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Cytora’s platform helps insurers digitise their risk data at scale, turning complex documents and unstructured information into structured, decision-ready formats. The acquisition brings together Cytora’s AI-enabled risk digitisation platform with Applied Systems' suite of insurance solutions, enabling greater intelligent automation, connectivity and efficiency across the insurance lifecycle. This combination is expected to unlock increased growth and productivity across the sector.

Cytora was founded in 2012 as a University startup with early support from Cambridge Enterprise, which first invested in the company in 2014. Recognising the potential of its technology to transform risk analytics and insurance workflows, Cambridge Enterprise continued to support Cytora through two subsequent investment rounds, backing its evolution from a geopolitical risk analytics start-up into a global provider of AI-powered solutions for risk digitisation.

Amanda Wooding, Deputy Head of Ventures, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, said: “We are delighted to see Cytora reach this exciting milestone. The acquisition by Applied Systems is a strong endorsement of the transformative impact of their technology on the insurance industry. Supporting Cytora from its early stages has been a privilege and we are proud to have played a part in their journey from a Cambridge startup to the leading risk digitisation platform in the insurance industry.”

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and its mission to support the commercialisation of University research. It reflects the long-term value of investing in early-stage ventures and the potential of Cambridge-founded companies to shape global industries.

Read more about the acquisition from Cambridge Enterprise and Applied Systems.

Applied Systems, a global provider of insurance software solutions, has acquired Cytora, a University of Cambridge AI spinout that has become the leading digital risk-processing platform for the insurance industry.

Getty Images: Your_photo

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Yes

The Romans have long been credited with bringing industry to Britain involving large-scale lead and iron production. But it has been unclear what happened once the Romans left around 400 AD. It was generally assumed that industrial-scale production declined, as no written evidence for lead exploitation after the 3rd century exists.

To test this assumption, researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Nottingham examined a five-metre-long sediment core from Aldborough in Yorkshire, the Roman tribal town of the Brigantes and an important centre of metal production. Their findings, published in the journal Antiquity, confirm that metal production did not collapse immediately after the Romans left Britain.

Professor Martin Millett, from Cambridge’s Faculty of Classics and Fitzwilliam College, said: “This collaborative work which forms part of a long-term project at Aldborough adds a new dimension to our understanding of the history of this important Roman town in the immediately post-Roman period. It has significant implications for our wider understanding of the end of Roman Britain.”

The study’s findings indicate that metal production in Britain continued long after the end of the Roman period and did not decline until a sudden crash around 550-600 AD.

The researchers found low levels of lead and iron production in the 4th to the early 5th centuries AD, but a large continuous rise in iron – and to a lesser extent, lead smelting through the 5th to mid-6th centuries – with the same ore sources and use of coal as in the Roman period. This undermines the popular belief that post-Roman Britain was a ‘Dark Age’ in which industrial production regressed to pre-Roman levels.

The cause of the sudden crash remains uncertain, but textual evidence from the Mediterranean and modern-day France (from the mid-late 6th century) shows that this period saw multiple waves of bubonic plague, and perhaps smallpox. These findings combined with DNA evidence from Edix Hill cemetery in Cambridgeshire show that bubonic plague was killing people in eastern England from the 540s, and this period marked the point of transformation at Aldborough.

Lead author, Professor Christopher Loveluck from Nottingham’s Department of Classics and Archaeology, says the Aldborough sediment core “has provided the first unbroken continuous record and timeline of metal pollution and metal economic history in Britain, from the 5th century to the present day.”

The cylinder of slowly accumulated silts was extracted from a paleochannel of the River Ure. Previous metal pollution records have been extracted far from their sources – for instance upland peat cores or mountain and polar glaciers – but this data comes from the very epicentre of production.

The researchers analysed the core alongside excavation evidence and knowledge of landscape changes at Aldborough over the last two millennia. The study benefited from the expertise of Charles French, Emeritus Professor of Geoarchaeology at Cambridge, who applies archaeological techniques and micromorphological analytical techniques to the interpretation of buried landscapes.

The study indicates that lead and iron production was very active again before the Vikings arrived and expanded under their control. Textual and archaeological sources already suggest that there was a growing focus on domestic economies rather than international trade by that time. It has been difficult to prove this at a macro-scale, but the new results show a boom in raw metal production between the end of the 8th century and through to the 10th century, revealing regional-level economic growth, which has never been measured beyond single sites before.

The study goes on to show a decline in metal production through the 11th century with renewed large-scale growth in lead and iron production reflected again from the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Results corroborate annual-written sources for increased Yorkshire and wider British lead production from the 1160s–1220, and comparable pollution increases attributed to Britain for these decades recovered previously from Swedish lakes and Alpine ice-core research from Switzerland.

Following a decline in the 14th century, the researchers found evidence of another recovery in production which was cut short by Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries from 1536-38.

“It became uneconomical to make fresh metal because it was ripped off all the monasteries, abbeys and religious houses,” Professor Loveluck explains. “Large-scale production resumed in the later 16th century to resource Elizabeth I’s Spanish and French wars.”

The Aldborough Roman Town Project, directed by Dr Rose Ferraby – an author of the new study – and Professor Martin Millett, from Cambridge’s Faculty of Classics, has carried out nearly 120 hectares of magnetometry inside the town and beyond, to establish a landscape scale view of the sub-surface archaeological remains of the town, its defences, road system and extra-mural areas. It has also used Ground Penetrating Radar more selectively within the town to reveal details and depths of the Roman buildings. Since 2016, a number of excavations have been carried out, re-examining earlier trenches.

Funding

The research was funded by The British Academy and the University of Cambridge.

Reference

C. P. Loveluck, M. J. Millett, S. Chenery, C. Chenery, R. Ferraby, C. French, ‘Aldborough and the metals economy of northern England, c. AD 345–1700: a new post-Roman narrative’. Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10175 

Britain’s industrial economy did not collapse when the Romans left and went on to enjoy a Viking-age industrial boom, a new study finds, undermining a stubborn ‘Dark Ages’ narrative.

It has significant implications for our wider understanding of the end of Roman BritainProfessor Martin MillettD. Powlesland and V. HerringAerial photograph of Aldborough showing the extent of the walled town and the location of the sediment core

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YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

In a study in mice, researchers have identified genes associated with the dramatic transformation of the mammary gland in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and after breastfeeding as it returns to its resting state.

Their results form the most detailed atlas of genetic expression ever produced for the adult developmental cycle of the mammary gland. They are published today in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.

The mammary gland is made up of different cell types, each with a different function - such as fat cells that provide structural support, and basal cells that are crucial for milk ejection.

The team analysed the cellular composition of the mammary gland at ten different time-points from before the first pregnancy, during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, and during a process called involution when the breast tissue is remodelled to its resting state. The mix of cell types changes dramatically through this cycle.

By measuring gene expression in the mammary gland over the same time-points, the researchers were able to link specific genes to their functions at different stages of the developmental cycle.

“Our atlas is the most detailed to date, allowing us to see which genes are expressed in which cell types at each stage of the adult mammary gland cycle,” said Dr Geula Hanin, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Genetics, first author of the report. 

The team found that genes associated with breastfeeding disorders such as insufficient milk supply are active not only in the breast cells that produce milk, but also in other cells such as basal cells - which squeeze out the milk as the infant is suckling. This suggests that in some instances, a mechanical problem - rather than a milk production problem - could be the cause and provides a new cell target for investigation.

The study also found that genes associated with postpartum breast cancer become active immediately after weaning in various cell types - including in fat cells, which have previously been overlooked as contributors to breast cancer linked to childbirth. This offers a future potential target for early detection or prevention strategies.

Hanin said: “We’ve found that genes associated with problems in milk production, often experienced by breastfeeding mothers, are acting in breast cells that weren’t previously considered relevant for milk production. We’ve found genes associated with postpartum breast cancer acting in cells that have been similarly overlooked.

“This work provides many potential new ways of transforming maternal and infant health, by using genetic information to both predict problems with breastfeeding and breast cancer, and to tackle them further down the line.”

Breastfeeding affects lifelong health, for example breast-fed babies are less likely to become obese and diabetic. Yet one in twenty women have breastfeeding difficulties, and despite its importance this is a greatly understudied area of women’s health.

Postpartum breast cancer occurs within five to ten years of giving birth and is linked to hormonal fluctuations, natural tissue remodelling, and the changing environment of the mammary gland during involution that makes it more susceptible to malignancy.

The researchers also focused on ‘imprinted genes’- that is, genes that are switched on or off depending on whether they are inherited from the mother or the father. Imprinted genes in the placenta are known to regulate growth and development of the baby in the womb.

The team identified 25 imprinted genes that are active in the adult mammary gland at precise times during the development cycle. These appear to orchestrate a tightly controlled system for managing milk production and breast tissue changes during motherhood.

Some functions of the genes themselves have been identified in previous studies. This new work provides a detailed understanding of when, and where, the genes become active to cause changes in mammary gland function during its adult development cycle.

“Breastfeeding is a fundamental process that’s common to all mammals; we wouldn’t have survived without it. I hope this work will lead to new ways to support mothers who have issues with breastfeeding, so they have a better chance of succeeding,” said Hanin.

The research was funded primarily by the Medical Research Council.

