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.
A method for parallel assembly of a large number of peptide-therapeutic cargo combinations, developed by Mike Gait’s group in the LMB’s PNAC Division, has been licensed to Cambridge Research Biochemicals (CRB). The company aims to launch a service in October to provide both researchers and pharmaceutical companies with custom-made libraries of peptide-cargo conjugates to help accelerate the delivery and development of new therapeutics.
It is with great sadness that we report that Hugh Huxley died yesterday following a major heart attack on Monday at his home with Frances in Woods Hole. Hugh was the very first Ph.D. student to join the MRC Unit for the Study of the Molecular Structure of Biological Systems in 1948 under the leadership of Max Perutz, with John Kendrew as his supervisor. During his Ph.D. he began his pioneering studies of muscle structure and function using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Scientists from Leo James’ group, from the LMB’s PNAC Division, showed their new ‘Virus Wars’ exhibit at this year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition – to help celebrate the MRC’s centenary and showcase the group’s work on virus neutralisation.
As lead scientist Will McEwan explains, “We designed our ‘Virus Wars – Antibodies Fight Back’ exhibit to explain our work on intracellular virus neutralisation in a user-friendly way.
Anyone with an interest in science can take part in an egg-themed online video game, organised to help advance the LMB’s research into the circuitry of the brain.
The ‘WormWatch Lab’ project involves watching footage of nematode worms and spotting every time they lay an egg. The project, which is sponsored by the MRC to celebrate its Centenary, is a collaboration between the LMB’s Bill Schafer and André Brown and citizen science organisation Zooniverse.
Over 2000 visitors, including more than 600 children, took the opportunity to explore the work undertaken at the LMB, when it opened its doors to the public, on Saturday 22 June, to celebrate the opening of its new building and the centenary of the Medical Research Council (MRC). The family-friendly event showcased our work through lectures, tours, displays and hands-on activities for all ages.
Staff at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology welcomed the announcement that AstraZeneca would be their new neighbours on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Sir Hugh Pelham, Director of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, said, “The LMB is delighted that AstraZeneca has chosen to come here. The move will build on the alliances already forged on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and will help to inspire a new era of collaboration and innovation with industry.