Determining further differences to stable and rupture prone atherosclerotic plaques through a materials science-based approach

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This MRC-funded doctoral training partnership (DTP) brings together cutting-edge molecular and analytical sciences with innovative computational approaches in data analysis to enable students to address hypothesis-led biomedical research questions. This is a 4-year programme whose first year involves a series of taught modules and two laboratory-based research projects that lead to an MSc in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research. The first two terms consist of a selection of taught modules that allow students to gain a solid grounding in multidisciplinary science. Students also attend a series of masterclasses led by academic and industry experts in areas of molecular, cellular and tissue dynamics, microbiology and infection, applied biomedical technologies and artificial intelligence and data science. During the third and summer terms students conduct two eleven-week research projects in labs of their choice. Project:The risk of heart attacks and strokes, both major causes of death globally, may be lowered through the adoption of new diagnostic techniques that can identify high-risk fatty deposits (plaques) in arteries. While some plaques can remain stable for years, other high-risk plaques tend to be unstable which lead to the formation of cracks and rupture of the plaque, fragments of which can travel through the blood stream to occlude vessels of smaller diameter, causing heart attacks or stroke. Current techniques are able to identify some characteristics of all plaques but none are accepted as reliable methods for selectively detecting unstable plaques. This project will focus on testing effectiveness of material-science based techniques to identify these plaques earlier, potentially leading to new preventive treatments for heart attacks and strokes. The proposed research is inspired by clear health problems, knowledge gaps and strongly aligns with the MRC remit, particularly, prevention and early detection, development a whole systems approach, and close engagement with users to shift healthcare towards pre-empting disease in earlier stages. New insights from diagnostic technologies, play an increasingly key role in targeting preventive work, and in enabling earlier diagnosis and action. The research represents an opportunity for the student to develop a collaborative approach for health and economic impact between academics at Warwick and clinicians at a local NHS Trust (UHCW). The student will develop skills in MRC priority theme areas including quantitative skills (including analytical, mathematical, statistics and data analysis) and interdisciplinary skills at the interfaces between chemical, physical, engineering, computational analysis and the clinic.