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The post From Cambridge labs to New York stage: Showcasing companies at Columbia Pitch Day appeared first on Cambridge Enterprise.

The post Postdoc ventures power Cambridge’s innovation pipeline appeared first on Cambridge Enterprise.

A total of 48 projects from across the UK are receiving funding from a new £9 million proof of concept programme to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes and services. The aim of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fund is to use research to drive growth and create the jobs of tomorrow.

The four Cambridge projects receiving funding exemplify the University's commitment to translating world-class research into practical solutions that address global challenges in health, sustainability, and inclusion. 

CamBoom: championing inclusion in cricket with engineered bamboo bats

Pioneered by Dr Darshil Shah, Associate Professor in Materials Science and Design in the Department of Architecture, this innovation aims to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for cricket by developing low-cost bamboo bats, meeting the needs of millions of players in low and middle-income countries. 

AI-based coronary artery analysis

Professor Martin Bennett, British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Sciences in the Department of Medicine, is using AI to advance medical diagnostics, improving the accuracy and efficiency of coronary artery analysis. 

Pre-clinical development of orally-administered, ultra-stable antibody mimetics

This initiative, led by Professor Mark Howarth and Dr Ana Rossi at the Department of Pharmacology, focuses on new treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, using innovative antibody mimetics that can be administered orally. 

Sustainable film packaging from plant waste

Professors James Elliott, Ruth Cameron and Serena Best from the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy have developed a new way of creating sustainable cellulose-based films at scale from waste plant material, with a range of applications from food and personal care packaging to anti-static discharge bags.  

Professor John Aston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Cambridge, said: “Turning Cambridge research into innovations that will change people’s lives is at the heart of our mission. That four Cambridge projects have received UKRI proof of concept funding is a tribute both to the excellence of our researchers and to the support provided by our innovation arm, Cambridge Enterprise, in helping to translate their new ideas into effective solutions to global challenges.”

Dr Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, added: “The strength of Cambridge research lies not only in its scientific excellence but in our ability to translate discoveries into real-world impact. These projects are a great example of this strength, and showcase the University’s leadership in research translation and innovation. Funding of this kind is vital for nurturing breakthrough ideas and delivering lasting impact.”

UKRI proof of concept funding

This funding provides critical early-stage support to projects, helping researchers and innovators bridge the gap before attracting private investment, reducing the risks associated with premature market entry.

Of the 48 projects receiving funding, Professor Charlotte Deane, UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Research Commercialisation Executive Champion, said: "These projects are a powerful demonstration of the UK’s talent for turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions. UKRI’s new proof of concept programme is all about helping researchers take that critical next step toward commercialisation, ensuring that bold ideas are not just published but put into practice where they can deliver tangible impact."

Adapted from a Cambridge Enterprise news story

Four cutting-edge University of Cambridge research projects are to receive funding from UKRI to grow into market-leading products and services.

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.

Yes

A total of 48 projects from across the UK are receiving funding from a new £9 million proof of concept programme to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes and services. The aim of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fund is to use research to drive growth and create the jobs of tomorrow.

The four Cambridge projects receiving funding exemplify the University's commitment to translating world-class research into practical solutions that address global challenges in health, sustainability, and inclusion. 

CamBoom: championing inclusion in cricket with engineered bamboo bats

Pioneered by Dr Darshil Shah, Associate Professor in Materials Science and Design in the Department of Architecture, this innovation aims to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for cricket by developing low-cost bamboo bats, meeting the needs of millions of players in low and middle-income countries. 

AI-based coronary artery analysis

Professor Martin Bennett, British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Sciences in the Department of Medicine, is using AI to advance medical diagnostics, improving the accuracy and efficiency of coronary artery analysis. 

Pre-clinical development of orally-administered, ultra-stable antibody mimetics

This initiative, led by Professor Mark Howarth and Dr Ana Rossi at the Department of Pharmacology, focuses on new treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, using innovative antibody mimetics that can be administered orally. 

Sustainable film packaging from plant waste

Professors James Elliott, Ruth Cameron and Serena Best from the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy have developed a new way of creating sustainable cellulose-based films at scale from waste plant material, with a range of applications from food and personal care packaging to anti-static discharge bags.  

Professor John Aston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Cambridge, said: “Turning Cambridge research into innovations that will change people’s lives is at the heart of our mission. That four Cambridge projects have received UKRI proof of concept funding is a tribute both to the excellence of our researchers and to the support provided by our innovation arm, Cambridge Enterprise, in helping to translate their new ideas into effective solutions to global challenges.”

Dr Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, added: “The strength of Cambridge research lies not only in its scientific excellence but in our ability to translate discoveries into real-world impact. These projects are a great example of this strength, and showcase the University’s leadership in research translation and innovation. Funding of this kind is vital for nurturing breakthrough ideas and delivering lasting impact.”

UKRI proof of concept funding

This funding provides critical early-stage support to projects, helping researchers and innovators bridge the gap before attracting private investment, reducing the risks associated with premature market entry.

Of the 48 projects receiving funding, Professor Charlotte Deane, UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Research Commercialisation Executive Champion, said: "These projects are a powerful demonstration of the UK’s talent for turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions. UKRI’s new proof of concept programme is all about helping researchers take that critical next step toward commercialisation, ensuring that bold ideas are not just published but put into practice where they can deliver tangible impact."

Adapted from a Cambridge Enterprise news story

Four cutting-edge University of Cambridge research projects are to receive funding from UKRI to grow into market-leading products and services.

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.

Yes

The Margaret Anstee Centre for Global Studies invites you to learn about the resources and processes of the Modern Endangered Archives Program at the University of California, Los Angeles Library. All are welcome.

Alan Taylor, External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, will be giving his assessment of what the new US tariffs mean for the UK and the rest of the world. What does theory predict, what does history tell us, and what might already be in the data?

The post University of Cambridge projects awarded funding as part of UKRI’s new proof of concept programme appeared first on Cambridge Enterprise.

The Pellegrini Lab (https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/directory/adam-pellegrini) at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge is recruiting 2 technicians (tenure of 1 year) to help with laboratory analyses as part of a UKRI funded project evaluating how fire and grazing impact ecosystem carbon stocks and turnover. This position is ideal for candidates with strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for laboratory work in ecological and biogeochemical research.

Main responsibilities and duties The work will take place in a laboratory setting, five days a week. The technician will be responsible for preparing soil samples from seven field sites and conducting laboratory analyses to assess carbon stocks and nutrients. Additionally, the technician will assist with data entry.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Please quote reference PD47545 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.

Sir John was a visionary in the field of developmental biology, whose pioneering work on nuclear transfer in frogs addressed one of the most fundamental questions in biology: whether genetic information is retained or lost during development.

His work paved the way for ground-breaking advances in biomedical research, from stem cell biology to mouse genetics and IVF.

His discovery that mature adult cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell state (known as pluripotency) was recognised by the award of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, shared with Shinya Yamanaka.

Professor Ben Simons, Director of the Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge said: “As well as being a towering figure in developmental and stem cell biology, through his dedication to science, his affection for colleagues and his humility, Sir John Gurdon was an inspiration to us all.” 

Born in 1933, Sir John was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he gained First Class Honours in Zoology. Following appointments in Oxford and the United States, Sir John joined the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge in 1972 and later became the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Cell Biology in the Department of Zoology. He served as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1995 to 2002. 

In 1991 he founded the Wellcome/CRUK Institute for Cell Biology and Cancer, later renamed the Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge, together with Ron Laskey. Their vision was to bring together expertise in two research areas: developmental biology and cancer biology. Sir John’s personal commitment to research - he continued to perform experiments at the bench until his 90s - was matched only by his dedication and support of his colleagues.

The University remembers Sir John as an inspiring scientist, insightful colleague, mentor, teacher and leader, whose legacy will live on through the generations of scientists trained in his lab, and extends its heartfelt condolences to Lady Gurdon and the family.

It is with great sadness that the University shares the news of the death of Professor Sir John Gurdon, founder of the Gurdon Institute.

As well as being a towering figure in developmental and stem cell biology...Sir John Gurdon was an inspiration to us all.Ben SimonsSir John Gurdon in the lab

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.

Yes

Sir John was a visionary in the field of developmental biology, whose pioneering work on nuclear transfer in frogs addressed one of the most fundamental questions in biology: whether genetic information is retained or lost during development.

His work paved the way for ground-breaking advances in biomedical research, from stem cell biology to mouse genetics and IVF.

His discovery that mature adult cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell state (known as pluripotency) was recognised by the award of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, shared with Shinya Yamanaka.

Professor Ben Simons, Director of the Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge said: “As well as being a towering figure in developmental and stem cell biology, through his dedication to science, his affection for colleagues and his humility, Sir John Gurdon was an inspiration to us all.” 

