The team introduced a new type of thermal switch utilising high thermal conductivity graphite films. When a voltage is applied, ions insert between graphite layers. These ions disrupt phonon motion, cutting thermal conductivity by up to 1,300%. Removing the voltage expels the ions and restores the original heat-carrying capacity. This powerful modulation allows the device to actively turn heat conduction "on" and "off" at will, mirroring the functionality of electronic transistors, but for heat instead of electricity.

 “What makes our device truly transformative is its ability to operate reliably in extreme environments such as space,” said Dr Pietro Steiner, lead author and current technology lead for graphene-based thermal technologies at , a spinout from the University of Manchester. "The solid-state nature and absence of mechanical parts make it particularly attractive for aerospace applications, where reliability, weight, and efficiency are critical."

Beyond basic switching, the team demonstrated that their device could actively steer heat flow in desired directions. By configuring voltages across patterned electrodes, they created anisotropic thermal conduction pathways, opening possibilities for programmable thermal management systems.

Lead author added, "This thermal switching technology could revolutionise spacecraft thermal regulation, offering dynamic and reconfigurable solutions to manage excess heat without complex moving mechanisms or bulky radiators."

Spacecraft often rely on radiators or mechanical valves to dump excess heat. These systems add weight and risk mechanical failure under vibration. A thin, solid-state switch removes those constraints. It can operate in ultra-high vacuum and tolerate radiation levels found in orbit.

Next, the group will test switching speed under high thermal load. They plan to integrate the switch with prototype electronics. Faster ion motion and alternative intercalants could boost performance further. By directly linking electrical signals to heat transport, this work lays the groundwork for programmable thermal management in aerospace, electronics cooling and adaptive insulation.

This research was published in the journal .

Full title: Electrically controlled heat transport in graphite films via reversible ionic liquid intercalation

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw8588

The is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at ����ֱ��, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field – a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by £13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

Silver has long been used to combat bacteria, particularly in wound care, due to its ability to release ions that disrupt bacterial cells. However, current approaches have limitations; silver can be released too rapidly or unevenly, potentially harming surrounding healthy tissue and resulting in short-lived or inconsistent antibacterial protection.

The Manchester team tackled these issues by designing a graphene oxide-based membrane that can release silver ions slowly and precisely over time. The key lies in the structure of the membrane itself, its nanoscale channels act like filters, regulating how much silver is released.

"Our research represents a paradigm shift in antimicrobial coating technology," states lead author . "By harnessing the potential of graphene oxide membranes, we've unlocked a method for controlled silver ion release, paving the way for sustained antimicrobial efficacy in various applications.”

The team also created a testing model that better reflects real biological conditions. By using foetal bovine serum in lab trials, they could simulate the environment the coating would encounter in the body, offering a clearer view of how it performs over time.

“This approach allows us to deliver just the right amount of silver for extended protection,” first author Dr Swathi Suran adds. “It has potential in many areas, including wound care dressings and antimicrobial coatings for implants, and could bring long-term benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.”

As the team looks ahead, they're focused on exploring how this coating could be integrated into a range of everyday and medical products, making bacterial resistance less of a hidden threat and more of a manageable challenge.

This research was published in the journal .

Full title: Tunable Release of Ions from Graphene Oxide Laminates for Sustained Antibacterial Activity in a Biomimetic Environment

DOI:

The National Graphene Institute (NGI) is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at ����ֱ��, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field – a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by £13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

The PDER was coordinated by the Policy Profession Unit, prepared for publication in the Department for Work and Pensions, and launched by the Cabinet Office with support from the University of the Arts London. 

The report represents a true cross-sector effort to rethink how government can better serve the public. Professor Richardson’s involvement highlights how academic research can directly shape public services, and help to build more responsive, trusted and inclusive government.

The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

For many decades , the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

We conducted to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of , the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

“Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

One Togolese trader summed up the attraction: “Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?”

Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – .

Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

China displaces the Dutch

Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

, Reader, Global Development Institute, and , Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Approximately one in 50 people will develop wounds that fail to heal with the issue a particular problem for older people and in diabetes. 

Chronic wounds are more likely to become infected and can even result in a need for amputation making tackling them a really important issue. 

The paper published in the , reveals that the enzyme-  called arginase 1 -  can  promote wound repair in the  skin, through modulation of  a protein called Lipocalin2. 

A major factor in non-healing wounds is a failure of the damaged outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to repair and regrow. This can be worsened by uncontrolled inflammation and infection. 

The authors show that on wounding Arginase 1 enhanced production of Lipocalin2, an anti-microbial agent, which was required to combat infection and help the skin cells reform the skin barrier. 

Arginase 1 also reduced levels of inflammatory products made by the damaged skin cells showing its potential for tackling the inflammation typically associated with chronic wounds.

 The researchers also showed that the function of arginase, could be restored to help skin regrow by adding products that arginase 1 can make which include metabolites called polyamines. 

The paper follows on from previous by the team, published in February, which showed how important this enzyme Arginase 1 was for healthy skin and eczema. 

A healthy skin barrier involves a balance between cells multiplying (‘proliferating’) and changing their function (‘differentiating’). A key feature of eczema is a disruption of this balance. Arginase is required for skin barrier regulation where it functions to promote cell differentiation, a process essential to maintain a protective healthy skin barrier. A process that is disrupted in eczema.

 Arginase 1 has been shown to have an important role in tissue repair but how it promotes skin health was until now, unknown. 

Lead author Sheena Cruickshank, Professor of immunology at ����ֱ�� ‘s Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, said: “These two studies highlight the mechanism by which arginase 1 promotes barrier function and ensures good wound healing. 

“It’s importance is highlighted by the abnormal levels of Arginase seen in wounds that don’t heal well and eczema 

“That is why we think that targeting arginase 1 has potential to be used in the treatment of eczema and non-healing skin ulcers. Data in the two papers suggest it might also protect the skin from infection.” 

She added: “Non-healing skin wounds, or ulcers, are incredibly common and serious skin conditions that are more common as we age. 

“They can have a devastating effect on the lives of patients, causing chronic pain, problems with mobility and can lead to increased morbidity. 

“Similarly, eczema can significantly impact quality of life, leading to intense itching, pain, and sleep disruption. It can also increase the risk of skin infections. 

“We clearly have a long way to go before these skin conditions can be cured, but knowing the crucial role of arginase 1 in the healing process and that we can rescue function in model systems is an important milestone.” 

Jason Wong, Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine  from ����ֱ�� said: “The burden of chronic wounds seems to be on the increase and any new insights to how we can treat the problem will save limbs.” 

The PhD studentship for coauthor Denis Szondi was funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore and ����ֱ��. 

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded a PhD studentship for co-author Rachel Crompton. 

Banked tissue collection was funded by Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). (Prof Wong is part of the Dermatology Theme at the NIHR Manchester BRC.

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 193, Issue 1, July 2025, Pages 125–135, 

The publication includes detailed chapters on iconic buildings such as Whitworth Hall, the John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank’s Lovell telescope, as well as little known aspects of campus history including lost rivers, nuclear reactors, Toblerone-shaped halls of residences and unrealised plans for an underground station.

The book particularly highlights the architectural significance of Owens College, and how its Gothic Revival buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse established a distinct identity in Victorian Manchester. These early structures set a tone of civic ambition and intellectual seriousness that still echoes through the campus today.

A dedicated section also explores the post-war expansion of science and engineering facilities at the University, driven by Cold War priorities and rising student numbers. It examines the rapid, often pragmatic construction of labs and lecture theatres, many of which defined the university’s mid-20th-century landscape.

“This book offers the public a chance to see behind the scenes - to understand why buildings were built the way they were, and how the campus continues to evolve to meet the needs of students, researchers and the wider city,” added Dr Hopkins.

The publication was made possible through the generous support of both internal and external partners. Within the University, from the School of Environment, Education and Development and the University of Manchester Library. Additional support was provided by companies that have worked closely on building projects across the campus over the years, including Avison Young, Arcadis, Balfour Beatty, BDP, CBRE, Halliday Meecham Architects, Recom Solutions, Rider Levett Bucknall, and Sheppard Robson.

Building Towards the Bicentenary is available to view for free .

Professor Devinney joins other Manchester-based Fellows including Professors James Nazroo, Melanie Giles and Penny Harvey, who have all been elected to the British Academy in recent years reflecting the University’s enduring commitment to cutting-edge scholarship and societal impact.

President of the British Academy Professor Susan J. Smith said: “One of my first acts as incoming President is to welcome this year’s newly elected Fellows, who represent the very best of the humanities and social sciences. They bring years of experience, evidence-based arguments and innovative thinking to the profound challenges of our age.”

“Every new Fellow enlarges our capacity to interpret the past, understand the present, and shape resilient, sustainable futures. It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all.”

The team uncovered a rare type of wave, known as a shear phonon polariton, in a two-dimensional form of the material. Phonon polaritons are light-matter hybrid waves that emerge when light interacts with atomic vibrations in certain crystals. They can travel through materials in unusual ways and concentrate light into extremely small volumes.

In this study, the researchers found that in  thin films of gypsum, these waves undergo a topological transition, shifting from hyperbolic to elliptical behaviour, passing through a unique canalized state.

This transition allows scientists to tune how light propagates through the material.

“The studies of shear phonon polaritons in previous studies were limited to bulk crystals in the hyperbolic regime. In our study we aimed to complement those initial findings with shear polaritons in a 2-dimentional material,” said Dr Pablo Díaz Núñez, who co-led the study. “And remarkably, we discovered that shear phonon polaritons in gypsum support a topological transition from hyperbolic to elliptical propagation, with canalization in between.”

Dr Díaz Núñez added, “Moreover, we were able to confine light to a space twenty-five times smaller than its wavelength and slow it down to just a fraction of its speed in vacuum, this opens up new possibilities for manipulating light at the nanoscale.”

The research also highlights the role of crystal symmetry. Gypsum belongs to a class of materials with low symmetry, specifically to the monoclinic crystal system, which gives rise to asymmetric light propagation and energy loss, the central characteristic of shear polaritons.

These findings extend beyond fundamental research of phonon polariton propagation and could support future developments in areas that rely on precise control of light, such as thermal management, sensing, and imaging beyond the limits of conventional optics. Moreover, the study introduces gypsum as a new platform for exploring advanced photonic concepts in emerging areas like non-Hermitian photonics.

This research was published in the journal .

Full title: Visualization of topological shear polaritons in gypsum thin films

DOI:

The National Graphene Institute (NGI) is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at ����ֱ��, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field – a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by £13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of ����ֱ�� also commented: “Lord Alliance was a close friend to the University and a remarkable figure whose contributions extended far beyond it. His belief in the transformative power of education created opportunities for generations of students, while his leadership and philanthropy shaped the Alliance Manchester Business School and the wider Manchester region. His story will remain a source of inspiration for years to come, and his legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the institutions he helped to build.”

The study, led by ETH Zurich and supported by ����ֱ��, sheds new light on how fast-moving mixtures of water, soil and rocks – known as debris flows – develop into a series of surges, destroying everything in their path. 

Using highly sensitive 3D laser scanners, the scientists collected measurements during a major debris flow in the Illgraben valley in Switzerland on 5 June 2022. Analysis enabled the scientists to pinpoint how small surface disturbances evolve down the channel into powerful large amplitude waves that concentrate the flow’s destructive power.

The findings, published in the journal , are among the most detailed measurements of a real-life debris flow ever recorded.

Debris flows are a recurring natural hazard in steep terrain throughout the world, and are triggered by heavy rainfall, and increasingly, glacial runoff and permafrost melt. Recent landslides in the Alps continue to highlight the risks posed by debris flows, such as the 2017 Bondo landslide in Graubünden, which triggered a debris flow that travelled 4km downhill into the Bondasca Valley. This emphasises the urgent need to better understand and predict these hazardous events.

Due to the frequency of debris flow occurence, the Illgraben valley has been equipped with measuring instruments since 2000. It has recently supplemented by five highly sensitive 3D laser scanners, called LiDAR, which can determine distance and speed, and six high-speed video cameras.

On the day of the June 2022 event, 25,000 cubic meters of water, earth and debris poured approximately seven kilometres down the bed of the Illbach before the muddy stream was absorbed by the river Rhône at Susten. The devices measured surface velocities and the evolving free surface of the debris flow at three measuring stations with a spatial resolution of 2 cm and a temporal resolution of 0.1 seconds.

The team of scientists from ETH Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (Birmensdorf) and ����ֱ��, were able to document how the waves grew along the channel and use the data to develop a new friction law that was used in a debris-flow model to realistically simulate the  genesis and growth of the waves.

They found that near the top of the (about 2km from the outflow into the Rhône river), the debris flow had a fast-moving wave front, but no surges, while further down the channel the flow became shallower and spontaneously developed a series of waves. During the 30-minute event, researchers recorded 70 of these surges, which emerge from a surface instability that allows the waves to grow and as they move downhill.

Lead researcher, Jordan Aaron, Professor of Engineering Geology at ETH Zurich, said: "It has long been known that waves play a central role in the destructive power of debris flows, because they concentrate the forces that are applied to structures in their path.

"Thanks to the measurements around the debris flow of June 2022 and the modelling based on them, the researchers now have a better understanding. Our analysis provides new insights into the dynamics of debris flows and enables improved hazard management in the medium term.”

This research, which was partially funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (), has been published in the journal Communication Earth & Environment

Full title: Detailed observations reveal the genesis and dynamics of destructive debris-flow surges

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02488-7

Link:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02488-7

The research study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), LifeArc and the Wellcome Trust and published in The Lancet Neurology today (16/07/25). 

Twenty-five years ago when Timothy Bingham was two years old, he had a mild flu like illness which left him unable to walk. 

Three years later following another infection, he was paralysed and has been in a wheelchair ever since. 

Then in 2011, doctors saw an 8-month-old girl at a UK hospital who had been completely fit and well until a mild chest infection left her unable to breathe without the support of a ventilator. 

They considered that there may be a genetic cause as her two brothers had experienced similar severe problems following mild infections. 

Genetic researchers at the University of Manchester have now discovered that changes in a gene called RCC1 led to this severe nerve damage in both Timothy and the family in Manchester. 

A further 20 children from 10 families from the UK, Türkiye, Czechia, Germany, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and Slovakia have been found to have changes in the same gene leading to this severe nerve condition all triggered by mild infections. 

In over half of the children, doctors suspected the diagnosis of a different severe nerve condition that can develop after infection called . 

The researchers performed laboratory studies on skin cells taken from patients and in specially genetically  engineered fruit flies to show that the damage to nerves can be caused by certain chemicals. 

Skin cells from patients when looked at under special microscopes have changes very similar to those seen in the cells of patients with motor neuron disease where muscles, including those controlling breathing and swallowing, become weak. 

Bill Newman, Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at the University of Manchester and Rare Condition co-theme lead at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre led the research. 

He said: “Until this study, little was known about why some people experience severe nerve damage after they have had a mild infection like flu or a stomach upset. 

“This work provides families with an explanation and is the first step in us developing an effective treatment. As children are well before they develop nerve damage following an infection, this gives us an opportunity to treat at risk children before problems occur. 

“The similarity with Guillain-Barré syndrome and with conditions like motor neuron disease may help us understand these more common conditions and why some people are at greater risk and what treatments may be effective.” 

Kate Bingham, mum of Tim who is now 28, said: “About 25 years ago Tim got a flu like infection and a temperature. What seemed like a minor illness had devastating consequences. 

“The attack, and subsequent attacks - did terrible damage. First to his legs, then his arms, his face and his chest. 

“And now he needs 24-hour care. His diaphragm barely works at all so he can’t cough. It’s hard for him to chew and he can’t drink unassisted. He can’t move in bed so needs turning throughout the night. The things we all take for granted he can’t do. 

“B�ܳ� I’m proud of how strong Tim has been. He now has a girlfriend he met online who is wonderful. He proves there is life beyond disability.” 

She added: “As Tim’s mum the discovery of a gene which is linked to what happened to Tim means everything to me. For so long we have lived with uncertainty of not knowing the full picture. 

“This breakthrough brings us great hope as it will do to all those people who have waited years for answers. This is something that helps us look to the future.” 

Sam Barrell, CEO of LifeArc, said, ““For many people living with rare conditions, the wait for a diagnosis can be agonisingly long - around a third wait more than five years. In Timothy’s case, that uncertainty stretched for over twenty years.  This discovery provides a potential target for treatment and the first step towards delivering a brighter future for people that could be living with this same devastating condition.” 

Image: Kate and Tim and Tim with his dog, Red.

The paper Acute-onset axonal neuropathy following infection in children with biallelic RCC1 variants: a case series is published in The Lancet Neurology here DOI 

The research, published today in , investigates a meter-long flipper from a Temnodontosaurus - a giant ichthyosaur – with uniquely preserved with fossilised soft tissues.

The findings reveal that the marine reptile, which exceeds 10m in length, was equipped with evolved to have specialised fins that the scientists believe served to suppress the sound of its own movements when foraging in dimly lit environments about 183 million years ago - an evolutionary adaptation never previously seen in any aquatic creature, living or extinct.

The team involves an international team of scientists, led by Dr Johan Lindgren from Lund University in Sweden, in collaboration with one of the world’s leading ichthyosaur experts, , a Palaeontologist at ����ֱ��, who has been working on the fossil for about six years and says the finding “represents one of the greatest fossil discoveries ever made”  and could revolutionise the way scientists investigate other prehistoric animals.

Dr Lindgren, who has pioneered research on ancient marine reptile soft tissues, said: “The wing-like shape of the flipper, together with the lack of bones in the distal end and distinctly serrated trailing edge collectively indicate that this massive animal had evolved means to minimise sound production during swimming. Accordingly, this ichthyosaur must have moved almost silently through the water, in a manner similar to how living owls—whose wing feathers also form a zigzag pattern—fly quietly when hunting at night. We have never seen such elaborate evolutionary adaptations in a marine animal before.”

Although many small ichthyosaurs have been found with soft-tissue preservation, scientists have never found anything on this scale.

Using a range of advanced imaging, chemical analysis and computational modelling techniques, the researchers also identified that the structure of the flippers were truly unique, with scalloped trailing edge reinforced by mineralised, rod-like structures that the team name ‘chondroderms’. 

Moreover, Temnodontosaurus also had the largest eyes – the size of footballs – of any vertebrate known, supporting the hypothesis that this aquatic reptile hunted under low-light conditions, either at night or in deep waters. 

Dr Dean Lomax, who is also an 1851 Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, said: “The first time I saw the specimen, I knew it was unique. Having examined thousands of ichthyosaurs, I had never seen anything quite like it. This discovery will revolutionise the way we look at and reconstruct ichthyosaurs (and possibly also other ancient marine reptiles) but specifically soft-tissue structures in prehistoric animals.”

 The fossilised flipper was discovered by fossil collector Georg Göltz, a co-author on the new study. Remarkably, Georg made the find entirely by chance whilst looking for fossils at a temporary exposure at a road cutting in the municipality of Dotternhausen, Germany.

The fossil consists of both the part and counterpart (opposing sides) of almost an entire front flipper. Although Georg looked for more, no other remains were found. As the top part of the fin is missing, the team surmise that it was originally an isolated flipper that might have been ripped off by a larger ichthyosaur.

Georg brought the specimen to the attention of palaeontologist and co-author Sven Sachs of the Natural History Museum, Bielefeld, who recognised the rarity of the find.

Dr Lindgren said: “The fact that we are able to reconstruct the stealth capabilities of a long-extinct animal is quite remarkable. Also, because human-induced noise from shipping activity, military sonar, seismic surveys, and offshore wind farms has a negative impact on today’s aquatic life, our findings could provide inspiration to help limit the adverse biological effects from anthropogenic input to the modern marine soundscape.”

 To unravel the mystery behind the features preserved in this fossil, it was subjected to a range of sensitive imaging, elemental and molecular analyses. The multidisciplinary research team included palaeontologists, engineers, biologists and physicists. This involved high-end techniques such as synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microtomography at the Swiss Light Source SLS at PSI and Diamond Light Source, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and infrared microspectroscopy, along with the reconstruction of a virtual model using computational fluid dynamics.

Dr Lomax added: “The fossil provides new information on the flipper soft tissues of this enormous leviathan, has structures never seen in any animal, and reveals a unique hunting strategy (thus providing evidence of its behaviour), all combined with the fact that its noise-reducing features may even help us to reduce human-made noise pollution. Although I might be a little bias, in my opinion, this represents one of the greatest fossil discoveries ever made.”

The very first ichthyosaur brought to the attention of science was discovered over 200 years ago by pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning and her brother Joseph. That fossil was also a Temnodontosaurus, the same type of ichthyosaur to which this flipper belonged.

“In a weird way, I feel that there is a wonderful full-circle moment that goes back to Mary Anning showcasing that even after 200 years, we are still uncovering exciting and surprising finds that link back to her initial discoveries”, added Dr Lomax.

Nature article reference: Lindgren, J., Lomax, D. R., Szász, R-Z., Marx, M., Revstedt, J., Göltz, G., Sachs, S., De La Garza, R. G., Heingård, M., Jarenmark, M., Ydström, K., Sjövall, P., Osbæck, F., Hall, S. A., de Beeck, M. O., Eriksson, M. E., Alwmark, C., Marone, F., Liptak, A., Atwood, R., Burca, G., Uvdal, P., Persson, P. and Nilsson, D-E. 2025. Adaptations for stealth in the wing-like flippers of a large ichthyosaur. Nature, 10.1038/s41586-025-09271-w.

Link to paper:

Up to £50 million is to be invested in a Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Exposome Immunology over the next 14 years.

These environmental exposures, which also include things like microbes and toxins, predominantly interact with our bodies at what we call ‘mucosal barrier sites’, for example our lungs and intestines. Here, they met by our immune cells, and can change how the immune system works, pushing some tissues into chronic inflammation, causing diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The centre will embrace AI technology to interrogate large data sets, such as those from UK Biobank, patient cohorts and long-term studies in hospital clinics, and identify common pathways by which environmental factors disrupt the immune system. Findings will be tested through laboratory studies and by exposing healthy volunteers to pollutants and common viral infections, leading to more accurate diagnoses, better prevention, and more effective treatment options.

Individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds often have a more adverse exposome, facing greater exposure to pollution, mould (in poor quality housing), and occupational hazards (cleaning chemicals, industrial processes). The MRC CoRE is therefore key to ����ֱ��’s mission to address , and builds on work investigating .

Professor Judi Allen, from ����ֱ�� is Director of the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology.

She said: “Globally we’re facing a crisis in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. For decades we’ve been studying how our genes make us susceptible to disease. While very valuable, genetics has only got us so far. We need to understand how our environment interacts with our genes to make our immune system malfunction.”

“We will benefit from advances in new technologies to identify which of the many complex factors may be important in driving disease, but what’s different about our new Centre is we are going to define how the immune system is altered by these environmental factors and how that impacts inflammation. Changing environments, often made worse by socioeconomic disparities and rising pollution, appear to be increasing the rates of these diseases, making it even more imperative to find the causes.”

“We hope to later expand our research to include more environmental factors, such as mould and microplastics, which are growing concerns. An ultimate goal of this research would be to discover the underlying causes of these chronic diseases so we can develop better prevention and treatments.”

Professor Fiona Powrie, co-director of the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology, from University of Oxford, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together complementary expertise in ����ֱ�� and University of Oxford to build a multidisciplinary team to tackle this challenge. Our Centre will train a new generation of scientists working across biology and environmental science, future proofing our efforts to combat the health effects of a changing environment.”

Professor Patrick Chinnery, MRC Executive Chair, said: “This new MRC Centre of Research Excellence will transform our understanding of how lifelong environmental exposures shape immune health and cause chronic inflammatory diseases. With chronic inflammatory diseases posing such a large and growing disease burden, the new centre is well placed pave the way for more effective and targeted treatments.

“Alongside exceptional scientific leadership linking two world-leading centres, and strong partnerships with patients and digital health innovators, the scientists’ commitment to the next generation of researchers will embed UK leadership in this field, with long-term potential to deliver a transformative, global impact for health.”

The research, published today in the journal, , demonstrates that compounds or ‘volatiles’ found in sebum — the oily substance produced by our skin —hold key biomarkers for identifying Parkinson’s in its earliest stages.

Using a technique known as Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), scientists at ����ֱ��, in collaboration with Salford Royal NHS Trust and the Medical University of Innsbruck, analysed skin swabs from participants with Parkinson’s, healthy volunteers, and those with a sleep disorder called isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (iRBD) — a known early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease.

The results showed that people with iRBD had distinct chemical profiles in their sebum that were different from healthy individuals, but not yet as pronounced as those with established Parkinson’s disease. This supports the idea that Parkinson’s disease leaves a detectable trace on the body well before physical symptoms appear.

Joy Milne – the ‘super smeller’ who inspired the research  –  was also able to distinguish swabs from people with iRBD from the control group and Parkinson’s patients. Intriguingly, she was able to detect both diseases in two of the swabs that came from iRBD individuals, who were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s at their next clinical appointment, after sampling.

Professor Perdita Barran, Professor of Mass Spectrometry at ����ֱ��, said: “This is the first study to demonstrate a molecular diagnostic method for Parkinson’s disease at the prodromal or early stage. It brings us one step closer to a future where a simple, non-invasive skin swab could help identify people at risk before symptoms arise allowing for earlier intervention and improved outcomes.”

The study involved more than 80 participants, including 46 people with Parkinson’s, 28 healthy controls, and nine with iRBD.  They found 55 significant features in the sebum that varied between the groups. Those with iRBD often showed levels that sat between the healthy controls and the Parkinson’s group, reinforcing the possibility of detecting the disease in its early phase.

Dr Drupad Trivedi, a researcher from ����ֱ��, built a model that examined the markers in a longitudinal sampling study. He collected samples from Parkinson’s patients over a three-year period and found patterns that suggest this method can also be used to map the progression of the disease, which could have use in refining treatment options and improve patient outcomes.

Sebum is also easy to collect using gauze swabs from the face or upper back, making it ideal for non-invasive routine screening and regular monitoring. by the team has also shown it does not need to be stored in the same cold conditions as other biofluids, such as blood, reducing associated costs.

The research is inspired by the observations of Joy Milne, who detected a unique scent in individuals with Parkinson's disease, prompting researchers at ����ֱ�� to explore sebum as a source of diagnostic biomarkers.

By using mass spectrometry, a technique that measures the weight of molecules, they have found that there are distinctive Parkinson’s markers in sebum, which has led them to develop this non-invasive swab test.

These findings have recently been validated in another paper, published today in the, where trained dogs were able to detect Parkinson’s in the patients recruited by Prof Barren and Dr Trivedi with remarkable accuracy by smelling skin swabs.

Now, the researchers are continuing to develop and improve the sebum-based testing to eventually use as a practical tool in real-world clinical settings.

Dr Drupad Trivedi, Lecturer in Analytical Measurement Sciences at ����ֱ��, said: "Our goal is to develop a reliable, non-invasive test that helps doctors detect Parkinson’s earlier, track its progression, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

“We’re also keen to hear from other hyperosmic individuals, potential ‘super smellers’ like Joy, whose remarkable sense of smell could help extend our work to detect other diseases with potential odour signatures."

***

This research was published in the journal npj Parkinson's Disease

Full title: Classification of Parkinson’s Disease and idopathic REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder: Delineating Progression Markers from the Sebum Volatilome

DOI: 10.1038/s41531-025-01026-8

Link:

***

Biotechnology is enabling us to find new and more sustainable ways to produce chemicals, materials, and everyday products, by understanding and harnessing nature’s own processes and applying them at industrial scales. Supported by the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, our 400+ experts are innovating solutions in environmental sustainability, health and sustainable manufacturing. Find out more about our biotechnology research.  

The findings - based on the scans of 1,684 women - could make the difficult task of determining whether labour should be induced in the final stages of pregnancy easier, resulting in fewer complications, say the researchers.

Published today in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, the study was led by gynaecologist Sanne Gordijn of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in collaboration with Wessel Ganzevoort of Amsterdam University Medical Centre and Professor Alexander Heazell from ����ֱ��.

When pregnant women feel their baby is moving less in the final weeks of pregnancy, they are referred to hospital where an examination is carried out to assess the condition of the baby.

The examination consists of monitoring the baby’s heart rate and an assessment of its growth and amniotic fluid - the fluid around the baby it.

Now the researchers have discovered that an extra ultrasound scan - in addition to the other tests-  is able to significantly help doctors to see whether a baby would benefit from being born earlier.

By measuring the resistance in the blood vessels of the umbilical cord and the baby's brain they were able to accurately assess the functioning of the placenta and the condition of the baby, making it easier to decide if doctors needed to induce delivery earlier.

The perception from mothers that their baby is moving less commonly can occur when a baby has changed position or the mother hasn’t noticed the movement because she is busy or distracted.

However in some cases, reduced movement could be a sign that the baby is unwell, which can be worrying for pregnant women and midwives.

Professor Heazell said: “We know that a reduction in baby’s movements is a common reason to attend maternity services. Thankfully, in the majority of cases the baby is ok.

“The findings of this study will help us to reassure the majority of mothers that their baby is healthy, and help us to focus intervention for the babies who will benefit from being born because they are not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients in the womb.”

Sanne Gordijn said: “We call the ratio between the two ultrasound measurements the Cerebro Placental Ratio (CPR). The idea is that an abnormal value may indicate that the placenta is not functioning properly.

“In that case, it is better for the baby to be born in the short term. We do this by inducing labour. If the value is normal, it would be better to wait for the natural moment of delivery, as the baby may not be completely ready yet. Women who want to give birth at home can still do so.”

“The results of this study show better outcomes for the baby when the result of the CPR measurement is known.

“This means that we see fewer complications during childbirth when this measurement is taken, compared to the current policy where it is not done.”

She added: “If doctors know the results of this measurement, they can better distinguish whether the baby's reduced movement has a harmless cause or whether it requires action.

“This ensures that mother and baby receive the care that best suits their situation.' The guideline on reduced fetal movements will soon be updated; the professional association will incorporate the results of this study into it.”

The study was funded by ZonMw from the Netherlands.

