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cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
School of Biological Sciences
@cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
560 followers 120 following 84 posts
The official BlueSky account for the University of Cambridge, School of Biological Sciences, home to animal, human, plant, and microbial science.
🔗 https://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/
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School of Biological Sciences @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social · Nov 29
Hello BlueSky 👋

We are the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Follow us for updates on research, education and to learn more about our community!

➡️ youtu.be/xRqGsRvqTio?...
School of Biological Sciences
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cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Our final new Theme Lead is Heather Machado, who has joined the Molecules and Cells Theme. Heather studies our immune system to address key questions in cancer immunology and immune ageing. Learn more about our #ResearchThemes: www.bio.cam.ac.uk @campathology.bsky.social @geneticscam.bsky.social
Dark red graphic with white Molecules and Cells logo (DNA and hexagonal molecule). Head and shoulders image of Heather Machado in a white circle. White text in quotation marks reads 'Researchers across Cambridge are working to understand and tackle cancer from a striking diversity of perspectives. Through the Themes, I am interested in bringing these researchers together: fostering connections that generate new insights, catalyse collaborative projects, and enable the development of shared resources.'
September 18, 2026 at 2:55 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
As part of #PainAwarenessMonth, we're showcasing pain research across the School of Biological Sciences.

Today, meet Prof Ewan St John Smith, who studies how the body detects pain and how those signals are processed.

➡️ www.phar.cam.ac.uk/research/Smith

@phar.cam.ac.uk @psalmotoxin.bsky.social
September 16, 2026 at 12:03 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Meet Paul Miller, a new Theme Lead in Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour. Paul develops novel pharmacological approaches for central nervous system disorders, such as neurodegenerative disease. Learn more about our #ResearchThemes: www.bio.cam.ac.uk #BiologicalSciences @phar.cam.ac.uk
Purple graphic with Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour logo (profile of a head containing purple neurons). Headshot of Theme Lead Paul Miller in a white circle. White text in quotation marks reads: 'The research themes set a clear example of the benefits that come from many labs within the School of Biological Sciences all buying into one experience that enriches each other’s research, expands networking opportunities and empowers grant writing on hot topics. It’s fantastic to be able to support this.'
September 10, 2026 at 10:19 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
The next Theme lead we're meeting is Andrew Grant in the Organisms, Evolution and Planetary Resilience team. Andrew studies how food-borne bacterial pathogens interact with hosts to cause disease. Learn more about our #ResearchThemes: www.bio.cam.ac.uk #BiologicalSciences
@camvetschool.bsky.social
Green graphic with white Organisms Evolution and Planetary Resilience logo (a plant, a finch, and a cell, all in hexagons). Headshot of Theme Lead Andrew Grant in a white circle. White text in quotation marks reads: 'The Research Themes are a great way to bring together diverse expertise and ideas across researchers at all levels within the School of Biological Sciences. I look forward to assisting in organising meetings and workshops to help connect new partnerships and research.'
September 8, 2026 at 9:24 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Meet Chiara Herzog, new Theme Lead in Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health. Chiara studies how switching genes on and off affects the life course of cells, with a primary focus on ageing. Learn more about #ResearchThemes: bio.cam.ac.uk
@chiaraherzog.bsky.social @scicambridge.bsky.social
Teal graphic with white Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health logo (three people behind health cross). Headshot of Theme Lead Chiara Herzog in a white circle. White text in quotation mark reads: 'Research across the School spans an amazing breadth - exactly what’s needed to tackle a complex challenge like the biology of ageing. As Theme Lead, I'm looking forward to connecting people across disciplines, from fundamental biology to translational research, and creating an environment where new or even unexpected collaborations flourish.'
September 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
We are introducing our new Research Theme Leads! Meet Florian Merkle, a new lead in Molecules and Cells, who is aiming to uncover the mechanistic basis of neurological diseases. Learn more about our #ResearchThemes: bio.cam.ac.uk #BiologicalSciences @phar.cam.ac.uk @florianmerkle.bsky.social
Dark red graphic with white Molecules and Cells logo (DNA and hexagonal molecule). Head and shoulders image of Florian Merkle in a white circle. White text in quotation marks reads "The Research Themes help reveal the fascinating research happening right next door and create opportunities to collectively tackle difficult problems from a new perspective."
September 1, 2026 at 10:34 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
We're delighted to welcome the 6th cohort of the Experience Postgrad Life Sciences programme to Cambridge this summer!

