News
Stem cells from cord blood could help repair damaged heart muscle
13 October 2011
Research led by Professor Raimondo Ascione, Chair of the Bristol Heart Institute, has found stem cells derived from human cord blood could help repair heart muscle cells damaged by a heart attack. At least 20 million people survive heart attacks and strokes every year, according to World Health Organisation estimates, but many have poor life expectancy and require continual costly clinical care. The researchers have found heart muscle-like cells grown using stem cells from human umbilical cord blood could help repair a damaged heart, a discovery that represents a significant scientific advancement and could have major implications on future patient care.
Mural cells from saphenous vein could have long-term benefits in heart attacks
25 August 2011
Stem cell therapies promise to regenerate the infarcted heart through the replacement of dead cardiac cells and stimulation of the growth of new vessels. New research carried out in the Bristol Heart Institute has found the transplantation of stem cells that reside in human veins can help in the recovery of a heart attack. The findings could lead, in the next few years, to the first human clinical trial.
BHI selected as NIHR Biomedical Research Unit
18 August 2011
Bristol Heart Institute has been named as a Biomedical Research Unit (BRU) by the National Institute for Health Research, one of just four cardiovascular BRUs in the country. This award recognises the outstanding work of BHI, and is associated with ~£7million to continue its pioneering work in years ahead.
The role of the BRU, a partnership between UHBristol and the University, is to enable the country's, "best health researchers and clinicians to work together to develop new treatments for the benefit of patients." The NIHR BRUs:
- drive innovation in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ill-health
- translate advances in medical research into benefits for patients
- provide a key component of the NHS contribution to our nation's international competitiveness by building on the best research leaders and their teams and enabling their host institutions to achieve or further develop critical mass in a priority research area."
New Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
16 May 2011
Gianni Angelini, British Heart Foundation (BHF) Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Bristol University and Imperial College London has been one of the 40 who have been honoured with the Fellowship this year. Academy Fellows are elected for outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their conspicuous service to healthcare.
Heart expert elected Fellow of Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences
17 August 2010
Saadeh Suleiman, a Professor of Cardiac Physiology in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, has been elected a Fellow of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.
New Directors of the Clinical Research and Imaging Centre (CRIC)
9 August 2010
The post of Director of the Clinical Research and Imaging Centre will now be held jointly by:;
Dr Chiara Bucciarelli-Ducci, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Cardiologist, Bristol Heart Institute,
and Dr Diane C Crawford, Director of Medical Physics and Bioengineering at University Hospitals Bristol. The appointment is with immediate effect.
Heart Research UK supports Bristol Heart Institute expertise
23 July 2010
Heart Research UK (HRUK) has awarded the Research Training Fellowship for cardiac surgery to Dr Simon Duggan.
Clinical research centre open for bookings
19 July 2010
Researchers from across the scientific disciplines are being invited to apply for external grants which will make use of a new multi-million clinical research facility in Bristol.
Bright stars of the brain regulate breathing
15 July 2010
Astrocytes (brain cells named after their characteristic star-shape) that were previously thought to act only as the ‘glue’ between neurons have a central role in the regulation of breathing, according to new research from the University of Bristol and UCL.
Where do vascular scientists go in summer?
10 July 2010
A summer school that aims to inspire the next generation of vascular scientists will take place next week [12 to 15 July] at the University of Bristol.
Sympathetic brain to blame for high blood pressure
6 July 2010
High blood pressure could be the result of the kidneys triggering a reaction in the nervous system, according to a scientific study revealing a new level of interaction between the body’s vital organs.
New insights into heart rhythm disorder
6 July 2010
Groundbreaking research using detailed computer models has been used to gain new understanding of a genetic form of a condition called sick sinus syndrome that disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm.
Importance of cell-cell communication
29 June 2010
A team from the Bristol Heart Institute have investigated the importance of cell-cell communication in regulating the formation of new blood vessels following the restriction in blood supply to the heart or back leg in mice.
Too much weight in pregnancy may lead to future heart risks
2 June 2010
New research from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s project have found that piling on too many pounds in pregnancy may lead to future heart risks in the child.
BHF grant renewed for thrombosis research
28 May 2010
Alastair Poole, Professor of Pharmacology and Cell Biology in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, has been awarded a renewal of a programme grant from the British Heart Foundation.
Stem cells from surgery leftovers could repair damaged hearts
26 April 2010
Scientists from the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) at the University of Bristol have for the first time succeeded in extracting vital stem cells from sections of vein removed for heart bypass surgery.
Professor David Bates wins Fight for Sight award
7 April 2010
Professor David Bates in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology has been awarded the Dr Hans and Mrs Gertrude Hirsch Award by Fight for Sight.
Gene therapy boosts recovery from heart attack
1 April 2010
Gene therapy could be an effective way to improve survival rates among heart attack patients, new research by academics at the University of Bristol suggests.
Funding for cardiovascular regeneration research
24 March 2010
Research into cardiovascular regeneration has been given a boost with a grant of over £550,000 awarded to Dr Costanza Emanueli in the Bristol Heart Institute by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Are families physically active together or couch potatoes?
1 March 2010
A new study by the Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences that examines how physical activity fits into family life has found families rarely take part in physical activity as a family because of the demands of work, school and the different interests of family members.
Professor Madeddu joins stem cell therapy advisory board
29 January 2010
Paolo Madeddu, Professor of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine at the Bristol Heart Institute, is one of four opinion-leading clinicians to be appointed to the clinical advisory board of leading stem cell company ReNeuron.
Hunting the genes that cause platelet bleeding disorders
5 January 2010
A £1.4 million grant awarded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to a collaborative group which includes researchers at Bristol, seeks to identify the faulty genes that underlie bleeding in families with abnormal blood platelet function.