Sanne Gordijn conducted this CEPRA study together with researchers from Amsterdam UMC in 23 hospitals. Laura Lens, the MD, PhD student on this study presented at the international SMFM conference in Denver (USA) and Sanne in London. The study is published on July 10 in the authoritative scientific journal The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health.

• The study is published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health and is available
• doi.org/10.1016/j.lanogw.2025.100002

Despite tearing his right knee ligament just eight weeks ago, the customer service officer – who works at a Halifax Housing Association – will walk 120 miles nonstop, without sleep.

Starting at the Angel of the North in Gateshead on Saturday 12 July, 42-year-old Ben will make his way to Tommy’s Rainbow Clinic and Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre at Saint Mary’s Hospital – the specialist unit that helped save his son’s life.

Just seven days later, after flying to Rhodes, Ben will climb the steep mountain road to Prophet Elias Monastery in Faliraki, Greece an exhausting 50 times – a gruelling test of endurance with no shade and where temperatures are likely to soar above 40°C.

Ben is aiming to raise £20,000 for Professor Alex Heazell, Director of the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre and the University of Manchester-based team leading UK research to reduce preventable stillbirths and support families through pregnancy after loss.

Ben and his partner Gaynor Thompson lost their daughter Kallipateira to a preventable stillbirth at 37 weeks in October 2018. They later suffered a miscarriage in 2019.

Determined to stop other families going through the same heartbreak, they founded The Kallipateira Moorhouse Foundation, which funds research and supports families affected by baby loss.

In 2020, their son Apollon was born safely at Tommy’s Rainbow Clinic, thanks to the specialist care of Professor Heazell.

Ben has since taken on multiple extreme solo fundraising feats.

“This year has brought mountains I’ve had to climb emotionally and physically. Now, I’m preparing to put myself through the mill – fuelled by love, grief, and purpose,” said Ben.

“There’s no pain greater than holding your dead baby in your arms – but every step I take will honour Kallipateira and help save other babies across the UK. I will once again show that because of love and a reason why, anything is possible.”

Every day in the UK, eight babies are stillborn – many of which are preventable.

The funds Ben raises will go directly to Professor Heazell’s team, who are making groundbreaking progress in understanding stillbirth and supporting parents in pregnancy after loss.

Alex Heazell, who is also Professor of Obstetrics at ����ֱ�� and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of MFT, said: “Ben’s unwavering commitment is extraordinary. His support has already helped us improve care for families and expand our research into stillbirth prevention. These challenges will fund new projects that could save lives.”

Dignity Funerals, through Lawrence Funeral Directors Halifax, are proud headline sponsors of Ben’s 2025 challenge.

Stuart Cox, Head of Public Affairs at Dignity, said: “Ben is a true inspiration. We’re honoured to support The Kallipateira Moorhouse Foundation and the vital work they do in memory of Kallipateira.”

To support Ben’s Mission donate now at: 

����ֱ�� project has been awarded the grant through the NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call with support from SBRI Healthcare (Small Business Research Initiative) as part of a new, unique national partnership which could save lives and improve quality of life.

Researchers in Manchester will implement an innovative lung cancer risk assessment tool and an adapted care pathway for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The new multi-centre study started in June 2025 and will be running for two years within the existing NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme at 10 Cancer Alliances across England, including Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance leading the initiative.

Every year, around 2,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (part of the immune system).

Although it is a highly curable cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the chest and lungs increase the risk of second cancers occurring in later life. This risk increases further for people who smoke.

Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma are six times more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population.

����ֱ�� lead Dr Kim Linton, Senior Lecturer at ����ֱ�� and Living With and Beyond Cancer Co-Theme Lead at Manchester BRC, said: “It is crucial that Hodgkin lymphoma survivors can access screening to detect lung cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable.”

Developed in Manchester, the new UK-wide programme aims to screen 500 Hodgkin lymphoma survivors over two years, which could detect early lung cancer in an estimated 10-12 people.

Joanne Murray, from Didsbury in Manchester, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 1997 at the age of 29 and received successful treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

She took part in the pilot study in 2022 which helped Manchester researchers design the new national programme. Despite having no symptoms, the study found Joanne had stage 1 lung cancer.

Now 56 and living in North Wales, Joanne said: “I feel exceptionally lucky that this research has saved my life. I had no symptoms of lung cancer and had I not taken part in this study, it might have been too late for me once symptoms had appeared.”

Through the study, Joanne had a CT scan at The Christie in Manchester which revealed a ‘fluffy’ and opaque nodule (small lump) on her right lung. Following surgery to remove part of her lung, a biopsy revealed it was stage 1 cancer.

Joanne, who works for North Wales Police, explained: “After my scan, doctors closely monitored me through ‘watch and wait’, with regular check-ups to determine if the nodule grew or if I developed symptoms. In November 2023, after I had moved to Wales, a follow-up scan at my local hospital showed that the nodule had grown by 1mm. After discussing my treatment options, I decided to have surgery to remove part of my right lung.”

Joanne had the surgery in January 2024 at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. She said: “I was absolutely terrified of having the surgery, but it was fine, and all the staff were fantastic. I had video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [a form of keyhole surgery] which was less invasive, and I was back home in two days to recover.

“When I found out from the biopsy that it had been stage 1 cancer, I was in complete shock. I’m a positive person and thought I had just been overthinking it. I am so thankful for this vital research and the team at The Christie.”

Now 18 months later, Joanne has had two clear scans, with the next one due in early 2026.

On taking part in research, Joanne said: “When I read the letter asking me if I wanted to be part of research I thought, ‘there’s nothing wrong with me, but I’ll do it.’ You never know what’s around the corner.

“Without doubt, I would urge other cancer survivors to take part in screening. It might take 10 or 15 minutes out of your day, but it could save your life.”

Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. The most common symptom is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.

Second cancers, such as lung cancer or breast cancer, can develop more than 10 years after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. Survivors can help to reduce their risk of a second cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle through not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.

Dr Linton, who is also an Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Most Hodgkin lymphoma survivors do not meet current lung cancer screening criteria, so we hope the success of this study will support an application for routine adoption across England and Wales.

“In Manchester, we have been working on a lung cancer screening programme for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors for many years, including a pilot screening study at The Christie where we detected 3 lung cancers in 102 people who had showed no symptoms.

“This research helped us to design the national programme and confirmed that our proposed study meets the needs of this high-risk patient group. This work also builds on Manchester’s previous track record of successfully implementing breast cancer screening for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors within the national breast cancer screening programme.”

The new study will be open to Hodgkin lymphoma survivors aged between 45 and 74 who smoke or have previously smoked.

It will have an embedded programme to identify and tackle health inequalities, including people where their risk of lung cancer is highest, such as those with lower socioeconomic status, men and older people.

It will help address barriers to screening participation, such as fear of cancer diagnosis, low perceived risk of cancer and issues of cost, travel and time off work.

Screening will take place at convenient community-based settings to encourage participation, including in mobile clinics at supermarket car parks.

Researchers will actively promote screening participation for people with the highest smoking prevalence.

Participants will be offered health education and stop smoking advice to encourage supported self-management to prevent lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and other significant illnesses, which could lead to improved survivorship and reduced healthcare costs.

The Manchester-based project is part of the NIHR Manchester BRC’s , which aims to transform the detection of cancer recurrence and second cancers to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes for survivors.

Researchers will also be collaborating with the NIHR Manchester BRC’s , which aims to reduce cancer burden across society through implementing prevention and early detection strategies.

The project will be supported by the NIHR Oncology Translational Research Collaboration, Lymphoma Action charity and patient partners.

Health Innovation Manchester will work with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance to support local adoption and run patient focus groups to understand barriers to engagement and develop solutions to improve uptake.

• images: Dr Kim Linton and  Joanne and Rob

The former GP, Director of Public Health and Medical Director was tragically killed in a terrorist attack while holidaying in Sri Lanka. 

She studied medicine at ����ֱ�� and started her medical career as a GP in Salford. 

Her brother Lord Keith Bradley will today (9/07/25) present this year’s prize to Mark Westwood, who received a distinction at the 13th International of Public Health. 

Mark, who has worked in the NHS and volunteered with the Scouting movement is hoping to join the University as a PhD student. 

Lord Keith Bradly – a Labour Party politician created the award in his sister’s name to recognise highest achieving Masters in Public Health (MPH) student from Greater Manchester. 

Prof Arpana Verma, Programme Director of the MPH said: “Sally was an inspiration to us all. Not only was she a remarkable clinician and public health doctor, she was a wife, sister, aunt, friend and colleague to countless many. 

“She was kind, clever and incredibly knowledgeable. She lit up the room with her charisma, charm and her infectious laugh. 

“There are no words to express our gratitude to Lord Bradley and Sally’s amazing family to honour our programme and our students with this inspirational award.” 

She added: “As we teach and train the next generation, we can give our students and alumni the incredible legacy Sally has left us. 

“Mark is a worthy recipient of this honour. He has been an exceptional student and will go on to make important contributions to the field of public health. 

“His voluntary work has been exceptional -  and signifies just how much he cares about the community in which he lives 

The Masters in Public health online programme, created in 2002 by Prof Dick Heller, was was one of first fully distance learning programmes in the UK. 

Since then it has grown to over 2,000 alumni from all over the world, offering fully flexible learning options to allow students to juggle working full time with their studies.

Lord Bradley said: “On behalf of my family, I am proud to pay tribute to my sister, Dr Sally Bradley, who was so cruelly killed alongside her husband Bill in the Easter Day bombings in Sri Lanka some 5 years ago. 

“Since that time, I have recovered numerous messages of kindness remembering Sally and conversations with many of her former colleagues and friends who stressed how inspirational she was to their careers and her utter commitment to preventative healthcare and the crucial role of public health in that endeavour. 

“I am delighted that Mark Westwood will receive this year’s Dr Sally Bradley prize. He clearly encapsulates the values that my sister tried to instil in public health in Manchester and well beyond. He is a tremendously worthy winner. 

“I and my family are honoured to ensure that Sally’s legacy will live on and that we all continue to strive for improved health and wellbeing throughout our communities.” 

Students can to learn the ‘art and the science’ of public health at their own pace, with a choice of over twenty different course units covering what professionals need for their careers in public health both here and internationally. 

The course concentrates on research-led teaching and students are encouraged to participate and learn from research partners and projects, especially for their dissertations. 

The themes of this year’s festival are AI and In-Silico Public Health, Women’s research and Inclusive Research. 

• More information on the Masters in public Health programme is available here
• Image is of Sally Bradley.

Professor Richard Grencis was given the honour for his sustained commitment to the advancement of immunology, leading to significant changes in our understanding of how the immune system works. 

The scientist has been based at ����ֱ�� since In 1987 when he was appointed lecturer in immunology at the School of Biological Sciences. He became professor of immunology in 1998. 

Professor Grencis is also academic lead at the University’s Biological Services Facility, and has been a scientific member of the University of Manchester Animal Welfare Ethical Review body (AWERB) for many years. 

He has pioneered the study of immunity to parasitic infection, some of the most prevalent infections on earth and responsible for much debilitating disease and ill-health. 

Of all the types of parasite, roundworms (nematodes) which live in the gastrointestinal tract are the most common, with in excess of one and a half billion people currently infected. 

He said: “I am delighted to receive this award and grateful for the recognition it gives to this crucial area of research.

 “Our studies focus on defining the regulation of the immune response to roundworm infections which live in the gastrointestinal tract. 

“There is an urgent need to tackle this problem: millions of people living in low and middle income countries, especially children, have to contend with the terrible problems caused by roundworm parasites. 

“There are currently no vaccines for these parasites in humans and a deeper understanding of how the immune system deals with roundworms helps us towards this goal. 

“An added bonus is that our studies have also helped us make new fundamental discoveries of how the immune system works. 

“Much progress has been made in this area, but there is still a long way to go.”

Professor Cox returned to his hometown of Oldham in July for a series of four inspirational ‘Great Horizons’ events. These celebrated STEM education and highlighted the vital role teachers and industry play in shaping future opportunities for young people in Oldham. They were designed to raise the profile of science teachers and science learning, towards igniting ambition in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.  On Tuesday 1 July, Professor Cox took part in a celebration event for science teachers and leaders from across Oldham’s schools. The event was coordinated by the Cranmer Trust and brought over 250 teachers together to identify how they can take science to a new level in their schools. 

The following day, he engaged with primary school pupils in a ‘tour of the galaxy’ during special morning assemblies, promoting participation in the Great Science Share for Schools. 

In the afternoon, Professor Cox met with business leaders, council representatives, and local influencers, working with Oldham’s Economy Board’s and Oldham Athletic Football club with the remit to lever local business engagement to actively support education and career pathways in STEM. 

Later that evening, he hosted a Q&A session with secondary and college students at Oldham Sixth Form College, sharing insights and answering questions about science and space. 

 ����ֱ�� provided leadership in coordinating and hosting the events, with special focus on the primary school event that involved Professor Cox having a whistle-stop tour of 4 primary schools in Oldham, working to ignite the curiosity of hundreds of pupils. Across the town other schools received VIP visits from the Oldham Lord Mayor, industry and charity professionals. These experiences provided opportunity to incentivise schools to become involved in the University’s  flagship campaign, the Great Science Share for Schools, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The campaign encourages young people to ask, investigate and share scientific questions, elevating the prominence of practical science in the classroom. 

Professor Lynne Bianchi, FSE Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Director of SEERIH, said: “The two days were powerful in bringing the town’s industry and education partners together. It’s been a real place-based approach that is starting something that will have legacy beyond these launch events. The key now is to harness the energy that spued out of each event and identify key actions that can impact on young people in the short and longer term.’  

Dave Benstead, Chairman of Oldham Enterprise Trust and Oldham’s Economy Board, said: “We set out to optimise STEM-Industry-School-College partnerships which will lead to greater exposure of a variety of STEM career options, broaden student's perspectives and help them make more informed decisions as they progress through education. Our young people need a clearer understanding of the real-world problems that STEM related careers can address and Professor Brian Cox achieved this grabbing their interest and motivation as only he can.” 

With acknowledgments to: Oldham Council, Oldham Enterprise Trust, Oldham Athletic Football Club, Cranmer Education Trust, Pinnacle Learning Trust and SEERIH (����ֱ��). 

Using high-resolution 3D seismic (sound wave) imaging, combined with data and rock samples from hundreds of wells, researchers from ����ֱ�� in collaboration with industry, identified vast mounds of sand – some several kilometres wide – that appear to have sunk downward, displacing older, lighter and softer materials from beneath them.

The result is stratigraphic inversion - a reversal of the usual geological order in which younger rocks are typically deposited on top of older ones on a previously unseen scale.

While stratigraphic inversion has previously been observed at small scales, the structures discovered by the Manchester team – now named “sinkites” – are the largest example of the phenomenon documented so far.

The finding, in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, challenges scientists understanding of the subsurface and could have implications for carbon storage.

Lead author Professor Mads Huuse from ����ֱ��, said: “This discovery reveals a geological process we haven’t seen before on this scale. What we’ve found are structures where dense sand has sunk into lighter sediments that floated to the top of the sand, effectively flipping the conventional layers we’d expect to see and creating huge mounds beneath the sea.”

