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PDN Professors elected to the EMBO

12 July 2024

Congratulations to Professor Kathy Niakan and Professor Emma Rawlins as they are elected as Members of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), in its 60th anniversary year. Joining 120 scientists, elected from across Europe, the Membership celebrates research excellence and outstanding achievements in life...

Department promotions

17 June 2024

It is with great pleasure that we announce this years’ academic promotions in PDN. In the research and teaching track, Emma Rawlins has been promoted to Professor of Developmental Physiology, Milka Sarris and Hannah Clarke have been promoted to Professors. For teaching and scholarship, Cecilia Brasset has been promoted to...

Professor Christine Holt awarded CBE

17 June 2024

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Professor Emerita of Developmental Neuroscience, Christine Holt, who has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024. Christine has received a CBE in recognition of her pioneering and innovative contributions to neuroscience. Professor Holt is best known for her work...

New research from Sanson Lab

7 June 2024

The extension of the ectoderm in gastrulating fruit fly embryos is remarkably robust to a pull in the perpendicular direction caused by the invagination of the neighbouring mesoderm. Embryonic development is both fascinating and visually dramatic. As the embryo takes shape, cells generate forces and tissues undergo...

Control of the orientation of planar division in a Drosophila embryonic epithelium

Mechanical stress combines with planar polarised patterning during metaphase to orient embryonic epithelial cell divisions

28 May 2024

A new paper titled “ Mechanical stress combines with planar polarised patterning during metaphase to orient embryonic epithelial cell divisions ” has been published in Development from Guy Blanchard , Elena Scarpa , Leila Muresan and Bénédicte Sanson . A large body of work supports the Hertwig Rule, which states that the...

The first two blastomeres contribute unequally to the human embryo

15 May 2024

A new paper The first two blastomeres contribute unequally to the human embryo , published in Cell, and whose authors include members of the Zernicka-Goetz Lab , finds that when a human embryo is one day old and comprises just two cells, only one cell will create most of the fetus in addition to placenta, while the other...

Cambridge Science Communication Workshop

14 May 2024

Join us for a science communication workshop on the 30 th of May 2024! The Cambridge Science Communication Workshop aims to cover different aspects of science writing, speaking and engagement for researchers and students. The event is scheduled for the 30 th of May from 9 AM to 1230 PM, with an open networking session at...

Cause of Fetal Growth Restriction During High Altitude Pregnancy.

3 May 2024

A new paper from Professor Dino Giussani, and Emily Brown Cause of Fetal Growth Restriction During High Altitude Pregnancy has been published in iScience. The publication is the result of a Part II student undergraduate project by Emily. She is currently studying medicine MB BChir, but her 3rd year course was Natural...

Professor Dino Giussani recipient of SRI Presidents Achievement Award

3 May 2024

Congratulations to Professor Dino A. Giussani, who received the International Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) 2024 President’s Achievement Award at this year’s annual meeting in Vancouver. This award recognises ‘ a member of the Society whose record in scientific investigation is outstanding and assures a...

New study finds genetic mutation responsible for obesity in a quarter of Labrador dogs

6 March 2024

New research from the Raffan Lab has found that a genetic mutation in a quarter of all Labrador retriever dogs makes them more prone to obesity. This mutation, in a gene called POMC, plays a major role in hunger and energy use, and means that dog owners must be particularly strict with feeding and exercising their...

PDN Professors elected to the EMBO

Department promotions

Professor Christine Holt awarded CBE

New research from Sanson Lab

Mechanical stress combines with planar polarised patterning during metaphase to orient embryonic epithelial cell divisions

The first two blastomeres contribute unequally to the human embryo

Cambridge Science Communication Workshop

Cause of Fetal Growth Restriction During High Altitude Pregnancy.

Professor Dino Giussani recipient of SRI Presidents Achievement Award

New study finds genetic mutation responsible for obesity in a quarter of Labrador dogs

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