Mathura Kathirgamanathan, President of RUMS Boat Club, will run the London Marathon for UCL’s Student Union Participation Fund, aimed at enabling equitable engagement in extracurricular activities for all students. He emphasizes the fund’s significant personal impact, promotes accessible sports opportunities, and acknowledges the need for departmental support in student engagement.
Category: News/Events
Huntington’s disease is a severe inherited neurodegenerative disorder lacking effective treatments. A UCL research team has pioneered AMT-130, a gene therapy showing promise in slowing disease progression. Early trials indicate safety and significant clinical benefits, marking a hopeful shift towards potentially transformative therapies for Huntington’s and similar conditions.
Cancer treatment has evolved with CAR T-cell therapy, where patients’ immune cells are engineered to target cancer. Developed by UCL’s Professor Waseem Qasim, it has shown promise in reversing aggressive blood cancers, with a patient cancer-free for three years. However, it faces challenges in treating solid tumors and manufacturing costs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming biological academia, exemplified by tools like ImmunoMatch, which predicts antibody assembly and enhances therapeutic design. Developed by UCL’s Fraternali Lab, ImmunoMatch accelerates drug development and personalized medicine. The integration of AI in research promises substantial advancements in immunological therapy, benefiting patient care and pharmaceutical innovation.
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that the resident doctors’ strike will conclude on December 22, following a vote where 83% supported the action after rejecting a government offer. Tensions between the BMA and the government have escalated, particularly over pay restoration and training positions amidst criticism from the Health Secretary.
A British Medical Association study revealed widespread tolerance of sexism and harassment in medical schools, with 41% of female and 19% of male students reporting harassment or assault. Many students doubted effective complaint resolutions. The BMA emphasizes that medical schools must adopt serious reforms to ensure safe and inclusive environments for all students.
During a press conference, President Trump claimed acetaminophen may increase autism risk in pregnant women, referencing a flawed study. Experts countered that evidence does not support this link, urging high-quality research. The MHRA maintains that paracetamol is safe during pregnancy, advising women to seek medical counsel for pain management.
Hospitals in the UK are bracing for a severe flu season, with cases tripling compared to last year and the virus evolving with new mutations. Concerns about the elderly and vaccine shortages drive NHS responses. Recommendations urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated, stressing its essential role in preventing serious illness.
The UCL Medical Society’s leadership candidates were disqualified days before elections after a complaint about a nomination form intended to encourage participation. The President criticized the lack of communication and transparency. Low voter turnout highlighted ongoing issues in student engagement, raising concerns over the impact on crucial society roles and exam preparations.
The UCL Medical Society’s leadership candidates were disqualified days before elections after a complaint about a nomination form intended to encourage participation. The President criticized the lack of communication and transparency. Low voter turnout highlighted ongoing issues in student engagement, raising concerns over the impact on crucial society roles and exam preparations.
