http://strath.technologypublisher.comBe the first to know about the latest inventions and technologies available from University of Strathclydeen-USSat, 04 Apr 2026 02:21:01 GMTWed, 14 Jul 2010 04:05:21 GMThttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsstanya.kay@strath.ac.ukCopyright 2026, University of Strathclyde1763http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5468Reference Number:1763 Background Control of blood glucose levels through glucose measurement and insulin injection can reduce the occurrence of complications in Type 1 diabetes and those Type 2 diabetics who test their blood glucose daily. Methods such as the "finger-stick" technique, while relatively cheap, can be cumbersome and painful to use. In addition to diabetes, control of blood glucose levels can also play a key role in several important hospital based interventions, not least in intensive care monitoring. A team at the University of Strathclyde has perfected a non-invasive pro...Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:05:21 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/54681793http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5467Reference Number: Background Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide – accounting for about 13% of all deaths. Molecular chemotherapy - the delivery of toxic genes to tumour cells - can be highly effective in the treatment of cancer, but there is a problem with specificity and selectivity in gene delivery. Hence, there is a real need for effective targeted systems to deliver the cytotoxic DNA specifically to the tumour. Current gene delivery systems provide only low levels of protein expression and, in the case of viruses, have been associated with significant problems. Non-v...Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:31:41 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/54671779http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5466Reference Number: 1779 Background In order to view macromolecules within living cells using a light microscope, improvement in resolution is required. Methods for achieving super-resolution have been proposed, however, super-resolving microscopes have had little impact. The reasons are not only high cost and instrumental complexity but each method also has serious practical disadvantages: Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy requires the use of special fluorophores and sophisticated multi-wavelength laser sources Photoactivation microscopy (PALM) needs the specimen to ...Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:31:40 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/54661771http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5438Reference Number: 1771 Background Cancer is believed to account for 12% of deaths worldwide. This incidence is increasing in Western countries, as the average age of the population increases.The University of Strathclyde has been undertaking research into novel delivery systems for the latest drug treatments. Cisplatin, for example, is used to treat a wide variety of human cancers but many cancer cells have, or soon acquire, resistance to it. In addition to the acquired resistance problem, there are also severe side effects associated with these drugs; due mostly to their attack on all ...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:52:34 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/54381746http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5391Reference Number: 1746 Background Commercial scaffolds for cell culture are widely used in drug discovery, cell biology and oncology, and form part of the $1.6B world wide cell based and screening analysis market. Historically, this has used 2D platforms but 3D cell matrices are increasingly used to provide a more accurate representation of such ‘wet environments’. We conservatively estimate that there are some 165,000 researchers actively engaged with in vitro cell culture worldwide. Technology Required performance of gels for 3D Cell Culture:(1) Ease of cell distribution; (2) Neutral p...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:17:34 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/53911727http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5390Reference Number: 1727 Background In the electrical power industry there is a recognised problem with condition monitoring systems, SCADA (Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition) systems and related technologies. The systems have independent user interfaces and the volume of data is impossible to analyse manually. Effective use and analysis of monitoring data would ensure industry could: Mitigate against unexpected equipment failures and outages, and associated lost revenue, substantial regulator penalties and liability costs, each of which has the potential to run to £million...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:17:32 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/53901636http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5389Reference Number: 1636 Background Lasers and synchrotron light sources have become ubiquitous tools for time-resolved probing of the composition and structure of matter. Governments are prepared to meet their significant costs because they are the scientific tools for research and development which underpin progress in society.Investigations of molecular and solid structure require x-rays from today’s powerful synchrotrons and free-electron lasers (FELs). These modern light sources are based on particle accelerator technology which makes them very large, with areas equivalent to several...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:17:25 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/53891463http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5388Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:17:14 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/53881367http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/5387Reference Number: 1367 Background Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a modern and much used method to protect oxygen sensitive items, most commonly foodstuffs and sterilised medical equipment. It is imperative within this form of packaging that the level of oxygen is known, to indicate product tampering and assure quality. Current oxygen sensors tend to be unreliable, due to their reversibility with oxygen, and are also typically costly with short shelf-lives. Technology New research at the University of Strathclyde has discovered a novel sensor for measuring oxygen levels within MAP...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:17:06 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/53871732http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3561Reference Number: 1732 Background The automotive sector has an annual turnover of approximately £200 billion, with the market for Electric Vehicles, although embryonic, expanding fast. This expansion has been caused by spiralling basic fuel costs, fuel shortages and the requirement to meet the Kyoto Protocol CO2 emission targets. Currently fixed transmission gears (i.e. one ratio gearbox) are utilised in Electric Vehicles, however vehicle performance and range can both be extended by utilising a variable ratio gear box. Technology Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are developi...