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Genetic variations linked to severe Covid-19 risk identified
An international group of scientists have discovered 13 DNA sequences that are associated with people developing the most severe form of Covid-19. The identification of the sequences – known as genetic markers – could provide targets for future therapies using repurposed drugs, experts say. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh joined a global effort to…
Read MoreHi-tech tool prompts hope of virtual assistants fluent in Gaelic
Voice-activated digital assistants that speak Scottish Gaelic could be one step closer thanks to a hi-tech advance by University experts. A team of linguists and Artificial Intelligence specialists, helped by funding from the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, has developed software that can listen to spoken Gaelic and print it out as written text. Now researchers hope…
Read MoreDelta variant increases hospitalisation but vaccine continues to protect
The Delta variant of Covid-19 is associated with approximately double the risk of hospitalisation compared with the Alpha variant, according to a new nationwide study. Two vaccine doses still provide strong protection against the Delta variant – which was first identified in India – but it may be at a lower level compared with the…
Read MoreCovid vaccine linked to low platelet count, nationwide study suggests
A condition that affects the blood, known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), may be associated the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in rare cases, research suggests. The very small increased risk of the condition – which is characterised by low platelet counts – is estimated to be 11 per million doses, similar to figures seen in vaccines for…
Read MoreEdinburgh’s bid to be space data capital of Europe inspires new video
An animated video showcasing the space and satellite work going on in Edinburgh has been launched by the city to inspire people and help boost recovery post-Covid. “So many people still don’t know Scotland has a thriving space ecosystem – let alone the huge part Edinburgh plays in it,” said Ritchie Somerville, Head of Strategy…
Read MoreFind out how data and technology are shaping the future of the creative industries at the 2021 Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase!
Online event, 8th and 9th June 2021 Register for your FREE ticket: https://bit.ly/CI-IS21 The 2021 Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase is taking place online on the 8th and 9th of June, exploring ground-breaking new work from the creative industries in Edinburgh, South East Scotland and beyond! Highlights include an ‘In Conversation With’ Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Co-Founder…
Read More#DDIdiscussion Event Summary | Data-driven Innovation in AI
Data-driven innovation can power artificial intelligence (AI) to provide solutions to a range of societal challenges, a DDI webinar heard. Roy Donaldson, a Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco Systems, told delegates at the event, The role of data-driven innovation in AI, that asking which business sectors were embracing AI was the wrong question. He…
Read MoreUniversity of Edinburgh Programme to Address National Data Skills Shortage
The University of Edinburgh is launching an updated range of short courses, aimed at helping people develop the data skills that have been identified as vital for economic recovery, following the Covid-19 pandemic. A range of new courses funded by the Scottish Funding Council, which provide non-traditional routes for individuals to access courses in data…
Read MoreApplications for Resident Entrepreneurs and Marchmont House Creative Residency open now!
Are you an individual or a small team working in Edinburgh or South East Scotland that would like to develop a new creative product or service using data or data-driven technologies? Applications are open now for the next round of Creative Informatics Resident Entrepreneurs and close on Wednesday 19th May at 5pm. Nine projects will…
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