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20 Aug 2009 08:50:58
Two new sport professors are already making headlines at the University of Bedfordshire – and they have not even officially started!
Mark Lewis takes up his new role as Professor of Exercise Biochemistry and Cell Biology on Tuesday, 1 September, the same day as John Brewer becomes the new Professor of Sport at the Bedford campus.
Professor Lewis has won a half million pound grant to advance knowledge and application for the replacement, refinement and reduction of animal experiments.
The £500,000 grant from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) will help Professor Lewis lead a project with colleagues Linda Greensmith and Vivek Mudera from University College London into ‘engineering fully functional integrated skeletal muscle’.
The NC3Rs has funded 13 grants, worth a total of £4.5m, at various UK establishments.
Professor Brewer was quoted on recently published sport science and nutrition research from Exeter University on the benefits of beetroot juice!
The study suggested drinking beetroot juice boosts stamina and could help people exercise for up to 16 per cent longer.
The University of Exeter team found nitrate contained in the vegetable leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake - making exercise less tiring.
The small Journal of Applied Physiology study suggests the effect is greater than that which can be achieved by regular training. Beetroot juice has previously been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Professor Brewer said: “These findings are potentially exciting for many people involved in sport and exercise, but will almost certainly require further more extensive studies before the exact benefits and mechanisms are understood.
“We must also remember that exercise and training and a sensible diet will always remain as the essential ingredients for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.”
The pair will both be based in the University’s new Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, while also making a significant contribution to the work of the Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research.
Latest news» 2009» August» Two new sport professors already making the headlines