It is believed the sinkites formed millions of years ago during the Late Miocene to Pliocene periods, when earthquakes or sudden shifts in underground pressure may have caused the sand to liquefy and sink downward through natural fractures in the seabed. This displaced the underlying, more porous but rigid, ooze rafts - composed largely of microscopic marine fossils - bound by shrinkage cracks, sending them floating upwards. The researchers have dubbed these lighter, uplifted features ‘floatites’.

The finding could help scientists better predict where oil and gas might be trapped and where it’s safe to store carbon dioxide underground.

Prof Huuse said: “This research shows how fluids and sediments can move around in the Earth’s crust in unexpected ways. Understanding how these sinkites formed could significantly change how we assess underground reservoirs, sealing, and fluid migration — all of which are vital for carbon capture and storage”.

Now the team are busy documenting other examples of this process and assessing how exactly it impacts our understanding of subsurface reservoirs and sealing intervals.

Prof Huuse added: “As with many scientific discoveries there are many sceptical voices, but also many who voice their support for the new model. Time and yet more research will tell just how widely applicable the model is.”

This research has been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment

Full title: Km-scale mounds and sinkites formed by buoyancy driven stratigraphic inversion

DOI:

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, the campaign inspires teachers of 5-14 year olds to upskill their own knowledge and skills of teaching science enquiry - a form of science education that gives the pupils the opportunity to explore a scientific question through practical investigations linked to .  

Using innovative resources and ideas related to this year’s theme of #ConnectedScience, pupils across the UK and across the world have been taking the lead and becoming science communicators.  The theme illustrates how science is not isolated in learning, but rather, the way we think scientifically has the power to connect our ideas and successes in all areas of our lives. 

The campaign runs throughout the year, leading to registrations from 835,135 pupils sharing on or around Tuesday 17 June. With wider reach across the globe, #GSSfS inspires teachers and educators from 52 different countries to take part, with events taking place across venues such as schools, hospital schools, museums, sports venues and universities.  

This year, ����ֱ�� hosted more than 35 schools from across Greater Manchester in its Nancy Rothwell building.  

Some of the questions shared this year included: 

• Are all flowers the same? 
• How does wind speed affect voltage generated? 
• Which type of soil will retain the most water to help keep plants hydrated in hot weather? 
• How does the temperature of the ocean affect coral? 

The GSSfS campaign was launched by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at ����ֱ��, to provide a unique way to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom, focussing on learner-focussed science communication, inclusive and non-competitive engagement, and promoting collaboration.  

Professor Bianchi, said: “It’s been truly inspiring to witness the Great Science Share for Schools reach its 10th anniversary with such global momentum.”

In 2024 and 2025, the campaign was granted the prestigious patronage of the , in recognition of its status as a beacon of excellence in science education and its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.  

Now in its 10^th year, the GSSfS strategy further develops to explore strategic alliances with ministries of education and schools across the world.  This year the Ministry of Education in Malta and the STEM & VET Curriculum and the Museo de Ciencias Universidad de Navarra in Spain, and the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) Unified Learning Centre in Khao Lak, Thailand have become a key focus for development. 

Grace Marson, Campaign Manager, said: “What Great Science Share for Schools has shown year on year, is that pupils have a thirst for science. They are naturally curious about the world around them and given the opportunity through GSSfS, they demonstrate that they can ask amazing scientific questions. This campaign puts pupils at the centre of their learning.”  

By carefully monitoring the level of cancer activity in the blood, doctors can identify the best time to start and stop the drugs to give treatment breaks, which it is hoped will prevent resistance to treatment developing and also reduce side effects. This experimental blood test could help people with stage 4 melanoma, a type of skin cancer, live longer. 

The ground-breaking approach looks for tiny fragments of DNA coming from the cancer, which can be found in the patient’s blood. 

Dr Rebecca Lee, consultant oncologist and clinician scientist at The Christie and a senior lecturer in Medical Oncology at ����ֱ�� is leading on the DyNAMIc trial.She said: “Cancer treated with targeted therapy can be thought of as two armies of cells; those that are sensitive to the treatment and those that are resistant, which fight for nutrients in order to grow. A patient does not want either cell army to win as that means their cancer will get worse. Although the targeted therapy can kill the sensitive cells, over time the resistant ones grow through. However, if treatment breaks are given, it is thought that the growth of these resistant cells can be suppressed by the sensitive cells. 

“This blood test enables us to develop a new approach to overcome resistance to targeted therapy treatment. The DyNAMIc trial is really at the forefront of precision medicine. We can adapt the treatment in response to the patient’s melanoma activity levels in real-time and therefore reduce the chance of the cancer becoming resistant in the long term.  This could be a real game-changer in how we treat melanoma and other patients with cancer undergoing similar treatments in the future.” 

Professor Paul Lorigan, consultant oncologist at The Christie and chief investigator for the DyNAMIc trial said: “Evaluating new biomarker in clinical trials such as DyNAMIc allows us to personalise treatment decisions and continue to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma and other cancers.  The close collaboration between The Christie and the National Biomarker Centre has allowed us to take this from concept to clinical trial.  The study is now open in ten centres in the UK, led by the Manchester team. This would not be possible without support from the patients and their families, The Christie and The Christie Charity, Jon Moulton Charity Trust, Cancer Research UK and many other colleagues.” 

Dr Dominic Rothwell, the Deputy Director of the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre and one of the team who helped develop the test said: “The DyNAMIc trial is a great example of how cutting-edge research, funded by the Jon Moulton Charity Trust and CRUK can lead to the development of exciting new tests and how, in close collaboration with our clinical colleagues, these tests can be transferred to the clinic and lead to the potential improvement of treatments for cancer patients.” 

The first patient to join this clinical trial was a supermarket worker from Stockport in Greater Manchester. Jan Smith (64) had been working on the shop floor at her local superstore in November 2022 when she started to experience severe pain and was rushed to A&E. A scan revealed kidney stones which doctors were able to treat successfully.  However, the scan also showed a shadow near her left kidney which was far more serious. It was a 12-inch-deep mass around her adrenal gland at the top of her kidney and a biopsy confirmed she had stage 4 (the most advanced stage) melanoma in December 2022. 

The self-confessed ‘crazy cat lady’, who shares her home with five much-loved moggies, was referred to The Christie. 

“I hadn’t had any symptoms and never take time off sick at work. The pain I had with the kidney stones was unbelievable. Like nothing I’d known before. But in a strange way they saved my life.” Jan explained: “It was good news to be told that they had managed to clear the stones but a real shock to discover I had cancer. My local hospital said they couldn’t remove the tumour as it was too big, so I was referred to The Christie for more specialist treatment.” 

In January 2023 Jan began a course of immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. Unfortunately, within weeks her condition worsened, and she developed speech difficulties and weakness on one side of her body. Jan was given the devastating news that she had developed two brain tumours and needed emergency life-saving surgery to remove part of the tumour in the right side of her head. 

Unfortunately a scan in October 2024 found a new growth near Jan’s liver so she was offered the chance to participate in research at the ) at in Manchester. Jan was told in the November she was eligible for DyNAMIc, a clinical trial which aims to improve how well the treatment works for patients whose melanoma can’t be removed by surgery or has spread. 

Jan was prescribed two targeted drugs, encorafenib and binimetinib which is an approved treatment in patients with melanoma. They suppress a protein called BRAF, which causes melanoma cells to survive and grow. Around half of people with melanoma have a BRAF mutation which can become overactive.  

These drugs stop the cancer growing and can shrink the tumour by killing off the cells with the abnormal gene. But the cancer can fight back and develop more changes and become resistant to the treatment. Therefore, a sensitive blood test which precisely measures the amount of circulating DNA from the cancer enabling treatment can be turned on and off as required could be very beneficial to patients. 

Talking about her experience of being on the clinical trial, Jan Smith said: “This has been quite a journey with one thing after another, and my battle with cancer is certainly not over yet.  Despite numerous setbacks and changing treatments, I’ve tried to always stay positive and I’m glad to be benefiting from this trial.

“I am pleased to take part in research. If we don’t try new treatments, then we’ll not get the answers and make the medical advancements we need.”

The DyNAMIc study is open for recruitment with the aim of recruiting 40 participants.  The trial is funded by the Jon Moulton Charity Trust, sponsored by The Christie and run by the Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre.  

According to Cancer Research UK, new treatments for melanoma have improved outcomes in recent years. Around half of people with stage 4 melanoma can now survive for 10 years or more.

Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in Medical Oncology at ����ֱ�� and her post at The Christie is funded by .

Any patients interested in taking part in clinical trials should discuss this option with their consultant or GP. Not all patients will fit the criteria for a specific trial. While clinical trials can be successful for some patients, outcomes can vary from case to case. More information about taking part in clinical trials can be found .

To date, over 2000 patients have consented to be part of the ID LIVER study, with more than 600 assessed in community settings across Greater Manchester over the last year, as part of the . 

This research project is delivered as part of a series of projects that looks to address Greater Manchester’s major diseases for the Advanced Diagnostics Accelerator (ADA), part of the . The Accelerator has been established to rapidly improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease across the 2.8m Greater Manchester population.

Stephanie Landi, Clinical Research Hepatology Fellow at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), said: “ID LIVER is shifting the focus of liver disease care towards early detection and intervention. By bringing liver health assessments directly into communities, we are removing barriers to access and reaching people who might otherwise present much later with advanced disease. We also know that liver disease disproportionally impacts those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, so by targeting these communities, we are ensuring care reaches those who need it the most. Early detection empowers individuals to understand their liver health and make informed decisions before complications develop.”


Health Innovation Manchester met with Tony, aged 68 from Greater Manchester, who attended the Early Detection of Liver Disease (ID LIVER) health check in his locality, following a referral from his General Practitioner (GP). 

Tony decided to act on this referral after meeting the criteria for the screening opportunity and followed up before an appointment was made for him. He explained that he was pleasantly surprised that the health-check was so easily accessible for him:

“An appointment was made for me… I turned up and it was all very pleasant, there was no stress, no worry – I just turned up, did the test which was a scan, and that was it. The opportunity is there and there are people out there who want to help you, it’s all being done to help you. It’s all about you, the patient.

“The thing for me, is that it’s done in my locality, it’s within walking distance… the way this is being done, this is the beauty of it, you’re just there and it’s all about you. It’s intimate really and it makes life easier. If you take the opportunity to get screened and get looked at, you’re cutting out a load of possible aggravation in the future.”

ID Liver participants are benefiting from state-of-the-art Greater Manchester Research Van - operated by MFT. The purpose-built vehicle is unique to the region with the goal of widening opportunities for people to be part of research in easy-to-reach locations, improving the relevance and quality of the research. as well as being more inclusive for members of the public.

Oliver Street, Programme Manager, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at ����ֱ��, said: “Early detection and prevention of liver disease is extremely important because often symptoms do not present until the disease is advanced and damage to the liver is irreversible. By identifying and assessing patients at increased risk of liver disease we are supporting patients in receiving the right treatment at the right time and developing improved pathways of care.”

Daniel Zamora, Programme Director – Health Innovation Accelerator at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “This project is another fantastic example of how a targeted approach for early detection and community screening is having a lasting positive impact on the treatment of disease for people across Greater Manchester. Through the Accelerator we’ve now seen a considerable number of patients tested and screened for some of our region’s most prevalent diseases. This work will continue to help us shape how we can identify and treat patients moving forward with the use of innovative solutions across primary, secondary and community care settings

Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, but it didn’t just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel.

Meanwhile, with no ties to the government or military, became “collateral damage”. For 11 days, Israel’s attacks intensified across Tehran and other major cities.

When the US joined the attack, dropping its bunker-buster bombs on sites in central Iran on June 21, it threatened to push the region closer to . Israel’s calls for regime change in Iran were joined by the US president, Donald Trump, who took to social media on June 22 : “if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Trump’s remarks are reminders of past US interventions. The threat of regime change by the most powerful state in the world carries particular weight in Iran, where memories of foreign-imposed coups and covert operations remain vivid and painful.

In the early 1890s, Iran was after the shah granted a British company exclusive rights to the country’s tobacco industry. The decision was greeted with anger and in 1891 the country’s senior cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mirza Shirazi, issued a fatwa against tobacco use.

A mass boycott ensued – even the shah’s wives reportedly gave up the habit. When it became clear that the boycott was going to hold, the shah cancelled the concession in January 1892. It was a clear demonstration of people power.

This event is thought to have played a significant role in the development of the revolutionary movement that led to the that took place between 1905 and 1911 and the establishment of a constitution and parliament in Iran.

Rise of the Pahlavis

Reza Shah, who founded the Pahlavi dynasty – which would be overthrown in the 1979 revolution and replaced by the Islamic Republic – rose to power following a British-supported coup in 1921.

During the first world war, foreign interference . In 1921, with British support, army officer Reza Khan and politician Seyyed Ziaeddin Tabatabaee . Claiming to be acting to save the monarchy, they arrested key opponents. By 1923, Reza Khan had become prime minister.

In 1925, Reza Khan unseated the Qajars and , becoming Reza Shah Pahlavi. This was a turning point in Iran’s history, marking the start of British dominance. The shah’s authoritarian rule focused on centralisation, modernisation and secularisation. It set the stage for the factors that would that eventually lead to the 1979 Revolution.

In 1941, concerned at the close relationship Pahlavi had developed with Nazi Germany, Britain and its allies once again intervened in Iranian politics, . He was exiled to South Africa and his 22-year-old son, Mohammad Reza, in his place.

The 1953 coup

Mohammad Mosaddegh became Iran’s in 1951. He quickly began to introduce reforms and challenge the authority of the shah. Despite a sustained campaign of destabilisation, Mossadegh retained a high level of popular support, which he used to push through his radical programme. This included the , which was effectively controlled by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company – later British Petroleum (BP).

In 1953, he was ousted in a and placed under house arrest. The shah, who had fled to Italy during the unrest, returned to power with western support.

Within a short time, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi established that governed through repression and intimidation. He outlawed all opposition parties, and numerous activists involved in the oil nationalisation movement were either imprisoned or forced into exile.

The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

The shah’s rule became increasingly authoritarian and was also marked by the lavish lifestyles of the ruling elite and increasing poverty of the mass of the Iranian people. Pahlavi increasingly relied on his secret police, the Bureau for Intelligence and Security of the State.

Meanwhile, a scholar and Islamic cleric named Ruhollah Khomeini, had been rising in prominence especially after 1963, when Pahlavi’s unpopular land reforms mobilised a large section of society against his rule. His growing prominence brought him into confrontation with the government and in 1964 he was sent into exile. He remained abroad, living in Turkey, Iraq and France.

By 1978 a diverse alliance primarily made up of urban working and middle-class citizens had paralysed the country. While united in their resistance to the monarchy, participants were driven by a variety of ideological beliefs, including socialism, communism, liberalism, secularism, Islamism and nationalism. The shah fled into exile on January 16 1979 and Khomeini returned to Iran, which in March became an Islamic Republic with Khomeini at its head.

But the US was not finished in its attempts to destabilise Iran. In 1980, Washington backed Saddam Hussein in initiating a , which claimed hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives and severely disrupted the country’s efforts at political and economic reconstruction.

