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A new mechanism that affects how our immune cells perform – and hence their ability to prevent disease – has been discovered by an international team of researchers led by Cambridge scientists.

Cambridge researchers have identified – and shown that it may be possible to control – the mechanism that leads to the rapid build-up of the disease-causing ‘plaques’ that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

A chemical found in our breath could provide a flag to warn of dangerously-low blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes, according to new research from the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge. ̽»¨Ö±²¥finding, published in the journal Diabetes Care, could explain why some dogs can be trained to spot the warning signs in patients.

An approach that could reduce the chances of drugs failing during the later stages of clinical trials has been demonstrated by a collaboration between the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge and pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Researchers have built a nano-engine that could form the basis for future applications in nano-robotics, including robots small enough to enter living cells.

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.

An approved anti-cancer drug successfully targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction that leads to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that treatments may be found to lower the risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition.

Tumours kill off surrounding cells to make room to grow, according to new research from the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge. Although the study was carried out using fruit flies, its findings suggest that drugs to prevent, rather than encourage, cell death might be effective at fighting cancer – contrary to how many of the current chemotherapy drugs work.

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. 

Three global pharmaceutical companies and the technology transfer offices of three world-leading universities – Imperial College London, ̽»¨Ö±²¥ College London and the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge – have joined forces with a combined £40 million to create the Apollo Therapeutics Fund.