‘Black holes and broken bones’

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has just chosen their top 5 UK innovations of the year and under the heading ‘Black holes and broken bones’ have featured the UK-developed gravitational waves measurement technology in which the UofG played such an important role. , for both the recent GW detections and the spin-out work on nanokicking, as one of the 5.

The IME wrote: "Massive, star-consuming and vital for holding some galaxies together, black holes are a continuing fascination for scientists. On Earth, doctors and biomedical engineers search for better ways to fix broken bones ahead of a forecast jump in the number of older people worldwide.

"This year, scientists claimed UK technology could shed light on both issues. In September, researchers claimed a world first after precisely measuring a collision between two black holes using a network of three observatories. The detectors included the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in the US, which used British-made technology to remove natural and human-caused vibrations from the observations, so the minuscule distortion caused by gravitational waves could be accurately detected.

"Researchers are also testing the technology’s ability to fix bones. By reversing the process using a technique known as “nanokicking”, it can vibrate stem cells thousands of times a second to stimulate the production of bone cells, which could heal fractures and fill gaps."

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Principal writes on taxation for The Times

The Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, wrote on the subject of taxation in The Times newspaper, yesterday (Monday 11 December).  He said: "The simple truth is that if we want a country and society to be proud of, we need to be willing to pay for it..."

Read the full article here: 

policyscotland.gla.ac.uk/muscatelli-time-grown-debate-tax/

Image of Research Scientist Dr Robert Benson an Immunologist within the Institute of Infection Immunity & Inflammation at the University of Glasgow Blantyre Connections

Research Scientist Dr Robert Benson, an Immunologist within the Institute of Infection Immunity & Inflammation at the University of Glasgow, was invited recently to deliver a seminar at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Annual Scientific meeting held in Blantyre, Malawi, writes Alexandra Mackay. Dr Benson’s research looks at why the body’s immune system can go wrong and result in diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. He is an expert in multiphoton imaging and regularly advises on the latest imaging techniques. In his early years Dr Benson attended the David Livingstone Memorial Primary school in Blantyre, Scotland and went on to study at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Research scientists are finding more and more that Malawians are experiencing an upsurge in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and arthritis and their continuing causes of poor health and low life expectancy in Blantyre Malawi are very much mirrored back in districts such as Blantyre in Scotland.  A rich history of collaboration between Scotland & Malawi exists which stretches as far back as Dr David Livingstone and it is heartening that Dr Benson is ensuring that tradition of mutual learning between Malawi and Scotland continues.

Dr Benson said “It’s a nice link and great to think my early education in Blantyre, Scotland has allowed me to advance science and contribute to the ongoing development and ultimately provide health benefits to the people of Blantyre, Malawi”

Grads Success

Professor John Briggs, Clerk of Senate and Vice Principal, has sent a message of thanks to all those who played a part in making a big success of the winter graduations.

John said: "Now that Winter Graduation ceremonies are completed, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your efforts in making the Graduations such a success. They really do show the University at its very best and they do much to enhance the University’s reputation. It is not only the professionalism shown by colleagues and the warm welcome offered to our guests which are so impressive, but also the team effort from such a large number of people.

"Once again, many thanks to everyone involved. Have an enjoyable festive break when it arrives."

Words of WW1

In the summer of 2018, in collaboration with the University's WW1 Commemoration Group, a party of students will travel (for free) along the site of the Western Front, in order to recite poetry from both sides of the conflict and in their original language. Applications to join the preparatory team are open until Saturday 16 December.

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Hunterian Christmas Event for University Staff

Hunterian Museum Thursday 14 December 2017 5.00pm – 7.00pm

All University staff are invited to a special evening event at the Hunterian Museum on Thursday 14th December from 5.00pm – 7.00pm.

This special event offers the chance to enjoy our Collections and to spend some social time with colleagues.

Staff will have the chance to enjoy a drink, mince pies and some live carol singers. There will also be craft activities available for children.

Admission is free and staff and their families are welcome.

If you would like to attend, please email The Hunterian: hunterianrsvp@glasgow.ac.uk by 4pm on Thursday 14th December.

This event is funded by the Ferguson Bequest. Professor Thomas Ferguson (1900-1977), Henry Mechan Chair of Public Health (1944-64), bequeathed his estate to the University, with the instruction that the money should be used to foster the social side of University life.

For further information on The Hunterian, visit: www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian

 

 

First published: 11 December 2017

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