Research 2024: FLAME

19/01/2025

What an experience of belonging! 🙌

I had the privilege of spending 2 incredible days connecting and collaborating with the Lifestyle Medicine family. The discussions were inspiring, as we explored opportunities, strengths, and challenges in our collective mission to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy habits. 🌱

At the Practice Lifestyle Medicine conference, I presented the latest findings from the FLAME project.

a lifestyle medicine approach by Livel Health Hub

18/08/2024

Interesting results using colonoscopy lavages. We were surprised how comparable are the normalised data for the main commensal colonisers of the colon (Blue and purple). Of interest, the first case (300601) shows colonisation of pathogenic bacteria (orange), whilst in the second case, the high abundance is in the f***l sample prior colonoscopy prep and are absent in the coloscopy lavages.

Research helps us to understand the microbial colonisation of the colon. Keep tuned.

04/08/2024

Update August 2024

The first batch of patient samples are being processed this week. Thanks to the project intermediaries that set out the best procedure to recruit and consent patients to the study, to the team of clinicians who provides us with the samples, and to the patients that altruistically consent the use of the material.

We keep you posted. Thanks for following us.

11/05/2024

I am thrilled to share that I have been promoted to Full Professor at the University of Malta! 🎓 This milestone empowers me to further enhance my contributions to education and research, with a renewed dedication to making a positive impact both locally and internationally.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply committed to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in my field. This promotion not only recognizes my past achievements but also fuels my passion to continue striving for excellence in teaching, research, and public outreach.

As a Full Professor, I am eager to take on new challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change. I am particularly excited about leveraging my expertise to contribute to public health initiatives aimed at disease prevention. By engaging with communities and stakeholders, I aim to bridge the gap between academia and real-world application, ultimately making a tangible difference in people's lives.

I am immensely grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors, and students who have been instrumental in my professional journey. I look forward to collaborating with them and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships to tackle pressing challenges facing our society.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. I am excited for the future and the opportunity to continue making a difference in education, research, and public service.

09/05/2024

An excellent output as a result of a PhD scholarship funded by ALIVE Charity Foundation through RIDT - University of Malta Research Trust. Excellent work by the first author and PhD Graduate Dr Jeanesse Scerri.

Protein expression, activation and stability are regulated through inter-connected signal transduction pathways resulting in specific cellular states. This study sought to differentiate between the complex mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired trastuzumab resistance, by quantifying changes in express...

07/05/2024

Great to be recognized by European Lifestyle Medicine Organization. Honored to be ambassador of this organisation. If interested to be ona a member contact me via WhatsApp on 99702552 or send a message here.

05/05/2024

🌟🔬 Exciting Announcement! 🔬🌟

🌱 Are you a clinician passionate about preventive strategies? Do you believe chronic inflammation is a key player in disease onset and progression? 🤔💡

Our next project is brewing, and we're looking for like-minded professionals to join us on this journey! If you're ready to explore the role of inflammation in shaping health outcomes and want to be part of something innovative, get in touch today! 🌿💼
SEND WHATSAPP MESSAGE ON 77757933 OR
SHARE to nominate someone.

🧬🩺

31/03/2024

Happy Easter to all

06/03/2024

Presenting the research on the use of exosomes for early detection of colorectal cancer metastasis at 2nd Pan African Cancer Research Institute International Meeting (PACRI at University of Pretoria) in Johannesburg (3-6 March). The networking was outstanding and looking forward to foster upcoming collaborations. Thanks to the congress organisers for inviting me as a keynote speaker.

The research presented is funded by Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation.

05/03/2024

SELECTED ARTICLE: MARCH 2024

The selected article supports the aims of the Research 2024: FLAME project. The role of gut microbiota includes metabolism; generation of health promoting metabolites (target energy, inflammation, gut barrier function, hormones, mood and many more); and immune function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis causes an imbalance in microbial homeostasis, while specific microbiota induces CRC development and facilitates its progression. Learn about species differences in the gut microbiota during tumorigenesis and our research to investigate this further.

Abstract. Background: The gut microbiota is a diverse community of microbes that maintain the stability of the intestinal environment. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been linked to gastrointestinal diseases, such as colorectal cancer (CRC) – a leading cause of death for cancer patients. Summa...

02/03/2024

MARCH Research Outcomes
1. Eligible applicants (n=8) for the Research Support Officer post. Interviews planned in April.
2. Ethical approval for Research 2024: FLAME in place.

FEBRUARY Research Outcomes

1. Microbiota abundance and diversity measured in match colonoscopy lavages. This means that we can now measure bacteria in samples taken at different sites in the large intestine taken during colonoscopy.
2. Analysis of metabolites in f***l and serum samples are being optimised using various analytical techniques.
3. Call for Research Support Officers is now ONLINE.

Keep tuned.

02/03/2024

We are looking for Research Support Officers on a part-time basis to study inflammatory metabolites and develop a predictive test for early detection of hyperplasia (pre-lesions that can transform into tumors) supporting preventive measures.
The test aims to support colorectal cancer screening programs and increase sensitivity to elect individuals for clinical procedures, particularly colonoscopy, reducing unnecessary interventions.
The Research support officers should have a Master's degree related to Analytical Techniques. Experience with LC/MS and GC/MS will be considered as assets.
Project Title: Development of a predictive hyperplasia assay for early colorectal cancer detection. (FLAME)
Funded by ALIVE Charity Foundation through RIDT - University of Malta Research Trust
Link: