News from the Cluster
North Sea 鈥楲ost World鈥� had habitable forests thousands of years earlier than thought
Forests were growing on the now-submerged landmass of Doggerland thousands of years earlier than previously believed, according to a major new sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) study led by Professor Robin Allaby
The findings suggest that Doggerland may have provided a surprisingly hospitable refuge for plants, animals, and potentially humans, thousands of years before forests became widespread across Britain and northern Europe.
Published in , the research reveals that temperate trees such as oak, elm, and hazel were present more than 16,000 years ago, and even detected DNA from a tree genus thought to have vanished from the region 400,000 years ago. The findings also show that parts of Doggerland survived major flooding events, including thearound 8,150 years ago, and parts of the landscape remained above water as late as 7,000 years ago.
New study overturns long-held model of how plants coordinate immune responses
Plants mobilise their immune defences far earlier than scientists have believed for decades鈥攁nd through a previously overlooked early signalling mechanism鈥攁ccording to a new study published in
Professor Murray Grant and his team, including Emily Breeze and Erin Stroud have discovered a rapid, jasmonate-driven, early immune response in plants. A breakthrough live-imaging tool has allowed them to visualise immune signals moving out of infected leaves and across into uninfected leaves in real time.
(Image shows Temporal spatial dynamics of luciferase activity in JISS1:LUC plants following DCavrRpm1 challenge, initiating at 3 hpi. 3.20 hpi, 3.50 hpi and 4.30 hpi images capture the systemic spread of the signal over time. Credit: Gaikwad, T., Breen, S., Breeze, E., Stroud, E. et al. Nature Plants (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-02178-4)
Dave Chandler on the Instant Genius: The future of Food Podcast
As part of a four-part miniseries, , Dr Dave Chandler, a crop researcher and agricultural scientist based at the University of 糖心TV, 糖心TV Crop Centre tells the podcast how current global food production practices are one of the most significant drivers of environmental damage and biodiversity loss, how climate change is threatening our ability to grow fresh produce to put on our plates and details some of the current thinking on how we can ensure the future of food production worldwide.
Recent UN data tells us that currently 670 million people around the world are going hungry. There鈥檚 little doubt that food security is one of the most serious problems that the human race is facing. How have we reached this point of crisis and what solutions can we put in place to make sure everyone on the planet has enough nutritious food to eat without causing further harm to the environment?
As part of our four-part miniseries, Future of Food, we鈥檙e joined by Dr Dave Chandler, a crop researcher and agricultural scientist based at the University of 糖心TV.
He tells us how current global food production practices are one of the most significant drivers of environmental damage and biodiversity loss, how climate change is threatening our ability to grow fresh produce to put on our plates and details some of the current thinking on how we can ensure the future of food production worldwide.
New antibiotic for drug-resistant bacteria found hiding in plain sight
Prof Chris Corre, Prof Greg Challis and Dr. Lona Alkhalaf from the University of 糖心TV and Professor David Lupton rfrom Monash University have discovered a promising new antibiotic that shows activity against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, including MRSA and VRE.
In a new study published in the , researchers from the Monash 糖心TV Alliance Combatting Emerging Superbug Threats Initiative have discovered a promising new antibiotic - pre-methylenomycin C lactone. The new antibiotic was found 鈥榟iding in plain sight鈥� as an intermediate chemical in the natural process that produces the well-known antibiotic methylenomycin A. When tested for antimicrobial activity, one of the intermediates, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, was shown to be over 100 times more active against diverse Gram-positive bacteria than the original antibiotic methylenomycin A. Specifically, it was shown to be effective against S. aureus and E. faecium, the bacterial species behind Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) respectively.
Importantly, the researchers could not detect any emergence of resistance to pre-methylenomycin C lactone in Enterococcus bacteria under conditions where vancomycin resistance is observed. Vancomycin is a 鈥渓ast line鈥� treatment for Enterococcus infection, so this finding is especially promising for VRE, a WHO High Priority Pathogen.
