Routine monitoring of fibre release is considered essential for designing more sustainable textiles and informing policies aimed at reducing pollution at source. However, existing methods are time consuming, prone to bias and vulnerable to contamination. 

By adapting industrial dyeing techniques used in textile manufacturing and combining them with established microplastic analysis methods, the research bridges fashion technology and environmental science to overcome these barriers. The result is a faster, more reliable way to measure microfibre emissions under real world conditions such as washing and mechanical stress. 

The researchers say the method could support better eco-design of textiles, improve testing standards and inform future regulation – including policies such as extended producer responsibility. It may also help guide the development of technologies designed to capture fibres, such as washing machine filters. 

“If we want to reduce microfibre pollution, we need reliable ways to measure it,” Dr Allen added. “This approach opens the door to routine testing that reflects what’s really being released into the environment – not just what’s easiest to see.”

The findings, published today in  journal BBA: Molecular Basis of Disease  shed new light on ocular coloboma, a rare congenital eye condition affecting around 1 in 5000 births and responsible for roughly 10% of childhood blindness.

Some of the researchers are also based at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust  and the Greenwood Genetic Centre in the United States.

Coloboma arises when a structure in the developing eye, the optic fissure, fails to close properly and often co‑occurs with other tissue‑fusion problems such as cleft lip and/or palate.

The research focused on YAP1, a protein that helps guide how organs form and how tissues stay healthy.

YAP1 acts like a switch inside cells, helping them decide when to grow, change, or survive based on signals they receive.

Although changes in YAP1 have been linked to coloboma, it has been unclear why some people with these changes develop severe eye defects while others remain unaffected. To address that, they tested the different variants and compared their effects.

To understand the consequences of YAP1’s inactivity during eye development, the researchers studied human retinal organoids - lab-grown miniature versions of the developing human retina grown in the lab. When they reduced the activity of YAP1, they saw effects on how early retinal cells grow and develop.

Disrupting YAP1, they found,  reduced the activity of genes needed for early retinal cells to grow and maintain their identity.

 As a result, the cells developed more slowly, providing a potential explanation for how eye formation goes wrong.

The study also showed that not all YAP1 variants have the same effect. Using computer modelling alongside experimental data, the researchers found that the precise location of each genetic change determines how strongly it disrupts YAP1 function.

This helps explain why coloboma can vary so widely between individuals, even among those carrying changes in the same gene.

Coloboma has been linked to disease causing variants in more than 40 genes, but thanks to the study, YAP1 is now identified as  an important contributor.

“These findings give us a much clearer picture of how small genetic changes can have major effects during eye development,” said the lead author from The University of Manchester.

“By pinpointing how each variant disrupts YAP1’s function, we can better interpret genetic results in patients and move closer to ways of supporting healthy eye formation.

“By combining stem‑cell models with detailed genetic testing, we’re finally beginning to understand how tiny changes in YAP1 can have such a big impact on how the eye forms.

“This work brings us a step closer to explaining why some children develop coloboma.

“Though retinal organoids cannot currently replace the use of animal models, this study shows how they can help us meet our ethical and legal obligations to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research wherever feasible.

“It also offers a new framework for understanding how likely YAP1 mutations are to cause disease in children with unexplained eye conditions.”

• Domain-specific mechanisms of YAP1 variants in ocular coloboma revealed by in-vitro and organoid studies is available DOI:

• Image: retinal organoid

The initiative, called KOKU Bladder, brings together evidence‑based education, pelvic floor muscle training, behaviour change techniques and gamification to support engagement and long‑term adherence.

The programme is designed for people to use independently at home while also complementing face‑to‑face care delivered by healthcare professionals.

Pelvic health plays a vital role in healthy ageing, helping people maintain mobility, dignity, independence and overall quality of life.

Urinary incontinence affects more than 14 million people in the UK and between 55 and 60 million across Europe.

Around one in three adults over 60 experience urinary incontinence, rising to nearly half of those aged 80 and above.

Despite its scale and impact, incontinence remains one of the most under discussed and under treated health conditions, often hidden due to stigma, embarrassment and fragmented services.

Professor  Javier Jerez‑Roig from the University of Vic, Principal Investigator, said: “KOKU Bladder is not just another digital tool; it is a solution shaped directly by the people who will use it and the professionals who support them.”

Professor  Emma Stanmore from The University of Manchester is CEO of KOKU Health, a UK digital health company which originated as a research project at the University of Manchester 

As a university spin-out, KOKU translates academic research into a practical tool designed to reduce falls, improve mobility, and support people to live healthier, more independent lives at home.

