Beyond the Pills: Shaping the Future of Health and Healing

I will be sharing some preliminary findings from my PhD research, which explores the lived experiences of women affected by Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)—a debilitating pregnancy condition characterised by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting. HG often results in significant weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, severely impacting women’s physical and emotional well-being. The ultimate aim of this research is to co-design an evidence-based digital toolkit to support women who had HG and their healthcare providers.

Stem cells are unique because they can transform into various cell types, making them incredibly valuable for research. One breakthrough is using patient blood to create stem cells that can then be transformed into hard-to-obtain cells, such as those found in the lungs. In this talk, I will discuss the use of stem cells in understanding and treating diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. By using blood from patients with pulmonary fibrosis, we can generate cells that mimic the environment of the lungs. This research has the potential to revolutionize how we study pulmonary fibrosis, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Many of our most important drugs have to be injected. They have difficulty in being absorbed from tablets or capsules. In our EU project with eight partners, we are making films that stick to the inside of cheek to allow for these types of drugs to reach the blood in a quick and painless way. This type of system is attractive to patients who hate needles and also to those who don't want to have to accept strict instructions on food and drink in relation to tablets.