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Research at Lancaster led to a novel approach to detect the source of cases of campylobacteriosis (a bacterial foodborne disease). The application of this method to data from New Zealand pin- pointed that New-Zealand's high rate of cases was linked to the eating of contaminated poultry. These results were a key part of the evidence used by New Zealand's Food Safety Authority to introduce a new code of practice for the poultry industry. The impact of this code of practice has been a halving of the number of reported cases of campylobacteriosis in New Zealand (from around 16,000 cases in 2006 to less than 7,000 in 2008). With notification rates estimated as 1 in 10, this corresponds to around 90,000 fewer actual cases per year. The saving for the New Zealand economy during the REF census period has been independently estimated as between £100M and £150M.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a major cause of death in older men, in the UK and elsewhere. A large UK trial led by the University of Cambridge evaluated the long-term benefits of ultrasound screening for AAA in men aged 65-74 years. This provided the basis for the introduction of a UK national AAA screening programme in men aged 65; this was announced in 2008, initiated in 2009, and achieved full coverage of England in 2013. Similar screening has started in Sweden, New Zealand and in parts of Italy, and is being actively discussed in Denmark, Norway and Finland.
Research by Professor Joost de Bruijn and team at QMUL from 2004 was critical to demonstrating the efficacy and commercial viability of a novel Instructive Bone Graft (IBG) product, AttraXTM. The technology, commercialised via the spin-out business Progentix Orthobiology BV (founded in 2007) was sufficiently mature by 2008 to attract series A investment of €1 million series A financing by BioGeneration Ventures. The development of AttraXTM has led to a trade sale totalling up to US$ 80 million to the global top 5 spine company NuVasive Inc. in 2009. In 2011 an exclusive distribution deal with a global top 3 dental company was signed for use of the technology in the field of dentistry and craniomaxillofacial surgery. After regulatory approval of AttraXTM in Europe (CE mark), the product was commercialised in 2011 and has been used successfully in more than eleven thousand patients (as of 2013Q3) with global reach (including EU, US, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil). Within 1 year of commercialisation, a 1.1% share of the estimated US$2 billion global spinal bone graft market has been achieved. This research has seen an economical benefit in terms of newly formed jobs from 2 FTE in 2008 to 25 FTE in 2013 at Progentix Orthobiology BV.
Historical research into natural disasters has underpinned emergency planning and management in the UK and overseas. Undertaken by colleagues in Hull and other HEIs, the output of this research has contributed to the setting of industry standards, informed the development of modern technology, highlighted issues of social justice, prompted cultural comparisons of `best practice', assisted in reducing communities' vulnerability and linked reconstruction work to developmental issues. Non-academic beneficiaries of the research are communities and individuals in disaster-affected areas, and the governments and NGOs involved in managing disasters.
Language impairment is common in children and, without effective early intervention, presents a risk for educational, social and emotional disturbance. The team used their considerable experience in child language research to produce a novel assessment of child language development — The Reynell Developmental Language Scales 3 (RDLS3) — the first test of child language development to be standardised in the U.K. to assess both understanding and production of language in young children. Use of the test has improved language assessment and diagnosis for children with language impairments and, as such, has enabled health and education professionals to target therapy and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to improve child language development. The test has been widely used in the U.K. and is now also being used widely internationally. Recent research by the team has informed a revised version of the test — The New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS). Sales figures of the RDLS3 and the commissioning of the NRDLS are testament to its outstanding reputation and enduring legacy worldwide.
This research on those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who exhibit challenging and/or criminal behaviour has impacted on public policy, professional practice, and carers' and service users' quality of life, both in the UK and internationally (e.g. Japan, New Zealand). The impact has been maximised by the researchers serving on government advisory committees, writing government policy documents and delivering training to service providers and their staff. The research was also fundamental in establishing the need for networks to support service users and their families, leading to the formation of the Challenging Behaviour Foundation.
Research investigating genetic and environmental interactions leading to skin barrier breakdown in atopic eczema has delivered health benefits by improving the prevention and treatment of this condition. We found that established emollient formulations (e.g. Aqueous Cream BP) containing the harsh emulsifier sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) damage the skin barrier in patients with atopic eczema and identified an underlying molecular mechanism. Consequently, the NICE Quality Standard and Guidelines now reflect our advice that Aqueous Cream should not be used as a leave-on emollient, SLS has been removed from all emollient formulations in the UK and we have helped develop the next generation of `SLS-free' skin-care products. Medicines regulators including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and New Zealand MedSafe have also issued new advice as a result of our research.
The zebra mussel is one of the world's most economically and ecologically important pests, but existing control approaches cause significant deleterious environmental effects. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a `BioBullet' against zebra mussels, which encapsulates toxins in a harmless edible coat, enabling efficient, targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental pollution. [text removed for publication] Further successful formulations are being developed by the researchers and the company for fouling in shrimp farms and enhancing shellfish aquaculture.
The zebra mussel is one of the world's most damaging invasive species, but existing control approaches cause significant environmental damage. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed the patented `BioBullet', which encapsulates a toxic active ingredient in a harmless edible coating, enabling efficient, targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental pollution. [text removed for publication]
The project led to improved public access to partner collections via a major website, informed the design of the £10m HLF-funded Birmingham History Galleries of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (including innovative multi-touch software), and firmly embedded a culture of cross-sector collaboration with impact in Birmingham, the Midlands, and beyond.