Research cash for universities

The reseach will concentrate on life-threatening diseases

Several universities in the East Midlands have been asked to help with research into the causes of a variety of diseases.

The research into breast cancer, diabetes and heart disease will try to provide definitive answers to the causes of life-threatening and debilitating illnesses.

About 120,000 volunteer patients from GP surgeries across the East Midlands will be used to aid the research.

The University of Nottingham is recieving £70m in research funds to carry out the studies.

Patients between 45 and 69 years old will have their health, lifestyle, and genetic make-up closely monitored for the next 15 years.

Scientists will then analyse the findings to pinpoint where and how any diseases they encounter have developed.

The Medical Research Council is providing assistance and has also commissioned the University of Leicester and Sheffield University to help with the research.