Earth’s earliest sea creatures drove evolution by stirring the water
A study involving the University of Cambridge has used virtual recreations of the earliest animal ecosystems, known as marine animal forests, to demonstrate the part they played in the evolution of our planet.
Using state-of-the-art computer simulations of fossils from the Ediacaran time period - approximately 565 million years ago - scientists discovered how these animals mixed the surrounding seawater. This may have affected the distribution of important resources such as food particles and could have increased local oxygen levels.
Through this process, the scientists think these early communities could have played a crucial role in shaping the initial emergence of large and complex organisms prior to a major evolutionary radiation of different forms of animal life, the so-called Cambrian ‘explosion’.
Over long periods of time, these changes might have allowed life forms to perform more complicated functions, like those associated with the evolution of new feeding and movement styles.
The study was led by the Natural History Museum and is published today in the journal Current Biology.
Dr Emily Mitchell at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, a co-author of the report, said: “It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim. We’ve found they mixed up the water and enabled resources to spread more widely - potentially encouraging more evolution.”
Scientists know from modern marine environments that nutrients like food and oxygen are carried in seawater, and that animals can affect water flow in ways that influence the distribution of these resources.
To test how far back this process goes in Earth’s history, the team looked at some of the earliest examples of marine animal communities, known from rocks at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, Canada. This world-famous fossil site perfectly preserves early life forms thanks to a cover of volcanic ash (sometimes referred to as an ‘Ediacaran Pompeii’).
Although some of these life forms look like plants, analysis of their anatomy and growth strongly suggests they are animals. Owing to the exceptional preservation of the fossils, the scientists could recreate digital models of key species, which were used as a basis for further computational analyses.
First author Dr Susana Gutarra, a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, said: “We used ecological modelling and computer simulations to investigate how 3D virtual assemblages of Ediacaran life forms affected water flow. Our results showed that these communities were capable of ecological functions similar to those seen in present-day marine ecosystems.”
The study showed that one of the most important Ediacaran organisms for disrupting the flow of water was the cabbage-shaped animal Bradgatia, named after Bradgate Park in England. The Bradgatia from Mistaken Point are among some of the largest fossils known from this site, reaching diameters of over 50 centimetres.
Through their influence on the water around them, the scientists believe these Ediacaran organisms might have been capable of enhancing local oxygen concentrations. This biological mixing might also have had repercussions for the wider environment, possibly making other areas of the sea floor more habitable and perhaps even driving evolutionary innovation.
Dr Imran Rahman, lead author and Principal Researcher at the Natural History Museum, said: “The approach we’ve developed to study Ediacaran fossil communities is entirely new in palaeontology, providing us with a powerful tool for studying how past and present marine ecosystems might shape and influence their environment.”
The research was funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the US National Science Foundation.
Reference: Gutarra-Diaz, S.“Ediacaran marine animal forests and the ventilation of the oceans.” May 2024, Current Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.059
Adapted from a press release by the Natural History Museum
3D reconstructions suggest that simple marine animals living over 560 million years ago drove the emergence of more complex life by mixing the seawater around them
It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim.Emily MitchellHugo Salais, Metazoa StudioArtistic recreation of the marine animal forest
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2024-05-31 09:30 - Cambridge India Business Dialogue: Shaping the Global Future with Indian Innovation
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Research Associate (Fixed Term)
A creative postdoctoral researcher with experimental or computational expertise is sought to work in Mark Howarth's group on a project funded by MRC at Cambridge University Department of Pharmacology. The Howarth group have broad interests, including synthetic biology, biotechnology and entrepreneurship (www.howarthgroup.org). The project relates to engineering a protein superglue to enhance cell therapy of cancer. SpyTag is a genetically-encoded peptide created by the Howarth lab, which forms an irreversible covalent bond to its protein partner SpyCatcher. SpyTag provides a unique resource for molecular assembly and has been applied by >1,000 groups around the world for basic research and biotech, as well as reaching clinical trials. This project will devise a new generation of Tag/Catchers that are camouflaged to the immune system, so are much more potent for therapeutics. Collaborating with Imperial College London, we will apply this new protein superglue to overcome major barriers to cost-effective and potent CAR-T cell therapy against lymphoma. This technology will also be a powerful advance for antibody, gene therapy and vaccine approaches under development by the group.
