鈥淧aul鈥檚 book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles 鈥� we are proud he chose 糖心Vlog官方 to be the place where he launches his book,鈥� said Professor Jackie Carter.

鈥淚 run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment,鈥� said Laura Howard. 鈥淲hat people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing - they've managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve.鈥�

For more information about 糖心Vlog官方's initiatives in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, visit the .

鈥淭he AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities,鈥� said AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith. 鈥淭hey will support the development of talented people and, alongside our other doctoral schemes, contribute to a vibrant, diverse and internationally-attractive research and innovation system.鈥�

Further details on the studentships will be announced in due course.

Cervical cancer screening rates have fallen in the UK in recent years. While swathes of women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England attend their cervical cancer screening appointments on a routine basis, only 69% of those eligible attended their screening in the 2023-24 year.

While cervical cancer screening is carried out by healthcare professionals under the current UK programme, there is potential for patients to test themselves using self-sampling methods such as vaginal swabbing and urine sampling.

Recent evidence finds that self-sampling is similarly effective as clinician obtained samples, and the UK government鈥檚 National Screening Committee is also investigating self-sampling. However, evidence is limited on whether these self-sampling methods will help tackle the barriers many face in accessing cervical screening, prompting researchers from 糖心Vlog官方 to address this research gap in their study, published in

The current UK screening programme has been hugely successful in detecting and preventing cervical cancer, but disparities in uptake of the screening programme are prevalent. The study found that self-sampling alternatives may be useful where barriers prohibit access and may help to reduce a health inequity for some under-served groups.

Qualitative data was collected from 46 participants via interviews and focus groups, mindful of three theoretical frameworks: access to primary care services, intersectional and feminist perspectives.

Results showed a number of individuals had a good experience throughout the screening process. With regards to healthcare professionals, both positive and negative experiences were reported by participants, while negative experiences were also associated with the use of the speculum to carry out the screening.

Ultimately, the study found that examples of good practice in the current cervical screening programme are prevalent, but barriers to screening remain for under-served groups. Consistency is needed to ensure patient experience is high across the board, and the introduction of self-sampling alongside the current screening programme could be beneficial for boosting rates among under-screened groups.

However, it is important to note that if self-sampling is rolled out alongside the screening programme, effective communication and the appropriate information must be given to patients. The absence of such provisions could threaten the benefits of introducing self-sampling.

Stephanie Gillibrand, Research Fellow in the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care at 糖心Vlog官方 said: 鈥淚t was heartening to conclude that many patients think their needs are being met through the current cervical cancer screening programme, and that there were so many examples of good practice reported relating to the standard of care received from healthcare professionals. However, the barriers we know have existed for years are obviously still blocking some patients from attending their appointments.

鈥淥verall, attitudes towards the urine sampling and vaginal swab methods were very positive and these self-sampling tests give women more choice around how they are screened for cervical cancer, increasing their confidence around the process. If implemented alongside the current screening option, self-sampling methods could help the healthcare system reach under-screened groups if implemented effectively.鈥�

Certain patients are less likely to attend their routine cervical cancer screening, including people from some ethnic minority communities and those in older and younger groups. Others less likely to attend include those living in socially deprived areas, those with lower education levels and people with intellectual disabilities.

Cervical cancer screening can also be an issue for people who have experienced sexual violence and homelessness. A barrier presented by the current screening programme is the invasive nature of the speculum procedure, which for many prompts fear due to the possibility of discomfort or pain.

An individual may decline a cervical cancer screening appointment due to a lack of knowledge and awareness, embarrassment, or because of logistical barriers such as childcare responsibilities and an inflexible working arrangement. The study found that self-sampling methods may help to address some of these practical barriers, as they could potentially be done at home.

The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)鈥檚 School for Primary Care Research award, supported by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester.

A 拢1m funding award from the Medical Research Council in collaboration with UKRI Innovate UK will accompany 拢1.2 million of in-kind support from 85 partners to fund the pilot phase of the UK Centre of Excellence on In-Silico Regulatory Science and Innovation (UK CEiRSI). This Centre will collaborate globally to address some of the sector's most pressing challenges and target unmet patient outcomes and safety needs. 

The consortium will work with computational modelling and simulation and AI techniques鈥攁ll of which are poised to revolutionise the healthcare landscape. The UK CEiRSI will contribute to making the UK the best milieu for delivering medical innovations using in silico evidence and regulatory science. 

The Centre will consist of leading universities from the UK鈥檚 four nations, world-class companies, and health systems and regulatory bodies, including the UK鈥檚 Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Health Research Authority (HRA) but will also collaborate with colleagues in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in mainland Europe.

Professor Alex Frangi, Bicentennial Turing Chair in Computational Medicine at 糖心Vlog官方, will direct the Centre.

He said: 鈥淗uman and animal trials often face high failure rates resulting in delays, increased costs, and potential risks to patients.

鈥淥n average, pharmaceutical products take 12  years to develop, with testing consuming up to 30% of costs.

鈥淗owever, we will seek to address these critical inefficiencies by developing in-silico technologies that produce digital evidence for the digital age. Our aim is to reflect engineering practices in other sectors where physical testing is complemented by virtual testing and product optimisation. This will result in improved medical products (drugs or devices), faster and more affordable lifesaving therapies for patients, and innovative regulatory approval processes.鈥�

He added: 鈥淭hese cutting-edge tools can greatly enhance reliability in testing, while substantially reducing development time and costs, as well as improving the diversity of testing conditions, leading to more equitable care.鈥�

鈥淎nd that will benefit patients through reduced failure rates and recalls, while fostering economic growth by driving innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.鈥�

However, despite their transformative potential, a regulatory deadlock for in-silico technologies means the technologies face barriers to adoption. Regulators lack frameworks to assess in-silico evidence, while developers hesitate to invest without clear pathways to approval.

The UK CEiRSI aims to break the deadlock and position in-silico technology and virtual trials as a mainstream approach to eliminate risk from future medical and pharmaceutical innovation developments. To tackle this impasse, the Pilot phase will implement an In Silico Airlock Initiative where actors from industry, academia and regulatory bodies will explore 10 industry-led pre-commercial regulatory pilots and assess the opportunities and limitations of current credibility frameworks.

Building on the success of a six-month discovery phase, UK CEiRSI will bring together industry leaders, regulators, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and standardisation bodies, academics, and patient representatives - to test and refine frameworks for assessing in-silico evidence.

Reports from the project will address key issues such as regulatory frameworks, legal and ethical implications, and patient risk reduction, paving the way for in-silico technologies to make a real impact on our lives.

• "in silico"  is a term used to describe experiments or studies that are performed using computer simulations or software. 

Alex Theodossiadis, 25, died five years ago on 28 January 2020, after struggling to get a GP appointment. 

Reception staff had failed to realise  that the DJ鈥檚 symptoms needed urgent evaluation and offered him an appointment in three weeks. 

Alex had developed a severe and debilitating headache, and felt so ill and weak he was unable to eat properly or go out, which can be symptoms of meningitis in which the three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed, usually by an infection. 

Symptoms also include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet, and a rash, though they may appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. 

Alex was taken by a friend to Leeds General Infirmary and then transferred across the city to St James' Hospital where he stopped breathing after falling from his hospital bed and banging his head on the floor.

 An inquest heard he was likely to have already succumbed to the infectious disease, which was complicated by the head injury. 

His mother, Professor Sue Astley Theodossiadis, a medical imaging expert at 糖心Vlog官方, has been working with the charities Meningitis Now and the PSHE Association to develop the resources. 

They consist of two lessons which teach 16 to 18-year-olds  how to recognise serious illness in themselves and others, and to have the confidence and knowledge to navigate the healthcare system. One section includes role playing on how to get a doctor鈥檚 appointment. 

The pack was part-funded by the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health  at 糖心Vlog官方 and part-funded by Meningitis Now. 

She said: 鈥淲e strongly feel Alex鈥檚 care could have been better, and that his death might have been preventable. 

鈥淗e was told he had to wait for three weeks for a GP appointment. But after becoming progressively unwell, he went to a walk-in clinic where the first words written by the nurse at the appointment were 'cough and cold' symptoms, despite his most concerning symptoms including a new, debilitating headache. 

鈥淗e was so ill he couldn't even climb the stairs to his bedroom, but the duration and severity of his symptoms wasn鈥檛 discussed at the appointment. 

鈥淚t's likely that his inexperience in presenting his symptoms contributed to a presumption of a flu type viral infection; he left the surgery with painkillers for the headache.鈥�

A record of his Facebook messages to his friends and family, compiled by Professor Astley Theodossiadis, reveals the heartbreaking progression of the symptoms caused by the disease.

After posting one message to a friend in Germany which said he was 'in and out of naps', another friend took him to hospital, where he died three days later.

She added: "The coroner picked up the need for GP receptionists to ask questions and help people to be clearer about their symptoms so they can triage them more appropriately to get urgent appointments.

"This resource pack draws on Alex鈥檚 experience to help young people recognise serious illness in themselves and others, and to have the confidence and knowledge to navigate the healthcare system.

鈥淯ntil the time of his illness, Alex鈥檚 interactions with the NHS had mainly been for sports injuries, and many of those were when he was young, so I was there with him.

鈥淢y hope is that this will help prevent others dying in a similar way.  All healthcare professionals, including receptionists, need to be aware of the difficulties young people have in explaining themselves. The resources also highlight when to seek help urgently, either for yourself or for someone else鈥�

Director of Meningitis Now Dr Tom Nutt said: 鈥淲e welcome this valuable resource and thank Alex鈥檚 mother Sue for her tireless efforts to raise awareness and fight back against the disease that sadly took her son鈥檚 life.

鈥淵oung people are an at-risk group of meningitis and research tells us that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis in the back of their throats, compared with one in 10 of the general population.

鈥淐ommon complaints such as a hangover and Freshers鈥� Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well 鈥� but we are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case. A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important that young people have the confidence and the knowledge to understand what may be happening to them when they are unwell and to know when to seek medical help or the help of others. This means taking a few minutes to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and to know that it鈥檚 OK to seek urgent medical help if you are concerned that someone maybe unwell and getting worse.  This new resource will give young people the knowledge and confidence on how best to go about this.鈥�

Monica Perry from PSHE Association said: 鈥淭hese lessons will help students to develop responsibility for monitoring and maintaining their health and wellbeing; learning how to access reliable health information, recognising when to seek medical care, and rehearsing communication with healthcare professionals.

鈥淵oung adults have an increased risk of contracting meningitis or meningococcal disease 鈥� this resource will support students to be aware of vaccinations available, common signs and symptoms of the disease and what to do if someone is seriously unwell.鈥�

The researchers stress the importance of combining global efforts to reduce emissions with localised strategies to adapt land management practices and safeguard ecosystems.

The University of Derby鈥檚 Dr Kirsten Lees, who is also co-author of the report, added: 鈥淧eatland resilience is an important area of research, as these ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon alongside providing a range of other services. Restoration of areas which are in poor condition is key to protecting these carbon stores. Our research shows that future changes in climate are a vital consideration when planning restoration projects, to ensure that work is targeted towards areas where peatlands can thrive.鈥� 

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鈥攁nd possibly other planets鈥攂y asteroids billions of years ago.

糖心Vlog官方 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 糖心Vlog官方, played a key role in examining the mineralogy of the samples and interpretation of the data.

Professor Jones said: 鈥� 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.

鈥淭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鈥檚 moon Enceladus and the dwarf planet Ceres. 鈥�

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 atmosphere.

Professor Jones said: 鈥淪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鈥檚 environment. Meteorites similar to the Bennu material are also very rare because they do not easily survive their journey through the Earth鈥檚 atmosphere.鈥�

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

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

The research marks the first in-depth analysis of Bennu鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 science observation planning and data processing. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft and provided flight operations.

