News

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 that the ‘good’ gut bacteria …

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 Radford have been awarded UKRI…

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 transformation of the mamm…

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 arthritis flare-up, a joint beco…

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; Ride Therapeuticsdevelops sol…

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 revealed the structure of the extr…

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 treatments, in particular fo…

An analysis of studies incorporating data from almost 30 million people has highlighted the role that air pollution – including that coming from car exhaust emissions – plays in increased risk of dementia.Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than 57.4 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to almost triple…

Scientists have found a way to stop brain cancer cells spreading by essentially ‘freezing’ a key molecule in the brain.The finding could pave the way for a new type of treatment for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, although extensive testing will be required before it can be trialled in patients. Glioblastoma is the most comm…

Researchers have found why common cuff-based blood pressure readings are inaccurate and how they might be improved, which could improve health outcomes for patients.High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the top risk factor for premature death, associated with heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. However, inaccuracies in the most common form…

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has today announced the approval of a new treatment for a form of hereditary blindness for use on the NHS in England. Cambridge researchers played a pivotal role in providing the evidence that led to this important development.Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) affects around 2,500 …

An artificial heart valve made from a new type of plastic could be a step closer to use in humans, following a successful long-term safety test in animals.A research team, led by the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge, demonstrated that the polymer material used to make the artificial heart valve is safe following a six-month test in sheep.Curre…

The brain holds a ‘map’ of the body that remains unchanged even after a limb has been amputated, contrary to the prevailing view that it rearranges itself to compensate for the loss, according to new research from scientists in the UK and US.The findings, published today in Nature Neuroscience, have implications for the treatment of ‘phantom limb’ …

Twelve academics from the University of Cambridge have been made Fellows of the prestigious British Academy for the humanities and social scienceThey are among 92 distinguished scholars to be elected to the fellowship in recognition of their work in fields ranging from medieval history to international relations.It couldn't be a more important time…

The University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca have a long history of scientific collaboration. In 2013, AstraZeneca’s decision to move its global headquarters and new strategic R&D centre to Cambridge started a new chapter of partnership.AstraZeneca chose Cambridge – the largest life science cluster in Europe – for its access to world-leading academi…