IGMM Workshop
February 2009
An Introduction to imaging IGMM recently hosted its first imaging workshop, which was attended by around 100 scientists and students from the IGMM and beyond. The aim of the day was to introduce the different imaging modalities available within the IGMM and the University of Edinburgh and discuss how they can be applied to monitor disease progression and aid drug development.
Talks by scientists from the University of Edinburgh covered the use of a number of cutting-edge techniques for the imaging of research samples.
The day also included talks by guest speakers from the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow and from Olympus, the workshop's principal sponsor.
The equipment and software demonstrations provided a fantastic opportunity to see state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
Professor Nick Hastie hailed the workshop a success and thanked the organising committee: Val Brunton, Rob Van't Hof and Alan Serrels.
Words: Nicky MacLaine (The University of Edinburgh) The Centre for Molecular Medicine.
Scientist's quest to ease Bone Patients
16 February 2009
Scientist's quest to ease bone patients' plight earns award A scientist who has spent more than two decades working to minimise the devastating impact of bone diseases has been recognised by a leading charity.
Professor Stuart Ralston, who is the Arthritis Research Campaign Chair of Rheumatology at the IGMM, has won the 2008 Margaret McLellan award for his research into the causes and treatment of bone diseases.
The £2000 award is presented every two years by the medical charity Tenovus Scotland in recognition of outstanding contributions to medical science.
This year, the panel chose to recognise the field of bone health due to the devastating impact that bone diseases have on the health of the population and their impact on NHS resources.
Professor Ralston, who is lead clinician for the osteoporosis service in NHS Lothian, has been conducting research into various bone diseases over the past 25 years including osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone and bone disease in patients with cancer.
His research - funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust - has helped to unravel the genetic contribution to bone disease. He is currently leading a major clinical trial to try to prevent the development of Paget's disease in people who are genetically predisposed to this condition.
Professor Ralston, of the University of Edinburgh, said, "I am delighted that Tenovus has chosen to highlight the importance of bone disease research, because these conditions have a devastating impact on those affected. I am honoured by this award, but credit is also due to the many talented scientists working across Scotland to combat these conditions." Bone diseases can affect people of all ages and all ethnic groups. The most common bone disease is osteoporosis which is estimated to affect about 30 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men at some point in life.
Related Links
Professor Stuart Ralston
The Scotsman: Bone Scientist wins award