Water pollution is one of the growing challenges of modern life. Many everyday items, from medications to cosmetics, leave behind residues that don鈥檛 fully break down after use. These pollutants often find their way into water systems, where they disrupt ecosystems and cause harm to plants, animals and humans.

The research, published in the journal ,  describes a new method using a molecular structure called a metal-organic cage (MOC). These tiny cages act like traps designed to catch and hold harmful molecules commonly found in our water supplies.

While MOCs have been studied before for gas and chemical capture, they are most commonly studied in chemical solvents where their performance differs significantly from that observed in water. Being able to demonstrate capture of established wastewater pollutants in water is thus a step towards the application of these cages for real-world applications.

Jack Wright, a Researcher at 糖心Vlog官方, who completed the research as part of his PhD, said: 鈥淏eing able to use MOCs in water is a really exciting development. We know how valuable MOCs are for capturing unwanted substances, but until now researchers have not been able to apply them to real-world water systems.

鈥淢any harmful chemicals are difficult to remove from water, and with water pollution becoming a global crisis, this new MOC technology could provide a valuable tool to help clean up water systems and prevent pollutants from entering our ecosystem, particularly in rivers and lakes near urban or industrial areas where wastewater discharge is most common.鈥�

The cages are made up of metal ions connected by organic molecules, forming a hollow pyramid-like structure. These hollow spaces at the centre of these structures are where the MOCs trap specific molecules, like pollutants or gases.

The new structure incorporates chemical groups called sulfonates to make it compatible with water, allowing it to function in real-world water systems, like rivers or wastewater.

It uses a natural effect called hydrophobic binding, where contaminant molecules preferentially 鈥渟tick鈥� to the inside of the cage rather than staying in the water. This allows the material to selectively capture and hold pollutants, even in challenging water environments.

Dr Imogen Riddell, PhD supervisor and researcher at 糖心Vlog官方, said: 鈥淥ne of the real strengths of this method is its flexibility. The approach we have developed could be used to design other water-soluble MOCs with different sizes or properties. This opens the door to many future applications, including cleaning up different kinds of pollutants, development of green catalysts or even development of drug delivery strategies .鈥�

Now, the researchers will look to further expand the water-soluble cages, to enable capture of more, different contaminants, and are working  towards the development of robust routes to recycling the cages to support their development as sustainable water purification aids.

The May Davidson Award 2024 has been presented to Dr Sarah Parry by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for her exceptional early career achievements.

Dr Parry is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Academic Director for the Clinical Psychology Doctorate at 糖心Vlog官方. Her research focuses on young people鈥檚 mental health and advancing care for children and families.

Alongside this, Dr Parry co-leads a research centre at , where she works with young people and families to develop evidence-based improvements to mental health services.

Dr Parry鈥檚 current research studies include exploring joint responses for young people experiencing mental health crises, supporting young people with distressing sensory experiences, identifying and overcoming barriers to inclusive research, and developing a trauma-informed care approach for use in homes for cared for children.

Dr Sarah Parry said: 鈥淚 am truly grateful to receive the May Davidson Award, especially when I think of the inspiring previous recipients of the award, whose work I greatly admire.

The BPS seeks to represent psychology and psychological professions, with the aim of promoting the incredible impact the field can have on individuals and society.

The May Davidson Award is presented to clinical psychologists who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of clinical psychology within the first 10 years of their work as a qualified clinical psychologist. The late May Davidson was president of the BPS in 1976 and was actively involved in government discussions about the role of clinical psychologists.

The BPS said: 鈥淪arah has championed a reflective and compassionate approach to training in mental health and clinical psychology. She has pioneered leading on clinical research in under researched areas in the field of youth mental health using a collaborative approach in developing communities of support and co-creating research with experts by experience.

鈥淭he Award is in recognition of the dedication and thoughtfulness shown and the quality of the work in improving children and young people's mental health.鈥�

The Young People鈥檚 Research Centre at Pennine Care reports an increasing number of young people are reporting mental health concerns, with one in six 7-16 year-olds experiencing a mental health difficulty in 2022. The centre recognises that early access to support is crucial, as around 50% of mental health challenges emerge by the age of 14.

Through the vital research Dr Parry is championing, she hopes to learn how to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services, to support and advocate for young people with a range of different needs.

Developed by the Institute鈥檚 eight Productivity Forums across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the regional agenda builds on its . It calls for better alignment of national pro-productivity policies, including investment, innovation, skills, trade, and foreign direct investment, with those of regional bodies and local authorities. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for coordination and selectiveness on the implementation of the industrial strategy and devolution deals.

The report emphasises the importance of scaling up powers for local authorities, particularly (Mayoral) Combined Authorities, to enact pro-productivity policies and align their growth strategy with the national Industrial Strategy and other initiatives to strengthen productivity and growth in the UK.

The Productivity Institute researchers find that while there has been some narrowing of productivity gaps between regions in recent years, this is partly due to improved performance in regions like the South East, North West, North East, and Northern Ireland, and partly due to a decline in productivity in London, a trend worsened by the pandemic.

Andy Westwood, policy director of The Productivity Institute said: 鈥溾�楾he national industrial strategy involves choices between places as well as sectors and that might involve scaling up in some rather than others depending on the clusters and their growth potential. Co-ordination might also seek to align planning and housing, including the location of new towns, with places that are most in need of human capital, for example in second tier cities.鈥�

The launch of the Regional Productivity Agenda, which is built on eight reports offering a detailed overview of productivity developments and policy recommendations for each region and devolved nation, coincides with this year鈥檚 National Productivity Week from January 27 to January 31. It will run a series of regional events held to discuss the productivity challenges holding back the UK鈥檚 regions and how to address them

The week鈥檚 events will see high profile policymakers, academics, business leaders and local politicians debate regional productivity disparities, the role of the public and private sectors in driving productivity growth, best-practice management skills and working practices, and technology.

National Productivity Week has been organised by The Productivity Institute, a public-funded research body headquartered at the University of Manchester. It was established in 2020 to address the UK鈥檚 long-held productivity challenges that have been prevalent for almost two decades. Between 2009 and 2019, Britain鈥檚 productivity growth rate was the second slowest in the G7. In 2024 output per hour worked was about 10 percent below the average for France and Germany and almost 20 percent below the level in the United States.

The study argues that these tactics distract from the urgent need to upgrade ageing infrastructure, much of which was built in the 20th century. The companies - 70 per cent of which are owned by foreign investors - have reportedly distributed 拢76 billion to shareholders since privatisation in 1989, while building up over 拢56 billion in debt and neglecting vital upgrades.

鈥淭hese companies have adopted a playbook of denial, deflection, and distraction, similar to other major polluting industries, to protect profits at the expense of the environment and public health鈥� added Professor Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth. 

The paper calls for stricter regulation of industry communications to combat greenwashing and misinformation, and urges policymakers to prioritise transparency to safeguard water security in the face of climate change. The authors also highlight the need for greater investment in sustainable solutions, such as restoring wetlands, alongside modernising sewerage systems. 

鈥淭he financial exploitation of water resources in England raises globally important issues around water security and environmental stewardship,鈥� added Professor Woodward. 鈥淭here needs to be much more careful scrutiny of water company communications and of the organisations and individuals responsible for environmental management.鈥�

The 2024 general election was the first in the UK鈥檚 history to be run under a system of voter ID. When heading to the polling station, people could only vote if they proved their identity first. This was the result of a law brought in in 2023 and that had already applied to local elections in England that year.

Using data from the , we tracked people eligible to vote between 2023 and 2024 and that 5% of people eligible to vote 鈥� nearly 2 million people 鈥� didn鈥檛 own any recognised voter identification. This lack of ID was concentrated among poorer and less educated voters.

Of course, lacking photographic ID is not necessarily a permanent state. Some people will have been in the process of renewing passports and driving licences during this period. All of these people would also have been eligible for a voter authority certificate, a form of identification brought in with the new law 鈥� although we found take up of these was low.

We found that around 0.5% of all voters reported being turned away at polling stations as a result of lacking ID in the local elections of 2023. We also found that four times as many people (around 2%) reported not voting because they knew they didn鈥檛 have the right ID.

The equivalent figures were slightly lower at the general election of 2024, but a meaningful contingent still did not participate. Around 1.3% of electors 鈥� or over half a million people 鈥� were turned away or didn鈥檛 show up at all because of voter identification requirements.

While administrative records can provide accurate numbers about how many people were turned away at the polling station, they tell us little about people who were discouraged from even trying to vote because they didn鈥檛 have the right ID. So it is clear from our analysis that the impact of voter ID on turnout is likely larger than previous estimates based on polling station returns.

Who benefits?

We also found that the Conservatives were more likely to benefit from the voter ID law than other parties.

This is not surprising when we consider demographic factors. , Conservative voters are more likely to own ID, because they are more likely to be older and more affluent. Despite changes in social patterns of party support since the 2016 Brexit referendum, this pattern still holds true.

The types of identification which are allowed under the new law 鈥� and especially the decision to allow older people but not younger people to use travel passes 鈥� exacerbates these differences.

Who didn鈥檛 have ID? 

The chart above shows the percentage lacking photo ID by general election vote intention, as measured in May 2023 (lighter bars) and May 2024 (shaded bars), shortly before the general election was called.

In 2024, only 2.4% of Conservative supporters were likely to not have photo ID, while 3.8% of Labour supporters and 4.1% of Reform supporters were lacking.

One notable difference is an increase in Liberal Democrats and non-voters with no photo identification in 2024, although this is almost entirely due to a change in the number of people supporting the Liberal Democrats or deciding not to vote rather than changes in people鈥檚 actual ownership of ID.

Liberal Democrat voters had the lowest proportion of supporters without voter ID in 2023 (1.3%), but in 2024, the Liberal Democrat rate exceeded that of the Conservatives (2.9%).

There are still opportunities to posed by voter ID. Ahead of the next election the new government should extend the forms of identification allowed (especially for those younger than state pension age).

Improving public awareness around the law and the availability of voter authority certificates is another important step. There are also suggestions that a system of who don鈥檛 have voter ID would be an option.

In an electorate of 49 million, if almost two million aren鈥檛 able to vote because they don鈥檛 have the right ID, there is a problem. Those interested in building trust in our democracy should consider not only minimising electoral fraud but reducing this number by as much as possible.

, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in Politics, and , Professor of Social and Political Science, and Principal Investigator of the British Election Study,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

鈥�This lecture series honours him and marks a deepening relationship between our University and leading human rights barristers鈥� chambers Garden Court North,鈥� said Professor Eithne Quinn. 鈥淒avid delivering the first lecture highlights his decades of investigations and reporting on the Hillsborough families' justice campaign. This event will expose the urgent need for the landmark 鈥楬illsborough Law鈥� and raise vital questions about legal reform.鈥�

鈥�Mark was many things 鈥� a radical barrister, formidable advocate, opponent of the death penalty, lifelong socialist, student of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Studies at Cambridge, and Chelsea FC supporter 鈥� but above all, a man of integrity, kindness, and wisdom," said Pete Weatherby KC from Garden Court Chambers. 鈥滺e combined humanity with fierce intellectual commitment. Whether defending protesters or representing Hillsborough families, Mark gave everything to his clients."

鈥�Mark is a much-missed friend and colleague, and I am glad that a lecture being held in his memory will highlight the importance of the Hillsborough Law - if was in place in 1989, the truth could not have been concealed. Those hiding it would have known they鈥檇 be found out and prosecuted. This sophisticated bill has a clear purpose and should be urgently introduced.鈥�

The event will take place at 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 Alliance Manchester Business School, followed by a drinks reception and buffet open to all attendees. To register for a free ticket, .

In the last few years, researchers have found that surfactants鈥攖he molecules found in soap鈥攃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 糖心Vlog官方, 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 糖心Vlog官方, said: 鈥淲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.