Alongside their lab-based placements, students are taking part in skills workshops and social events with fellow summer placement students.

👉: www.exppg.lifesci.cam.ac.uk 🔗
August 5, 2026 at 10:56 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
The 2026 Amgen Foundation Scholars are now over halfway through their summer programme at Cambridge 🎉

Students from universities across the UK and Europe are undertaking hands-on lab-based research, while also taking part in professional development seminars and social activities.
Amgen Scholars with alumni at Emmanuel College Amgen Scholars outside the Royal Society in London
August 4, 2026 at 2:02 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
☀️ Travelling this summer?

Experts from the School of Biological Sciences share practical tips on hydration, gut health, food safety and avoiding mosquito-borne diseases to help you stay healthy on holiday.

🔗 www.cam.ac.uk/stories/boos...

#Holiday #Summer
Boost your summer break in 2026
Cambridge experts share their tips to help prevent common holiday health problems and illnesses, so you can get the most out of your time away.
www.cam.ac.uk
July 21, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
zoologymuseum.bsky.social
📢Major new partnership between Oxford & Cambridge museums will release over a million digitised specimen records of British plants & insects. https://ow.ly/rXlt50ZnG37 Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge, UK Research and Innovation, Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford #DiSSCoUK
July 15, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
camplantsci.bsky.social
We're excited to be collaborating with @ox.ac.uk on a major new project to digitise over a million natural history specimens for climate research.

Read more: tinyurl.com/ynb2rk7z

@docbroc.bsky.social @jackdashby.bsky.social @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social @cam.ac.uk 🧪

#DigitalCollections #DiSSCoUK
Narcissus specimens held by the Cambridge University Herbarium. Credit: Cambridge University Herbarium. Matt Lowe and Jack Ashby with some of the moth collection, Cambridge University Museum of Zoology. (C) University of Cambridge. Plant specimen from University of Leicester Herbarium. (C) Leicester LTR Herbarium. Zoë Simmons, Head of Life Collections at the Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford, holding a drawer of Orange-Tip Butterflies (Anthocharis cardamines), with some specimens over 100 years old
July 16, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
cam.ac.uk
Getting ready for your summer holiday and want to avoid those pesky holiday health problems? 🏖️🦟

These simple, evidence-based tips from our Cambridge experts could help you stay one step ahead while you're away 🕶️

Read the full guide 👉 https://bit.ly/4wLi3gg
A straw hat and red sunglasses rest on a hammock by a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. The sky is clear and blue. Text on the image reads: "Boost your summer break in 2026. Expert tips from Cambridge researchers to stay healthy on holiday this summer."
July 15, 2026 at 9:07 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
⭐ Spotlight on: Luna Armstrong-Ortega

Today, we’re delighted to introduce Luna Armstrong-Ortega, MPhil in Biological Sciences student based at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.

Read Luna’s story: bio-cam-spotlight-on.my.canva.site/luna-armstro...

#PhD #SpotlightOn #Research
Luna Armstrong-Ortega in the lab
July 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
cam.ac.uk
The UK government has announced plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s by spring 2027.

@profsanderlinden.bsky.social reacts to today's news, and measures it against the evidence we already have about social media restrictions.
June 15, 2026 at 4:44 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Important contributions from Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and colleagues to the Government’s Neuroscience and Digital Childhood’s Inquiry, sharing evidence-based perspectives on social media and young people.
sjblakemore.bsky.social Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore @sjblakemore.bsky.social · Jun 15
SOCIAL MEDIA BANS!

