Fewer people sought hospital treatment for the toxic effects of so-called legal highs following temporary restrictions, a study based at an Edinburgh hospital suggests. The research has been welcomed by Scottish Conservatives health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP, who said figures are ‘very encouraging’. Continue reading Curbs on legal highs cut need for hospital care, study suggests
Communities across Edinburgh and Lothians are to benefit from a £70,000 project to support groups tackling vital social issues. Among them is North Edinburgh Arts, which has received funding to support their Community Café by enabling local people to improve their skills as well as extending the cafe’s opening hours. Continue reading University grants for community initiatives
Improved care for patients undergoing cancer surgery is the focus of a pioneering worldwide study, launched today. Doctors say the initiative – funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) – will enable them to gauge surgery quality across the globe and highlight ways to improve patient care. Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs has welcomed the announcement. Continue reading Cancer patients set to benefit from world’s largest surgery study
A University of Edinburgh student has been named as a finalist in Future Legal Mind, National Accident Helpline’s award to find the brightest young legal talent in the country. Liliya Tsvetanova, who is studying LLB Law at the University of Edinburgh, is in with a chance to win a £5,000 prize, plus a coveted work experience placement at a top law firm. Continue reading University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award
Every 20 minutes someone goes to hospital in Scotland due to heart attack
Nearly 20,000 people in Scotland will be included in a clinical trial to determine the best drug treatment after suffering a heart attack. The trial is being funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) which has awarded a grant of £630,000 to BHF Professor of Cardiology David Newby and his team at the University of Edinburgh. Continue reading BHF awards Edinburgh scientists over half a million pounds to determine best treatment after heart attack
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are part of a clinical trial supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which will investigate if current UK practices are in line with the needs of our ageing population. The study aims to find the most suitable way to treat patients aged 75 and over who have had a heart attack. Continue reading Edinburgh researchers investigate heart attack treatments in older patients
Professor Timothy O’Shea has been presented with the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2017.
After 15 years at the helm of Capital’s biggest educational institution, the University of Edinburgh Principal was presented with the city’s biggest annual accolade at a ceremony within the City Chambers on Friday. Continue reading Sir Timothy O’Shea receives Edinburgh Award
Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham open Scotland’s first K9 Conference to tackle the illegal puppy trade on Thursday. The conference was hosted by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Edinburgh. Continue reading New research unveiled at Scottish SPCA puppy trade conference
Glasgow-based construction specialist CCG (Scotland) Ltd has successfully completed a £11.98m upgrade of University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower. Continue reading Appleton Tower upgrade completed
Households given expert advice in bid to be energy smart
Scores of residents in and around Edinburgh are set to benefit from free insight and advice on their energy use, as part of a smart technology research initiative.
Sensor technology that helps consumers to use less gas and electricity – and potentially save on energy bills – has already been successfully installed in 100 homes under the research initiative from the University of Edinburgh and Changeworks.
Organisers are now seeking a further 150 households from Edinburgh and the Lothians to take part in the scheme, known as IDEAL – Intelligent Domestic Energy Advice Loop.
Participants have discreet sensors fitted throughout their homes, which track how much gas or electricity is used, as well as, room by room, the temperature and humidity.
The system gives feedback to help households find convenient ways to save energy, and participants are provided with a tablet to track their usage.
Scientists will use powerful computers to analyse large volumes of data from the study, to inform the development of sophisticated smart meters. These could track energy use in detail, offering personalised insights into how electricity and gas use might be reduced.
To participate, volunteers should live in Edinburgh or the Lothians in postcode areas EH1-EH55. They must have broadband, a combi boiler and mains gas supply.
Helen and Mark, from Leith, took part in an early trial of the project. Mark said: “We had a hand-sized sensor fitted in each room and soon forgot they were there. We were surprised by some of the findings. It was really interesting to see what pushed up our bills.”
Drew Murphy, IDEAL project manager from Changeworks, said: “Smart technology allows participating households to see, in pounds and pence, how much gas and electricity they are using. Project findings will inform how we can use technologies, such as smart meters, to enable households to make changes in how they use gas and electricity to lower their energy use and bills.”
Dr Martin Pullinger, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, said: “With support from volunteers across Edinburgh, we hope to inform the design of smart meters that could offer personalised, itemised details of gas and electricity use, helping to lower consumption, reduce household bills and cut carbon emissions.”
To find out more and become a participant, see changeworks.org.uk/projects/