鈥淭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.鈥�

The researchers used advanced mathematical models and simulations to replicate how these forces gather an awareness of the maze鈥檚 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: 鈥淏ut the applications of this research doesn鈥檛 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.鈥�

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.

Revealed today, The University ranks in the top 50 globally for five subject areas: Social Sciences, Business Economics, Engineering, Arts and Humanities and Medical and Health, with the strongest performance in Business Economics (32^nd) and Social Sciences (37^th).  

The University also featured in the top 100 worldwide for all 11 subject areas which are assessed, an achievement only shared by 7 other UK institutions. Among the six subject areas not yet in the top 50 there were significant climbs in the rankings for Computer Science and Law. 

This ranking uses key performance indicators to measure ; teaching, research environment, research quality, industry partnerships and international outlook.  

Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research, said: 鈥淭his latest influential global subject ranking provides additional evidence of our research and teaching strengths across the University 鈥� something to pause on and celebrate as we develop our Manchester 2035 strategy. Having achieved this global standing our job now is to work together, with ambition and focus, to do even better.鈥� 

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching Learning and Students, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasure to welcome these rankings for our University, which demonstrate our strength and breadth across so many subject areas. It is important for us to benchmark our results to guide us in improving our design and delivery of high-quality teaching and learning in Manchester even further.鈥� 

The THE Subject Rankings are one of three major international subject ranking exercises that the University tracks to benchmark its performance. In the , the University ranked in the top 35 globally for each of the five broad subject groups 鈥� Arts and Humanities (27), Engineering and Technology (27), Life Science and Medicine (30), Natural Sciences (33), Social Sciences and Management (28). 

In the 2024 Shanghai Rankings鈥� Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (AWRU), the University was placed among the top 25 worldwide in seven of 46 subjects, ranked first in the UK for four subjects and moved up in 21 subjects thanks to our research excellence and impact. 

Announced today, the research programme aims to address the challenges of plastic waste in healthcare settings by exploring the relationship between social practice, material selection, reuse, and recycling while maintaining high-quality clinical outcomes. In response to complex sustainability challenges in the sector, the work will explore circular pathways, identify barriers and unintended consequences, and unlock opportunities to minimise the environmental impacts of materials in healthcare settings.

The three-year partnership brings together two organisations striving for authentic environmental sustainability, backed by innovative research and real-world practice. The collaboration is co-funded by an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership award, UKRI鈥檚 flagship co-investing programme building business and academic research collaboration.

Professor Mike Shaver, Director of Sustainable Futures and academic lead for the new partnership said: 鈥淲e are thrilled by the opportunity to work with Bupa on this ambitious new project, extending our systemic understanding of plastics, waste management, social practice and environmental impacts to reshape material provision in healthcare. These collaborations are essential to translating our research efforts into real world impact.鈥�

A key challenge for a sustainable future is the way we use and dispose of materials. Over 60% of countries have implemented bans or taxes on household waste, particularly plastics, yet healthcare is much more complex. The sector鈥檚 reliance on single-use items (SUIs) for infection control, consistency, and cost efficiency has led to significant environmental and health challenges, with SUIs contributing to carbon emissions, waste, and plastic pollution.

The crucial new interdisciplinary collaboration will tackle four key urgent areas:

• Understanding social practice in medical practices - Understand the interconnectedness between social practice and material selection, use, segregation and disposal.
• Reuse and sterility - Understand the relationship between material selection, sterilisation and reuse to improve environmental sustainability
• Mechanical and chemical recycling - Establish high volume clinical waste streams to create value in mechanical recycling and chemical depolymerization.
• Environmental sustainability assessment - Quantify environmental impacts and develop materials hierarchies in the provision of healthcare.

Anna Russell, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Bupa, said: 鈥淭his partnership with 糖心Vlog官方 is groundbreaking for our sector. Tackling healthcare鈥檚 environmental challenges requires bold thinking and collaboration, and this partnership is a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in creating sustainable, industry-wide solutions. By combining cutting-edge research with Bupa鈥檚 real-world expertise, we can drive meaningful change that reduces the healthcare sector鈥檚 impact on the planet while maintaining the highest clinical standards. This is a vital step forward in our journey to help create a greener, healthier future.鈥�

This new partnership has been recognised by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for bringing together 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 interdisciplinary collaborative researchers and knowledge-base, with data from and access to more than 500 Bupa dental practices, clinics, care homes and The Cromwell Hospital. The necessity of tackling these challenges was highlighted by The University鈥檚 research platform and Bupa. These are challenges which can only be tackled by marrying academia and industry.

This new collaboration was kick-started by , 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 recently announced innovation capability tasked with supercharging the region鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. Unit M is now live and actively engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers eager to shape the future of the region.

Professor Lou Cordwell, CEO of Unit M said: 鈥淎head of the formal launch of Unit M, the founding leadership team has been working to develop this partnership with Bupa to highlight the benefits of organisations engaging with Unit M to drive real-world impact and innovation. The collaboration has taken shape over the past two years to establish a long term, University wide innovation partnership.鈥�

The new collaboration builds on the shared commitment of both the University and Bupa to the region. Last month, 糖心Vlog官方 reaffirmed its status as a global leader in sustainability by retaining its position in the top 10 worldwide in the . Meanwhile, Bupa was one of the first healthcare companies to set science-based CO2 reduction targets and an ambitious 2040 net zero pathway.

Find out more about Unit M:

 

"The online world offers immense opportunities for young people to connect and learn - ensuring they can do so in an environment which puts their safety first is my priority and will guide this government鈥檚 action on online safety,鈥� said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. 鈥淭his vital research will build a trusted evidence base for future action, helping us to protect and empower the next generation towards a safer and more positive digital future."

鈥淥ur findings may also reflect Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky鈥檚 recent public efforts to woo and flatter Trump as he takes the helm of Ukraine鈥檚 most powerful ally,鈥� added Henry Hale of George Washington University. 

Donald Trump has sparked controversy in the West with statements suggesting the US might scale back military support for Ukraine and focus on negotiating a peace deal, even if this compromises Ukraine鈥檚 territorial integrity. These remarks have raised alarms in Kyiv and among NATO allies, as they potentially undermine Ukraine鈥檚 ability to resist Russian aggression.

The study reveals that territorial integrity remains a non-negotiable priority for Ukrainians, with 57% agreeing that 鈥渁ny peace agreement that does not restore the full territorial integrity of Ukraine is doomed to failure.鈥� Despite Trump鈥檚 claims of being a skilled negotiator, scepticism persists about whether his administration could achieve a deal acceptable to Ukraine and its Western allies.

The research underscores the delicate balance required to maintain Western unity in supporting Ukraine. As NATO and the EU closely monitor Trump鈥檚 rhetoric, Ukraine remains steadfast in its demand for a peace deal that ensures sovereignty and territorial integrity.

鈥淭he Ukrainian public鈥檚 cautious optimism reflects a mix of hope and pragmatism,鈥� Professor Onuch added. 鈥淎s Trump and his new administration navigate these complex dynamics, the stakes for Ukraine and the West couldn鈥檛 be higher.鈥�

The study was published by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, and is available to view .

That鈥檚 according to a new peer-reviewed paper which is the latest to raise concerns about the competition鈥檚 Owners' and Directors' Test 鈥� colloquially known as the 鈥楩it and Proper鈥� test 鈥� saying 鈥渃omplex and opaque structures permit the misuse of EPL club ownership for the channelling of illicit finances鈥�.

Criminology experts from 糖心Vlog官方, who led the study, say their findings demonstrate 鈥渃onditions which are known to be associated with the use of organisational structures for illicit activities in the ownership structures of many EPL clubs鈥�.

Such conditions include the 鈥渨idespread use of various legal entities and traditional 鈥榮ecrecy鈥� jurisdictions鈥� that can hide who owners and investors are, as well as the presence of unnecessarily complex arrangements, and an absence of information on who all the owners actually are.

They state the current Owners鈥� and Directors鈥� Test does not do enough to prevent potential new owners and investors from withholding the source of their funds, 鈥渨hich could be from illicit activities鈥�.

The test, they state, also does not prevent investors from concealing 鈥渢he nature of particular transactions, which could involve violations鈥�, nor obscuring the 鈥渁ctual investors or owners of clubs, who may be unscrupulous actors looking to conceal their illicit funds or intentions鈥�.

Reporting in the journal , co-author Nicholas Lord, a Professor of Criminology at Manchester鈥檚 School of Social Sciences, says these enabling conditions require further 鈥渟crutiny by responsible regulators鈥�.

鈥淭he obscuring of transparency around the ownership chains and networks presents significant obstacles to regulators seeking to assess the suitability of individuals and owners for football club ownership.

鈥淭he conditions of EPL (English Premier League) ownership structures in itself does not imply anything inappropriate is taking place, but these conditions make it possible for some people, who may be motivated to do so, to use ownership structures to obscure key information.

鈥淭he conditions we found are known to be associated with the use of organisational structures for illicit activities, such as money laundering, and are reflected in the ownership structures of many EPL clubs.鈥�

Co-author Dr Pete Duncan, who recently completed his PhD in the Department of Criminology, adds: 鈥�12 of the 20 clubs have at least 10% of their holdings, which 鈥� due to secrecy provisions 鈥� cannot be formally traced back to their beneficial owners. 

The experts launched their study 鈥渕otivated by recent concerns regarding links between football and illicit finance鈥�.

They searched the academic literature to identify conditions regularly observed in cases of money laundering and illicit financial management. They then collected and analysed data from the ORBIS portal (a database of over 489 million companies from 170 sources) and the 2023/24 EPL Handbook to qualitatively determine whether club ownership structures 鈥渟hared common conditions with structures which enable the management of illicit finance鈥�. The aim was to examine whether conditions that are often present in cases of illicit financial flows could also generate 鈥渢he potential for illicit financial management through EPL clubs鈥�.

They also assessed the ownership structures of each club, noting down the number of corporate or other non-natural person entities in each club ownership chain; the incorporation of holding companies in non-UK jurisdictions; the number and types of different legal entities composing each club鈥檚 organisational structure; and whether over 90% of holdings in each club could be attributed to natural persons. They then extracted the 鈥榮ecrecy score鈥� measure of the 2022 Financial Secrecy Index for each related jurisdiction used from the Tax Justice Network鈥檚 (2022) webpage.

Findings demonstrate that Manchester United had the greatest number of legal entities in its ownership chain (13), followed by Crystal Palace and Manchester City (both 11).

Also, the experts found 14 clubs have at least one corporate entity in the structure incorporated overseas (including in Jersey). When considered proportionally, Bournemouth, Wolves and Liverpool are the clubs with the greatest proportions of their ownership structures made up of overseas-based corporate or other legal entities 鈥� where most score relatively highly on the TJN鈥檚 鈥榮ecrecy score鈥� scale.

鈥淲hilst it might be understandable for an overseas beneficial owner to own an EPL club via a holding company incorporated in the overseas jurisdiction they reside in, the combined use of multiple secrecy jurisdictions and opaque entity types that ultimately result in the obscuring of true beneficial ownership is concerning,鈥� adds Dr Duncan, whose PhD examined the nature, organisation, and regulation of variably illicit tax minimisation in UK professional football.

鈥淭he use of these varied ownership mechanisms and structures makes it challenging to differentiate between sources of legal or illegal finances and wealth, whilst the creation of complex arrangements that are inherently legal and commercially plausible offers great scope to co-mingle both legal and illegal activities.

鈥淚t is these structures that should be scrutinised most closely by regulators and other stakeholders.鈥�

Professor Lord concludes: 鈥淲hat is certain is that such complicated ownership structures are not strictly necessary to run a successful EPL club.

鈥淢any structures do not simply extend beyond what is strictly necessary in a single dimension, but in fact combine multiple enabling conditions in the construction of seemingly anomalous structures鈥�.

