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Capsule could reduce need for booster injections
The project is assessing the need for single-shot vaccine delivery in cattle.

Device may revolutionise human and medical sectors

Edinburgh researchers are developing a new device that releases medicine at specific times. It is hoped the device - a capsule that is implanted under the skin - could revolutionise both human and animal medicine.

The project is being delivered by The Roslin Institute and Heriot-Watt University who have been awarded £800k of funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

It is assessing the potential for single-shot vaccine delivery in cattle, thereby reducing the need for booster vaccinations. Researchers say that if the project is successful, it could also be used for antibiotics, chemotherapeutics and other drugs.

The 3D-printed capsule contains a single-shot of vaccine as well as a sugar solution. The sugar pulls water through the wall of the capsure leading to pressure build-up. Eventually the capsule bursts and delivers the vaccine.

“By carefully tailoring the material properties and capsule design, we aim to achieve release at the desired time-point, without needing any intervention, said Dr Ferry PW Melchels, assistant professor at Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering.

“This will omit the need for a second visit to the doctor or a second visit from the vet; it will even allow to vaccinate wildlife without having to recapture the animals to give them their booster shots.”

Jayne Hope of The Roslin Institute added: "We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the BBSRC for this joint project with Heriot-Watt University.

"This project will investigate the potential for single-shot vaccine delivery in cattle, thereby reducing the requirement for booster immunisations. This could have a significant impact on the control of infectious diseases in livestock."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.