Financial backing of 2.8 million pounds granted for scientific research collaborations between UK and Israeli scientists
In a significant stride towards understanding and combating age-related diseases, seven new research projects have been approved by the British Council and the British Embassy in Israel. These projects, funded by BIRAX - a £10 million program supporting UK-Israeli research, will be executed over the next three years, with a total award of nearly £2.8 million.
The projects, led by esteemed scientists from various institutions, aim to delve into various aspects of ageing, including diabetes, vascular disease, neuro-degenerative disease such as Multiple Sclerosis, brain imaging, technology for macular disease research, and more.
One of the key projects is being led by Professor Tunde Peto from Queen's University Belfast and Professor Anat Loewenstein from Tel Aviv University. This project focuses on the development and implementation of automated software algorithms to monitor Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and detect its progression. The project also investigates the potential for machine learning to identify factors and biomarkers associated with long-term AMD treatment response.
Another significant project is led by Professor Manuel Mayr from King's College London and Professor Eli Keshet from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This project proposes a novel anti-ageing approach to combat age-associated deterioration of vascular function.
The project led by Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg from the University of Oxford and Professor Yaniv Assaf from Tel Aviv University aims to investigate neurodegenerative processes in age-related diseases such as dementia.
Meanwhile, Professor Masashi Narita from the University of Cambridge and Professor Ittai Ben-Porath from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are leading a project that addresses the roles of beta-cell senescence in aging and diabetes.
In a bid to understand bone fragility in ageing patients with type 1 diabetes, a project titled "Age-related bone fragility in type 1 diabetes - the role of bone cell senescence," led by Professor Lynne Cox from the University of Oxford and Professor Rivka Dresner Pollak from Hadassah Medical Center, is one of the funded projects.
Moreover, the project led by Professor Robin Franklin from the University of Cambridge and Dr Amnon Buxboim from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem seeks to find answers that will provide clues as to how the effects of age might be reversed therapeutically.
It's worth noting that no existing database of microstructural imaging currently exists, and this project aims to create the first database of microstructural imaging. The project will also utilize brain imaging methods to detect subtle changes in brain structure occurring with ageing, which could serve as early indicators of age-related neurodegeneration.
The collaborative research initiatives, typical of BIRAX, involve universities, research centers, and other scientific institutions from both countries. For detailed information about the BIRAX Ageing research program or the institutions involved, it would be best to consult the official BIRAX website or related publications.
These projects underscore the commitment of the Pears Foundation, The Israel Ministry of Science and Technology, The Parasol Foundation Trust, Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust, The Rosetrees Trust, Diabetes UK, The British Heart Foundation, and MS Society, in supporting these groundbreaking research endeavors.
- The project led by Professor Tunde Peto and Professor Anat Loewenstein aims to develop automated software algorithms to monitor Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and determine factors and biomarkers connected with long-term AMD treatment response.
- Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg and Professor Yaniv Assaf are examining neurodegenerative processes in age-related diseases such as dementia.
- The project addressing the roles of beta-cell senescence in aging and diabetes is being led by Professor Masashi Narita and Professor Ittai Ben-Porath.
- In an effort to understand bone fragility in ageing patients with type 1 diabetes, a project entitled "Age-related bone fragility in type 1 diabetes - the role of bone cell senescence," led by Professor Lynne Cox and Professor Rivka Dresner Pollak, is focusing on the creation of a comprehensive database of microstructural imaging.