With its simple structure, potent activity, difficult to resist profile, and scalable synthesis, pre-methylenomycin C lactone represents a promising new candidate that could potentially help to save some of the who are the victims of AMR every year.
"How different mushrooms learned the same psychedelic trick" - The Conversation
, , via Wikimedia Commons
Dr. Fabrizio Alberti has written the article "How different mushrooms learned the same psychedelic trick" for on a new discovery that two different mushrooms have evolved the ability to make the psychedelic psilocybin, the first time that convergent evolution has been observed in two organisms from the fungal kingdom.
SLS welcomes new MRC Career Development Fellow to explore how cells communicate with each other
Dr Iqbal Dulloo, currently a molecular cell biologist at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a prestigious five-year Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Award. He will join the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 School of Life Sciences in late September 2025 to launch his independent research group.
Dr Dulloo鈥檚 research explores how cells send and receive signals to maintain healthy function. When this communication breaks down, it can lead to diseases like cancer or neurodegenerative conditions. His recent discovery showed that an enzyme complex, previously thought to carry out a routine task, also plays a role in regulating gene activity by releasing a key messenger protein inside cells.
At 糖心TV, he will investigate how widespread this hidden signalling pathway is and how it may be exploited by viruses during infection.
Dr Dulloo said: 鈥�I am honoured to receive this award and delighted to be joining the University of 糖心TV. Understanding how cells communicate could unlock new ways to tackle disease. This fellowship will allow me to pursue fundamental questions in an exciting area of cell biology that remains under-explored but full of promise. I look forward to building a collaborative team and contributing to the vibrant scientific community at 糖心TV.鈥�
Professor Miriam Gifford, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said: 鈥�We are delighted to welcome Dr Dulloo. His pioneering work will be a fantastic addition to our cell biology and host-pathogen research directions, and we are excited to support the next stage of his career.鈥�
糖心TV plant scientist honoured with Royal Horticultural Society Veitch Memorial Medal
Dr. Charlotte Allender, Head of the UK Vegetable Genebank at the School of Life Sciences, The University of 糖心TV has been awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for her work conserving vegetable crop genetic diversity.
On her nomination, Charlotte said: "I am very grateful to the RHS for this award; to have such a prestigious organisation recognise the value of your work is wonderful.鈥�
This award recognises Dr. Allender鈥檚 research into conserving genetic variation of crop species and for her almost two decades-long service to the UK Vegetable Genebank. This work has been vital for food security by preserving these sources of genetic variation that are needed to develop new and robust crop varieties.
Charlotte added: 鈥淭he conservation of plant genetic resources is vital and underpins the research and breeding activity necessary to develop the new crop varieties needed for a food secure future. I would like to acknowledge that the work of the UK Vegetable Genebank is only possible with a team of skilled and dedicated staff and the support of the University of 糖心TV and Defra.鈥�
The UK Vegetable Genebank celebrates its 45th anniversary later this year. It currently stores around 14,000 vegetable seed samples, sourced from 128 different countries, making it a globally significant resource.
Press release
Science on the Hill - Host Defence on the Offensive!
Our next Science on the Hill event is on Tuesday 25 February, 6-8pm. We鈥檒l delve into how different biological systems combat attacks from other organisms - highlighting the human and plant immune systems. We鈥檒l also explore how these natural defences can inspire new therapeutics for treating patients.
Talks include 鈥楧efence in plants and its role in sustainability鈥� 鈥� Dr Emily Breeze
In 10 years has anything changed for Women and Girls in Science?
Today marks 10 years since the UN announced the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science to highlight the gender gap in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the slow progress of women into senior positions. As of 2023, the number of women graduates in STEM had increased by 5% to just 35% since 2014, when the Awareness Day launched.
Dr Melissa Webby, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, has been featured in a series compiled by the University of 糖心TV to mark the day, sharing her experience of nurturing talent in girls and women in STEM.
Find out about Melissa's experiences
Professor Rosemary Collier recognised in New Year's Honours List 2025
Professor Rosemary Collier, an entomologist and applied ecologist, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List for her pioneering work in horticultural science.