Whilst such structures and arrangements can be used for good reason in business, what should be a concern for football stakeholders and law enforcement, is that the seemingly unnecessarily complex and opaque structures identified in this research could permit the misuse of EPL club ownership for the channelling of illicit finances.

鈥淎ny exposure to illicit financial flows could seriously jeopardise the futures of clubs, which would have serious negative consequences for those most attached to these very important institutions.

鈥淔urthermore, opaque ownership structures make it difficult for football regulators to ensure that regulations regarding multi-club ownership are being complied with.鈥�

Dr Duncan and Professor Lord recommend that future regulation involves mapping the structures of teams to identify conditions that are susceptible to misuse.

They also suggest further research on the topic, such as to analyse in what ways football club ownership structures have been misused for illicit financial flows, and how these behaviours are organised.

One limitation of their paper is that extracted ownership data originated from varying financial years, meaning some were not 鈥榣ive鈥�.

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 糖心Vlog官方 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鈥攎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鈥檚 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鈥檚 ability to open and close micron-sized holes and speed up chemical reactions.

Professor Leigh added: 鈥淢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.鈥�

The HDRC is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It will connect the Council, University of Manchester researchers and other academic institutions to give local people an equal say in research and the ability to influence decisions made from that research, using both real-life experiences and building on current ways of doing things, to make sure the benefits last long after the programme ends.

The funding approval given today  follows last year鈥檚 submission to the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The collaboration, led by Manchester City Council, University of Manchester and partner organisations, is a significant step in uniting Manchester academic institutions and residents with other key players including voluntary and faith organisations, and public and private sector partners.

It aims to enhance better understanding of the factors affecting health and health inequalities, increase research capacity and use this evidence to inform future policy and planning and improve health outcomes in areas of high deprivation.

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Manchester for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care said: 鈥淭his is a wonderful opportunity for Manchester to lead the way in tackling health inequalities by ensuring that local people鈥檚 voices are at the heart of shaping policy. By building our research capacity and working closely with partners and local people across the city we can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges our communities face and create evidence-based solutions that will have a real and lasting impact on people鈥檚 lives.

"This collaboration allows us to continue to shape the future of health and wellbeing in our city which is the central tenet of our Making Manchester Fairer Programme to address health inequity and preventable deaths by looking at all the social factors that mean that some people in the city die earlier than others.鈥�

Professor Arpana Verma from 糖心Vlog官方, Academic Lead for the HDRC, said: 鈥淲e are so proud that Manchester has been awarded full HDRC status. This is a testament to our communities and public contributors who have helped us as the HDRC team create a plan of work that will strengthen our partnership. The HDRC will ensure we continue to hear the voices of the unheard, make the invisible, visible and making sure that we don鈥檛 leave anyone behind.

鈥淧utting people at the heart of this exciting initiative is vital for inclusive research and improving health and wellbeing. As we look to the next 5 years, we will continue to build our research-active communities and research-responsive policies to tackle inequalities together."

This commitment to addressing health inequalities across Manchester is echoed in the University's recent investment in interdisciplinary research focused on delivering fairer health outcomes for all through its  research platform.

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 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 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.

鈥淭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 鈥� detail that can't be inferred from telescopic images, even using powerful NASA space observatories like HST and JWST.

The team鈥檚 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鈥檚 formation.

Professor Zijlstra from 糖心Vlog官方 said: 鈥淭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.鈥�

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: 鈥淭he stars that generate planetary nebulae like the Ring and Southern Ring may have produced much of the carbon in the Universe.

鈥淲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.鈥�

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

The study of special bacteria, which have evolved nanoscopic syringes 鈥揟ype 6 Secretion Systems (T6SSs) 鈥� that inject cocktails of deadly toxins into rival microorganisms, is published today in the journal PNAS. 

Microbes been fighting their own wars on germs for Millions of years  鈥� battling for survival against each other.

The new Wellcome Trust-funded research shows that toxin cocktails used in these fights have a highly valuable property 鈥� they limit resistance evolution to T6SS attacks.

In both computer simulations and lab experiments, the researchers found that microbes readily evolved resistance to individual T6SS toxins, but that resistance did not occur when the toxins were injected together.

That means multi-toxin T6SSs might be ideal candidates for resistance-busting antimicrobials of the future.

T6SS-armed bacteria are already being harnessed as antimicrobials, with applications in crop protection or aquafarming.

Attacker bacteria could also be engineered as 鈥渓iving biotherapeutics鈥�, targeting drug-resistant bacteria or fungi inside hosts. 

The new results could now be used to improve these technologies,using toxin combinations to limit resistance evolution and extend their lifespan.

The work also suggests that microbes themselves might have much to teach us when it comes to overcoming resistance.

While the idea of combination therapy 鈥� using multiple toxins together to prevent resistance 鈥� dates from the 1950s, bacteria seem have been beaten humans to the discovery.

鈥淏acteria have been using T6SSs to attack other microbes for millions of years, and have developed their own type of combination therapy 鈥� injecting a range of toxin types together ,鈥� said Lead author, Dr Will Smith, from the University of Manchester.

鈥淚t鈥檚 possible this evolved to limit resistance in competitors. If so, what other mechanisms might microbes have to do this?鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting prospect that we might make better antimicrobial therapies by consulting our top microbial assassins: the germs themselves鈥�

• Video shows attacker and target bacteria. The dead bacteria is stained pink

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 糖心Vlog官方 in 2022. His research focuses on using radio telescopes to map our Universe鈥檚 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: 鈥淚 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.鈥�

As for what is next for Dr Cunnington鈥檚 research, he said: 鈥淚 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.鈥�

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.

Led by researchers at 糖心Vlog官方 and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), alongside researchers in Australia and United States, the study will enable researchers to track changes in brain structure over time in children and young people with NF1.

The research is funded by a 拢2.2 million award from the US Department of Defence and is the largest investigation into brain development in NF1 to date. Using advanced machine-learning techniques, the team will analyse the brain structure of over 10,000 MRI scans, comparing them to healthy individuals of the same age.

By doing that, they will shine a light on how specific genetic changes affect the brain and how alterations in brain structure may predict learning difficulties outcomes.

The Children鈥檚 Hospital of Philadelphia, the Murdoch Research Institute in Melbourne and the Complex NF1 Service hosted by the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital, part of MFT, which is a world leading centre for clinical care and research in NF1, have all signed up to the project.

NF1 affects approximately 1 in 2,500 children. Although the severity of the condition varies from person to person, about half of all children affected by the condition may have difficulties with learning, autism or ADHD.

Dr Shruti Garg, Senior Lecturer at 糖心Vlog官方 and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health Theme Capacity Development Lead, is leading the international research.

Dr Garg, who is also Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Royal Manchester Children鈥檚 Hospital, part of MFT said: 鈥淟earning and behavioural difficulties in NF1 can profoundly impact the quality of lives of affected children and young people. This funding provides a crucial opportunity for researchers to deepen our understanding of how changes in the NF1 gene impact brain development.

鈥淛ust like 鈥榞rowth-charts鈥� are widely used to monitor children鈥檚 physical growth, our research will enable us to create NF1-specific 鈥榖rain charts鈥� to serve as a reference for age-related changes in brain structure.鈥�

Dr Nils Muhlert, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Neuroanatomy at the University of Manchester said: 鈥淭his project is a powerful illustration of collaboration across the world, and we are tremendously excited about what it might achieve.鈥�

Karen Cockburn, Charity Director of Nerve Tumours UK, said: "We fully endorse this extremely important global project, and the work of Dr Shruti Garg, who is also a member of the charity's Medical Advisory Board. This research and its potential findings will be of huge benefit for the NF1 community.鈥�

Dr Grace Vassallo, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Clinical Lead for the Complex NF1 Service at the Manchester Centre for Genomic Centre for Medicine at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital, said: 鈥淲e are incredibly grateful for this unique opportunity to collaborate in cutting edge research into the developing NF1 Brain charts which will in future improve the clinical care for children and young people with NF1.鈥�

The new suggests that repeated head injuries, such as concussions, a known risk factor for Alzheimer鈥檚 disease (AD), may reactivate a common dormant virus in the brain, increasing the risk of AD and other neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers found that even mild brain trauma can trigger this chain reaction, leading to harmful changes associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.

, the researchers demonstrated the roles that common viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (the so-called cold sore virus) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) (which causes chickenpox and shingles) play in the development of AD. HSV-1 can lie dormant in human cells for a lifetime, but when it re-awakens it can cause changes that resemble changes observed in AD patients鈥� brains - amyloid plaque-like formations (PLFs), gliosis, neuroinflammation, and decreased functionality.

In the latest study, published today in Science Signaling, the researchers once again used their small, 3D, bioengineered human brain tissue model to test the effects of physical trauma on the brain cells. When the brain tissues were exposed to repeated "mild blows," similar to concussions, the previously dormant HSV-1 virus became active. This reactivation triggered inflammation, beta-amyloid plaque build-up, and the formation of harmful tau proteins, which can damage brain cells and impair memory.

Importantly, the researchers also found that blocking an inflammatory molecule called Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1尾) prevented many of these harmful effects in lab models, opening the door to potential new treatments for those at risk. 

Professor Ruth Itzhaki, who led the research with Drs Cairns and Kaplan at Tufts, has been researching the potential role of HSV-1 in AD for more than 30 years, beginning at the University of Manchester, where her team discovered HSV-1 DNA is present in the human brain in a high proportion of older people - the first microbe to be detected definitively in normal human brains. 

Professor Itzhaki, Visiting Professorial Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing and Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester, said: 鈥淗ead injuries are already recognised as a major risk factor, as are the cumulative effect of common infections, for conditions such as Alzheimer鈥檚 and dementia, but this is the first time we have been able to demonstrate a mechanism for that process.

鈥淲hat we鈥檝e discovered is that in the brain model these injuries can reactivate a dormant virus, HSV1, setting off inflammation which, in the brain, would lead to the very changes we see in Alzheimer鈥檚 patients.

鈥淯nderstanding both the risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer鈥檚, and the mechanism by which they develop, is important in being able to target treatment and prevention at as early a point as possible.鈥�

The researchers hope their work will pave the way for new treatments to protect against neurodegeneration, particularly for those at high risk due to repeated concussions.

The full paper, 鈥楻epetitive injury induces phenotypes associated with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease by reactivating HSV-1 in a human brain tissue model鈥�, is published in.

The Bezos Earth Fund - established by Amazon鈥檚 founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos in 2020 - is dedicated to supporting efforts that combat climate change and protect nature. With a $10 billion commitment, the fund seeks to drive innovative solutions, catalyse new technologies and promote systemic change to preserve the planet for future generations.

The Bezos Earth Fund announced the $1m Ideation Prize to Accelerate Greenhouse Gas Removal Technology in January 2024, as part of the Fund鈥檚 broader Greenhouse Gas Removal initiative. The Prize, as managed by the Experiment Foundation, received more than 700 submissions from around the world. 糖心Vlog官方's project 鈥� was chosen as one of the 13 winning proposals.

For more information, please visit the .

Scientists have long known that many animals have a magnetic sense, which some use to navigate around the Earth, particularly during their spectacular seasonal migrations. However, given that the Earth has a large magnet at its core, it is perhaps not surprising that accumulating evidence suggests that all animals can respond to magnetic fields: often termed the 鈥榮ixth-sense鈥�.

A team of researchers composed of behavioural biologists Professors Ezio Rosato and Charalambos Kyriacou from the University of Leicester and including neurophysiologists Professors Richard Baines and Stuart Peirson, from Manchester and Oxford Universities, alongside quantum scientist Dr Alex Jones from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has been awarded 拢3 million by Wellcome to understand how animals are able to detect magnetic fields.

Professor Ezio Rosato, from Leicester鈥檚 Department of said: 鈥淲e and others have shown that a blue-light sensing protein called Cryptochrome (CRY) is at the heart of magnetoreception.

鈥淗owever, we surprisingly observed that only a short stretch at the end of CRY is absolutely required to mediate a biological response to magnetic fields. This is significant because it shows that animals might detect magnetic fields via a variety of mechanisms.

Professor Richard Baines from the at the University of Manchester added:  鈥淭his award consolidates our earlier work because by understanding how the short CRY fragment functions, we will be able to move closer towards understanding the fundamental mechanisms of magnetoreception.鈥�

Dr. Alex Jones, Principal Scientist at NPL, said: 鈥淭his work has significant potential to inform the development of measurement tools based on an engineered version of CRY that enables non-invasive, magnetic stimulation of target cells. Such tools would reduce measurement uncertainty in complex and noisy biological systems, and could even form the basis of future magnetic cell therapies.鈥�

Leicester鈥檚 Professor of Behavioural Genetics and co-investigator Charalambos Kyriacou added: 鈥淲e are a team with a unique blend of expertise, bridging the gap between quantum physics and biology, whose principles underly magnetoreception, and behaviour.

鈥淥ur interdisciplinary approach has already provided major advances in this area. Thus, we are uniquely positioned to attempt to solve this fascinating and long-standing biological enigma.鈥�

The award by Wellcome, which provides funding for research into science and health, will support the team鈥檚 research work over the next five years.

鈥淕ary Younge鈥檚 ability to probe complex issues with humanity, depth and wit is unparalleled,鈥� said Professor Claire Alexander, Head of the School of Social Sciences at 糖心Vlog官方. 鈥淲e are thrilled to see his remarkable contributions to journalism recognised on this global stage.鈥�

Professor Younge will be formally presented with the award at a ceremony in New York City later this year. 

The Horizon scandal, which led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of subpostmasters, has severely dented the public鈥檚 perception of the Post Office as an institution. Against this backdrop, across the Post Office network.

These further cuts to a system already struggling can only do further harm to the sense that well-resourced public services could and should play a central role in everyday life.

In my , I spoke to people about their thoughts on the Post Office and their ideas about the future of society more generally. One interviewee relished their trips to Manchester鈥檚 now-closed crown post office at Spring Gardens and described it, with only a little irony, as 鈥渢he cathedral of post鈥�.

They loved the way it revealed something of the workings of a larger, complex and world-spanning system of communication. They also liked to daydream about how it would be to live in a society oriented towards a more community-focused, village-like way of life.

My work looks at these speculative dimensions of social life 鈥� the way hopes, dreams and desires for other ways of living are expressed by people now. These speculative dimensions have a political significance 鈥� they tell us something about the forms of social organisation people yearn for, and what frustrates them about our current way of living. Understanding how public infrastructures influence these frustrations and desires is a key focus of my research.

The infrastructures which facilitate social life also send signals to us about how society is organised, what鈥檚 valued and powerful within it, and what seems likely to be valued in the future. They help structure our ideas about what society is and what it could be like.

In the case of the Post Office, the Horizon scandal demonstrates how the consequences can be severe and dystopian when something malfunctions within a key institution of this kind.

Historically, the Post Office played a key role in developing infrastructures of modern life that came to be cherished. Key among these, as historian has noted, is routine engagement with paid officials of the state, through Post Office staff and postal delivery workers, or 鈥減osties鈥�.

Speaking to Post Office workers and posties has long been among the most positively regarded interactions that an ordinary person routinely has with state infrastructures. Local post offices and posties have represented valued senses of local knowledge, community overwatch and benevolent officialdom.

Crown post offices (the larger branches in the network), often inhabiting a significant spot in a town or city centre, have done their bit too, contributing a sense of civic importance to a place, alongside libraries and town halls. They have provided access to a professional, knowledgeable human interface between a complex system of multiple state services, and those who rely on them.

But our positive engagements with this state system have been placed under decades of increasing strain. Privatisation has flowed from a creeping rejection of the idea that publicly owned public services could ever function beautifully. This, in turn, has left the services we need on a daily basis under-resourced.

The condition of crown post offices has reflected this. Their interiors often emanate a stark sense of minimal upkeep and only grudging repair. Already, many crown post offices have been closed. Where their services have not fully disappeared, they have been precariously relegated to space in retailers such as WH Smiths.

Meanwhile, the way we communicate, shop and socialise has been altering dramatically. Digital communication technology is impressing itself ever further into our social lives. Technology has deeply embedded associations with the future, but with this also comes a sense of unavoidability. The way AI is spoken about, as something set to bring inevitable and consequential transformations of our lives 鈥� whether we like it or not 鈥� is a case in point.

Both of these things 鈥� the neglect of physical places where we interact with state services and the increasing technologisation of social life 鈥� contribute to a growing sense of anachronism about places like the post office. The idea that a public service might attend to the public good in a well-appointed, pleasant, urban public setting feels, for no good reason, like a relic of the past.

All this affects the ways we imagine social futures. It brings a false air of inevitability to the loss of things people still need and care deeply about.

When talking with users of post offices for my research, there was a simultaneous sense among them that posties and post offices contributed vital resources to everyday life, and that technology meant these things were not likely to survive much further into the future. This was often regarded as something to be accepted, even as it was acknowledged that what was going to be lost was something important and irreplaceable.

But such losses are not inevitable. They are a political choice built on two key failures 鈥� failure to challenge the idea that well-funded, publicly owned and run public services are unaffordable, and failure to envisage ways of organising public services in the digital age, such that they retain the vital material contributions they make to places.

Further losses to the crown post office network would represent a sad and, I believe, unnecessary extension of these failures.

, Research Assistant, School of Social Sciences,
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, a distinguished researcher and educator at 糖心Vlog官方, has been made an OBE for his exceptional services to the Advancement of Knowledge in Social Mobility and to Ethnic Integration.

Professor Li is one of more than 1,200 people across the country, in all fields of work, who have been handed honours to celebrate their contributions to society, community, or their area of employment.

Professor Yaojun Li is a Professor of Sociology at the University, his work focuses on social mobility and social stratification, social capital, education, labour market positions, ethnic integration and comparative studies, especially between Britain and China.

Speaking about being recognised in the Honours list Yaojun said: 鈥淚 am completely humbled and startled. It is beyond my dream of all dreams. I wish to thank all colleagues who have given me so much help, advice and support all these years.鈥�

Honours typically celebrate the contributions of well-known personalities, government employees, and ordinary people who have served their community. Most honours are awarded at New Year and on the monarch's official birthday, in June.

Keely Hodgkinson, Greater Manchester's two time Olympic medallist and recent Sport Personality of the Year champion, has also been awarded an MBE for services to Athletics after winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024. Keely was one of in this year鈥檚 Games supported by the University鈥檚 Performance Sport team.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 鈥淓ach and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities. They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does. The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.鈥�

King George V created these honours during World War One to reward services to the war effort by civilians at home and service personnel in support positions. The ranks are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). They are now awarded for prominent national or regional roles and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity.

University alumni and affiliates:
 

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Dr. Anthony Freeman

BSc(Hons) Mathematics 1979; PhD Mathematics 1982

Retired Head of Formulation for Solar System Exploration, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA

CBE for UK/US Relations in Space and Earth Science

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Dr. Sarah Lancashire

Hon LittD 2018

Actor: Coronation Street, Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, Black Doves

CBE for Drama

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Professor Christine Harrison

BSc(Hons) Genetics and Cell Biology 1975; PhD Oncology 1978

Academic - Professor of Childhood Cancer Cytogenetics at Newcastle University; Trustee of Blood Cancer UK

OBE for contributions to children with acute leukaemia

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Professor Petra Oyston

BSc(Hons) Bacteriology and Virology 1987; PhD Cell and Structural Biology 1991

Fellow, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Non-Executive Director, Zentraxa

OBE for contributions to Science and Defence

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Professor Daniel Davis

BSc(Hons) Physics 1992

Head of Life Sciences and Professor of Immunology, Imperial College London

MBE for Science Communication

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Mr. Francis Galvin

BA(Hons) Combined Studies 1978

Retired museum curator and former Chair of Manchester Historic Buildings Trust

MBE for contributions to Heritage

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Mrs. Christine Lyness

Dip Guidance and Counselling in Education 1983

Former teacher and now governor at Ashton Sixth Form College

MBE for contributions to Education

The English Language Support Academy for Medics will work with the gynaecologists, surgeons, paediatricians, emergency medical doctors and GPs in 2025.

The Belfast programme is supported by REACHE, a 21-year-old medical education programme funded by NHS England that in 2024 has helped 123 health professionals, mainly doctors and nurses on their journey to regain their professional registrations in England.

The programme is being led by Dr Aisha Awan, Director of REACHE at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, and a clinical lecturer at 糖心Vlog官方. 

Dr Awan said: 鈥淩EACHE offers an excellent return on investment. Its nearly six times cheaper and takes half the time of training medical students in the UK.

鈥淭he fall of the Assad regime in Syria brings the plight of refugees and asylum seekers sharply into focus.

鈥淏ut rather than wasting the experience of these skilled medical professionals when we need doctors and nurses desperately, REACHE supports them to be part of the solution to our national challenges.鈥�

She added: 鈥淩efugee doctors have an average of seven years post-registration experience under their belt.

鈥淲ith specialist language and acculturation training alongside strong pastoral support, they are well able  to fill the estimated shortfall of around 50,000 doctors in the NHS.鈥�

According to REACHE, the recruitment of refugees and asylum-seeking doctors and nurses prevents them from becoming deskilled through inactivity in their host country.

That way they can then return to their nations after conflicts end and provide health services to traumatised citizens and rebuild their country.

• Image 1 : the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray welcomes a refugee group of doctors at the opening of the programme. From L to R they are  Dr Ghaleb Daher,  Lord Mayor, Dr Yasmeen Ahmed and Dr Mohameden Omer 
• Image 2: From Left to right they are: Jennifer Taggart, NHS service manager; Councillor Micky Murray; Aisha Awan; Dr Kathy Cullen, interim Centre Director, Queen's University

The extinction of the Dinosaur was a tumultuous time that included some of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥� led by 糖心Vlog官方 鈥� 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 鈥渟nap鈥� 鈥� cooling of about 5掳C 鈥� 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鈥檛 catastrophic enough to kill them off dinosaurs.

Dr Lauren O鈥機onnor, lead scientist and now Research Fellow at Utrecht University, said: 鈥淭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.鈥�

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: 鈥淭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.鈥�

Bart van Dongen, Professor of Organic Geochemistry at 糖心Vlog官方, added: 鈥淭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.鈥�

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

The impressive results of a small scale randomized controlled trial called the Clip-Tone System -comprising a simple inhaler add-on and a smartphone app - was funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research andAsthma + Lung UK . 

The smartphone app created by Clin-e-cal, a digital health company spun-out from the University of Manchester and supported by Clement Clarke International, helps patients learn to use their inhalers properly. 

The Clip-Tone System provides day to day guidance feedback to steer inhaler users towards correct inhaler technique. 

And as up to 90% of inhaler users do not use their inhalers correctly, the system is likely to improve efficacy of treatment given via inhaler. 

Clip-Tone System builds on a simple whistle -  the Clip-Tone manufactured by Clement Clarke International - that clips onto the inhaler鈥檚 canister, and sounds when a user inhales. The acoustic signal is picked up by the Clin-e-cal smartphone app, giving real time feedback on good or poor technique. 

Professor Tariq Aslam, who is also a consultant ophthalmologist, designed the original prototype software10 years ago for his then 4-year-old son Rafi, who needed to use a special form of asthma inhaler for children. 

At times, Rafi needed to take an inhaler every four hours but found he found it traumatic and hard to accept the mask and spacer device pressed against his mouth in his wheezy state. 

A microphone built into the inhaler鈥檚 mask is picked up by software designed by Prof Aslam, which allowed a cartoon robot to progress through various storylines, like knocking over obstacles with footballs, when Rafi used the device properly. 

The device he called the Rafihaler helped his son master the technique and was then able to take his medication properly and miraculously without distress. 

Professor Aslam said: 鈥淢y son Rafi really struggled to take his inhaler which was so stressful and frightening for us all. I was determined to do something about it and so designed a system on a shoestring which could help train him. 

鈥淣ot only it did it work spectacularly, he actually found the experience enjoyable. It was utterly transformational-  and from that time on Rafi was able to take his asthma meds when he needed them.鈥� 

After joining forces with Clare Murray, Professor of paediatric respiratory medicine at 糖心Vlog官方 the smartphone feedback system was redesigned to replace the microphone and take advantage of the Clip-Tone training tool, which enabled adult users to be guided by both acoustic and visual stimuli. 

The randomized control trial of 117 adults, led by Professor Murray, analysed the efficacy of the Clip-Tone System (CTS) in asthmatic patients over 1, 3 and 6 months, using a scoring system for the inhalation technique and measuring the mean inhalation time.

The patients using the system significantly improved their technique to achieve a near perfect score, and significantly increased their inhalation time which was maintained for the duration of the study.

Focus groups also revealed that some patients didn鈥檛 realise they had been using their inhalers incorrectly. Others got so used to using the training device, they felt uncomfortable taking their meds without it.

Professor Murray said: 鈥淚nhaler therapy is the mainstay of treatment for airway disease and is highly effective if taken correctly.

鈥淗owever, of the 70% of inhalers supplied in the UK which are pressurised metered dose inhalers, around 90% of users have poor inhaler technique.

鈥淚nhalation flow rate, duration of inhalation, and poorly timed actuation are common mistakes.

鈥淭he inability of patients to take the correct dose will inevitably mean that treatment is not optimal which is highly stressful for patients and can result in ongoing symptoms.鈥�

She added: 鈥淥ur trial showed that the Clip-Tone System teaches patients to increase the length of their inhalation time as well as improving coordination.

鈥淲e think the system may be a useful low-cost approach for the initial training of patients to use inhalers, but also could be helpful to maintain improved inhaler technique.

鈥淚t may also have the potential to lead to fewer side effects and improve asthma control.

The Clip-Tone is not currently available for sale but the inventors hope a partner can be found to bring this device to the market to serve the many patients it could help.

• For more details visit the Clin-e-cal

Circadian rhythms are our internal 24-hour body clocks. These natural cycles of physiological and behavioural patterns, if disrupted, can have adverse effects on ageing and related health issues.

The project, called CircadiAgeing, will focus on understanding how both the well-known molecular clock and the less studied processes in cell membranes influence daily changes in cell activity.

Through an interdisciplinary approach using cutting-edge electrophysiology, imaging, genetic analysis and computational biology, the research team hopes to develop ways to better understand and strengthen these biological clocks, to promote healthier ageing and potentially reduce age-related disorders.

, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Neuroscience, is a part of CircadiAgeing鈥檚 core team. 

Dr Belle said: 鈥淚 am excited to be part of the CircardiAgeing research programme and fantastic team of world-leading researchers in circadian biology and neuroscience."

The programme, funded for 60 months, is a collaboration between Dr Mino Belle (University of Manchester), Dr Marco Brancaccio (UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London), Professor Hugh Piggins (University of Bristol), Professor Krasi Tsaneva-Atananova (University of Exeter), and Dr Alessio Vagnoni (King's College London). The project is led by Professor James Hodge (University of Bristol).

Professor James Hodge said: 鈥淲e will take advantage of the powerful genetics and short lifespan of the fruit fly to determine the effect of age on the clock translating our finding to a nocturnal, and for the first time, a day active species of rodent using closely aligned computational models, innovative tools and protocols developed by our labs.

鈥淲e will employ, a holistic approach taking a multiple-disciplinary approach to understanding how the circadian clock works at every level across the whole life course. Finally, we will investigate evolutionary conserved interventions to rejuvenate rhythms and behaviour extending health during ageing, revealing ways to potentially allow our ageing population to continue to live well and independently.鈥�

The funding comes from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), who have backed four groundbreaking research projects through their (sLoLa). The scheme supports innovative teams in pursuing ambitious, multidisciplinary long-term bioscience research.

The Cockcroft Institute is a partnership between the Universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Liverpool, Strathclyde, and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), dedicated to developing and constructing particle accelerators for pure and applied research purposes. 

The Cockcroft Institute is the national centre for accelerator research and development in the UK. It was established almost two decades ago and comprises of over 200 academics and professional accelerator staff dedicated to innovating the future of accelerator science.

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI ERIC) is a research infrastructure with the world鈥檚 largest and most advanced collection of high-power, high-repetition-rate lasers. As an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science and research applications, ELI provides access to state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge research. 

The ELI ERIC operates as a single multi-site organisation with complementary facilities specialised in different fields of research with extreme light. The Attosecond Light Pulse Source Facility (ELI ALPS), based in Hungary, is primarily aimed at realising bright, ultrafast, laser-driven secondary photon sources, driven by high-intensity, high-average power, few-cycle-pulse lasers. ELI ALPS is also developing state-of-the-art high repetition rate, laser-driven particle (electron, ion, neutron) acceleration beamlines.

The collaboration agreement targets research in laser-driven plasma acceleration, with Manchester and Lancaster providing expertise in laser-particle beam manipulation on ultra-fast (femtosecond, 10-15 second) time scales. STFC will provide insight and expertise in the control and capture of micron-size beams which are generated when laser beams with 100鈥檚 or terawatts of power interact with a plasma.

The collaboration has arisen from research undertaken by Manchester and Lancaster in laser-driven control of electron beams, including in user experiments at the ELI ALPS Facility. The agreement supports the establishment of joint PhD studentships, and a reciprocal arrangement for the exchange or hosting of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and ELI staff.

Professor Steven Jamison of Lancaster鈥檚 Physics Department and the Lancaster lead in the MoU, said: 鈥淭his MoU is a recognition of the significant research potential that arises through the bringing together of our expertise and facility resources. It is my wish, and expectation, that through collaboration we will achieve important advances in the science and technology of generating and controlling high-energy electron beams with lasers. The technologies being targeted are revolutionary in applications such as x-ray sources and particle beams for high energy physics."

Allen Weeks, ELI ERIC Director General, added: 鈥淲e are thrilled to be partnering with The Cockcroft Institute on laser-driven plasma acceleration which has broad scientific and technological applications, from high-energy physics to next-generation radiation sources. Collaborations like this are at the heart of ELI ERIC鈥檚 mission to push the boundaries of high-energy laser science while also supporting the education and training of PhD students, early career researchers and staff. These exchanges will facilitate connections and engagements between our institutes for both of our benefits.鈥�

鈥淲e look forward to a year of events, exhibitions and celebration as we mark the Library鈥檚 birthday at the same time as we complete the latest investment by the University; John Rylands Next Chapter will provide new meeting spaces, digital imaging facilities and world-class exhibitions spaces for everyone to enjoy,鈥� Professor Pressler added. 鈥淚 look forward to welcoming everyone to our great Library in 2025.鈥�

Launching the Rylands鈥� new special exhibition gallery, The Secret Public examines the importance and influence of LGBTQ performers, artists and activists on mainstream popular culture. Inspired by the recently published book, The Secret Public: how LGBTQ performers shaped popular culture 1955 to 1979 by Jon Savage, the exhibition presents over 100 key pieces from his extensive collection of archive and research materials which form part of the British Pop Archive housed at the Rylands.

The Secret Public foregrounds the artists, public figures, social issues and political discourse from within which a lasting creative explosion happened and which is still felt today. The exhibition extends the date range of the book through to 1985.

Jon Savage, author and Professor of Popular Culture at 糖心Vlog官方 said: 鈥淭hese materials have been collected over a 40-year period and represent one of the largest private Queer archives in the country. I am very pleased to announce that they are now held within the British Pop Archive.鈥�

May



The School of Social Sciences launched a new scholarship in May in memory of Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate Laura Nuttall, who sadly passed away in 2023 after a long battle against cancer. In keeping with Laura鈥檚 dedication to helping others, and with the collaboration and support of Laura鈥檚 family, the School will award an eligible student from a less privileged background with a physical condition, long term illness or learning difference with a scholarship of 拢3000 per year for every year of their degree. 

Also in May, the Faculty announced that it had secured 拢2.73 million to enhance its research and teaching capabilities in the critical areas of AI, trust and society. The funding is being matched by 拢2 million from the Faculty itself, and the investment will go towards appointing an interdisciplinary team of six senior lecturer or lecturer-level academics, six post-doctoral research associates and six PhD students. 

June



In June, Professor of Physical Geography Jamie Woodward was named as one of the most impactful environmental professionals in the UK in The ENDS Report Power List. The annual report names 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years, with Professor Woodward one of the 10 academics identified as shaping the science on environmental issues. He was one of the earliest academics to raise awareness about the issue of widespread discharges of untreated sewage into UK rivers and waterways, and he has worked tirelessly to expose this scandal, engaging policymakers across Parliament and local government to ensure water companies are held to account for their illegal practices. 

In the same month Programme Director for MA Screenwriting Jonathan Hourigan won the Grand Jury Award for the International Competition at Sheffield DocFest for his film 鈥楢t the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking鈥� - the film follows an elderly man living in isolation in  Bosnia and Herzegovina, weaving together a tapestry of dreamlike visuals as it records the routines of his daily life.

July



July saw Steven Courtney, Professor of Sociology of Education and Director of Research at the Manchester Institute of Education, being given a major award in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to educational knowledge, leadership and management throughout his career. Steven was given a Distinguished Service Award - the society鈥檚 highest accolade 鈥� by BELMAS, the leading global independent voice in education leadership. Winners of the award receive a lifetime membership, and are invited to join the Distinguished Service Award Advisory Board which meets twice a year to provide the society with insight and feedback in relation to their work.

Also this month, the University's Dr Ruth Lamont was appointed as the new Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead for Crime and Justice. She will be joining a cohort of 8 top researchers, selected by The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and UK Research and Innovation, who will play a crucial role in bringing research and innovation to the forefront of Government decision-making. 

August



There was good news for the Faculty during the summer break, as eleven student teachers from 糖心Vlog官方 received the Primary Science Enhancement Award for Initial Teacher Education. Our students made up over 10% of the entire UK's winners, and after receiving the award, they are now able to start their careers with increased competence and confidence when teaching science and are equipped to take up future school leadership positions in science. 

September



The start of the new academic year was marked by the appointment of Professor Cecilia Wong as the new Chair of the UK2070 Commission, an independent inquiry into city and regional inequalities in the United Kingdom - has announced the appointment of Professor Cecilia Wong as its new Chair. Professor Wong - a distinguished academic and a Professor of Spatial Planning and Co-Director of Policy@Manchester - will bring a wealth of expertise and an exceptional track record in urban and regional development to the prestigious role.

The month also saw the launch of several major pieces of research into a range of subjects including shortcuts being taken by architects, teenage social media use and older people not claiming benefits - each of these stories gained widespread media coverage drawing attention to important societal issues.

October



October saw the naming of our 26th Nobel Laureate, as Manchester alumnus Simon Johnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for his groundbreaking research into understanding wealth disparities between different nations. Simon studied Economics at Manchester in the 1980s, and is now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Also this month, the University inaugurated the Global Humanities Alliance, an initiative forged by eight international universities to raise the profile of humanities and social sciences across the globe. Academics from partner institutions gathered in person and online to mark the beginning of this collaborative effort at an inaugural meeting.  

November



The University announced a new 拢8 million research centre in November focused on equitable low-carbon living, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, which aims to address climate change challenges. The Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) will accelerate the understanding of a just transition by coordinating research into action at all levels of society.

The move of English National Opera to Manchester was also accompanied this month by the launch of a new partnership with the University which will invite the people of Greater Manchester to explore the opportunities for the artform, engage with new communities and discuss what it means to have an opera company based in our city region. 

December



The final month of the year saw Professor Claire Alexander being announced as this year鈥檚 winner of the Distinguished Service to British Sociology Award, which is given to the outstanding individual who has contributed most to the discipline by leading an extraordinary life as a sociologist.

In December researchers at the Global Development Institute were also awarded with 拢1.3 million by the Ford Foundation to establish a research observatory studying the role land rights play in a just transition to a decarbonised future. A team of GDI researchers will lead the observatory鈥檚 activities alongside co-investigators at the University of Ghana, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the Federal University of Par谩 in Brazil.. 

These stories reflect the Faculty's commitment to addressing global challenges through research, education and social responsibility.

Unit M is dedicated to tackling the full spectrum of innovation challenges 鈥� from research and development to innovation adoption, as well as talent and skills development. By enhancing access to the University鈥檚 world-class research, innovation resources, and expertise, it seeks to address critical regional and national issues, including productivity, innovation uptake, and economic inclusivity.

Professor Miller will take up her role as Chief Scientific Officer immediately within the newly formed leadership team. 鈥淚 am thrilled to take on the role of Chief Scientific Officer for Unit M. I am passionate about generating tangible impact from our teaching, research and social responsibility activities.鈥� Said Aline. 鈥淚 look forward to working with our students, staff and external partners to unlock innovation growth opportunities to maximise the University鈥檚 impact on our region鈥檚 economy and society.鈥�

Aline is Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Associate Dean for Business Engagement and Innovation within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at 糖心Vlog官方. She is Director of the NW Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst 鈥� a 拢5m flagship programme supercharging the growth of careers, business and the regional economy, while delivering sustainable products and processes.

Aline鈥檚 academic achievements to date have earned her several notable awards, including recognition from the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women in Engineering, The Leverhulme Trust, and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Aline has also developed an impressive track record of securing funding and translating academic research into commercial and clinical applications through collaborations with a range of industry partners, from SMEs to large corporations.

She also co-founded a spin-out company, Manchester BIOGEL, which, under her leadership as CEO, secured over 拢4M in investment from Innovate UK, venture capital, private investors, and Catapult Venture Funds. The company grew to a team of 10, became revenue-generating, and achieved significant recognition, being listed among the Top 10 Biotech Start-Ups in Europe by Start-Up City in 2021 and winning Best New Life Science Product 2021. In 2023, Manchester BIOGEL successfully navigated an exit, with its technology being acquired by Cell Guidance Systems Ltd.

The announcement follows the recent appointment of Professor Lou Cordwell as CEO of Unit M.

Lou said: 鈥淲e're thrilled to welcome Aline into the founding Unit M team. Her leadership experience both in her field and as a founder will be invaluable, alongside her passion for growing the calibre and profile of the region's start-up ecosystem."

Unit M is now live and actively engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers eager to shape the future of the region.

For more information about Unit M and partnership opportunities, visit 

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 鈥� 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 拢4.2 million funding award from UK Research and Innovation to tackle some of the UK鈥檚 most challenging resilience and security problems. 

March

March saw the Faculty of Science and Engineering鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog官方 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 鈥� thought to be the world鈥檚 purest silicon  鈥�&苍产蝉辫; that allows construction of high-performance qubit devices 鈥� 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 鈥渋nvaluable contributions to science鈥� 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鈥檚 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 鈥� 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鈥檚 most astonishing phenomena.

A project that aims to advance research software practices across the UK, was awarded a record 拢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 鈥榳onder material鈥�, 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鈥檚 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 鈥� one in cyber security and one in nuclear robotics 鈥� each supported by a 拢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 鈥� the squirting cucumber.

December

To end the year on a high, the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 Ocean Decade for its recent challenge 鈥楳otion in the Ocean鈥�. And a new study from the  describes a novel biological method to convert mixed municipal waste-like fractions 鈥� including food scraps, plastics, and textiles 鈥� into valuable bio-products. 

糖心Vlog官方 kicked off its 200^th anniversary with the first of many celebrations. To mark the beginning of the bicentenary year, crowds of staff, students and alumni gathered to watch a wonderful pathway of light illuminate Oxford Road. Our Global Centres across the world also took part, by organising reunions and unique events (including a light-up tram) in Hong Kong, Dubai and Shanghai. While Light Up went global, astronomers looked to locations less terrestrial, as a team of researchers uncovered a new and unknown pulsar orbiting in the Milky Way. Back on Earth, the University鈥檚 proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus accommodation was approved, and a biomedical Egyptologist discovered recording cards - thought to have been lost in World War Two - which detail one of the first ever excavations in Lower Nubia. January was brought to a close with an award of over 拢23.5m presented to the University to lead the delivery of doctoral programme training for psychologists.

February



In February, we celebrated two brilliant achievements: the city of Manchester was named a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, with the University recognised as a key partner. The University was also awarded accreditation status by the United Nations Environment Programme, making us one of only 20 universities worldwide to receive this accolade. As the months turned colder, a new study began which measured air pollution from domestic wood burners 鈥� the biggest sources of small particulate matter nationwide. Graphene research reached new heights as the first human trial revealed the 鈥榳onder鈥� material can be developed safely without acute risk to human health. With AI continuing to sweep the nation, the University joined a new research hub that will focus on developing AI tools to help revolutionise healthcare. To continue the bicentenary celebrations, the University launched the innovative Talk200 series, a podcast and lecture series which reflected on our past, celebrated our present and looked to our future.

March

To coincide with International Women鈥檚 Day, an immersive project combined academic research with art and activism, to spotlight inequalities faced by Manchester鈥檚 diverse female population. Building on the University鈥檚 sustained support for doctoral training, we were awarded 拢30m for investment into training the next generation of science and engineering researchers. The University was named as an Academic Centre of Excellence in recognition of its internationally leading cyber security research. We proudly celebrated two academics this month: a postdoctoral researcher was awarded the prestigious L'Or茅al UNESCO Award for Women in Science for her work in sustainable development, and an associate professor at the Global Development Institute (GDI) was awarded two grants for his project researching the African political economy. The GDI also announced they received a further transformational donation of 拢2m from the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation.

April

In April, a Universities UK campaign highlighted the phenomenal success of Manchester students who were the first in their family to attend university. Manchester鈥檚  educational achievements were further celebrated in April as the University was awarded the title of University of the Year at the Educate North Awards. Down in Somerset, a Manchester palaeontologist identified bones found on a beach as belonging to a new species of prehistoric marine reptile - thanks to a discovery made by a local father and daughter. A new collaborative study revealed antipsychotic use in people with dementia is associated with higher risks of serious health outcomes compared with non-use. To round off the month, the Pet Shop Boys took to the John Rylands Library for an 鈥榠n conversation鈥� event with Jon Savage, Professor of Popular Culture, to mark the release of their new album.

May



With spring underway and the summer months in sight, May ushered in a new season of bicentenary celebrations as a city-wide open-air exhibition, began the countdown to the Universally Manchester Festival in June. Spring also brought an exciting green landmark partnership, which could see the University source up to 65% of its electricity from a brand-new solar farm. The University announced a new scholarship in memory of Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate Laura Nuttall who passed away in May 2023. Researchers continued to build on the work of Ernest Rutherford, by using his pioneering methods to produce a new form of silicon that brings us one step closer to scalable quantum computers. To bring May to a close, the University received a 拢1.5m donation from alumnus Sir Terry Leahy to fund research into regional inequality.

June



At the beginning of June, the University was named number one in both the UK and Europe - and second in the world - for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals. We welcomed close to 10,000 visitors to our four day bicentenary festival, Universally Manchester. With over 200 free, immersive events, the festival featured renowned figures like Professor Brian Cox and Professor David Olusoga, making it a truly unforgettable celebration. The University also celebrated four professors who were recognised in the King鈥檚 Birthday Honours list for their extraordinary impact on the lives of people across the country. Meanwhile, archaeology tours returned to Arthur鈥檚 Stone - a Neolithic burial chamber with a trove of mysteries to unearth - for a final year of excavations. From down in the ground to up in the sky, engineers at Manchester designed a robot that can jump a record-breaking 120 metres high, which is more than the height of Big Ben. Scientists also discovered a surprising link between ancient biology and restricted human hair growth, which could progress treatments for hair loss.

July



With the summer months in full swing, Creative Manchester and Jodrell Bank hosted a day of literature events to celebrate one of the UK's most influential contemporary novelists, Alan Garner, and the Summer Solstice. July saw one of our most read stories; researchers used state of the art 3D imaging technology to determine the probable cause of death of a mummified crocodile. Scientists also found the restoration of upland peatlands to be a highly effective strategy for reducing downstream flooding. The University celebrated two academics who were honoured with Future Leaders Fellowships, by UK Research and Innovation, to progress research into cystic fibrosis and clean water supplies. As July drew to a close, the University turned to commemorate the end of Nancy Rothwell鈥檚 14-year term as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. To celebrate and honour her tenure, the Engineering Campus Development (MECD) was named the Nancy Rothwell Building at a special ceremony at the end of July.

August



While the academic year drew to a close, our teaching staff were busy celebrating two prestigious national award wins. For the second year in a row, we were awarded the Collaborative Award for Teaching by Advance HE, and the University also celebrated the announcement of a new National Teaching Fellow, Dr Minjie Xing. This year鈥檚 Academic Ranking of World Universities saw Manchester place at number 52, both a brilliant achievement and an important reminder to continue striving for improvement. Meanwhile, striking new research revealed people in the North of England are among the worst affected by Long Covid. Another ground-breaking study uncovered immune responses to gonorrhoea, which could potentially support the creation of more effective vaccines.

September



The new academic year started with a bang as MA student Grace Harvey won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Paralympic Games in Paris. With students swarming campus once again, the University partnered with In Our Nature to launch the reuseable 鈥楤ee Cup鈥� scheme to continue efforts to reduce the University鈥檚 carbon footprint. A new study revealed ocean waves are far more indomitable and complex than previously imagined, which could alter our fundamental understanding of several ocean processes. The University proudly shared that Dr Bovinille Anye Cho received the prestigious Royal Society Career Development Fellowship, a programme aimed at developing underrepresentation in UK STEM academia. September concluded with the exciting unveiling of Manchester鈥檚 new 拢1.7bn innovation district鈥檚 first building, Sister - primed to be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.

October



October saw our annual Foundation Day, which celebrates the coming together of the Victoria University and 糖心Vlog官方 Institute of Science and Technology. This years鈥� celebrations were particularly significant, as the event also marked the University鈥檚 200^th anniversary and inauguration of our new President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison. At the start of the month, the University launched Unit M, a new capability to connect and catalyse the innovation ecosystem in Manchester. Celebrations did not stop there, as the University proudly announced alumnus Simon Johnson was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics for his research into wealth disparities. The University was honoured to host the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2024 in our bicentenary year, attracting more than 650 delegates from over 80 countries. A busy October drew to a closed with the University marking 20 years since the Nobel-Prize winning 鈥榳onder鈥� material graphene was first isolated.

November



At the beginning of November, the University announced a new 拢8m research centre in the North of England which will focus on building a greener future. Championing  climate action down south, a Professor attended the Reception for International Sustainability at Buckingham Palace, to share her expertise and contributions in decarbonising the music industry. We also announced a world leading orthopaedic surgeon will be joining our staff as Vice-Present and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. New rankings released by Clarivate recognised fourteen researchers across fifteen subject areas at the University as among the world鈥檚 most influential academics, based on the number of 鈥楬ighly Cited鈥� papers they have each authored. The University celebrated a $1.3m donation from alumna Judith Sear to accelerate the University鈥檚 cancer research impact.  Building on our legacy of research excellence, the University announced the 拢28m investment in the Bicentenary PhD studentships and fellowships, with a 拢10m matched funding scheme encouraging continued philanthropic support. 

December


 

Coming to the end of our busy bicentenary year, it is only right that we highlight a few final achievements of 2024. At the beginning of December, students from different universities across Greater Manchester gathered to address the environmental challenges that are threatening the health and prosperity of our region. A team of University scientists celebrated their pioneering study into the vascular causes of dementia, which was named Research Story of the Year at the British Heart Foundation鈥檚 annual Heart Hero Awards. In a brilliant move to boost sustainability on campus, the University launched a preloved marketplace for students, using the app Hazaar. We celebrated Professor of Sociology, Claire Alexander, who was this year鈥檚 winner of the Distinguished Service to British Sociology Award. To finish the year on an exceptional note, the University reaffirmed its status as a global leader in sustainability by retaining its top ten position in the 2025 QS World University Sustainability Rankings.

As we reach the end of 2024, the University would like to express its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made our bicentenary year so memorable. The remarkable achievements, awards, and ground-breaking research we've celebrated this year would not have been possible without the support of our exceptional community here at Manchester. Now looking ahead to 2025, 糖心Vlog官方 is excited to embark on its third century of innovation, impact, and excellence. With the continued support of our outstanding students, staff, and alumni, we will build on our legacy and continue shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

The study - led by two University of Manchester researchers and published in Nature Communications - significantly advances our understanding of how Aspergillus fumigatus rapidly develops drug resistance.

 The mould, found in soil, composts, and decaying vegetation, is potentially deadly to people with a range of health conditions including those with weakened immune systems and respiratory problems.

Millions of people develop invasive and chronic aspergillosis infections around the world every year, with mortality rates ranging between 30% to 90%.

Only three classes of antifungal drugs available to treat disease, and only one class, the azoles, is suitable for long-term oral administration.

Resistance to azoles is spreading due to the use of a class of fungicides in agriculture, known as the DMIs. Resistance can double the risk of mortality from invasive aspergillosis.

According to the study funded by The Wellcome Trust, strains resistant to azoles are over five times more likely to acquire resistance to new treatments currently in clinical trials. 

The study follows previous research by the team showing how an agricultural fungicide called ipflufenoquin- currently under consideration by authorities worldwide - could have a devastating effect on a new drug, olorofim, currently being trialled to treat Aspergillus fumigatus infections. 

F2G Ltd 鈥� a spin out company from 糖心Vlog官方 鈥� invested more than 拢250 million over 20 years in the development of olorofim, which is in late-stage clinical trials and aims to be clinically deployed within the next few years. 

Because olorofim works against azole resistant infections, it could save many lives of affected patients. 

However, ipflufenoquin, could severely impact the new drug because it has the same biological target and kills the fungi the same way as olorofim. 

Co-author Dr Michael Bottery from 糖心Vlog官方 said: 鈥淥ur discovery, coupled with our previous research on the impact of an agrochemical on antifungal resistance, highlights the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat the growing public health threat of antifungal resistance. 

鈥�Aspergillus fumigatus produces billions of spores. Even slightly elevated rates of mutation mean it is highly likely resistant mutants will arise.鈥� 

By exposing billions of spores from genetically different natural strains of Aspergillus fumigatus to a range of drugs they accelerated evolution in the lab to predict how likely it was for resistance to evolve. 

Strains that evolve faster, they found,  were also the ones already resistant to azoles. These strains had genetic changes in genes that control the fungus鈥檚 system which repairs mutated DNA  -  known as the mismatch repair system. 

By using CRISPR-Cas9 to reproduce these variants in the lab, they were able to directly link the changes in the mismatch repair system with the ability of Aspergillus fumigatus to evolve resistance to new drugs. 

Co-author Prof. Michael Bromley from 糖心Vlog官方 said: 鈥�Specific strains of Aspergillus fumigatus are resistant to azoles, the only effective long-term treatment for chronic aspergillosis.

鈥淏ut these strains also have elevated mutation rates due to changes in their DNA mismatch repair system - the fungus鈥檚 system which repairs errors in its DNA.

鈥淭his means that isolates that are already resistant to our first line treatments could develop resistance to new drugs 5 times faster than drug resistant isolates, potentially leading to strains that are resistant to all antifungal medications.鈥�

The  paper "Elevated mutation rates in multi-azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus drive rapid evolution of antifungal resistance," to be published in in Nature Communications, is published in Nature Communications.

A group of leading international scientists is calling for a global conversation about the potential creation of "mirror bacteria"鈥攁 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 糖心Vlog官方, 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: 鈥淲hile mirror bacteria are still a theoretical concept and something that we likely won鈥檛 see for a few decades, we have an opportunity here to consider and pre-empt risks before they arise.

鈥淭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: 鈥淎t this stage, it鈥檚 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.鈥�

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 duration reduction of around 10% could provide significant cost savings to health systems, limit unwanted drug side-effects, reduce overtreatment and reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance in individuals, across communities and internationally.

The study was commissioned and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and its leading partners were 糖心Vlog官方, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Warwick Medical School鈥檚 Clinical Trials Unit,  who specialise in research in emergency and critical care.

Chief investigator Paul Dark, Professor of Critical Care at the University of Manchester will present the findings to a global online audience at the prestigious this week (10/12/24), where it will be scrutinised and debated by some of the world鈥檚 leading experts in the field.

The research team are also to publish their peer reviewed findings in JAMA-  one of the world鈥檚 leading medical  journals today

According to the charity Sepsis Research FEAT, around 50,000 people are estimated to die of sepsis in the UK each year, which develops when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and starts attacking its own tissues and organs.

Accounting for 100,000 hospital admissions a year in the UK, it is estimated that there are 49 million cases and 1 million deaths a year globally.

Recognising sepsis and starting antibiotics  early are crucial but until now the recommended duration of such treatment has been uncertain.

The only available option recommended for doctors currently is to use their judgement  to decide when to discontinue the potent  broad spectrum antibiotics, usually reserved to treat the condition.

The new decision support system is based on a simple blood test, carried out daily and available in most  NHS hospital laboratories.

It tests for levels of a circulating protein called procalcitonin (PCT), which is produced as part of the body鈥檚 immune system responses to bacterial infections.

Higher levels indicate a greater likelihood of bacterial infection and sepsis, with subsequent falling levels indicating favourable responses to treatments

A computer automated response, based on the PCT levels from the blood test,    advises doctors whether to discontinue antibiotic treatment or not.  A further commonly measured circulating inflammation protein (C-reactive protein or CRP) was also tested.

The randomized controlled trial was based at 41 intensive care units across the UK, involving 2,760 adults from January 2018 to June 2024.

It compared 918 patients on a  PCT protocol with 924 patients on a  C-reactive protein (CRP) and 918 patients on current standard care.

Clinicians responsible for managing patients received daily standardized written advice on either standard care or on PCT or CRP biomarker-guided antibiotic discontinuation.

The protocols in the study were uniquely designed to  conceal laboratory test results  from clinical  staff to reduce potential bias and patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups.

The team found that a PCT protocol reduced total antibiotic duration by 10% and all-cause mortality, a key patient safety measure, was the same as standard care .

There was no difference in total antibiotic duration between standard care and CRP protocols..

Professor Dark, who is also an NHS Consultant in Critical Care Medicine at Salford Royal, said: 鈥淭his simple protocol, if implemented, could significantly change the way sepsis is treated and safely help to combat antimicrobial overuse and resistance-  one of the world鈥檚 leading health challenges.

鈥淚t is also a powerful illustration of how precision medicine can make a real difference to patient care  when treatment is tailored to  individual test results  of each patient.

鈥淚t鈥檚 also important to acknowledge that this study would not have been possible without the generous contribution  of patients with this life threatening condition who like all of us, are committed to finding better ways to deal with sepsis.鈥�

He added: 鈥淪epsis has been at the forefront of policy makers minds ever since the publication of 2013 Health Service Ombudsman report which focused on sepsis patients who were not treated urgently enough.

鈥淓ver since then, developing better diagnostics and treatment guidance for GPs and hospital clinicians to help them recognise sepsis at an early stage has been a national priority.

鈥淭his trial has been planned to address NICEs recommendations so that its results will inform their future guidance on antibiotic duration in sepsis.鈥�

Sepsis Research FEAT trustee Beth Budgen developed sepsis as a result of a seemingly innocuous Strep A infection on Christmas Day 2022, resulting in quadruple amputations.

She said: 鈥淲ithin 24hrs I was fighting for my life and have been left with life changing injuries as a result. If this can happen to me, it really can happen to anyone. It really is that scary

鈥溙切腣log官方 study is one of several significant projects currently being undertaken in the UK in the field of antibiotic treatment for sepsis patients - an extremely important area of research which Sepsis Research FEAT fully endorses.

鈥淭he priority setting partnership exercise that the charity recently completed with the James Lind Alliance will also now be crucial in ensuring that the best research into sepsis takes place UK-wide.鈥�

Professor Gavin Perkins, Warwick CTU Trial Lead said: 鈥淪epsis claims tens of thousands of lives each year in the UK.  The findings from ADAPT-sepsis will help doctors ensure that critically ill patients with severe infections get the right duration of treatment with life-saving antibiotics.鈥�

• Critically ill patients recruited to the trial had already commenced antibiotics for sepsis, so the study does not provide evidence for biomarker use in initiating antibiotic therapy.
• 糖心Vlog官方, University of Warwick and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust researchers would like to thank the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) for help delivering the study in the NHS and the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme for funding the trial.  The collaborative  co-investigator  funded team  in this national study are linked here    .  We would also like to thank Abbott and Roche Diagnostics for their contracted support to assist NHS laboratories participate in the study. 
• Beth鈥檚 story is available to read in full and she also appears on the Sepsis Research FEAT  . The PSP outcomes page on their  website can be found .

Osama brings proven communications and external affairs experience from a range of sectors and organisations.

Until July 2024, Osama was Director of Communications, Policy and Campaigns at housing charity Shelter, which he joined in 2021. In this role he embedded a new brand for the organisation and campaigned for more social housing. During his time in the role the charity saw two new laws being passed, a third being entered into parliament, and social housing went from a barely mentioned topic to a high-profile political issue.

As Global Director of Marketing and Communications at Amnesty International, Osama secured human rights win for campaigns all over the world. He united the charity behind a more engaging strategy which led to significant growth in supporter numbers and media reach.

And at Al Jazeera, as well as increasing the channel鈥檚 reach and influence in major markets such as the US and liaising with international politicians, his campaigning work secured release of journalists from jail in Egypt, Iran, Libya and Nigeria.

He studied in his city of birth at the University of Glasgow and has won numerous awards including at the Cannes Lions.

Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: 鈥淭his is a critical time for our University as we seek to improve our global reputation, demonstrate our value to policy makers and engage with our students, staff, and partners in new ways. Osama has a strong background in building reputation and brand across multiple sectors and will be a real asset to us as we seek to achieve our strategic objectives.鈥�

Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be able to welcome Osama to our University, in an extremely important role. He鈥檚 worked across a number of sectors and had success in all of them. Our communications, marketing and student recruitment colleagues are critical to the success of our University and Osama鈥檚 leadership will enhance our work in this area.

Osama added, 鈥淭here are some who think the world has had enough of research, knowledge and expertise. These values are in fact the basis of the human ingenuity which has given us our remarkable civilisation and which will tackle humanity鈥檚 multiple crises to create a better future.

鈥淲e must make a compelling case for Manchester and higher education in the coming period to help tackle the numerous sector-wide headwinds we face. Comms and marketing are strategic functions and I love the challenge of us all playing our full part in getting us through these difficulties.

鈥淲hat attracted me most to this role though was the prospect of working with the Manchester community - staff, students and alumni. We are a function of the people we spend the most time with and I can鈥檛 imagine more elevated company. There鈥檚 a real dynamism in the wider city too and I can鈥檛 wait to see what we do together.鈥