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Pint of Science 18: Researching the rare to understand and treat the common
May 21, 2019 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Researching the rare to understand and treat the common. Why would researchers focus their efforts on a rare disease which affects so few? A rare disease affects less than 1 in 2000 so why dedicate your life to studying a disease affecting so few? Why not one of the big killers like cancer or malaria? Find out how rare disease research can provide valuable insights into common diseases, help us better understand the fundamentals of modern science and medicine, and lead to the development of life-saving drugs.
This event is now passed. To read the blog post about it head here https://www.camraredisease.org/pint-of-rare-science/
Can we turn back the clock on rare premature ageing diseases?
Dr Delphine Larrieu (Group Leader at Cambridge Institute of Medical Research)
Rare genetic premature ageing syndromes called progeria trigger the appearance of ageing signs in early childhood causing many changes to the body over time, including heart disease, bone changes, hair loss, joint and skin changes, and early death around 14 years old. Unfortunately, there is no current cure and therapies just improve the symptoms. Hear how Delphine’s team is tackling this and suggesting new treatments and how the lab’s work could also open up new perspectives into improving normal age-related pathologies.
Everybody Hurts Sometimes…or do they?
Dr Mike Nahorski (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research)
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects 14 million people in England alone. But scientists think the have come a step closer to understanding it – by studying a rare group of people with congenital insensitivity to pain, who feel no pain at all. Cambridge University researchers have identified a faulty gene that seems to switch pain off in some people and it is hoped the discovery could lead to new treatments for those who live with pain every day.
Creative Reactions
As part of the Creative Reactions project, these artists will be presenting their artwork inspired by the research of speakers in this talk series. The artwork will also be on display at our Creative Reactions Exhibition at St Barnabas Church, 24 – 25 May.
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