Author: MSk Lab

The MSk Lab at Imperial Fringe Festival – Book Now!

Cutting close to the bone From stem cells and osteoporosis to density and strength, our bones are as complex as they are mysterious. With demonstrations, drinks and a special discussion, meet those at the forefront of bone research for a lighthearted evening of discovery. Representing the MSk Lab will be Professor Alison McGregor and Dr Richie Abel giving talks and presentations as well as the opportunity to have a go at simulation arthroscopy – find out what it is like to be a surgeon. The event is free but you need to register your place to attend. RSVP: Please let us know you are coming on Facebook or confirm reservation at the debate by emailing festival@imperial.ac.uk

Richie Abel and his SSI Fellowship

November 2012. Richie has been awarded an SSI Fellowship from the Institute for Software Sustainability.

The institute is funded by a variety of organisations including the EPSRC (who also fund the Osteoarthritis Centre).

During the selection process Richie and the other shortlisted candidates gave a talk to SSI at an even hosted by Shoaib Sufi (bottom left) the Community Liaison.

The SSI aims to provide a range of help for developing sustainable research software packages such as PhaseQuant.

Congratulations to the Bone Boffin – can you spot him?

The flying, hockey playing MD(res) researcher from Australia

My story by Anthony Leong

I was born in Singapore and because my parents passed away from a very young age, I was pretty independent right from the very beginning. If there is one thing my mother taught me early in life which I attribute to where I am today, it would be the most important thing to have in the world is a good education, and that no one will help me more than myself. Typical of Chinese culture, my mother was harsh and would expect me to have at least 98% in all my exams; if not I was met with severe punishment!

The busy Bone Boffin

September has been a busy month for our resident Bone Boffin (aka Dr Richard Abel). Giving talks at a number of events and conferences, here is a little snapshot of what he has been up to…

Richie was invited to give a public talk at the Café Scientifique Launceston (Cornwall, UK) by Colin Webb. The Café Scientifique is a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Meetings are always outside a traditional academic context in order to encourage visitors to pop along. The talk was entitled “What Lies beneath” and explained how 3D Imaging technology is advancing biology and medicine.

Martin Jaere and PSI (Patient Specific Instruments)

My name is Martin Jaere, I am a Medical Doctor from Norway and currently undertaking a double masters; MA and MSc in Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. This summer I have been working as a research assistant with Dr Susannah Clarke at the MSK Lab on Patient Specific Instruments (PSI), which is one of the many exciting projects going on in the Lab.   The theory behind PSI is that new manufacturing processes can help improve the work of the surgeon when it comes to accuracy and time taken in the operating theatre; in addition to drastically reducing the number of surgical tools needed for the operation.

Science Uncovered at the Natural History Museum

On Friday 28th September 2012, The Natural History Museum joined the European-wide festival of science to host Science Uncovered, an evening to celebrate European Researchers Night. The event was held across 200 European cities showcasing how exciting, fun and vital to our daily lives research is. It was a chance for the general public to visit the museum after-hours and meet Imperial Researchers for the 3rd year running. Our resident Bone Boffin, Richie took part in the event along with several members of the Faculty of Medicine, giving presentations, talks and demonstrations to the public.

In the photo below Richie is discussing the bone anatomy of a 2300 year old ancient Egyptian mummified cat.

Imperial Fringe Festival

Imperial Fringe is a series of public events exploring the unexpected side of science. Based on Imperial’s groundbreaking research, Imperial Fringe will comprise of a series of monthly public evening events to engage with and build Festival audiences throughout the year via innovative public programming.

Richie did a turn at the Imperial College Fringe on 26th September 2012 explaining how he is using 3D imaging to study the anatomy and physiology, particularly of developing bone.

Ms Chloe Chiou: 6 month research placement

“I’m Chloe Chiou, a PhD student from the department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology from National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. The National Science Council of Taipei strongly supports and encourages international collaborations between colleges. It is for this reason I applied to Imperial College and owe a huge thanks to Professor Alison McGregor and Dr Paul Strutton for approving my place here, allowing me to join the MSk Lab and assist in research for the next six months.

The project I am working on here is to investigate the way the nervous system controls the trunk muscles, particularly focusing on people with low back pain by using transcranial magnetic stimulation as a tool.

Nakhla meteorites, brain pathways and hip resurfacing. Edition 2

The Lab Report is back, bringing you new stories and developments from the MSk Lab in edition two of our quarterly newsletter.

Mr Jacobs donated his story for inclusion in the “Real Stories” section about his return to sport after hip resurfacing, after just 6 months post operation.

Our Bone Boffin tells us a science fiction tale about bones ….Are we cracking up? he questions… and what exactly do meteorites have to do with bone disease?

….and plenty more.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email Miss Zoe Williams on the msklab@imperial.ac.uk