal from sleep that may offer protection from developing high blood pressure and heart disease. 01 Jul 2008 Mother's diet may have long-term impact on child's health, study suggests Mothers who eat an unhealthy diet during pregnancy may be putting their children at risk of developing long-term, irreversible health issues including obesity, raised levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, according to new research. 01 Jul 2008
June

Complexity of Crohn's disease revealed New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over 30. 29 Jun 2008 European roots of Lyme disease bug revealed Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered that a bacterium that causes Lyme disease originated in Europe, rather than in North America as previously thought. 27 Jun 2008 Agreement on research careers to strengthen UK's skills base The Wellcome Trust has signed up to a new agreement published today that will ensure that the UK's researchers are nurtured and supported during their career development. 26 Jun 2008 Neuroscientists discover a sense of adventure Wellcome Trust scientists have identified a key region of the brain that encourages us to be adventurous. 26 Jun 2008 New funding to explore major complications of pregnancy Two grants awarded through the Physiological Sciences stream will fund research into the causes of major complications of pregnancy. 25 Jun 2008 £2.5 million to boost biomedical ethics research Three substantial grants to support the best research in biomedical ethics have been awarded by the Wellcome Trust, it was announced today. 24 Jun 2008 Wellcome Collection turns one It is a year since the Wellcome Trust's new venue, Wellcome Collection, fully opened to the public. 23 Jun 2008 Trust makes international health resources free online Key content from the award-winning Topics in International Health CD-ROMs is now freely available online. 19 Jun 2008 Wellcome Collection announces 300 000 visits in first year Wellcome Collection today announces that it has attracted over 300 000 visits since launching, in time for celebrating its first birthday on 21 June. 19 Jun 2008 Normal brain activity may predict symptoms of psychosis Researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown how patterns of brain activity in healthy participants may help predict the symptoms of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia. 18 Jun 2008 History of healthcare aids wellbeing of tomorrow The Wellcome Trust has awarded £375 000 to the Glasgow Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare - a joint venture between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University - to support research into areas including occupational health and the control of drugs in society. 16 Jun 2008 Maternal malaria researcher wins prestigious international prize Groundbreaking research into treating malaria infections in pregnant women has earned international recognition for Professor François Nosten, Director of the Wellcome Trust-funded Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) in Thailand. 11 Jun 2008 Fathoming function Funding awarded through the Wellcome Trust's Physiological Sciences stream will explore the biological functions of a peptide and a family of lipids in the hope of developing treatments for atherosclerosis. 10 Jun 2008 Time-saving research application system launched A new online application system should mean UK researchers spend less time on admin and more on time on their research. 10 Jun 2008 Feature Bone idol The work of osteologists at the Museum of London is shedding light on what life in London was like hundreds of years ago. 10 Jun 2008 Darwin 200: Celebrating the life of Charles Darwin An exciting programme of activities and events commemorating the life and ideas of one of the most famous scientists in our history is launched. 09 Jun 2008 Brain evolution driven by complex synapses New research has shed light on the evolutionary origins of the brain and how it evolved into the remarkably complex structure found in humans. 09 Jun 2008 Low serotonin levels affect decision making The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a critical role in regulating emotions such as aggression during social decision-making, according to research published in 'Science'. 06 Jun 2008 Picture perfect 05 Jun 2008 Stutter risk 05 Jun 2008 Porter plaque 05 Jun 2008 Counting Crohn's 05 Jun 2008 Genome Campus influence The impact of research reports from the Wellcome Trust Sander Institute and the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute makes them the top two most influential research institutions in the UK. 05 Jun 2008 Literarily speaking 05 Jun 2008 Controlling sleepiness 05 Jun 2008 Inside the interactome 05 Jun 2008 A sticky end for malaria? 05 Jun 2008 Proofreading protein 05 Jun 2008 Improved access 05 Jun 2008 You are what your mum ate 05 Jun 2008 Top draw 05 Jun 2008 In sequence 05 Jun 2008 Unravelling neurodegeneration 05 Jun 2008 Building on broadcast 05 Jun 2008 Wellcome to India 05 Jun 2008 Notebooks of unsung hero of childbed fever acquired by Wellcome Library The Wellcome Library has acquired the notebooks of Dr Robert Storrs, a GP in 1840s Doncaster during a notorious outbreak of childbed fever and cholera. 05 Jun 2008 Sex change 05 Jun 2008 Scientists investigate disease-causing properties of 'peacock of the fungal world' Members of the Penicillium family of fungi are almost exclusively 'good', with uses including antibiotic development and cheese ripening. But one member of the family is responsible for the third commonest serious illness in patients with HIV in South-east Asia. 03 Jun 2008 Skeletons: London's buried bones at Wellcome Collection Twenty-six skeletons from the Museum of London's Centre for Human Bioarchaeology will go on display at Wellcome Collection as part of a new exhibition that reveals what lies just metres beneath our feet. 03 Jun 2008 Feature Molyneux in Malawi Professor Malcolm Molyneux reflects on the achievements of the research centre in Blantyre and the challenges that remain in Malawi. 02 Jun 2008 Wellcome Trust funds new centre for respiratory infection The new Centre for Respiratory Infection, funded by a £3.4 million Strategic Award from the Wellcome Trust, has opened at Imperial College London. 02 Jun 2008 Witnesses to MRSA The latest seminar transcript in the 'Wellcome Witnesses to Twentieth Century Medicine' series has been published by the Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine at UCL. 01 Jun 2008
May

