Light-Triggered Soft Artificial Muscles: Molecular-Level Amplification of Actuation Control Signals.

The principle of control signal amplification is found in all actuation systems, from engineered devices through to the operation of biological muscles. However, current engineering approaches require the use of hard and bulky external switches or valves, incompatible with both the properties of emerging soft artificial muscle technology and those of the bioinspired robotic systems they enable. To address this deficiency a biomimetic molecular-level approach is developed that employs light, with its excellent spatial and temporal control properties, to actuate soft, pH-responsive hydrogel artificial muscles.

An innovative solution to raise public awareness using a mobile colorectal clinic - The 'bowel bus'.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United Kingdom; however, figures show that the uptake for bowel cancer screening lags behind other cancer screening programmes.

Methods: This is a report of a multi-staged development of an outreach colorectal clinical community service provided through a Mobile Unit (a Bowel Bus). The unit delivers a one-stop colorectal clinic that provides a rapid access pathway to members of the public who have concerns about, or symptoms of, bowel cancer.

The ManVan: a mobile cancer support service for men with prostate, testicular and penile cancer in Wales.

The ManVan commenced service delivery on 1st April 2014 and is the United Kingdom's first dedicated mobile support service for men affected by prostate, testicular, and penile cancer. It is delivered in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK and Movember and fully funded by the Movember Foundation. It brings nursing care, counselling for individuals and couples, group support and welfare rights advice, directly to men living with prostate, testicular and penile cancer in communities across Wales.

Let's talk about genes, and I dont mean trousers: encouraging cancer genetics literacy amongst children.

Acquiring genetic literacy is one of the most important things a person can do to promote their own and their family's health. Family history-genetics and the shared environment-is a significant risk factor for cancer as well as other common diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A good understanding of family health history should increasingly be used to personalise health messages and promote healthy lifestyles.