The asteroid material, delivered in September 2023, contains an abundance of organic molecules, salts, and minerals, some of which have never been observed in meteorites that have fallen to Earth.

The findings, published today in two papers in and , suggest that Bennu originated from an ancient wet world, possibly from the icy regions beyond Saturn.

These discoveries shed new light on how the building blocks of life, such as water and essential chemicals, could have been delivered to Earth青瓜视频攁nd possibly other planets青瓜视频攂y asteroids billions of years ago.

The University of Manchester received part of the sample from asteroid Bennu to support the international analysis effort. In this latest piece of research, Rhian Jones, Professor of Cosmochemistry at The University of Manchester, played a key role in examining the mineralogy of the samples and interpretation of the data.

Professor Jones said: 青瓜视频� is like opening a time capsule from the early solar system. We were surprised to find that the asteroid sample held such a complete library of minerals and some unique salts.

青瓜视频淭he salt minerals discovered in the sample are similar to those in dried-up salty lakes on Earth. We think that these briny conditions played a key role in how water and the ingredients for life might have been delivered to our planet billions of years ago. There is evidence for similar brines on Saturn青瓜视频檚 moon Enceladus and the dwarf planet Ceres. 青瓜视频�

In the , scientists report that they have discovered some key ingredients for life, including 14 of the 20 amino acids that living organisms use to build proteins and all five nucleobases that form DNA and RNA. They also found high levels of ammonia, a potential precursor for these compounds.

Unlike meteorites that fall to Earth and are altered by the atmosphere, Bennu青瓜视频檚 sample was carefully preserved during its journey, with the team protecting every pebble and speck of the Bennu sample while maintaining its pristine quality. As a result, the asteroid sample is giving scientists around the world a rare glimpse at our solar system's earliest days, without having to separate or account for changes caused by exposure to Earth青瓜视频檚 atmosphere.

Professor Jones said: 青瓜视频淪ome of the salts we have found in Bennu have never been seen in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. This is likely because these substances were broken down by exposure to Earth青瓜视频檚 environment. Meteorites similar to the Bennu material are also very rare because they do not easily survive their journey through the Earth青瓜视频檚 atmosphere.青瓜视频�

The new results are the culmination of years of international collaboration involving scientists from NASA, the Smithsonian, London青瓜视频檚 Natural History Museum and Universities across the world.

Professor Jones added: 青瓜视频淭hese results were only possible because of the extremely careful curation of the Bennu sample from the moment the capsule landed. It青瓜视频檚 a testament to what we can achieve with international collaboration and cutting-edge technology.青瓜视频�

The research marks the first in-depth analysis of Bennu青瓜视频檚 organics and minerals and more scientific results from the OSIRIS-REx team are due in the coming months.

NASA has also stored 70% of the sample at Johnson Space Center's curation lab for study by the broader research community, including by scientists who have yet to be born and who will study it with instruments that do not exist today.

NASA青瓜视频檚 Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, provided overall mission management, systems engineering, and the safety and mission assurance for OSIRIS-REx. Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, Tucson, is the principal investigator. The University leads the science team and the mission青瓜视频檚 science observation planning and data processing. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft and provided flight operations.

In the last few years, researchers have found that surfactants青瓜视频攖he molecules found in soap青瓜视频攃an naturally find its way through a maze using the shortest path, with little penetration into dead ends

The discovery may sound a little peculiar, but the finding mimics transport processes in complex branching networks found in the human body, such as lungs. It may hold the key to understanding how liquids, such as certain drugs, travel through these networks, which could help medical scientists find new and more effective therapies.

Now, scientists at The University of Manchester, working with colleagues from France and the US, have published a theory in the journal explaining the phenomenon.

Dr Richard Mcnair, Research Associate in the Department of Mathematics at The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淲hen we put soap into a liquid filled maze, the natural surfactants already present in the liquid interact, creating an omniscient view of the maze, so the soap can intuitively find the correct path, ignoring all other irrelevant paths.

青瓜视频淭his behaviour occurs due to very subtle but powerful physics where the two types of surfactants generate tension forces that guide the soap to the exit.青瓜视频�

The researchers used advanced mathematical models and simulations to replicate how these forces gather an awareness of the maze青瓜视频檚 overall shape and structure. The mechanism can help scientists understand how materials move in confined spaces in complex, branching environments.

Surfactants are substances that help fluids spread. They naturally exist in the human lungs and when doctors treat lung diseases, they sometimes use "exogenous surfactants" (from external sources) to help the lungs work better. However, the surfactants already in the lungs can interfere with these treatments, making it harder for the added surfactant to travel around the airways to where they are most needed.

This research helps scientists understand why surfactant therapies might not always work as expected, especially for diseases like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has a high mortality rate and may be able to design more effective therapies.

Dr Mcnair said: 青瓜视频淏ut the applications of this research doesn青瓜视频檛 stop there. Many other systems such as microfluidic devices that transport chemicals and other substances through intricate networks could benefit from this insight for informing better designs for these systems, inevitably improving efficiency and reducing costs.青瓜视频�

The research team has already developed preliminary models involving surfactants spreading in realistic lung-scale geometries which could directly connect the findings of this research to clinically important research.

Just like the proteins in our muscles, which convert chemical energy into power to allow us to perform daily tasks, these tiny rotary motors use chemical energy to generate force, store energy, and perform tasks in a similar way.

The finding, from The University of Manchester and the University of Strasbourg, published in the journal provides new insights into the fundamental processes that drive life at the molecular level and could open doors for applications in medicine, energy storage, and nanotechnology.

The artificial rotary motors are incredibly tiny青瓜视频攎uch smaller than a strand of human hair. They are embedded into polymer chains of a synthetic gel and when fuelled, they work like miniature car engines, converting the fuel into waste products, while using the energy to rotate the motor.

The rotation twists the gel青瓜视频檚 molecular chains, causing the gel to shrink, storing the energy, much like winding like an elastic band. The stored energy can then be released to perform tasks.

So far, the scientists have demonstrated the motor青瓜视频檚 ability to open and close micron-sized holes and speed up chemical reactions.

Professor Leigh added: 青瓜视频淢imicking the chemical energy-powered systems found in nature not only helps our understanding of life but could open the door to revolutionary advances in medicine, energy and nanotechnology.青瓜视频�

The Ring Nebula is perhaps one of the most photographed objects in the night sky, dating back to its first image in 1886, but its intrinsic structure has been debated for as long as it has been observed.

Now, using Submillimeter Array (SMA) advanced radio-wavelength mapping techniques, the team has determined that the nebula has an ellipsoidal structure, resolving the longstanding debate.

By mapping the emission from carbon monoxide (CO) gas, the observations provided valuable insights into its structure. The CO emission highlights cold molecular gas surrounding the hot gas and dust seen in images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The findings are the result of collaborative work by researchers from institutions including Rochester Institute of Technology, the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian, Macquarie University, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, alongside The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 Professor Albert Zijlstra.

Professor Joel Kastner from Rochester Institute of Technology, said: "We looked at the data and the ellipsoidal structure was obvious, so we could put together a simple geometrical model. Now, we understand the structure of this nebula.

青瓜视频淭he James Webb Space Telescope gives us a collapsed image of what the object looks like in the sky. The SMA allows us to accurately measure the velocities of the molecular gas in the nebula, so we can see what's moving toward or away from us."

Previous theories suggested the nebula might be ring-shaped or resemble a soap bubble. However, the new model, based on SMA data, confirms its ellipsoidal structure and provides a more detailed understanding of the velocities and locations of carbon monoxide molecules ejected by the dying star that generated the Ring Nebula 青瓜视频� detail that can't be inferred from telescopic images, even using powerful NASA space observatories like HST and JWST.

The team青瓜视频檚 findings indicate that roughly 6,000 years have elapsed since the dying star, then a red giant, ejected the molecular gas that envelopes the nebula. The SMA data also reveal high-velocity blobs of gas observed at each end of the ellipsoidal shell suggesting the presence of a companion star influencing the nebula青瓜视频檚 formation.

Professor Zijlstra from The University of Manchester said: 青瓜视频淭he Ring Nebula is an iconic object in the night sky, a favourite for professional and amateur astronomers alike. But understanding the real structure of this nebula has been very hard. The appearance of a ring is deceptive. The new data reveals a slightly deformed barrel seen from the top, with a large bubble coming out through the top and bottom of the barrel. In JWST images, these are seen superposed, but the new data allows us to separate them from their different velocities. The bubble is inclined with respect to the barrel. Now we will need to find out how a star can eject two such different structures in different directions! That remains a bit of a mystery.青瓜视频�

These findings follow , one of the first objects observed by the JWST. This new approach of using the combination of SMA mapping and JWST imaging to tease out the 3D structures of these objects gives scientists a fresh way to understand the final, dying stages of sun-like stars.

Kastner added: 青瓜视频淭he stars that generate planetary nebulae like the Ring and Southern Ring may have produced much of the carbon in the Universe.

青瓜视频淲e can watch that carbon on its way to being recycled into the next generation of stars and planets when we observe these amazing objects.青瓜视频�

The research will be presented at the  on 12 青瓜视频� 16 January 2025 and has been sent for publication in a journal .

Cosmologist Dr Steve Cunnington has been awarded the Early Career Award for early achievement in astronomy. This award is presented to individuals in a UK institution whose career has shown the most promising development within five years of completing their PhD.

Dr Cunnington began working at the at The University of Manchester in 2022. His research focuses on using radio telescopes to map our Universe青瓜视频檚 structure across billions of light years. Through this, clues about phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy are revealed, and we can gain a better understanding of how gravity behaves.

Dr Cunnington said: 青瓜视频淚 am very passionate about my research and am thrilled that the Royal Astronomical Society is highlighting it. There is a long list of inspirational scientists who have won this award in previous years, and I see it as a challenge to continue the prestigious legacy.青瓜视频�

As for what is next for Dr Cunnington青瓜视频檚 research, he said: 青瓜视频淚 am involved in the preparations for the SKA Observatory (SKAO), set to be the largest radio telescope ever constructed. The SKAO precursor, MeerKAT, is already operational and was used to validate our novel mapping technique. We are now making further progress with MeerKAT mapping volumes of the Universe hundreds of times larger than before.青瓜视频�

Dr Michael Keith, Lecturer in Astrophysics at Jodrell Bank is also the recipient of a Royal Astronomical Society Award. Dr Keith is part of the (EPTA) which has won a Group Award, given in recognition of an outstanding achievement made by a large consortium of academics.

The EPTA is a multinational European collaboration between scientists from over ten institutions. It unites collaborators of different nationalities and backgrounds, and encourages and supports early career researchers, resulting in an egalitarian and diverse team structure.

By bringing together the efforts and resources of multiple scientists and six large radio telescopes (including the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank), the EPTA monitor pulsars, which are used to detect gravitational waves from supermassive black hole binary systems in distant galaxies.

In 2023 the EPTA published the first seen evidence of ultra-low-frequency gravitational waves; their findings stemmed from observations made over 25 years.

Each year the RAS recognise significant achievement in the fields of astronomy and geophysics through many awards, medals and prizes, encompassing different types of talent from research to education and outreach.

The extinction of the Dinosaur was a tumultuous time that included some of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth青瓜视频檚 history, as well as the impact of a 10-15 km wide asteroid. The role these events played in the extinction of the dinosaurs has been fiercely debated over the past several decades.

New findings, published today in the journal , suggest that while massive volcanic eruptions in India contributed to Earth青瓜视频檚 climate changes, they may not have played the major role in the extinction of dinosaurs, and the asteroid impact was the primary driver of the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.

By analysing ancient peats from Colorado and North Dakota in the USA, the researchers 青瓜视频� led by The University of Manchester 青瓜视频� reconstructed the average annual air temperatures in the 100,000 years leading up to the extinction.

The scientists, including from the University of Plymouth, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the USA, found that volcanic CO鈧� emissions caused a slow warming of about 3掳C across this period. There was also a short cold 青瓜视频渟nap青瓜视频� 青瓜视频� cooling of about 5掳C 青瓜视频� that coincided with a major volcanic eruption 30,000 years before the extinction event that was likely due to volcanic sulphur emissions blocking-out sunlight.

However, temperatures returned to stable pre-cooling temperatures around 20,000 years before the mass extinction of dinosaurs, suggesting the climate disruptions from the volcanic eruptions weren青瓜视频檛 catastrophic enough to kill them off dinosaurs.

Dr Lauren O青瓜视频機onnor, lead scientist and now Research Fellow at Utrecht University, said: 青瓜视频淭hese volcanic eruptions and associated CO₂ emissions drove warming across the globe and the sulphur would have had drastic consequences for life on earth. But these events happened millennia before the extinction of the dinosaurs, and probably played only a small part in the extinction of dinosaurs.青瓜视频�

The fossil peats that the researchers analysed contain specialised cell-membrane molecules produced by bacteria. The structure of these molecules changes depending on the temperature of their environment. By analysing the composition of these molecules preserved in ancient sediments, scientists can estimate past temperatures and were able to create a detailed "temperature timeline" for the years leading up to the dinosaur extinction.

Dr Tyler Lyson, scientist at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, said: 青瓜视频淭he field areas are ~750 km apart and both show nearly the same temperature trends, implying a global rather than local temperature signal. The trends match other temperature records from the same time period, further suggesting that the temperature patterns observed reflect broader global climate shifts.青瓜视频�

Bart van Dongen, Professor of Organic Geochemistry at The University of Manchester, added: 青瓜视频淭his research helps us to understand how our planet responds to major disruptions. The study provides vital insights not only into the past but could also help us find ways for how we might prepare for future climate changes or natural disasters.青瓜视频�

The team is now applying the same approach to reconstruct past climate at other critical periods in Earth青瓜视频檚 history.

January

To start the year, astronomers found a mysterious object in our Milky Way. The unknown object, which was located around 40,000 light years away, is heavier than the heaviest neutron stars known and yet simultaneously lighter than the lightest black holes known. It could be the first discovery of the much-coveted radio pulsar 青瓜视频� black hole binary

Later in the month, two University of Manchester professors,  and , were recognised in the prestigious 2024 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists. The pair were named among the three Laureates in recognition of their research that is transforming medicine, technology and our understanding of the world in the field of Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering, respectively.