Born in 1933, Sir John was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he gained First Class Honours in Zoology. Following appointments in Oxford and the United States, Sir John joined the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge in 1972 and later became the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Cell Biology in the Department of Zoology. He served as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1995 to 2002. 

In 1991 he founded the Wellcome/CRUK Institute for Cell Biology and Cancer, later renamed the Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge, together with Ron Laskey. Their vision was to bring together expertise in two research areas: developmental biology and cancer biology. Sir John’s personal commitment to research - he continued to perform experiments at the bench until his 90s - was matched only by his dedication and support of his colleagues.

The University remembers Sir John as an inspiring scientist, insightful colleague, mentor, teacher and leader, whose legacy will live on through the generations of scientists trained in his lab, and extends its heartfelt condolences to Lady Gurdon and the family.

It is with great sadness that the University shares the news of the death of Professor Sir John Gurdon, founder of the Gurdon Institute.

As well as being a towering figure in developmental and stem cell biology...Sir John Gurdon was an inspiration to us all.Ben SimonsSir John Gurdon in the lab

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.

Yes

Research Associate - Mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation:

A Research Associate position is available in the group of Prof. Daniel Nietlispach at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, to study functional aspects of GPCR activation. The position is funded for 3-years by the BBSRC as part of a collaborative project to develop a molecular model of GPCR basal activity and inverse agonism and provides an exciting opportunity to use structural biology and biophysics methods to investigate fundamental aspects of how these receptors work.

The structural and biophysical investigations will be complemented through collaboration with the Ladds lab at the Department of Pharmacology (Cambridge), which will focus on the cellular aspects of the project. As such the role holder will join a team of postdocs and students with whom they will closely work together, while leading their side of the project.

The role holder is expected to be highly skilled in two of the following areas: (i) solution-state NMR spectroscopy, (ii) applied biophysics, (iii) computational modelling, (iv) membrane protein expression/purification and molecular biology. An active interest in GPCRs, membrane protein function or the role of protein dynamics for receptor function is advantageous but not essential. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and help design, conduct and interpret experiments in discussion with the PI, co-PI and other members of the research team.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry or another relevant subject.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31st December 2028 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.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Daniel Nietlispach via: dn206@cam.ac.uk.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PH47537 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.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post in the first instance is are available for 24 months.

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Scientists in the Institute collaborate to advance our knowledge of various stem cell types and to perform pioneering work in translational research areas, providing the foundation for new medical treatments (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/).

The laboratory of Dr Mekayla Storer (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/pi/dr-mekayla-storer) uses multidisciplinary approaches to understand why the distal portion of the digit tip is the only part of the limb that can regenerate in mammals. The key step in this process is the formation of a blastema, a transiently proliferating mass of cells that the regenerates the different cell types of the digit to replicate the original structure. Therefore the broad goal of our research is to understand which cells and molecular pathways are necessary for this process. A portion of our present research builds on our previous work (Storer et al., Dev. Cell 2020) that used high-throughput single-cell mRNA sequencing and Cre-recombinase based lineage tracing to define the transcriptional identity of the mesenchymal cells comprising the blastema and the major transitions during mammalian digit tip regeneration. We are looking for a dedicated post-doctoral researcher with computational expertise to determine which of these factors present during digit tip amputation are necessary for successful regeneration and the mechanisms that underly this process. The post holder will use single cell transcriptomics/multi-omics approaches, spatial transcriptomics and computational modelling.

Requirements:

Successful applicants should have a PhD in the field of regenerative biology, bioinformatics, genomics, or cell/developmental biology or be close to the completion of their degree. Expertise in general areas of stem cell biology would be suitable for this position. A strong background in epigenetics and computational biology would be an advantage. It is essential that the post-holder is organized, able to work collaboratively as a member of a team and can communicate effectively and clearly.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade 5), which will be amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) once PhD has been awarded

Start date is flexible but can be as early as January 2026.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' button below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

The closing date for all applications is 24 November 2024 with interviews to be confirmed at a later date.

Please upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application to supplement your application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Informal enquiries about the post are also welcome via email on Mekayla Storer ms2786@cam.ac.uk

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and 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.

Closing date: 24th November 2025

Interview date: Early December

Please quote reference PS47550 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 led by the University of Cambridge has found the first clear evidence that the ‘good’ gut bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta’s production of hormones critical for a healthy pregnancy.