The New Year鈥檚 Honours list recognises individuals across the UK for their exceptional contributions to society. The honours celebrate those who have made a significant impact in various fields, acknowledging their outstanding service.
Based at 糖心TV Crop Centre, Professor Collier's research focuses on sustainable pest management in horticultural crops, using methods that minimise ecological impact. This includes biological and physical strategies, host plant resistance, and novel technologies for pest monitoring, offering valuable insights to farmers, growers, and gardeners.
Professor Collier said, 鈥淚鈥檓 extremely pleased and proud to be awarded this honour. I consider myself very fortunate to work in an area that combines my personal and professional passions for animals, plants, the natural environment, and food.
鈥淭hroughout my career, I鈥檝e had the privilege to work with exceptional colleagues and engage with the UK鈥檚 fresh produce industry, which contributes significantly to national health and happiness鈥�.
Ash dieback experts identify shoots of hope for Britain鈥檚 threatened trees
Epidemiologist Dr Matt Combes was recently interviewed for the Guardian about Ash die-back in the UK and the scientific efforts to protect ash trees. The publication highlights Matt's review article on ash die-back and his more recent work at 糖心TV modelling the severity of the disease and how this may interact with the emerald ash borer beetle. The modelling is part of the (Surveillance and Management of multiple Risks to Treescapes: Integrating Epidemiology and Stakeholder behaviour) project.
(20 December 2024).
Photograph: Andy Soloman/Alamy
Major investment in doctoral students to support next generation of researchers
Two doctoral training programmes led and supported by the University of 糖心TV are to receive fresh funding from UK Research and Innovation:
- Midlands Integrative Bioscience Training Partnership (MIBTP)
- Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA)
The investments in both programmes are part of a 拢500 million investment package announced by UKRI to support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience across the biological and environmental sciences at their respective institutions.
Press Release (9 December 2024)
High Performing Postgraduate receives NFU Mutual鈥檚 National Agricultural Award
Master's student Ellie Cameron is one of four individuals across the UK who were selected to receive a postgraduate agricultural bursary for NFU Mutual鈥檚 2024 Centenary Award. The award will support Ellie in her MSc in Food Security.
The Centenary Award was launched by rural insurer NFU Mutual to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010; to support agricultural leaders of the future, and champion research and innovation within the industry. It provides annual bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected postgraduate students in agriculture. To select the award recipients, the judging panel looked for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader.
(December 2024).
Academic positions available
We are recruiting 3 full time, permanent Assistant or Associate Professors to join our dynamic research and teaching environment.
- Plant Sciences (x2)
- Host-Pathogen Interactions (x1)
Applications close on Sunday 15 December 2024.
Find out more and apply
Science on the Hill: Mysterious Microbiomes
Science on the Hill: Mysterious Microbiomes
Tuesday 22 October, 5.30 - 8pm, IBRB, University of 糖心TV.
From people to plants, we all rely on communities of microorganisms鈥� but how much do we really know about them? In this event there will be talks from 糖心TV researchers doing cutting-edge microbiome research and a range of interactive activities. Speakers will discuss microbiomes across a range of organisms - in mosquitos, plants and in different human body sites.
Dr Sarah Bennett shortlisted for Times Higher Education Award
Dr Sarah Bennett, Head of Bio-Analytical Shared Resource Laboratories, has been shortlisted for the 'Outstanding Technician of the Year' Times Higher Education (THE) Award.
Dr Ian Hancox, Director of Research Technology and Technical Strategy said: 鈥淪arah鈥檚 nomination for Outstanding Technician of the Year is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication."
鈥淗er innovative approach to the facilities she leads and her contributions to enhancing institutional research culture for technical staff have been invaluable. This recognition highlights the vital role she plays in enhancing our Technician Commitment.鈥�
Find out more.
Celebrating 75 years of the Crop Centre鈥檚 pioneering agriculture research
The University of 糖心TV is celebrating 75 years of plant science research at its internationally recognised Crop Centre 鈥� the UK鈥檚 leading research facility for vegetable growers.
