Reading scientists' research recognised in national competition
Friday, 26 July 2013
Killer Cholesterol, Dr Yichuan Wen and Dr David Leake
ÔÇÿthis picture is a reflection of our life-saving research, which makes it even more beautifulÔÇÖ
Two University of Reading scientists have been recognised in a national British Heart Foundation (BHF) competition, for producing an immune cell image which could help fight heart disease.
Dr Yichuan Wen and Dr David Leake, from the University's School of Biological Sciences, are celebrating after being highly commended in ‘Reflections of Research', a national image and video competition run by the BHF. The entries provide a snapshot of the incredible life-saving work undertaken by BHF-funded heart scientists in the UK.
The charity invited its funded scientists - from over 1,000 projects - to submit the most incredible and eye-opening images and videos produced in the course of their work. The competition showcases the extraordinary achievements of BHF-funded scientists working to beat heart disease.
Dr Yichuan Wen and Dr David Leake produced an image of immune cells in our arteries capturing cholesterol. The cells can alter this cholesterol producing damaging effects, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Improving our understanding of this process, which is part of coronary heart disease, could lead to new treatments for the condition.
Dr Wen said; "The British Heart Foundation plays a leading role in the battle against cardiovascular disease by supporting cutting-edge research like ours. We were delighted to be shortlisted for Reflections of Research, and receive such brilliant encouragement for our work.
"Our image - ‘Killer Cholesterol' - illustrates a crucial step in the build-up of cholesterol in blood vessel cells. The build-up results in the furring of arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. We hope our work will lead to new life-saving drug treatments to prevent atherosclerosis."
The winning images and videos were chosen by a panel including BBC Health and science reporter James Gallagher, BHF Chief Executive Simon Gillespie and BHF Medical Director Professor Peter Weissberg.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF, said; "This isn't just visually arresting art; this picture is a reflection of our life-saving research, which makes it even more beautiful."
"These Reading researchers are not just flexing their artistic muscles by creating this stunning video. They are also working tirelessly to understand more about cardiovascular disease, to help the thousands of people across the UK, who are needlessly suffering. Their work is vital and we urgently need your support to fund their research."
The winning images and videos can be viewed on the bhf website