In a study in mice, the researchers compared the placentas of mice with no gut bacteria to those of mice with Bifidobacterium breve in their gut during pregnancy.

Pregnant mice without Bifidobacterium breve in their gut had a higher rate of complications including fetal growth restriction and fetal low blood sugar, and increased fetal loss.

This gut bacteria seems to play a crucial role in prompting the placenta to produce pregnancy hormones that allow the mother’s body to support the pregnancy.

This is the first time scientists have found a link between the gut microbiome and the placenta.

The researchers say this paves the way for testing the mother’s gut microbiome to identify pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or miscarriage early - and then manipulating it with probiotics to improve the chances of a healthy baby.

The research is published today in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

“Our results open up an entirely new way to assess the health of a pregnant mother and her developing fetus by looking at the mother’s gut microbiome,” said Dr Jorge Lopez Tello, first author of the report, who carried out the work while at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.

He added: “Everybody ignores the placenta - after nine months of pregnancy it just gets thrown in the bin. But now we understand more about how it works, in the future pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage and stillbirth might be prevented simply by adjusting the mother’s gut microbes to improve the function of the placenta.”

The placenta is a crucial organ during pregnancy that connects mother to fetus, and provides the nutrients, oxygen and hormones essential for healthy development of the baby.

Remote control

In the study, over 150 biological processes in the placenta - involving over 400 different proteins - were found to be different in mice with, and without, Bifidobacterium breve in their gut.

The mice with Bifidobacterium breve in their gut lost fewer of their pregnancies. Their placentas were better at absorbing and transporting nutrients, like amino acids and lactate, from mother to fetus - vital for fetal growth. Their placentas also produced more of the hormones important for pregnancy, such as prolactins and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins.

By studying mice, whose diet, activity and gut microbiome could be tightly controlled, the scientists can be sure their findings are not caused by other factors. Using mice allowed them to pinpoint the importance of Bifidobacterium breve - a finding that is also relevant to human pregnancies.

The scientists say more research is needed to understand how these ‘good’ bacteria work within the human body’s full gut microbiome, and whether they could be manipulated in the gut without any negative effects.

Bifidobacterium breve occurs naturally in the human gut microbiome, but in pregnant women the levels of this ‘good’ bacteria can be altered by stress or obesity. It is widely available as a supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets.

Healthier pregnancies

The babies of up to 10% of first-time mothers have low birth weight or fetal growth restriction. If a baby doesn’t grow properly in the womb, there is an increased risk of conditions like cerebral palsy in infants, and anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia in later life.

“Our research reveals a whole new layer of information about how pregnancy works, and will help us find new interventions that can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy for mother and baby,” said Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and St John’s College, senior author of the report.

“It’s exciting to think that beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium - which naturally support gut and immune health - could be harnessed during pregnancy to improve outcomes. Using something like a probiotic offers a promising alternative to traditional therapeutics, potentially reducing risks while enhancing wellbeing in mother and baby,” said Professor Lindsay Hall at the University of Birmingham’s College of Medicine and Health, who was also involved in the work.

This research was funded primarily by Wellcome.

Reference

Lopez-Tello, J. et al: ‘Placental endocrine function is controlled by maternal gut Bifidobacterium in germ-free mice.’ Journal of Translational Medicine, October 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-025-07198-4

When Bifidobacterium breve, widely available in probiotic drinks, is present in the gut of pregnant females it boosts the placenta’s production of pregnancy hormones to reduce the likelihood of complications like preeclampsia and miscarriage.

Our results open up an entirely new way to assess the health of a pregnant mother and her developing fetus by looking at the mother’s gut microbiome.Jorge Lopez TelloMakidotvn on GettyPregnant woman with a probiotic drink

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.

YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

Research led by the University of Cambridge has found the first clear evidence that the ‘good’ gut bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta’s production of hormones critical for a healthy pregnancy.

In a study in mice, the researchers compared the placentas of mice with no gut bacteria to those of mice with Bifidobacterium breve in their gut during pregnancy.

Pregnant mice without Bifidobacterium breve in their gut had a higher rate of complications including fetal growth restriction and fetal low blood sugar, and increased fetal loss.

This gut bacteria seems to play a crucial role in prompting the placenta to produce pregnancy hormones that allow the mother’s body to support the pregnancy.

This is the first time scientists have found a link between the gut microbiome and the placenta.