She added: “By embedding gamification within a clinically credible framework, we aim to make self‑management both motivating and meaningful.”

Although several digital pelvic health tools already exist, a recent review identified only four evidence‑based solutions that include people over 50, and none have been genuinely co‑designed with end users and professionals.

In 2025, a total of 54 people across Spain, Lithuania and the UK contributed to the co‑design of KOKU Bladder, including 31 potential users, 15 healthcare professionals and eight experts in pelvic health and ageing.

Participants highlighted the need for clinically trustworthy content, adaptive pelvic floor training, meaningful personalisation, multimedia guidance and embedded behaviour change techniques such as goal setting, self‑monitoring and feedback.

KOKU Bladder is now in its pilot phase, with 75 participants testing the platform across English, Spanish and Lithuanian versions.

The next stage of the project will be an experimental study beginning this summer in 91ֱ��, led by The University of Manchester to formally evaluate feasibility, engagement and user experience.

The study, published today in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), describes how the research team, led by Professors and , used directed evolution to develop a bespoke aminotransferase, a type of enzyme, to significantly accelerate the manufacturing process and reduce production costs. This new biocatalytic route has the potential to improve global access to this important medicine.

Lenacapavir, recently approved by the FDA and MHRA, is a twice‑yearly injectable drug that has shown extremely high levels of protection in pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials. Royalty‑free licence agreements are already in place to enable generic manufacturers to supply Lenacapavir to 120 lower‑income countries, yet the high cost of producing its active pharmaceutical ingredient remains a major barrier to widespread availability.

A sustainable route to a complex molecule

Made up of four distinct building blocks, Lenacapavir’s highly functionalised central core is a very challenging building block to synthesise. This core is constructed from a chiral amine that can exist in two mirror-image forms (like a left and a right hand). The handedness – or chirality – is important in pharmaceuticals as only one form of the molecule will work as intended.

Currently, Lenacapavir is made via traditional multi-step chemical synthesis, but due to the central core’s chirality and challenging molecular structure it is a costly and time-consuming process. Biocatalysis offers significant potential for faster and cheaper production.

To achieve this, the MIB team focused on using directed evolution – a method that speeds up nature’s trial-and-error evolution process – to develop an enzyme that could catalyse the target reaction to produce the chiral amine core. Using an approach known as substrate walking, the researchers began with an aminotransferase that showed no detectable activity on the desired substrate. Over eight rounds of directed evolution, involving screening more than 12,000 enzyme variants, they installed ten mutations that progressively unlocked activity, improved stability and reshaped the active site of the enzyme so that it could accept the central amine core’s bulky ketone precursor.

The final enzyme performed exceptionally well, converting 98% of the starting substrate, producing a yield of more than 90% with a purity of over 99% enantiomeric excess (e.e.) meaning that the correct chiral form was produced. The researchers also tested the enzyme under industrially relevant conditions showing its potential to work at scale.

The team also used X-ray crystallography to create a detailed 3D picture of the improved enzyme showing how the molecular changes arising from evolution allowed the enzyme to accept the substrate and transform it into the target product. Understanding the enzyme’s structure helps scientists unpick its mechanism of action which allows them to improve future enzyme design campaigns.

Towards large‑scale implementation

The team is now collaborating with industrial partners to translate the methodology from laboratory scale to industrial biomanufacturing. The details of this new manufacturing route are also freely available for companies to use. Any company interested in producing Lenacapavir via this new process can contact to request free samples of the enzyme. If implemented at scale, the process could enable a shorter, cleaner and more economical production route for Lenacapavir, supporting ambitions to make long‑acting HIV prevention accessible worldwide.

Figures for 2025 show the Museum welcomed 648,595 visitors throughout the year, meaning it continues to buck the trend, in the face of an overall decline in visitor numbers since 2019.

91ֱ�� Museum's visitor numbers are up 76% over that period, compared with a decline of 7% across all ALVA member sites.

The total number of visits to 409 ALVA sites in 2025 was 165 million. This did, however, represent a 2% increase on the previous year.

Since reopening in February 2023, following a £15 million redevelopment, has seen impressive growth in audiences, driven by exciting new gallery spaces, special exhibitions such as The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years, a rich and diverse events programme and engagement with schools across Greater 91ֱ��.

The Vivarium is a centre for globally-significant conservation projects, caring for around 30 different amphibian and reptile species, many of which are critically endangered. It has sat at the heart of Manchester Museum for more than 60 years, growing out of work by researchers at the University of Manchester to inspire generations of visitors.