Hanin co-leads the Cambridge Lactation Network and is a member of Cambridge Reproduction. 

Reference: Hanin, G. et al: ‘Dynamic Allelic Expression in Mouse Mammary Gland Across the Adult Developmental Cycle.’ Nucleic Acids Research, September 2025. DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf804

Learn more about the University's research into Women's Health.

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.

This work provides many potential new ways of transforming maternal and infant health, by using genetic information to both predict problems...and to tackle them further down the line.Geula HaninAlexandr Kolesnikov, GettyMother breastfeeding her baby

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YesLicence type: Attribution

The £42.8 million Generation New Era birth cohort study will create a comprehensive picture of early childhood development in all four nations of the UK.

Funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), this is the first new UK-wide longitudinal birth cohort study in 25 years and comes as the government publishes its Giving every child the best start in life policy paper.

Generation New Era will collect data at two key developmental stages – between 9-11 months and again at 3-4 years – providing crucial insights before children enter formal education. The research will examine physical, mental and social development, and explore how technological, environmental and social changes affect early childhood experiences. The intention is that the initiative will track these children and their families throughout their lives.

Generation New Era will be led jointly by Co-Directors Professor Pasco Fearon of the University of Cambridge and Professors Alissa Goodman and Lisa Calderwood of UCL.

Professor Fearon, Director of the Centre for Child, Adolescent and Family Research at Cambridge, said: “Children’s lives have changed dramatically since the last UK birth cohort study was launched at the turn of the century. In the past decade, unprecedented social, technological, political and economic events have taken place that have changed the landscape for families raising children dramatically.

“New UK-wide data are needed urgently to help us understand how these changes impact children as they grow up, and there will be new opportunities and challenges for families coming down the line, like AI, that a study like this can help us to better understand.”

As a four-nations cohort study, the study team will benefit from the expertise of senior academics based at the universities of Swansea, Ulster, and Edinburgh, who will serve as the study's leads in their countries.

It will invite over 60,000 children and their families from across the UK with the aim of recruiting 30,000 to participate in the project. There will be a particular focus on recruiting fathers as well as mothers and including groups previously underrepresented in population research, giving a voice to as many communities in UK society as possible

This comprehensive approach will ensure the findings are representative of the diverse experiences of families across the country and that comparisons can be made to help all areas of the UK to learn what works best to improve lives and livelihoods.

The findings generated by the study will directly inform policy development across government departments, helping to ensure services and support for families are based on robust evidence.

Professor Alissa Goodman from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies said: “Generation New Era is a landmark scientific endeavour which will improve the lives of children and benefit science and society for many years to come.  

“As the government works to give every child the best start in life, the study can help shape vital policies and services for babies and parents across the UK. Thanks to the commitment of our participants, we can support the health and development of this generation - and help future generations thrive.”

Generation New Era is part of a long tradition of research council-funded UK longitudinal birth cohort studies which have followed the lives of tens of thousands of people over the past eight decades.

ESRC executive chair Stian Westlake said: “I am excited to see what Generation New Era will discover about the lives of children born next year and how they differ across the UK. The evidence this study produces can underpin policy that makes the UK a happier, healthier and fairer place, improving lives and livelihoods. It is an investment in the future that we are proud to make.”

The study will begin inviting families to take part in the study from summer 2026.

Adapted from a press release from the ESRC

Cambridge is to co-lead a new UK-wide scientific study that will follow the lives of 30,000 children born in 2026, helping provide evidence to improve the lives of future generations.

In the past decade, unprecedented social, technological, political and economic events have taken place that have changed the landscape for families raising children dramaticallyPasco FearonSolStock (Getty Images)Friends and their children at the beach

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Yes

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 becomes inflamed and slightly more acidic than the surrounding tissue.

The material, developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, has been designed to respond to this natural change in pH. As acidity increases, the material becomes softer and more jelly-like, triggering the release of drug molecules that can be encapsulated within its structure.

Since the material is designed to respond only within a narrow pH range, the team say that drugs could be released precisely where and when they are needed, potentially reducing side effects.

If used as an artificial cartilage in arthritic joints, this approach could allow for the continuous treatment of arthritis, improving the efficacy of drugs to relieve pain and fight inflammation. Arthritis affects more than 10 million people in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £10.2 billion annually. Worldwide, it is estimated to affect over 600 million people.

While extensive clinical trials are needed before the material can be used in patients, the researchers say their approach could improve outcomes for people with arthritis, and for those with other conditions including cancer. Their results are reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The material developed by the Cambridge team uses specially engineered and reversible crosslinks within a polymer network. The sensitivity of these links to changes in acidity levels gives the material highly responsive mechanical properties.

The material was developed in Professor Oren Scherman’s research group in Cambridge’s Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. The group specialises in designing and building these unique materials for a range of potential applications.

“For a while now, we’ve been interested in using these materials in joints, since their properties can mimic those of cartilage,” said Scherman, who is Professor of Supramolecular and Polymer Chemistry and Director of the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis. “But to combine that with highly targeted drug delivery is a really exciting prospect.”

“These materials can ‘sense’ when something is wrong in the body and respond by delivering treatment right where it’s needed,” said first author Dr Stephen O’Neill. “This could reduce the need for repeated doses of drugs, while improving patient quality of life.”

Unlike many drug delivery systems that require external triggers such as heat or light, this one is powered by the body’s own chemistry. The researchers say this could pave the way for longer-lasting, targeted arthritis treatments that automatically respond to flare-ups, boosting effectiveness while reducing harmful side effects.

In laboratory tests, researchers loaded the material with a fluorescent dye to mimic how a real drug might behave. They found that at acidity levels typical of an arthritic joint, the material released substantially more drug cargo compared with normal, healthy pH levels.

“By tuning the chemistry of these gels, we can make them highly sensitive to the subtle shifts in acidity that occur in inflamed tissue,” said co-author Dr Jade McCune. “That means drugs are released when and where they are needed most.”

The researchers say the approach could be tailored to a range of medical conditions, by fine-tuning the chemistry of the material. “It’s a highly flexible approach, so we could in theory incorporate both fast-acting and slow-acting drugs, and have a single treatment that lasts for days, weeks or even months,” said O’Neill.

The team’s next steps will involve testing the materials in living systems to evaluate their performance and safety in a physiological environment. The team say that if successful, their approach could open the door to a new generation of responsive biomaterials capable of treating chronic diseases with greater precision.

The research was supported by the European Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The research is being commercialised with the support of Cambridge Enterprise, the University’s commercialisation arm. Oren Scherman is a Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge.

 

Reference:
Stephen J.K. O’Neill et al. ‘Kinetic locking of pH-sensitive complexes for mechanically responsive polymer networks.’ Journal of the American Chemical Society (2025). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c09897

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.

Penpak Ngamsathain via Getty ImagesWoman's hand holding a knee

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Yes

When we feel socially isolated, our brain motivates us to seek rewards. Current theory holds that this is a beneficial evolutionary adaptation to help us reconnect with others.

The University of Cambridge-led study found that people in their late teens are very sensitive to the experience of loneliness. After just a few hours without any social interaction, adolescents make significantly more effort to get rewards.  

This increased motivation to seek rewards can help with social reconnection. But when connecting with others is not possible, the behaviour change might be problematic – for example, by making some people more prone to seek out rewards such as alcohol or recreational drugs.

The study found that the effect was stronger in adolescents who reported feeling lonelier while in isolation. When study participants were allowed to interact with others on social media during isolation, they reported feeling less lonely – and their reward-seeking behaviour changed less dramatically as a result.

The report is published today in the journal Communications Psychology.

“Our study demonstrates just how sensitive young people are to very short periods of isolation,” said Dr Livia Tomova, first author of the report, who conducted the study while in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge.

“We found that loneliness significantly increases adolescents’ motivation to seek out rewards – whether that’s more social contact, money, or something else,” added Tomova, who is now based at the University of Cardiff.

Studies suggest that adolescent loneliness has doubled worldwide over the past decade. Social media has been suggested as the culprit, but the researchers say many other changes in society could also be to blame.

“Social media can lead to loneliness in some adolescents, but our study suggests that this relationship is complex,” said Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology, senior author of the report.

She added: “Virtual interaction with others seems to make isolated teens less driven to seek external rewards, compared to when they are isolated without access to social media. That suggests social media might reduce some of the negative effects of isolation – but of course we don’t know what potentially harmful effects it might have at the same time.”

While study participants got less bored and lonely in isolation if they had access to social media, they still experienced the same decrease in positive mood as those without access.

Social interaction is a basic human need, and lack of it leads to loneliness. Until now there has been very limited understanding of how loneliness affects adolescent behaviour, with most scientific experiments carried out in animal models.

HOW WAS THE STUDY DONE?

Researchers recruited young people from the local area in Cambridge, UK, conducting extensive screening to gather a group of 40 adolescents aged 16-19 who had good social connections, no history of mental health problems, and average levels of loneliness for their age group.

Participants were given initial tests to establish their baseline score for each task. Then on two different days, they were asked to spend between three and four hours alone in a room before completing the same computer-based tasks again.

On one of the isolation days participants had no social interaction at all, but on the other they had access to virtual social interactions through their phone or laptop.

The study found that when virtual interactions were available, almost half the participants spent over half their time online – predominantly using Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp to message their friends.