The researchers say this paves the way for testing the mother’s gut microbiome to identify pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or miscarriage early - and then manipulating it with probiotics to improve the chances of a healthy baby.

The research is published today in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

“Our results open up an entirely new way to assess the health of a pregnant mother and her developing fetus by looking at the mother’s gut microbiome,” said Dr Jorge Lopez Tello, first author of the report, who carried out the work while at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.

He added: “Everybody ignores the placenta - after nine months of pregnancy it just gets thrown in the bin. But now we understand more about how it works, in the future pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage and stillbirth might be prevented simply by adjusting the mother’s gut microbes to improve the function of the placenta.”

The placenta is a crucial organ during pregnancy that connects mother to fetus, and provides the nutrients, oxygen and hormones essential for healthy development of the baby.

Remote control

In the study, over 150 biological processes in the placenta - involving over 400 different proteins - were found to be different in mice with, and without, Bifidobacterium breve in their gut.

The mice with Bifidobacterium breve in their gut lost fewer of their pregnancies. Their placentas were better at absorbing and transporting nutrients, like amino acids and lactate, from mother to fetus - vital for fetal growth. Their placentas also produced more of the hormones important for pregnancy, such as prolactins and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins.

By studying mice, whose diet, activity and gut microbiome could be tightly controlled, the scientists can be sure their findings are not caused by other factors. Using mice allowed them to pinpoint the importance of Bifidobacterium breve - a finding that is also relevant to human pregnancies.

The scientists say more research is needed to understand how these ‘good’ bacteria work within the human body’s full gut microbiome, and whether they could be manipulated in the gut without any negative effects.

Bifidobacterium breve occurs naturally in the human gut microbiome, but in pregnant women the levels of this ‘good’ bacteria can be altered by stress or obesity. It is widely available as a supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets.

Healthier pregnancies

The babies of up to 10% of first-time mothers have low birth weight or fetal growth restriction. If a baby doesn’t grow properly in the womb, there is an increased risk of conditions like cerebral palsy in infants, and anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia in later life.

“Our research reveals a whole new layer of information about how pregnancy works, and will help us find new interventions that can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy for mother and baby,” said Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and St John’s College, senior author of the report.

“It’s exciting to think that beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium - which naturally support gut and immune health - could be harnessed during pregnancy to improve outcomes. Using something like a probiotic offers a promising alternative to traditional therapeutics, potentially reducing risks while enhancing wellbeing in mother and baby,” said Professor Lindsay Hall at the University of Birmingham’s College of Medicine and Health, who was also involved in the work.

This research was funded primarily by Wellcome.

Reference

Lopez-Tello, J. et al: ‘Placental endocrine function is controlled by maternal gut Bifidobacterium in germ-free mice.’ Journal of Translational Medicine, October 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-025-07198-4

When Bifidobacterium breve, widely available in probiotic drinks, is present in the gut of pregnant females it boosts the placenta’s production of pregnancy hormones to reduce the likelihood of complications like preeclampsia and miscarriage.

Our results open up an entirely new way to assess the health of a pregnant mother and her developing fetus by looking at the mother’s gut microbiome.Jorge Lopez TelloMakidotvn on GettyPregnant woman with a probiotic drink

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.

YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

Applicants are invited to apply for a position in the group of Dr. Emma Poole in the Department of Pathology (University of Cambridge) for a collaborative project with Professor Michael Nicholson and Sarah Hosgood in the Department of Surgery (University of Cambridge) and Dr Michael Nevels (University of St Andrews).

What you will be doing?

• Working on Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as proposed in a KRUK funded project grant.

• Working with kidney organoids and human kidneys to test the ability of newly identified drug-like compounds to prevent HCMV spread and reactivation.

Please check the attached further particulars document for more information.

We are looking for individuals with experience of working with tissue culture and viruses. It would be desirable to have experience of working with human organs in perfusion systems as well as experience of working with iPSCs and organoid models.

The data will be assessed primarily using microscopy and therefore experience of working with fluorescence microscopes and confocal microscopes will be required.

The candidate should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in Virology or related topic.

Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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 your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries and requests for further information are very welcome and should be addressed to Dr Emma Poole: elp27@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: hr@path.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK47218 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.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Inner Mongolia (northern China) with this recital that showcases the heroic epics, narrative folk songs, and soul-stirring melodies of the Horchin Mongols.