91ֱ�� is the only place outside the Americas where you will find the Variable harlequin toad (Atelopus varius). The Museum Museum houses the world’s only captive ‘back-up’ population, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Panama Wildlife Conservation Charity, just one of many projects designed to safeguard the future of endangered species and develop learning programmes that raise awareness of threats to biodiversity.

Scheduled for completion in Spring 2027, the ‘Habitats of Hope’ development promises to connect museum audiences with this world-class care, research and international collaboration.

Funding will help to revitalise public displays and create new, state-of-the art facilities and bespoke naturalistic environments for the amphibian and reptile species cared for by the Vivarium. It will also allow the development of dedicated facilities for schools teaching and visiting tour groups, further enhancing the gallery’s potential for learning.

The Museum will also create new permanent displays that explore the connections between its wider collections and the animals it cares for, celebrating the deep ties between reptiles, amphibians and people, and revealing how these animals have shaped human cultures and understanding.

Georgina Young, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at 91ֱ�� Museum, said: “Habitats of Hope speaks to how wonderful and how vulnerable the world’s rarest amphibians are. Major investment from the DCMS/Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund means 91ֱ�� Museum can match the highest standards of animal care with a more accessible visitor experience, while weaving stories of research, conservation, partnership and action that stretch from thriving ponds in 91ֱ�� to hyper-biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica and Panama.”

The Habitats of Hope project is expected to commence in December 2026 and complete in April 2027. The Vivarium will close during this period.

The study, published in PLOS Mental Health comes as Colombia has taken steps to expand healthcare access to some of the 2.86 million Venezuelans in the country, including offering temporary protection status.

However large numbers of the migrants are ineligible for protection, particularly those with irregular status who can only access emergency services or limited humanitarian programmes while discrimination and administrative barriers persist.

Led by GP Dr John Fitton, the study was adapted from his Master of Public Health dissertation at The University of Manchester. He is now a PhD student at University College London.

Nariño, on the Ecuadorian border, is a major crossing point for Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic collapse, political instability, food insecurity, and breakdown of health and social services.

That and the physical and emotionally exhausting nature of the journey itself contributed to their poor psychological condition.

Dr Fitton also says substance abuse-  particularly  among unaccompanied men in transit -  may be seen as self‑medication for hunger, exhaustion and distress.

The drugs, he says, are cheap, widely available along routes, and may even be more accessible than food when resources are scarce.

The researcher interviewed frontline community workers, who explained how recent cuts in international aid to NGOs working in Colombia have intensified gaps in care.

The community workers reported that mental health services for irregular migrants in Nariño are now almost entirely provided by dwindling numbers of humanitarian and community organisations.

As the organisations start to withdraw through lack of funding, irregular migrants are likely to be left with no mental health support at all.

The community workers described how poverty, unstable housing, lack of transport and the pressures of constant movement make it nearly impossible for migrants to seek ongoing mental health treatment.

And there was, said Dr Fitton, confusion among some healthcare staff about migrants’ legal rights and documents conflicting views on whether discrimination affects access to care.

“Our findings show that community workers are doing everything they can, but the system in Colombia is simply not built to meet the mental health needs of people in constant transit,” said Dr Fitton.

“We show a system under strain with community workers struggling to fill widening gaps in support.

“Caught between hunger, exhaustion and exclusion, some migrants slide into a brutal spiral: substances numb pain but deepen isolation, bar them from shelter, fracture their dignity, and leave a mental health crisis untouched.

“What begins as a will to survive has become a sorry tale of abandonment by systems and services.”

• The paper Barriers to access and unmet needs in mental health care for Venezuelan migrants in a southern border region of Colombia: the experiences of community workers is available . DOI:
• Image: John Fitton at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia in Pasto, Nariño who hosted him.

Computational simulations of mathematical models of fluid flow are essential for everyday applications ranging from predicting the weather to the assessment of nuclear reactor safety. The advent of this simulation capability over the past 50 year has revolutionised the development of fuel-efficient aeroplanes and sail configurations on racing yachts can now be optimised in real time, providing the marginal gains needed to win races in the Americas Cup.

Optimised aerodynamics means that modern day cyclists can ride faster, golf balls fly further and Olympic swimmers consistently set world records. Computational fluid dynamics also enables the modelling of the flow of blood in the human heart, making the provision of patient-specific surgery possible.

Scientists and engineers rely on computer-based simulations to understand, predict, and design these systems that they can’t easily test in real life. But traditional fluid‑simulation methods often require hours or even days of computation, and struggle when the flow becomes fast or highly complex. 

