A prime example of this is stem cell research.
In August last year Parkinson's UK-funded scientists succeeded in growing new nerve cells with a rare inherited form of Parkinson's.
This was followed swiftly in February this year by a research team in the US who announced that they too had made skin cells from nerve cells with genetic Parkinson's.
On the surface, these 2 achievements look identical. But dig a little deeper and you'll find a subtle but crucial difference.
Our researchers grew nerve cells with a mutation in alpha-synuclein, whereas the US team were studying cells with a change in the Parkin gene – 2 very different genetic mutations that have vastly different impacts on the nerve cells.
At Parkinson's UK we work hard to make sure every penny raised for research works as hard as possible.
Our rigorous research funding process involves international experts and people affected by Parkinson's which helps us to avoid duplication and make sure the projects we fund are meaningful to people living with condition.
We talk to other key players in the research community - including pharmaceutical companies, researchers, other funders and government bodies - to keep us right at the heart of international Parkinson's research.
And we're helping researchers to share their knowledge and work together.
Our research conference brings the UK Parkinson's research community together to share and discuss all the latest research.
And we provide funding to researchers for themed research workshops to bring people in their field together and develop new ideas.
So next time you see a familiar piece of research news, look a little closer – it's probably more exciting than you think.
Tell us your thoughts on Parkinson's research by visiting our forum, emailing research@parkinsons.org.uk or adding your comments below.
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2 comments:
Lets be Honest for once; When has Medical Science ever been exciting, not once in the history of Medical Science has it produced a true cause known for any illness let alone a cure. So therefore if you are self declared "On Watch" have a closer look at the healthcare pathway behind any dedicated doctors doing the best possible with terrible tools techniques and understanding to avoid adding to the healthcare pathway littered with people writhing in agony of long term illness pain and fatigue. Management is not a good option especial as even this model is rapidly being set aside in favor of the long suffering patients managing themselves.
The above is nonsense; we no longer die of diseases that used to kill thousands, thanks to advances in medical science. But with greater life expectancy comes a) an increase in age-related conditions and b) an awareness that the complexities of modern life have brought new pressures to bear on us as living entities. That so many people still suffer is in part because we are better at maintaining life in situations where it would once have been extinguished, but not yet good enough at restoring health to those with the most debilitating conditions.
PS I have posted as anonymous not because I am ashamed of my opinion, but because, not having done this before, I don't properly understand the various options presented.
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