{"articles":[{ "contentID": "1860616", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/the-make-a-difference-programme-202627-launches/", "date": "12 November 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-11-12", "headline": "The Make-A-Difference! Programme 2026\/27 launches", "summary": "The Make-A-Difference! Programme has launched for this academic year, with teams encouraged to register by Friday 22 January.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Engineering, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Engineering, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "ImperiaInnovations|Innovation and entrepreneurship|Student Entrepreneurship|Students", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1856437", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/birds-and-humans-share-fundamental-song-and-speech-patterns/", "date": "1 November 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-11-01", "headline": "Birds and humans share fundamental song and speech patterns", "summary": "A new study has identified universal vocal patterns across hundreds of bird species and found that many of the same patterns also appear in human song and speech from cultures around the world.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment|Nature", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1855308", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/kalyb-wins-imperials-undergraduate-innovation-programme/", "date": "29 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-29", "headline": "Kalyb wins 海角社区\u2019s undergraduate innovation programme ", "summary": "Kalyb, who created a low-cost, electricity-free device that records the number of freeze events experienced by vaccines during transport, took home the \u00A37,000 prize.\u00A0", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Campus and community|ImperiaInnovations|Student Entrepreneurship|Students", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1854977", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-anthropic-partnership-explores-how-ai-could-advance-biological-discoveries/", "date": "29 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-29", "headline": "New Anthropic partnership explores how AI could advance biological discoveries", "summary": "Anthropic partners with Imperiato support research and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute to scientific discovery.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Daniel M Davis, Professor Peter D Haynes", "homepage": "yes", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "AI", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1853139", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/celebrating-academic-achievement-in-life-sciences/", "date": "23 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-23", "headline": "Celebrating academic achievement in Life Sciences", "summary": "12 academic staff from the Department of Life Sciences have been promoted.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Awards|Campus and community", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1852835", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/meet-dr-isabella-fiorello---our-new-assistant-professor/", "date": "22 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-22", "headline": "Meet Dr Isabella Fiorello - our new Assistant Professor", "summary": "Dr Isabella Fiorello has joined the Department of Life Sciences as Assistant Professor. We caught up with her to hear her story and her plans in her new role.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Campus and community|Robots", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1851485", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/life-sciences-holds-first-phd-away-day-at-kew-gardens/", "date": "20 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-20", "headline": "Life Sciences holds first PhD Away Day at Kew Gardens", "summary": "PhD students, academic staff and alumni came together at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for the department\u2019s first annual Life Sciences PhD Away Day.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Education|Student Experience", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1845532", "articleURL": "/news/articles/medicine/2026/imperial-researchers-awarded-funding-as-part-of-54m-uk-investment-to-tackle-biosecurity-threats-/", "date": "8 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-08", "headline": "Imperiaresearchers awarded funding as part of \u00A354m UK investment to tackle biosecurity threats ", "summary": "Two projects led by Imperiaresearchers have received funding as part of a major \u00A354 million joint UK government and UKRI investment to tackle some of the most pressing biosecurity threats facing human, animal, and plant health.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Jack Stewart, Meesha Patel", "profile": "Professor Matthew Fisher, Professor Shiranee Sriskandan", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Health, Science", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Antibiotics|Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1844160", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/biodiversity-loss-could-threaten-food-security-and-climate-protection/", "date": "6 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-06", "headline": "Biodiversity loss could threaten food security and climate protection", "summary": "A global analysis of more than 220,000 data points has revealed how biodiversity underpins essential ecosystem services from storing carbon and pollinating crops to controlling pests.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Guy Woodward", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Food Security", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1842998", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/natural-sciences-showcase-presentation-winners-announced/", "date": "1 October 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-10-01", "headline": "Natural Sciences Showcase presentation winners announced", "summary": "Last week the Faculty of Natural Sciences celebrated cutting-edge research happening across all five of its departments at the Natural Sciences Showcase.