We are seeking a Research Coordinator to support the project "Opportunities and potential risks of AI in supporting evaluation (OpRaise)", funded by AI@Cam.

OpRaise examines the value of human expertise in academic assessments in the age of AI, with an initial focus on psychology exams in undergraduate across three UK universities. It will bring quantitative and qualitative evidence to bear on this important question for the Higher Education sector.

The role of the Research Coordinator will be to oversee and coordinate the administrative operations of a research programme within the Department of Psychology. This role ensures the efficient execution of project deliverables, maintains research documentation and compliance, and supports the research team in achieving project milestones.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1st March 2026 with possibility of extension.

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.

Informal queries regarding this post may be sent to:

• Deborah Talmi (dt492@cam.ac.uk) for queries about the role and relevant skills.

• Megan Norkett (hr-team@psychol.cam.ac.uk) for queries about the application process.

Please quote reference PJ47511 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.

The Duque's lab is looking for a Research Assistant for a Maternity Cover that will provide high-level technical support in studies that aim to understand the whipworm niche at the intestinal epithelia. This role will require a person with in-depth knowledge and experience on cellular and molecular biology techniques, specifically with strong skills on organoid work from primary origin, in situ hybridization, FACS, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Moreover, this person should have also experience in the work with mouse tissues, parasitic nematodes and microbiology. This would have been gained through postgraduate qualifications and/or significant experience in those areas. You will have track record of delivering complex scientific projects and will work in range of projects by developing and optimising protocols, reviewing literature, designing experiments, providing extremely high-level technical support and analysing data.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

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 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.

Closing date: 10th October 2025

Interview date: 14th October 2025

Please quote reference PS47513 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.

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Ethics, Governance and PPIE (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement) Coordinator (maternity cover) to work in the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI). The Institute is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission to transform human health through a deep understanding of stem and progenitor cell biology (http://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk).

This role is based in the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The post holder will be responsible for managing and coordinating aspects of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) tissue collection/storage for the newly awarded Discovery Research Platform (DRP), funded by the Wellcome Trust. They will also undertake the role of Deputy Biosafety Officer in the CSCI. The role of the Governance Coordinator is to assist with a wide range of tasks to ensure that governance and ethics standards are maintained across the CSCI. The post-holder will manage the Human Tissue Authority audits and Standard Operating Procedures and Policies, as well as all relevant Biosafety documents. The role holder will provide advice to researchers and/or other staff from the CSCI with regards to any Ethical queries and Biological safety matters. They will also be responsible for Patient and Public engagement activities associated with the DRP.

A suitable candidate will be educated to at least degree level/Level 7 vocational qualification or equivalent experience. They should have knowledge and experience of the Human Tissue Act and experience of managing complex projects. Candidates should be experienced users of Microsoft Office. They should be flexible, with the ability to communicate at all levels and be well-organised so as to manage conflicting deadlines.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Danielle Daft, Research Manager: dmj34@cam.ac.uk.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

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 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.

Closing date: 30th October 2025

Interview date: first 2 weeks of November 2025

Please quote reference PS47483 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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive individual to join the Accounts Team in the Department of Zoology as a Senior Accounts and Purchasing Clerk. You will make an important contribution to a range of finance-related activities in the Department, and we are looking for someone with a demonstrable interest in a career in Finance.

The role holder will undertake a full range of accounts duties, including raising of purchase orders, dealing with incoming deliveries, processing of Accounts Payable invoices and dealing with cash, cheque and BACS income. You will be the first point of contact for staff, students and suppliers for all their finance-related queries. Applicants should have a good general education to A-level or NVQ level 3, with strong administrative experience. Knowledge of University finance systems is desirable, although full training will be given to the right candidate.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, with excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to perform tasks to a high degree of accuracy. They will be self-motivated and able to prioritise their own workload within the scope of the role. They will play a key role as a proactive member of the finance team and the department.

Days of work will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (in person in the Department)

What can we offer you:

• Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living increases;
• Generous annual leave allowance;
• Generous maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlements, and other family-friendly schemes (e.g., workplace nurseries);
• An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution;
• Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores;
• Schemes to support relocation/provision of accommodation.

If you have the skills, experience, and personality to succeed in this role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) and 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.

For more details, please refer to the Further Particulars document.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Mr Simon Beeton [email: s.beeton@zoo.cam.ac.uk]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka [email: pl585@cam.ac.uk]

Please quote reference PF47465 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.