Iran and the US have remained bitter foes. Over the years ordinary Iranians have suffered tremendously under rounds of US-imposed , which have all but destroyed the economy in recent years.

This new wave of foreign aggression has arrived at a time of significant domestic unrest within Iran. Since the protests, which began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police, there has been a general groundswell of demand for social justice and democracy.

But the convergence of external aggression and internal demands has brought national sovereignty and self-determination to the forefront, as it did during previous major struggles. While world powers gamble with Iran’s future, it is the Iranian people through their struggles and unwavering push for justice and democracy who must determine the country’s future.

, Senior Lecturer in Sociology,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

“This research provides a clear roadmap for change, underscoring that where a young person lives really matters,” said co-author Dr Emma Thornton. “Policymakers should prioritise proactive, upstream investments in affordable housing, improving local green spaces, and boosting accessible community support schemes. These interventions can make a tangible difference, helping to prevent mental health issues before they escalate and reducing long-term burdens on vital services.”

In the first ever study of its kind, tennis fan Dr Liam Blything analysed the impact of timeouts using from the world’s top 250 players between 2013 and 2023. 

Players at this year’s Wimbledon Championships will be watching closely how their opponents take a bathroom break, in light of the study. 

The paper follows years of speculation by journalists and sports people that the practice amounts to gamesmanship, bestowing an advantage for players taking a bathroom break by disrupting the rhythm of their opponent. 

However, proponents of the bathroom break argue that timeouts are a useful and acceptable way to help players reset.

 In response, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) introduced a rule for the 2022 season to restrict timeouts to a maximum of 3 minutes, alongside limitations on when and how often they can be deployed. 

Published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, Dr Blything found that 71% of time outs were taken when a player lost the previous set. 

And in normal circumstances, 33% of players recover the next set after losing the previous one. This, however, rose to 47% if they took a bathroom break. 

The data analysed by Dr Blything showed there were 1,928 breaks in play in the study period, though when medical and other breaks were accounted for, he was left with 366 bathroom timeouts. 

Dr Blything said: “There has been much argument in the media over recent years about the formalisation of gamesmanship in tennis, with the taking of bathroom breaks. 

“This study for the first time used real data to check the validity of those concerns. 

“There is now clear evidence a well-timed bathroom break in play confers an advantage to the player taking the break by regathering him or herself and disrupting the flow of the opponent..” 

Dr Blything also carried out follow up analyses on the extent to which unforced-errors contributed to the forms of points won and lost. 

The overall decrease in the opponent’s winner-shots was offset by an equivalent decrease in the strategist’s unforced errors, preserving the proportion observed in the baseline data. 

That showed timeout advantage is a combination of both the strategist benefitting from the opportunity to personally reset, and a disruption of the rhythm of the opponent, rather than being disproportionally driven by one player. 

Psychological theory also supports the notion that taking a break can confer advantages by interrupting momentum. 

Theorists argue an interruption disrupts perceptions associated with positive momentum for players who are on a roll, which is in turn difficult to regain. 

The timeout also potentially affords the opportunity for a losing player to refocus from that negative thinking spiral about prospective outcomes, for example by using self-talk and mental imagery techniques. 

Dr Blything added: “These pioneering findings uniquely inform players and tennis governing bodies about the influence of timeouts and, more broadly, elucidate the role that stoppages can play in sport for altering momentum. 

“It would be useful understand if this effect is relevant  in other sports. Snooker players, for example, seem to take a lot of bathroom breaks.” 

Examples of comments from players:

Andy Murray on a Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break after Murray won the 4th set 2-2 in the 2021 US Open 1st round. He went on to lose 3 - 2. “It’s just disappointing because I feel it influenced the outcome of the match. I’m not saying I necessarily win that match, for sure, but it had influence on what was happening after those breaks.”

Roger Federer who took a bathroom break after losing the 4th set 2-2 in the 2017 Australian Open semifinal. He went on to beat Wawrinka 3-2. “I think they're more mental than anything else. I only really did take the timeout because I thought, 'He took one already, maybe I can take one for a change'. Because I'm not a believer in any way that we should be allowed to take a lot of timeouts. But I took it after the set break. People know I don't abuse the system. I hope it's going to stay that way in the future for me, too.’

Stefanos Tsitispas, who’s opponent Novak Djokovic took a bathroom break after losing 2nd set to make it  0-2 in the 2021 French Open Final. Djokovic recovered to beat Tsitsipas 3-2: “I don't think I changed much, I just kept the same pace. I kept the things that were working for me. He left the court after two sets to love down, and he came back to me like a different player suddenly. I don't know. I have no idea.”

On the same match, Djokovic said: “The bathroom break was the turning point. Sometimes in these kind of circumstances where not much is happening positively for you on the court in terms of tennis and the other guy on the court is dominating the play, sometimes these things are necessary. A little break, a little pep talk, and try to recuperate and re-gather the thoughts and reassemble everything that you have and [counter] your opponent with the best possible game.  Maybe it's the experience, maybe it's the toilet break, maybe it's everything combined, but I'm just glad I'm through.”

The paper psychological (ab)use of timeouts in professional tennis is available DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2024.2436271:

The excavation of the site by Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology and the careful lifting of the chariot grave components has revealed tanatalising glimpses of its potential: a rich suite of decorated chariot gear and weaponry, interred with someone who lived through the Roman conquest of Wales, and was buried in a moment of dramatic ritual. 

Whilst we know of many isolated artefacts and even hoards containing chariot gear, this find is currently the only complete chariot known from Wales - and also the ‘last’ chariot burial known from northern Europe, making this an internationally important find. 

This once-in-a-lifetime discovery now needs archaeological investigation and conservation to preserve and display these finds for the people of Pembrokeshire and Wales. Working with local organisations and school groups, particularly rural, traveller and conflict-migrant communities based in west Wales, the project will shape the story of the charioteer through an exciting programme of creative workshops and public performance events, alongside a three-year programme of conversation-led research into the finds and the burial site.

Led by Professor Melanie Giles from ����ֱ��, the project will draw on the skills of Iron Age curator Adam Gwilt and his expert conservation and curatorial team at Amgueddfa Cymru, alongside members of Heneb: Dyfed Archaeology, who were all involved in the original excavation. A workshop and public conference will help launch and celebrate this discovery, learning from other chariot discoveries in Britain, Ireland and the near Continent, such as the recent stunning Iron Age hoard finds from Melsonby (North Yorkshire). 

The results will then be used by expert chariot maker and wheelwright, Robert Hurford, to construct two full-sized chariot reconstructions – one to test in the field and use at public events, the other to display as part of an exhibition at both Oriel y Parc (St Davids) and St Fagans: National Museum of History. The whole process will be recorded as a film with many other resources hosted through the project website. A key theme of the project and the Welsh curriculum is cynefin – how knowledge of places and their past can deepen senses of belonging – and the team will host a special workshop with Welsh teachers to help shape new resources for schools in Pembrokeshire and beyond. 

This ambitious partnership project draws together Welsh heritage, community and creative partners as contributors. Cadw (Welsh Government’s historic environment body responsible for the care and protection of Wales’s cultural heritage) is a funding partner, while Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will be an event and exhibition host at its Oriel y Parc, St David’s and Castell Henllys reconstructed Iron Age village venues. Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology will contribute staff expertise to help craft the final publication of the site in its regional setting whilst PLANED (the Pembrokeshire-based community-led social enterprise charity) will help co-design and deliver the public engagement programme, alongside the stunning creative skills of Pembrokeshire based Span Arts.  

Adam Gwilt, the Co-project Lead at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales said: ‘This unique chariot discovery has wonderful potential to captivate, inspire and engage with communities, helping us to tell rich new stories about Iron Age peoples living in western Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. This project, and our grant funding news, is a great success story for Amgueddfa Cymru, for our partners and for archaeology in Wales. I am really pleased that the team’s dedication and efforts so far, and in coming together to create this distinctive and collaborative project, have been recognised at UK level. It is really exciting that we can now begin to present this national treasure together in many ways, exploring meanings, connections and community responses, past and present.’

John Ewart, of PLANED said: ‘PLANED has been supporting communities for almost forty years and we are honoured to be working alongside so many culturally significant organisations on this incredible find. We are eager to be part of the next chapter in the story of the chariot and its location.’

Bethan Touhig-Gamble, Director of SPAN Arts said: ‘SPAN Arts is thrilled to be part of this exciting project, using creativity to connect the community to this important work.’

Richard Nicholls, Chief Executive of Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology said: ‘We were delighted to work in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru, Cadw and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to excavate the first Celtic chariot burial site to be found in Wales. This new funding will ensure there is wider recognition of the importance of the find and we hope it will inspire future generations to connect with our shared heritage.’

Kathryn Roberts, Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, Cadw said: ‘We are delighted to support this project to learn more about the Pembrokeshire chariot burial and share its fascinating discovery more widely.   This project combines the specialist skills of archaeologists and conservators with craftsmen and storytellers in a unique mix that will explore the world of the charioteer and help people of all ages learn more about the life in Iron Age Wales.’ 

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority commented: ‘We are thrilled to be playing an integral part in this incredible partnership project showcasing the history, culture and rich archaeological legacy of this internationally important discovery. The project provides an opportunity for a diverse cross-section of Pembrokeshire communities to be involved in co-creating the stories linked to the charioteer, to deepen their connection, understanding and sense of place. We’re extremely pleased that Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, the only Iron Age site in Britain reconstructed on the exact site where our ancestors lived 2,000 years ago, will play a part in recreating the rich tapestry linked to this exciting discovery. We look forward to working together with partners to host the Cynefin exhibition at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, showcasing the culmination of the project’s extensive research, engagement and creative collaborations.’

The five-year multi-centre research project – supported by £10mn funding from Wellcome – involves researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Kent, Manchester, Oxford, and Imperial College London. SynHG is led by Professor Jason Chin of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; he was also recently announced as the founding Director of the Generative Biology Institute at the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford, and a Professor at the University of Oxford.

A dedicated social science programme, led by Professor Joy Zhang of the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice at the University of Kent, runs throughout the project alongside the scientific development. The programme will work with civil society partners around the world to actively explore, assess and respond to the socio-ethical implications of tools and technologies developed by SynHG.

The benefits of human genome synthesis to research and beyond 
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project at the start of the century, researchers have sought the ability to write our genome from scratch. Unlike genome editing, genome synthesis allows for changes at a greater scale and density, with more accuracy and efficiency, and will lead to the determination of causal relationships between the organisation of the human genome and how our body functions. Synthetic genomes have the potential to open up brand new areas of research in creating targeted cell-based therapies, virus-resistant tissue transplantation and extensions may even enable the engineering of plant species with new properties, including the ability to withstand harsh climate. 

To date, scientists have successfully developed synthetic genomes for microbes such as E. coli. The field of synthetic genomics has accelerated in recent times, and advances in machine learning, data science and AI showing promise, with synthesised DNA becoming more widely available. However, today’s technology is not able to produce large, more complex sections of genetic material, such as found in crops, animals and humans. 

The research team are focusing on developing the tools and technology to synthesise large genomes exemplified by the human genome. Focusing on the human genome, as opposed to other model organisms such as mice, will allow researchers to more quickly make transformative discoveries in human biology and health.

 Professor Jason Chin, Founding Director of the Generative Biology Institute at EIT, Oxford, said: “The ability to synthesize large genomes, including genomes for human cells, may transform our understanding of genome biology and profoundly alter the horizons of biotechnology and medicine. With SynHG we are building the tools to make large genome synthesis a reality, and at the same time we are pro-actively engaging in the social, ethical, economic and policy questions that may arise as the tools and technologies advance.  We hope that Wellcome’s support for this combination of approaches will help facilitate substantive societal benefit.”

A bold, ambitious project facing complex scientific challenges 
SynHG focuses on developing the foundational tools and methods required to equip more researchers in the future. This research journey will potentially catalyse new technologies in the field of engineering biology, generating exciting discoveries about how cells use their genomes even before achieving complete genome synthesis. 

The team of researchers hope to provide proof of concept for large genome synthesis by creating a fully synthetic human chromosome, which makes up approximately 2% of our total DNA. Initially, the team hope to establish methods where small changes are made to the sequence of a chromosome with minimal onward effect on the proteins that it produces. 

Setting the foundation – testing the concept, iterating the methods, and embedding ethical considerations – could alone take many years. Even as engineering biology technologies improve, reliably building a complete synthetic human genome and meaningfully applying it to human health will likely take decades.

Michael Dunn, Director of Discovery Research at Wellcome, said: “Our DNA determines who we are and how our bodies work and with recent technological advances, the SynHG project is at the forefront of one of the most exciting areas of scientific research. Through creating the necessary tools and methods to synthesise a human genome we will answer questions about our health and disease that we cannot even anticipate yet, in turn transforming our understanding of life and wellbeing.” 

Professor Patrick Yizhi Cai, Chair of Synthetic Genomics at the University of Manchester said: "We are leveraging cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies to revolutionize synthetic mammalian chromosome engineering. Our innovative approach aims to develop transformative solutions for the pressing societal challenges of our time, creating a more sustainable and healthier future for all."

Embedding global socio-ethical discussions in scientific advancements 
To effectively translate scientific ambition into meaningful and potentially profound societal benefits, it is essential that there is proactive and sustained engagement with the evolving socio-ethical priorities and concerns of diverse communities. 

Wellcome is also funding Care-full Synthesis, a dedicated social research initiative conducting empirical studies with diverse publics worldwide. Led by Professor Joy Y. Zhang and hosted by the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice (GSEJ) at the University of Kent, the project builds on GSEJ’s global network of academic, civil society, industry and policy partners to promote a new approach of science–society dialogue that is Open, Deliberative, Enabling, Sensible & Sensitive, and Innovative (‘ODESSI’). 

Professor Joy Zhang, Founding Director of the GSEJ at the University of Kent said: “With Care-full Synthesis, through empirical studies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas, we aim to establish a new paradigm for accountable scientific and innovative practices in the global age—one that explores the full potential of synthesising technical possibilities and diverse socio-ethical perspectives with care.” 

Over the next five years, the team will undertake a transdisciplinary and transcultural investigation into the socio-ethical, economic, and policy implications of synthesising human genomes. The project places particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity within and across nation-states, while engaging emerging public–private partnerships and new interest groups. 

Through the generation of rich empirical data, the team will develop a toolkit to enable effective integration of careful thinking into the management, communication, and delivery of human genome synthesis. This work aims to substantially expand the practice of accountable science and innovation, reflecting the complex realities of a hyperconnected yet ideologically fragmented world. Care-full Synthesis will achieve this by advancing a fresh approach to engaging with global communities, ensuring that fast-moving science is accompanied by robust social and legal deliberation, and identifying innovative strategies to co-ordinate regional and global governance accounting for diverse social priorities and scientific pathways.

Designed by the undergraduate Physics Society, the sculpture is based on the telescope’s original engineering blueprints, ensuring a high level of accuracy and detail. Student James Ruxton spent six months perfecting the design using computer software to model and test different structures, producing a 4,000-page instruction manual. He even custom-designed some Lego pieces, using a 3D printer to create bespoke bricks. 