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:44:40 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/35611734http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3560Reference Number: 1734 Background Renewable energy and micro-power generation are multi-billion dollar, high-growth markets driven by the global need to meet the Kyoto protocol CO2 emission targets, spiralling basic fuel costs, changes to UK planning regulations and uptake of renewable energy technologies through installation grants for homeowners, SME’s and community schemes. Traditionally, electrical energy has been generated by three-phase generators. Three phase generators are no longer always the best option and multi-phase generators can offer improved performance in a number of a...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:35:06 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/35601658http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3339Reference Number:1658 Background In recent times, stents have revolutionised the treatment of coronary artery disease, which causes narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the formation of lipid-filled plaques. The stent is threaded into the coronary artery, where it is expanded, opening the artery, and providing a scaffold to support the lumen. The main disadvantage of the stent is the occurrence of restenosis in 20-30% of cases. In-stent restenosis is the growth of neointimal tissue inside the implanted stent, which causes re-narrowing of the lumen. Regular monitoring of in-stent re...Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:40:59 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33391540http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3330Reference Number:1540 Background Compound semiconductors form the basis of modern optoelectronics technology, enabling specialised devices, such as semiconductor lasers, for applications in areas as diverse as optical data storage, telecommunications, and displays. VECSELs, a category of semiconductor laser, are becoming more and more popular because they offer wavelength flexibility from UV to near infra-red and Watt-level output in high-quality beams. However, existing VECSELs are cumbersome, expensive and of limited performance. VECSELs can be made which operate at a range of wavelen...Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:43:21 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33301644http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3328Reference Number:1644 Background With recent discoveries in the way that dental disease develops, the desire for the dentist to be able to detect, and subsequently diagnose, early caries has increased significantly. In the case of early lesions the initial loss of mineral from the tooth can frequently be reversed and through the use of good oral hygiene and fluoride the tooth can 'heal itself' and is frequently then more resistant to further attack. Technology By adapting technology originally developed for the telecommunications industry the Institute of Photonics has built a confocal m...Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:51:58 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33280211http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3325Reference Number:0211 Background Extracts of valerian plants are widely and successfully used as sedatives. Preparations of plant materials are, however, variable in composition and in effectiveness. Moreover, the active components have not been identified. Some isolated components, such as valepotriates, baldrinals and valerenic acid have been studied, but their sedative activity does not explain the potency of the original extracts. The overall effect of the extract is widely assumed to result from synergistic actions of several components, although this has never been demonstrated. T...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:42:31 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33251683http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3324Reference Number:1683 Background MRSA (methicillin resistant S. aureus) is a potential killer infection that is endemic in our hospitals. Around 20% of the general population (patients, staff, hospital visitors) are believed to be carriers with potential to cause infection. Recent focus on cleanliness in hospitals and introduction of antiseptic handgels in wards has been partially successful in reducing infection. However, S.aureus is carried by the general population in their nasal passages (including patients, staff and visitors to our hospitals) which is not addressed by handwashes. ...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:27:38 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33240204http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3322Reference Number:0204 Background Stent implantation is a highly effective treatment for restoring blood flow through an atherosclerotic artery; however restenosis (a re-narrowing of the diseased artery) occurs in a significant proportion of patients. Drug-eluting stents have been developed to limit restenosis and although they represent a major advance, they have limited effectiveness in diabetic patients. In addition, the drugs that are used at present inhibit the regrowth of the endothelium which is required to protect the artery. Thus, there is a need for an improved drug-eluting ste...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:27:33 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33221603http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3321Reference Number:1603 Background Researchers at the Institute of Photonics and Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde have developed a patented technology of benefit to the semiconductor industry. This technology relates to gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor devices which are most familiar as high brightness blue and green LEDs. The Strathclyde team has established a strong track-record in nitride semiconductor growth research at an international level, and has proprietary know-how and the basis of a sound portfolio of related IP. Technology The new technology is an alum...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:05:58 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33210182http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3320Reference Number:0182 Background Psoriasis is a skin disease characterised by inflammation and scaly lesions of the skin affecting 2-3% of the population in Europe and North America. Several different therapies are currently being used to treat psoriasis, but they all have the possibility of serious side effects. Additionally, they are expensive to produce and lack efficacy in some patients. Technology Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have isolated a novel compound for the treatment of psoriasis from a plant extract of Calendula officinalis (marigold). The compound has anti-p...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:05:57 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/33201769http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3279Reference Number:1769 Background The current technology employed in neonatal life support systems for children is derived from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) systems i.e. heart-lung machines. However, the challenges presented by non-standard CPB applications e.g. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for children, tissue, transplant organ perfusion and isolated limb perfusion are quite different to those of conventional CPB, rendering it a sub-optimal approach. Technology Scientists at the University of Strathclyde, working in conjunction with local clinicians, have developed a simple...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:41:49 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32791729http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3278Reference Number:1729 Background Through improper storage, handling, and disinfection of contact lenses, Acanthamoeba, a microscopic amoeba, can enter the eye and cause severe ulcerations of the cornea - a condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Current treatments are extremely cumbersome and often fail as Acanthamoeba can develop into cysts that are resistant to the drugs used to treat it. Even if successful, the damage to the eye can be so extensive that a cornea transplant is required. Moreover, the drug-resistant cysts remaining in the eye can re-infect the transplanted cornea. Tec...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:35:33 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32781724http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3277Reference Number:1724 Background The severity of many diseases such as anxiety, asthma and hypertension varies with the bodies’ internal clock. There is increasing evidence to show that these natural rhythms can also affect the bodies responsiveness to drugs and so optimal treatment of these diseases could be enhanced by delivery of the drug at the time when clinical signs develop or increase. Technology Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a novel platform oral delivery system that provides optimal controlled drug release profiles without the need for expensive an...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:35:30 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32771706http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3276Reference Number:1706 Background Over the last decade or so oil has become an increasingly scarce non-renewable source of energy, thus production has necessarily moved towards deeper wells and more unconventional recovery methods. This requires equipment used in the various processes to operate in conditions where both the pressure and temperature are relatively higher. Therefore remote pressure and temperature measurements are necessary to ensure correct operation of equipment used in oil extraction and for determining reservoir size and flow rates of the extracted fluids. Downhole ele...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:35:26 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32761653http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3275Reference Number:1653 Background Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) dominate the market for flat panel electronic displays due to their size, low-drive voltage and low-power consumption. They have been used in calculators, watches and simple digital displays since the 1970s, but more recently their use has extended to mobile phones, laptop computers, flat panel televisions, smart cards, e-books and electronic signage and shelf labelling. Due to this increase in usage, LCD design increasingly needs to address its carbon footprint. Technology Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have d...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:35:22 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32751647http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3274Reference Number:1647 Background Chronic inflammation contributes to a broad spectrum of diseases including arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, allergy, connective tissue diseases, and heart disease. Despite the range of current therapeutics on offer, there is unmet clinical need as treatments such as corticosteroids, though often effective, are associated with serious side effects. Technology A research team at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow have taken the novel approach of searching for anti¬-inflammatory agents produced by pathogens during their battle to avoid elimination by...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:02:07 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32741624http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3272Reference Number:1624 Background Ultraviolet light has many existing uses and markets currently using a variety of light sources including mercury vapour lamps and lasers. With major recent progress in ultraviolet LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) helping to extend markets, the introduction of this family of polymers is timely. Existing polymer materials do not transmit ultraviolet light below 300nm in wavelength. There are many application and markets to which polymers transmitting light below 300nm will be valuable. Technology The series of polymers developed between Strathclyde Pure and Ap...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:02:02 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32721527http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3270Reference Number:1527 Background Self-cleaning glass and tiles coated with a photocatalytic semiconductor film have been available on the industrial and commercial markets for some time now. However, marketing the technology has been hampered by an inherent impracticality in the quality assurance process. Photocatalytic coatings are colourless and demonstrating their presence and/or effectiveness can be difficult. The stearic acid test has been the primary method of measuring photocatalytic presence and activity but this is a complex, time-consuming technique that requires expensive ana...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:01:59 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32701710http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3269Reference Number:1710 Background A major problem in the development of medicines is that ~40 - 60% of new drugs discovered are poorly water-soluble. This project exploits a recent Strathclyde invention of a novel method of increasing the solubility and / or the dispersibility of poorly water-soluble drugs and hydrophobic particles. The technology, which will be used initially in the formulation and delivery of medicines, offers vast commercial potential as the drug delivery market is currently estimated to be worth ~£20bn worldwide with an annual growth rate of between 10% - 20%. Techno...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:24:27 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32691684http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3268Reference Number:1684 Introduction Researchers at the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry have developed eco-friendly fire retardant polyurethane foams. The main benefits of the technology include increased effectiveness in the prevention and spread of fire; and the use of environmentally friendly non-toxic materials. The technology is relatively inexpensive in comparison to existing formulations, and is readily adoptable into existing manufacturing processes. These foams can be used in many industries including furniture and soft furnishings, constructi...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:24:25 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32681569http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3267Reference Number:1569 Background The recent explosion in molecular biology has led to increased demand for tissue culture media. Usually this media is supplemented with foetal calf serum which provides essential lipids to maintain cell viability and promote growth. Serum, however, is expensive and suffers from inherent biological variability, potential contamination from adventitious agents and increased regulatory scrutiny. This has led to the drive for animal component-free media but until now there has been no real animal-free lipid supplement available. Technology Groundbreaking rese...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:24:24 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32671722http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3265Reference Number:1722 Background Temporary or portable power solutions are required for military, disaster relief, industrial, utility distribution networks and remote grid applications. The deployment of these modular systems requires electrical protection to ensure safe and reliable operation. The existing commercially available protection solutions adopted for such systems have a number of inherent weaknesses that include: a lack of flexibility that prevents easy interconnection, a failure to optimise the utilisation of the generation capacity and time consuming configuration. Modifi...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:06:32 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32651720http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3264Reference Number: 1720 Background There are a number of impediments to effective drug delivery. These can include erroneous absorption which reduces the concentration of the drug at the critical target site. In order to overcome this, researchers at the University of Strathclyde have pioneered a technique which delivers drugs through the use of a proprietary delivery system. Technology Our proprietary delivery systems are microscopic shipping vessels which act as transporters of the entrapped drug and preferentially target it to phagocytic cells within a tissue. Administration of these d...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:06:31 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32641688http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3263Reference Number:1688 Background The incidence of skin cancer has doubled in the UK in the past 20 years, and it is now the second most common cancer in the country, affecting 50,000 Britons every year. Most people are aware of the damaging effects of the sun on unprotected skin and the need to use a protective suntan lotion when exposed to the sun's rays. However, if the lotion is not reapplied at the appropriate time or is rubbed or washed off; consumers are left at risk of being harmed by over exposure. Technology Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed an innovati...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:06:29 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32631591http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3262Reference Number: 1591 Background Many drugs are aimed at enhancing the therapeutic potential of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system. These generally lack selectivity, hence there is a need to treat diseased tissues more specifically in order to restore their function. This can be achieved by boosting the natural enzymatic synthesis of NO, which is impaired in pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. Supplementation of the natural cofactor of the enzyme (tetrahydrobiopterin) has clinical efficacy, but the compound must be injected. Technology Researchers at the Un...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:06:27 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32621755http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3261Reference Number: 1755 The Drug Discovery Portal (DDP) is based on a unique assembly of highly diverse compounds that are not otherwise commercially available. The compounds are initially used in silico for virtual screening, but they are linked to the originating chemists so that samples are available for physical screening and analogues can be rapidly designed and synthesised in order to understand structure-activity relationships. Hence, you can go quickly from a novel hit to an optimised candidate. The DDP is built on a combination of medicinal chemistry experience and advanced comp...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:50:03 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32611695http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3260Reference Number: 1695 Background Conventional methods for protein-targeted drug design are very heavily biased towards exploiting those sites on the protein targets where other molecules are already known to bind. In the case of enzymes, this usually means seeking ligands that are capable of binding tightly to the catalytic sites in place of the substrate. The discovery of such “competitive” inhibitors may achieve the goal of stopping the enzyme working, but common problems are: The necessary selectivity to avoid toxicity may not be achieved (catalytic sites strongly resemble each...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:50:02 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/32601316http://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3258Reference Number: 1316 Background The potential for bacteriophages to control bacterial infections has been known for some time, but not fully exploited. They are not commonly used in general medical practice due, in part, to the introduction of antibiotics. However, the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in many bacterial species which have become resistant to antibiotics, a large number of which are pathogenic and expensive to treat. These include the MRSA ‘superbug’. Technology Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have developed a method for the immobilisation and stabilisati...Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:14:33 GMTtanya.kay@strath.ac.ukhttp://strath.technologypublisher.com/technology/3258