News

Study reveals genetic and developmental differences in people with earlier versus later autism diagnosis

9 October 2025

Researchers find different genetic profiles related to two trajectories that autistic children tend to follow. One linked to early diagnosis, and communication difficulties in infancy. The other linked to later diagnosis, increased social and behavioural difficulties in adolescence, and higher rates of conditions like ADHD...

Parkinson’s ‘trigger’ directly observed in human brain tissue for the first time

9 October 2025

Scientists have, for the first time, directly visualised and quantified the protein clusters believed to trigger Parkinson’s, marking a major advance in the study of the world’s fastest-growing neurological disease. These tiny clusters, called alpha-synuclein oligomers, have long been considered the likely culprits for...

Diabetes drug and antihistamine could together repair multiple sclerosis damage, trial finds

9 October 2025

Scientists behind the trial say they are “on the brink of a new class of treatments” and that the findings take us another step closer to stopping disease progression in MS. A combination of metformin, a common diabetes drug, and clemastine, an antihistamine, can help repair myelin – the protective coating around nerves...

‘Good’ gut bacteria boost placenta for healthier pregnancy

9 October 2025

When Bifidobacterium breve, widely available in probiotic drinks, is present in the gut of pregnant females it boosts the placenta’s production of pregnancy hormones to reduce the likelihood of complications like preeclampsia and miscarriage. Research led by the University of Cambridge has found the first clear evidence...

Cambridge researchers awarded UKRI Future Leader Fellowships

24 September 2025

Three Cambridge researchers are among 77 early-career researchers who have been awarded a total of £120 million to lead vital research, collaborate with innovators and develop their careers as the research and innovation leaders of the future. Cambridge researchers Dr Claudia Bonfio, Dr Akshay Deshmukh and Dr Elizabeth...

Study of breast cell changes in motherhood provides clues to breastfeeding difficulties

24 September 2025

A University of Cambridge study of adult mammary gland development has revealed new genes involved in breastfeeding, and provided insights into how genetic changes may be associated with breastfeeding disorders and postpartum breast cancers. In a study in mice, researchers have identified genes associated with the dramatic...

‘Artificial cartilage’ could improve arthritis treatment

24 September 2025

Researchers have developed a material that can sense tiny changes within the body, such as during an arthritis flare-up, and release drugs exactly where and when they are needed. The squishy material can be loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs that are released in response to small changes in pH in the body. During an...

The Protein Pioneer

24 September 2025

WHO? Professor Tuomas Knowles, world-leading expert on proteins and founder of five spinout companies, all of which apply breakthroughs in protein science to real-world problems. WHAT? Xampla is replacing the most polluting plastics with plant-based materials; Transition Bio applies fundamental biology to drug discovery...

Glowing algae reveal the geometry of life

8 September 2025

Researchers have captured the first clear view of the hidden architecture that helps shape a simple multicellular organism, showing how cells work together to build complex life forms. In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS ) , a team of British and German scientists...

Depression linked to presence of immune cells in the brain’s protective layer

8 September 2025

Immune cells released from bone marrow in the skull in response to chronic stress and adversity could play a key role in symptoms of depression and anxiety, say researchers. The discovery – found in a study in mice – sheds light on the role that inflammation can play in mood disorders and could help in the search for new...

Study reveals genetic and developmental differences in people with earlier versus later autism diagnosis

Parkinson’s ‘trigger’ directly observed in human brain tissue for the first time

Diabetes drug and antihistamine could together repair multiple sclerosis damage, trial finds

‘Good’ gut bacteria boost placenta for healthier pregnancy

Cambridge researchers awarded UKRI Future Leader Fellowships

Study of breast cell changes in motherhood provides clues to breastfeeding difficulties

‘Artificial cartilage’ could improve arthritis treatment

The Protein Pioneer

Glowing algae reveal the geometry of life

Depression linked to presence of immune cells in the brain’s protective layer

Study at Cambridge

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Research at Cambridge