Malaria parasites adjust sex ratio to help disease spread Malaria parasites ensure the successful spread of the disease by being able to produce more sons than daughters when conditions are difficult. 29 May 2008 Test your metal: Platinum-containing molecules show promise as future treatments for Alzheimer's disease Research into compounds based on a cancer drug has produced molecules with potential for therapeutic use. 28 May 2008 Man or mouse? Protein networks highlight differences between organisms It is not the number of genes but the number of protein interactions in an organism that seems to reflect biological complexity, an international team of researchers finds. 27 May 2008 The Art Fund Prize winner announced Wellcome Collection joined the three other short-listed contenders for The Art Fund Prize 2008 at a ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on 22 May. 23 May 2008 MPs vote in favour of hybrid embryo research An attempt by a cross-party coalition of MPs to ban research using hybrid embryo research has been defeated in the House of Commons. 21 May 2008 Re-educating immune cells Researchers have found a way to re-programme impotent macrophages to attack infection and tumours in mice, providing potential future therapeutic benefit. 20 May 2008 A conversation about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill On Friday 16 May, we hosted a meeting between scientists, religious leaders of various faiths, clinicians, ethicists and philosophers to discuss the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. The event was filmed and is available to view. 17 May 2008 National testing in schools examined by MPs Influential committee of MPs calls for urgent reform of national tests in science, English and maths for 11 and 14 year olds. 15 May 2008 Genome-wide scan uncovers genes involved in osteoporosis risk An international team of researchers has identified two genes that play a key role in the risk of osteoporosis. 13 May 2008 Genome sequence of emerging superbug reveals high degree of drug resistance Researchers reveal evidence that a new hospital superbug is resistant to antibiotics. 09 May 2008 Twenty Six Things at Wellcome Collection See 'Twenty Six Things', a new film by the artist Marion Coutts, at Wellcome Collection from 29 May to 29 June 2008. The film, a cinematic still-life, is an investigation into the vast museum of artefacts gathered by Henry Wellcome. 09 May 2008 Major UK funders publish common rules for animal research Five of the UK's major funders of animal research today published common guidelines for using animals in research. Compliance with the guidelines will be a condition of funding for new grants involving the use of animals. 08 May 2008 Nobody Lives Forever by Judith Johnson Innovative theatre combines with lively debate in a groundbreaking new play exploring the social, moral, scientific and political questions raised by stem cell research. 07 May 2008 Debating the best and worst of medicine Online debate launched to stimulate public debate and argument about the best and worst ideas, phenomena, developments and practices in the history of medicine. 02 May 2008 Researchers to study impact of scaled-up HIV services in Zimbabwe New HIV health services are being rolled out in Zimbabwe, and Wellcome Trust funded researchers will be assessing their effectiveness. 01 May 2008
April