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Cross-faculty, Science", "topicLabel": "Cross-faculty", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Postgraduate|Research|Students", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1842488", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/turner-kirk-sprint-challenge-fund-2026-launches/", "date": "30 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-30", "headline": "Turner Kirk Sprint Challenge Fund 2026 launches", "summary": "The Turner Kirk Sprint Challenge Fund 2026 is now launching, bringing together researchers from the Department of Mathematics, Department of Life Sciences and Centre for Environmental Policy to develop innovative interdisciplinary approaches to the biodiversity and climate crises.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment|Research|Sustainability", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1840119", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-director-sets-out-vision-for-imperials-georgina-mace-centre/", "date": "25 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-25", "headline": "New Director sets out vision for 海角社区\u2019s Georgina Mace Centre", "summary": "Professor Joe Tobias, the new Director of 海角社区\u2019s Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, discusses the Centre\u2019s next chapter, the legacy of Georgina Mace, and how science and emerging technologies can help tackle the biodiversity and climate crises.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Joseph A Tobias", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Nature", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1840872", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/researcher-wins-falling-walls-lab-italy-competition-with-plant-powered-robot/", "date": "25 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-25", "headline": "Researcher wins Falling Walls Lab Italy competition with plant-powered robot", "summary": "Dr Isabella Fiorello has won First Prize at Falling Walls Lab Italy for HybriBot, the first biohybrid robot inspired by wild oat fruits.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Awards|Robots", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1836770", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/from-fungal-prion-to-smart-material-imperial-students-develop-a-modular-self-assembling-hydrogel/", "date": "19 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-19", "headline": "From fungal prion to smart material: Imperiastudents develop a modular self-assembling hydrogel", "summary": "A team of Imperiastudents is taking an unexpected biological building block, a non-pathogenic fungal prion and repurposing it to create a customisable protein hydrogel with potential applications in biotechnology, biosensing and biocatalysis.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Engineering, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Students", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1829019", "articleURL": "/news/articles/2026/scientists-aim-to-answer-critical-questions-around-carbon-impact-of-bottom-trawling/", "date": "17 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-17", "headline": "Scientists aim to answer critical questions around carbon impact of bottom trawling", "summary": "A first-of-its-kind study in the Irish Sea is addressing critical evidence gaps around the environmental impact of bottom trawling on seabed carbon storage and its potential implications for climate change.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Conrad Duncan", "profile": "Dr Emma L Cavan", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate Change|Environment|Sustainability", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1834594", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/researchers-solve-colour-puzzle-of-far-red-photosynthesis/", "date": "14 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Researchers solve colour puzzle of far-red photosynthesis", "summary": "Researchers have identified the wavelengths absorbed by five specialised chlorophylls that allow some cyanobacteria to carry out oxygen-producing photosynthesis using lower energy, barely visible, far-red light.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1833944", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/researchers-come-together-to-tackle-bacterial-threats-at-cbrb-symposium/", "date": "11 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-11", "headline": "Researchers come together to tackle bacterial threats at CBRB symposium", "summary": "The Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology brought together around 100 researchers, clinicians and collaborators for its annual symposium.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Mariagrazia Pizza, Professor Shiranee Sriskandan", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1830431", "articleURL": "/news/articles/2026/imperial-welcomes-fifth-cohort-of-provosts-visiting-professors/", "date": "3 September 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-09-03", "headline": "Imperiawelcomes fifth cohort of Provost\u2019s Visiting Professors", "summary": "Imperiahas welcomed four leading international academics as its fifth cohort of Provost\u2019s Visiting Professors.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "George Ellis", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Engineering, ImperiaBusiness School, ImperiaNews, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Appointments|Campus and community|Equality", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1829056", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-study-finds-birds-in-warmer-climates-more-vulnerable-to-forest-loss-/", "date": "28 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-28", "headline": "New study finds birds in warmer climates more vulnerable to forest loss ", "summary": "A global study of more than 2,200 bird species finds that populations living closer to their upper thermal limits are more vulnerable to forest loss, highlighting the importance of considering climate when protecting biodiversity.