Funding announced for diabetes research

A new deal worth £3.2 million has been announced for research funding, to be spent on eight medical research projects conducted in a joint effort by British and Israeli scientists.
The projects will focus on long-term illness, including diabetes, Parkinsons disease, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis .
The research, conducted jointly by institutions in Israel and the UK, will hopefully contribute to improved treatments for the diseases, or even cures.
11 universities will take part in the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX). Part of the funding will be provided by JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.
The projects include: regenerating the liver using a patient’s own stem cells;
using a breath test for diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease;
regenerating immune cells to treat diabetes; and
using heart cells to restore damaged heart muscle.
David Cameron said, “In so many areas our scientists are working together and engaged in some of the most significant projects of our age. Their research has the potential to change the lives of hundreds of millions of people.”
Professor Raymond Dwek, director of the Glycobiology Institute at Oxford University, also hailed the project, “Every now and then a technology breakthrough in science holds promise for dramatic progress in disease therapy and cures.
“The UK science base is complemented by the outstanding work in this area in Israel.
“This combination offers real hope of substantial progress in many disease areas.”