Briggs commends Heriot-Watt scientists’ cataract breakthrough.
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for Lothian, is welcoming a research breakthrough by scientists at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University. The academics have developed a new technique for measuring eye cataracts which will give clinicians a better idea of whether patients need to have surgery. It is hoped that their findings will lead to a non-invasive way of treating cataracts in patients. Miles has tabled a congratulatory motion on the subject this morning in Parliament.
Commenting today Miles said:
“I congratulate all those involved in developing this pioneering new technique for measuring cataracts, a condition that affects so many of my Lothian constituents each year. I believe this important new technique has the potential to make a huge difference in how we treat cataracts.
“It is great to see Heriot-Watt producing another piece of world-class research.”
Please find below a copy of the motion as tabled by Miles today, 24th January 2017.
Motion Number: S5M-03588
Lodged By: Miles Briggs
Date Lodged: 24/01/2017
Title: Heriot-Watt Scientists Develop New Cataract Measuring Technique
Motion Text:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that scientists at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University have developed a pioneering new method to measure cataracts at a molecular level using light-emitting diode (LED) technology; is aware that Heriot-Watt University has been working with Edinburgh Biosciences Ltd and experts from the University of Edinburgh and organisations in Sweden and Denmark to develop the LED technique; understands that the new method will allow clinicians to monitor a florescence signal from proteins in the eye lens and document changes during cataract formation, thus giving clinicians a better idea of whether patients need to have surgery; congratulates all those involved in the research, including Heriot-Watt's Prof Rory Duncan and Prof Des Smith, and considers that their research is important and valuable and another step closer to developing a non-invasive treatment for cataracts
