RECENT NEWS
Cherwell Joins the AnalytiChem group of companies
Cleanroom microbiology company Cherwell has announced it is joining the AnalytiChem group of companies. Cherwell will join seven other businesses within the group, located across Europe, North America and Australia.
NHS launches pre-market engagement for at-home blood tests
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS have published an early market engagement to any organisations which are interested in the blood self-sampling/testing services for the build and private Beta phase of the digital NHS Health Check.
UKAS issues ISO 15189:2022 transition update
Following the publication of ISO 15189:2022 in December 2022, the first year of the three-year transition period is now complete and UKAS has issued an update on the transition process.
Six million vital checks carried out by CDCs
More than six million tests, scans and health checks have taken place at community diagnostic centres (CDCs) across the country, helping speed up diagnoses and treatments for NHS patients.
Thermo Fisher Scientific launches PangenomiX Array to support population-scale disease research
Earlier this year, scientists unveiled the first draft of the pangenome, based on full genetic blueprints from 47 people around the world to create a more diverse representation of the human genome. To more accurately account for this richer picture of human genomic variation, Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the new Axiom PangenomiX Array, its largest and most ethnically diverse array to date, offering optimal genetic coverage for population scale disease studies and pharmacogenomic research.
UK set to miss out on HealthTech innovations if barriers aren’t removed
Persistent regulatory ambiguity and NHS procurement processes mean the UK is at risk of missing out on the latest HealthTech innovations, the latest survey of the industry reveals.
Atom Scientific brings Falc products to the UK
Atom Scientific has announced a new distribution partnership with Falc Instruments for the UK, adding the Italian company’s laboratory equipment to its already extensive range.
NGS shows promise in expanding immunotherapy to more cancer patients
Research into next-generation sequencing carried out at Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests that revising current cancer care guidelines could allow approximately 6,000 more patients in the US to benefit from immunotherapy treatment each year.
UK NSC endorses digital pathology
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has endorsed the use of digital pathology as an alternative option to light microscopy for the review of cancer screening histopathology slides.
NHS warns of tough new year amid growing winter pressures and record strike action
Record industrial action this week could see one of the most difficult starts to the year for health services across the country, the NHS has said.
Aiforia and the Mayo Clinic using AI to improve prediction of colorectal cancer recurrence
Aiforia has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Mayo Clinic in the United States to globally commercialise an AI model that improves prediction of colorectal cancer recurrence. The AI model - developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic - identifies important histological features of colorectal cancer and provides a recurrence prediction estimate useful for colorectal cancer treatment decisions.
Roche to acquire LumiraDx's point-of-care technology
Roche has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select parts of the LumiraDx group, related to LumiraDx’s innovative point-of-care technology. Following closing of the transaction, which is expected by mid-2024, the acquired entities will be fully integrated into Roche Diagnostics.
2023: A record-breaking year for NHS cancer checks
More people than ever before are getting tested for cancer with almost three million checks over the last 12 months, new analysis shows.
New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of influenza virus
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognised class of antibodies that appear capable of neutralising multiple forms of influenza virus. These findings, which could contribute to development of more broadly protective vaccines, were published 21 December by Holly Simmons of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, US, and colleagues in the open access journal PLOS Biology.
A new dataset for tumours of the lung
The International Academy of Cytology and the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting have announced the publication of a new dataset to assist reporting of Tumours of the Lung - Small Diagnostic and Cytopathlogical Specimens.
NHS trials home testing for chronic kidney disease
Tens of thousands of patients at risk of kidney disease will be able to get tested from the comfort of their own homes as part of a £30 million tech and AI innovation fund this winter. The Healthy.io early detection device will initially be sent to 30,000 patients who are considered most at risk for kidney disease.
AMP publishes best practice guidance on slice testing approach to diagnostics
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the premier global molecular diagnostic professional society, has published a report that explores specific considerations for a slice testing strategy for diagnostics, including gene selection, analytic performance, coverage, quality, and interpretation.
Owkin and MSD to develop AI-powered diagnostics for cancer
Owkin, a French-American biotechnology company that applies artificial intelligence (AI) to drug discovery, development, and diagnostics, has entered into a collaboration agreement with MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co) to develop and commercialise AI-powered digital pathology diagnostics for the EU market.
Metrion Biosciences closes £3.7 million new equity financing
Metrion Biosciences, the specialist ion channel CRO and drug discovery company, has announced that it has secured £3.5m in new equity financing. The new investment will be used to further expand Metrion’s laboratories in Cambridge, UK, invest in specialist equipment and enhance the company’s global marketing activities.
NHS expands home testing for bowel cancer
The NHS is expanding home testing for bowel cancer as it aims to detect the disease earlier. Hundreds of thousands more people will be sent a home-testing kit as the lifesaving screening programme is now being made available to individuals aged 54 in England.
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Distinguishing tumour tissue from normal tissue
Online
8 July, 2025
Introduction to direct immunofluorescence webinar
Online
10 July, 2025
Annual SHOT Symposium
Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, B40 1P
11 July 2025
Introduction to immunocytochemistry webinar
Online
15-16 July, 2025
Cancer – tumour clonality and metastasis webinar
online
7 August, 2025