News
Thursday 17 November 2005
Stem cell thesis nets top award
Research into the presence of stem cells in horse joints has earned a Nottingham Trent University graduate first prize in the prestigious Eqvalan Duo Thesis of the Year Award. Kate Scothorne, who graduated in the summer with a BSc (Hons) in Equine Sports Science, becomes the second graduate from the university to win the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) award in three years.
Students from equine colleges and universities across the UK entered the competition, with five shortlisted to present their work to a panel of judges. Presentations took place at the Royal Pavilion in Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, as part of the 'Your Horse Live' exhibition. Kate received a gold medal, silver plate, framed certificate and £500 for her achievement. She also gets five years’ free membership of the RASE.
The award is made to recognise academic achievement in the equestrian field and to showcase the best academic research to the equestrian industry.
Kate’s thesis – Identification of stem cell markers in an ‘in vitro’ model of intrinsic cartilage repair in horses – looked at how stem cells reacted when a horse develops osteoarthritis. After taking samples of joint cartilage from deceased horses, she found that stem cells had increased in arthritic horses, even when a surgical cut was made. This indicated a natural repair response in horses of all ages.
Kate said: “I was very surprised to win, all of the presentations were totally different, and they were all really good. The subject of my thesis came about because I had a horse with numerous joint problems and wanted to know more about what was going on.”
She added: “The study provides the veterinary surgeon with the knowledge that a surgical cut will increase stem cell activity, both at the site of the cut and at some considerable depth within the cartilage. As a result, surgeons can influence the natural repair response.”
Kate is planning to pursue a career in Physiotherapy.
Academic Team Leader for Animal and Equine Science at Nottingham Trent University, Heather Owen, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Kate has won this award. She produced an excellent thesis which has brought about some fascinating results. It’s equally encouraging that she has become the second student from this university to win the award in three years.”
Chairman of the judges, Alan Spedding, said: “The standard of the theses we get seems to get better every year. Kate Scothorne described a well designed project in an important area of equine research with great clarity and verve.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 6589 or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