Researchers with wetlab expertise will have the chance to develop computational skills and computationally-focused researchers will have the chance to develop experimental skills. The project will involve protein design and evolution, using molecular biology and biophysics along with the latest AI or machine learning tools. According to the development of the project there may be the chance to learn other methods of interest including cell biology and structure determination. We will provide all relevant training in unfamiliar methods.
Responsibilities include managing research activities, generating high quality data, and devising new project approaches. You will be expected to draft scientific manuscripts and may be involved with day-to-day supervision of Masters or PhD students.
Candidates should have an enthusiastic approach to science. You will hold a PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in biochemistry, computational biology, immunology or a related area of molecular biosciences. You will be skilled at presenting your data, verbally and in writing. You should be committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and be able to work both independently and as part of a research team. Substantial experience either with recombinant protein expression or computational biology is essential.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that in the "upload section" of the online application you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), research publications list, 2-page covering letter (on professional experience and how you will fit with the Department, contribute to teaching, and encourage diversity and inclusion), and 2-page research proposal. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Informal enquiries are welcomed to Prof Mark Howarth mh2186@cam.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL41712 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
** CANCELLED ** 2024-05-31 19:30 - Only yes means yes: Affirmative consent and the law
Join a discussion by legal professionals on the need to implement affirmative consent into UK law.
Nine Cambridge scientists elected as Fellows of the Royal Society 2024
The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering and medicine.
The Society’s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.
This year, over 90 researchers, innovators and communicators from around the world have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society for their substantial contribution to the advancement of science. Nine of these are from the University of Cambridge.
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society said: “I am pleased to welcome such an outstanding group into the Fellowship of the Royal Society.
“This new cohort have already made significant contributions to our understanding of the world around us and continue to push the boundaries of possibility in academic research and industry.
“From visualising the sharp rise in global temperatures since the industrial revolution to leading the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, their diverse range of expertise is furthering human understanding and helping to address some of our greatest challenges. It is an honour to have them join the Fellowship.”
The Fellows and Foreign Members join the ranks of Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Lise Meitner, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Dorothy Hodgkin.
The new Cambridge fellows are:
Aston is the Harding Professor of Statistics in Public Life at the Statistical Laboratory, Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, where he develops techniques for public policy and improves the use of quantitative methods in public policy debates.
From 2017 to 2020 he was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Home Office, providing statistical and scientific advice to ministers and officials, and was involved in the UK’s response to the Covid pandemic. He was knighted in 2021 for services to statistics and public policymaking, and is a Fellow of Churchill College.
Blakemore is the Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and leader of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Group. Her research focuses on the development of social cognition and decision making in the human adolescent brain, and adolescent mental health.
Blakemore has been awarded several national and international prizes for her research, and is a Fellow of the British Academy, the American Association of Psychological Science and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Chinnery is Professor of Neurology and head of the University’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and a Fellow of Gonville & Caius College. He was appointed Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council last year, having previously been MRC Clinical Director since 2019.
His principal research is the role of mitochondria in human disease and developing new treatments for mitochondrial disorders. Chinnery is a Wellcome Principal Research Fellow with a lab based in the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit and jointly chairs the NIHR BioResource for Translational Research in Common and Rare Diseases. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald FMedSci FRS
Fitzgerald is Professor of Cancer Prevention in the Department of Oncology and the inaugural Director of the University’s new Early Cancer Institute, which launched in 2022. She is a Fellow of Trinity College.
Her pioneering work to devise a first-in-class, non-endoscopic capsule sponge test for identifying individuals at high risk for oesophageal cancer has won numerous prizes, including the Westminster Medal, and this test is now being rolled out in the NHS and beyond by her spin-out Cyted Ltd.
Professor David Hodell FRS
Hodell is the Woodwardian Professor of Geology and Director of the Godwin Laboratory for Palaeoclimate Research in the Department of Earth Sciences, and a Fellow of Clare College.
A marine geologist and paleoclimatologist, his research focuses on high-resolution paleoclimate records from marine and lake sediments, as well as mineral deposits, to better understand past climate dynamics. Hodell is a fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has received the Milutin Milankovic Medal.