James and fellow Physics Society members began building the sculpture in late April. The finished model weighs 30kg, with 12.5kg attributed to the dish alone. Due to its weight, the dish had to be reinforced with a steel pole—mirroring a real-life engineering challenge faced during the telescope’s original construction eighty years ago. 

The sculpture serves as a tribute to the University’s pioneering role in astrophysics and engineering. It will be on permanent display in the Schuster Building, housed in a specially modified cabinet alongside a Lego model of a Large Hadron Collider detector—built by students a decade ago. 

A unique feature of the sculpture is a brick which was signed by Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell - the physicist who discovered Pulsars - during her visit to the University to deliver this year’s annual Bragg Lecture in March.  

The sculpture arrives in time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Jodrell Bank, a site of immense significance to ����ֱ�� and to science in the UK.  

Professor Chris Parkes, Head of the Physics and Astronomy department, has been supporting the students with their project. He reflected: “Jodrell Bank has always been a symbol of bold innovation - pushing the boundaries of science and engineering from its earliest days.  

In December 1945, physicist Bernard Lovell travelled from Manchester to a quiet field in Cheshire hoping to explore the use of radar in cosmic ray detection. Instead, this became the start of the Physics Department's world-famous Jodrell Bank radio astronomy observatory.  

Over the following 12 years, Lovell and his team constructed the telescope that now bears his name. Its global importance was confirmed in 1957 when it became the only instrument capable of tracking the rocket carrying Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union during the Space Race.  

Since then, the Lovell Telescope has stood at the forefront of astronomical research. In 2019, the Jodrell Bank Observatory was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, further cementing its legacy as a beacon of scientific innovation. 

In a boon for the future of data storage technologies, the researchers have made a new single-molecule magnet that retains its magnetic memory up to 100 Kelvin (-173 °C) – around the temperature of the Moon at night.

The finding, published in the journal , is a significant advance on the previous record of 80 Kelvin (-193 °C). While still a long way from working in a standard freezer, or at room temperature, data storage at 100 Kelvin could be feasible in huge data centres, such as those used by Google.

If perfected, these single-molecule magnets could pack vast amounts of information into incredibly small spaces – possibly more than three terabytes of data per square centimetre. That’s around half a million TikTok videos squeezed into a hard drive that’s the size of a postage stamp.

The research was led by ����ֱ��, with computational modelling led by the Australian National University (ANU).

David Mills, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at ����ֱ��, said: “This research showcases the power of chemists to deliberately design and build molecules with targeted properties. The results are an exciting prospect for the use of single-molecule magnets in data storage media that is 100 times more dense than the absolute limit of current technologies.

“Although the new magnet still needs cooling far below room temperature, it is now well above the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 Kelvin), which is a readily available coolant. So, while we won’t be seeing this type of data storage in our mobile phones for a while, it does make storing information in huge data centres more feasible.”

Magnetic materials have long played an important role in data storage technologies. Currently, hard drives store data by magnetising tiny regions made up of many atoms all working together to retain memory. Single-molecule magnets can store information individually and don’t need help from any neighbouring atoms to retain their memory, offering the potential for incredibly high data density. But, until now, the challenge has always been the incredibly cold temperatures needed in order for them to function.

The key to the new magnets’ success is its unique structure, with the element dysprosium located between two nitrogen atoms. These three atoms are arranged almost in a straight line – a configuration predicted to boost magnetic performance but realised now for the first time.

Usually, when dysprosium is bonded to only two nitrogen atoms it tends to form molecules with more bent or irregular shapes. In the new molecule, the researchers added a chemical group called an alkene that acts like a molecular pin, binding to dysprosium to hold the structure in place.

The team at the Australian National University developed a new theoretical model to simulate the molecule’s magnetic behaviour to allow them to explain why this particular molecular magnet performs so well compared to previous designs.

Now, the researchers will use these results as a blueprint to guide the design of even better molecular magnets.

The event is a joint collaboration between the University of Manchester, Athlete’s Journey Home and Drug Science and is supported by the British Association for Psychopharmacology. 

The event will feature world experts in the psychedelics field:  Prof David Nutt from Imperial College London and Prof Sara Tai from ����ֱ��. 

Three elite athletes: former professional rugby player, Rory Lamont; former professional ice hockey player, Daniel Carcillo; and former mixed martial artist, Ian McCall will talk about their own healing experiences. 

Organised by Jo Neill Professor of Psychopharmacology, from ����ֱ��, the event will explore scientific and real world evidence to show that psychedelic assisted therapy (PAP) may be able to alleviate some harmful effects of trauma in elite athletes. 

Clinical studies, fieldwork and personal accounts from across the world are now finding that PAP can induce neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to reorganise and make new connections throughout life. 

And that may treat the cognitive decline, early dementia, severe headache and pain which are so common in brain injuries. 

Prof Neill said “This is particularly relevant to elite athletes in sports such as rugby, football, ice hockey, horse riding, mixed martial arts and boxing. 

“In addition to injury, athletes experience emotional trauma from the high pressure environment of competitive sport, and gruelling training regimes, most evident when they leave that sport. 

“B�ܳ� psychedelic assisted therapy is known to reduce the emotional and physical impact of these forms of trauma and is even starting to be used by elite athletes for their mental and physical health in countries where it is legal. 

“PAP is increasingly being recognised as a safe treatment though patients must always adhere to the law, and be well prepared in a very safe setting when taking the psychedelic medicines. They must also receive appropriate and extensive integrative therapy afterwards.” 

The event takes place at the University’s Nancy Rothwell Building on Wednesday 2nd July at 2PM. 

Dr Grace Blest-Hopley and Nige Netzband, experts on Traumatic Brain Injury who work with psychedelics will also speak to the conference. 

Professor Neill added: “While most people find it extremely beneficial and indeed life-changing, PAP can be a very challenging and difficult experience for many. It is not be a medicine to be taken lightly. The treatment paradigm is 1-3 high doses in combination with therapy. Some people may not need to take this treatment again. This is very different from the current approach where people need to take a medicine every day which can have a significant side effect burden. 

“In spite of all the clinical and scientific evidence for their medicinal properties, particularly for disorders where nothing else works, they remain illegal Class A, Schedule 1 drugs in the UK. 

“The law is not evidence based and it enacts the harshest penalties for unlicensed manufacture, possession and supply. 

“Clinicians and scientists who want to conduct research require a controlled drugs licence from the Home Office, an expensive, bureaucratic and extremely time-consuming process. This must change.” 

Tickets available here, free for BAP members.

has been selected to receive the Robert Robinson Prize, while is one of this year's three Tilden Prize recipients.

Professor Larrosa and Professor Barran are among the more than 40 Research and Innovation Prize winners, which recognises researchers who have displayed their brilliance when it comes to research and innovation.

and have earned the Technical Excellence Prize for their outstanding dedication and technical expertise in running the at ����ֱ��. The prize recognises outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences made by individuals or teams working as technicians or in technical roles. 

Prof Larrosa won his prize for contributions to organic chemistry in the area of ruthenium-catalysed C–C bond formation, and receives £3,000 and a medal.

His investigates the development of catalytic processes that enable chemists in industry and academia to synthesise valuable molecules in a more straightforward and sustainable fashion. The main approach in the group involves the application of analytical tools to the detailed study of the modes of operation of transition metal catalysts, and then using this new knowledge to develop more powerful and efficient catalysts.

After receiving the prize, Prof Larrosa said: “It is such an honour to receive the Robert Robinson Award, especially given its history of celebrating transformative contributions to organic chemistry. This recognition reflects the creativity, persistence and collaborative spirit of the brilliant researchers I have had the privilege to work with over the years. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors and the wider scientific community.”

Professor Barran was recognised with the Tilden Prize for her work on the application of ion mobility mass spectrometry to complex biological systems, and breakthroughs in biomarker discovery – notably non-invasive sampling to diagnose Parkinson's disease.

Her focuses on developing advanced mass spectrometry techniques to study the structure and behaviour of proteins and other biomolecules, with applications in understanding the fundamentals of biology, the mechanistic reasons for diseases and the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. One of our most notable achievements is the collaborative work with Joy Milne, a retired nurse who possesses an extraordinary sense of smell and noticed a distinct odour associated with Parkinson’s disease.

This observation led to research demonstrating that sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin, contains compounds that can serve as biomarkers for Parkinson’s. Using mass spectrometry, our team identified specific molecules in sebum that differ between individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease. This discovery has paved the way for the development of a non-invasively sampled and rapid diagnostic test that can detect Parkinson’s disease with high accuracy, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Prof Barran won £5,000 and a medal. 

After receiving the prize, Prof Barran said: “I was absolutely thrilled! This prize was formally won by both my PhD advisors, Harry Kroto and Tony Stace, my undergraduate personal tutor, Dave Garner, and many other brilliant scientists. I felt totally honoured to be among these people who I have always respected. In my case, I attribute winning to the people that I have been privileged to work with. I noted that out of about 200 recipients I was the ninth female. This also made me feel pretty pleased!”

Dr Muralidharan Shanmugam and Adam Brookfield are two EPSRC National Research Facility (NRF) for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy technical specialists named as the winners of one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s team prizes, which celebrate discoveries and innovations that push the boundaries of science.

The duo have been recognised for their outstanding dedication and technical expertise in running the facility at ����ֱ��. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is the spectroscopic technique that is selective and sensitive to unpaired electrons. The unpaired electrons could be intrinsic to the materials studied or could be induced via a process (e.g light/heat/chemically) to provide information on structure, kinetics and much more, with applications covering all areas of physics, chemistry, biology and materials science. The technical team at the EPSRC NRF both maintain the equipment and assist users with the design, implementation and analysis of proposed experiments.

They will share £3,000 and receive a trophy.

 After receiving the prize, Adam Brookfield said: “Both Murali and I are over the moon that our contributions have been recognised by the RSC with this award.

"We're both nosey scientists at heart, we want to provide the best instrument access and knowledge to our users to enable their world-class science. We're in a unique position where we get to see and adapt the facility to the trends and hotspots in research areas, alongside training the next generation of scientific leaders.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year’s winners join a prestigious list of past recipients in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences cover a rich and diverse collection of disciplines, from fundamental understanding of materials and the living world, to applications in medicine, sustainability, technology and more. By working together across borders and disciplines, chemists are finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Our prize winners come from a vast array of backgrounds, all contributing in different ways to our knowledge base, and bringing fresh ideas and innovations. We recognise chemical scientists from every career stage and every role type, including those who contribute to the RSC’s work as volunteers. We celebrate winners from both industry and academia, as well as individuals, teams, and the science itself.

“Their passion, dedication and brilliance are an inspiration. I extend my warmest congratulations to them all.”

For more information about the RSC’s prizes portfolio, visit .

CurrentBody Skin, one of the three innovative beauty technology brands owned by TBTG, has been at the forefront of home-use beauty technology globally since 2009 and is a pioneer in bringing LED light therapy to the home. CurrentBody Skin’s LED Light Therapy Face Mask uses 236 LEDs to emit the three most clinically recognised wavelengths for anti-ageing: red light, near-infrared and deep near-infrared. The efficacy and safety of the technology is underpinned by hundreds of clinical studies, alongside being endorsed by Doctors, dermatologists and aestheticians.

As awareness for our products grows, so does the desire for both education and science-backed beauty technology solutions. We are therefore investing heavily in clinical research for the future as the beauty technology market increasingly becomes a part of people’s skincare routines.

Home to one of the most active and comprehensive centres for dermatology research in the UK, ����ֱ�� was an obvious partner for our next clinical study. The 12-week clinical study will commence in September 2025 and will be led by Dr. Abigail Langton, PhD, who has an established record of internationally-recognised original research in the field of skin health and ageing.

The study will see a minimum of 20 healthy adult volunteers use the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2  for 10 minutes, five times per week for a 12-week period. In conjunction with the mask, a bespoke LED device for use on the forearm has been designed and manufactured to the same specification as the face mask. This bespoke device will be used on the volunteers’ forearms for the same duration as the face mask to support the clinical study. Participants will undergo non-invasive assessments of their face at the beginning, the halfway point and at the end of the study. In addition, small forearm skin biopsies will be taken at the start and at the end of the 12-week period.

The results from this new study will deepen our knowledge of our technology even further, leveraging pioneering techniques including biopsies of the skin to assess the extent of skin ageing and repair. It will evaluate the technology’s impact on photoaged skin, which is the result of long-term sun exposure over the years, often characterised by wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull appearance. It will focus on the impact on skin health and function on the face and forearm, including measures such as elasticity and hydration, as well as microscopic features of the forearm skin, such as epidermal thickness.

Laurence Newman, CEO of The Beauty Tech Group, commented: “As the use of LED light therapy and other beauty technologies becomes increasingly commonplace in people’s lives, so has the increase in demand for education and proof of results. Unfortunately, imitation products, where the accuracies of wavelengths cannot be proven, have entered the beauty technology market and this is subsequently leading to confusion and misinformation. The need to validate and prove our technology is therefore more important than ever.

“We are addressing these challenges by ensuring each device that we produce can be traced back to its manufacturing to show the exact wavelengths in our CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Series 2. Partnering with one of the biggest faculties for skin in the country, and in our home city, will support our continuing journey in expanding the clinical aspect of the use of LED light therapy.

“This partnership not only demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in product design and development, but also shows our commitment to raise the standards across the industry. Most importantly, it aims to ensure that customers purchase high quality aesthetic products that are proven to work and are safe to use. I am proud of the work we are doing to innovate and progress the beauty technology industry, and look forward to publishing the results once the clinical trial is completed.”

Dr. Abigail Langton added: "We’re thrilled to be collaborating with The Beauty Tech Group on this pioneering study into the effects of LED light therapy on skin ageing. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and combining it with our expertise in dermatological science, we have a unique opportunity to uncover how targeted light wavelengths influence the biology of photoaged skin. This research will generate powerful new insights into skin structure and function, helping to shape the future of science-backed, at-home skin treatments."

The White Paper takes recommendations from research carried out by University of Manchester researchers based at the Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD), funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by the  National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

They found that unaddressed hearing loss is highly prevalent in care homes, impacting on residents’ quality of life.

The research identified several barriers relating to caregivers’ knowledge of hearing loss and opportunities for care homes to work with audiologists. Unclear responsibilities relating to hearing care and residents’ difficulties adapting to, or being comfortable wearing, hearing aids were also identified.

Titled “Hearing Loss in Care Homes – A Call to Action”, the paper brings together nearly a decade of practical experience from Engage’s work across over 35 care homes, alongside extensive research and insights from Nightingale Hammerson, where the Engage project has been running for over three years.

With at least 80% of residents in older people’s care homes living with hearing loss, the paper highlights the widespread impact of unaddressed hearing needs – from increased risks of dementia and falls, to social isolation, depression, and avoidable distress.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “Hearing loss has long been overlooked in care settings, despite its profound impact on wellbeing, safety, and social connection. This white paper, developed jointly with Engage and Nightingale Hammerson, is a timely and vital resource for the sector. It provides practical, evidence-based recommendations that care providers can implement to deliver more compassionate, inclusive and effective care.”

