Within the STC, researchers are advancing the development of a groundbreaking headset designed to significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, providing clinicians with critical advance warnings of potential seizures.

This cutting-edge project follows a six-month feasibility study conducted at the William Quarrier Epilepsy Centre, supported by funding from Data Lab and the William Quarrier Epilepsy Centre. Under the leadership of Professor Hadi Larijani, Director of the STC, the study utilised historical data from the Epilepsy Centre to train artificial intelligence (AI) software developed by the research team.

The initial phase successfully demonstrated the potential of AI in processing and analysing epilepsy data. Building on these results, the researchers are now seeking additional funding from the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spin Out Programme (HGSP) to integrate this AI technology into a wireless headset for patient use.

The researchers plan to develop a minimum viable product, before launching a spin out company to distribute it.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has established Scotland’s first Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Doctoral Training Centre, aimed at enhancing symptom management for individuals with moderate to severe MS through physical activity.

The Centre will explore the impact of exercise on MS symptoms. While prior research has highlighted the benefits of physical activity for those with mild MS, this centre will focus on those with more severe forms of the condition.

The Centre’s goal is to bridge gaps in current research and address practical challenges, including the implementation of exercise programmes in diverse settings. This initiative aims to generate new insights and improve quality of life for individuals with MS, contributing to global advancements in symptom management.

An international team led by GCU has unveiled a groundbreaking formula for extending lifespan through physical activity. The study, the largest of its kind, reveals that a combination of exercise and light activity can reduce the risk of early death by 30%.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the four-year study analysed data from over 130,000 adults in the UK, US, and Sweden. It found that for every hour spent sitting, three minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or twelve minutes of light activity can significantly enhance longevity.

This research, led by Professor Sebastien Chastin, employed activity monitors and compositional analysis to determine the most effective mix of exercise, light physical activity, and sedentary behaviour.

GCU is at the forefront of STI research with groundbreaking projects under the leadership of Professor Claudia Estcourt.

Professor Estcourt is developing the world’s first national online service for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This three-year project aims to pilot an e-PrEP clinic that will offer online prescriptions and STI check-ups, with the goal of expanding this service across Scotland. PrEP, an antiretroviral medication, is currently used by approximately 6,000 people in Scotland to prevent HIV infection.

GCU’s commitment to STI research extends beyond HIV prevention. The university has also pioneered Accelerated Partner Therapy (APT), a novel contact tracing method for chlamydia, a common STI affecting 250,000 people in the UK annually. APT involves assessing the sexual partners of chlamydia patients by phone and providing them with a package of antibiotics and self-sampling kits through the patient. This method enhances patient choice, reduces NHS costs, and has potential applications for other infectious diseases such as Monkeypox and COVID-19.

Together, these initiatives showcase GCU’s leadership in improving STI management through innovative solutions.