Machine‑learning‑based simulations, once trained, can make these assessments almost instantly. Instant feedback would allow rapid design testing, real‑time adjustments, and rapid testing variation without the usual computational burden.

The findings were published in the

The study uses the stability of fluid motion as the foundation for a new method that predicts how complex systems behave. Instead of relying on costly laboratory experiments, solutions to the fundamental equations of fluid motion are generated numerically. This allows the machine-learning model to be trained on accurate, high-quality data drawn directly from physics, demonstrating that the model can accurately handle challenging simulations.

A key focus of the work is identifying bifurcation points –the moments when a smooth, steady flow (laminar flow) suddenly begins to change – similar to calm, evenly flowing river as it hits an obstruction, or splits and fluids start to mix and form eddies. Laminar flow is when a liquid behaves in a smooth and orderly way, like pouring honey, the flow is consistent and steady.

By successfully using a machine‑learning model to identify the points at which a system changes behaviour or in this case bifurcates, the study suggests that, with further refinement, machine‑learning‑based models could become a practical alternative to traditional fluid‑modelling techniques in the future.

Professor Silvester added: "This marriage of old and new approaches holds the promise of efficient computation of physically realistic fluid flows in a myriad of practical situations. The development of refined mathematical models of complex fluids is likely to be critically important if the promise of AI is to be effectively realised in the future.”

Delivered by Unit M and enabled by GMCA Investment Zone funding, the will provide each venture with expert commercialisation support, access to mentors, investor readiness training, lab and workspace access, up to £25,000 in equity-free funding, and the opportunity to showcase to investors and strategic partners at a demo day.

The programme supports the University’s vision to become Europe’s most inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem. The is designed to drive the journey from research to real-world impact, build a strong innovation network, and streamline collaboration, turning ideas into outcomes that benefit society. 

The companies span many different fields, including advanced materials, biotech, space, AI and climate innovation. They include:

• SporeSense – An early disease detection device enabling farmers to identify crop infections before visible symptoms emerge, enabling the reduction, and targeted use, of fungicides. This is being developed by a collaboration of companies and agri-tech specialists, spearheaded by University of Manchester researchers and with commercial development support from the University’s .

• – Imprinted Diagnostics uses a novel form of detection (molecularly imprinted polymers) and a patented detection platform. Commercialisation is being supported by The University of Manchester’s Innovation Factory and is expected to lead to the first product; a rapid, portable, blood test that can diagnose heart attacks on the spot.

• NX Health Limited – The world’s first non-invasive wireless neurostimulation device, a medical technology that delivers targeted, low-voltage electrical currents to nerves or specific brain areas, specifically designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder to manage daily challenges that impact their quality of life, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

• – Energy-efficient heaters, manufactured in the UK, delivering more than 85% greater efficiency than electric alternatives. WarmTronics actively works in partnership with The University of Manchester.

• Graphene Thermal – Modular floor heating panels that reach operating temperature in under one minute. Using self-regulating graphene nano-composite heating elements, the system delivers instant, on-demand heating, cutting energy use and installation costs versus underfloor heating.

• – This spinout from The University of Manchester Innovation Factory is using advanced materials engineering to increase the length of satellite operations in very low Earth orbit by mitigating atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen erosion. The technology unlocks longer satellite lifetimes, allows for lower orbits, higher-performance Earth observation and better in-orbit communications services.

   

• – Digital solutions that translate complex genomic data into practical guidance for clinicians. The technology integrates these insights directly into clinical systems, supporting safer, more personalised treatment choices.

• – A 3D-omnidirectional wind turbine designed for clean, efficient energy generation in urban settings. This technology unlocks high‑energy wind zones created around buildings, which is up to 27 times stronger, offering major potential for decentralised, resilient urban power.

• Sineco – Real-time data aggregation technology that cleans and integrates biometric signals from wearable devices, transforming noisy, fragmented data into reliable physiological insights. This enables accurate, responsive AI applications that enhance performance, wellbeing, and engagement across fitness, healthcare, and digital environments.

• – A wireless wearable system featuring sensorised insoles and thigh bands that provide real-time feedback to lower-limb amputees. The device is non-invasive, compatible with all prostheses, and delivers multi-point sensory stimulation mapped to different areas of the foot, creating a more intuitive gait experience. Designed for independent use without clinical assistance, it adapts to each user’s needs to support personalised rehabilitation and improved mobility.

, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M said: “We’re delighted to announce the first cohort of the Unit M . This group reflects the incredible depth of innovation across The University of Manchester and the wider Greater 91ֱ�� ecosystem, bringing together ambitious technical founders with ideas that have the potential to deliver real-world impact. The team are excited to work with this cohort as they take their next steps on their commercialisation journey.”

is open to technical founders and researchers who have moved past early research or initial concept development and already on a path toward turning their science and technology into investment-ready deep tech startups. The programme runs from April – June. This is a multi-year project funded by the GMCA and announcements on future cohorts will be made in the coming months.

Potential investors will have the chance to hear about each of the chosen ventures at a demo day in June and can register to become a mentor.

• on 24 June

The researchers created a new physics-based module that allows heat produced by urban traffic to be represented directly within the Community Earth System Model (CESM) – one of the world’s most widely used global climate models for predicting how the Earth’s climate behaves.

By adding urban traffic-related heat processes directly into the numerical model, the team were able to show how vehicles can measurably raise temperatures in cities and influence how heat moves between roads, buildings and the surrounding air.

The study, published in the , used real-world traffic data, supplied by Transport for Greater 91ֱ�� (TfGM), alongside open datasets to validate the model for 91ֱ��, UK, and Toulouse, France.

Lead author Dr Zhonghua Zheng, Co-Lead for Environmental Data Science & AI at 91ֱ�� Environmental Research Institute (MERI) and Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Data Science & Environmental Analytics at The University of Manchester, said: “Research on urban heat has traditionally focused on buildings, materials and land surfaces. However, the direct heat produced by vehicles – from engines, exhausts and braking – has received far less attention in large-scale climate models.”

In 91ֱ��, the results showed that traffic heat increased simulated air temperatures by around 0.16°C during summer and 0.35°C in winter. The scientists say that while these temperature increases may appear small, they can make a meaningful difference during extreme heat events.

During the July 2022 UK heatwave, the model suggests that traffic-related heat contributed to increases in human heat stress indicators, pushing the “feels like” temperature above dangerous thresholds for longer periods.

The study also found that traffic heat does not just affect outdoor temperatures, but indoor temperatures too. Heat released at street level can transfer into buildings, increasing the need for air conditioning in summer.

Unlike previous approaches, the new model can also simulate different types of vehicles – including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles – and can respond to changes in traffic patterns and weather conditions.

This means scientists and stakeholders can explore how shifts in transport systems, such as the move toward electric vehicles, could change how much heat traffic adds to urban environments.

The work could help cities better understand how transport policy and the transition to cleaner vehicles may influence future climate resilience.

Yuan Sun, first author of this paper and PhD researcher from The University of Manchester, added: “We would like to highlight the importance of considering transport systems when planning for climate adaptation, urban cooling strategies and net-zero transitions.”

Published in Science, the team demonstrated the first atomic‑resolution imaging of atomic behaviour at solid–liquid interfaces in a broad range of non‑aqueous (organic) solvents. Previous high‑resolution liquid imaging techniques were largely limited to water, but the new technique works with a wide range of liquids beyond water, dramatically expanding the range of chemical processes that can be studied at the atomic scale, including key enabling technologies for the green energy transition.

Transmission Electron Microscopy is one of the only techniques that can image individual atoms, using a highly focused electron beam to probe inside structures, but it requires a high vacuum – making it impossible to study liquid processes. The 91ֱ�� team overcame this long‑standing challenge by building “nano‑aquariums”: nanoscale liquid cells made by sealing tiny pockets of test liquids, each just 100 attolitres, a billion times smaller than a raindrop, between ultra‑thin graphene windows just a few atoms thick. The graphene is strong enough to protect the liquid from the vacuum, yet almost completely transparent, allowing the electron beam to pass through.

Using an advanced electron microscope at the electron Physical Science Imaging Centre (ePSIC) national facility, the team captured videos of gold atoms at the graphene–liquid interface to compare five industrial solvents. The resulting videos show individual atoms hopping between sites, pairing up into groups of two and three, and clustering into larger nanoparticles with the measured behaviour sensitive to the choice of liquid. An AI‑enabled automated analysis workflow allowed the researchers to individually “track” more than a million gold atoms across the five solvents, enabling extraction of truly statistically significant information – a far cry from most atomic‑resolution imaging papers, which typically draw conclusions by observing only tens or hundreds of atoms.

“Watching individual atoms move in liquids is incredibly exciting, like having a front‑row seat to chemistry in action,” said Sam Sullivan‑Allsop, postdoctoral researcher at 91ֱ�� and first author. “By tracking more than a million atoms, we can move beyond isolated snapshots and finally see how liquids shape atomic behaviour.”