Professor Eric Lauga FRS
Lauga is Professor of Applied Mathematics in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, where his research is in fluid mechanics, biophysics and soft matter. Lauga is the author, or co-author, of over 180 publications and currently serves as Associate Editor for the journal Physical Review Fluids.
He is a recipient of three awards from the American Physical Society: the Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award in Fluid Dynamics, the François Frenkiel Award for Fluid Mechanics and the Early Career Award for Soft Matter Research. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and of Trinity College.
Professor George Malliaras FRS
Malliaras is the Prince Philip Professor of Technology in the Department of Engineering, where he leads a group that works on the development and translation of implantable and wearable devices that interface with electrically active tissues, with applications in neurological disorders and brain cancer.
Research conducted by Malliaras has received awards from the European Academy of Sciences, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the US National Science Foundation among others. He is a Fellow of the Materials Research Society and of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Professor Oscar Randal-Williams FRS
Randal-Williams is the Sadleirian Professor of Pure Mathematics in the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.
He has received the Whitehead Prize from the London Mathematical Society, a Philip Leverhulme Prize, the Oberwolfach Prize, the Dannie Heineman Prize of the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and was jointly awarded the Clay Research Award.
Randal-Williams is one of two managing editors of the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, and an editor of the Journal of Topology.
Professor Mihaela van der Schaar FRS
Van der Schaar is the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Medicine in the Departments of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Engineering and Medicine.
She is the founder and director of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, and a Fellow at The Alan Turing Institute. Her work has received numerous awards, including the Oon Prize on Preventative Medicine, a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and the IEEE Darlington Award.
Van der Schaar is credited as inventor on 35 US patents, and has made over 45 contributions to international standards for which she received three ISO Awards. In 2019, a Nesta report declared her the most-cited female AI researcher in the UK.
Nine outstanding Cambridge researchers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences and the oldest science academy in continuous existence.
Royal SocietyThe Royal Society in central London
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Post-doctoral Scientist in Cancer Immunology (Fixed Term)
We wish to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Professor Rahul Roychoudhuri within the Division of Immunology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge (http://www.roychoudhurilab.org).
T cells drive immune activation and promote clearance of infections and cancer. However, their function can provoke autoimmune and allergic inflammation. The immune system therefore employs a variety of suppressive mechanisms, collectively known as immunoregulatory mechanisms, to restrain excessive T cell activation and prevent autoimmune and allergic inflammation. However, such suppressive mechanisms also powerfully inhibit anti-tumour immunity to drive deleterious immunosuppression in cancer.
The laboratory utilises mouse genetics, cellular immunology and molecular biology to understand molecular mechanisms of immunity and immune suppression in cancer and inflammation. This research aims to uncover novel molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumour immunity and cancer immunosuppression. You will contribute to fundamental discoveries in the field of tumour immunology that will pave the way for new therapies aimed at manipulating immune function in patients with cancer.
The successful applicant will join a large, friendly and collaborative team of researchers with access to cutting edge facilities and resources within the centre of Cambridge on the historic Tennis Court Road site.
The applicant will gain exposure to cutting-edge experimental approaches in cellular and molecular immunology including conditional mouse genetics, in vivo genetic cell barcoding and fate-tracking, molecular biology and high throughput RNA- and DNA-sequencing.
The applicant will also have the opportunity to utilise platforms for high-throughput CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis screens recently developed in the laboratory. The applicant will benefit from the collaborative and collegial environment of the laboratory, the Department and the wider research community present in Cambridge. The project will also benefit from a collaboration with the groups of Prof Adrian Liston and Dr Tim Halim within Cambridge, bringing together leading scientific and technical expertise in cancer immunology/immunotherapy, immune regulation and inflammation biology.
The ideal candidate will be motivated, independent and enthusiastic, and have a Ph.D. or MD/PhD* in immunology, cell biology, or a related field.
Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques and a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals are desirable.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are desirable.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are anticipated to be available until 30th September 2026 in the first instance.
For more information on the work of the Roychoudhuri group, please visit http://www.roychoudhurilab.org.
Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD, they will normally be under-appointed as a Research Assistant until they obtain their PhD degree.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For informal enquiries, or to find out specific details about available projects in the laboratory, please email rr257@cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PK41648 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant (Zilbauer Lab) (Fixed Term)
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual who will contribute their existing expertise whilst seeking to develop new skills. The ideal candidate will have experience in tissue culture and basic molecular biology techniques. The general duties/responsibilities of this post include generation and culturing of intestinal organoids, production of conditioned media, tissue processing, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, real-time PCR, and maintenance of sample databases. Contribution to laboratory administration such as ordering of reagents and maintenance of equipment will also be expected. Good organisational and interpersonal skills are essential and the candidates must be familiar with the principles of good laboratory practice. Careful observation and accurate record keeping is essential. The post requires occasional out of hours work and therefore a flexible approach to working hours is required.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Prof Matthias Zilbauer (mz304@medschl.cam.ac.uk) Please quote reference PS41701 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Websites: https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/pi/zilbauer http://paediatrics.medschl.cam.ac.uk/about-us/people/senior-academic-staff/dr-matthias-zilbauer
Funds are available for a fixed term of 12 months. The successful candidate will be encouraged and fully supported to continue their professional development through the attendance of specific courses and/or conferences as well as a wide range of training opportunities offered by the University of Cambridge.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date for applications is: 31st May 2024
Interviews will take place shortly after the advert closes
Please quote reference PS41701 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant in Human Cancer Evolution (Part Time)
We are seeking a highly motivated part-time Research Assistant to join Dr David Fernandez-Antoran's team at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge.
The successful candidate will work on a collaborative project with University of Manchester and NHS to understand the evolution of head and neck tumours (HNC) during radiotherapy treatments, using our innovative and long-term 3D primary culture (human cancer Epithelioids) and utilise advanced confocal microscope techniques and DNA sequencing for analysis. As an integral part of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving this project to successful completion.
Key Responsibilities:
-Set up and maintenance of HNC human 3D Epithelioid cultures.
-Conduct experimental work, as required, with the help of an experienced postdoctoral researcher (irradiation of epithelioids, DNA isolation and immunofluorescence staining and confocal imaging).
-Actively participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.
As a valued member of our team, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities, including state-of-the-art 3D in vitro Epithelioid cultures, live imaging using confocal microscopy, DNA isolation, molecular and radiation biology, and collaboration with various researchers in the laboratory. We are committed to supporting your career development and will provide opportunities for enrolling in professional courses to enhance your skills while in this role.
The successful candidate should demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and possess excellent organisational, communication, and teamwork skills. Previous experience and a solid understanding of working in research labs are essential, and prior lab technician experience would be desirable.
The post is 0.4 FTE (2 days per week) and it is available from the 1st of September 2024 and it is fixed-term for one year in the first instance.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time and other flexible working arrangements.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact hr@gurdon.cam.ac.uk.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41686 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
2024-05-16 18:00 - A 3-Month Cycling Trip through the Andes Mountains in South America
2024-05-21 17:30 - In the Business of... Quantum Computing
2024-05-23 18:00 - Drink and Draw
Birth by C-section more than doubles odds of measles vaccine failure
A study by the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, has found that a single dose of the measles jab is up to 2.6 times more likely to be completely ineffective in children born by C-section, compared to those born naturally.
Failure of the vaccine means that the child’s immune system does not produce antibodies to fight against measles infection, so they remain susceptible to the disease.
A second measles jab was found to induce a robust immunity against measles in C-section children.
Measles is a highly infectious disease, and even low vaccine failure rates can significantly increase the risk of an outbreak.
A potential reason for this effect is linked to the development of the infant’s gut microbiome – the vast collection of microbes that naturally live inside the gut. Other studies have shown that vaginal birth transfers a greater variety of microbes from mother to baby, which can boost the immune system.
“We’ve discovered that the way we’re born - either by C-section or natural birth - has long-term consequences on our immunity to diseases as we grow up,” said Professor Henrik Salje in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Genetics, joint senior author of the report.
He added: “We know that a lot of children don't end up having their second measles jab, which is dangerous for them as individuals and for the wider population.
“Infants born by C-section are the ones we really want to be following up to make sure they get their second measles jab, because their first jab is much more likely to fail.”
The results are published today in the journal Nature Microbiology.
At least 95% of the population needs to be fully vaccinated to keep measles under control but the UK is well below this, despite the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine being available through the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme.
An increasing number of women around the world are choosing to give birth by caesarean section: in the UK a third of all births are by C-section, in Brazil and Turkey over half of all children are born this way.
“With a C-section birth, children aren’t exposed to the mother’s microbiome in the same way as with a vaginal birth. We think this means they take longer to catch up in developing their gut microbiome, and with it, the ability of the immune system to be primed by vaccines against diseases including measles,” said Salje.
To get their results, the researchers used data from previous studies of over 1,500 children in Hunan, China, which included blood samples taken every few weeks from birth to the age of 12. This allowed them to see how levels of measles antibodies in the blood change over the first few years of life, including following vaccination.
They found that 12% of children born via caesarean section had no immune response to their first measles vaccination, as compared to 5% of children born by vaginal delivery. This means that many of the children born by C-section did still mount an immune response following their first vaccination.
Two doses of the measles jab are needed for the body to mount a long-lasting immune response and protect against measles. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022 only 83% of the world's children had received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday – the lowest since 2008.
Salje said: “Vaccine hesitancy is really problematic, and measles is top of the list of diseases we’re worried about because it’s so infectious.”
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by coughs and sneezes. It starts with cold-like symptoms and a rash, and can lead to serious complications including blindness, seizures, and death.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, there were major measles epidemics every few years causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.
The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Reference
Wang, W. et al: ‘Dynamics of measles immunity from birth and following vaccination.’ Nature Microbiology, 13 May 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01694-x
Researchers say it is vital that children born by caesarean section receive two doses of the measles vaccine for robust protection against the disease.
CHBD / E+ / Getty Images Very sick 5 year old little boy fighting measles infection, boy is laying in bed under the blanket with a agonizing expression, boy is covered with rash caused by virus.
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Birth by C-section more than doubles odds of measles vaccine failure
A study by the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, has found that a single dose of the measles jab is up to 2.6 times more likely to be completely ineffective in children born by C-section, compared to those born naturally.
Failure of the vaccine means that the child’s immune system does not produce antibodies to fight against measles infection, so they remain susceptible to the disease.
A second measles jab was found to induce a robust immunity against measles in C-section children.
Measles is a highly infectious disease, and even low vaccine failure rates can significantly increase the risk of an outbreak.
A potential reason for this effect is linked to the development of the infant’s gut microbiome – the vast collection of microbes that naturally live inside the gut. Other studies have shown that vaginal birth transfers a greater variety of microbes from mother to baby, which can boost the immune system.
“We’ve discovered that the way we’re born - either by C-section or natural birth - has long-term consequences on our immunity to diseases as we grow up,” said Professor Henrik Salje in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Genetics, joint senior author of the report.
He added: “We know that a lot of children don't end up having their second measles jab, which is dangerous for them as individuals and for the wider population.
“Infants born by C-section are the ones we really want to be following up to make sure they get their second measles jab, because their first jab is much more likely to fail.”
The results are published today in the journal Nature Microbiology.
At least 95% of the population needs to be fully vaccinated to keep measles under control but the UK is well below this, despite the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine being available through the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme.
An increasing number of women around the world are choosing to give birth by caesarean section: in the UK a third of all births are by C-section, in Brazil and Turkey over half of all children are born this way.
“With a C-section birth, children aren’t exposed to the mother’s microbiome in the same way as with a vaginal birth. We think this means they take longer to catch up in developing their gut microbiome, and with it, the ability of the immune system to be primed by vaccines against diseases including measles,” said Salje.
To get their results, the researchers used data from previous studies of over 1,500 children in Hunan, China, which included blood samples taken every few weeks from birth to the age of 12. This allowed them to see how levels of measles antibodies in the blood change over the first few years of life, including following vaccination.
They found that 12% of children born via caesarean section had no immune response to their first measles vaccination, as compared to 5% of children born by vaginal delivery. This means that many of the children born by C-section did still mount an immune response following their first vaccination.
Two doses of the measles jab are needed for the body to mount a long-lasting immune response and protect against measles. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022 only 83% of the world's children had received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday – the lowest since 2008.
Salje said: “Vaccine hesitancy is really problematic, and measles is top of the list of diseases we’re worried about because it’s so infectious.”