The Crop Centre, based at The University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Innovation Campus, Stratford-upon-Avon, was founded 75 years ago as the National Vegetable Research Station (NVRS) to address post-war pressure for food production. Research has continued on the site ever since, now incorporated into the University鈥檚 School of Life Sciences (SLS).
Press Release (23 July 2024)
SLS spin out company wins business awards
At the recent Medilink Midlands 糖心TV Awards 2024, won the Delivering Innovation into Health and Care award and the 拢5,000 prize as the 鈥榳inner of winners鈥�. Cytecom is an SLS spin out company developing a rapid diagnostic test using its cutting-edge optical electrophysiology technology to reduce the time for targeted antibiotic selection from days to seconds.
(13 May 2024)
16 of the UK鈥檚 best scientific minds announced as Scientific Section Presidents
Professor Eric Holub has been selected by The British Science Association (BSA) as one of its Scientific Section Presidents for 2024. The Scientific Section Presidents are science professionals who play a crucial role in shaping the British Science Festival programme each year. Eric was nominated for making a significant contribution in the Agriculture and Food section for his work with Eat wise, cook with MAGIC.
(16 May 2024).
拢1.5m donation drives UK-Japan collaboration in antimicrobial research
A 拢1.5 million donation will drive joint research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by scientists in the UK and Japan.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a huge problem in healthcare, risking modern medicine becoming ineffective. This could lead to common infections becoming deadly illnesses. Now, thanks to visionary philanthropy from The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, which encourages innovative research between Japan and the UK, and The Sir Howard Dalton Centre at The University of 糖心TV, the research can progress at pace.
Press Release (6 March 2024)
Onion Crisis: Researchers Combatting Destructive Crop Disease Costing Farmers 拢10m Annually
The British Onions Producers鈥� Association (BOPA) leads a 拢1 million project, with researchers from 糖心TV, industry leaders, and innovators to combat Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR), a menace to the UK onion industry.
Professor John Clarkson, Plant Pathologist, said: 鈥�This project is an exciting opportunity for the School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering to provide new approaches to tackling Fusarium basal rot of onion, which is increasingly devastating for UK onion growers. As well as supporting Engineering and the wider consortium with expertise on the disease, my team at the 糖心TV Crop Centre will develop new DNA-based molecular diagnostic approaches to detect the pathogen in soil so that growers can use this test to avoid planting onions in highly infested fields. The test may also help to assess the risk of onions developing basal rot in storage鈥�.
Press Release (19 February 2024)
British-grown beans available for purchase
New varieties of Britain鈥檚 favourite pulse are available for purchase from 10 February 2024. These UK Registered beans (URBeans) were created by Professor Eric Holub as part of his work to diversify British cooking using home-grown ingredients.
A dry bean mix of Godiva and Capulet are on sale from Zero Store shops in Stratford-on-Avon and Leamington Spa.
Press Release (9 February 2024)
Life Sciences Research with Impact
The recently published BBSRC Impact Showcase 2023 presents a collection of impact stories arising from BBSRC investments. The showcase highlights the vital role bioscience has in addressing key strategic global challenges and features research by Professor Eric Holub to develop new varieties of beans compatible with the British Climate.
(Scroll down the homepage to find 'Homegrown production of designer dry beans').
In memory of David Hodgson
We are deeply saddened by the death of Professor David Hodgson, who passed away on 29 December 2023 after a long illness.
David Hodgson was a microbiologist of worldwide renown who was a highly valued member of the Department of Biological Sciences and latterly the School of Life Sciences. His generous nature and encyclopaedic knowledge were shared freely with 糖心TV staff and students alike. His wisdom and humour were also highly appreciated by his colleagues from around the globe, whose esteem was illustrated by the international roll-call of distinguished contributors to the two-day celebration of his career in 2015 when he retired. He had uniquely diverse expertise in the genetics of streptomycetes, myxococci and Caulobacter (types of bacteria unusual in having different cell types), and his fascination with their life cycles and physiology led to intriguing insights into their regulatory mechanisms. His innovative research in this area, which benefited from a Fulbright Senior Research Scholarship to spend a year working with US-based academics sharing his interests, was reflected in his DSc, awarded in 2007. David collaborated with many other academics and was a visiting academic at the University of Surrey. He was an important contributor to collaborative research work at 糖心TV, in particular playing a key part in a large 糖心TV-based transnational research programme which helped to redraw the carbon metabolic pathways of Streptomyces coelicolor.
