University of Gothenburg
cervical epithelial cells (blue) secreting different forms of mucus (green/red) during pregnancy
Cervical epithelial cells (blue) secreting different forms of mucus (green/red) during pregnancy
Photo: Johan Wingborg / Cell image by George Birchenough lab
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  4. Second ERC Grant this year to WCMTM research on pregnancy

Second ERC Grant this year to WCMTM research on pregnancy

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The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine

George Birchenough has received ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on the cervical mucus plug. It is the second WCMTM project to receive the prestigious funding this year, and both having focus on women's health.

The mucus plug is formed in the cervix during pregnancy and is believed to protect against bacterial infections, and thereby reduce the risk of preterm birth. However, the scientific evidence supporting this mechanism is still vague and needs to be further understood.

Previously in September, Lina Bergman received ERC starting grant for her work on preeclampsia, which in serious cases can lead to seizures in pregnant women.

“The grants to both mine and Lina’s project demonstrates the great potential for high-impact research conducted within WCMTM. It is even more remarkable that both projects focus on women's health in relation to pregnancy. Hopefully, this success will inspire more researchers to engage in health issues specifically related to women, a field that is historically underfunded” George said.

Learn more about George’s research in the news article written by Sahlgrenska Academy.

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Health and medicine
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