The paper sets out a comprehensive set of evidence-informed recommendations including:

• Conducting environmental audits to reduce noise and improve lighting;
• Implementing clear protocols for hearing aid support and maintenance;
• Providing experiential hearing loss training for staff;
• Appointing Hearing Loss Champions to embed best practice;
• Ensuring access to personal amplifiers when hearing aids are not tolerated or unavailable;
• Improving access to audiology services and earwax removal;
• Supporting residents and families to explore and use assistive hearing technologies;
• Embedding person-centred communication, particularly for people living with dementia.

Dr Hannah Cross, Research Associate, Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD) at ����ֱ��, said: “Hearing care that is personalised, provided consistently and dementia appropriate can make huge changes to residents’ quality of life, wellbeing, independence and functioning.

"Meeting the hearing needs of care home residents with dementia is vital in maintaining their communication abilities, independence, and quality-of-life. 

"My PhD work outlined just how complex providing hearing care can be and how much needs to change. This White Paper will help to guide care homes in supporting their residents, and boost the priority of hearing loss within Social Care policy and regulation.”

Padraic Garrett, Head of Engage and Andrew Goodwin, Service Manager for Engage, said: “When residents with hearing loss are not adequately supported, it leads to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation, with higher risks to physical health issues including falls. From our many years of successfully collaborating with homes, our motivation for this Paper is to share what we have found works to address the suffering of residents with hearing loss.”

Nuno Santos Lopes, Director of Research and Innovation at Nightingale Hammerson, added: “Hearing loss is common to the vast majority of older people with care needs and the levels of knowledge of the care givers remains very low. From creating the right environment to get staff, managers and relatives knowledgeable about how to engage with someone with hearing loss, there is a lot of work to do and this document works as an easy to access guidance to help improving the hearing care standards.”

The paper not only outlines an ethical and clinical imperative but also makes a compelling financial case: improved hearing care can reduce falls, mitigate cognitive decline, and enhance resident and staff wellbeing—ultimately supporting occupancy, reputation, and staff retention.

Care England urges all care providers to read the paper and implement its recommendations, using it as a foundation for improving practice and a platform to advocate for better audiology provision within local health systems.

Triangle CERSI is one of five Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-funded centres across the US, designed to promote innovation in regulatory science and accelerate access to complex emerging technologies. Located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Triangle CERSI is a partnership between University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, in collaboration with North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, and the Burroughs Welcome Fund.

UK CEiRSI, jointly funded by InnovateUK and the Medical Research Council (MRC), operates under the leadership of the Christabel Pankhurst Institute in partnership with Unit M. This pioneering consortium has established a comprehensive national network that unites elite academic institutions—including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, Queens University of Belfast and Swansea University—with key regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Health Research Authority (HRA). With participation from 85 additional national and international stakeholders spanning academia, industry, and regulatory affairs, UK CEiRSI represents an unprecedented collaborative effort to integrate robust in-silico evidence into medical product development and regulatory decision-making pathways.

Professor Alejandro Frangi, Executive Director of UK CEiRSI, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “This partnership represents a strategic milestone in global regulatory harmonisation. Triangle CERSI's pioneering work in virtual imaging trials and pharmaceutical regulatory science perfectly complements our comprehensive in silico capabilities across drugs and medical devices. By synchronising our regulatory approaches across continents, we're not simply sharing knowledge—we're building a unified scientific foundation that will accelerate innovation, reduce redundancy, and ultimately deliver safer, more effective medical technologies to patients worldwide. Together, we're transforming regulatory barriers into bridges.”

Christin Daniels, Executive Director of Triangle CERSI, highlighted the importance of the partnership: "Partnering with UK CEiRSI creates a synergistic alliance to modernize regulatory science. Ensuring faster, safer solutions for patients worldwide requires a unified regulatory language. By combining Triangle CERSI’s expertise in pharmaceutical evaluation and safety, clinical trial optimization, in silico models and other New Approach Methodologies with UK CEiRSI’s impressive national network focused on comprehensive in silico technologies, we aim to close the gap between the pace of innovation and speed of adoption along the regulatory pathway on both sides of the Atlantic."

The MOU sets the stage for a series of joint initiatives, including workshops, training programs, and collaborative research projects. These efforts will not only advance regulatory science but also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. 

• "In-Silico"  is a term used to describe experiments or studies that are performed using computer simulations or software. 
• For more information visit: UK CEiRSI LinkedIn ; UK CEiRSI ;  InSilicoUK ; UK CEiRSI | InSilicoUK ; In Silico Trials, Real Impact! ; Triangle CERSI

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, has released a series of extraordinary images, which show millions of galaxies, stars in the Milky Way and thousands of asteroids, all in unprecedented detail.  

These images, captured in just 10 hours of observations, offer a glimpse of what’s to come from Rubin’s forthcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) - a 10-year mission to build the most detailed time-lapse map of the night sky ever attempted.

The UK is playing a major role in the global collaboration, as the second-largest international contributor to the project, supported by a £23 million investment from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

The UK will host one of three international data facilities to support management and processing of the unprecedented amounts of data that Rubin will produce.

Among the UK scientists closely involved is Professor Chris Conselice, Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at ����ֱ��. Professor Conselice sits on the UK:LSST/Rubin Board and has contributed to key scientific analyses for preparation of the data, including techniques to detect very diffuse light around galaxies and how the data from Rubin can be used with Euclid - another international satellite mission to map the dark universe.

The images have been taken with the LSST Camera - the world’s newest and most powerful survey telescope, equipped with the largest digital camera ever built and feeds a powerful data processing system.

Over the next decade, it will repeatedly scan the sky to create an ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition time-lapse record of our Universe that will bring the sky to life with a treasure trove of billions of scientific discoveries. The images will reveal asteroids and comets, pulsating stars, supernova explosions, far-off galaxies and perhaps cosmic phenomena that no one has seen before.

Already, the camera has identified more than 2000 never-before-seen asteroids in our Solar System.

The project will generate the largest dataset in the history of optical astronomy. The amount of data gathered by Rubin Observatory in its first year alone will be greater than that collected by all other optical observatories combined.

The dataset is expected to reach around 500 petabytes and catalogue billions of cosmic objects with trillions of measurements that will help scientists make countless discoveries about the Universe and will serve as an incomparable resource for scientific exploration for decades to come.

����ֱ��’s involvement continues to shape global narratives of Egypt’s forgotten cities, bringing the ancient Delta back into view one discovery at a time.

In addition to Dr Nicky Nielsen, the excavation team comprised Dr Hamada Hussein (University of Sadat City), Dr Diana T. Nikolova (University of Liverpool), Matei Tichindelean (UCLA), Kylie Thomsen (UCLA), Omar Farouk, Jamal el-Sharkawy, Ahmed Fahim and Ali Bashir.

The Tower was taken out of service in 2021 with demolition beginning in 2024. It was completed in Spring 2025, with the demolition carried out by Manchester-based company P.P. O’Connor. 

Modern and high-quality student accommodation will be built on the site, bringing the wider Fallowfield Campus offering up to 5,400 student beds. The project will deliver 3,300 updated bedspaces as well as replacing some of the existing accommodation. 

Planning permission for the new accommodation was secured following public consultation with local groups, residents, staff and students. 

Owens Park Tower will be remembered fondly as a focal point of the Fallowfield Campus by former residents and alumni of ����ֱ��. 

Built in the 1960s, Owens Park housed thousands of students every year, and previous famous residents include actor Benedict Cumberbatch, comedian Rik Mayall, and Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien. 

Barra Mac Ruairí, Chief Property Officer at ����ֱ�� said: “Owens Park Tower will always be remembered by generations of staff and students. For many of our alumni, it was their first home in this city.  

“B�ܳ� a great new chapter awaits our Fallowfield Campus, and I am excited to see our bold vision for modern student accommodation, which reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional living environment, come to life.” 

Along with Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall will eventually also be redeveloped. The changes come at a time of increasing demand for student accommodation in Manchester, with the University committed to providing inclusive and safe accommodation in sociable surroundings.  

The consortium Virdis (comprised of John Graham Construction Ltd, Equitix and Derwent FM) is driving the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment project forward in line with the University’s aspiration to create a greener, more sustainable future at the campus, rooted in the delivery of an unrivalled student experience. 

Dr Simon Merrywest, Executive Director for the Student Experience at ����ֱ��, said: “Every student that studies with us deserves a safe place to call home and a learning environment that supports them in reaching their full potential. We are investing in our Fallowfield Campus to ensure it meets the needs of our students. 

“We are always listening and working to improve the experience of our students, and we understand the availability of high-quality, good value student accommodation is insufficient in this city. The changes to our Fallowfield Campus will bring seismic benefits to our student community, from the moment they arrive to the day they graduate.” 

In a new report from the Northern Health Science Alliance, partly based on research by University of Manchester experts entitled “Ageing in the North”, researchers have catalogued an “alarming” range of disadvantages faced by older people living in the North, in areas such as health, life expectancy, housing, nutrition, employment, and social isolation.

The authors stress that this inequality is mainly driven by economic and social factors, and is “totally reversible” - as long as policymakers are bold enough to act. For example, targeted investment has the potential to reduce or recover as much as £10.9 billion in lost productivity costs, £315 million in NHS costs from falls and hip fractures, and £588 million in NHS costs from treating conditions resulting from poor  housing.

“Ageing in the North” is published by the Northern Health Science Alliance’s Ageing North network - including a multi-disciplinary team from Durham University, Lancaster University, ����ֱ��, Newcastle University, and the University of Sheffield - and Health Equity North. The team features expertise from a wide range of disciplines, from biology to sociology.

Researchers analysed existing data through a regional lens to examine the different ways in which ageing is experienced across England. They explored issues such as poverty and employment, health expectancies, long-term chronic conditions, frailty and falls, physical activity, nutrition, dementia and cognitive frailty, social support and unpaid care, social isolation and loneliness, housing and ethnicity.

The report - which you can read in full - states that:

●     There are an estimated 904,200 economically inactive 50-64 year olds in the North: 170,100 in the North East, 428,600 in the North West, and 305,500 in Yorkshire and the Humber, contributing to a potential reduction in GDP of £10.9 billion per year

●     People from the South are more likely to retire, while those in the North are more likely to leave the job market due to poor health

●     Older people living in the North East and North West are 1.61 and 1.33 times, respectively, more likely to be frail, 1.16 and 1.06 times more likely to have a fall that requires hospital treatment, and 1.14 and 1.12 times more likely to have a hip fracture compared to older people living in the South East

●     The cost to the NHS of falls and hip fractures in the North is NHS £55.7 million and £258.8 million per year respectively

●     1.47 million northern homes are considered non-decent, with over a third housing over-60s residents. This is costing the NHS approximately £588 million in treatment per year

●     In the ten years from 2012 to 2022, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber have seen the rates of poverty among people aged 65 and over rise by 10%

●     People aged 65 or over are 5% more likely to be deprived in the North (68%) than in the South (63%)

●     Between 2020-21 and 2022-23, pensioner couples in the North East had an average income 14% lower than the national average and 25% lower than those in the South East

●     Men aged 65 and over in the North East are predicted to have the highest number of unhealthy years of life on average, at 20.2 years. Yorkshire and Humber have 19.1, while the South East has 16.6

●     The number of unhealthy years of life for older women in the North East is 23.7 years, compared to 19.4 years in the South East

●     There is a two-year life expectancy gap between the North and the rest of England, with premature death rates 20% higher for those in the North

●     Arthritis is more common amongst 55-64 year olds in the North (28%) than in the South (23%). Just 51% of people in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are seen for treatment within the national three-week target, compared to 79% in the South West

●     Physical inactivity in the North East among 55-74 year olds is at 31% compared to 22% in the South East

●     Northern adults over 65 are 27% more likely to experience food insecurity than those in the South

●     Cognitive frailty (cognitive impairment plus physical frailty) in old age is more common in the North than in the South, with 11.8% living with cognitive frailty in the North East compared to 7% in the South East.

●     Older adults in the North are 23.3% more likely to experience loneliness compared to the South, with northern women 1.55 times more likely to be lonely than men

●     The three northern regions have the highest proportion of people aged 65 and over living in care homes, costing an estimated £4.83 billion in care home fees

●     Minoritised ethnic groups consistently report poorer self-rated health than White British peers. Self-rated health is generally poorer in the North than in London and the South.

The report is being launched at an event in Westminster today (Monday, June 23, 2025) hosted by MP for Shipley, Anna Dixon, who wrote the Foreword.

Anna Dixon, Member of Parliament for Shipley, said: "Where you live shouldn’t affect your experience of ageing. This report brings into sharp focus the reality of how unequal ageing is across England. If we want to create a society that supports everyone to live and age better, we need to tackle the wider societal issues that result in some people in some communities dying earlier and living longer in poor health. This needs a life course approach, from childhood to adulthood, that enables people to remain active, stay healthy and contribute to society for as long as possible.”

Leading academics behind the report are now calling on the Government to recognise the  challenges faced by people in later life and to prioritise tackling the root causes of unequal ageing. The report includes evidence-based policy recommendations, which could go a long way to reversing the widening inequality gap between North and South.

These recommendations include:

●     Adopting a cross-government approach to prevent unequal ageing, looking at themes such as education, housing, employment and health

●     Strengthening place-based collaboration between local government, combined authorities, housing developers, the NHS, and older adult

●     Developing and delivering a national housing strategy for older people that prioritises ageing in place and invests in age-friendly, accessible homes

●     Significantly increasing investment in adult social care in the North of England

●     Developing an NHS-led, UK-wide strategy to address physical inactivity as a key driver of later-life health inequalities

●     Producing a national strategy to recognise and address cognitive frailty as a preventable condition distinct from dementia

●     Identifying the regions most at risk of diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and adopting a proactive preventative strategy which expands community-based services and strengthens early intervention

●     Expanding workplace health programmes and improving healthcare access disparities

●     Developing tailored place-based strategies to reduce loneliness among older people, focusing on groups at highest risk, such as women, minoritised ethnic groups, people who are living alone, or with poor health

●     Addressing food insecurity in later life through stronger national tracking and targeted local action

●     Improving the collection and use of ethnicity and regional data across health and care systems to better understand and inform culturally-appropriate and regionally-sensitive responses

●     Strengthening support for unpaid carers of older people by increasing carer’s allowance and carer-related benefits.

Emeritus Professor Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield’s Healthy Lifespan Institute, said: “This report paints an alarming picture of how inequality has eaten away at the quality of life of so many older northerners. In almost every aspect we investigated, there is a yawning gap between the North and the South - from their income and health to their housing, social care and sense of isolation.

“This gap is hardly new, but the most frustrating thing about it is that it is totally reversible - assuming that policymakers are willing to take decisive steps to address these issues, and provide a better life for our family members, friends, and neighbours as they age.”

Professor Chris Todd, from ����ֱ��, said: “The country has faced several crises in recent years, from austerity to the COVID-19 pandemic. Older people in the North have carried more than their fair share of that burden.

“The reality is now stark. Older people in the North are more likely to be poorer, and to live shorter, less-healthy, more isolated lives in sub-optimal accommodation.

“The gap is growing every day. We need proactive policies - targeted at areas of greatest need - to reverse this trend and enable the North to age with hope, rather than inequality.”

Professor Carol Holland, the Director of Lancaster University’s Centre for Ageing Research, said: “Unequal ageing is not inevitable. The gulf between North and South has been created and exacerbated by long-term national policies. And it can be reversed in the same way.