February

In February, the Dalton Nuclear Institute welcomed Professor Zara Hodgson as its new Director and Manchester researchers were awarded 青瓜视频4.2 million funding award from UK Research and Innovation to tackle some of the UK青瓜视频檚 most challenging resilience and security problems. 

March

March saw the Faculty of Science and Engineering青瓜视频檚 marketing team successfully launch a new podcast, Big Sisters in STEM, which aims to amplify marginalised voices in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industry. Episode one was launched to more than 1000 listeners and has since been listened to in almost 60 countries. By May 2024, BSIS became the most listened podcast of The University of Manchester and is rated five stars across podcast platforms.

The University was also named an Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE-CSR) in recognition of its internationally leading cyber security research. And new research found that reduced snow cover and shifting vegetation patterns in the Alps, both driven by climate change, are having major combined impacts on biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems in the high mountains.

April

In April, Dr Dean Lomax identified the fossilised remains of what could be the largest known marine reptile. The fossilised remains measured more than two metres long and was identified as belonging to the jaws of a new species of enormous ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile. Estimates suggest the oceanic titan would have been more than 25 metres long.

Manchester scientists also started to develop a world-first Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) that integrates cutting-edge imaging and spectroscopy with artificial intelligence and automated workflows (AutomaTEM). The development will accelerate innovation in materials applications for quantum computing, low power electronics, and new catalysts to support the energy transition.

Also in April, six scientists in the Faculty of Science and Engineering were awarded highly prestigious European Research Council (ERC) advanced grants designed to provide outstanding research leaders with the opportunity to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven projects that could lead to major scientific breakthroughs.

May

In May, scientists made an exciting breakthrough in quantum computing. They produced an enhanced, ultra-pure form of silicon 青瓜视频� thought to be the world青瓜视频檚 purest silicon  青瓜视频�&苍产蝉辫; that allows construction of high-performance qubit devices 青瓜视频� a fundamental component required to pave the way towards scalable quantum computers. The finding could define and push forward the future of quantum computing.

Also in May, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) was launched, , Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his 青瓜视频渋nvaluable contributions to science青瓜视频� and scientists released the first set of scientific data captured with the Euclid telescope.

June

In June, two Professors in the Faculty were recognised in the King青瓜视频檚 Birthday Honours.  was awarded an OBE for his services to public health, to epidemiology and to adult social care, particularly during Covid-19, while Professor Paul Howarth was awarded a CBE for his significant contribution and service to the nuclear industry and to UK research and development (R&D).

Scientists also unlocked a new design for a robot that could jump twice the height of Big Ben 青瓜视频� higher than any other jumping robot designed to date. Applications of the robot range from planetary exploration to disaster rescue to surveillance of hazardous or inaccessible spaces.

July

July was a bumper month for health research. Scientists in the Department of Earth and Environment Sciences discovered a way to control mutation rates in bacteria, paving the way for new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. In the Institute of Biotechnology, researchers developed a new approach to store and distribute crucial protein therapeutics without the need for fridges or freezers, significantly improve accessibility of essential protein-based drugs. They also uncovered a more efficient and sustainable way to make peptide-based medicines, showing promising effectiveness in combating cancers.

August 

During summer, scientists published findings from their study investigating triggers of explosive volcanic eruptions. For the first time, they were able to effectively simulate how bubbles grow in volcanic magma, shedding new light on one of nature青瓜视频檚 most astonishing phenomena.

A project that aims to advance research software practices across the UK, was awarded a record 青瓜视频10.2 million in funding.

September

September was all about ocean waves. The M4 wave energy converter, developed by Professor Peter Stansby was successfully launched in Albany, Australia. The device is designed to harness the power of ocean waves to generate electricity, representing a significant step forward for renewable energy technology.

Scientists also discovered that ocean waves could be far more extreme and complex than previously imagined. They found that waves can reach heights four times steeper than what was once thought possible and could have implications for how offshore structures are designed, weather forecasting and climate modelling.

October

October was an exciting month as we celebrated the 20^th anniversary of graphene; the Nobel Prize-winning 青瓜视频榳onder material青瓜视频�, which was first isolated by Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov.

In the same month, the Department of Maths was gifted a unique mathematical object known as a  - the first known physical example of a new class of shapes called mono-monostatics. The 骋枚尘产枚肠 has the unique serial number 1824, in honour of the University青瓜视频檚 200^th anniversary, which has been celebrated throughout 2024.

November

In November, Professor Carly McLachlan attended a sustainability event at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III to talk about her work in sustainable live music. She attended the event as part of a delegation representing the Act 1.5 and Accelerator City initiative, alongside Robin Kemp, Head of Creative at Culture Liverpool; and four-time grammy award winning musician Nile Rodgers.

The University also partnered on two new projects 青瓜视频� one in cyber security and one in nuclear robotics 青瓜视频� each supported by a 青瓜视频5million grant by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.

Ending the month, scientists unlocked the secrets of one of the most remarkable seed dispersal systems in the plant kingdom 青瓜视频� the squirting cucumber.

December

To end the year on a high, the University青瓜视频檚 Great Science Share for Schools was granted UNESCO Patronage for the second year in a row. Its sibling programme Engineering Educates was also endorsed by UNESCO青瓜视频檚 Ocean Decade for its recent challenge 青瓜视频楳otion in the Ocean青瓜视频�. And a new study from the  describes a novel biological method to convert mixed municipal waste-like fractions 青瓜视频� including food scraps, plastics, and textiles 青瓜视频� into valuable bio-products. 

A group of leading international scientists is calling for a global conversation about the potential creation of "mirror bacteria"青瓜视频攁 hypothetical form of life built with biological molecules that are the opposite of those found in nature.

In a new report published today in the journal , the researchers, including Professor Patrick Cai, a world leader in synthetic genomics and biosecurity, from The University of Manchester, explain that these mirrored organisms would differ fundamentally from all known life and could pose risks to ecosystems and human health if not carefully managed.

Driven by scientific curiosity, some researchers around the world are beginning to explore the possibility of creating mirror bacteria, and although the capability to engineer such life forms is likely decades away and would require major technological breakthroughs, the researchers are calling for a broad discussion among the global research community, policymakers, research funders, industry, civil society, and the public now to ensure a safe path forward.

Professor Cai said: 青瓜视频淲hile mirror bacteria are still a theoretical concept and something that we likely won青瓜视频檛 see for a few decades, we have an opportunity here to consider and pre-empt risks before they arise.

青瓜视频淭hese bacteria could potentially evade immune defences, resist natural predators, and disrupt ecosystems. By raising awareness now, we hope to guide research in a way that prioritises safety for people, animals, and the environment."

The analysis is conducted by 38 scientists from nine countries including leading experts in immunology, plant pathology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biosecurity, and planetary sciences. The publication in is accompanied by a detailed 300-page .

The analysis concluded that mirror bacteria could broadly evade many immune defences of humans, animals, and potentially plants.

It also suggests that mirror bacteria could evade natural predators like viruses and microbes, which typically control bacterial populations. If they were to spread, these bacteria could move between different ecosystems and put humans, animals, and plants at continuous risk of infection.

The scientists emphasise that while speculative, these possibilities merit careful consideration to ensure scientific progress aligns with public safety.

Professor Cai added: 青瓜视频淎t this stage, it青瓜视频檚 also important to clarify that some related technologies, such as mirror-image DNA and proteins, hold immense potential for advancing science and medicine. Similarly, synthetic cell research, which does not directly lead to mirror bacteria, is critical to advancing basic science. We do not recommend restricting any of these areas of research. I hope this is the starter of many discussions engaging broader communities and stakeholders soon. We look forward to hosting a forum here in Manchester in autumn 2025.青瓜视频�

Going forward, the researchers plan to host a series of events to scrutinise their findings and encourage open discussion about the report. For now, they recommend halting any efforts toward the creation of mirror bacteria and urge funding bodies not to support such work. They also propose examining the governance of enabling technologies to ensure they are managed responsibly.

The Hidden REF awards celebrate the impact and roles that are vital to research but are overlooked by traditional research evaluation. It aims to build a more effective and more equitable system for recognising contributions to research success.

The awards are split into five 青瓜视频榦utput panels青瓜视频� with 24 categories, each organised by output type. The panels include Applications of Research, Communicative Outputs, Context, Practices and Hidden Role.

SEERIH was Highly Commended in the Communicative Outputs panel under the category of 青瓜视频楥ampaigns青瓜视频� for the success of its campaign, a pioneering campaign dedicated to fostering scientific curiosity and education among young learners.

The category recognises campaigns that  initiate change that is adopted across the research community and creates significant positive impact in a broad range of areas, including the way research is conducted, the diversity of the research community, the pipeline of people involved in research, or any other change that can be demonstrated to be beneficial for the research environment.

Professor Lynne Bianchi, Director of SEERIH, said: 青瓜视频淲e are very proud to have had our work recognised in this new competition across the Higher Education sector. It really does shine a light on the campaign which makes research more visible to young children, as well as empowering them to think and work scientifically themselves. We青瓜视频檇 love for more Higher Education Institutions to get involved. I青瓜视频檇 also like to say a special thank you to the Faculty of Science and Engineering's Kerry Wilkins for doing such a great job (as always) in supporting the application.青瓜视频�

and the panellists were chosen based on their experience of the submission categories.

The winners were announced at an online awards ceremony on 29 November. You can find all of the winners and re-watch the ceremony

The endorsement reinforces the programme青瓜视频檚 significant role in inspiring scientific curiosity, inquiry, and global citizenship among young people and underscores its profound alignment with UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) values through inclusive and equitable quality science education and promotion of sustainable lifestyles.

Now celebrating its tenth year, the pioneering initiative empowers children aged 5-14 to explore and share scientific questions they are passionate about with peers, families, and communities worldwide. Topics relate directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, sparking inquiry on issues such as biodiversity, carbon reduction, and sustainable practices.

In 2023-24, the GSSfS campaign reached over 670,000 pupils in more than 3,500 schools, spanning 36 countries. Of these, 50% were in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

Next year, the campaign seeks to be even bigger with young people responding to the theme 青瓜视频樓喙鲜悠礶d Science青瓜视频�. Across a range of free resources teachers, pupils and whole schools are inspired to develop genuine awareness and engagement in global climate action.

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General, UK National Commission for UNESCO, added: 青瓜视频淲e are delighted to grant UK National Commission for UNESCO Patronage to the Great Science Share for Schools campaign for a second time in 2025. Education, Science, and Communication & Information are three fundamental pillars of UNESCO青瓜视频檚 global work, so it is great that the UK National Commission can support an initiative here in the UK that brings these together in such an imaginative and collaborative way. The GSSfS initiative aligns with UNESCO青瓜视频檚 mandate of promoting knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives.青瓜视频�

SEERIH青瓜视频檚 other campaign 青瓜视频�青瓜视频�, has also received UNESCO endorsement of its 青瓜视频楳otion in the Ocean青瓜视频� challenge, which has been recognised by the (青瓜视频極cean Decade青瓜视频�).  

The is a global effort to promote transformative ocean science and aim to inspire actions that will preserve ocean health for future generations.

Newly launched in September 2024, 青瓜视频淢otion in the Ocean青瓜视频� is one of eight challenges within the EPSRC Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Network led by The University of Manchester. This has been designed to upskill teachers and pupils (7-14 years) in applying design technology, computing and science skills to find solutions to real-world problems.

青瓜视频淢otion in the Ocean青瓜视频� introduces challenges related to ocean sustainability and marine conservation through practical applications of engineering and design.

Professor Andrew Weightman, Programme Director for RAS, said: 青瓜视频淭he new robotics theme within Engineering Educates has taken our outreach to a new level. By working with Lynne and her team we now have a much stronger focus on how our research can inspire curriculum learning. We are really delighted that we can also support the Ocean Decade.青瓜视频�

As extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and freezes become more common due to global heating, understanding how soil microbes 青瓜视频� critical for healthy ecosystems 青瓜视频� respond is crucial.

These microbes play a key role in natural processes like carbon cycling, which helps determine how much carbon is stored in the soil and how much is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a major driver of global heating.

Researchers from The University of Manchester, working with a network of scientists across Europe, collected soil samples from 30 grasslands in 10 countries. They experimentally exposed the samples to simulated extreme weather events under controlled laboratory conditions to find out how the microbes would respond.

The team found that microbial communities in soils from different parts of Europe each reacted in unique ways to the extreme events. For example, soils from cooler, wetter climates were particularly vulnerable to heatwaves and droughts, while soils from dry regions were more affected by floods.

However, the scientists also found encouraging patterns and signs of consistency. In particular, microbes that can "pause" their activity and go dormant青瓜视频攅ssentially waiting out tough conditions青瓜视频攊n any weather condition.

The findings are published today in the journal .

, Senior Lecturer in Earth and Environment Sciences at The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淪oil microbes are vital for our ecosystems. Their ability to adapt or struggle with climate change has a direct impact on soil health, plant growth, food production and carbon storage.

青瓜视频淏y understanding the microbes青瓜视频� 青瓜视频榮urvival strategy青瓜视频�, we can better predict and possibly mitigate future impacts of these extreme weather events, giving us crucial insights to safeguard vulnerable regions.

青瓜视频淏ut our research highlights just how complex and varied the effects of climate change can be. The fact that local conditions play such a huge role in how vulnerable soils are means that a "one-size-fits-all" approach won青瓜视频檛 work when it comes to protecting soil ecosystems, suggesting tailored strategies will be key.青瓜视频�

Each sample site represents the diversity of biogeographic regions present in Europe: alpine (Austria), subarctic (Sweden), Arctic (Iceland), Atlantic (Oxford and Lancaster, UK), boreal (Estonia), continental (Germany), Mediterranean (Spain and GR, Greece) and steppe climate (Russia).

The research offers a key first step in predicting how microbial communities respond to climate extremes, helping inform conservation efforts and climate policies around the world.

, who conducted the research while at The University of Manchester, now a Professor of Earth Surface Science at the University of Amsterdam, added: 青瓜视频淭his study is one of the largest of its kind. By working across multiple countries and ecosystems, we have been able to provide key insights that could guide future research and environmental management strategies ensuring the health of our ecosystems in the face of increasing climate challenges.青瓜视频�

Formed to challenge and disrupt the global conveyor belt market, Ecobelt Ltd is an environmentally ambitious company that champions environmental sustainability and fosters a circular life-cycle approach for belting use.

