Researchers at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Cambridge, have made a major breakthrough in the fight against climate change published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The image shows alpha synuclein oligomers (yellow) inside microglia, the immune cells of the brain. These structures have long been hypothesised to exist but not previously directly observed in Parkinson’s disease. Photo credits: TheLeeLab
For the first time, scientists have directly visualised and measured the tiny protein clusters, called alpha-synuclein oligomers, thought to trigger Parkinson’s disease in human brain tissue.
Professor Oren Scherman’s research group at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, has developed a material that can detect subtle changes in the body, such as an arthritis flare-up, and release drugs exactly where and when they are needed.
The legacies of two well-loved Department supervisors, Martin Mays and Jim Staunton, remain vivid for many who worked alongside them. Four alumni reflect on how their experiences during this pivotal period continue to influence their lives today.