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by coughs and sneezes. It starts with cold-like symptoms and a rash, and can lead to serious complications including blindness, seizures, and death.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, there were major measles epidemics every few years causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.
The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Reference
Wang, W. et al: ‘Dynamics of measles immunity from birth and following vaccination.’ Nature Microbiology, 13 May 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01694-x
Researchers say it is vital that children born by caesarean section receive two doses of the measles vaccine for robust protection against the disease.
CHBD / E+ / Getty Images Very sick 5 year old little boy fighting measles infection, boy is laying in bed under the blanket with a agonizing expression, boy is covered with rash caused by virus.
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Genomics Assistant (x2) in Next Generation Sequencing Facility
We are seeking two self-motivated, reliable and well-trained Genomics Assistants to join the Stem Cell Institute's Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility. This facility supports the general NGS needs of our researchers and is currently expanding into delivering spatial genomics services.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced molecular biologist with proven skills in RNA/DNA manipulation and a working knowledge of NGS and single cell sequencing technologies.
You will be responsible for performing a variety of bulk and single cell NGS protocols. Routine tasks will include coordinating the receipt and processing of incoming bulk and single cell samples, independently assessing QC results, confidently choosing and performing a wide range of NGS protocols, running the Chromium X and the Visium Cytassist, general lab maintenance, liaising with customers about their results, submitting samples for sequencing and detailed record keeping.
You will have a degree or equivalent in a subject area such as molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry, and extensive knowledge and practical experience of a wide range of conventional and single cell NGS technologies. You will have superior laboratory skills in molecular biology, preferably with some experience in troubleshooting and optimising experimental protocols.
You will be comfortable working in a service role and maintaining a core facility lab, and have a good understanding of the latest spatial transcriptomics developments. Experience in supporting a variety of research projects in a support role or core environment is important, together with the ability to quickly learn and independently apply new techniques after initial training.
You will have demonstrable organizational, documentation and time management skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of staff. The ability to work well both independently and with others as part of a team is essential.
Prior experience of cell culture or histology would be advantageous, but experience in stem cell biology is not necessary.
This is a full time role for 36.5 hours per week.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference PS41618 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant in Developmental Mechanics
We are looking for a full-time Research Assistant working closely with Dr Fengtong Ji in Dr Fengzhu Xiong's lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will be involved in studies of cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis during embryo development using nano-engineering, cellular and molecular approaches.
Cell-type transition and tissue property changes widely exist in the development of normal and malignant tissues. Using chick embryo as the model system, we are investigating the mechanical cues regulating tissue organisation and developing innovative nanorobotic tools to explore the fundamental mechanisms through our unique homemade devices, in addition to ample resources from the core facilities at Gurdon Institute and other departments at Cambridge.
As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the candidate will have the opportunity to receive training in a variety of techniques including molecular biology, embryology, nanorobotics, imaging, computation and biophysics. They will have the opportunity to develop independent projects after gaining adequate experience. Moreover, they will also receive support if they wish to participate in career development activities including appropriate professional courses while in the role. This is an excellent opportunity for someone enthusiastic about learning new techniques, proactive in supporting the research and self-motivated in advancing science.
It is essential that the candidate has delicate operational abilities in wet-lab experiments (such as micromanipulation), detail-oriented research insight and exceptional record-keeping working habits. The experiments in this project need to be well-scheduled and timely conducted as planned.
The successful applicant will have strong organisational and communication skills and excellent problem-solving skills. Experience and a good understanding of working in research labs are required. Prior lab experience related to active matter, surface modification, image analysis (e.g., using Python programming) and confocal microscopy is desirable.
Main duties include: Conduct wet-lab experiments; Acquire and process data; Prepare reagents and samples; Program and debug codes for analysis; Optimise protocols; Coordinate with the PI and Lab Manager; Support other projects if requested; Participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.
Informal enquiries can be made to Fengtong Ji via fj284@cam.ac.uk.
Fixed-term: The position is available from 1st Oct 2024. The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV (including the names of two people who can provide a letter of reference) in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline your career aspirations and why you are interested in the post.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41632 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Bioinformatician
The core bioinformatics group at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge is recruiting a Senior Bioinformatician to extend our capabilities in delivering world class research into developmental biology.