In the UK alone, 4,000 tonnes of conveyor belts are incinerated or sent to landfill every week.

The 青瓜视频楽ustainable Materials Innovation for Net-zero青瓜视频� award recognises Ecobelt青瓜视频檚 patented innovative belt splice technology to address the main cause of belt failure. The technology extends belt lifespan from months to years, therefore improving the upstream sustainability by reducing the demand for new belts.

Through partnership and collaboration with The University of Manchester青瓜视频攕upported by its UKRI Impact Acceleration Account and the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub at the Henry Royce Institute青瓜视频擡cobelt tested the performance of their technology to develop an approach to repair damaged conveyor belts, employing a whole life-cycle environmental impact approach.

The judges from the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining commended Ecobelt青瓜视频檚 technology, citing the robust research base and collaboration with partners as key indicators to Ecobelt青瓜视频檚 commitment to environmental sustainability.

Conveyor belts service virtually all consumer products, production and manufacturing facilities globally, driving a market valued at $6 billion (USD) annually, fuelled by e-commerce and industry 4.0.

Despite this, the industry has been remarkably stagnant in relation to innovation, sustainability and the manufacturing process of materials used in conveyor belts. As conveyor belts are fossil fuel based, manufacturing consumes huge natural resources whilst producing significant Greenhouse Gases 青瓜视频� an issue that Ecobelt seeks to change.

Whilst Ecobelt青瓜视频檚 next steps for commercial scale up are still unfolding, the technology青瓜视频檚 potential for lasting impact in the industrial settings are clear.

Professor Michael Shaver, Director of the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub said: 青瓜视频淥ur world is driven 青瓜视频� both literally and figuratively 青瓜视频� by conveyor belts. Yet we don青瓜视频檛 think of them as essential in championing Manchester as a sustainable city.

青瓜视频淥ur eyes have been opened by this hidden gem of a local business: Ecobelt have tackled an invisible material flow that is essential to keeping our manufacturing and delivery systems moving by improving material repair, reuse and circularity. It has been a privilege to work on assessing the AnnStuMax technology and quantifying its impressive environmental credentials.青瓜视频�

While most plants rely on external forces such as animals, wind, or water to spread their seeds, this cucumber 青瓜视频� scientifically known as Ecballium elaterium - launches them at high speed in a pressurised jet, sending seeds over 10 metres from the parent plant.

The fruit has long intrigued scientists for its dramatic seed dispersal method, but the exact mechanism and its benefits were poorly understood.

The new research, published in the journal , uses high-speed videography, image analysis, lab experiments and mathematical modelling to examine each phase of the ejection process.

They found that as the cucumber ripens, fluid from the fruit is squeezed into the stem, causing it to stiffen and straighten, and changing the inclination of the fruit so that it is better suited for launching seeds over long distances. The internal pressure in the fruit is so high that, once it detaches from the stem, the fluid and seeds within the shell are explosively launched in a powerful jet.

The finding has important implications for understanding the plant青瓜视频檚 population dynamics and offers insights into evolutionary adaptations related to explosive fruit mechanisms. Its seed dispersal strategy could also inspire new technologies.

Lead researcher Finn Box from The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淪eed dispersal is incredibly important for plant survival and population, and we see a wide range of dispersal strategies across the plant kingdom, each adapted to different ecological needs.

青瓜视频淭his research is the first comprehensive mechanical explanation for how the cucumber plant launches its seeds with remarkable speed and precision 青瓜视频� a process almost unheard of in the plant world.

青瓜视频淭he explosive launch of the cucumber plant has evolved over generations to help it survive. The way that the stem is able to re-position itself to the perfect angle and build enough pressure to maximise spread has been key to help regulate the plant青瓜视频檚 population. These mechanisms allow the plant to disperse seeds over a wide area and reduce overcrowding and competition among offspring and other neighbouring plants, ensuring a better chance of survival for the next generation.青瓜视频�

The research could also help scientists better understand how plants might adapt to environmental changes such as temperature, rainfall patterns and soil conditions due to climate change. Effective seed dispersal plays a critical role in this adaptation as it allows them to move on and colonise new, more stable environments.

It is also thought that understanding the mechanics of explosive seed dispersal could inspire new technologies, such as smart medical devices that can eject drugs on demand and thereby increase the concentration of medication at target sites within the body.

The projects are supported through 青瓜视频22 million of funding 青瓜视频� of which each will receive 青瓜视频5 million - by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.

The first project, CyberFocus, led by Lancaster University, will strengthen and deliver strategic investments in the region青瓜视频檚 cyber ecosystem, fuelling the potential of the North West cyber sector and keeping the UK at the forefront of advance cyber security.

Danny Dresner, Professor of Cyber Security in the Department of Computer Science and the University青瓜视频檚 academic lead for CyberFocus, said: 青瓜视频淭he volatile, risk-filled landscape of cyber security so often gives our adversaries free rein to innovate faster than those who create for the online safety of all of us."

CyberFocus brings together the universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Salford, Manchester Metropolitan, Central Lancashire, Cumbria and Liverpool.

It will also be supported by other partners including Team Barrow (Westmorland & Furness Council, and BAE Systems), Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria LEP, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Lancashire County Council.

The project aims to act as a catalyst for cyber knowledge exchange across the North West, fostering a collaborative approach to research and innovation, and helping the region drive economic growth and improve cyber resilience.

CyberFocus aims to:

• Create 85 new collaborative partnerships
• Develop 400 new products, processes, or services
• Secure 青瓜视频40m additional funding for the region
• Train 300 individuals in cyber innovation skills

The second project, led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, focuses on nuclear robotics and artificial intelligence. It will connect academia with the supply chain, with the aim of decommissioning the country青瓜视频檚 nuclear legacy, as well as developing technology that can be exploited by the nuclear fusion sector.

Barry Lennox, Professor of Applied Control, in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is the University青瓜视频檚 lead for this project.

The project will link Cumbria and Oxfordshire 青瓜视频� its' university partners being The University of Cumbria, The University of Manchester and The University of Oxford 青瓜视频� and hopes to mobilise significant knowledge and technology transfer between these areas.

Being the only research focused university with a research base in West Cumbria, The University of Manchester will also attempt to bring other universities into the region and support them, as they develop technology for the nuclear industry.

The project aims to:

• Create 200 business opportunities
• Establish 10 spin-out companies
• Generate 200 new jobs
• Engage 5,000 people in cluster-driven events

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: 青瓜视频淲e are backing universities across the UK to home in on local strengths in research 青瓜视频� from cybersecurity in Lancaster to maritime in Liverpool, offshore wind in Edinburgh to digital healthcare in Belfast 青瓜视频� to support thousands of local jobs, boost skills and bring new technologies to market.

青瓜视频淭his investment will allow innovators up and down the country to continue or expand their pioneering work to improve lives and kickstart growth in our economy with new opportunities.青瓜视频�

Other ongoing projects at The University of Manchester, funded by EPSRC PBIAA, include the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), which is a collaborative project led by the University, aimed at creating a cohesive ecosystem for Industrial Biotechnology innovation. 

UKRI also funds the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), which provides flexible support to progress the commercialisation and translational development of University research.

The NorthWest Doctoral Programme in Biosciences (NWD) unites the strengths of the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, to train a diverse community of motivated, inquisitive bioscientists for tomorrow青瓜视频檚 workforce.

Alongside the partnership between Manchester and Liverpool university, NWD is also in collaboration with industrial partners Boots No7, Unilever, Waters, and Bionow, who will all provide training and research opportunities.

NWD will centre on four scientific and cross-cutting themes that bring together the complementary strengths of UoM and UoL in areas critical to the UK scientific, societal and economic landscape: Discovery Bioscience, Agrifood & Sustainable Systems, Engineering Biology & Industrial Biotechnology, and Advanced Tools and Technology.

NWD will offer PhD students a strong sense of community and team-led research, face-to-face training - including mandatory training in digital/AI skills - networking events and individualised training plans.

The programme also recognises that many biosciences doctoral graduates pursue careers beyond research. To aid students looking at careers elsewhere, the NWD will be underpinned by innovative PhD-to-workforce programmes - PhD-PROSPER and BIOBRIDGE 青瓜视频� which will empower PhD students to plan, develop, and pursue future careers across diverse sectors.

Rasmus Petersen, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and academic lead for NWD said: "I am delighted that the BBSRC has made this award to our new Doctoral Training Programme: an innovative new partnership between the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool, in collaboration with industry and charity partners.

Professor Peter McCormick from the University of Liverpool said: "We are delighted to win this award in conjunction with our partners at the University of Manchester. Together we build on our tradition in the North West of England in training world class researchers in the biosciences arena. The proximity of our partnership allows the students to take advantage of both our facilities and will enhance the cohort community."

As NWD is committed to accelerating equality of access and opportunity, the University will work in partnership with social mobility charity to engage and create opportunities for those currently underrepresented in UK doctoral training. This will include a significant institutional investment into Widening Participation Masters bursaries.

Doctoral Landscape Awards are funded by UK Research and Innovation, who are investing more than 青瓜视频500 million across universities to support doctoral training.

Prospective postgraduate researchers can register their interest and receive updates about the programme .

The team is a collaboration between The University of Manchester and sector partners, including BASF, Siemens, the Ogden Trust, Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Comino Foundation, the Royal Society, ASE, PSQM, SSERC, Leeds Trinity University, and CREST 青瓜视频� involving hundreds of schools across the UK.

They won the prize in recognition of their work inspiring 5-14 years olds in practical science, through a collaborative campaign focused on pupils asking, investigating and sharing their scientific questions. Supported by their teachers, young people work scientifically to gather evidence, draw conclusions and share their learning with new audiences, from fellow pupils to community groups and dignitaries.

GSSfS is relevant to all young people, in whatever educational setting, anywhere across the world. This year, the campaign reached over 670,000 pupils in more than 3,500 schools, spanning 36 countries.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: 青瓜视频淭he chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.

青瓜视频淭he inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences 青瓜视频� shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

青瓜视频淭he team青瓜视频�s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.青瓜视频�

The Royal Society of Chemistry青瓜视频檚 prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year青瓜视频檚 winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC青瓜视频檚 prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education 青瓜视频� including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills 青瓜视频� from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.

, which aims to improve the way prosthetics for people who have suffered traumatic limb loss work, wowed the judges at the (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree.

The non-profit iGEM Foundation hosts an international student competition each year to promote education and collaboration among new generations of synthetic biologists.

Human-machine interfaces are becoming more advanced, with new technologies harnessing the body青瓜视频檚 electric signals to control devices.

Artificial limbs, known as myoelectric prosthetics, are directed by electrical signals generated by muscle contractions in the residual limb, which can be translated to motion.

However, heavy batteries and motors in myoelectric prosthetics can cause excessive sweating and make the electrodes slip from their contact points, resulting in discomfort and imprecise limb movement.

To solve the problem, the team proposed using synthetic biology to create tiny specially designed wires that work with skin cells.

They engineered a type of bacteria 青瓜视频� Escherichia coli 青瓜视频� to express tiny, hair-like structures known as pili (e-pili) found on electricity conducting bacteria called Geobacter sulfurreducens.

By combining the Escherichia coli with a protein-binding peptide, the team created nanowires that specifically target and bind to proteins at the skin青瓜视频檚 surface, potentially enhancing the precision of an artificial limb.

The Manchester iGEM team were Damian Ungureanu, Devika Shenoy, Francisco Correia, Janet Xu, Jia Run Dong, Usrat Nubah, Yuliia Anisimova, and Zainab Atique-Ur-Rehman.

, said: 青瓜视频淚青瓜视频檓 delighted our team won gold at the iGEM 2024 Grand Jamboree for an innovation which could make a difference for people who need artificial limbs.

She added: 青瓜视频淚 have supervised the Manchester iGEM teams together with Professor Rainer Breitling since 2013.

青瓜视频淥ur teams, based in the (MIB), have been very successful and have achieved a gold medal all but one of the years that we participated - which is quite an achievement.

青瓜视频淚n 2016, the team also scooped the special award for 青瓜视频楤est Computational Model青瓜视频� and were shortlisted for the 青瓜视频楤est Education and Public Engagement青瓜视频� award.青瓜视频�

This year青瓜视频檚 Manchester iGEM team worked in the MIB labs throughout the summer, with financial and logistical support from the MIB, School of Biological Sciences, School of Social Sciences/Department of Social Anthropology, School of Arts Languages and Cultures, and the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub.

The team also worked with the (AMBS) to comprehensively explore the social and economic implications of their ideas using a (RRI) approach.

The competition provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity for students outside biology, by encouraging participants to think beyond their lab work.

Damian Ungureanu, second year Biochemistry student, said: 青瓜视频淲orking with people from different cultural and academic backgrounds has allowed me to substantially develop my communication skills. Even though this was a synthetic biology project, the human practices aspect was just as important as the science. Winning the gold medal felt like the culmination of one year of hard work.青瓜视频�

Devika Shenoy, second year Biomedical Sciences student, said: 青瓜视频淚 am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work with so many like-minded individuals and under the guidance of skilled advisors and PIs. iGEM has truly broadened my horizons and understanding of how science and synthetic biology can be used to solve world issues.青瓜视频�

The lecture, which celebrates the significant contributions made by women to the study of the Natural Sciences, was delivered in collaboration with the prestigious Linnean Society of London.

Hosted by Dr Maggy Fostier, Faculty Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability, Professor Bamford took the audience on a journey from her industrial roots in Essex to her conservation work in Costa Rica and Panama, offering insight into the world of plant science and environmental issues like climate change along the way.

She described how her childhood interest in botany had been inspired by wild orchids growing in an abandoned chalk quarry in her local area in Essex. Her passion for plants and wildlife eventually led her to conservation work in Central America, where she has helped protect critically endangered amphibian and bird species from extinction.

She said: 青瓜视频淚t was a great honour to give the 2024 Irene Manton lecture. I wanted to show the importance of taking every opportunity to engage with wildlife and conservation, even in an abandoned chalk quarry reclaimed by nature, and the importance of connecting with people and their communities in order to conserve  endangered species."

