In the News..

University of Galway and FeelTect partner on study supported by Government’s Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund A groundbreaking clinical trial led by researchers at University of Galway is set to transform how a chronic and debilitating vein condition is treated. Forty patients who suffer from venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are being enrolled in the trial in Ireland, which is being coordinated through the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, enabling clinicians to monitor and direct treatment remotely, in real-time. The trial is being carried out in partnership with FeelTect, a medical technology start-up based in Spiddal, Co. Galway, as part of funding through the Government’s Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund, managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered through Enterprise Ireland. Patients will be treated using advanced pressure monitoring technology. FeelTect has created a wearable, pressure-sensing device, Tight Alright®, which when paired with a mobile app, can enable clinicians to measure and remotely monitor sub-bandage pressure applied during compression therapy. This supports more consistent compression application with the potential to improve healing rates, reduce treatment costs and enhance patient quality of life.             Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway, said: "This trial reflects the role of the Institute for Clinical Trials as a national centre of excellence in the design and delivery of innovative studies. By integrating decentralised, patient‑centred approaches, we are strengthening Ireland’s clinical research capabilities and supporting the national objective to retain and grow trial activity. Through the Government’s DTIF support, this collaboration with an Irish start-up demonstrates how innovation developed in Ireland can be tested, validated and scaled within our own health system through academic-industry collaborative partnerships.”              Dr Andrew Cameron, Chief Executive of FeelTect, said: “We are delighted to see the commencement of this valuable research, assessing data-driven, connected-health solutions for improving the treatment of venous leg ulcer patients. FeelTect is extremely fortunate to be working with our valued partners in University of Galway, including the Institute for Clinical Trials and Clinical Trials Corrib Research Centre, as well as world class clinicians, ensuring the quality and successful execution of the study. The broader implications of the study relate to the optimisation of compression therapy - a fundamental, first-line treatment for a host of venous and lymphatic diseases.” Over a 90-day period, the research team will assess healing rates of patients, their quality of life and how the FeelTect Tight Alright™ device is used and how the compression treatment is applied. The trial is enabling remote monitoring and data collection - either at home or in local primary care centres. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, improves patient comfort and reduces unnecessary clinical visits - an approach which is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility challenges while also allowing clinicians to better understand treatment effectiveness outside a clinical facility. The study is supported by the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway through its Trials Accelerator programme, which provides early-phase setup support. Patients are recruited through Merlin Park Vascular Outpatients clinic, HSE West North West, and community centres in the region. Clinical delivery is being carried out by the CORRIB Core Lab at University of Galway which is responsible for the operational and clinical execution of the trial. Ends  

University of Galway has announced a first-year science student from Co Galway as the recipient of the inaugural Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) Excellence Scholarship for Science.   Mia McHugh from Milltown, Co Galway is studying for a Bachelor of Science, a flexible degree which enables students to explore a broad range of scientific disciplines before specialising in their chosen area.   The CLS Excellence Scholarship for Science aims to remove barriers to, and through, higher education by supporting high-achieving and promising full-time undergraduate students to study Science at University of Galway.   Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is a leading Irish provider of laboratory testing and analytical services, sponsors the scholarship. With accredited facilities in Galway City, Ros Muc and Dublin, CLS provides services to the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and environmental sectors, with expertise spanning microbiological and analytical testing, regulatory consultancy, quality system support and specialist training.               Mia McHugh, the inaugural recipient of the CLS Excellence Scholarship, said: “I have always had a deep love for science and always knew that that was where my future lay. I would like to sincerely thank CLS for awarding me the Excellence Scholarship. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and it will make a real difference in supporting my education.”               Dr Ann Ryan, Director of Strategic Development, College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway, said: “We are truly delighted to announce Mia as the recipient of the inaugural CLS Excellence Scholarship for Science. Mia’s passion for science, her determination, zest for learning and future ambitions for a career in STEM were all evident from her application. We are extremely grateful to CLS for establishing this Excellence Scholarship, which recognises excellence and will support highly-talented students to achieve their potential.”   Evelyn O’Toole, CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions, said: “Supporting emerging scientific talent is an investment in our industry’s future and in the communities we serve. CLS is proud to sponsor the Bachelor of Science Scholarship, helping to empower the next generation of scientific leaders. By investing in aspiring science students, CLS is fostering innovation, advancing skills development, and creating meaningful career pathways within Ireland’s growing life sciences sector. The partnership with University of Galway reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, research, and strong industry collaboration.”   Ends

A new international study led by University of Galway suggests that having higher levels of vitamin D in middle age is associated with lower levels of tau protein in the brain, which is a sign of dementia, years later. The study does not prove that vitamin D levels lower the level of tau in the brain or the risk of dementia; it only shows an association.  The findings have been published today in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Study findings Higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower levels of the Alzheimer’s biomarker, tau protein in the brain, years later. Higher vitamin D levels may protect against dementia. The study does not prove cause and effect; it only shows an association. The results need to be confirmed with additional studies. The study was led by Professor Emer McGrath and Dr Martin Mulligan, from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway and Galway University Hospital. It was carried out in collaboration with Boston University, the Framingham Heart Study and University of Texas San Antonia. Senior author, Professor Emer McGrath, Associate Professor in Medicine, University of Galway and Consultant Neurologist, Galway University Hospital, said: “This study demonstrates an association between higher vitamin D in mid-life and a lower burden of abnormal tau protein in the brain, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D in mid-life could be an important factor to protect future brain health. While previous research has linked low vitamin D in adults over 70 with an increased risk of dementia, this study is among the first to look at younger adults at mid-life, around the average age of 39. Low vitamin D in mid-life may be an important target to reduce the risk of early signs of preclinical dementia in the brain. “However, while these findings are very interesting, they only demonstrate an association between vitamin D and early signs of dementia in the brain. Further studies, for example a clinical trial, will be required to determine if vitamin D supplements could prevent dementia." Lead author, Dr Martin Mulligan, PhD researcher at University of Galway, said: "We found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower tau deposition in regions of the brain that are known to be affected earliest in Alzheimer's disease. These results suggest that higher vitamin D levels in midlife may offer protection against developing these tau deposits in the brain and that low vitamin D levels could potentially be a risk factor that could be modified and treated to reduce the risk of dementia. However, these results need to be further tested with additional studies.” The study involved nearly 800 people with an average age of 39 who did not have dementia. All participants had the level of vitamin D in their blood measured at the start of the study. They had brain scans an average of 16 years later that measured levels of tau and amyloid beta proteins in the brain, which are both biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. A high level of vitamin D was defined as greater than 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and a low level was less than that number. A total of 34% of participants had low levels of vitamin D and 5% were taking vitamin D supplements. The results took into account other factors that could affect tau levels, such as age, sex and symptoms of depression. The results showed that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower levels of the Alzheimer’s biomarker tau protein years later. Dr Mulligan added: “These results are promising as they suggest an association between higher Vitamin D levels in early middle age and lower tau burden on average 16 years later. Mid-life is a time where risk factor modification can have a greater impact.” A limitation of the study is that the blood level of vitamin D was measured only once. Professor McGrath added: “The findings do support the need for clinical trials to determine if Vitamin D supplementation in younger adults could delay or help prevent the onset of dementia." The Framingham Heart Study is the longest running longitudinal cohort study worldwide. It started in 1948 with the recruitment of 5,200 adults from the town of Framingham in Massachusetts, Boston, with approximately 15% of the participants of Irish ancestry. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Irish Research Council and Health Research Board of Ireland. The full study can be read here. Ends