Trans-formative research at Glasgow

From historical discoveries, to cutting-edge research in cancer treatment technology, Hillhead Review examines the groundbreaking research taking place on campus. 

The University of Glasgow is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, and shaping the future of progress across many fields. Take a look at our summary of the University’s most interesting and groundbreaking research this month. 

Archaeological discovery unveils Scottish history

An excavation at Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands has unearthed many important artefacts which have the potential to change the face of Scottish history. Alongside the National Trust for Scotland, undergraduate students from the University of Glasgow have spent two years digging for evidence of the Massacre of Glencoe, and other important chapters of Gaelic history. 

The researchers have found shoe buckles, French and German pottery, and decorated knife handles, amongst a plethora of other items. The dig also found remains of MacDonald of Achnacon’s house - a key character in the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. A bent plaid pin was found outside the site, giving further evidence to the historical belief MacDonald of Achnacon fled the scene of the massacre. 

The importance of these discoveries to the field of Scottish history cannot be underestimated. A picture is painted of life in Glencoe, allowing the tragedy of the most notorious massacre in Scotland’s history to be studied and further understood. 

Evacuations Co-Director Dr Edward Stewart said: “These artefacts may be small and unassuming, but they represent the very real human experiences that unfolded here. The archaeology team feel it is our responsibility to ensure these stories are told, and their legacy is not forgotten.”

Research reveals bacteria as a potential treatment for bowel cancer

The bacteria Salmonella could be used to fight bowel cancer according to a study by the University of Glasgow and the University of Birmingham.

Salmonella prevents T cells from causing collateral cancer as an immune response. A safe form of Salmonella was tested on mice, where it was discovered the bacteria released an amino acid asparagine, which suppresses tumour growth but was also detrimental in the fight against cancer by stopping the metabolic process.  

This discovery could lead to a radical shift in the way bowel cancer is treated: a disease which kills around 17,000 Brits a year. 

The University of Glasgow’s Dr Kendle Maslowski said: “We believe this knowledge could enable bacteria to be engineered not to attack asparagine allowing the T cells to act against the tumour cells leading to new effective treatments for cancer.”

New PhD scheme to train students in cutting-edge sustainability methods 

Researchers from the University of Glasgow will lead a new initiative promoting Exascale computing to PhD candidates. Funding from UK Research and Innovation will help doctoral students develop skills in biological sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences. 

Exascale computers can make one billion calculations a second, allowing for advanced modelling of the Earth’s natural systems. This technology also allows new insight into workings of the natural environment: particularly important for studies into climate change and sustainability efforts. 

With their completed PhDs, graduates will face the world’s environmental challenges using this cutting-edge computing and their new understanding of physical and social dimensions. 

The Head of the University of Glasgow’s School of Environmental & Earth Sciences, Professor Todd Ehlers, said: “The leap in computing power provided by exascale processing holds tremendous potential for addressing some of the most significant environmental and sustainability challenges humanity is currently facing. This project provides a springboard for training future scientists to address these challenges while maintaining UK competitiveness in this rapidly advancing field of research.”

Published 27 November 2024