Overall, the study found that participants became more motivated to look at images of positive social interactions, and to play games where they could win money, after being in isolation for around four hours. They were also better at learning how to get these rewards in ‘fruit machine’-type games.

If they could interact virtually with others while in isolation, they reported feeling less lonely. They were also less inclined to make an effort in the tasks than when they didn’t have virtual social interaction during their isolation.

This research was funded by a Henslow Research Fellowship from the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Wellcome, Jacobs Foundation, and Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.

Reference: Tomova, L. et al: ‘Acute isolation is associated with increased reward seeking and reward learning in human adolescents.’ Communications Psychology, September 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s44271-025-00306-6

A study has found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation. This may be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction, but when opportunities for connection are limited could lead them to pursue less healthy rewards like alcohol or drugs.

Our study demonstrates just how sensitive young people are to very short periods of isolationLivia TomovaSDI Productions, GettyTeenage girl sitting on sofa

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YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

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 common type of brain cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 15%.

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, found that cancer cells rely on the flexibility of hyaluronic acid (HA) — a sugar-like polymer that makes up much of the brain’s supporting structure — to latch onto receptors on the surface of cancer cells to trigger their spread throughout the brain.

By locking HA molecules in place so that they lose this flexibility, the researchers were able to ‘reprogramme’ glioblastoma cells so they stopped moving and were unable to invade surrounding tissue. Their results are reported in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

“Fundamentally, hyaluronic acid molecules need to be flexible to bind to cancer cell receptors,” said Professor Melinda Duer from Cambridge’s Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, who led the research. “If you can stop hyaluronic acid being flexible, you can stop cancer cells from spreading. The remarkable thing is that we didn’t have to kill the cells — we simply changed their environment, and they gave up trying to escape and invade neighbouring tissue.”

Glioblastoma, like all brain cancers, is difficult to treat. Even when tumours are surgically removed, cancer cells that have already infiltrated the brain often cause regrowth within months. Current drug treatments struggle to penetrate the tumour mass, and radiotherapy can only delay, not prevent, recurrence of the cancer.

However, the approach developed by the Cambridge team does not target tumour cells directly, but instead attempts to change the tumour’s surrounding environment – the extracellular matrix – to stop its spread.

“Nobody has ever tried to change cancer outcomes by changing the matrix around the tumour,” said Duer. “This is the first example where a matrix-based therapy could be used to reprogramme cancer cells.”

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the team showed that HA molecules twist into shapes that allow them to bind strongly to CD44 — a receptor on cancer cells that drives invasion. When HA was cross-linked and ‘frozen’ into place, those signals were shut down.

The effect was seen even at low concentrations of HA, suggesting the cells were not being physically trapped but instead reprogrammed into a dormant state.

The study may also explain why glioblastoma often returns at the site of surgery. A build-up of fluid, or oedema, at the surgical site dilutes HA, making it more flexible and potentially encouraging cell invasion. By freezing HA in place, it could be possible to prevent recurrence.

“This could be a real opportunity to slow glioblastoma progression,” said Duer. “And because our approach doesn’t require drugs to enter every single cancer cell, it could in principle work for many solid tumours where the surrounding matrix drives invasion.

“Cancer cells behave the way they do in part because of their environment. If you change their environment, you can change the cells.”

The researchers are hoping to conduct further testing in animal models, which could lead to clinical trials in patients.

The research was supported in part by the European Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Melinda Duer is a Fellow of Robinson College, Cambridge.

Melinda Duer will be discussing her research on Saturday, 27 September, as part of the Cambridge Alumni Festival 2025. 

Reference:
Uliana Bashtanova, Agne Kuraite, Rakesh Rajan, Melinda J Duer. ‘Molecular flexibility of hyaluronic acid has a profound effect on invasion of cancer cells.’ Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.251036

Scientists have found a way to stop brain cancer cells spreading by essentially ‘freezing’ a key molecule in the brain.

This could be a real opportunity to slow glioblastoma progressionMelinda DuerKATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty ImagesComputer illustration of a brain tumour

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Yes

The visit brought together fundamental plant science research with crop and Agri-Tech researchers from across the University for a series of research demonstrations and a roundtable discussion. 

Mr Zeichner toured the award-winning facility, meeting researchers in the open-plan office and lab spaces, which foster collaboration and advances in multi-disciplinary research. 

The Minister saw exciting examples of foundational research, which have the potential to transform agriculture and ensure long term sustainability.  

The first demonstration was led by Dr Sebastian Schornack and PhD student Nicolas Hernandez, who are investigating the plant developmental processes. The Minister saw through the microscope how they are using beetroot pigments to enable us to see how fungi is colonising living plant roots. This research allows us to track and measure in real time how chemicals, soil tillage and environmental conditions impact this beneficial plant-microbe relationship.  

Mr Zeichner then visited the Lab’s microscopy room, and met with Dr Madelaine Bartlett and her colleague Terice Kelly. Dr Madelaine Bartlett's team researches the development of maize flowers (among other grass and cereal species) with a particular focus on the genetics behind these specialised flowers and future crop improvement. The team demonstrated how they image a maize flower on the Lab’s desktop scanning electron microscope. 

The Sainsbury Laboratory boasts its own Bee Room, where Dr Edwige Moyroud demonstrated how bumble bees are helping to reveal the characteristics of petal patterns that are most important for attracting pollinators. Dr Moyroud and her team are identifying the genes that plants use to produce patterns that attract pollinators by combining various research techniques, including experiments, modelling, microscopy and bee behaviour. 

Finally, overlooking Cambridge’ Botanic Gardens, academics from the Department of Plant Sciences and the Crop Science Centre presented on research into regenerative agriculture and using AI to measure and prevent crop disease.  

Professor Lynn Dicks presented on the latest findings of the H3 research on regenerative agriculture. Professor Dicks and colleagues, during this ongoing five-year project, have worked collaboratively with farming clusters in the UK to study the impacts of a transition on regenerative agriculture, which has so far has been shown to improve soil health and reduce the use of chemicals. 

Professor Eves-van Den Akker and his team, based at the University’s Crop Science Centre, have combined low-cost 3D printing of custom imaging machines with state-of-the-art deep-learning algorithms to make millions of measurements, of tens of thousands of parasites across hundreds of genotypes. They are now working with companies to translate this fundamental research, with the aim of accelerating their breeding programs for crop resistance to pests and disease. 

The visit concluded with a discussion of the UK’s leading strengths in Agri-Tech and crop science, and how the UK and Cambridge are an attractive place for researchers from around the world to work, and make exciting advances, with global impact. 

The University of Cambridge hosted a visit from local MP, and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner MP, at the Sainsbury Laboratory.

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Yes

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 for those individuals for whom current treatments are ineffective.

Around 1 billion people will be diagnosed with a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety at some point in their life. While there may be many underlying causes, chronic inflammation – when the body’s immune system stays active for a long time, even when there is no infection or injury to fight – has been linked to depression. This suggests that the immune system may play an important role in the development of mood disorders.

Previous studies have highlighted how high levels of an immune cell known as a neutrophil, a type of white blood cell, are linked to the severity of depression. But how neutrophils contribute to symptoms of depression is currently unclear.

In research published today in Nature Communications, a team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and the National Institute of Mental Health, USA, tested a hypothesis that chronic stress can lead to the release of neutrophils from bone marrow in the skull. These cells then collect in the meninges – membranes that cover and protect your brain and spinal cord – and contribute to symptoms of depression.

As it is not possible to test this hypothesis in humans, the team used mice exposed to chronic social stress. In this experiment, an ‘intruder’ mouse is introduced into the home cage of an aggressive resident mouse. The two have brief daily physical interactions and can otherwise see, smell, and hear each other.

The researchers found that prolonged exposure to this stressful environment led to a noticeable increase in levels of neutrophils in the meninges, and that this was linked to signs of depressive behaviour in the mice. Even after the stress ended, the neutrophils lasted longer in the meninges than they did in the blood. Analysis confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis that the meningeal neutrophils – which appeared subtly different from those found in the blood – originated in the skull.

Further analysis suggested that long-term stress triggered a type of immune system ‘alarm warning’ known as type I interferon signalling in the neutrophils. Blocking this pathway – in effect, switching off the alarm – reduced the number of neutrophils in the meninges and improved behaviour in the depressed mice. This pathway has previously been linked to depression – type 1 interferons are used to treat patients with hepatitis C, for example, but a known side effect of the medication is that it can cause severe depression during treatment.

Dr Stacey Kigar from the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge said: “Our work helps explain how chronic stress can lead to lasting changes in the brain’s immune environment, potentially contributing to depression. It also opens the door to possible new treatments that target the immune system rather than just brain chemistry.

“There’s a significant proportion of people for whom antidepressants don’t work, possibly as many as one in three patients. If we can figure out what's happening with the immune system, we may be able to alleviate or reduce depressive symptoms.”

The reason why there are high levels of neutrophils in the meninges is unclear. One explanation could be that they are recruited by microglia, a type of immune cell unique to the brain. Another possible explanation is that chronic stress may cause microhaemorrhages, tiny leaks in brain blood vessels, and that neutrophils – the body’s ‘first responders’ – arrive to fix the damage and prevent any further damage. These neutrophils then become more rigid, possibly getting stuck in brain capillaries and causing further inflammation in the brain.

