Neuroscience and Human Metabolism - Keele University

Neuroscience & Human Metabolism theme:

The Neuroscience and Human Metabolism theme excels in several related basic, translational and clinical areas and applies state-of-the art approaches in the study of normal processes and disease mechanisms.  There is basic research into neuroanatomy, cell physiology and pathology, the causes and management of heart disease and other metabolic disorders, development of new stem cell and other therapies for treatment of human disorders in the laboratory, and our research culminates in clinical trials and treatments in neurological and cardiovascular disease. Our work is based on multidisciplinary approaches to discover and treat the causes of disease and includes a wide range of technological approaches such as single cell and systems physiology, nanoscale devices and nanoparticles, confocal and electron microscopy, functional imaging and genetic studies.

In basic neuroscience, we conduct research into the functioning of the auditory system at the organ, cellular and molecular level, the physiology of retinal neurones, and plasticity in cortical processing in the somatosensory system. In human metabolism we investigate cellular mechanisms of atherogenesis, and the role of trace elements and antioxidants in disease.

In potentially translational neuroscience, we are performing research into stem cell therapy to promote neural regeneration and to treat diseases of the basal ganglia such as Parkinson’s disease.  We are also investigating possible regenerative/stem cell approaches to prevention of hearing loss.

ISTM_Harpal_at_cabinet_200x233  In  clinical neuroscience and human metabolism we are researching into multiple sclerosis (MS) and the range of neuropsychological deficits following stroke, including clinical trials in the treatment of both. We study dietary management of coronary risk, clinical management of dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. We also research into polymorphic genes and how they interact with environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation to influence susceptibility and outcome in MS, basal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer.

Associated with the theme, are other members of the institute that interact to enhance the cross-talk between different thematic research groups.  These areas include regenerative medicine in spinal cord repair, the neural control of breathing, and nanomagnetic technology in cell and tissue engineering and tumour targeting, 

NHM Theme Leader: Dr David Furness
NHM Clinical co-lead: Prof Clive Hawkins

For postgraduate research opportunities please go to the Prospective Student page.

  

ISTM Members in this theme

Download the ISTM membership list

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A list of ISTM members grouped by theme: PDF document that prints as one A4 page.

Research Seminars

NHM Seminar series 2012-13‌ (download Word file)

Brains for Breakfast 2011/12

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Brains for Breakfast Speakers 2011/12

News features

Divya_Chari_2012_bw_90x90   BBSRC grant for magnetic nanoparticle gene delivery project Posted on 29 January 2013 Keele neuroscientists Divya Chari and David Furness have been awarded a grant of over £300,000 by BBSRC to support their latest project Dave_Furness_and_Sandy_Stewart_presentation_Jan2013_90x90   Grand Charity support for Age-related Hearing Loss research Posted on 29 January 2013 A cheque was presented to Dr David Furness on behalf of the Freemason's Grand Charity, to support his stem cell work to combat age-related hearing loss. DRUK_grant_Mike_Evans_Nov2012_90x90   New grant from Deafness Research UK Posted on 16 November 2012 Dr Michael Evans has been awarded £8,250 from Deafness Research UK. Electrophysiology_rig_Dave_Mazzochi-Jones_Mike_Evans_May2012_IMG_2014_90x90   New Electrophysiology facilities for cellular engineering Posted on 01 June 2012 Four members of ISTM’s neuroscience research group based in the Huxley Building have together designed and purchased a new set of Electrophysiology equipment. Catriona_Kelly_and_Alan_Harper_2012_IMG_2140_90x90   New Spectrophotometer benefits two lecturers’ research Posted on 29 June 2012 The purchase of a monochromator-based fluorescence spectrophotometer system in April has enabled two Keele lecturers to start a new series of experiments. Keele_ageing_symposium_1_90x90   Research into Ageing Symposium Posted on 03 February 2012 More than 60 members of staff from various faculties attended the first Bridging the Gaps supported workshop on Ageing at the Sustainability Hub.   Daily Telegraph features Keele's stem cell research Posted on 04 January 2012 Research by Dr David Furness, into stem cells that could help combat hearing loss associated with old age, has been featured in the Daily Telegraph.