“The evidence presented in this report does not merely highlight all the ways that people experience ageing differently in the North and South. It offers a clear call to action, to make it a national priority to address this inequality - and vastly improve the lives of millions. We know a lot about prevention and risk reduction of later life difficulties such as frailty or cognitive impairment: it is not enough to claim that nothing can be done. It is time to be bold, and do better.”

Professor Barbara Hanratty, Professor of Primary Care & Public Health at Newcastle University, said: “For many, it is harder to grow old in the North than in the South. There are some deep-seated and long-term reasons for that. But we must also acknowledge that the situation is being influenced by decisions that are being made today.

“Average earnings in the North amongst those aged 65 and over are the lowest in England, and poverty has increased over the last ten years. People in the North are more likely than their neighbours to leave the workforce due to ill-health. We need real policy changes to tackle the root causes of this inequality, with more targeted initiatives to address the many disadvantages facing older people in the North.”

Professor Charlotte Clarke, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) at Durham University, said: “The factors that contribute to the struggles faced by older people make their presence felt far earlier - in childhoods and adulthoods where poverty, poor housing, ill-health and other disadvantages are all too common.

“It is absolutely essential that policymakers act to help our older citizens. But they must also recognise that these issues are the result of lifelong experiences and inequalities. To achieve real tangible change, we need policies that improve lives as a whole - and tackle these issues long before they escalate.”

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance and Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “The North is a beautiful place to grow old. We have some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, as well as welcoming and tight-knit communities. And yet, the day-to-day reality of ageing for many northerners is far harder than it should be.

“We have often talked about the inequalities that exist in the North, and this report is a reminder of why the gap between North and South continues to widen. There is clear evidence of this on so many fronts - from poverty levels to housing quality, frailty, nutrition, and social support. The divide is particularly pronounced amongst older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds, which highlights the need for culturally-sensitive solutions which recognise community needs.

“It is undeniable that we need to offer urgent help to older people who are dealing with these issues. It is also our responsibility to make sure that future generations do not have to go through the same challenges - with targeted, considered policies that address the lifelong issues that are so familiar to northern citizens.”

Read the full “Ageing in the North” report here:

The fellowship is the College’s highest award for non-GPs and previous fellows include Sir Chris Whitty, Sir Michael Marmot, three former presidents of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the TV chef Jamie Oliver. 

 Nav who is also Director of the UK’s National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust said: 

“I’m delighted to be awarded the Fellowship.  At medical school I only really considered two career paths – psychiatry and general practice – and it could have gone either way!  So to be recognised by the Royal College of General Practitioners feels really special.  I’m very grateful to them and the people who nominated me.  

“I would like to thank all my colleagues, patients, carers and others who have helped with our research.  I also want to thank my family, especially my big brother Sanj, a fantastic GP who retired recently and without whom I would never have become a doctor.” 

The fellowship means that Nav now has the letters FRCGP (Hon)’ after his name. 

The citation for the Fellowship from the Royal College of General Practitioners highlighted Nav’s world leading suicide prevention research as well as his work for NICE, the UK Department of Health, and health services.  

The citation went on to say: “All of his research has had a clinical real-world focus and much of it is relevant to primary care. His work has identified suicide prevention as a core safety responsibility of health and social care services.  He has been a long-standing friend of general practice and his work has most certainly led to enhanced GP care for people presenting with mental health concerns”

Published by HESA, the register is the most comprehensive dataset of its kind, providing the first open and auditable record of spinout activity across the UK’s higher education sector. It captures all spinout companies established by UK universities between 2012/13 and 2023/24, offering a robust measure of how effectively research is being translated into commercial ventures.

����ֱ��’s performance reflects more than a decade of sustained effort to support its researchers in building successful, impactful businesses from world-class academic work. Driven by ����ֱ�� Innovation Factory, 122 spinout companies were established during the period covered by the register, in fields ranging from advanced materials and biotech to environmental innovation.

The Innovation Factory plays a central role in this success. As the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Innovation Factory is responsible for the commercialisation of the University’s research. This includes supporting the creation and development of spinout companies based on ideas and discoveries generated by the University’s academics.

Dr Catherine Headley, CEO of the Innovation Factory, said: “This is a fantastic recognition of the strength of our innovation community in Manchester. It shows not just how many spinouts we’re helping to launch, but the real value of the support we offer to researchers with great ideas. 

"We’re proud to see so many of those ideas becoming successful businesses, and we’re committed to helping even more of them make that journey. In doing so, we’re building on Manchester’s long history of innovation and helping to secure the city’s future as a global centre for discovery and enterprise.”

The Innovation Factory provides a full spectrum of technology transfer services, including early-stage evaluation, intellectual property management, licensing, company formation and investor support. It works closely with academic teams, industry partners and investors to ensure that ideas with commercial potential receive the guidance and support they need to succeed.

The HESA Spinout Register has been developed in partnership with Jisc, Research England and the University Commercialisation and Innovation Policy Evidence Unit at the University of Cambridge. It is based on validated institutional returns to the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey and represents the first national resource of its kind.

����ֱ��’s position in the register highlights its commitment to delivering impact through innovation and its leadership in turning research into economic and societal value.

For more information, visit the Innovation Factory .

Now live across five berths in North Harbour—with additional capacity to expand—the installation is expected to reduce up to 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the next 20 years. This saving is equivalent to removing approximately 2,140 cars from the road each year. also sets out how UK Government policy changes could support faster deployment of shore power at other ports.

The success of the project not only helps Aberdeen advance its ambition to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040 but also demonstrates the crucial role university research plays in real-world climate solutions. Dr Bullock and the Tyndall team’s sustained involvement from early research to full deployment highlights the lasting value of academic contributions to national decarbonisation efforts.

The project, known as Shore Power in Operation, is part of the UK Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, delivered through UK SHORE and Innovate UK. With £4 million in funding and extensive collaboration between industry and academia, it represents a landmark public-private investment in cleaner port infrastructure.

Port of Aberdeen led the initiative in partnership with a broad consortium including OSM Offshore, Tidewater Marine UK Ltd, Connected Places Catapult, and researchers from the Tyndall Centre based in the University of Manchester, with support from Buro Happold and Energy Systems Catapult. PowerCon, a global leader in shore power solutions, delivered the on-site infrastructure.

As nations around the world aim to meet climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, the researchers highlight that without careful planning, effort to cut emissions could unintentionally maintain or widen existing regional gaps in access to services, such as how energy and water are distributed.

To help address this, the team have developed a framework, published in the journal , which uses artificial intelligence tools combined with detailed country-scale digital twin simulators to help identify infrastructure intervention plans that reduce emissions while fairly managing access to vital services like electricity and water, and improving food production.

The approach aims to help achieve sustainability and climate targets, particularly in countries with complicated interdependencies between sectors and inequitable access to services. It helps ensure that no region or community is left behind in the journey to net zero and supports UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Using a case study of Ghana, the research shows that reaching a fairer, low-carbon energy transition will not only require increased investments in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure but also more informed social, economic, and environmental planning. Countries must consider who benefits from infrastructure investments – not just how much carbon they cut.

This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Full title: Delivering equity in low-carbon multisector infrastructure planning

DOI:

Link:

Our research is at the forefront of the energy transition. Guided by our innovative spirit and interdisciplinary outlook, we work to mitigate climate change while transforming our energy system, to enable a just and prosperous future for all. Find out more about our energy research. 

“It’s encouraging to see Manchester climb to 7th in the world for international research collaboration,” said Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research. “The University’s research excellence is rooted in a culture of curiosity, collaboration and purpose, and the international collaborations of our academics across the globe is crucial for advancing research and tackling some of the major issues facing the world today.”

The University’s social and environmental impact is ranked in the top ten globally with the university being the only institution in the world in the top 10 in for both the  and ). In 2025, the University was ranked in first place in the UK and Europe and second in the world for benefitting society and the environment by Times Higher Education for the third year running. 

For further information, visit the website.

The University tops both the global league table of publications and citations at 177 and 12,313 respectively. 

The output was predominantly driven by Professor David Denning from The Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) at the ����ֱ��, the most published and most cited author at 89 papers and 9850 citations.

 He was followed by Thomas J. Walsh from the United States at 72 papers and 6,036 citations, and Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis also from the United States ranking third at 66 papers, 6404 citations. 

Invasive aspergillosis a potentially lethal infection, usually of the lungs, is thought to affect over 2 million people each year. 

According Professor David Denning, one of the world’s leading experts on fungal disease, global outcomes for patients with invasive aspergillosis have improved markedly in recent years.

The success, he argues, is partly down to the huge amount of research activity devoted to the topic in Manchester and at centres across the globe. Professor Mike Bromley, Head of MFIG said: “We have made significant inroads to improving outcomes for patients suffering from the devastating diseases caused by Aspergillus, but much more needs to be done.”

MFIG have recently worked with the WHO to highlight the need for additional efforts in antifungal drug and

However the disease still has a high mortality rate, particularly in immunocompromised people and those in intensive care, who can experience severe complications including bleeding and spread from the lungs to the brain.

Professor Denning said: ‘Since I first encountered invasive aspergillosis as a trainee doctor in the mid 1980’s when it was poorly understood, my clinical and research focus has been focussed on improving what was then a dismal outcome for these patients.

“Great strides in both diagnosis and treatment have been made since 2002, with what was almost a universally fatal disease before the millennium to around 30% in the best performing hospitals.

“The improvement is down to major studies, agreed diagnostic criteria and application of accepted guidelines for caring for patients.

“However there continues to be a desperate need to build on these gains in every hospital globally so we can continue to improve the outlook for these often complex and vulnerable patients.

“Working with major pharmaceutical companies on the clinical development of key antifungal drugs voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin and the preclinical development of anidulafungin, posaconazole and isavuconazole has been an extraordinary journey.”

The figure of 177 papers dwarfs the others in the top 4:  Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands published 92 papers, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston 90 papers, and the University of Texas 81 papers.

This research is supported by three major units at ����ֱ��:  the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG), the National Aspergillosis Centre and the Manchester Mycology Reference Centre.

MFIG has recently been awarded some significant research grants: Prof Bromley, Dr Bertuzzi and Dr Bottery of MFIG have recently received 3 awards, totalling over £2 million from the Wellcome Trust to explore new ways of combatting fungal infection.

About our international research
����ֱ�� is globally renowned for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university – ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings – with a diverse community of more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries.  Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe. 

The University’s unique commitment to addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is world leading. Manchester is the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in all seven years of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 

The 17 SDGs are the world’s call to action on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing humanity and the natural world, and ����ֱ��’s consistent top ranking is recognition of its leading role in tackling them. 

In this year’s assessment, more universities than ever were ranked with 2,318 institutions from 130 countries being ranked against how they are addressing the most pressing challenges facing our planet.  

The ranking, is the world’s only one that measures universities’ contributions to the UN SDGs and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at ����ֱ��, who leads the institution’s entry to the ranking, said: “Each year, we submit a wealth of evidence demonstrating how we embed social responsibility across all areas of our work—from sustainability and cultural engagement to research impact, widening participation and the student experience. This continued recognition highlights the dedication of our entire University community to making a positive difference locally and globally.” 

����ֱ�� came top in the world for SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Significantly contributing to this is the investment made in four public-facing cultural institutions. Manchester Museum has recently been recognised as one of Europe’s leading museums after winning .  

The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and Manchester Museum is the first university museum to receive it, earning recognition for the way it balances globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility.  

The University has also directly addressed the energy impact of its campus in a landmark deal to see up to 65% of its electricity demand supplied via a new renewable project. In support of SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, the University is building a 104,000 solar panel farm to generate green energy and also create a significant biodiversity enhancement to previously low-grade farmland. 

The University was ranked second in the world for SDG15 – Life on Land. Particularly key contributions towards this goal have come from for his climate research on restoring grasslands in the UN’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative. Alongside this is leading research on socially driven reforestation policies to better protect our environment. 

President and Vice Chancellor, ����ֱ��, Professor Duncan Ivison said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for our University community to once again be recognised as the UK and Europe’s top-ranked university - and second in the world - in this year’s THE Impact Rankings. This reflects not only the depth of our commitment to social responsibility but also the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners who bring that commitment to life every day. 

"As we prepare to launch our new strategy, Manchester 2035, this recognition is a powerful reminder of the role we can play, both here in Manchester and around the world, in leading on addressing the major challenges of our time: advancing sustainability, tackling inequality, and supporting inclusive growth.” 

����ֱ�� has also, this week, been ranked 35th in the annual QS World University Rankings which evaluate over 8,000 institutions around the world. The results reflect the University’s international profile and continued excellence in research, with other standout performances in indicators such as the International Research Network and International Students.

Read more about ����ֱ��'s rankings.

The project conducted research across five diverse schools - two secondary, two primary and one alternative provision – with each the subject of a comprehensive case study.

“Challenges such as inadequate facilities, socio-economic barriers and gender disparities were found to hinder participation,” MacQuarrie and Hennessey explain. “Yet the study recognised schools’ creativity in addressing these issues through tailored programs, community partnerships and student-centred approaches.”

Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face “unique challenges” including limited access to appropriate and properly funded facilities.  But the authors add: “Inclusive practices - such as adapting sports to accommodate diverse abilities - demonstrate the potential for PESSPA to serve as a vital bridge in reducing inequities and promoting inclusive practice.”

The study revealed “concerning trends in prolonged sedentary behaviour” with 43% of pupils surveyed found to be spending over four hours daily on screens and 23% engaging in “extended sedentary activities.”  Further, 7.2% of pupils reported feeling lonely often or all of the time compared to , with pupil happiness at 6.4 compared to .

“Physical activity offers a powerful counterbalance to these challenges, enhancing mood, reducing feelings of loneliness,” MacQuarrie and Hennessey argue. “Schools should actively address concerns by integrating engaging, movement-based activities into daily routines. Programmes that emphasise the fun and social aspects and create comfortable and accessible opportunities for physical activity can shift behaviours and cultivate healthier lifestyle patterns among students.”

In their article, the academics set out a series of recommendations for policymakers and educators to harness “the transformative potential of PESSPA to uplift communities and catalyse generational change.”

These include advice to the Department for Education to “prioritise safe, versatile and inclusive facilities for all schools.”  This could be achieved, they suggest, by launching a consultation to gauge the views of “educators, practitioners and school leaders to build a national picture of how this infrastructure in schools needs to be developed and maintained at scale.”

To embed physical activity in school culture, the Department is encouraged to “integrate PESSPA across curricula and extracurricular activities, recognising its role in fostering holistic development.”  MacQuarrie and Hennessey continue: “Community assets can also be leveraged here, and local authorities should support schools to strengthen partnerships with local sports organisations to enhance reach and impact.”

To promote equity, they urge policymakers to offer tailored programmes for underserved groups, including girls and children with special educational needs. They add: “As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill progresses, there is opportunity to embed this into legislation.”

And to tackle sedentary behaviours, the authors advocate “the development of policies and programmes to drive awareness regarding screen time and promote active lifestyles that are valued by children and young people.”

 by Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. It was included in the Youth Sport Trust's recent , along with which identified locations across England where access to play and sport need more support and encouragement.