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University of Bath Research and Enterprise


“Research is Bath’s greatest strength: 60% of the work submitted for the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise was judged to be ‘world


leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.” The Times Good University Guide


n Our research grants and contracts portfolio is worth over £100 million


n We have over 50 centres and institutes across the University reflecting our research strengths in engineering, physical sciences, management, humanities, social sciences, health and life sciences


n We work in partnership with industry, government, community groups and other universities, both in the UK and overseas


n The Research Development and Support Office (RDSO) works with academic staff to secure ongoing external funding for research


Creams used to treat eczema could make it worse


New research from the University’s Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology suggests that using emollient creams to relieve the symptoms of eczema could actually make the condition worse.


The researchers’ study – published in the British Journal of Dermatology – shows that aqueous cream BP reduces the thickness of healthy skin over a period of four weeks. The researchers anticipate that using this cream would have an even more dramatic effect on damaged skin such as that found in eczema.


Mande Tsang and Professor Richard Guy use an evaporimeter probe to measure the moisture content of the skin


Postgraduate researcher Manda Tsang said: “Eczema affects around 30 per cent of the population, an increase from around five per cent a generation ago. This is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as central heating and carpets that can encourage dust mites, and using more creams and cosmetics that can thin the skin if used too frequently. Our study suggests that it might be better for eczema patients to use oil-based ointments on damaged skin.”


For our latest


research news and discoveries visit


www.bath.ac.uk/research


New interactive research centre opens in Bath


A new purpose-built research space has opened in the centre of Bath to help researchers understand more about human communication and how people interact with technology.


The Interactions Lab, run by the University of Bath’s School of Management, is located at the Innovation Centre in Carpenter House, Broad Quay, and will be working with local people and businesses.


The lab has dedicated computing, video recording and editing equipment; space for focus groups, role-plays and behaviour assessment; and a brightly coloured relaxed seating area for studies with children.


Researchers will be linking with schools to work with children on a project that is to develop new video games for managing conflict resolution. The children will work with software designers in the project funded by the European Union.


Further studies are focusing on how companies use personal information; social networking and virtual communities; and uncovering deception through body language.


Dr Adam Joinson, the lead academic behind the new lab, said: “This is an absolutely fabulous resource that places us in the local and business community. It is the School of Management’s first dedicated research space and its location shows our commitment to working with local organisations.”


Left to right: Chloe Zhang and Dr Dawn Eubanks demonstrate some of the interactive research systems to the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell


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