Molecules and Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
All life around us, from bacteria and viruses to plants and animals, is made up of molecules and cells. How these units of life work together to make individuals as complex as ourselves is a key question to our understanding of health and disease. The Molecules and Cells Research Theme brings together more than 140 leading scientists to share knowledge and ideas across disciplinary boundaries to advance our understanding of the rules of life.
Current areas of focus include: DNA and chromatin; RNA and proteins; Cellular pathways and signalling; Cellular organisation and dynamics; Cell physiology and behaviour; Chemical biology and protein engineering
Research Focus Topics
Pioneering the Future of Therapeutics
Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences are pushing the boundaries of knowledge to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of life that underpin heath and disease.
Recent Discoveries
Algae-powered computing: scientists create reliable and renewable biological photovoltaic cell
Researchers have used a widespread species of blue-green algae to power a microprocessor continuously for a year – and counting – using nothing but ambient light and water.
Wider Impact
Revolutionising cancer therapy via the DNA-damage response
Research at the University of Cambridge into DNA repair inhibitors led to a novel cancer therapy, Olaparib, which has been approved for ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer treatment.
Theme Members organised by subtheme
Julia Davies
Nick Gay
Marco Geymonat
Tony Jackson
Vassilis Koronakis
Marion MacFarlane
Ole Paulsen
Hugh Robinson
Christof Schwiening
Nicholas Coleman
Julia Davies
John Doorbar
Richard Hayward
Liz Hook
Tony Jackson
Marion MacFarlane
Eric Miska
Uta Paszkowski
Hugh Robinson
Milka Sarris
Elizabeth Soilleux
Julia Davies
Marco Geymonat
Vassilis Koronakis
Milka Sarris
Christof Schwiening
Anton Enright
Eric Miska