I’m Megan Cavanagh and I am a 2nd year PhD student in the PRIME Global Health group based in the Medical School at The University of Sheffield. My project involves studying the interaction between vaginal microorganisms and preterm birth. Our lab is investigating biomarkers of preterm birth and why some pregnant women with infection give birth too early (before 37 weeks) but some do not.
Organisms like Group B Streptococcus are thought to contribute to the premature rupture of the foetal membranes (this is the term for when “waters have broken”). One part of my project is a collaboration with Chris Holland, head of the Natural Materials group. We are testing the physical properties of the foetal membranes with and without exposure to infection to see if these organisms can alter the tissue.
Organisms like Group B Streptococcus are thought to contribute to the premature rupture of the foetal membranes (this is the term for when “waters have broken”). One part of my project is a collaboration with Chris Holland, head of the Natural Materials group. We are testing the physical properties of the foetal membranes with and without exposure to infection to see if these organisms can alter the tissue.
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| A sample of human foetal tissue, grown in a petri dish | A rheometer is used to measure the stiffness of a small sample of foetal membrane. |
Our aim is to better understand the mechanisms of infection associated preterm birth and to identify better methods of prediction to help the millions of babies born prematurely, around the world every year.
