Breakthrough in tackling cancer cells
tlement, supplying the fort garrison,” said Richard.
As well as the buildings, the archaeologists found coins and Roman pottery including an almost complete amphora, a vessel that was used to transport liquids such as wine and olive oil, and bowls.
Keepmoat Regeneration, which is developing the site on behalf of Newcastle City Council and housing provider Leazes Homes, will build 32 twoand three-bedroom homes at affordable rent, but plans are in place to stop work again if more remains are found.
Kim McGuinness, the council’s cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “Although we knew there was likely to be Roman remains it wasn’t until they were uncovered that we realised the importance of the site.
“We are working closely with the developers and archaeologist so the remains can be carefully examined and analysed. We also hope to raise funds so some of the smaller artefacts can be put on display in the local community for everyone to see.”
Bill Midgely, chairman of Leazes Homes, said: “We were very excited to hear about the important archaeological finds on our Dorcas Avenue site and pleased to support the important work to recognise their significance.
“Leazes Homes is committed to providing high quality modern homes, but it’s interesting to think of who may have been living in the same area many centuries before our tenants move in.”
Lee Francis, area director for Keepmoat Regeneration, added: “Undertaking construction works in a city that has a reputation for its long, rich history means we often discover historic artefacts.
“However the findings at Dorcas Avenue have been remarkable, not only because of their era, but also for the lack of attrition that typically occurs over time.”
The Roman name of Condercum means “the place with a fine view” as the fort commanded a sweeping vista from its high position.
For more than 200 years the fort was the base for a cavalry regiment of Asturians, originally recruited in Spain. SCIENTISTS have discovered a process to trigger the death of cancer cells that they believe could be more effective than current methods.
The new method of killing cancer cells – called Caspase Independent Cell Death – led to the eradication of tumours in experimental models.
Currently most anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy) work by killing cancer cells through a process called apoptosis, which activates proteins called caspases, leading to cell death.
However in apoptosis, therapies often fail to kill all cancer cells, leading to disease recurrence, and can also have unwanted side effects that may even promote cancer.
The University of Glasgow scientists wanted to develop a way to improve therapy that induces cancer cell killing while also mitigating unwanted toxicity.
Dr Stephen Tait, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, said: “Our research found that triggering Caspase-Independent Cell Death (CICD), but not apoptosis, often led to complete tumour regression.”