Ed Sci Fest Event: Can We Ever Cure The Common Cold?

Dr Peter Barlow - Can We Ever Cure The Common Cold?

There is currently no treatment or no vaccination for the common cold, which is normally caused by a simple, but elusive, virus called Rhinovirus. While this virus can make healthy people feel miserable for a few days, it can also be a life-threatening infection for people with lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. Work at Edinburgh Napier University has found that small molecules, called peptides, which are found in humans and animals, may hold the key to a treatment that destroys this virus.

Dr. Peter Barlow BSc (Hons) PhD FHEA FRSB is Associate Professor of Immunology and Infection, and Director of Research of the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, UK. Prior to his role at Edinburgh Napier, he undertook Fellowships within the Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh and the Influenza Division of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Peter's interests lie in studying the human immune system with a view to developing novel treatments for viral infections, such as influenza and rhinovirus, one of the pathogens responsible for the common cold. His work centres around host defence peptides, which are tiny molecules in the immune system that are incredibly effective at killing bacteria and viruses. His research has demonstrated that peptides from humans, and other animals, can kill rhinovirus and influenza, which makes them incredibly exciting targets for developing new ways to treat these diseases. Peter is passionate about public engagement with science and his work attracts international media attention. He has appeared on BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio, ITN News, STV News, Scotland Tonight, BBC Countryfile Diaries, LBC Radio, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Herald, The Scotsman, The Daily Express, The Daily Record, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post & IFL Science among others.

www.barlowlab.com
Twitter - @drpeterbarlow