Dr Mary-Ellen Lynall from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge said: “We’ve long known that something is different about how neutrophils behave after stressful events, or during depression, but we didn’t know what these neutrophils were doing, where they were going, or how they might be affecting the brain and mind. Our findings show that these ‘first responder’ immune cells leave the skull bone marrow and travel to the brain, where they can influence mood and behaviour.

“Most people will have experienced how our immune systems can drive short-lived depression-like symptoms. When we are sick, for example with a cold or flu, we often lack energy and appetite, sleep more and withdraw from social contact. If the immune system is always in a heightened, pro-inflammatory state, it shouldn’t be too surprising if we experience longer-term problems with our mood.”

The findings could provide a useful signature, or ‘biomarker’, to help identify those patients whose mood disorders are related to inflammation. This could help in the search for better treatments. For example, a clinical trial of a potential new drug that targets inflammation of the brain in depression might appear to fail if trialled on a general cohort of people with depression, whereas using the biomarker to identify individuals whose depression is linked to inflammation could increase the likelihood of the trial succeeding.

The findings may also help explain why depression is a symptom common in other neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, as it may be the case that neutrophils are being released in response to the damage to the brain seen in these conditions. But it may also explain why depression is itself a risk factor for dementia in later life, if neutrophils can themselves trigger damage to brain cells.

The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.

Reference
Kigar, SL et al. Chronic social defeat stress induces meningeal neutrophilia via type I interferon signaling in male mice. Nat Comms; 1 Sept 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62840-5

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.

There’s a significant proportion of people for whom antidepressants don’t work. If we can figure out what's happening with the immune system, we may be able to alleviate or reduce depressive symptomsStacey KigarGift Habeshaw (Unsplash)Silhouette photography of man

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YesLicence type: Public Domain

While previous research shows outrage and division drive engagement on social media, a new study of digital behaviour during the 2024 US election finds that this effect flips during a major crisis – when “ingroup solidarity” becomes the engine of online virality.

Psychologists say the findings show positive emotions such as unity can cut through the hostility on social media, but it takes a shock to the system that threatens a community.  

In a little over a week during the summer of 2024, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally (July 13) and Joe Biden’s suspension of his re-election campaign (21 July) completely reshaped the presidential race.

The University of Cambridge’s Social Decision-Making Lab collected over 62,000 public posts from the Facebook accounts of hundreds of US politicians, commentators and media outlets before and after these events to see how they affected online behaviour.*

“We wanted to understand the kinds of content that went viral among Republicans and Democrats during this period of high tension for both groups,” said Malia Marks, PhD candidate in Cambridge’s Department of Psychology and lead author of the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Negative emotions such as anger and outrage along with hostility towards opposing political groups are usually rocket fuel for social media engagement. You might expect this to go into hyperdrive during times of crisis and external threat.”

“However, we found the opposite. It appears that political crises evoke not so much outgroup hate but rather ingroup love,” said Marks.

Just after the Trump assassination attempt, Republican-aligned posts signalling unity and shared identity received 53% more engagement than those that did not – an increase of 17 percentage points compared to just before the shooting.

These included posts such as evangelist Franklin Graham thanking God that Donald Trump is alive, and Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham posting: “Bleeding and unbowed, Trump faces relentless attacks yet stands strong for America. This is why his followers remain passionately loyal.”

At the same time, engagement levels for Republican posts attacking the Democrats saw a decrease of 23 percentage points from just a few days earlier.

After Biden suspended his re-election campaign, Democrat-aligned posts expressing solidarity received 91% more engagement than those that did not – a major increase of 71 percentage points over the period shortly before his withdrawal.

Posts included former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich calling Biden “one of our most pro-worker presidents”, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi posting that Biden’s “legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.”

Biden’s withdrawal saw the continuation of a gradual rise in engagement for Democrat posts attacking Republicans – although over the 25 July days covered by the analysis almost a quarter of all conservative posts displayed “outgroup hostility” compared to just 5% of liberal posts.

Research led by the same Cambridge Lab, published in 2021, showed how social media posts criticizing or mocking those on the rival side of an ideological divide typically receive twice as many shares as posts that champion one’s own side.

“Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are increasingly seen as creating toxic information environments that intensify social and political divisions, and there is plenty of research now to support this,” said Yara Kyrychenko, study co-author and PhD candidate in Cambridge’s Social Decision-Making Lab.

“Yet we see that social media can produce a rally-round-the-flag effect at moments of crisis, when the emotional and psychological preference for one’s own group takes over as the dominant driver of online behaviour.”

Last year, the Cambridge team (led by Kyrychenko) published a study of 1.6 million Ukrainian social media posts in the months before and after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February of 2022.

Following the invasion they found a similar spike for “ingroup solidarity” posts, which got 92% more engagement on Facebook and 68% more on Twitter, while posts hostile to Russia received little extra engagement. 

Researchers argue that the findings from the latest study are even more surprising, given the gravity of the threat to Ukraine and the nature of its population.

“We didn’t know whether moments of political rather than existential crisis would trigger solidarity in a country as deeply polarised as the United States. But even here, group unity surged when leadership was threatened,” said Dr Jon Roozenbeek, Lecturer in Psychology at Cambridge University and senior author of the study.

“In times of crisis, ingroup love may matter more to us than outgroup hate on social media.”

* The study used 62,118 public posts from 484 Facebook accounts run by US politicians and partisan commentators or media sources from 5-29 July 2024.

Research reveals how political crises cause a shift in the force behind viral online content ‘from outgroup hate to ingroup love’.

It appears that political crises evoke not so much outgroup hate but rather ingroup loveMalia Marksconceptphoto.info via FlickrThe Trump assassination attempt on the front page of German newspaper Bild.

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YesLicence type: Attribution

The findings, published today in Nature Neuroscience, have implications for the treatment of ‘phantom limb’ pain, but also suggest that controlling robotic replacement limbs via neural interfaces may be more straightforward than previously thought.

Studies have previously shown that within an area of the brain known as the somatosensory cortex there exists a map of the body, with different regions corresponding to different body parts. These maps are responsible for processing sensory information, such as touch, temperate and pain, as well as body position. For example, if you touch something hot with your hand, this will activate a particular region of the brain; if you stub your toe, a different region activates.

For decades now, the commonly-accepted view among neuroscientists has been that following amputation of a limb, neighbouring regions rearrange and essentially take over the area previously assigned to the now missing limb. This has relied on evidence from studies carried out after amputation, without comparing activity in the brain maps beforehand.

But this has presented a conundrum. Most amputees report phantom sensations, a feeling that the limb is still in place – this can also lead to sensations such as itching or pain in the missing limb. Also, brain imaging studies where amputees have been asked to ‘move’ their missing fingers have shown brain patterns resembling those of able-bodied individuals.

To investigate this contradiction, a team led by Professor Tamar Makin from the University of Cambridge and Dr Hunter Schone from the University of Pittsburgh followed three individuals due to undergo amputation of one of their hands. This is the first time a study has looked at the hand and face maps of individuals both before and after amputation. Most of the work was carried out while Professor Makin and Dr Schone were at UCL.

Prior to amputation, all three individuals were able to move all five digits of their hands. While lying in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner – which measures activity in the brain – the participants were asked to move their individual fingers and to purse their lips. The researchers used the brain scans to construct maps of the hand and lips for each individual. In these maps, the lips sit near to the hand.

The participants repeated the activity three months and again six months after amputation, this time asked to purse their lips and to imagine moving individual fingers. One participant was scanned again 18 months after amputation and a second participant five years after amputation.

The researchers examined the signals from the pre-amputation finger maps and compared them against the maps post-amputation. Analysis of the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images revealed a remarkable consistency: even with their hand now missing, the corresponding brain region activated in an almost identical manner.

Professor Makin, from the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Science Unit at the University of Cambridge, the study’s senior author, said: “Because of our previous work, we suspected that the brain maps would be largely unchanged, but the extent to which the map of the missing limb remained intact was jaw-dropping.

“Bearing in mind that the somatosensory cortex is responsible for interpreting what’s going on within the body, it seems astonishing that it doesn’t seem to know that the hand is no longer there.”

As previous studies had suggested that the body map reorganises such that neighbouring regions take over, the researchers looked at the region corresponding to the lips to see if it had moved or spread. They found that it remained unchanged and had not taken over the region representing the missing hand.

The study’s first author, Dr Schone from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, said: “We didn’t see any signs of the reorganisation that is supposed to happen according to the classical way of thinking. The brain maps remained static and unchanged.”

To complement their findings, the researchers compared their case studies to 26 participants who had had upper limbs amputated, on average 23.5 years beforehand. These individuals showed similar brain representations of the hand and lips to those in their three case studies, suggesting long-term evidence for the stability of hand and lip representations despite amputation.

illustration1.jpg Brain activity maps for the hand (shown in red) and lips (blue) before and after amputation

The researchers offer an explanation for the previous misunderstanding of what happens within the brain following amputation. They say that the boundaries within the brain maps are not clear cut – while the brain does have a map of the body, each part of the map doesn’t support one body part exclusively. So while inputs from the middle finger may largely activate one region, they also show some activity in the region representing the forefinger, for example. Previous studies that argue for massive reorganisation determined the layout of the maps by applying a ‘winner takes all’ strategy – stimulating the remaining body parts and noting which area of the brain shows most activity; because the missing limb is no longer there to be stimulated, activity from neighbouring limbs has been misinterpreted as taking over.