Global genetics consortium sets sights on cancer Researchers from four continents today announced the launch of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), a major collaboration designed to identify the key genetic mutations involved in up to 50 types of cancer. 29 Apr 2008 Gene therapy for inherited blindness improves sight Wellcome Trust researchers at the UCL Institute of Opthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital have taken part in the world's first clinical trial to test a revolutionary gene therapy for a type of inherited blindness. 28 Apr 2008 Trust expands international funding scheme Researchers wanting to work in parts of central Europe and the Baltic States are now invited to apply for International Senior Research Fellowships. 25 Apr 2008 Food poisoning bacteria show signs of merging Evidence that two species of Campylobacter could be merging as a result of intensive farming highlights the potential effects of human activity on bacterial evolution. 25 Apr 2008 Crystal structure designs from the 1951 Festival of Britain 'From Atoms to Patterns' exhibition opens at Wellcome Collection. 25 Apr 2008 Banking on success One year since its launch, UK Biobank recruits its 100 000th participant. 24 Apr 2008 UKCMRI partners dismiss claims about research project There has been speculation in the press about the work to be carried out at the planned UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, a world-class facility that will deliver ground-breaking new research. 24 Apr 2008 Wellcome Collection short-listed for The Art Fund Prize Our new public gallery and museum, Wellcome Collection, has been short-listed for the prestigious Art Fund Prize, a national award given to a public venue whose project demonstrates the most originality, imagination and excellence. 22 Apr 2008 Genes and disease The largest ever study of genetics of common diseases has been launched with £30 million funding from the Wellcome Trust. 20 Apr 2008 Faking it: Researchers create artificial chromosome to explore cell division machinery Scientists from Edinburgh have created an artificial chromosome, allowing them insight into cell division and opening the door for potential applications including cancer therapy and a means to produce stem cells. 15 Apr 2008 The future in mind Two awards funded through the Wellcome Trust's Neuroscience and Mental Health Stream will be exploring stress and depression. 14 Apr 2008 Research capacity strengthening in Africa Wellcome Trust announces £20 million investment in research and training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. 11 Apr 2008 Using brain imaging to diagnose depression The brain's response to seeing sad faces could become a new diagnostic marker for depression. 10 Apr 2008 Nothing teaches us more about life than death itself 'Life Before Death' exhibition opens at Wellcome Collection. 09 Apr 2008 Study supports theory that rise in autism is related to changes in diagnosis Research suggests that many children diagnosed with severe language disorders in the 1980s and 1990s would today be diagnosed as having autism. 08 Apr 2008 Wellcome Trust and New Scientist essay competition 2008 The Wellcome Trust is inviting postgraduates in science, engineering or technology to tell the world about their research, through an annual essay competition run in partnership with 'New Scientist'. 07 Apr 2008 New research adds to growing body of knowledge of genetics of height Scientists are beginning to develop a clearer picture of what makes some people stand head and shoulders above the rest. 07 Apr 2008 TB bacteria fatten up to survive Researchers find that TB-causing bacteria in infected sputum are filled with fat, which could help explain why TB infection is so hard to clear. 03 Apr 2008 Studying paranoia A virtual reality Tube ride has been used by researchers to reveal the extent that paranoia occurs in the general public. 01 Apr 2008
March

