̽»¨Ö±²¥

Research advances at the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge mean that the eternal quest to reverse the march of time may soon become a reality.

Understanding their weirdness could help prevent and better treat human illnesses like arthritis and cancer.

Women who do not need pain relief during childbirth may be carriers of a key genetic variant that acts a natural epidural, say scientists at the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge. In a study published today in the journal Cell Reports, the researchers explain how the variant limits the ability of nerve cells to send pain signals to the brain.

Naked mole-rats can live for an incredibly long time and have an exceptional resistance to cancerÌýthanks to unique conditions in their bodies that stop cancer cells multiplying, according to new research.

Ìý

A team at the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge has shown how, in osteoarthritis patients, the viscous lubricant that ordinarily allows our joints to move smoothly triggers a pain response from nerve cells similar to that caused by chilli peppers.

̽»¨Ö±²¥pain we experience as humans has physical and emotional components. Could we develop a machine that feels pain a similar way – and would we want to? ̽»¨Ö±²¥first of four Cambridge Shorts looks at the possibilities and challenges.

TheÌýCambridge Animal Alphabet seriesÌýcelebrates Cambridge's connections with animals through literature, art, science and society. Here, N is for NakedÌýMole-Rats, whichÌýwon't win any beauty contests, but can live for 30 years and may be able toÌýhelp in the development of new therapies for chronic pain.