Our images are clear enough to resolve both the gold atoms and the graphene lattice beneath them,” he added. “That lets us understand not just where the atoms move, but why: how they interact with the surface and why they tend to “pair up” into small clusters during their random motion.”

A key innovation was sealing the cells while fully submerged in liquid using a thin ceramic cantilever to manipulate the graphene crystals. Previous approaches suffered from significant evaporation during the sealing step, causing huge fluctuations in the concentrations of test liquids. The new technique enables precise control of what goes inside – essential for making fair comparisons between liquids.

, who developed the fabrication process, explained, “The trick is sealing the cells while they are submerged within the liquid itself. Doing it this way means you know exactly what sample you are looking at – and it works for nearly every solvent, not just water.”

Individual gold atoms are a promising catalyst for green chemistry but preventing them “clustering” into bigger particles has always been challenging. Using their new platform, the team investigated how both the choice of solvent (which controls dispersion in the liquid) and the drying kinetics (which lock in the final structure) together determine whether the final catalyst contains the individually separated gold atoms required for high performance. In particular, acetone – a common solvent – combined low polarity with a low boiling point and surface tension, helping gold atoms remain separated during both the liquid phase and drying, whereas higher‑boiling solvents (e.g., cyclohexanone) and water tended to yield larger particles. The structural findings were confirmed by catalyst testing by collaborators at the University of Cardiff’s Catalysis Institute.

However, the new technique has potential for significant impact in fields outside catalysis. Many crucial processes, from fuel cells and batteries to filtration and precious‑metal recovery from e‑waste, happen at solid–liquid interfaces. Until now, scientists mostly relied on ensemble measurements that can obscure atomic‑scale complexity; watching individual atoms in liquids changes that.

, who led the research, commented, "It's remarkable how much we still don't understand about how atoms behave at solid‑liquid interfaces, given how fundamental these processes are to modern technology. Now we can watch what's actually happening, understand why, and use that insight to design better materials and processes."

The research involved collaboration between The University of Manchester, Cardiff University, Sheffield University, and the ePSIC national microscopy facility at Diamond, combining expertise in electron microscopy, 2D materials fabrication, catalysis, and computational modelling. With the platform now established, the team is already applying it to questions in clean energy technologies and recovery of metals from e‑waste.

This research was published in the journal Science.

Full title: Atomic-resolution imaging of gold species at organic liquid-solid interfaces.

DOI:

The new grant funded by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Health Technologies Connectivity Award will assess the benefit and suitability of the software for use within the NHS.

The researchers hope the software, called (In Silico Assessment of pregnancy via Digital Integrated Environments) will help doctors tackle the stubbornly high prevalence of stillbirths. Late-term losses are especially hard to foresee, as clinicians continue to lack an accurate means of assessing a baby's oxygen supply before birth.

Around half of stillbirths are associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition caused by impaired placental function that limits the baby’s growth. Current ultrasound tools detect only around half of FGR cases, and even when identified, there is no treatment. Clinicians must instead make complex decisions about the timing of birth, balancing the risks of premature delivery against the danger of waiting too long.

from The University of Manchester said: “Today’s clinical decision-making relies on indirect indicators such as Doppler ultrasound, fetal movements and heart rate patterns. While umbilical artery Doppler has helped reduce stillbirth risk in premature babies, most stillbirths still occur in pregnancies where Doppler results appear normal. Crucially, no existing clinical test can directly assess fetal oxygenation – the primary driver of stillbirth risk.”

Dr Michele Darrow from the Rosalind Franklin Institute said: “By integrating computational physics-based modelling, imaging science and physiological insights, the software we have developed is able to generate real-time, actionable information.”

The researchers are working with international partners at the University of Auckland to address the gap by rethinking how routinely collected clinical data are interpreted. The Auckland team’s work focuses on integrating physiological understanding with advanced physics-based modelling. This approach underpins the development of SADIE, which uses existing ultrasound technology and clinical data to predict fetal oxygen status in under 30 seconds. 

Dr Darrow added: “While the proof-of-principle results are promising, further work is needed before SADIE can be tested in large‑scale clinical trials. This new funding aims to ensure the models can run reliably in real time and produce predictions that clinicians can rely on.”

Working with clinicians and health system leaders, the team will also assess where SADIE will fit within current NHS care pathways. This step is essential to designing future clinical trials that can demonstrate whether smarter use of ultrasound data can reduce stillbirth while avoiding unnecessary early intervention.