The findings have implications for the treatment of phantom limb pain, a phenomenon that can plague amputees. Current approaches focus on trying to restore representation of the limb in the brain’s map, but randomised controlled trials to test this approach have shown limited success – today’s study suggests this is because these approaches are focused on the wrong problem.

Dr Schone said: “The remaining parts of the nerves — still inside the residual limb — are no longer connected to their end-targets. They are dramatically cut off from the sensory receptors that have delivered them consistent signals. Without an end-target, the nerves can continue to grow to form a thickening of the nerve tissue and send noisy signals back to the brain.

“The most promising therapies involve rethinking how the amputation surgery is actually performed, for instance grafting the nerves into a new muscle or skin, so they have a new home to attach to.”

Of the three participants, one had substantial limb pain prior to amputation but received a complex procedure to graft the nerves to new muscle or skin; she no longer experiences pain. The other two participants, however, received the standard treatment and continue to experience phantom limb pain.

The University of Pittsburgh is one of a number of institutions that is researching whether movement and sensation can be restored to paralysed limbs or whether amputated limbs might be replaced by artificial, robotic limbs controlled by a brain interface. Today’s study suggests that because the brain maps are preserved, it should – in theory – be possible to restore movement to a paralysed limb or for the brain to control a prosthetic.

Dr Chris Baker from the Laboratory of Brain & Cognition, National Institutes of Mental Health, said: “If the brain rewired itself after amputation, these technologies would fail. If the area that had been responsible for controlling your hand was now responsible for your face, these implants just wouldn’t work. Our findings provide a real opportunity to develop these technologies now.”

Dr Schone added: “Now that we’ve shown these maps are stable, brain-computer interface technologies can operate under the assumption that the body map remains consistent over time. This allows us to move into the next frontier: accessing finer details of the hand map — like distinguishing the tip of the finger from the base — and restoring the rich, qualitative aspects of sensation, such as texture, shape, and temperature. This study is a powerful reminder that even after limb loss, the brain holds onto the body, waiting for us to reconnect.”

The research was supported by Wellcome, the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health and Medical Research Council.

Reference

Schone, HR et al. Stable Cortical Body Maps Before and After Arm Amputation. Nature Neuroscience; 21 Aug 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02037-7

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.

We suspected that the brain maps would be largely unchanged, but the extent to which the map of the missing limb remained intact was jaw-droppingTamar MakinTamar Makin / Hunter SchoneEmily Wheldon, tested before and after her arm amputation surgery

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Yes

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.

Currently, the 1.5 million patients who need heart valve replacements each year face trade-offs. Mechanical heart valves are durable but require lifelong blood thinners due to a high risk of blood clots, whereas biological valves, made from animal tissue, typically last between eight to 10 years before needing replacement.

The artificial heart valve developed by the researchers is made from SEBS (styrene-block-ethylene/butyleneblock-styrene) – a type of plastic that has excellent durability but does not require blood thinners – and potentially offers the best of both worlds. However, further testing is required before it can be tested in humans.

In their study, published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the researchers tested a prototype SEBS heart valve in a preclinical sheep model that mimicked how these valves might perform in humans.

The animals were monitored over six months to examine potential long-term safety issues associated with the plastic material. At the end of the study, the researchers found no evidence of harmful calcification (mineral buildup) or material deterioration, blood clotting or signs of cell toxicity. Animal health, wellbeing, blood tests and weight were all stable and normal, and the prototype valve functioned well throughout the testing period, with no need for blood thinners.

“More than 35 million patients’ heart valves are permanently damaged by rheumatic fever, and with an ageing population, this figure is predicted to increase four to five times by 2050,” said Professor Raimondo Ascione from the University of Bristol, the study’s clinical lead. “Our findings could mark the beginning of a new era for artificial heart valves: one that may offer safer, more durable and more patient-friendly options for patients of all ages, with fewer compromises.”

“We are pleased that the new plastic material has been shown to be safe after six months of testing in vivo,” said Professor Geoff Moggridge from Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, biomaterial lead on the project. “Confirming the safety of the material has been an essential and reassuring step for us, and a green light to progress the new heart valve replacement toward bedside testing.”

The results suggest that artificial heart valves made from SEBS are both durable and do not require the lifelong use of blood thinners.

While the research is still early-stage, the findings help clear a path to future human testing. The next step will be to develop a clinical-grade version of the SEBS polymer heart valve and test it in a larger preclinical trial before seeking approval for a pilot human clinical trial.

The study was funded by a British Heart Foundation (BHF) grant and supported by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme Product Development Awards (PDA) award. Geoff Moggridge is a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. 

Reference:
Raimondo Ascione et al. ‘Material safety of styrene-block-ethylene/butylene-block-styrene copolymers used for cardiac valves: 6-month in-vivo results from a juvenile sheep model’. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezaf266/ejcts-2025-100426

Adapted from a University of Bristol media release. 

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.

Professor Raimondo Ascione, University of BristolSEBS polymer artificial heart valve prototype

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Yes

Created by King's E-Lab, in partnership with Founders at the University of Cambridge, SPARK will act as an entrepreneurial launchpad. This programme will offer hands-on support, world-class mentorship and practical training to enable world-changing ventures covering challenges such as disease prevention and treatment, fertility support and climate resilience. The combined networks of successful entrepreneurs, investor alumni and venture-building expertise brought by King’s E-Lab and Founders at the University of Cambridge will address a critical gap to drive innovation.

More than 180 applications were received for SPARK 1.0, reflecting strong demand for early incubation support. Of the selected companies, focused on AI, machine learning, biotechnology and impact, 42% of the companies are at idea stage, 40% have an early-stage product, and 17% have early users. Around half of the selected companies are led by women.

• Ashgold Africa - An edtech business building solar projects to provide sustainable energy in rural Kenya.
• Aizen Software - Credit referencing fintech working on financial inclusion.
• Atera Analytics - Optimising resources around the EV energy infrastructure ecosystem.
• Cambridge Mobilytics - Harnessing data from UK EV charging stations to aid decision-making in the e-mobility sector.  
• Dielectrix - Building next-gen semiconductor dielectric materials for electronics using 2D materials.
• Dulce Cerebrum - Building AI models to detect psychosis from blood tests.
• GreenHarvest - Data-driven agritech firm using satellite and climate data to predict changing crop yield migration.
• Heartly - Offering affordable, personalised guidance on preventing cardiovascular disease.
• Human Experience Dynamics - Combining patient experiences and physiological measures to create holistic insight in psychiatric trials.
• iFlame - Agentic AI system to help build creative product action plans.
• IntolerSense - Uncovering undiscovered food intolerances using an AI-powered app.
• Med Arcade - AI-powered co-pilot to help GPs interact with patient data.
• MENRVA - AI-powered matchmaking engine for the art world, connecting galleries, buyers and art businesses.
• Myta Bio - leverages biomimetic science to create superior industrial chemicals from natural ingredients.
• Neela Biotech - Creating carbon-negative jet fuel.
• Egg Advisor - Digital platform offering expert advice to women seeking to freeze their eggs.
• Polytecks - Wearable tech firm building e-textiles capable of detecting valvular heart diseases.
• RetroAnalytica - Using AI to decarbonise buildings by predicting energy inefficiencies.
• SafeTide - Using ‘supramolecular’ technology to keep delicate medicines stable at room temperature for longer periods.
• The Surpluss - Climate tech company identifying unused resources in businesses and redistributing them.
• Yacson Therapeutics - Using ML to find plant-based therapeutics to help combat inflammatory bowel disease.
• Zenithon AI - Using AI and ML to help advance the development of nuclear fusion energy.

The intensive incubator will run for four weeks from the end of August. Each participant will receive specialised support from Founders at the University of Cambridge and King’s E-Lab mentors and entrepreneurs-in-residence to turn their concepts into companies that can attract both investment and ultimately grow into startups capable of driving economic growth.

Following the program, the founders will emerge with:

A validated business model and a clear pathway to product development

Access to expert mentorship and masterclasses with global entrepreneurs and investors

The opportunity to pitch for £20,000 investment and chance to pitch for further investment from established Angel Investors at Demo Day

A chance to join a thriving community of innovators and change-makers

Kamiar Mohaddes, co-founder and Director of King’s Entrepreneurship Lab, said: “Cambridge has been responsible for many world-changing discoveries, but entrepreneurship isn't the first thought of most people studying here. Driving economic growth requires inspiring the next generation to think boldly about how their ideas can shape industries and society. We want SPARK to be a catalyst, showing students the reality of founding a company. We look forward to seeing this cohort turn their ambitions into ventures that contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

Gerard Grech, Managing Director at Founders at the University of Cambridge, said: “Cambridge is aiming to double its tech and science output in the next decade – matching what it achieved in the past 20 years. That ambition starts at the grassroots. The energy from the students, postgraduates and alumni is clear, and with tech contributing £159 billion to the UK economy and 3 million jobs, building transformative businesses is one of the most powerful ways to make an impact. This SPARK 1.0 cohort is beginning that journey, and we’re pleased to partner with King’s Entrepreneurship Lab to support them.”

