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Scientists at the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge have for the first time shown that it is possible to derive from a human embryo so-called ‘naïve’ pluripotent stem cells – one of the most flexible types of stem cell, which can develop into all human tissue other than the placenta.

̽»¨Ö±²¥process of ageing begins even before we are born, according to an international team of researchers led by the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge. In a study using rats to model pregnancy and fetal development, the researchers also found that providing mothers with antioxidants during pregnancy meant that their offspring aged more slowly in adulthood.

̽»¨Ö±²¥discovery of a brain circuit ‘shortcut’ could explain why some addicts unintentionally relapse, and suggests that a shift in focus for therapies might help those who want to stay off drugs.

There are many challenges facing people with spinal cord injury – and walking again is often the least of their problems. Cambridge research could help patients take control of their lives once more.

Timothy Weil (Department of Zoology) and Silvia Muñoz-Descalzo ( ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Bath) discuss the project that aims to make the fruit fly a model organism for research in Africa.

Researchers have shown that graphene can be used to make electrodes that can be implanted in the brain, which could potentially be used to restore sensory functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. 

Individuals addicted to cocaine may have difficulty in controlling their addiction because of a previously-unknown ‘back door’ into the brain, circumventing their self-control, suggests a new study led by the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge.

Cambridge researchers have found the strongest evidence to date that human pluripotent stem cells – cells that can give rise to all tissues of the body – will develop normally once transplanted into an embryo. ̽»¨Ö±²¥findings, published today in the journal Cell Stem Cell, could have important implications for regenerative medicine.

̽»¨Ö±²¥Cambridge Animal Alphabet series celebrates Cambridge's connections with animals through literature, art, science and society. Here, Z is for Zebrafish as we talk to eminent immunologist Professor Lalita Ramakrishnan about her research into new ways of treating tuberculosis.

̽»¨Ö±²¥fatter we are, the more our body appears to produce a protein that inhibits our ability to burn fat, suggests new research published in the journal Nature Communications. ̽»¨Ö±²¥findings may have implications for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases.