Just one minute of exercise a week can have massive health benefits to people aged over 65. So says a new study published by Abertay University’s Dr John Babraj.
It’s an incredible discovery – that one minute’s worth of sprint interval training a week can improve blood glucose control and general mobility, reducing the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes and heart and liver issues.
But it’s far from the only astounding innovation to come out of Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire. The region – known for its development of lifesaving drugs and surgical leaps forward – is a hotbed of healthcare research, with world-changing results.
Just recently the University of Dundee published a study that shows a new kind of ultrasound imaging, used to assess the effectiveness of chemotherapy, could help some breast cancer patients avoid more extensive surgery. Not only that – but the system is cheaper than MRIs, which would allow the NHS – and other health services around the world – to divert funds to other in-need departments.
Last year, the Dundee Science Centre celebrated some of the best-known medical marvels from across the area, introducing inquisitive young minds to some of our most inspiring innovators – and now they’re being recognised on a much wider scale. The National Museum of Scotland has cemented the University of Dundee’s drug discovery work in history, as part of its new exhibition: ‘Parasites: Battle for Survival’, which outlines the work carried out to halt the spread of deadly diseases including malaria and Guinea worm disease.
Across the globe, the University’s Professor David Horn was presented with the William Trager Award by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene for his work in combatting African sleeping sickness.
And closer to home, a team from the Angus Health & Social Care Partnership was shortlisted for a prestigious Health Foundation award, thanks to its implementation of Anticipatory Care Planning, a person-centre proactive approach that helps people understand their health.
It’s wonderful to see the research being carried out on our doorstep being recognised – locally, nationally and internationally. We have a long history of healthcare developments – from soft fruit studies at the James Hutton Institute discovering potential benefits to Alzheimer’s patients to Abertay University’s development of the pluralistic approach to mental health. And with new innovations being developed every day, the future looks even healthier for Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire.