Gillian Tett, Provost of King’s College, said: “Cambridge colleges have more talent in AI, life sciences and technology, including quantum computing, than ever. Through SPARK, we can support even more students, researchers and alumni to turn their ambition into an investable idea and make the leap from the lab to the marketplace. This isn’t just a game-changer for King’s, but for every college in Cambridge whose students join this programme and journey with us to make an impact from Cambridge, on the world.”

Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, said: “The SPARK 1.0 cohort highlights the breadth and depth of innovation within collegiate Cambridge. SPARK, and the partnership between King’s College and Founders at the University of Cambridge, is a testament to our shared commitment to nurture and empower Cambridge innovators who will tackle global challenges and contribute to economic growth.”

The programme is free for students graduating in Summer 2025, postgraduates, post-docs, researchers, and alumni who have graduated within the last two years. This is made possible through the University of Cambridge, as well as a generous personal donation from Malcolm McKenzie, King’s alumnus and Chair of the E-Lab’s Senior Advisory Board.

King’s Entrepeneurship Lab (King’s E-Lab) and Founders at the University of Cambridge have revealed the 24 startups that will join King’s College’s first-ever incubator programme designed to turn research-backed ideas from University of Cambridge students and alumni into investable companies.

We look forward to seeing this cohort turn their ambitions into ventures that contribute meaningfully to the economyKamiar MohaddesA mosaic of black and white head images of all those taking part in the SPARK 1.0 incubator

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Yes

The scanner, funded through a £5.5m investment from the UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC), will form part of the National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP), the UK’s first-of-its-kind national total-body PET imaging platform for drug discovery and clinical research.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful technology for imaging living tissues and organs down to the molecular level in humans. It can be used to investigate how diseases arise and progress and to detect and diagnose diseases at an early stage.

Total-body PET scanners are more sensitive than existing technology and so can provide new insights into anatomy that have never been seen before, improving detection, diagnosis and treatment of complex, multi-organ diseases.

Current PET technology is less sensitive and requires the patient to be repositioned multiple times to achieve a full-body field of view. Total-body PET scans can achieve this in one session and are quicker, exposing patients to considerably lower doses of radiation. This means more patients, including children, can participate in clinical research and trials to improve our understanding of diseases.

ANGLIA network of universities and NHS trusts

Supplied by Siemens Healthineers, the scanner will also be the focus of the ANGLIA network, comprising three universities, each paired with one or more local NHS trusts: the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; UCL and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and the University of Sheffield with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The network, supported by UKRI, is partnered with biotech company Altos Labs and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, both with R&D headquarters in Cambridge, and Alliance Medical, a leading provider of diagnostic imaging.

Franklin Aigbirhio, Professor of Molecular Imaging Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, will lead the ANGLIA network. He said: “This is an exciting new technology that will transform our ability to answer important questions about how diseases arise and to search for and develop new treatments that will ultimately benefit not just our patients, but those across the UK and beyond.

“But this is more than just a research tool. It will also help us diagnose and treat diseases at an even earlier stage, particularly in children, for whom repeated investigations using standard PET scanners was not an option.”

The scanner will be located in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, ensuring that the discoveries and breakthroughs it enables can be turned rapidly into benefits to patients. It will expand NHS access to PET services, particularly in underserved areas across the East of England, and support more inclusive trial participation.

Patrick Maxwell, Regius Professor of Physic and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge, said: “The ANGLIA network, centred on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and with collaborations across the wider University and its partners, will drive innovations in many areas of this key imaging technology, such as new radiopharmaceuticals and application of AI to data analysis, that will bring benefits to patients far beyond its immediate reach. Its expertise will help build the next generation of PET scientists, as well as enabling partners in industry to use PET to speed up the development of new drugs.”

Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Addenbrooke’s Hospital, said: “I am pleased that our patients will be some of the first to benefit from this groundbreaking technology. Harnessing the latest technologies and enabling more people to benefit from the latest research is a vital part of our work at CUH and is crucial to the future of the NHS.

“By locating this scanner at Addenbrooke’s we are ensuring that it can be uniquely used to deliver wide ranging scientific advances across academia and industry, as well as improving the lives of patients.”

It is anticipated that the scanner will be installed by autumn 2026.

Enhancing training and research capacity

The co-location of the total-body PET scanner with existing facilities and integration with systems at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s Hospital will also enhance training and research capacity, particularly for early-career researchers and underrepresented groups.

The ANGLIA network will provide opportunities to support and train more by people from Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds to participate in PET chemistry and imaging. The University of Cambridge will support a dedicated fellowship scheme, capacity and capability training in key areas, and strengthen the network partnership with joint projects and exchange visits.

Professor Aigbirhio, who is also co-chair of the UKRI MRC’s Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group, added: “Traditionally, scientists from Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in the field of medical imaging. We aim to use our network to change this, providing fellowship opportunities and training targeted at members of these communities.”

The National PET Imaging Platform

Funded by UKRI’s Infrastructure Fund, and delivered by a partnership between Medicines Discovery Catapult, MRC and Innovate UK, NPIP provides a critical clinical infrastructure of scanners, creating a nationwide network for data sharing, discovery and innovation. It allows clinicians, industry and researchers to collaborate on an international scale to accelerate patient diagnosis, treatment and clinical trials. The MRC funding for the Cambridge scanner will support the existing UKRI Infrastructure Fund investment for NPIP and enables the University to establish a total-body PET facility.

Dr Ceri Williams, Executive Director of Challenge-Led Themes at MRC said: “MRC is delighted to augment the funding for NPIP to provide an additional scanner for Cambridge in line with the original recommendations of the funding panel. This additional machine will broaden the geographic reach of the platform, providing better access for patients from East Anglia and the Midlands, and enable research to drive innovation in imaging, detection, and diagnosis, alongside supporting partnership with industry to drive improvements and efficiency for the NHS.”

Dr Juliana Maynard, Director of Operations and Engagement for the National PET Imaging Platform, said: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Cambridge as the latest partner of NPIP, expanding our game-changing national imaging infrastructure to benefit even more researchers, clinicians, industry partners and, importantly, patients.

“Once operational, the scanner will contribute to NPIP’s connected network of data, which will improve diagnosis and aid researchers’ understanding of diseases, unlocking more opportunities for drug discovery and development. By fostering collaboration on this scale, NPIP helps accelerate disease diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients."

A new total-body PET scanner to be hosted in Cambridge – one of only a handful in the country – will transform our ability to diagnose and treat a range of conditions in patients and to carry out cutting-edge research and drug development.

This is an exciting new technology that will transform our ability to answer important questions about how diseases arise and to search for and develop new treatmentsFranklin AigbirhioSiemens HealthineersSiemens Healthineers Biograph Vision Quadra Total-Body PET Scanner

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Yes

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 extracellular matrix in Volvox carteri, a type of green algae that is often used to study how multicellular organisms evolved from single-celled ancestors.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a scaffold-like material that surrounds cells, providing physical support, influencing shape, and playing an important role in development and signalling. Found in animals, plants, fungi and algae, it also played a vital part in the transition from unicellular to multicellular life.

Because the ECM exists outside the cells that produce it, scientists believe it forms through self-assembly: a process still not fully understood, even in the simplest organisms.

To investigate, researchers at the University of Bielefeld genetically engineered a strain of Volvox in which a key ECM protein called pherophorin II was made fluorescent so the matrix’s structure could be clearly seen under a microscope.

What they saw was an intricate foam-like network of rounded compartments that wrapped around each of Volvox’s roughly 2,000 somatic, or non-reproductive, cells.

Working with mathematicians at the University of Cambridge, the team used machine learning to quantify the geometry of these compartments. The data revealed a stochastic, or randomly influenced, growth pattern that shares similarities with the way foams expand when hydrated.

These shapes followed a statistical pattern that also appears in materials like grains and emulsions, and in biological tissues. The findings suggest that while individual cells produce ECM proteins at uneven rates, the overall organism maintains a regular, spherical form.

That coexistence – between noisy behaviour at the level of single cells and precise geometry at the level of the whole organism – raises new questions about how multicellular life manages to build reliable forms from unreliable parts.

“Our results provide quantitative information relating to a fundamental question in developmental biology: how do cells make structures external to themselves in a robust and accurate manner,” said Professor Raymond E. Goldstein from Cambridge’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, who co-led the research. “It also shows the exciting results we can achieve when biologists, physicists and mathematicians work together on understanding the mysteries of life.”

“By tracking a single structural protein, we gained insight into the principles behind the self-organisation of the extracellular matrix,” said Professor Armin Hallmann from the University of Bielefeld, who co-led the research. “Its geometry gives us a meaningful readout of how the organism develops as it grows.”

The research was carried out by postdoctoral researchers Dr Benjamin von der Heyde and Dr Eva Laura von der Heyde and Hallmann in Bielefeld, working with Cambridge PhD student Anand Srinivasan, postdoctoral researcher Dr Sumit Kumar Birwa, Senior Research Associate Dr Steph Höhn and Goldstein, the Alan Turing Professor of Complex Physical Systems in Cambridge’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

The project was supported in part by Wellcome and the John Templeton Foundation. Raymond Goldstein is a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge.

 

Reference:
B. von der Heyde, A. Srinivasan et al. ‘Spatiotemporal distribution of the glycoprotein pherophorin II reveals stochastic geometry of the growing ECM of Volvox carteri,’ Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2425759122

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.

von der Hyde et al. Volvox. The isolated magenta circles are individual somatic cells, surrounded by green compartments, while the larger magenta circles are daughter spheroids

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Yes

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 of blood pressure measurement mean that as many as 30% of cases of high blood pressure could be missed.

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, built an experimental model that explained the physics behind these inaccuracies and provided a better understanding of the mechanics of cuff-based blood pressure readings.

The researchers say that some straightforward changes, which don’t necessarily involve replacing standard cuff-based measurement, could lead to more accurate blood pressure readings and better results for patients. Their results are reported in the journal PNAS Nexus.

Anyone who has ever had their blood pressure taken will be familiar with the cuff-based method. This type of measurement, also known as the auscultatory method, relies on inflating a cuff around the upper arm to the point where it cuts off blood flow to the lower arm, and then a clinician listens for tapping sounds in the arm through a stethoscope while the cuff is slowly deflated.

Blood pressure is inferred from readings taken from a pressure gauge attached to the deflating cuff. Blood pressure is given as two separate numbers: a maximum (systolic) and a minimum (diastolic) pressure. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered ‘ideal’.

“The auscultatory method is the gold standard, but it overestimates diastolic pressure, while systolic pressure is underestimated,” said co-author Kate Bassil from Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. “We have a good understanding of why diastolic pressure is overestimated, but why systolic pressure is underestimated has been a bit of a mystery.”

“Pretty much every clinician knows blood pressure readings are sometimes wrong, but no one could explain why they are being underestimated — there’s a real gap in understanding,” said co-author Professor Anurag Agarwal, also from Cambridge’s Department of Engineering.

Previous non-clinical studies into measurement inaccuracy used rubber tubes that did not fully replicate how arteries collapse under cuff pressure, which masked the underestimation effect.

The researchers built a simplified physical model to isolate and study the effects of downstream blood pressure — the blood pressure in the part of the arm below the cuff. When the cuff is inflated and blood flow to the lower arm is cut off, it creates a very low downstream pressure. By reproducing this condition in their experimental rig, they determined this pressure difference causes the artery to stay closed for longer while the cuff deflates, delaying the reopening and leading to an underestimation of blood pressure.

This physical mechanism — the delayed reopening due to low downstream pressure — is the likely cause of underestimation, a previously unidentified factor. “We are currently not adjusting for this error when diagnosing or prescribing treatments, which has been estimated to lead to as many as 30% of cases of systolic hypertension being missed,” said Bassil.

Instead of the rubber tubes used in earlier physical models of arteries, the Cambridge researchers used tubes that lay flat when deflated and fully close when the cuff pressure is inflated, the key condition for reproducing the low downstream pressure observed in the body.

The researchers say that there are a range of potential solutions to this underestimation, which include raising the arm in advance of measurement, potentially producing a predictable downstream pressure and therefore predictable underestimation. This change doesn’t require new devices, just a modified protocol.

“You might not even need new devices, just changing how the measurement is done could make it more accurate,” said Agarwal.

However, if new devices for monitoring blood pressure are developed, they might ask for additional inputs which correlate with downstream pressure, to adjust what the ‘ideal’ readings might be for each individual. These may include age, BMI, or tissue characteristics.

The researchers hope to secure funding for clinical trials to test their findings in patients, and are looking for industrial or research partners to help refine their calibration models and validate the effect in diverse populations. Collaboration with clinicians will also be essential to implement changes to clinical practice.

The research was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Anurag Agarwal is a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. 

Reference:
Kate Bassil and Anurag Agarwal. ‘Underestimation of systolic pressure in cuff-based blood pressure measurement.’ PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf222.

 

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.

MoMo Productions via Getty ImagesNurse checking a patient's blood pressure

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Yes

With over 70 drop-in and bookable events, Open Cambridge encourages people to discover more about their local history and communities. Taking place over 10 days, here is a preview of some of the events taking place. 

Experience two iconic Cambridge sites this September by booking on to guided tours of the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRAO) and the University of Cambridge’s Senate House. At MRAO, discover more about mysterious dishes which are dotted over the Cambridgeshire countryside. You’ll get up close to the One-Mile Telescope, 5-km Ryle Telescope, and the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager as well as see inside some of the control rooms and learn about the unique history of the site and some of the important discoveries made here. In the tours of Senate House, led by the University’s Ceremonial Officer, find out what goes on in this Grade 1 listed building during graduations as well as some of the incredible history the building as played host to.  

Learn about the experiences of over 2000 Cambridgeshire soldiers who were sent last minute by Churchill to the failed defence of Singapore in WWII in a special talk by Lewis Herbert, former Leader of Cambridge City Council. On the 80th anniversary of the release from Japanese Army slavery of our Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOWs) in September 1945, this talk will pay tribute to them and their families, particularly over 800 locally who never made in home - over 4 in every 10. 

This year marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen and to celebrate King’s College Library and Archives are hosting an exhibition showcasing first and early editions of the author’s much-loved novels, alongside the autograph manuscript of her unfinished novel Sanditon and treasures highlighting the Austen family’s connection with the College. This one-day event is a rare opportunity to look inside the College’s beautiful early nineteenth-century library designed by the architect William Wilkins. 

Back in May, The Sainsbury Laboratory here in Cambridge were part of a team winning a silver-gilt medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For Open Cambridge, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the lab, see some of the award-winning display and have a go at some of the interactive activities the team took to Chelsea. 

Try your hand at the world’s fastest growing sport, Padel, in a free 55-minute taster session at the Cambridge University Sports Centre. A fun, sociable mix of tennis and squash, each session is led by a qualified coach and great for beginners, so you’ll learn the rules, try out some shots, and experience what makes padel so popular. 

Cambridge Samaritans will be joining Open Cambridge for the first time this year. For over 60 years, they have been there—day or night—for anyone struggling to cope or in distress, offering a safe space to talk without judgement or pressure. Join a special online event to find out more about the work the charity is doing on the helplines and in the local community and discover Samaritans’ unique approach to supporting those in emotional distress and our work in reducing the number of suicides. 

Also, in the programme for the first time, are two tours of the Biomedical Campus. The first, delivered by Sociologists and residents David Skinner and Will Brown, considers the past, present, and future of the Campus from the perspective of the people who live around it. 

The second tour will explore landmark institutions like Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth Hospitals, the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and AstraZeneca’s global HQ as well as give visitors the opportunity to learn about the upcoming Cancer and Children’s Hospitals, world-first surgeries, and the collaborative spirit that drives breakthroughs from bench to bedside. 

Zoe Smith, Open Cambridge Manager, said: “Each year we’re blessed with such an incredible and unique programme of events. From garden and walking tours, to learning more about some of the amazing work our local community organisations undertake, this year’s programme opening doors to the residents of Cambridge”. 

Jo McPhee, Civic Engagement Manager at the University of Cambridge said: “Open Cambridge is a great way for our University and local communities to come together and celebrate our shared history and incredible stories behind our spaces, places and people. This year’s programme is full of exciting events that bring those stories to life, showcasing the the depth and diversity of our collective heritage.” 

The full Open Cambridge programme can be viewed here: https://www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk/events. Open Cambridge is part of the national Heritage Open Days. It is designed to offer special access to places that are normally closed to the public or charge admission. The initiative provides an annual opportunity for people to discover the local history and heritage of their community. It is run by the Public Engagement team at the University of Cambridge who also deliver the Cambridge Festival, which takes place each Spring. 

Bookings are now open for Open Cambridge 2025 (12-21 September). This September the public can enjoy tours of College gardens, exhibitions from hidden archives, tours of University sites not usually open to the public as well as open sites across the city, all free of charge.

A group of people walk up to a radio telescope

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Yes

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) affects around 2,500 people in the United Kingdom.  It causes rapidly progressive loss of vision in both eyes. Within weeks of onset, an affected individual reaches the legal threshold to be considered as severely sight impaired (blind).

The condition tends to affect young men, with a peak age of onset between the ages of 15 and 35 years old, but women can also be affected and the loss of vision can occur at any age.  The prognosis is poor, with only around one in 10 affected individuals experiencing some spontaneous visual improvement, which is invariably partial.

LHON is caused by the loss of retinal ganglion cells, specialised nerve cells in the innermost layer of the retina. The projections, or ‘axons’, from these cells converge to form the optic nerve, the cable that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Once these retinal ganglion cells are lost, the damage becomes irreversible. LHON is primarily caused by genetic defects within the mitochondrial genome, which is transmitted down the maternal line. 

In 2011, the journal Brain published the results of a landmark randomised placebo-controlled trial of the drug idebenone to treat LHON. The RHODOS trial was led by Patrick Chinnery, at the time a researcher at Newcastle University and now Professor of Neurology at the University of Cambridge. It found some potential benefit in a subgroup of patients. However, treatment with idebenone was only given for six months, and it was not clear whether there was any benefit in treating individuals who had been affected for more than one year.

“At the time, we had only anecdotal evidence that idebenone would work for patients with LHON,” said Professor Chinnery. “Our clinical trial was the first strong evidence that it could help stabilise vision in some patients. It was an important step towards providing a new treatment.”

One of Professor Chinnery’s collaborators on the RHODOS trial was Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Cambridge, who led the follow-up LEROS trial. This assessed the efficacy and safety of idebenone treatment in patients with LHON up to five years after symptom onset and over a treatment period of 24 months. This second trial found that the drug can help stabilise vision in some patients and, in certain cases, may even lead to improvement when treatment is provided within five years of vision being affected.

These studies provided crucial evidence to support the use of idebenone to treat LHON patients. The drug was licenced for limited use by patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and it has now been approved by NICE for use in patients aged 12 years and over in England.

Professor Yu-Wai-Man said: “LHON causes devastating visual loss and it is a life-changing diagnosis for the affected individual and their family. England is now in line with the rest of the United Kingdom with idebenone now available through the NHS. This will come as a great relief to the LHON community in this country bringing hope to those who have experienced significant visual loss from this mitochondrial genetic disorder.”

The development has been welcomed by charities that have been arguing for idebenone to be made available across the UK. A LHON Society spokesperson said: “This is a critical step towards full access to idebenone for patients, that may alleviate some of the impacts of LHON.”

Katie Waller, Head of Patient Programmes at The Lily Foundation, a charity that supports patients affected by mitochondrial diseases, said: “This is a huge win for the mito community and we’re proud to have been a key stakeholder throughout the process. While it isn’t a cure, this treatment offers real potential for patients to preserve or improve vision, giving the chance to regain independence, confidence and a better quality of life.”

Idebenone will not work for everyone, and responses vary from person to person. LHON patients are encouraged to speak with the healthcare professional responsible for their care to understand whether idebenone is the right treatment for them.

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.

This will bring hope to those who have experienced significant visual loss from this mitochondrial genetic disorderPatrick Yu-Wai-ManPeopleImages (Getty)Man undergoing an eye examination

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Yes

Visible only from the Southern hemisphere, the system is made up of the binary Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, both Sun-like stars, and the faint red dwarf star Proxima Centauri. Alpha Centauri A is the third brightest star in the night sky.

While there are three confirmed planets orbiting Proxima Centauri, the presence of other worlds surrounding Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B has proved difficult to confirm, because the stars are so bright, close, and move across the sky quickly.

Now, observations from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) are providing the strongest evidence to date of a gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A. The results, from an international team including researchers from the University of Cambridge, have been accepted for publication in two papers in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

If confirmed, the planet would be the closest to Earth that orbits in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. However, because the planet candidate is a gas giant, scientists say it would not support life as we know it.

Several rounds of observations by Webb, analysis by the research team, and computer modelling helped determine that the source seen in Webb’s image is likely to be a planet, and not a background object (like a galaxy), a foreground object (a passing asteroid), or another image artefact.

“Webb was designed and optimised to find the most distant galaxies in the universe. The team had to come up with a custom observing sequence just for this target, and their extra effort paid off spectacularly,” said Charles Beichman, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at Caltech, co-first author on the new papers.

The first observations of the system took place in August 2024. While extra brightness from the nearby companion star Alpha Centauri B complicated the analysis, the team was able to subtract out the light from both stars to reveal an object over 10,000 times fainter than Alpha Centauri A, separated from the star by about two times the distance between the Sun and Earth.

While the initial detection was exciting, the research team needed more data to come to a firm conclusion. However, additional observations of the system in February 2025 and April 2025 did not reveal any objects like the one identified in August 2024.

“We were faced with the case of a disappearing planet! To investigate this mystery, we used computer models to simulate millions of potential orbits, incorporating the knowledge gained when we saw the planet, as well as when we did not,” said co-first author Aniket Sanghi of the California Institute of Technology.

In these simulations, the team took into account both the 2019 sighting of a potential exoplanet candidate by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, the new data from Webb, and considered orbits that would be gravitationally stable in the presence of Alpha Centauri B, meaning the planet wouldn’t get flung out of the system.

The researchers say a non-detection in the second and third round of observations with Webb wasn’t surprising.

“We found that in half of the possible orbits simulated, the planet moved too close to the star and wouldn’t have been visible to Webb in both February and April 2025,” said Sanghi.

In addition to these simulations, the Cambridge members of the research team analysed the Webb data to search for any signs of a type of cosmic dust, known as exozodiacal dust, around Alpha Centauri A. This cloud of dust, produced by objects such as comets and asteroids breaking apart, forms a faint, glowing disc around a star.

“Exozodiacal dust helps us learn about the architecture and evolution of planetary systems,” said co-author Professor Mark Wyatt from Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy. “But it’s also important when searching for rocky planets, since dust in the habitable zone of a star can obscure or mimic planetary signals.”

No dust was detected in these observations, however, the team showed they were sensitive to dust levels an order of magnitude lower than any previous measurement, which could be valuable for future planet searches around this star.

“This observation shows how deeply Webb can probe the dust environment of the nearest Sun-like stars,” said co-author Dr Max Sommer, also from Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy. “We can now explore exozodiacal dust at levels not much higher than those in our own Solar System, tapping into a whole new way of looking at other star systems.”

Based on the brightness of the planet in the mid-infrared observations and the orbit simulations, the researchers say it could be a gas giant approximately the mass of Saturn orbiting Alpha Centauri A in an elliptical path varying between one to two times the distance between Sun and Earth.

If confirmed, the potential planet seen in the Webb image of Alpha Centauri A would mark a new milestone for exoplanet imaging efforts. Of all the directly imaged exoplanets, this would be the closest to its star seen so far. It’s also the most similar in temperature and age to the giant planets in our solar system, and the nearest to Earth.

“Its very existence in a system of two closely separated stars would challenge our understanding of how planets form, survive, and evolve in chaotic environments,” said Sanghi.

The James Webb Space Telescope is an international programme led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).

Reference:
Charles Beichman, Aniket Sanghi et al. ‘Worlds Next Door: A Candidate Giant Planet Imaged in the Habitable Zone of α Cen A. I. Observations, Orbital and Physical Properties, and Exozodi Upper Limits’. The Astrophysical Journal Letters (in press). arXiv:2508.03812v1

Aniket Sanghi, Charles Beichman et al. ‘Worlds Next Door: A Candidate Giant Planet Imaged in the Habitable Zone of  α Cen A. II. Binary Star Modeling, Planet and Exozodi Search, and Sensitivity Analysis’. The Astrophysical Journal Letters (in press). arXiv:2508.03812

Adapted from a NASA press release.

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have found strong evidence of a giant planet orbiting a star in the stellar system closest to our own Sun. At just four light-years away from Earth, the Alpha Centauri triple star system has long been a target in the search for worlds beyond our solar system.

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Robert L. Hurt (Caltech/IPAC)Artist's impression of a gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A.

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Yes

In a study published in the journal Physical Review E, researchers have found that these insects begin their loud daily serenades when the sun is precisely 3.8 degrees below the horizon: a consistent marker of early morning light known as civil twilight.

The research, carried out by scientists from India, the UK and Israel, analysed several weeks of field recordings taken at two locations near Bangalore in India. Using tools from physics typically applied to the study of phase transitions in materials, the team uncovered a regularity in how cicadas respond to subtle changes in light.

“We’ve long known that animals respond to sunrise and seasonal light changes,” said co-author Professor Raymond Goldstein, from Cambridge’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. “But this is the first time we’ve been able to quantify how precisely cicadas tune in to a very specific light intensity — and it’s astonishing.”

The crescendo of cicada song — familiar to anyone who has woken up early on a spring or summer morning — takes only about 60 seconds to build, the researchers found. Each day, the midpoint of that build-up occurs at nearly the same solar angle, regardless of the exact time of sunrise.

In practical terms, that means cicadas begin singing when the light on the ground has reached a specific threshold, varying by just 25% during that brief transition.

To explain this level of precision, the team developed a mathematical model inspired by magnetic materials, in which individual units, or spins, align with an external field and with each other. Similarly, their model proposes that cicadas make decisions based both on ambient light and the sounds of nearby insects, like individuals in an audience who start clapping when others do.

“This kind of collective decision-making shows how local interactions between individuals can produce surprisingly coordinated group behaviour,” said co-author Professor Nir Gov from the Weizmann Institute, who is currently on sabbatical in Cambridge.

The field recordings were made by Bangalore-based engineer Rakesh Khanna, who carries out cicada research as a passion project. Khanna collaborated with Goldstein and Dr Adriana Pesci at Cambridge’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

“Rakesh’s observations have paved the way to a quantitative understanding of this fascinating type of collective behaviour,” said Goldstein. “There’s still much to learn, but this study offers key insights into how groups make decisions based on shared environmental cues.”

The study was partly supported by the Complex Systems Fund at the University of Cambridge. Raymond Goldstein is the Alan Turing Professor of Complex Physical Systems and a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge.

Reference:
Khanna, R.A., Goldstein, R.E., Pesci, A.I., & Gov, N.S. ‘Photometric Decision-Making During the Dawn Choruses of Cicadas.’ Physical Review E (2025). DOI: 10.1103/4y4d-p32q

Cicadas coordinate their early morning choruses with remarkable precision, timing their singing to a specific level of light during the pre-dawn hours.

UA-Visions via Getty ImagesAnnual cicada

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Yes