Our group supports researchers across the institute in experimental design, analysis and presentation of high throughput data. You will work collaboratively with researchers to develop new scientific understanding and contribute to publications. In addition, and depending on your skills and interests, you may contribute to the development of pipelines to supply researchers with processed data or development of new computational methods applicable to institute research. Computational biology themes within the institute include analysis of whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN and single-cell multiomics.
Working in a core bioinformatics group in an academic environment comes with a great number of benefits. You will work on diverse projects, utilising your existing skills and acquiring new ones, exploring the full breadth of cutting-edge developmental biology research taking place at the Gurdon Institute. Your work will have a meaningful impact on individuals as well as our research, solving their data analysis problems and helping them to gain skills.
You should have a PhD (or equivalent post-doctoral experience) in computational biology, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a publication track record in bioinformatics. A high level of proficiency in Python and/or R programming in a Linux environment is essential.
The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, and provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a supportive and modern setting, with access to state-of-the-art technologies such as genomics, high-performance computing, super-resolution imaging and single-cell analysis.
Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until November 2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV (including the names of two people who can provide a letter of reference) in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline your research interests and why you are interested in the post.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Adam Reid (ajr236@cam.ac.uk).
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41597 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Laboratory Technician - Tissue Culture and Media Kitchen (Part Time)
The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.
We are looking to appoint two Research Laboratory Technicians to provide tissue culture, laboratory and media kitchen support to our research groups.
Main aspects of the role include:
- Maintain levels of Tissue Culture and laboratory consumables
- Collection of used glassware from laboratories. Cleaning and sterilising glassware and ensuring adequate supplies are available for use
- Provide a mycoplasma testing service - obtaining samples from research staff, perform lab-based assay, analyse results and present to research staff
- Collect and dispose of bagged general, biological, and chemical waste, including use of autoclaves
- Prepare media/buffer solutions
- Prepare Tissue Culture media additives using aseptic techniques
- Regular cleaning of Tissue Culture rooms and equipment
- Write, maintain and review Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessments
- Primary contact for DHL/FedEx shipments and receipts, nationally and internationally
You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be well organised and a reliable team player. You should be educated to A level, NVQ level 3 or have equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of working in a similar role is desirable together with a knowledge of laboratory practices.
The University offers a range of staff benefits which include:
- Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases
- An annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave (including bank holidays)
- Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare)
- An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution
- Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PU41582 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)
The Keays Lab is a neuroscience group based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Our goal is to identify the molecules, cells and circuits that underlie the magnetic sense in pigeons. To achieve this we employ an iDISCO based assay coupled with light sheet microscopy that assesses neuronal activation within the pigeon brain, following exposure to magnetic fields. These experiments have confirmed that magnetic stimuli results in the activation of neurons in the vestibular nuclei, implicating the inner ear of pigeons in the magnetic sense. We have shown experimentally and by physical calculations that magnetic stimulation can induce electric fields in the pigeon semi-circular canals that are within the physiological range of known electroreceptive systems. This in turn led to the discovery of a splice isoform of a voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV1.3) in the pigeon inner ear that has been shown to mediate electroreception in skates and sharks (Nimpf et al, Current Biology 2019). These data have led us to propose that pigeons detect magnetic fields by electromagnetic induction within the semi-circular canals that is dependent on the presence of apically located voltage-gated cation channels in a population of electrosensory hair cells. Critically to this model is sampling of the magnetic field by head scanning behaviour. We are looking to appoint a part time (8 hours per week, 0.22 FTE) Research Assistant to assist with ongoing experiments that test this hypothesis.
We are looking for a part time research assistant to help with experiments and the analysis of data. This position will be based in Cambridge, however, the applicant should be prepared to spent time at our sister lab at LMU Germany. The position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). We are looking for a passionate neuroscientist with an interest in systemic neuroscience, sensory biology, and/or inner ear function. Existing experience with software packages such as DeepLabCut, BombCell, ImageJ, and tools for quantitative analysis would be advantageous. The successful applicant will join a diverse and vibrant group, where team work is highly valued.
Informal enquiries about the position can be made to David Keays dak55@cam.ac.uk.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV, motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.
The closing date for applications is 22nd May 2024.
Please quote reference PM41579 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
New fast track equity model
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