Topic description and stories

Cambridge researchers have played a vital role in the fight back against COVID-19, from the use of genomics to track its spread and mathematic modelling to understand infection rates through to innovative screening programmes to keep its students and staff safe.

Underactive immune response may explain obesity link to COVID-19 severity

20 March 2023

Individuals who are obese may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 because of a poorer inflammatory immune response, say Cambridge scientists.

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Unexpected experiences: Beverley Glover discusses keeping the Botanic Gardens open online

07 Jul 2020

In the second of a new series, Beverley Glover talks about keeping the gardens open online and the apprehension welcoming visitors back in person.

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Cell ‘membrane on a chip’ could speed up screening of drug candidates for COVID-19

06 Jul 2020

Researchers have developed a human cell ‘membrane on a chip’ that allows continuous monitoring of how drugs and infectious agents interact with our...

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US National Guard working to extinguish wildfires in Alaska

Learn from the pandemic to prevent environmental catastrophe, scientists argue

02 Jul 2020

COVID-19 is comparable to climate and extinction emergencies, say scientists from the UK and US – all share features such as lagged impacts, feedback...

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Unexpected experiences: Matt Rowe talks about catering for students who couldn't go home

02 Jul 2020

In the first of a new series, Selwyn College Catering Manager Matt Rowe tells of swapping ‘super formals’ for providing emergency supplies to the...

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Charlotte Summers

Tackling COVID-19: Dr Charlotte Summers

02 Jul 2020

An intensive care specialist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Charlotte Summers has spent the last few months dealing with the biggest challenge of her...

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Botanic Garden

More than 100 University buildings reopened for research

02 Jul 2020

This week, the University passed the key milestone of 100 reopened buildings, as researchers gradually return to the city and restart the work which...

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Child with hands over face - children may be at risk by too much focus on COVID-19

Opinion: Why too much focus on COVID-19 could be harming our children

25 Jun 2020

COVID-19 hurts even those who escape infection – particularly children, writes paediatrician Dr Kai Hensel from the University of Cambridge in the...

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Pig farming

Human interactions with wild and farmed animals must change dramatically to reduce risk of another deadly pandemic

25 Jun 2020

Compiled by a team of international wildlife and veterinary experts, a new study has identified seven routes by which pandemics could occur and 161...

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Tackling COVID-19: Dr Sharath Srinivasan

25 Jun 2020

“Without trust, we don’t flatten the curve,” says Sharath Srinivasan, whose work in developing countries has given him an acute insight into how...

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The importance of 'weak ties' in our post-lockdown lives

19 Jun 2020

The casual encounters we took for granted are good for wellbeing and business, says social psychologist Dr Simone Schnall – but how to get them back?

Professor Ravi Gupta (third from left) with colleagues in CITIID

Tackling COVID-19: Professor Ravi Gupta

18 Jun 2020

“This virus is probably going to be circulating for years - it will take a long time to sort out.” In a building that has been largely empty for the...

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Woman at home alone

Stigma of broken family relationships compounded by lockdown

18 Jun 2020

Lockdown restrictions have not brought estranged family members closer together, and recent focus on the importance of family support has made...

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