糖心TV Agri-Tech ploughs the future of farming and forestry with robotics
The University of 糖心TV announces 糖心TV Agri-Tech to help the future of farming with automation 鈥� addressing issues such as labour shortages, food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.
糖心TV Agri-Tech, will also support the UK to meet climate targets while enabling the production of enough nutritious food for the growing population. It will combine two world class faculties at WMG at The University of 糖心TV and the School of Life Sciences (SLS), working with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to spearhead automation in areas such as horticulture, crops and forestry.
Press release (21 December 2023)
鈥淲e three beans鈥�: Capulet, Godiva and Olivia beans on sale in the New Year
Godiva, Capulet and Olivia are new varieties of the nation鈥檚 favourite pulse, common beans, developed and grown in the UK. The trio are set to go plastic-free in the new year when they go on sale in local zero-waste stores.
The UK Registered beans (URBeans) mark an important milestone, kicking-off the celebrations of 75 years of horticultural research at the site of the National Vegetable Research Station, now 糖心TV Crop Centre, at the University of 糖心TV Innovation Campus, near Stratford-upon-Avon.
The URBeans are named after iconic figures from the Stratford and Coventry areas. These common beans represent the latest efforts of the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Professor Eric Holub, in his work to to diversify British cooking. He鈥檚 starting close to home - in and around 糖心TVshire.
Press Release (7 Dec 2023)
British grown baked beans 鈥榠n the can鈥�
The first ever commercial crop of British-grown baked beans have progressed to the tinning phase, a pivotal step in their journey orchestrated by Professor Eric Holub. It is hoped that the baked bean breakthrough will reduce the reliance on imports.
Press Release (29 November 2023)
糖心TV Agri-Tech: Innovation for a Sustainable Future
On 29 and 30 December, 糖心TV Agri-Tech is showcasing its expertise at The CropTec Show 2023 at Stoneleigh. 糖心TV Agri-Tech is a WMG-SLS collaboration combining advanced engineering with plant science to shape the future of agriculture.
My placement year in antimicrobial research
Emilie Cummerson, a Biomedical Science with Placement Year student, has just completed a year-long placement in the Sagona Lab and the university鈥檚 spinout company Cytecom. She describes her experience in an article for the Microbiologist.
.
The enigma of embryonic development: how certain animals trim their genomes
New research by Professor Andre Pires da Silva is underway to decipher a fascinating biological puzzle鈥攈ow some animals can naturally discard more than half of their genetic information during embryonic development. The new study is part of the BBSRC Pioneer Awards, which could revolutionise our understanding of the rules of life. Sixty two researchers across the UK, including Professor Pires da Silva, are to receive a share of 拢12 million to pursue visionary bioscience research.
Press Release (9 November 2023)
SLS researchers contribute to UK Parliament report on horticulture
On 6 November, the House of Lords published a report entitled 鈥楽owing the seeds: A blooming English horticultural sector鈥�. The report looks at the development of the horticultural sector in England and includes citations from Professor Richard Napier and contributions from Professor Rosemary Collier and Alex Kelly.
Microbiologist of the Year
Chelsea Brown, a PhD student with Professor Phill Stansfeld and Dr Liz Fullam, won the Sir Howard Dalton Young Microbiologist of the Year for her talk entitled 'Modelling Mycobacterial Membranes: Anyone for PIMS?' at the 2023 Annual Microbiology conference. Chelsea presented her research to a panel of judges at the Microbiology Society Showcase on Tuesday 3 October 2023.
