Scientists developing diagnostic test which aims to detect antibiotic resistance in less than 45 minutes
Scientists are developing a low cost, rapid diagnostic sensor test which aims to show the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics within 45 minutes.
Promising therapy for common form of eczema identified in early-stage trial
A therapy that targets the immune system showed promise for treating atopic dermatitis – the most common form of eczema – in a small proof-of-concept trial, led by scientists from the MRC Human Immunology Unit at the University of Oxford.
Winner announced for Max Perutz Science Writing Award 2019
MRC-funded PhD student Akira Wiberg, of the University of Oxford, scooped the main prize of this year's Max Perutz Science Writing Award. At the awards ceremony this week, Akira received the first prize of £1,500 for his article: "Getting on your nerves."
Cell therapy safe to use in liver patients, clinical trial suggests
Liver disease patients could one day benefit from a new cell therapy that has just completed its first clinical safety trial, led by researchers at the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
£35 million boost to adolescent mental health research
A major mental health research programme, led by the MRC, has been announced today, to explore what makes teenagers more or less likely to develop mental health problems and how we might intervene early.
MRC’s first decade of translational research funding leads to £1.1bn private-sector investment and new therapies for patients
A new report has found that MRC funding schemes for translational research have boosted the UK’s life sciences industry since they were introduced in 2008. Over £530 million of new translational research funding since 2008 has led to MRC-linked spin-outs securing £1.1 billion in private sector investment and delivering health benefits, such as new gene therapies and medical devices.
World-leading Genomics project to give insights into health and diseases
In a major advance for public health and the UK’s global leadership in genomics, a £200m public-private collaboration will support the complete sequencing of the genetic code of all 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank health research resource.
MRC UK Brain Banks Network enhances human tissue database
The UK Brain Banks Network (UKBBN), an initiative led by UKRI’s Medical Research Council, has enhanced its human brain tissue database, a web-based interface that enables researchers to access details of tissue samples from across the network. The database now includes searchable genomic data which allows tissue samples to be selected on the basis of genetic risk, as well as clinical and…
Genetic regions associated with left-handedness identified and linked with brain architecture
A new study has for the first time identified regions of the genome associated with left-handedness in the general population and linked their effects with brain architecture. The study, led by researchers funded by the MRC and Wellcome, linked these genetic differences with the connections between areas of the brain related to language.
New chair for the MRC Neurosciences and Mental Health Board
On 1 September, leading neurologist Professor Paul Matthews will start his tenure as the new Chair of the Neurosciences and Mental Health Board.
2019 Max Perutz Science Writing Award shortlist announced
Twelve outstanding articles have been shortlisted for this year’s Max Perutz Science Writing Award, the MRC’s annual writing competition.
Taking science from the bench to policy change
The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme gives doctoral students the opportunity to work for three months in one of a selected group of highly influential policy organisations. With applications now open for 2020, PhD student Jonida Tafilaku from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology talks about her time spent at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).
Superbug MRSA susceptible to existing antibiotics
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a serious problem, forcing doctors to turn to antibiotics other than penicillin or penicillin derivatives, or to different drug cocktails, which are often less effective in treating hospital and community based infections.
Lego-powered biomedical research
Scientists join forces to create a new generation of simple but effective scientific devices – using a popular children’s building material.
Pilot scheme launched to help MRC fellows secure leadership positions
The Medical Research Council (MRC) has launched a new pilot funding scheme, aiming to support researchers through difficult transition periods in their careers.
Cancer therapies given boost by immune discovery
New therapies have been discovered to help the body shrink cancer tumours.
MRC Festival of Medical Research programme launched
The annual MRC Festival of Medical Research takes place from 13–23 June 2019
£25 million funding awarded to leading disease prevention projects
In its first ever funding round, the UK Prevention Research Partnership (UKPRP) is investing £25 million into understanding and influencing the social, economic and environmental factors that affect our health.
MRC researchers join Fellowship of Academy of Medical Sciences
MRC-supported scientists are among the 50 distinguished medical researchers elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
MRC to run competition process for Digital Innovation Hubs
The MRC is to run a competition process on behalf of Health Data Research UK, to create Digital Innovation Hubs: centres of excellence dedicated to pioneering the use of health data for research and innovation.
Calling all MRC-funded PhD students
The MRC’s 2019 Max Perutz Science Writing Award is now open.
Researchers discover how eating feeds into the body clock
New research has found it is not just what you eat, but when you eat that is important, knowledge which could improve the health of shift workers and people suffering from jet lag.
Discovery of genetic variants could lead to new weight loss medicines
Around four million people in the UK carry genetic variants that protect them from obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to a new paper co-authored by MRC researchers. The team say the discovery could lead to the development of new drugs that help people lose weight.
New approach to tackle Ebola and other deadly infections
Medical Research Council scientists have isolated therapeutic antibodies from healthy volunteers exposed to the Ebola vaccine but not Ebola virus itself, suggesting that protective therapies could be developed from people who are disease-free.
Report reveals legacy of public health research centres
By building capacity and capability in public health research, a report shows how the legacy of a UK-wide network of centres of excellence has helped fuel future public health and prevention research.