MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
During the summer of 2015 Cancer Research UK launched a DNA inspired art trail across London with a series of 21 DNA double helix sculptures. They invited some of the biggest names in the world of art and design to create unique pieces by asking them ‘what’s in your DNA?’ One of these designs, ‘What Mad Pursuit’ by Kindra Crick, has now found a permanent home in the LMB, where co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, Francis Crick, undertook his work on genetics from 1949 to 1976.
An article written by Barry Bentley, a PhD student in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, telling the story of how the tiny nematode worm continues to make a big impact on medical research, has been awarded a commendation prize in the Max Perutz Science Writing Award 2015.
Barry’s article, ‘The Worm Wide Web: mapping the networks of the brain’, was one of three to receive commendation prizes.
The LMB has strengthened its commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of its staff and students by signing the STOP Suicide Organisational Pledge. The LMB Director, Hugh Pelham, signed the Pledge on the LMB’s behalf and commented: “People at the LMB are not immune to stress and I am happy to sign the Pledge for all of the LMB.”
The STOP Suicide campaign is led by Mind In Cambridgeshire, Peterborough & Fenland Mind and Lifecraft, supported by local NHS and Public Health teams.
The HR team at the LMB had to hone their baking skills in preparation for the Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, on Friday 25th September. The bakers produced a spectacular array of cakes ranging from cookies and cupcakes to bread pudding and a Macmillan themed carrot cake.
The money raised for Macmillan Cancer Support will go towards making sure no one faces cancer alone.
Emmanuelle Charpentier will give the 2015 Francis Crick Lecture on Friday 2nd October 2015 at 15:15 in the Max Perutz Lecture Theatre at the LMB. The lecture, entitled “The transformative CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology: lessons learned from bacteria” is open to anyone in the local area who is interested in attending.
During mid-September the Black Dog statue, ‘Horace’, will sit outside the main entrance of the LMB. Horace is the symbol of the charity SANE’s campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage people to seek help early.
The Black Dog has been used as a metaphor for depression from ancient times to the present day, notably including Sir Winston Churchill using the phrase to label his dark times.