Cutting edge research by University of Malta’s Breast Cancer Research Group
Heritage Malta pens MOU with National Museum of the Royal Navy
The breast cancer research group at the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, headed by Professor Godfrey Grech, developed an accurate and sensitive test to enhance the molecular classification of breast cancer using the Luminex xMAP technology. The Luminex technology provides the advantage of measuring in one single run (multiplex) more than 80 genes. The research group led by Professor Grech optimised the assay to utilise minimal amount of stored tissue material. Heritage Malta’s Malta Maritime Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy agreed to identify opportunities for collaborative research and expertise in developing the awareness and understanding of naval heritage on a regional, national and international level. It also helps to foster the interest of the general public in their naval heritage and maritime background.
The areas of collaboration were outlined in a three year memorandum of understanding signed by Heritage Malta and the National Museum of the Royal Navy at the Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa.
Thanks to this agreement both projects the miniature symbiotic algae found its tentacles, acting as miniature solar panels, towards the sun. The species is not considered to be dangerous to humans since it only inflicts a very mild sting. Only last year, Spot the Jellyfish also reported yet another alien jellyfish species within Salina and its proximal waters – the white-spotted Australian jellyfish (Phyllorhizapunctata).
Readers are encouraged to submit their jellyfish sighting reports through the Spot the Jellyfish website (www.ioikids.net/jellyfish), over email (alan.deidun@gmail.com) or though the campaign’s facebook page. The campaign, which kickstarted in June 2010, is financially supported by the International Ocean Institute (IOI) and by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).
The novel test was presented as a Thermo Fisher web-based seminar and at the Luminex xMAP conferences in Amsterdam, Shanghai and Beijing, by Professor Grech in November 2017. The assay was also awarded the Luminex-JoVE publication grant. Dr Ruud Jorna, Key Account Manager, Luminex Licensed Technologies Group EMEIA said, “Professor Grech has been a great advocate for multiplexing, as exemplified by his valuable contribution to our xMAP Connect events. We are confident that Professor’s sides will work together to further the projection and promotion of Naval Heritage. It will seek to complement and further the delivery of the strategy of the respective organizations in Malta and Portsmouth and will provide facilities for the detailed research and studies of all areas of mutual interests. Both parties agreed that they will promote each other and share educational and learning resource and ideas.
Both countries have a rich naval history which goes back hundreds of years. Due to its strategic position in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has always had close connections with the sea and maritime sector. Since 1800 a strong legacy was built between Malta and England after Malta became a British colony. The British period was a significant era in Maltese history and the British legacy still lives on in many aspects of the Maltese daily life.
With a unique collection of over 20,000 artefacts belonging to Malta’s maritime past, the Malta Maritime Museum, housed within the Old Naval bakery, helps visitors chart 7,000 years of history all housed under one roof.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy is a museum of the history of the Royal Navy located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It houses three centuries of naval history. Grech work will contribute towards a simpler and better way of diagnosing breast cancer.”
The commercialisation of this assay is underway, funded through the project “Accurate Cancer Screening Tests (ACT)” financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through FUSION: The R&I Technology Development Programme 2016. The ACT project aims to provide technologies that are sensitive enough to monitor patients under treatment and to promote early diagnosis during screening.