New clues to genetics of type 2 diabetes An international collaboration of scientists from Europe and the US has identified six new genes that play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. 30 Mar 2008 Patients and pathogens: the complexities of genetic susceptibility to disease Research suggests that understanding how the genetic make-up of both patient and pathogen interact may be essential for developing more sophisticated treatments and for overcoming drug resistance. 28 Mar 2008 Wellcome Trust backs key aspects of embryo research Bill The Wellcome Trust has announced its support for key aspects of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which is currently passing through UK Parliament. 28 Mar 2008 Chromosomes and castles: Research reveals Crusaders' legacy in Lebanon Study of Y chromosomes uncovers the genetic impact of historical migrations into Lebanon. 27 Mar 2008 Brain cell discovery may shed light on nervous system disorders Scientists have discovered a new class of brain cell, contradicting a key theory of neuroscience, and raising hopes of new therapies for multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. 26 Mar 2008 New initiative to enhance innovation in medical engineering The Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council announces the launch of a joint £45 million initiative to further UK medical engineering. 25 Mar 2008 New drug targets for Huntington's disease Research has provided a number of promising new drug targets for Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disease. 24 Mar 2008 Fighting salmonella infection Research shows that antibodies play an important role in protecting African children from bacterial blood infections. 21 Mar 2008 Getting to grips with grammar Research into how children with a language disorder cope with grammar may help improve their educational support. 19 Mar 2008 Alpha-thalassaemia research Over-abundance of smaller red blood cells may help protect against severe malarial anaemia. 18 Mar 2008 Mice reveal clues to the basis of human speech Learning how to make sequences of muscle movements is critical to the development of human speech, research in mice suggests. 14 Mar 2008 Project ENTHUSE New £30 million investment to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists. 12 Mar 2008 Laos infectious disease centre The first ever centre dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in Laos has opened. 12 Mar 2008 Wellcome Image Awards 2008 This year's Wellcome Image Awards delve deep into our understanding of modern medicine and science. 11 Mar 2008
February

Annual Review 2007 and Strategic Plan updates published The Annual Review 2007 and Strategic Plan updates are now available. 27 Feb 2008 First malaria map in 40 years shows extent of disease burden The first global malaria risk map to be developed in 40 years has highlighted the 2.37 billion people at risk from one of the world's deadliest diseases. 26 Feb 2008 Solid start for open access Over a quarter of published, Trust-funded papers now freely available online. 21 Feb 2008 Fake antimalarial drugs analysis highlights threat to global health A unique collaboration between scientists, public health workers and police has led to the arrest by the Chinese authorities of alleged traders of fake antimalarial drugs in southern China and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs. 12 Feb 2008 Wellcome Collection in the running for The Art Fund Prize The Trust's new gallery and museum is nominated for the prestigious Art Fund Prize. 05 Feb 2008 Wellcome Trust funding to increase to almost £4 billion over five years Wellcome Trust announces increase in funding to almost £4 billion over next five years. 05 Feb 2008 Malaria vaccine trials begin using 'chimpanzee virus' Trials underway to test new vaccine using 'chimpanzee virus'. 01 Feb 2008
January

Prison study to investigate link between diet and behaviour Trust funds study in UK prisons to investigate link between nutrition and behaviour. 28 Jan 2008 Mitochondrial 'bottleneck' cracked: new hope for disease prediction Scientists have shown for the first time how a particular family of diseases are passed down from mother to child and how this can lead to the severity of the disease differing widely. 27 Jan 2008 Late HIV diagnosis Research shows doctors are missing valuable opportunities to diagnose HIV in UK-based Africans. 23 Jan 2008 1000 Genomes Project launched International research consortium announces ambitious project to sequence the genomes of 1000 people. 23 Jan 2008 Light still important for regulating body clock in some blind people Profoundly blind people may still be able to 'see' light and use it to regulate their body clocks. 16 Jan 2008 'Monkey malaria' widespread in humans and potentially fatal Potentially fatal species of malaria commonly misdiagnosed as more benign form. 15 Jan 2008 Rising starof lighting design reveals latest commission Young designer launches his commission for the Wellcome Trust. 14 Jan 2008 Neurotopographics: New interactive film experience Artist, architect and neuroscientist collaborate to create new film installation. 11 Jan 2008 Unique clinical PhD programme launched by UK's leading charity 09 Jan 2008 Super-laboratory for London On 5 December 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that a derelict 3.5-acre site in the heart of London, between the British Library and St Pancras International, will be converted into Europe's largest medical research laboratory. 09 Jan 2008 New 'i-Snake' will provide platform for next generation of robotic technology Scientists at Imperial to develop new robotic technology for keyhole surgery. 04 Jan 2008 Late-night Film Festival at Wellcome Collection Wellcome Collection hosts its first ever film festival to coincide with 'Sleeping & Dreaming'. 04 Jan 2008 In vivo imaging Grants awarded for in vivo imaging equipment. 04 Jan 2008

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