How Science Works - Asthma on the Run

A look into the research of biochemist Ceri Harrop, who specialises in respiratory medicine and developing new treatments for people with breathing difficulties.

As part of her research at the University of Manchester, Ceri meets with athlete Wayne Ashall, a 400m runner and hopeful for the 2012 Olympics, despite having asthma. Wayne's personal best is only seconds off the world record, and he's hoping Ceri's work will help him perform even better.

Ceri and Wayne carry out a spirometry test, a common test to diagnose lung conditions, and Ceri dissects a set of animal lungs to explain how they work and the effects asthma has on them.

Medication plays a big part in enabling Wayne to compete, so Ceri takes Wayne through the different aspects of her research, which may lead to new treatments and possibly even a cure for asthma.

To see the programme used in a classroom setting, you can also watch Using Asthma on the Run.

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