Last week, Professor Denis Mareschal, Dr Dusana Dorjee and I gave evidence to the Select Committee for Science, Innovation and Technology's Neuroscience and Digital Childhoods Inquiry. (Transcript/recordinG available on the UK Parliament website for anyone interested.) 1/4
June 15, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
camplantsci.bsky.social
We're delighted to announce Uta Paszkowski as the new Russell R. Geiger Chair in Crop Science - a prestigious academic chair at @cam.ac.uk that serves as a cornerstone for cutting-edge agricultural research, sustainability and global food security. 🌍🌱🧪

tinyurl.com/39k489sd
Professor Uta Paszkowski, Crop Science Centre Director and Russell R. Geiger Professor of Crop Science in the gardens at St John's College where she is a Fellow. Credit: Nathan Pitt. © University of Cambridge.
June 2, 2026 at 1:32 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Shaping the future of Biological Sciences at Cambridge

How do you design research environments for the next 30–50 years?

Our Future Estate Programme is rethinking how science, sustainability and people come together.

Find out more: www.bio.cam.ac.uk/future-estat...
May 14, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Reposted by School of Biological Sciences
cam.ac.uk
Happy 100th birthday, Sir David Attenborough! 🎂

A legendary broadcaster, natural historian and Clare College alumnus whose voice has inspired generations worldwide for decades.

Thank you for a century of curiosity, wonder and unwavering dedication to life on earth.
May 8, 2026 at 7:04 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
An international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Cambridge, has identified a new way coronaviruses can enter human cells. 🦠

Prof Stephen Graham explains why this breakthrough matters for future health risks.

Read more 👉 www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
April 22, 2026 at 3:32 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
🔬Fully funded PhD

Applications are open for the BBSRC–GSK Transformative Technologies in Pharmaceutical Science programme!

Apply by 15 May 2026

👉 www.postgradschl.lifesci.cam.ac.uk/funding/tran...

#PharmaceuticalScience #CambridgeUniversity #GSK
April 17, 2026 at 9:54 AM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Thinking about applying to the MPhil in Biological Sciences? 👇

Join our online Admissions Drop in Session for answers to your questions.

📅 31 March, 1pm UK
📝 Sign up so we know you're coming: bit.ly/4ssYYO4
💬 Open to all prospective MPhil applicants

We look forward to seeing you there!
Q&A info and students smiling
March 20, 2026 at 4:27 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
⭐ Spotlight on: Ida Jobe

Today, we are delighted to introduce Ida Jobe, a PhD student on the BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme, working in the Department of Pathology!

Read Ida’s story: bio-cam-spotlight-on.my.canva.site/ida-jobe

@campathology.bsky.social @queens.cam.ac.uk

#PhD #Research
March 17, 2026 at 2:29 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
You’ve reached the final post in our series for International Women’s Day! We are highlighting an interview with School of Biological Sciences’ Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri that tackles the outdated notion that female bodies are too complicated for science.
www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/magazine/iss...
A woman holding a model of the female reproductive system, against a Cambridge blue background. Dark blue text reads: International Women’s Day, 'Female bodies are too complicated for science' - this idea must die.
March 8, 2026 at 2:02 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences have developed a new technique for processing MRI brain scans, which has been used by Cambridge researchers to show that menopause is linked to a reduction in grey matter volume in key brain regions.
Learn more: www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
A woman sat at a desk looking unhappy, holding her head, against a Cambridge blue background. Dark blue text reads: International Women’s Day, menopause linked to loss of grey matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance
March 8, 2026 at 1:02 PM
cambridgebiosci.bsky.social
Research in the School of Biological Sciences has revealed new insight into how genetic changes may be associated with breastfeeding disorders and postpartum breast cancers. We are highlighting Women’s Health research for International Women’s Day.
Find out more: www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
A smiling woman breastfeeding an infant, against a Cambridge blue background. Dark blue text reads: International Women’s Day, study of breast cell changes in motherhood provides clues to breastfeeding difficulties
March 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM