Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed with skin swab tests, Manchester scientists discover
Scientists at the University of Manchester have made a “game-changing” breakthrough by discovering that Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed using a simple skin swab test.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have made a “game-changing” breakthrough by discovering that Parkinson’s Disease could be diagnosed using a simple skin swab test.
Results published this week showed that Parkinson’s sufferers may produce higher amounts of a substance called sebum – which coats and protects the skin.
A swab test can detect these compounds; and may help researchers determine whether new treatments are able to slow, stop or reverse the progression of the disease.
The study was funded following the case of Joy Milne – a woman who stunned scientists by revealing she could detect Parkinson’s disease through smell.
Joy told researchers that she could smell a “musky” odour on her husband Les – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s years later.
Professor Perdita Barran, Professor of Mass Spectrometry at UoM, said the results were “an extremely encouraging step” towards tests that could be used to help diagnose and monitor Parkinson’s.
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“Not only is the test quick, simple and painless but it should also be extremely cost-effective because it uses existing technology that is already widely available,” said the professor.
“We are now looking to take our findings forwards to refine the test to improve accuracy even further and to take steps towards making this a test that can be used in the NHS and to develop more precise diagnostics and better treatment for this debilitating condition.”
Parkinson’s UK analysis suggests that 1 in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
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The onset of the disease – which sees the sufferer develop a range of physical symptoms such as tremors and stiff, slow movements – is often gradual; worsening over a period of months and years.
The condition can be difficult to diagnose, too.
In a recent survey of more than 2,000 people with Parkinson’s, more than a quarter revealed they were initially misdiagnosed with a different condition.
It took four years for Daxa Kalayci, 56, to be given an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
“Despite my diagnosis eventually being confirmed by a DaTscan, a quick and simple diagnostic test for Parkinson’s would have given me the chance to start my treatment earlier and enjoy life a lot more,” said Daxa.
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“But instead, I lost so many years not being able to pursue a career as a paramedic or go back to nursing.
“This test could be a game-changer for people living with Parkinson’s and searching for answers like I was.”
Professor David Dexter, Associate Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK said that two more people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour – and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased complications with regards to delays and misdiagnoses.
However, he called the new results “significant” in the bid to revolutionise Parkinson’s treatment.
The Professor added: “With this innovative test, we could see people being diagnosed quickly and accurately enabling them to access vital treatment and support to manage their Parkinson’s symptoms sooner.”
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Jackass star Bam Margera cancels Manchester shows due to ‘injury’ after street fight video emerges
Danny Jones
Former Jackass star Bam Margera has had to cancel both of his Manchester shows just hours before the first event was supposed to take place due to injury.
The skater, TV personality, filmmaker and former stunt performer is currently in the UK for his Q&A tour and live interview series with DJ and presenter Matt Stocks, having recently played in Glasgow and a pair of shows in the Republic of Ireland.
However, the 44-year-old has unexpectedly had to cancel both of his intimate conversation dates at Gorilla in the city centre, with the venue citing “unforeseen complications emerging from a recent injury”.
He was set to play this evening and again next week on Tuesday, 30 April, with the shows billed as somewhat of a meet and greet with Margera and him “talking from the heart”.
While details surrounding how the scrap arose and the identity of the other man in the video still remain scarce, Margera has officially claimed self-defence. He can be heard shouting several expletives in the man’s direction throughout the altercation.
Responding to what he called a ‘bum fight’ on his other Instagram page, he tells 911: “Get a police officer here. Los Angeles Police Department is fucking worthless…
“You should be ashamed of yourselves… It’s been two hours of us trying to sleep and, fucking, this dude’s throwing shit everywhere and nobody showed up.”
Speaking to TMZ, a representative from his team reiterated that the unidentified male was the aggressor and eventually exited the situation with both parties leaving without injury at the time.
That being said, is still unclear as to whether the incident and the cancellation of his Gorilla shows in Manchester are linked.
Offering a separate statement directly, he added: “I’m not going to be threatened or attacked without defending myself and my friends or people trying to just walk by this idiot, I aimed only to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of my crew.”
Bam’s rep told the outlet that the altercation ended with no injuries and the aggressor eventually departed and he is still yet to issue a response after calling off the remainder of his dates.
FA Cup final confirmed for 3pm kick-off time as Metropolitan Police stress safety for fans
Danny Jones
The start time for the 2023/24 FA Cup final has officially been confirmed with holders Manchester City and challengers Manchester United set to kick off at 3pm on Saturday, 25 May.
It’s a Manc final for the second year running and yet another Manchester Derby this year as City beat Chelsea on penalties to try and defend one of their trophies from last season and Man United did just about enough to scrape through against Coventry City this past weekend.
Logistics and travel arrangements for the conclusion of last year’s FA Cup proved problematic, with the Metropolitan Police stressing that they needed the schedule brought forward to try and help curb crowd trouble – the first time the final had been reverted back to a traditional 3pm start since 2011.
Kick-off times for the knockout tournament have varied for the last three finals, having taken place at 4:45 and 5:15pm in the two years prior to 2023’s first-ever all-Manchester final, but it looks as though the same rationale has been put in place once again.
As per an official statement by the FA, the final has now been officially confirmed as 3pm BST which has been agreed with local authorities, members of the Safety Advisory Group and broadcasters, as well as with the clubs who must take the time needed for fans to travel to and from Wembley into consideration.
While pockets of fighting broke out before and after the game last year, it was deemed that this time would still be the best kick-off time for all parties involved and there will, of course, be an increased police presence in London for the game next month.
Although prioritising safety comes as welcome news, it’ll no doubt prove to be a blow to broadcasters who prefer later kick-offs when eyeing up peak audience numbers; the game is also set to clash with ITV’s coverage of the rugby as the Investec Champions Cup final is also due to start at 2:45pm.
With last season’s historic FA Cup final being the first time the two sides had met in the final in the entire history of the oldest competition in all of football, it rounded off a massive year of viewing figures for the tournament which has continued to hit record numbers in 2024.
The game will once again be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and ITV1; ITVX, UTV, as well as STV, and there will no doubt be huge screenings of the game all over Greater Manchester, where an increased police presence is also expected.