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Two books and review/research articles in Italian have disseminated the findings from the underpinning research on creating false autobiographical memories and the dangers of inadequate interviewing techniques. This work has critically increased awareness in the Italian legal system amongst both barristers and judges, to the point of shaping the practice of interviewing witnesses in that country. It has also informed all verdicts on child sexual abuse by the Supreme Court of Cassation.
Lower-limb amputation (LLA) is associated with significant mobility, quality-of-life (QoL) and socioeconomic burdens. Research undertaken at the University of Hull relates to the early rehabilitation of amputees and their risk of falling. The research has influenced practice nationally and internationally by prompting clinicians to use these evidence-based recommendations for muscle strengthening and balance training and has informed policy at national levels. It inspired the British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Amputee Rehabilitation (BACPAR), to implement standardised recommendations in the BACPAR Toolbox of Outcome Measures in prosthetic rehabilitation. The findings of the Hull Early walking aid for rehabilitation of transtibial Amputees — Randomised controlled Trial (HEART) study, the first RCT comparing the biomechanics and clinical outcomes of early gait re-training with different Early Walking Aids (EWA), has made a significant impact on current healthcare practice and guidelines.
This case study illustrates the development of novel research materials designed to improve quality of life and performance in different populations. Impact has been achieved through the use of research findings in professional practice, formulation of health-related policies and in the development of new indicators of health and well-being. RCSEP research has been used by international and national health-service organisations (e.g., European League Against Rheumatism, Evidence NHS), industrial establishments (e.g., ArtEZ Conservatoire, Netherlands; Royal Ballet), national governing bodies (British Heart Foundation), and professional bodies (e.g., Dance UK, International Association of Dance Medicine & Science).
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are diseases leading to muscle weakness. They are caused by various gene mutations. However, for many CMS patients with a `limb girdle' pattern of weakness, the gene was unknown, and they were unresponsive to the usual CMS treatments. Research by David Beeson and colleagues has changed this state of affairs. First, they showed that this form of CMS is caused by a mutation in a gene called DOK7. Second, they identified the mechanism by which the mutation causes the disease. Third, they discovered that patients with DOK7 mutations respond to a different class of drug, 03b22 adrenergic receptor agonists. DOK7 mutations are now routinely tested for in clinical practice, and these drugs are standard therapy.
This case study focuses on the development and usage of self-help material designed to aid people in feeling and performing better. It has achieved impact through raising awareness via mass media and professional outlets. Research informed self-help materials are available for open access via media links, academic organisations, service organisations (NHS), commercial organisations (London Marathon), national governing bodies (Research Councils), and professional bodies (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences). An on-line project, run in conjunction with BBC Lab UK, developed and tested self-help interventions with 75,000 users each receiving personalised feedback from former Olympian Michael Johnson.
Autoimmune diseases are caused when the body attacks itself by making auto-antibodies against its own proteins. Research by Angela Vincent and her colleagues in Oxford over the past 20 years has led to the identification of specific auto-antibodies that cause several unexplained (and sometimes fatal) neurological diseases. The auto-antibodies are now used to diagnose these diseases, enabling appropriate treatment. Vincent's research has also developed better and more sensitive methods for detecting auto-antibodies. These methods are now widely used, both in her own lab (where she provides a clinical service, conducting over 100,000 tests since 2008) and worldwide. The tests have also been patented and licensed, generating over £500,000 since 2008.
Biocatalysts provide unique activities that facilitate chemical transformations that are simply not possible using abiotic methods. Northumbria University researchers with expertise in enzymes and biocatalysis have provided biocatalysis services to the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, food and biofuels industries through our business facing innovation unit Nzomics. This has generated significant contract research, collaboration and licence agreements to companies, including the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and the services-led company Almac. Biocatalysts produced as a result of Northumbria University research and technology transfer are sold worldwide and benefit business through their use in research and development activities, such as the production of intermediates in drug synthesis.
The decline of bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators has been widely described as a "pollination crisis" (e.g. Progress Report of FAO on the Implementation of the International Pollinators Initiative - September 2012) which could have profound effects on both food security, and wild plant populations and the ecosystem services they support. Research by Professor Jeff Ollerton and colleagues into the ecology and diversity of plant-pollinator interactions has: (a) provided a scientific evidence base that has influenced national and international policies relating to the conservation of pollinator populations; (b) raised national and international public awareness of the subject of pollinator conservation; and (c) led to positive changes in UK gardening practices.
Stephen Wilkinson's research on medical ethics and law (including joint work with Sally Sheldon) has:
(1) Influenced policy formation processes (e.g. through being submitted in evidence to parliamentary committees and enquires, and via bodies such as the Nuffield Council on Bioethics).
(2) Challenged conventional wisdom, stimulating debate among stakeholders, and enabled improved public understanding. Mechanisms for this include participation in popular media outlets and in public and stakeholder engagement events.
This case study concerns the impact of Plymouth University research relating to farmed fish diets, which led to changes to EU legislation with respect to two types of ingredients: animal proteins and probiotics. The impact of the reintroduction of certain animal proteins in farmed fish feeds (previously banned to protect human health) and to the authorization of a probiotic as a feed additive, involved industry investment in research, have reduced the environmental impact of farmed fishing, improved competitiveness, enhanced yield and quality and improved fish health and survival.