Taking place at Manchester Museum, Professor Bamford青瓜视频檚 lecture attracted an audience of academics, conservation enthusiasts, and students from local schools and colleges.

Robbie Blackhall-Miles, former Vice-President of the Linnean Society, also told the gathering that British botanist Irene Manton studied for her PhD at the University of Manchester and went on to an influential career which included becoming the first female President of the Linnean Society.

Amanda was joined by Matt O青瓜视频橠onnell, the Museum青瓜视频檚 Curator of Herpetology, who spoke about his own work as a frog conservationist. He carries out  important frog research and conservation projects in Costa Rica. He also brought along some particularly popular contributors 青瓜视频� several live tropical frogs from the Museum青瓜视频檚 vivarium!

With the aim of the lecture being to encourage young people to explore a career in the natural sciences, Professor Bamford青瓜视频檚 story demonstrated the impact conservation work can have on animals, plants, and the humans who protect them.

Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Manchester Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, was among a group of government officials, business leaders and climate organisations at the exclusive conference hosted by King Charles III.

The reception, on 6 November, aimed to accelerate climate action before the UN climate change conference Cop29.

Professor McLachlan represented the University青瓜视频檚 collaboration with Act 1.5, an artist-led research and action initiative incepted by the band Massive Attack to address carbon reduction within live music. Act 1.5 works closely with climate scientists at the , with its name referencing the goal of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5掳C, in line with the Paris Agreement.

At the event Professor McLachlan and the team had the opportunity to discuss their project to the UK青瓜视频檚 climate leaders, highlighting how the live music industry can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and inspiring sustainable practices across the entertainment sector and beyond.

Following several years of developmental work by Act 1.5 in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre at The University of Manchester, the city of Liverpool was recently named the . The city will become a testing ground for innovative ideas and climate strategies in music, film, and television.

The initiative will officially launch later this month in Liverpool with three nights of live performances and a two-day conference, one for industry and one for the public, dedicated to exploring sustainable practices in the live entertainment sector.

It builds on a commissioned by the band Massive Attack to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

After a year, the Accelerator status will be passed to another global city. The University青瓜视频檚 researchers will work with various 青瓜视频榚xperiments青瓜视频� across the Liverpool City Region to capture and synthesise the insights gained from Liverpool青瓜视频檚 experiences to inform the next Accelerator City.

The Act 1.5 and Accelerator City initiative were represented by Robin Kemp, Head of Creative at Culture Liverpool; and musician Nile Rodgers, alongside Professor McLachlan at the Buckingham Palace Reception. Four-time Grammy Award winner Nile Rodgers will play one of the three nights of shows in Liverpool later this month.

Biocatalysis is a process that uses enzymes as natural catalysts to carry out chemical reactions. Scientists at The University of Manchester and AstraZeneca have developed a new biocatalytic pathway that uses enzymes to produce nucleoside analogues, which are vital components in many pharmaceuticals used to treat conditions like cancer and viral infections.

Typically, producing these analogues is complicated, time consuming and generates significant waste. However, in a new breakthrough, published in the journal , the researchers have demonstrated how a "biocatalytic cascade" 青瓜视频� a sequence of enzyme-driven reactions 青瓜视频� can simplify the process, potentially cutting down production time and reducing environmental impact.

The researchers engineered an enzyme called deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, enhancing its range of functions to efficiently produce different sugar-based compounds, which serve as building blocks for nucleoside-based medicines, such as oligonucleotide therapeutics. These building blocks were combined using additional enzymes to develop a condensed protocol for the synthesis of nucleoside analogues which simplifies the traditional multi-step process to just two or three stages, significantly improving efficiency.

With further refinement, this method could help streamline the production of a wide range of medicines, while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. The team are now continuing this work with the MRC funded , which looks to develop sustainable biocatalytic routes towards functionalised nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides.

The study, led by scientists at The University of Manchester, has revealed that a material known as a metal-organic framework (MOF) - an ultra-porous material - can be modified to capture and filter out significantly more benzene from the atmosphere than current materials in use.

Benzene is primarily used as an industrial solvent and in the production of various chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibres, but can also be released into the atmosphere through petrol stations, exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. Despite its widespread applications, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure can lead to serious health effects, making careful management and regulation essential.

The research, published in the journal today, could lead to significant improvements in air quality both indoors and outdoors.

MOFs are advanced materials that combine metal centres and organic molecules to create porous structures. They have a highly adjustable internal structure, making them particularly promising for filtering out harmful gases from the air.

The researchers modified the MOF structure 青瓜视频� known as MIL-125 青瓜视频� by incorporating single atoms from different elements, including zinc, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper to test which would most effectively capture benzene.

They discovered that adding a single zinc atom to the structure significantly enhanced the material青瓜视频檚 efficiency, enabling it to capture benzene even at ultra-low concentrations 青瓜视频� measured at parts per million (ppm) 青瓜视频� a significant improvement over current materials.

The new material 青瓜视频� now known as MIL-125-Zn 青瓜视频� demonstrates a benzene uptake of 7.63 mmol per gram of material, which is significantly higher than previously reported materials.

It is also highly stable even when exposed to moisture, maintaining its ability to filter benzene for long periods without losing effectiveness. Tests show that it can continue removing benzene from air even under humid conditions.

As the research progresses, the team will look to collaborate with industry partners to develop this and related new materials, with the potential of integrating it into ready-made devices, such as air purification systems in homes, workplaces, and industrial settings.

Plastics play a crucial role in healthcare, but the current linear model of using and then incinerating leads to significant waste and environmental harm. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), materials experts at Manchester will work in collaboration with Vernacare 青瓜视频� specialist manufacturers of infection prevention solutions 青瓜视频� to investigate how the sustainability of plastics can be improved through the creation of more circular products from waste polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC).  

A 24-month project, led by an interdisciplinary team from The University of Manchester and Vernacare, aims to create new insight into the behaviour of real-world polypropylene and polycarbonate products during mechanical recycling. The team will be led by experts including Dr Tom McDonald, Dr Rosa Cuellar Franca, Professor Mike Shaver, Simon Hogg, and Dr Amir Bolouri. It also will advance knowledge on the selection, characterisation and use of plastic to optimise recyclability, while developing understanding of the complex environmental impacts of product design and supply chain. 

Finally, life cycle assessment will be used to evaluate the sustainability for different approaches to the circularity of these plastics. This project will involve the knowledge transfer of the academic team青瓜视频檚 expertise in plastics recycling, plastics circularity and rigorous life cycle assessment. 

Alex Hodges, CEO of Vernacare, explained: 青瓜视频淭hrough this project we aim to change how plastics are viewed and used in healthcare. Our work with Manchester will ensure we青瓜视频檙e at the forefront in sustainable single use healthcare product research. It will enable us to embed product lifecycle, environment assessment capability and materials research and development into our business culture so that we青瓜视频檙e in pole position, able to lead the market in the development and testing of future solutions. It will also help Vernacare economically, by offsetting a portion of our 青瓜视频7m annual polypropylene costs while also broadening their appeal to eco-conscious customers.青瓜视频� 

The research will be conducted through the (SMI Hub), a cutting-edge facility dedicated to sustainable plastic solutions. The SMI Hub is part of the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Manchester and is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.                                                                                           

Innovate UK青瓜视频檚 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships  funding support innovation by matching businesses with world-leading research and technology. Projects are focused on delivering a strategic step change in productivity, market share and operating process by embedding new knowledge and capabilities within an organisation. Delivered through the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team, part of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The University of Manchester has collaborated on more than 300 KTPs and in the last five years alone, has supported 42 KTPs with a total research value of 青瓜视频11 million. 

By working together, The University of Manchester and Vernacare aim to lead the way in sustainable healthcare products, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. 

This innovative programme, named Inciner-8-2-Net0, seeks to repurpose incineration waste in the UK and Singapore, with the aim of reducing the mounting strain on landfill and lowering the embodied carbon in cement and concrete mixes.

Inciner-8-2-Net0 will pioneer a method to accelerate carbonation, a natural process that turns CO2 into a solid form for use in construction materials, effectively locking away carbon.

The method was developed by The University of Manchester team - Concrete Materials, Resource Efficiency and Advanced Technology for Sustainability 青瓜视频� a research group dedicated to attaining a Net Zero built environment, through exploring new materials and developing novel methods that optimise the use of concrete materials.

CREATES青瓜视频� approach will involve the use of wastewater and CO2 from flue gas. Such a combination will enable the permanent storage of CO2 in the processed IBA, while improving its stability and making it suitable for construction application purposes.

, Chair in Net Zero in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management, leads , and is the principal investigator for Manchester青瓜视频檚 Inciner-8-2-Net0 team. , Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management, is a co-principal investigator.

The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 team will work with industry partners and their academic partner, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, to create a technical solution for this excessive waste, that is more consistent and less harmful to the environment.

Inciner-8-2-Net0 is led by , a consultancy which works with leaders across both public and private sectors to help deliver positive social, economic and environmental impact.

The programme青瓜视频檚 industry partners - Blue Phoenix, Carbon Upcycling, Marshalls, PanUnited, PCE and Recycl8 青瓜视频� will work to establish a commercially viable pathway to enable widespread adoption, offering clear guidelines for the construction industries in both the UK and Singapore.

Dr Meini Su said: 青瓜视频淯tilising incineration bottom ash in construction is a significant step towards reducing the environmental burden of waste. By transforming this byproduct into a functional material, we not only conserve natural resources but also support more sustainable construction approaches.青瓜视频�

John Handscomb, Partner at Akerlof said: 青瓜视频淭his project exemplifies the power of multinational collaboration in solving complex global challenges. By turning waste into a resource, we青瓜视频檙e not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but doing so in a way that is both impactful and scalable.青瓜视频�

The UK produces a staggering 3 million tonnes of processed incinerator bottom ash annually from waste incineration, which is not aided by the growing global pressure on waste management.

At the heart of this project is a vision set to shape the future of the construction sector, and its route to achieving Net Zero. The transfer of knowledge between the UK and Singapore will help to advance the construction industry青瓜视频檚 transition to a circular economy, reducing both waste and emissions on a global scale.

Although scientists knew one atom thick, two-dimensional crystal graphene existed, no-one had figured out how to extract it from graphite, until Professor Geim and Professor Novoselov青瓜视频檚 groundbreaking work in Manchester in 2004.

Geim and Novoselov frequently held 青瓜视频楩riday night experiments青瓜视频�, where they would play around with ideas and experiments that weren青瓜视频檛 necessarily linked to their usual research. It was through these experiments that the two first isolated graphene, by using sticky tape to peel off thin flakes of graphite, ushering in a new era of material science.

Their seminal paper 青瓜视频�, has since been cited over 40,000 times, making it one of the most highly referenced scientific papers of all time.

What Andre and Kostya had achieved was a profound breakthrough, which would not only earn the pair a Nobel Prize in 2010 but would revolutionise the scientific world.

The vast number of products, processes and industries for which graphene could significantly impact all stem from its extraordinary properties. No other material has the breadth of superlatives that graphene boasts:

• It is many times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible
• It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent
• It is the world青瓜视频檚 first two-dimensional material and is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.

It青瓜视频檚 areas for application are endless: transport, medicine, electronics, energy, defence, desalination, are all being transformed by graphene research.

In biomedical technology, graphene青瓜视频檚 unique properties allow for groundbreaking biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and DIY health-testing kits. In sport, graphene-enhanced running shoes deliver more grip, durability and 25% greater energy return than standard running trainers 青瓜视频� as well as the world青瓜视频檚 first .

Speaking at the , hosted by The University of Manchester, Professor Sir Andre Geim said: 青瓜视频淚f you have an electric car, graphene is there. If you are talking about flexible, transparent and wearable electronics, graphene-like materials have a good chance of being there. Graphene is also in lithium ion batteries as it improves these batteries by 1 or 2 per cent.青瓜视频�

The excitement, interest and ambition surrounding the material has created a 青瓜视频榞raphene economy青瓜视频�, which is increasingly driven by the challenge to tackle climate change, and for global economies to achieve zero carbon.

At the heart of this economy is The University of Manchester, which has built a model research and innovation community, with graphene at its core. The enables academics and their industrial partners to work together on new applications of graphene and other 2D materials, while the accelerates lab-market development, supporting more than 50 spin-outs and numerous new technologies.

Professor James Baker,  CEO of Graphene@Manchester said: 青瓜视频淎s we enter the 20^th anniversary since the first discovery of graphene, we are now seeing a real 青瓜视频榯ipping point青瓜视频� in the commercialisation of products and applications, with many products now in the market or close to entering. We are also witnessing a whole new eco-system of businesses starting to scale up their products and applications, many of which are based in Manchester."

What about the next 20 years?

The next 20 years promise even greater discoveries and The University of Manchester remains at the forefront of exploring the limitless graphene yields.

Currently, researchers working with INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, with funding from the European Commission青瓜视频檚 Graphene Flagship, are developing brain implants from graphene which could enable precision surgery for diseases such as cancer.

Researchers have also developed wearable sensors, based on a 2D material called hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), which have the potential to change the way respiratory health is monitored.

As for sustainability, Dr Qian Yang is using nanocapillaries made from graphene that could lead to the development of a brand-new form of , while others are looking into Graphene青瓜视频檚 potential in grid applications and storing wind or solar power. Graphene is also being used to reinforce , to reduce cement use 青瓜视频� one of the leading causes of global carbon dioxide.

Newly-appointed Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair, Professor Rahul Nair, is investigating graphene-based membranes that can be used as water filters and could transform access to clean drinking water.

Speaking at the World Academic Summit, Professor Sir Andre Geim said: 青瓜视频淭housands of people are trying to understand how it works. I would not be surprised if graphene gets another Nobel prize or two given there are so many people who believe in this area of research.青瓜视频�

Discover more

To hear Andre青瓜视频檚 story, including how he and Kostya discovered the wonder material in a Friday night lab session, visit: 

To find out more about The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 work on graphene, visit: 

To discover our world-leading research centre, or commercial accelerator, visit

To find out how we青瓜视频檙e training the next generation of 2D material scientists and engineers, visit:

• .

The new Hub for Advanced Long-acting Therapeutics (HALo) will focus on driving research, public and patient engagement, and the translational infrastructure required for the development and manufacture of new Long-acting therapeutics (LATs).

LATs are predicted to revolutionise treatment of health conditions by replacing extensive periods of daily pill taking with a single administered dose.

The approach addresses the issue of missed daily drug doses, which can cause a range of complications, from a lack of efficacy to pathogen resistance. They will also help patients stay on treatment, make it easier to achieve optimal dosing targets and reduce the burden on health systems.

The project is supported with an 青瓜视频11 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). As a key partner, The University of Manchester has been awarded 青瓜视频1.5m from the grant to lead efforts to advance multiple strands of LAT research.

The Manchester activity is an interdisciplinary team, led by , Reader in Sustainable Materials. Dr McDonald is Head of Environmental Sustainability and Engagement for the and is also Research Area lead for Chemical Materials Design within the .  

Alongside Dr McDonald is , , and .

The Manchester team will focus on:

• Developing innovative in situ forming implant technologies, which allow for a controlled release of medication directly at the site of need.
• Creating predictive models to evaluate drug release kinetics, helping to optimise LAT formulations for better patient outcomes.
• Quantifying the sustainability benefits of LAT medicines, including reductions in packaging waste and resource use, as part of a broader effort to make healthcare more environmentally friendly.

Dr Tom McDonald said: 青瓜视频淟ong-acting therapeutics have the potential to address significant challenges in drug administration by offering more convenient, effective, and sustained treatment options.青瓜视频�

LATs are emerging as the next landmark for healthcare management; pharmaceutical companies are realising the benefits for clinical outcomes and patient well-being. Such technologies are already in use in fields such as contraception, HIV therapy, and the management of mental health conditions.

By focusing on understanding the physical science that underpins existing successful LAT medicines, HALo will create new proof-of-concept LAT medicine candidates for diseases and conditions where no LAT option exists yet, such as high blood pressure and asthma.

HALo is led by Professor Steve Rannard at the and the Hub will primarily be hosted within its Centre of Excellence for Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT) - the world青瓜视频檚 first academic centre of excellence focussed on LATs.

Professor Rannard said: 青瓜视频淟ong-acting therapeutics have the potential to simplify the administration of medicines, improve clinical outcomes and reduce the costs of healthcare provision.

青瓜视频淭hey are widely predicted to revolutionise disease treatment and healthcare management. HALo provides a much-needed focal point for new LAT developments in the UK and by working with partners it will ensure the UK is on the path to global leadership in this exciting new field.

青瓜视频淭he outcomes from HALo will have far-reaching benefits globally and also enable CELT focus on low and middle-income country healthcare needs where LATs are expected to be transformational.青瓜视频�

HALo brings together academics, industry, clinicians and other stakeholders including patient groups and policy makers. Key partners of the project, include The University of Manchester, Queens University Belfast, the University of Nottingham, alongside the Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Alder Hey Children青瓜视频檚 Foundation Trust and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

HALo is one of  that aim to transform healthcare through the development and application of revolutionary new technologies.

The Moon, like the Earth, has been bombarded by asteroids and comets since its formation, leaving behind craters and basins. However, the exact timing and intensity of most of these events, notably the oldest and largest basin on the Moon, have remained unclear to scientists青瓜视频攗ntil now.

By analysing a lunar meteorite known as Northwest Africa 2995, a team led by scientists at The University of Manchester have investigated the age of the formation of the massive South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin 青瓜视频� the Moon青瓜视频檚 oldest confirmed impact site, which is located on the far side of the Moon and stretches more than 2,000 kilometres.

The proposed date is around 120 million years earlier than what is believed to be the most intense period of impact bombardment on the Moon.

The finding, published today in , provides a clearer picture of the Moon青瓜视频檚 early impact history.

, Royal Society University Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淥ver many years scientists across the globe have been studying rocks collected during the Apollo, Luna, and Chang青瓜视频檈 5 missions, as well as lunar meteorites, and have built up a picture of when these impact events occurred.

青瓜视频淔or several decades there has been general agreement that the most intense period of impact bombardment was concentrated between 4.2-3.8 billion years ago - in the first half a billion years of the Moon青瓜视频檚 history.  But now, constraining the age of the South-Pole Aitken basin to 120 million years earlier weakens the argument for this narrow period of impact bombardment on the Moon and instead indicates there was a more gradual process of impacts over a longer period.青瓜视频�

The Northwest Africa 2995 meteorite was found in Algeria in 2005 and is what geologists refer to as a regolith breccia, which means it contains fragments of different rock types that were once a lunar soil and have been fused together by the heat and pressure involved in an impact event.

By analysing the amount of uranium and lead found in a range of mineral and rock fragments within the meteorite, the researchers were able to determine the materials dated back to between 4.32 and 4.33 billion years ago.

The team, which included The University of Manchester, the Institute of Geology and Geophysics 青瓜视频� Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, and the University of Portsmouth, then compared these results to data collected by NASA青瓜视频檚 Lunar Prospector mission, which orbited the Moon studying its surface composition between 1998 and 1999. The comparison revealed many chemical similarities between the meteorite and the rocks within the SPA basin, confirming their link and enabling the new age estimate.

, Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淭he implications of our findings reach far beyond the Moon. We know that the Earth and the Moon likely experienced similar impacts during their early history, but rock records from the Earth have been lost. We can use what we have learnt about the Moon to provide us with clues about the conditions on Earth during the same period of time.青瓜视频�

This new understanding opens new avenues for future lunar exploration.

from The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淭he proposed ancient 4.32 billion year old age of the South Pole-Aiken basin now needs to be tested by sample return missions collecting rocks from known localities within the crater itself.青瓜视频�

Organised by , the workshop provided an engaging platform for sharing the latest advancements in SF₆ leak mitigation, lifecycle management of SF₆ alternatives, retrofill replacement interventions, and new applications for high-voltage systems. The event featured insightful presentations from industry leaders, including Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova and Siemens Energy, and concluded with closing remarks from NGET.

Attendees were offered technical tours of the National Graphene Institute and High Voltage Laboratory, showcasing state-of-the-art research facilities. The event included representatives from network utilities across Great Britain, Ireland and France, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The workshop demonstrated the commitment of key industry players to advance SF₆ alternatives and pave the way for more sustainable power systems in the future.

Led by Professor Deborah Greaves at the University of Plymouth, the Supergen ORE Hub includes co-directors from a consortium of ten universities. From The University of Manchester, serves as a Co-Director and is an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Co-Lead.

The report, aimed at researchers, industry, policymakers, and the public, summarises the current impacts of climate change and the UK青瓜视频檚 progress in reducing carbon emissions. It outlines offshore renewable energy deployment pathways needed for a just, sustainable and secure energy transition, with 2040 identified as a key milestone towards the UK 2050 Net Zero goals.

Key findings from the report include:

• Achieving 100 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 is critical, requiring a nearly seven times increase in capacity. Radical innovation is essential to optimise and scale up growth.
• Tidal stream energy has the potential to grow alongside offshore wind and could reach over 11 GW of capacity in UK waters. Rapid progress is required, to deliver the EU SET Plan target of 6 GW deployment of tidal stream by 2050.
• Wave energy has significant potential, with an estimated exploitable resource of 25 GW in the UK. Deployment of 12 GW of wave and tidal stream by 2050 could add 青瓜视频40 billion GVA to the UK economy and reduce energy balancing costs by 青瓜视频1 billion annually. Investment in innovation over the next decade is crucial to achieving this potential.

Professor Tim Stallard said: 青瓜视频淭he ORE Outlook 2040 report highlights the high potential for Offshore Renewable Energy sources to contribute to the UK meeting its Net Zero goals. The growth required cannot be realised by upscaling current approaches alone and urgent action is needed to accelerate innovation and deployment.青瓜视频�

The report also explores ORE development through lenses of planning and consenting, people, supply chain, and infrastructure and grid. Investment in research and innovation is highlighted as crucial to de-risking new technologies, reducing costs, improving performance and ensuring the UK retains its technological leadership on the global stage.

The Supergen ORE Hub, established by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to deliver strategic and coordinated research on sustainable power generation and supply.

The Astrophysics Centre for Multi-messenger Studies in Europe (ACME), funded by the European Union and coordinated by Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), is an ambitious initiative that is designed to provide seamless access to instruments, data and expertise, focussing on the new science of multi-messenger astrophysics.

Multi-messenger astrophysics is a relatively new but rapidly growing field that uses information from various cosmic signals, such as photons, gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays, to study some of the most extreme and mysterious phenomena in the Universe like  black hole mergers, neutron star collisions, and supernova explosions. Combining data from multiple sources 青瓜视频� or messengers 青瓜视频� offers a more comprehensive understanding than traditional astronomy alone.

The ACME will bring together 40 leading institutions from 15 countries, including The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 and aims to forge a basis for strengthened long-term collaboration between these research infrastructures irrespective of location and level-up access opportunities across Europe and beyond.

The , which The University of Manchester operates on behalf of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and expertise from the will play a crucial role in facilitating these goals.

Professor Rob Beswick from The University of Manchester, who co-leads ACME青瓜视频檚 transnational access programme, said: 青瓜视频淎CME is an incredibly exciting opportunity. This project will bring together a wide range of world-class researchers and astronomical research infrastructure spanning astroparticle and gravitational wave facilities along the entire electromagnetic spectrum, with a common focus to advance multi-messenger astrophysics,青瓜视频� 

The AMCE project will be coordinated by Prof Antoine Kouchner (CNRS/Universit茅 Paris Cite) and Paolo D青瓜视频橝vanzo (INAF). A key element of the project is to develop six new multi-messenger Centres of Excellence across Europe, which will serve as hubs of expertise for all researchers in all aspects of direct and multi-messenger science programmes, providing support from proposals to data analysis and science interpretation.

, who leads JBCA青瓜视频檚 involvement in these new Centres of Excellence says 青瓜视频淭he ACME project will bring many infrastructures and groups together across Europe in a unique collaboration to provide the astronomy and astroparticle communities unprecedented access to data, workflows and expertise. ACME will revolutionise how researchers in multi-messenger fields work and collaborate in the future.青瓜视频�

ACME officially launched in September 2024 at a kick-off meeting held in Paris.

The Centre for Innovative Recycling and Circular Economy (CIRCLE) UK team will be led by Dr , Reader is Sustainable Biotechnology at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, alongside a team of international academics. Also part of the project are Professors and , and Drs , and Micaela Chacon.

CIRCLE aims to address the global challenge of anthropogenic waste by closing the loop and using it as a feedstock for the chemicals industry. Much of the waste produced by society is a rich source of carbon, a building block for many important chemicals and materials found in everyday products such as plastics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. CIRCLE will identify and employ novel biotechnological processes to break down this waste into its chemical components and avoid the need for virgin petrochemical feedstocks.

This project will bring together academic expertise from across the globe, including the US, Canada and South Korea.

The 2024 Global Centres awards focus on advancing bioeconomy research to solve global challenges, whether by increasing crop resilience, converting plant matter or other biomass into fuel, or paving the way for biofoundries to scale-up applications of biotechnology for societal benefit.  The programme supports holistic, multidisciplinary projects that bring together international teams and scientific disciplines, including education and social sciences, necessary to achieve use-inspired outcomes. All Global Centres will integrate public engagement and workforce development, paying close attention to impacts on communities.

青瓜视频淎longside replacing fossil fuels, there is an urgent need to replace petrochemical industrial feedstocks across a wide range of sectors. This is a global challenge that requires global solutions and UKRI is delighted to be partnering in the NSF Global Centres 2024 programme to meet this need青瓜视频�, said UKRI CEO, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser. 青瓜视频淭he announcement today will be at the forefront of real-world solutions, from improved recycling to new bioplastics, building a sustainable circular economy. The centres will create the global networks and skills needed to drive a thriving bioeconomy benefitting all.青瓜视频�

The Athena Swan Charter is designed to help institutions achieve gender equality and meet equality legislation requirements. It also identifies areas for positive action, recognises and shares good practices, and supports the promotion of inclusive work environments.

All three Schools (School of Biological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences) were holders of individual Silver Athena Swan awards since the formation of FBMH.

In 2022, the Faculty  consolidated efforts into one Athena Swan Award application, rather than submitting three concurrent School applications. This approach was designed to enable the scaling up of initiatives, whilst showcasing achievements in a more detailed way. It also allowed the Faculty to include a larger number of professional services staff, demonstrating  commitment to equality and career progression for all staff in FBMH.

There are three levels of the Athena Swan award: bronze (for planning), silver (for doing), and gold (for sustaining). The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has been awarded the silver award, which is valid until September 2029.

Established in 2005, the Athena Swan Charter was created to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

It has since been expanded to include recognition of work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), in professional and support roles, and for transgender staff and students. This also includes efforts to combat gender equality more broadly, namely through addressing barriers to progression, irrespective of sex or gender identity.

Professor Natalie Gardiner and Dr Beth Micakovic, Athena Swan Leads of FBMH said: 青瓜视频淐reating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment where all staff and students thrive is our priority. We have outstanding colleagues driving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across FBMH and this award is testament to everyone's hard work. A huge thank you!

青瓜视频淭hrough the Athena Swan process our EDI leads and self-assessment team were able to take stock of our progress, reflect on successes and where we need to do more. Through critical self-assessment, consultation with key stakeholders, we have co-created an ambitious action plan to tackle inequalities, to promote a positive learning and working environment for staff and students of all genders.

青瓜视频淲e hope you will see a number of commitments already coming to fruition, but we look forward to working with the whole FBMH community in delivering on the commitments set out in the Action Plan.青瓜视频�

Advance HE will host a ceremony for all 2024 Athena Swan award recipients in early 2025.

The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 continued commitment to the principles of the Athena Swan Charter, and to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, will ensure a diverse and vibrant working environment for both staff and students.

Feri Anita Wijayanti spoke at the event, 青瓜视频業nvesting in the Future: Unlocking Sustainable Financing for Sexual and Reproductive Health青瓜视频�, which took place in New York last month.

Co-convened by the UNFPA, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the , the summit invited prominent figures across different sectors to promote sustainable investments towards SRH.

Feri was a Young Midwife Leader in a programme organised by the , from 2021 to 2023. She was invited to speak as a representative of frontline SRH workers, particularly midwives, and in recognition of the real-world impact she has in advocating for improvements in SRH.

Feri told the summit: 青瓜视频淚 live in the fourth most populous country in the world, spanning over seventeen thousand islands. My country is home to diverse communities, with nearly half the population residing in rural areas.  Around 14 % of women in Indonesia faced an unmet need for family planning services.

青瓜视频淚n my country, a midwife is the heartbeat of health and well-being of the entire community - our responsibilities extend far beyond delivering babies as we are at the forefront of whatever reproductive health needs a woman might have.青瓜视频�

Wijayanti is now studying for a PhD in Medicine, under the supervision of Professor Alexander Heazell and Dr Kylie Watson at the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Her research focuses on health professionals青瓜视频� and women青瓜视频檚 perceptions of reduced fetal movement in Indonesia.

Throughout the summit, speakers emphasised the life-changing power of SRH. The event raised awareness, as well as promoting financial investment, into the importance of effective and accessible SRH services. Many speakers pledged support via financial investments in SRH services, increasing access to contraceptives and maternal healthcare, and donating resources to family planning organisations.

The commitment demonstrated by Wijayanti and her fellow speakers at the summit illustrates a step forward in closing the considerable financing gap in SRH faced by many countries.

The Albany M4 project, led by Professor Christophe Gaudin and Dr. Hugh Wolgamot, and coordinated by Dr. Wiebke Eberling of the University of Western Australia, aims to explore the potential of wave energy to support local decarbonisation efforts along Australia青瓜视频檚 Great Southern coast. The launch is a quarter-scale demonstration model designed specifically for this application and will absorb 1-10kW in the target sea-states. Sensors on the model will provide real-time data on energy production and performance.

The M4 project is fully open-access with all data collected during the device青瓜视频檚 deployment being made available to scientists, developers, and the public. By making the performance data accessible to all, the project aims to drive further innovation in renewable energy.

The M4, or Moored Multi-Mode Multibody, is an innovative surface-riding wave energy converter consisting of multiple floats, connected by beams, in a 1-2-1 float arrangement for the Albany tests. The middle floats each support a hinge, and relative rotation between the bow and stern floats, due to the movement of the waves, creates power in a generator. It uses a single mooring point that allows the M4 to naturally turn and face the waves for better energy capture.

The M4 highlights Manchester青瓜视频檚 leading role in renewable energy innovation and has been developed over the past decade with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the European Union. British Maritime Technology (BMT) was responsible for the structural and mooring design for Albany, while the power take-off (PTO) design was led by Dr Judith Apsley from The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and further developed with the support of Dr Nuwantha Fernando at RMIT University, Melbourne.

The launch, funded with 4.8 million AUD from the WA state government and the Blue Economy Cooporative Research Centre, with similar in-kind contributions, also showcases the wider benefits of emerging renewable technologies, with six local contractors and manufacturers contributing to the building, assembling, deploying, and decommissioning of the device in Albany.

The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 Hydrodynamics Lab played a key role in the development of the M4. Located in the heart of Manchester, this state-of-the-art facility allows researchers to simulate ocean conditions and test renewable energy designs. 

Professor Peter Stansby highlighted its importance, stating: 青瓜视频淭he Hydrodynamics Lab is vital for advancing renewable energy research. While computational modelling provides valuable predictions, experimental validation is essential for understanding and optimising complex systems.青瓜视频�

For more information about The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 contributions to offshore renewable energy systems visit our webpage.

The new study, published in today, reveals that under specific conditions, where waves meet each other from different directions, waves can reach heights four times steeper than what was once thought possible.

It has often been assumed that waves are two-dimensional and understanding of wave breaking to-date has been based on these assumptions. Yet in the ocean, waves can travel in many directions and rarely fit this simplified model.

New insights by a team of researchers, including Dr Samuel Draycott from The University of Manchester and Dr Mark McAllister from the University of Oxford, reveal that three-dimensional waves, which have more complex, multidirectional movements, can be twice as steep before breaking compared to conventional two-dimensional waves, and even more surprisingly, continue to grow even steeper even after breaking has occurred.

The findings could have implications for how offshore structures are designed, weather forecasting and climate modelling, while also affecting our fundamental understanding of several ocean processes.

Professor Ton van den Bremer, a researcher from TU Delft, says the phenomenon is unprecedented: 青瓜视频淥nce a conventional wave breaks, it forms a white cap, and there is no way back. But when a wave with a high directional spreading breaks, it can keep growing.青瓜视频�

Three-dimensional waves occur due to waves propagating in different directions. The extreme form of this is when wave systems are 青瓜视频渃rossing青瓜视频�, which occurs in situations where wave system meet or where winds suddenly change direction, such as during a hurricane. The more spread out the directions of these waves, the larger the resulting wave can become.

,  Senior Lecturer in Ocean Engineering at The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淲e show that in these directional conditions, waves can far exceed the commonly assumed upper limit before they break. Unlike unidirectional (2D) waves, multidirectional waves can become twice as large before they break.青瓜视频�

Professor Frederic Dias of University College Dublin and ENS Paris-Saclay, added: 青瓜视频淲hether we want it or not, water waves are more often three-dimensional than two-dimensional in the real world. In 3D, there are more ways in which waves can break.青瓜视频�

Current design and safety features of marine structures are based on a standard 2D wave model and the findings could suggest a review of these structures to account for the more complex and extreme behaviour of 3D waves.

Dr Mark McAllister from the University of Oxford and Wood Thilsted Partners said: 青瓜视频淭he three-dimensionality of waves is often overlooked in the design of offshore wind turbines and other marine structures in general, our findings suggest that this could lead to underestimation of extreme wave heights and potentially designs that are less reliable.青瓜视频�

The findings could also impact our fundamental understanding of several ocean processes.

Dr Draycott said: 青瓜视频淲ave breaking plays a pivotal role in air-sea exchange including the absorption of C0₂, whilst also affecting the transport of particulate matter in the oceans including phytoplankton and microplastics.青瓜视频�

The project follows on previous research, , to fully for the first time ever at the the at the University of Edinburgh. Now, the team have developed a new 3D wave measurement technique to study breaking waves more closely.

The FloWave wave basin is a circular multidirectional wave and current simulation tank, which is uniquely suited to the generation of waves from multiple directions.  

Dr Thomas Davey, Principal Experimental Officer of FloWave, at the University of Edinburgh, said: 青瓜视频淐reating the complexities of real-world sea states at laboratory scale is central to the mission of FloWave. This work takes this to a new level by using the multi-directional capabilities of the wave basin to isolate these important wave breaking behaviours.青瓜视频�

Dr Ross Calvert from the University of Edinburgh added: 青瓜视频淭his is the first time we've been able to measure wave heights at such high spatial resolution over such a big area, giving us a much more detailed understanding of complex wave breaking behaviour."

The study was conducted by a research consortium including experts from The University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University College Dublin, ENS Paris-Saclay and TU Delft.

These findings have the potential to accelerate the discovery of novel, more efficient cryoprotectants - and may also allow for the repurposing of molecules already known to slow or stop ice growth.

Professor Matthew Gibson, from Manchester Institute of Biotechnology at The University of Manchester, added: 青瓜视频淢y team has spent more than a decade studying how ice-binding proteins, found in polar fish, can interact with ice crystals, and we青瓜视频檝e been developing new molecules and materials that mimic their activity. This has been a slow process, but collaborating with Professor Sosso has revolutionized our approach. The results of the computer model were astonishing, identifying active molecules I never would have chosen, even with my years of expertise. This truly demonstrates the power of machine learning.青瓜视频�

The full paper can be read .

Sugars play a crucial role in human health and disease, far beyond being just an energy source. Complex sugars called glycans coat all our cells and are essential for healthy function. However, these sugars are often hijacked by pathogens such as influenza, Covid-19, and cholera to infect us.

One big problem in treating and diagnosing diseases and infections is that the same glycan can bind to many different proteins, making it hard to understand exactly what青瓜视频檚 happening in the body and has made it difficult to develop precise medical tests and treatments.

In a breakthrough, published in the journal , a collaboration of academic and industry experts in Europe, including from The University of Manchester and the University of Leeds, have found a way to create unnatural sugars that could block the pathogens.

The finding offers a promising avenue to new drugs and could also open doors in diagnostics by 青瓜视频榗apturing青瓜视频� the pathogens or their toxins.

, a researcher from at The University of Manchester, said 青瓜视频淒uring the Covid-19 pandemic, our team introduced the first lateral flow tests which used sugars instead of antibodies as the 青瓜视频榬ecognition unit青瓜视频�. But the limit is always how specific and selective these are due to the promiscuity of natural sugars. We can now integrate these fluoro-sugars into our biosensing platforms with the aim of having cheap, rapid, and thermally stable diagnostics suitable for low resource environments.青瓜视频�

Professor Bruce Turnbull, a lead author of the paper from the School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at The University of Leeds, said 青瓜视频淕lycans that are really important for our immune systems, and other biological processes that keep us healthy, are also exploited by viruses and toxins to get into our cells. Our work is allowing us to understand how proteins from humans and pathogens have different ways of interacting with the same glycan. This will help us make diagnostics and drugs that can distinguish between human and pathogen proteins.青瓜视频�

The researchers used a combination of enzymes and chemical synthesis to edit the structure of 150 sugars by adding fluorine atoms. Fluorine is very small meaning that the sugars keep their same 3D shape, but the fluorines interfere with how proteins bind them.

, a researcher from Manchester Institute of Biotechnology at The University of Manchester, said 青瓜视频淥ne of the key technologies used in this work is biocatalysis, which uses enzymes to produce the very complex and diverse sugars needed for the library. Biocatalysis dramatically speeds up the synthetic effort required and is a much more green and sustainable method for producing the fluorinated probes that are required.青瓜视频�

They found that some of the sugars they prepared could be used to detect the cholera toxin 青瓜视频� a harmful protein produced by bacteria 青瓜视频� meaning they could be used in simple, low-cost tests, similar to lateral flow tests, widely used for pregnancy testing and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Kristian Hollie, who led production of the fluoro-sugar library at the University of Leeds, said: 青瓜视频淲e used enzymes to rapidly assemble fluoro-sugar building blocks to make 150 different versions of a biologically important glycan. We were surprised to find how well natural enzymes work with these chemically modified sugars, which makes it a really effective strategy for discovering molecules that can bind selectively.青瓜视频�

The study provides evidence that the artificial 青瓜视频渇luoro-sugars青瓜视频� can be used to fine-tune pathogen or biomarker recognition or even to discover new drugs. They also offer an alternative to antibodies in low-cost diagnostics, which do not require animal tests to discover and are heat stable.

The research team included researchers from eight different universities, including Manchester, Imperial College London, Leeds, Warwick, Southampton, York, Bristol, and Ghent University in Belgium.

This ambitious project funded through Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Beta Phase, a competition ran by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Ofgem, is part of an initiative designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the UK青瓜视频檚 power grid. 

With 青瓜视频2.4 million in new funding for The University of Manchester, the research will build on 青瓜视频檚 work for SF₆-free retrofill intervention techniques that could supplant SF₆ without having to replace or significantly modify existing SF₆-designed equipment. These investigations, in partnership with NGET, were named 青瓜视频楤est Innovation in Net Zero and Sustainability青瓜视频� at the 2022青瓜视频檚 E&T Innovation Awards.  

This project will be led by Dr Tony Chen, Reader in High Voltage Engineering in Manchester青瓜视频檚 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He will be joined by , Professor in Chemical Engineering, and , Professor in Artificial Intelligence.  

The impact of this project is expected to be wide-ranging and could lead to significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

The project will further develop aspects of SF₆ management based on findings in its alpha phase and will explore the challenges and opportunities in SF₆ replacement and management.  

The projects areas of focus include comparing different intervention strategies, developing energy-efficient methods for disposing SF₆, modelling of SF₆ leakage from switchgear equipment to better inform asset management strategy, and studying alternative gas blends that could replace SF₆ in the longer term through retrofill intervention. These efforts are expected to lead to significant technological advancements, providing solutions that could be applied to other sectors that use SF₆, such as high-voltage particle accelerators and future electrified transportation systems. 

This initiative could make a substantial contribution to the UK青瓜视频檚 carbon reduction targets. If successful, its strategies for extending the lifespan of industry assets would also ensure a more reliable operation, lead to lower energy bills for consumers, and reduce the overall costs of running the national electricity network.  

By working with policymakers, industry leaders, and international standards bodies, the Manchester team are aiming to shape global regulations, continuing to position the UK as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. Their vital research could make a significant contribution to world-wide efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, helping to close the gap between an unsustainable present and a more sustainable future. 

A leading nanomedicine researcher at The University of Manchester has secured a 鈧�1.5m (青瓜视频1.3m) European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant to push forward pioneering research on Alzheimer青瓜视频檚 disease and glioblastoma.

The five-year project, NanoNeuroOmics, aims to combine breakthroughs in nanotechnology, protein analysis, and blood biomarker discovery to make advances in two key areas.

First, the team led by will explore the use of nanoparticles to enrich and isolate brain-disease specific protein biomarkers in blood. These discoveries could pave the way for simple, reliable blood tests that diagnose Alzheimer青瓜视频檚 and glioblastoma in their early stages.

Second, the research will investigate the phenomenon of 青瓜视频渋nverse comorbidity,青瓜视频� which suggests that having one of these conditions may reduce the risk of developing the other. Dr. Hadjidemetriou and her team will explore this surprising relationship to uncover any deeper biological connection that could lead to new treatment pathways.

Building on her 2021 research, where Dr. Hadjidemetriou developed a nanoparticle-enabled technology to detect early signs of neurodegeneration in blood, this project has the potential to transform how these brain diseases are diagnosed and treated.

Dr. Hadjidemetriou青瓜视频檚 previous work involved using nano-sized particles, known as liposomes, to "fish" disease-specific proteins from the blood. This breakthrough enabled her team to discover proteins directly linked to neurodegeneration processes in the brain, among thousands of other blood-circulating molecules. In animal models of Alzheimer青瓜视频檚, this nano-tool successfully captured hundreds of neurodegeneration-associated proteins. Once retrieved from the bloodstream, the molecular signatures on the surface of these proteins were analysed, offering a clearer picture of the disease at a molecular level.

Now, Dr. Hadjidemetriou's team will evolve this expertise to identify highly specific biomarkers by tracking protein changes in both blood and brain over time and across different stages of Alzheimer's and glioblastoma. By working with different nanomaterials, they hope to isolate these key protein markers from the complex mix of molecules in the blood.

The  NanoNeuroOmics project青瓜视频檚 multidisciplinary approach brings together experts in nanotechnology and omics sciences to develop methods for detecting and potentially treating these diseases with greater precision. Research will be conducted at The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 , a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing nanoscale technologies. The Centre's focus spans multiple fields, including omics, neurology, therapeutics, and materials science.

Dr. Hadjidemetriou青瓜视频檚 team is also part of Manchester青瓜视频檚 vibrant 2D materials science community, home to the discovery of graphene 20 years ago, continuing the university青瓜视频檚 legacy of scientific innovation.

A University of Manchester scientist has been awarded the prestigious by the Royal Society for his work documenting the history of biology as both an author and a broadcaster.

The medal, given for excellence in a subject relating to the history, philosophy or social function of science, was awarded to Professor Matthew Cobb last week.

Professor Cobb joined The University of Manchester in 2002 as a lecturer in animal behaviour; he is currently a Professor of Zoology in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, but will shortly retire, becoming Professor Emeritus.

While most of Professor Cobb青瓜视频檚 research has been on behaviour and communication in animals, his Royal Society medal is in recognition of his contribution to the history of science.

Professor Cobb said: 青瓜视频淭his is a tremendous honour for me 青瓜视频� the Medal is the fusion of three awards, one of which goes back 80 years, and has been won by some extraordinary people.

青瓜视频淚t is really quite humbling to be in such company. And a vindication of The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 embrace of multidisciplinarity, and of the School of Biological Sciences青瓜视频� enthusiasm for its students青瓜视频� taking courses from the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.青瓜视频�

In 2021, Professor Cobb presented a BBC radio series on the history of genetic engineering, He has also presented programmes about the history of academic publishing, the development of CRISPR gene editing, as well as programmes about the origins of animals and the life of the revolutionary scientist Sydney Brenner.

Alongside his BBC series, Professor Cobb is known to a wider audience through his books which have received commercial success. In 2022, he published The Genetic Age: Our Perilous Quest to Edit Life. In 2020, The Idea of the Brain was chosen as one of The Sunday Times' 青瓜视频�Books of the Year青瓜视频�.

The Wilkins, Bernal and Medawar lectures were originally delivered as three separate lectures, before they were combined under one title in 2007. Previous winners include Melvyn Bragg in 2010, Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE FRS in 2020, and most recently Professor Sarah Franklin, who in 2023 delivered the lecture, 青瓜视频楾alking Embryos: Changing Public Perceptions of Embryo Research青瓜视频�.

Professor Cobb青瓜视频檚 passions extend beyond science. He has written two books on the French Resistance during World War II, one of which won the Anglo-French Society Award.

For this work he was made a Chevalier dans l青瓜视频橭rdre des Palmes acad茅miques, an award conferred by the French government for significant contributions to the advancement of intellectual, scientific and artistic pursuits.

Professor Cobb is currently finishing a biography about Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix; Crick青瓜视频檚 extraordinary career will potentially inform the subject of Cobb青瓜视频檚 Royal Society lecture. The date of his prize lecture is yet to be confirmed.

• To read more on the Royal Society青瓜视频檚 2024 award recipients visit .

Lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, store energy through a process known as ion intercalation. This involves lithium ions slipping between layers of graphite - a material traditionally used in battery anodes, when a battery is charged. The more lithium ions that can be inserted and later extracted, the more energy the battery can store and release. While this process is well-known, the microscopic details have remained unclear. The Manchester team青瓜视频檚 discovery sheds new light on these details by focusing on bilayer graphene, the smallest possible battery anode material, consisting of just two atomic layers of carbon.

In their experiments, the researchers replaced the typical graphite anode with bilayer graphene and observed the behaviour of lithium ions during the intercalation process. Surprisingly, they found that lithium ions do not intercalate between the two layers all at once or in a random fashion. Instead, the process unfolds in four distinct stages, with lithium ions arranging themselves in an orderly manner at each stage. Each stage involves the formation of increasingly dense hexagonal lattices of lithium ions.

, who led the research team, commented, "the discovery of 'in-plane staging' was completely unexpected. It revealed a much greater level of cooperation between the lattice of lithium ions and the crystal lattice of graphene than previously thought. This understanding of the intercalation process at the atomic level opens up new avenues for optimising lithium-ion batteries and possibly exploring new materials for enhanced energy storage."

The study also revealed that bilayer graphene, while offering new insights, has a lower lithium storage capacity compared to traditional graphite. This is due to a less effective screening of interactions between positively charged lithium ions, leading to stronger repulsion and causing the ions to remain further apart. While this suggests that bilayer graphene may not offer higher storage capacity than bulk graphite, the discovery of its unique intercalation process is a key step forward. It also hints at the potential use of atomically thin metals to enhance the screening effect and possibly improve storage capacity in the future.

This pioneering research not only deepens our understanding of lithium-ion intercalation but also lays the groundwork for the development of more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. As the demand for better batteries continues to grow, the findings in this research could play a key role in shaping the next generation of energy storage technologies.

The (NGI) is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at The University of Manchester, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field 青瓜视频� a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by 青瓜视频13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

The substantial investment from the , marks the fourth phase of The青瓜视频檚 (SSI) mission to transform research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.

The SSI, which is based at the universities of Manchester, Edinburgh, and Southampton, was established in 2010 as the world青瓜视频檚 first organisation dedicated to improving software in research, with The University of Manchester playing a central role in its success.

The next phase will focus on tackling critical challenges in research software, including environmental sustainability, equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the rising interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.

The next phase of the programme will run from 2024 to 2028 and will be led by the .

It is fourth time the SSI has been entrusted with public funding to carry out its mission of transforming research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.

It achieves this by working with, and investing in, individuals and organisations from across the sector. The SSI青瓜视频檚 青瓜视频渃ollaborate, not compete青瓜视频� ethos has allowed research software to move towards becoming a first-class citizen in the research landscape.

Christopher Smith, Executive Chair  of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, said: 青瓜视频淪oftware plays a fundamental role in all disciplines of research. That青瓜视频檚 why it青瓜视频檚 so important that we invest in supporting the development of research software that is top quality, meets the needs of our research communities, is environmentally sustainable and is ready for the future. 

青瓜视频淭his record 青瓜视频10.2 million investment is part of the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme青瓜视频檚 ongoing investment in evolving existing capability and supporting new infrastructure. It reflects the SSI青瓜视频檚 strong track record and the importance of its work for the future of research. I am delighted that AHRC will be hosting this investment for all UKRI communities for the next four years.青瓜视频�

Neil Chue Hong, SSI Director and Professor of Research Software Policy and Practice, added: 青瓜视频淓very modern societal advance is driven by research which relies on software. From weather forecasting to whether we can build new narratives for the next decade, it青瓜视频檚 important that we provide equitable access to the digital tools and skills enabling this. This grant - which will see the SSI into its 18th year - enables us to work with the research community to build capability and expertise, ensuring a sustainable future for research software.青瓜视频�

The SSI was founded in 2010 thanks to funding from the (EPSRC). In 2016, the (ESRC) and the (BBSRC) joined EPSRC to further invest and help continue the work of the SSI throughout its second phase. The third phase was funded by all UKRI research councils.

He will record his experiences during all four events using a GoPro camera, and plans to compile a video towards the end of the summer. 

To support Jonathan in his series of challenges, visit .

The study, published in by scientists at The University of Manchester and led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), has found that currents sped up, slowed down, changed direction, and sometimes reversed direction completely, depending on the varying and uneven surfaces and features found on the ocean floor.

Previous models suggested that these currents would be continuous and steady. These findings will help scientists to understand the deep-sea pathways of nutrients that sustain deep-sea ecosystems, as well as assessing where microplastics and other pollutants accumulate in the ocean.

By better understanding how deep-sea currents interact with the seafloor, scientists can now more accurately interpret the deposits they leave behind. Those deposits act as long-term recorders of past climate change and can provide important clues about the potential impacts of future ocean changes. 

The seafloor is the final destination for particles such as sand, mud, organic carbon that provides food for seafloor organisms, and even pollutants. Accumulations of these particles in the deep sea are used to reconstruct past climates, natural hazards and ocean conditions. This provides valuable archives of climate change that extends far beyond historical records.

The lead scientist on the project, Dr Mike Clare of NOC, said: 青瓜视频淚t is important to understand the behaviour and pathways of currents that operate in the deep sea, to determine pathways of natural and human-made particles. This information helps identify where pollution is coming from, which ecosystems it will interact with, and how to make sense of the records preserved in deposits.

青瓜视频淗owever, there have been very few direct measurements made of currents that flow across the seafloor in deep waters. Most are made high above the seafloor, over short timescales, and only at individual locations. Until now we have not understood how dynamic seafloor currents can be in the deep sea.青瓜视频�

The new study, which involved researchers from the UK, Canada, Germany and Italy, analysed data from an extensive array of sensors to determine the variability in seafloor currents over four years. Thirty-four deep sea moorings were deployed in up to 2.5 km water depths, equipped with high-frequency Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers - likened to an underwater speed camera that measures seafloor currents.

The study青瓜视频檚 lead author, Dr Lewis Bailey, formerly of NOC and now at University of Calgary, said 青瓜视频淭he ocean bottom currents offshore Mozambique are far more variable than we expected. Just like currents in the upper ocean, their intensity changes between seasons and can even flip backwards and forwards over the course of several hours.青瓜视频�

from The University of Manchester, and a co-author of the study, added: 青瓜视频淪eeing how these currents behave is a bit like observing the weather in Manchester - always changing and often surprising. But observing change in the deep sea is really challenging and, until now, we have had a poor understanding of what background conditions are like in the deep-sea.青瓜视频�

Professor Elda Miramontes from the University of Bremen, also a co-author of the study, said: 青瓜视频淭hese are the first measurements of deep-sea currents across such a large area, long duration and so close to the seafloor. This makes them extremely valuable as they will help improve our models for reconstructing past changes related to climate change in the ocean.青瓜视频�

Dr Mike Clare of NOC, added: 青瓜视频淭he deep sea can be extremely dynamic and this study underlines the importance of sustained observations, which provide critical information on understanding the ocean. More detailed observations are critical for understanding the important role bottom currents play in transporting sediment, carbon and pollutants across our planet.青瓜视频�

The full study 青瓜视频淗ighly variable deep-sea currents over tidal and seasonal timescales青瓜视频� was published in Nature Geoscience: .

Antibiotics are given to kill bad bacteria, however with just one mutation a bacteria can evolve to become resistant to that antibiotic, making common infections potentially fatal.

The new research, published today in the journal , used high-performance computing to simulate more than 8,000 years of bacterial evolution, allowing scientists to predict mechanisms that control mutation rates. They then made more than 15,000 cultures of E. coli in lab conditions to test their predictions - that青瓜视频檚 so many that if you lined up all of the bacteria in this study, they would stretch 860,000km, or wrap around the Earth more than 20 times!

The tests revealed that bacteria living in a lowly populated community are more prone to developing antibiotic resistance due to a naturally occurring DNA-damaging chemical, peroxide. In crowded environments, where cells are more densely packed, bacteria work collectively to detoxify peroxide, reducing the likelihood of mutations that lead to antibiotic resistance.

The finding could help develop "anti-evolution drugs" to preserve antibiotic effectiveness by limiting the mutation rates in bacteria.

Lead researcher from The University of Manchester, said: "Antibiotic resistance presents an existential challenge to human health. Bacteria rapidly evolve resistance to the antibiotic drugs we use to treat infections, while new drugs aren青瓜视频檛 being developed fast enough to keep up.

青瓜视频淚f we can青瓜视频檛 keep antibiotics working, routine surgery could be a life-or-death encounter, with common infections becoming untreatable.

青瓜视频淏y understanding the environmental conditions that influence mutation rates, we can develop strategies to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness. Our study shows that bacterial mutation rates are not fixed and can be manipulated by altering their surroundings, which is vital on our journey to combat antibiotic resistance."

Peroxide, a chemical found in many environments, is key to this process. When E. coli populations become denser, they work together to lower peroxide levels, protecting their DNA from damage and reducing mutation rates. The study showed that genetically modified E. coli that is unable to break down peroxide had the same mutation rates, no matter the population size. However, when helper cells that could break down peroxide were added, the mutation rate in these genetically modified E. coli decreased.

The research builds on previous findings by group, which indicated that denser bacterial populations experience lower mutation rates. The current study uncovers the specific mechanism behind this phenomenon, highlighting the role of collective detoxification in controlling mutation rates.

The research team, part of the Microbial Evolution Research in Manchester (MERMan) collective, conducted this extensive study with contributions from researchers at all career stages. The lab work was primarily carried out by a PhD student, alongside six undergraduate and master's students, under the guidance of four lab group leaders.

The breakthrough, published in the journal , could significantly improve accessibility of essential protein-based drugs in developing countries where cold storage infrastructure may be lacking, helping efforts to diagnose and treat more people with serious health conditions.

The researchers, from the Universities of Manchester, Glasgow and Warwick, have designed a hydrogel 青瓜视频� a material mostly made of water 青瓜视频� that stabilises proteins, protecting its properties and functionality at temperatures as high as 50掳C.

The technology keeps proteins so stable that they can even be sent through the post with no loss of effectiveness, opening up new possibilities for more affordable, less energy-intensive methods of keeping patients and clinics supplied with vital treatments.

Protein therapeutics are used to treat a range of conditions, from cancer to diabetes and most recently to treat obesity and play a vital role in modern medicine and biotechnology. However, keeping them stable and safe for storage and transportation is a challenge. They must be kept cold to prevent any deterioration, using significant amounts of energy and limiting equitable distribution in developing countries.

The medicines also often include additives 青瓜视频� called excipients 青瓜视频� which must be safe for the drug and its recipients limiting material options.

The findings could have major implications for the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries.

, is one of the paper青瓜视频檚 corresponding authors. He said: 青瓜视频淚n the early days of the Covid vaccine rollout, there was a lot of attention given in the news media to the challenges of transporting and storing the vaccines, and how medical staff had to race to put them in people青瓜视频檚 arms quickly after thawing.  

青瓜视频淭he technology we青瓜视频檝e developed marks a significant advance in overcoming the challenges of the existing 青瓜视频榗old chain青瓜视频� which delivers therapeutic proteins to patients. The results of our tests have very encouraging results, going far beyond current hydrogel storage techniques青瓜视频� abilities to withstand heat and vibration. That could help create much more robust delivery systems in the future, which require much less careful handling and temperature management.青瓜视频�

The hydrogel is built from a material called a low molecular weight gelator (LMWG), which forms a three-dimensional network of long, stiff fibres. When proteins are added to the hydrogel, they become trapped in the spaces between the fibres, where they are unable to mix and aggregate 青瓜视频� the process which limits or prevents their effectiveness as medicines.

The unique mechanical properties of the gel青瓜视频檚 network of fibres, which are stiff but also brittle, ensures the easy release of a pure protein. When the protein-storing gel is stored in an ordinary syringe fitted with a special filter, pushing down on the plunger provides enough pressure to break the network of fibres, releasing the protein. The protein then passes cleanly through the filter and out the tip of the syringe alongside a buffer material, leaving the gel behind.

In the paper, the researchers show how the hydrogel works to store two valuable proteins: insulin, used to treat diabetes, and beta-galactosidase, an enzyme with numerous applications in biotechnology and life sciences.

Ordinarily, insulin must be kept cold and still, as heating or shaking can prevent it from being an effective treatment. The team tested the effectiveness of their hydrogel suspension for insulin by warming samples to 25掳C and rotating them at 600 revolutions per minute, a strain test far beyond any real-world scenario. Once the tests were complete, the team were able to recover the entire volume of insulin from the hydrogel, showing that it had been protected from its rough treatment.

The team then tested samples of beta-galactosidase in the hydrogel, which was stored at a temperature of 50掳C for seven days, a level of heat exceeding any realistic temperature for real-world transport. Once the enzyme was extracted from the hydrogel, the team found it retained 97% of its function compared against a fresh sample stored at normal temperature.

A third test saw the team put samples of proteins suspended in hydrogel into the post, where they spent two days in transit between locations. Once the sample arrived at its destination, the team青瓜视频檚 analysis showed that the gels青瓜视频� structures remained intact and the proteins had been entirely prevented from aggregating.

is the paper青瓜视频檚 other corresponding author. He said: 青瓜视频淒elivering and storing proteins intact is crucial for many areas of biotechnology, diagnostics and therapies. Recently, it has emerged that hydrogels can be used to prevent protein aggregation, which allows them to be kept at room temperature, or warmer. However, separating the hydrogel components from the protein or proving that they are safe to consume is not always easy. Our breakthrough eliminates this barrier and allows us to store and distribute proteins at room temperature, free from any additives, which is a really exciting prospect.青瓜视频�

The team are now exploring commercial opportunities for this patent-pending technology as well as further demonstrating its applicability. 

Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Diamond Light Source Ltd also contributed to the research. The team青瓜视频檚 paper, titled 青瓜视频楳echanical release of homogenous proteins from supramolecular gels青瓜视频�, is published in Nature.

The research was supported by funding from the European Union青瓜视频檚 Horizon 2020 programme, the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the University of Glasgow and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Today, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has announced 青瓜视频34 million investment in a ground-breaking project, BioFAIR, which aims to overhaul research data management across the nation.

The project, initially proposed by the ELIXIR-UK community, which is co-led by Professor Carole Goble from the University of Manchester, aims to establish a cohesive, UK-wide digital research infrastructure that bridges current gaps between researchers, digital research technical professionals, existing institutional digital research infrastructures, and the funder-community partnership.

It will deliver a step change in the UK青瓜视频檚 capability to translate existing and future life science data assets into world leading research in response to some of society青瓜视频檚 most pressing challenges.

ELIXIR-UK is the UK Node of ELIXIR, a European project to integrate life sciences data across the continent with the aim of facilitating the linking of data worldwide. Professor Goble has been co-leading on the business case and investment activity for the project in partnership with the Earlham Institute and UKRI over the last six years and has played an instrumental role in securing the award for the UK. She is also leading the architecture requirements development of the BioFAIR Commons.

BioFAIR will be a catalyst for innovation and discovery and over its five-year life span will:

• accelerate the adoption of findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) data principles across the UK life sciences, making it more useful and valuable to researchers than ever before
• unify the UK青瓜视频檚 currently fragmented digital research landscape, fostering unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and coordination among the national life sciences community
• break down barriers to democratise data accessibility, giving UK researchers the resources and autonomy needed for innovation and discovery to flourish
• coordinate and deliver extensive training and support for practitioners at all levels, building critical workforce capacity and securing the UK青瓜视频檚 position as a global leader in life sciences

Fundamental to the BioFAIR concept are its four key capabilities. Each will be assembled from existing data tools and services developed and deployed by the UK and international life science research communities.

Collectively, the four capabilities signify an important ethos of one community driving and sharing responsibility for the management and use of national assets to maximise accessibility, usability and impact.

The data commons will catalogue sources of existing datasets, making them easily accessible to life science researchers. It will support FAIR data management throughout the data lifecycle, from the point of collection to deposition and, crucially, to reuse.

The method commons will enable the collaborative use of shared computational workflows with a national workflow capability. It will feature a national repository of trusted and curated data methods and workflows, contributed by the life sciences research community, supporting reproducible data analytics and advancing

The community centre will provide a focal point for sharing expertise, best practice and troubleshooting within disciplines.

The knowledge centre will enable those driving the collection and curation of existing knowledge resources and training materials to advance best practice in research data management.

Together, the community and knowledge centres will create a collaborative environment that supports more effective dissemination of research data management knowledge and skills across the life sciences research community.

Mission critical 

Put simply, BioFAIR is mission critical to the future of UK life sciences research. At its core the project will deliver major efficiency gains by streamlining research data management.

By better connecting research teams and championing the reuse of data and methods, BioFAIR will help accelerate research, leading to faster scientific breakthroughs as a result.

But BioFAIR adds significantly more value than efficiency alone. It will:

• pioneer innovation, with its state-of-the-art tools and methods paving the way for future scientific success
• future-proof the UK life sciences ecosystem by integrating advanced computational tools and methods to set the stage for new innovations that can be translated and commercialised for maximum impact
• support economic growth and prosperity by upskilling the life sciences research data management workforce and enabling new opportunities for the UK青瓜视频檚 scientific leadership

Community driven from the outset, the concept of BioFAIR originated as an idea submitted to BBSRC青瓜视频檚 by the ELIXIR-UK team.

This collaborative ethos remains at the heart of BioFAIR, complemented by additional UK and international initiatives to ensure best practices are shared and interoperability across disciplines is promoted.

BioFAIR青瓜视频檚 success heavily relies upon the combined ability and proven track record of the UK life science research community in developing and operating research data management tools and services. 

As the awarded hosts of BioFAIR青瓜视频檚 coordinating hub, the Earlham Institute青瓜视频檚 strengths will be complemented by a skilled and distributed network of UK partners responsible for project leadership and delivery.

Dr Sarah Perkins, Executive Director for Strategic Planning, Evidence and Engagement at BBSRC and the UKRI Senior Responsible Officer for BioFAIR, said: 青瓜视频淒igital research infrastructure has fast become as critical to UK bioscience as physical infrastructure. 

青瓜视频淭he BioFAIR project will provide the backbone for ground-breaking research, enabling researchers to tackle key societal challenges head-on. By democratising access to crucial data and methods, BioFAIR ensures that the UK life science community can innovate faster and more effectively than ever before.青瓜视频�

Gerry Reilly, Interim Director of BioFAIR, said: 青瓜视频淥ur vision is to create a powerful federated digital research infrastructure that revolutionises UK life science research. By leveraging established best practices and capabilities, we will build a national platform that ensures the effective adoption of FAIR principles and drives efficiency across all UK life science research institutions. 

青瓜视频淒eveloped by the research community for the research community, BioFAIR will transform the future face of the UK life sciences.青瓜视频�

or email your questions to info@biofair.uk.

Peptides are comprised of small chains of amino acids, which are also the building blocks of proteins. Peptides play a crucial role in our bodies and are used in many medicines to fight diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and infections. They are also used as vaccines, nanomaterials and in many other applications. However, making peptides in the lab is currently a complicated process involving chemical synthesis, which produces a lot of harmful waste that is damaging to the environment.

In a new breakthrough, published in the journal , Manchester scientists have discovered a new family of ligase enzymes 青瓜视频� a type of molecular glue that can help assemble short peptide sequences more simply and robustly, yielding significantly higher quantities of peptides compared to conventional methods.

The breakthrough could revolutionise the production of treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses, offering a more effective and environmentally friendly method of production.

For many years, scientists have been working on new ways to produce peptides. Most existing techniques rely on complex and heavily protected amino acid precursors, toxic chemical reagents, and harmful volatile organic solvents, generating large amounts of hazardous waste. The current methods also incur high costs, and are difficult to scale up, resulting in limited and expensive supplies of important peptide medicines.

The team in Manchester searched for new ligase enzymes involved in the biological processes that assemble natural peptides in simple bacteria. They successfully isolated and characterised these ligases and tested them in reactions with a wide range of amino acid precursors. By analysing the sequences of the bacterial ligase enzymes, the team identified many other clusters of ligases likely involved in other peptide pathways.

The study provides a blueprint for how peptides, including important medicines, can be made in the future.

, who also worked on the project said, 青瓜视频淭he ligases we discovered provide a very clean and efficient way to produce peptides. By searching through available genome sequence data, we have found many types of related ligase enzymes. We are confident that using these ligases we will be able to assemble longer peptides for a range of other therapeutic applications.青瓜视频�

Following the discovery, the team will now optimise the new ligase enzymes, to improve their output for larger scale peptide synthesis. They have also established collaborations with a number of the top pharmaceutical companies to help with rolling out the new ligase enzyme technologies for manufacturing future peptide therapeutics.

This prestigious award is designed to support students, postdoctoral researchers, recent graduates, and encourage new student cohorts to engage with MEC, in launching new businesses that involve graphene or other 2D materials. It青瓜视频檚 all about sparking innovation and making a real impact in the commercial world, turning groundbreaking research into real, game-changing solutions for the future.

With awards of 青瓜视频50,000 and 青瓜视频20,000, we青瓜视频檙e excited to celebrate the individuals or teams who showed how their graphene-related technology can be turned into a business. The applications were judged based on how solid their plans were for creating a new business related to graphene or 2D materials.

This award gives winners the perfect launchpad they need to kickstart their business. The University of Manchester understands how crucial flexible early-stage financial support is for these kinds of ventures, to help make these dreams a reality and bring a product or technology to the market.

This year, the top prize of 青瓜视频50,000 went to Kun Huang of Solar Ethos. Kun has a Master青瓜视频檚 degree in Corrosion Control Engineering and a PhD in Material Physics. The second prize of 青瓜视频20,000 was awarded to Hafiza Hifza Nawaz of Fabstics, who has a PhD in Materials. We also congratulate the other finalists - Mohammadhossein Saberian of EcoTarTech and Ozan Zehni of Dorlion SHM.

The winners, pictured above with Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Deputy President Luke Georghiou:

• Left: First place - Solar Ethos
• Right: Second place - Fabstics

All finalists received support throughout the competition, which included: pitching workshops, help with applications by Scott Dean (CEO of Graphene Trace), and IP advice from Innovation Factory. These resources were key in helping them navigate the challenges of starting a business and turning their groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.

Our top-tier judges included Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester; Lynn Sheppard, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre Director; Jessica McCreadie, Investment Director at Northern Gritstone; James Baker, CEO Graphene @Manchester at The University of Manchester; and Gareth Jones, Project Manager - Electronics at the University of Manchester Innovation Factory. Their expertise and dedication to encouraging innovation played a key role in choosing projects that could make a big difference.

We offer a huge congratulations to all the participants! We can青瓜视频檛 wait to see the fantastic impact of their innovative work in the commercial world. By supporting these entrepreneurs, we're not only helping them achieve their dreams but also paving the way for future advancements that can tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Along with the awards, we heard inspiring speeches from high-profile individuals such as Lynn Sheppard, Professor James Baker, Dr. Vivek Koncherry, Liam Johnson, and Professor Luke Georghiou. They shared amazing insights about graphene and other 2D materials, emphasising the transformative potential of these technologies and the importance of ongoing innovation. We were also joined via Zoom from California by Dr. Eli Harari, founder of SanDisk, the memory storage technology company. He encouraged attendees to "Think Big!".

Eli & Britt Harari Award 2021 winner Dr. Vivek Koncherry, the CEO of Graphene Innovations Manchester, is making significant strides in connecting graphene technology with global business opportunities. Last year, he signed a $1 billion partnership with Quazar Investment Company to create a new company in the UAE aimed at tackling global sustainability challenges. Recognised as Manchester's answer to Elon Musk, Vivek recently impressed judges to win the North West heat of KPMG青瓜视频檚 Tech Innovator in the UK 2024. With a strong background as an alumnus and researcher from The University of Manchester, Vivek exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Some notable quotes about the competition include Lynn Sheppard's encouragement, "For all the winners and nominees, your journey does not stop here, it goes on," and Prof. James Baker's insight, "Graphene can make a big difference in addressing the climate change challenges." Dr. Vivek Koncherry highlighted Manchester's entrepreneurial spirit by stating, "Manchester is very good for entrepreneurship," while Dr. Eli Harari inspired with, "We need people like you to aspire in making the world better." Liam Johnson appreciated the award's impact, saying, "The award allowed me to turn this idea to something tangible," and Prof. Luke Georghiou emphasised the importance of support with, "It's our duty to build an ecosystem to support the development of graphene."

Their words emphasised the event's theme of driving change and shaping a brighter future through cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship, wrapping up the event on an exhilarating high.