News

Scientists develop human embryos beyond implantation stage for first time

8 July 2016

A new technique that allows embryos to develop in vitro beyond the implantation stage (when the embryo would normally implant into the womb) has been developed by Zernicka-Goetz's lab, allowing them to analyse for the first time key stages of human embryo development up to 13 days after fertilisation. The technique could open up new avenues of research aimed at helping improve the chances of success of IVF.

James Fraser and John Lawrence commended at CUSU Teaching 2016 Awards

8 July 2016

The two PDN have received commendations for their work in teaching during the CUSU Teaching Awards 2016.

Early-stage embryos with abnormalities may still develop into healthy babies

8 July 2016

Abnormal cells in the early embryo are not necessarily a sign that a baby will be born with a birth defect such as Down’s syndrome, suggests new research by Zernicka-Goetz's lab. In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists show that abnormal cells are eliminated and replaced by healthy cells, repairing – and in some cases completely fixing – the embryo.

Embryo development: Some cells are more equal than others even at four-cell stage

8 July 2016

Genetic ‘signatures’ of early-stage embryos confirm that our development begins to take shape as early as the second day after conception, when we are a mere four cells in size, according to new research led by Magda Zernicka-Goetz's lab and EMBL-EBI. Although they seem to be identical, the cells of the two day-old embryo are already beginning to display subtle differences.

Old before your time: Study suggests that ageing begins in the womb

8 July 2016

The process of ageing begins even before we are born, according to an international team of researchers led by Dino Giussani. In a study using rats to model pregnancy and fetal development, the researchers also found that providing mothers with antioxidants during pregnancy meant that their offspring aged more slowly in adulthood.

Killer flies: how brain size affects hunting strategy in the insect world - Paloma Gonzalez-Bellido on Research Horizons

8 July 2016

Cambridge researchers are studying what makes a brain efficient and how that affects behaviour in insects.

PDN Anatomists featured on Cambridge News

7 July 2016

Cecilia Brassett and collegues speak about how body donations can help medical science.

The amazing axon adventure - Christine Holt on Research Horizons

7 July 2016

How does the brain make connections, and how does it maintain them? Cambridge neuroscientists and mathematicians are using a variety of techniques to understand how the brain ‘wires up’, and what it might be able to tell us about degeneration in later life.

Dr Erica Watson awarded Lister Institute Research Prize

7 July 2016

PDN researcher Dr Erica Watson has been awarded the Lister Institute Research Prize for her promising work in transgenerational epigenetic effects of folate metabolism.

Fiona Duncan awarded British Empire Medal

7 July 2016

Fiona Duncan, our Departmental Administrator, has received the British Empire Medal for services to higher education.

Scientists develop human embryos beyond implantation stage for first time

James Fraser and John Lawrence commended at CUSU Teaching 2016 Awards

Early-stage embryos with abnormalities may still develop into healthy babies

Embryo development: Some cells are more equal than others even at four-cell stage

Old before your time: Study suggests that ageing begins in the womb

Killer flies: how brain size affects hunting strategy in the insect world - Paloma Gonzalez-Bellido on Research Horizons

PDN Anatomists featured on Cambridge News

The amazing axon adventure - Christine Holt on Research Horizons

Dr Erica Watson awarded Lister Institute Research Prize

Fiona Duncan awarded British Empire Medal

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