ResearchDevelopingresearch projectsAt <strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> we are at the cutting edge of newand exciting research in a wide variety of areas.Project teams are constantly striving for excellencethrough study and practical research; and, through thiscombined practice, comes the desire to pursue progressand discover. Many of the research and developmentprojects undertaken by the University during the year haveattracted the focus of the media, itself a true endorsementof the potential impact of these studies. The Universityis committed to continuing to develop high-qualityprogrammes and cutting-edge solutions to regional,national, and global challenges.World-class cancer research in EssexWorld-beating research into cancer is taking place at<strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> University which could dramatically changethe way that the illness is treated.This work is taking place at the Helen Rollason Cancer CareResearch Laboratory, on the Chelmsford Campus, which is nowattracting interest from cancer specialists from all over the world.<strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> University scientists are looking at ways ofstopping breast cancer cells from moving into other parts of thebody. If the tumour cells stay in the breast they will not provefatal - but if they move to vital organs the cancer will be muchmore difficult to treat. The scientists - who are funded by theHelen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity - are looking for early signsthat the cells will move. Eventually, this work could lead to newtreatment being developed to block cells moving. There is alsowork taking place to find out why some breast cancer cells areresistant to chemotherapy. Again, they are looking for early signsthat a tumour will not respond to chemotherapy. This couldmean that patients are not put through gruelling and unnecessarychemotherapy sessions as doctors will know beforehand thatit will not work.The scientists at the University lab, headed up by Dr LouiseAlldridge, have developed a unique partnership with Mid EssexHospital Services NHS Trust which gives them open andcontinuous access to human breast tissue. They work alongsidesurgeons in the theatres at Broomfield Hospital to collect thetissue immediately so they are looking at the tumour exactlyas it was in the body. The research lab is the only one in thecountry to collect tissue in this way. So far the lab has collectedmore than 100 samples and has already started to see positiveresults in the research projects taking place. Dr Louise Alldridgesaid, ‘Early results show that what we are doing is valid andmay lead to successful discoveries. If we can stop the cellsmoving, it will save lives.’‘Faster’ detection for coronary heart diseaseIn 2002, cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused 39% of deaths,and killed just under 238,000 people in the UK. CVD accountsfor nearly two million deaths in Europe each year.To help make progress with another major health issue,researchers from <strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> University have developeda new medical imaging system which advances the accuracyof the diagnosis of coronary heart disease.The system, for the diagnosis of critically ill patients inCoronary Care Units, Intensive Care Units and A&E departments,has been developed by Professor Claudio Zizzo of the University’sFaculty of Science & Technology and Dr Aimen Hassani,Consultant Anaesthetist at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.It uses real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) data for the automaticdetection of ischaemia (a decrease in blood supply to the heart,caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels) andacute myocardial infarction (the death of a section of the tissuesin the heart, also known as heart attack).Professor Zizzo commented, ‘The ECG is one of the main pillarsin the diagnosis of life-threatening heart conditions. It displayselectrical changes in the heart and provides information eitheron printouts or on a monitor display. Computer-assisted ischaemiadiagnosis is an emerging technology which helps doctors make atimely patient diagnosis but it requires specialist knowledge tointerpret results. The new imaging system creates an image of theheart highlighting any areas with ischaemia thus allowing doctorsto make faster and more accurate diagnosis, which is why it issuch exciting news.’Added Dr Aimen Hassani, ‘This new imaging system is going tomake a real difference to the many patients whose condition ispotentially life threatening. Identifying early a decrease in the bloodsupply to the heart is vital in the prevention of a heart attack.In this new era of invasive cardiology, this device will offer cliniciansa vital opportunity to start treatment early, prevent death or severeillness, and reduce the pressure on hospitals by reducing thelength of patient stay and reducing the costs of treatment.’New genus of monkey discoveryA monkey recently described for the first time by a Junior ResearchFellow based at <strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> University’s Environmental SciencesResearch Centre has been assigned its own genus. The news is ofextreme scientific significance because it is the first genus of primateto be added to the official ‘taxonomic’ lists for over 80 years.The classification of the kipunji monkey of Tanzania in East Africais based on work conducted by Trevor Jones and his collaboratorTim Davenport from the Wildlife Conservation Society.In 2005, the scientific community was shocked when aninternational team of primatologists, led by <strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> University’sTrevor Jones, described kipunji as the first new species of monkeyto be discovered in Africa for 25 years. The story took a further twistin May 2006 when a team in Tanzania, led by Tim Davenport,created a new genus for this remarkable primate.Trevor was amazed to hear the news, ‘We were very excited whenwe realised that we were looking at a new species – the news thatwe actually discovered a new genus is stunning. Since the newshas broken, the discovery has caught the attention of many keyenvironmental science groups from around the world.’Call our Contact Centre 0845 271 3333 for more informationweb www.anglia.ac.ukemail answers@anglia.ac.uk
Supporting your studySupportingyour studyUniversity LibraryThe University has two multi-disciplinary libraries atCambridge and Chelmsford, two health libraries at Victoria House,Fulbourn, and the Education Centre at Peterborough DistrictHospital. Collections include over 350,000 volumes of printedbook stock, 2,000 printed journals, and a range of multimediaitems. Digital library collections provide on and off-campus accessto a wide range of databases and growing collection of electronicjournals and electronic books. Each library offers a range ofstudy facilities, including group study rooms, open accesscomputers, and seminar rooms equipped with presentationfacilities. Introductory and information skills training programmesare available at all sites to ensure that you are equipped to makethe best use of the information resources provided. Opening hoursare extensive throughout semesters and during vacations.For more details please visit www.libweb.anglia.ac.ukComputing facilitiesWe’re an exceptionally IT-aware university and you’ll have accessto IT resources, whatever subject you are studying. The Universityhas open access IT facilities for students as part of the learningresources provision. There are also significant departmentalcomputing facilities, including specialist software related toparticular disciplines. You’ll have access to word processing andanalytical applications, to help you with your assignments andprojects, as well as free access to the Internet and email.Communication systems‘e-Vision’ gives you direct access to your personal andacademic record. You can also update personal informationsuch as addresses, and check up on how you are doing withregard to your marks and grades. You’ll also have your own<strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> email account.Support for disabled studentsWe assess all applicants in the same way, but we alsorecognise that some students may need additional support.If you are disabled, it is important that we understand yourneeds, so be sure to let us know. We consider the needs of ourdisabled students when developing our campuses to ensuresupport resources and specialist facilities are available.We can help you seek funding for support, most often throughthe Disabled Students’ Allowances. <strong>Anglia</strong> <strong>Ruskin</strong> has beeninstrumental in a number of developments, designed to respondmore effectively to the needs of disabled students. These rangefrom systems to address individual needs and accessibilityprojects, to resources and individual support for students.We’re an exceptionally IT-aware universityand you’ll have access to IT resources, whateversubject you are studying.Call our Contact Centre 0845 271 3333 for more informationweb www.anglia.ac.ukemail answers@anglia.ac.uk
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