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Welcome to the third 'Research Update' newsletter. Please read on to discover the latest results and progress made by Asthma UK-funded researchers and the global asthma research community.
Two of the world's biggest and most prestigious research conferences for the asthma research community, the AAAAI conference in Washington, DC and the ATS conference in San Diego were held in March and May. These conferences provide valuable opportunities for researchers to share ideas and develop new research studies to tackle the problems faced by people with asthma.
May was also the date for World Asthma Day and Asthma UK's first ever national fundraising week. Our thanks go to the Asthma UK-funded researchers who took part and raised vital funds to help people with asthma.
If you'd like further information or explanation about any of the items in this newsletter, please don't hesitate to ask!
Best wishes,
Elaine Vickers
Research Relations Manager, Asthma UK
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At the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology conference in March, scientists discussed some of the key issues facing people with asthma, including the threat of global warming.
Their conclusion was that steps to halt climate change could bring about huge benefits for people with asthma by reducing pollution levels and reversing the worrying trend towards longer pollen seasons.
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The controversy over what constitutes a healthy vitamin D level, and whether it raises or reduces our asthma risk, rumbles on.
Asthma UK-funded researcher, Dr Catherine Hawrylowicz, says: 'What we need now are clinical trials in which pregnant women, and people with asthma, are given vitamin D supplements to find out whether this is a useful way to prevent asthma or reduce asthma symptoms.'
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On 7 May, as part of Asthma UK's first ever fundraising week, staff at the MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma arranged exclusive access to the prestigious Imperial College landmark, The Queen's Tower.
Centre staff led 165 people on a guided tour to the top of the 102 year old, 287 feet tower.
Professor Tim Williams, Asthma UK Professor and Deputy Director of the Centre said: 'The events were a remarkable success. We raised an impressive £692.50 towards Asthma UK's vital asthma research and services.'
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Asthma UK-funded research studies were among those presented at the American Thoracic Society annual conference, attended by around 15,000 scientists, doctors and other health professionals.
Dr Elaine Vickers, Research Relations Manager at Asthma UK said: 'It is essential for scientists to meet and share information at conferences such as this.
'This environment stimulates ideas, provides opportunities for scientists to set up new collaborations and ensures that research to develop new asthma treatments, and ways to prevent and manage asthma, progresses as rapidly as possible.'
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£200 could pay for one GP surgery to participate in an Asthma UK study to help people with asthma who also struggle with emotional problems.
This pilot study is led by Dr Jennifer Cleland in Aberdeen. She hopes to discover if, by encouraging doctors to diagnose and treat depression and anxiety in people with asthma, there is potential to significantly improve their quality of life.
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