By combining imaging science, computational modelling and clinical insight, this work reflects the researcher’s mission to develop transformative technologies that improve human health.

The event, Powering Research Commercialisation Across the North, hosted by the Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with The University of Manchester and NxNW Partners, marked a significant moment for the UK’s innovation ecosystem. It brought together key stakeholders to launch the new Innovate UK ICURe strategy, which sets out a renewed focus on strengthening research commercialisation across the UK, aligning with the UK Government’s priority industrial sectors, supported by a coordinated regional delivery.

Innovate UK’s Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme is the UK’s flagship early-stage research pre-accelerator. Through closer collaboration between regional partners, ICURe aims to support a stronger pipeline of investment-ready opportunities and deepen connections between research, industry and investors.

The programme will be delivered through the North by Northwest (NxNW) consortium – a partnership of universities across the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The University of Manchester will lead the NxNW consortium through the University’s gateway to innovation.

Professor Aline Miller, University of Manchester and Unit M, said: “NxNW Partners, University of Manchester and Unit M all share a strategic vision; to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across the northern belt of the UK. We see ICURe as central to our plan and an enabler of commercialisation of cutting-edge research across the priority sectors of the UK Industrial Strategy.

“It was clear from the event that the UK’s ability to scale research-driven innovation depends on stronger connections between regions, partners and investors. We’re working in collaboration with our regional partners to build the conditions for research-led companies to start, stay, grow and scale.”

During the event, spin-out showcases and networking sessions provided a platform for emerging ventures to engage directly with investors and partners, reinforcing the strength of the pipeline being developed through ICURe.

Partners attending the launch included representatives from UKRI, Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA), Liverpool City Region (LCR), Northern Gritstone, Invest Northern Ireland, Scottish Enterprise, and university partners from across the NxNW consortium.

Since its launch in 2014, Innovate UK ICURe has played a pivotal role in supporting researchers to translate early-stage technologies into commercial opportunities. The programme has supported the creation of 388 spin-outs, helped ventures raise £1.61 billion in additional investment, and contributed to the creation of 2,495 jobs. Today, 32% of ICURe teams are female-led, reflecting a continued commitment to broadening participation in innovation.

By combining funding, customer discovery and commercial expertise, ICURe acts as a critical pipeline for research-driven innovation and a key enabler of regional innovation ecosystems.

Professor Aline Miller added: “The ICURe NxNW event underscored the growing strength of the North as a connected and collaborative innovation ecosystem. With strengthened regional leadership, aligned national delivery and a clear focus on supporting ventures from early-stage research through to scale, ICURe is playing a central role in shaping the future of UK research commercialisation.

“As the programme enters this next phase, its continued success will depend on deepening partnerships, strengthening investment pathways and ensuring that the UK’s most promising technologies are supported to reach their full potential.

“Together, we’re building a more connected, impactful future for UK research.”

Geeta Nathan, Deputy Director of Innovation Ecosystems at Innovate UK, said: “Bringing together the ICURe and NxNW community in 91ֱ�� highlighted both the strength of the UK’s research base and the scale of opportunity ahead. Our focus is on backing bold ideas aligned to the UK’s priority industrial sectors (IS-6), with real commercial potential, supporting strong teams and creating clearer pathways from research into market.

"The launch of the next phase of Innovate UK ICURe, alongside initiatives such as the UKRI Venture Builder pilot, reflects our commitment to strengthening those pathways and helping early-stage ventures build momentum. By working closely with our delivery partners and regional ecosystems, we are creating the conditions for more research-driven businesses to start, grow and scale across the UK.”

Published in the journal , the study shows that SAFER‑Dem is highly inclusive and has the potential to provide safer, more coordinated transitions from hospital to community care, which supports the goals of the NHS 10‑Year Health Plan for England.

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Three Schools Dementia Career Development Award and the .

Care bundles are a set of practical, evidence‑based interventions designed to improve the quality and safety of care for patients. The NHS Improvement SAFER patient flow bundle, for example, is a practical tool designed to reduce delays and improve patient safety in adult inpatient wards. The research team had already developed a care bundle called SAFER‑Mental Health (SAFER‑MH), which is an adapted version of the NHS SAFER patient flow bundle tailored to the specific needs of mental health settings.

By applying a co-designing approach, researchers worked with participants to redesign SAFER‑MH into a clearer, simpler, and more dementia‑inclusive version, the SAFER-Dem.  

, Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, who led the study, said: “People with dementia often have difficult experiences when discharged from mental health hospitals. Many feel confused, unheard, or not involved in decisions about their own care. Staff also report challenges, such as lack of time, unclear communication and busy ward environments.

“We worked directly with people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and healthcare professionals to help improve the discharge process from hospital to community for people with dementia. Our study participants took part in workshops and interviews, where they tried out early versions of the SAFER‑Dem materials and gave feedback. Altogether, 29 people participated.”

Participants agreed that current discharge processes are often poor. Common problems included unclear communication, not receiving enough information, difficulty navigating busy environments, and a lack of involvement in planning. Medication information was a particular concern. As a result of the workshops and interviews, key changes were proposed to refine the dementia-inclusive discharge care bundle.

Overall, participants felt that SAFER-Dem could help improve conversations, support shared decision‑making, and make the discharge process feel more person‑centred. However, they noted that people with more severe dementia may need more support or may not always be able to use the materials independently.

Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti from The University of Manchester said: “Our study shows that by improving the quality and consistency of discharge planning, SAFER-Dem has the potential to enhance patient safety, strengthen system resilience, and support more timely discharges where appropriate. It may also help reduce avoidable readmissions by ensuring that patients leave hospital with the right support in place.

“The SAFER-Dem intervention is not just about speeding up discharge, but about improving how discharge is delivered—making it safer, more personalised, and more effective for both patients and the wider health system.”

The researchers concluded that SAFER‑Dem shows real promise for making discharge from mental health inpatient care safer, clearer, and more inclusive for people living with dementia. Further evaluation and testing will help determine how SAFER‑Dem can be scaled across mental health services.

• The paper SAFER-Dem: generating co-designed adaptations to a discharge care planning bundle for people living with dementia, published in the BMJ Open is available . DOI: 

DOI:  

Professor Zara Hodgson FREng is an internationally recognised expert in nuclear energy policy and research, and Director of the University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute. She has been appointed to support the NDA 2026 Review, which has been commissioned by the Government to provide assurance on the NDA’s performance and governance, and to make recommendations on improvements.

The Review is led by Dr Tim Stone CBE, a senior expert adviser to five previous Secretaries of State in two successive UK governments and the Chair of Nuclear Risk Insurers. Professor Hodgson will join a team of three other independent experts to support Dr Stone.

The review will focus on the NDA’s strategic planning and management, project and programme delivery, and financial management. It will assess how effectively the NDA delivers value for money for the taxpayer while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency and governance across the UK’s civil nuclear legacy. Reviewers will challenge current practices, propose bold value-for-money recommendations, and highlight good practice while identifying areas for improvement.

Professor Hodgson is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at The University of Manchester and has played a pivotal role in recent UK Government interventions to grow the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability. Her work has supported the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, strengthened energy security and helped build more resilient nuclear supply chains. At 91ֱ��, she leads contributions to national nuclear programmes through high impact research, education and training, and independent advice.

Professor Hodgson’s appointment reflects The University of Manchester’s leadership in nuclear research and policy, and its long-standing role in providing independent expertise to inform national decision-making.

The striking structure located within the leafy Brunswick park area of campus is being modernised to ensure students will have the best experience while studying at 91ֱ��. 

“The Zochonis building is being comprehensively refurbished to become one of the first net zero carbon buildings on campus. The refurbishment delivers modern lecture theatres and teaching rooms, dedicated research facilities for clinical, developmental and experimental psychology, and welcoming student social and study areas, all designed to support learning, collaboration, and wellbeing.”  Dr Nils Muhlert, Head of Division for Psychology, Communication & Human Neurosciences, Academic Lead for Zochonis refurbishment.

Students will enjoy:

• Refreshed teaching spaces and lecture theatres
• A cozy campus hub where you can prepare lunches and relax
• Modern study spaces
• State-of-the-art psychological research spaces, including clinical suites and virtual reality facilities.   

Zero Carbon
The Zochonis refurb project is a big step towards UoM’s carbon reduction ambitions. Matt Ellmore, Senior Project Manager, Estates & Facilities Directorate said:  “We are insulating the roof and facade, servicing all windows, switching to LED lighting throughout, installing solar panels, and replacing the gas boiler system with air-source heat pumps. These measures will result in an 80% annual reduction in emissions, equivalent to 238 tonnes of carbon saved each year.” 

Delivering sustainability
In addition to improving carbon and energy efficiencies, the university is also aiming to enhance students' experience by increasing the quality of cycling facilities, connecting researchers to data from projects, sharing innovations and best practice with our partners and supplying a healthy environment that provides for people and nature.