100,000 Genomes Project reaches sequencing goal
The 100,000 Genomes Project has reached its goal of sequencing 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients. Established with the support of the MRC, the project began in 2012 with the goal of harnessing whole genome sequencing technology to uncover new diagnoses and improved treatments for patients with rare inherited diseases and cancer.
Funding boost for initiative mapping entire human body
The MRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is investing £6.7 million to support the UK’s contribution to mapping every cell type in the human body, through the global Human Cell Atlas initiative.
Decades of discovery set to revolutionise healthcare
It can be argued that the development of any successful innovation that transforms healthcare would not be possible without the knowledge derived from decades of discovery science preceding it.
MRC scientist wins 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The MRC and the Cambridge Network community are delighted to congratulate Professor Sir Gregory Winter, a former Deputy Director of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, on being awarded a share of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the phage display of peptides and antibodies.
Discovery could explain failed clinical trials for Alzheimer’s and provide a solution
MRC-funded scientists have discovered a vicious feedback loop underlying brain degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, which may explain why so many drug trials have failed.
New drugs could reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes when added to statins
New drugs that lower levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in blood could further reduce the risk of heart attack when added to statins. These new drugs, which are in various stages of development, could also reduce blood glucose levels and the risk of diabetes, according to a new genetic study from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge.
Study of one million people leads to major advance in blood pressure genetics
Over 500 new gene regions that influence people’s blood pressure have been discovered in the largest global genetic study of blood pressure to date.
Cutting-edge microscope revealed at opening of new £5m structural biology centre
The Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) opened an innovative new structural biology centre yesterday (Tuesday), home to a cutting-edge JEOL CryoARM 300, the first cryo-electron microscope of this model in the United Kingdom, which will be used to image biological molecules at near atomic level.
2018 Max Perutz Science Writing Award shortlist announced
Ten outstanding articles have been shortlisted for this year’s Max Perutz Science Writing Award, the MRC’s annual writing competition.
£8 million investment in new mental health research networks
Eight new networks designed to broaden mental health research have been announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) today.
Liver tissue implants made from stem cells show promising support of liver function
Stem cells transformed into 3D human liver tissue by scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh show promising support of liver function when implanted into mice with a liver disease.
Chemical shows promise at killing glioblastoma cells in mouse studies
Scientists have identified a synthetic chemical, named KHS101, which causes the death of aggressive brain tumour cells from patients in laboratory tests.
Brain scan checklist set to boost care for stroke survivors
People who suffer a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain could be helped by four simple checks of their brain scans, research suggests. The checks could help spot people at risk of further bleeding so they can be monitored more closely.
Workshop explores neurosciences and brain tumour research
A one-day workshop “Neurosciences and Brain Tumour Research: Joining Forces for Greater Impact” has been organised by the MRC and the Brain Tumour Research charity, to bring together the neurosciences and brain tumour research communities and discuss challenges, build partnerships and learn about funding opportunities.
Study identifies potential therapy for a common cause of dementia
Early-stage research has uncovered a potential approach to treat one of the commonest causes of dementia and stroke in older people.
Funding boost for volunteer infection studies to help combat infectious diseases
Nine research teams are each receiving around £100,000 of seed-funding to help set up new volunteer infection studies. These awards aim to improve understanding of these diseases in order to find better ways to prevent or treat them.
£12 million in grants to tackle superbugs in a global context
Multimillion pound grants have been awarded to four UK universities to conduct interdisciplinary research into the biological, social, cultural and economic drivers behind the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
Combining different malaria vaccines could reduce cases by 91 percent
Using two experimental anti-malarial vaccines, which work in different ways, can greatly reduce the number of malaria infections in animal studies, according to a research team that includes MRC scientists.
Gene therapy restores paw function in rats with spinal cord injury
MRC-funded researchers at King’s College London have shown that rats with spinal cord injuries can re-learn skilled hand movements after being treated with a gene therapy.
Kidney cancers caught stealing genes from other cell types in order to spread
A study has identified how kidney cancers may develop the ability to spread around the body by hijacking genes from other cell types and ‘stealing’ their functions.
How aspirin may block bowel tumour formation
Researchers have shed light on how taking aspirin can help to prevent bowel cancer. They found that the painkiller blocks a key process linked to tumour formation.
Zinc finger proteins discovered by MRC-funded research used in first gene-editing trial
MRC-funded research from Sir Aaron Klug’s lab at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology underpins a historic gene editing trial run by a US biotechnology company. Scientists are attempting to edit a gene inside a body for the first time, to permanently change a person’s DNA to cure a disease.
Health data: first UK snapshot review of research activity and key investments
Mapping the Landscape of UK Health Data Research and Innovation is a new landmark report published today by the Medical Research Council. The report highlights the complex and flourishing area of health data research in the UK, detailing key activities and major investments made by UK public funders, government, charities and universities from across the country.
UK Biobank data reveals new Alzheimer’s risk gene
An international research team funded by the MRC, and led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Queensland, has identified three new genes linked to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Resistance to antifungal drugs could lead to disease and global food shortages
Growing levels of resistance to antifungal treatments could lead to increased disease outbreaks and affect food security around the world, according to new research funded by the MRC.