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate Change", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1828642", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-genetic-insights-could-help-develop-climate-resilient-coconut-palms/", "date": "28 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-28", "headline": "New genetic insights could help develop climate-resilient coconut palms", "summary": "Researchers have identified a strong genetic basis for drought tolerance in coconut palms, paving the way for breeding new varieties better able to withstand the impacts of climate change.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen, Dr Tilly Collins", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate Change|Environment|Food Security", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1825567", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/winners-of-life-sciences-photography-competition-announced/", "date": "19 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-19", "headline": "Winners of Life Sciences photography competition announced", "summary": "We are delighted to report the winners of the Department of Life Sciences 2026 photography competition. The competition brought together photographs from across the department, showcasing the breadth of research taking place and the beauty found within the scientific process.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Campus and community|Campus Developments|Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1819915", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/lettuce-and-tobacco-plants-engineered-to-produce-muscle-protein-for-meat-alternatives/", "date": "6 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-06", "headline": "Lettuce and tobacco plants engineered to produce muscle protein for meat alternatives", "summary": "Researchers have inserted the gene for myoglobin into plant chloroplasts using a 'gene gun', demonstrating a potential new route to producing ingredients for plant-based meat products.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Food Security|Sustainability", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1817792", "articleURL": "/news/articles/grantham/2026/parliament-committee-calls-for-risk-based-use-of-flea-and-tick-treatment-following-imperial-evidence/", "date": "5 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-05", "headline": "Parliament committee calls for risk-based use of flea and tick treatment following Imperiaevidence ", "summary": "The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has called for a more precautionary approach to the use of flea and tick treatments to reduce the number of unnecessary treatments across the United Kingdom. The report, published today, follows extensive evidence provided by Imperiaexperts warning of the overuse of these treatments and the environmental impact of year-round, preventative treatments. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Jamie Taylor, Dr Neil Jennings", "profile": "Professor Leon Barron, Professor Guy Woodward, Dr Tilly Collins", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Health, Cross-faculty, Science", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Drugs|Environment|Global Challenges Health And Wellbeing|Global Challenges Natural World|Government And Policy|Government and politics|Health|School of Public Health", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1816571", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/satellites-are-transforming-how-countries-monitor-progress-towards-global-biodiversity-targets/", "date": "3 August 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-08-03", "headline": "Satellites are transforming how countries monitor progress towards global biodiversity targets", "summary": "New satellite technologies are giving countries powerful new ways to monitor tropical forests and measure progress towards international biodiversity goals, according to a new international review.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Diversity|Research Environment", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1813851", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/fons-period-care-project-wins-julia-higgins-award/", "date": "29 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-29", "headline": "FoNS period care project wins Julia Higgins Award", "summary": "A project from within the Faculty of Natural Sciences which provides period care products to Faculty staff and students, addressing period poverty and supporting women in academia, has been awarded a Julia Higgins Award.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Campus and community", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1812600", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/hidden-genetic-switch-could-unlock-stronger-disease-resistance-in-crops-/", "date": "23 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-23", "headline": "Hidden genetic switch could unlock stronger disease resistance in crops ", "summary": "Researchers reveal how plants safely activate powerful immune defences, opening new routes for crop protection and sustainable food innovation.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Roelle Santa Maria", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate, energy and sustainability|Engineering Bioeng|Environment|Food Security", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1812593", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/imperial-researchers-reveal-how-strep-a-disarms-immune-defences-/", "date": "23 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-23", "headline": "Imperiaresearchers reveal how Strep A disarms immune defences ", "summary": "Researchers have uncovered how a major bacterial pathogen disables one of the body\u2019s first lines of immune defence, revealing a potential new target for future vaccines and anti-virulence therapies. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Bacteria|Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology|Infectious Diseases", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1789477", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/staff-celebrated-in-fons-prizes-for-excellence-awards/", "date": "3 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-03", "headline": "Staff celebrated in FoNS Prizes for Excellence awards", "summary": "This year\u2019s winners of the FoNS Annual Prizes for Excellence were announced yesterday at the Faculty\u2019s Summer Celebration event.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Staff Development", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1789301", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/ai-and-robotics-take-centre-stage-at-imperial-led-biodiversity-debate-in-parliament/", "date": "2 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-02", "headline": "AI and robotics take centre stage at 海角社区-led biodiversity debate in Parliament", "summary": "Members of Parliament, policymakers, leading scientists and industry experts gathered at the Houses of Parliament for a high-profile debate exploring how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address pressing environmental challenges.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen, Professor Matthew Fisher", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Cross-faculty", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Artificial Intelligence|Climate, energy and sustainability|Engineering Ai And Machine Learning|Events|Human and artificial intelligence|Industry|Nature|Robots|Sustainability", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1789165", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/nature-based-interventions-improve-carbon-capture-in-young-woodlands/", "date": "2 July 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-07-02", "headline": "Nature-based interventions improve carbon capture in young woodlands", "summary": "Researchers have shown that two nature-based approaches can help newly planted woodlands establish more successfully and increase the amount of carbon they capture during their first years of growth.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1784434", "articleURL": "/news/articles/medicine/infectious-disease/2026/meningitis-qa-learning-from-history-and-solutions-for-the-future-/", "date": "12 June 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-06-12", "headline": "Meningitis Q&A: learning from history and solutions for the future", "summary": "In this interview we discuss the recent Meningitis B outbreak with experts Professor Mariagrazia Pizza, Chair in Microbiology and Professor Shiranee Sriskandan, Professor of Infectious Diseases.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Meesha Patel", "profile": "Professor Mariagrazia Pizza, Professor Shiranee Sriskandan", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Health", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Bacteria|Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology|Immune System|Infectious Diseases", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1784339", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/life-sciences-inspires-festivalgoers-at-great-exhibition-road-festival-2026/", "date": "12 June 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-06-12", "headline": "Life Sciences inspires festivalgoers at Great Exhibition Road Festival 2026", "summary": "The Life Sciences community got together to showcase science across a range of areas at this year\u2019s Great Exhibition Road Festival.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Daniel M Davis", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Arts|Events|Fungal Science", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1781202", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-partnership-links-cbrb-with-waccbip-to-advance-amr-discovery-research--/", "date": "8 June 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-06-08", "headline": "New partnership links CBRB with WACCBIP to advance AMR discovery research ", "summary": "Researchers from 海角社区\u2019s Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) hosted colleagues from the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) as part of an ImperiaGlobal Connect\u2013funded visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on bacterial antimicrobial resistance research. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Shiranee Sriskandan, Professor Mariagrazia Pizza", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Health, Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology|Global Health", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1780861", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/can-you-predict-the-uks-next-wheat-disease-outbreak/", "date": "4 June 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-06-04", "headline": "Can you predict the UK\u2019s next wheat disease outbreak?", "summary": "A new AI forecasting competition aims to improve prediction of major wheat diseases and support agricultural decision-making. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1778533", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/study-uncovers-how-bacteria-load-toxins-into-microscopic-speargun/", "date": "27 May 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-05-27", "headline": "Study uncovers how bacteria load toxins into microscopic \u2018speargun\u2019", "summary": "New research reveals how a hospital pathogen assembles its microscopic \u2018speargun\u2019, opening a new route to disarm infections. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Dr Tiago R Dias da Costa", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Bacteria|Infectious Diseases", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1777586", "articleURL": "/news/articles/2026/seven-imperial-professors-elected-fellows-of-the-academy-of-medical-sciences/", "date": "21 May 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-05-21", "headline": "Seven Imperiaprofessors elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences", "summary": "Imperiaresearchers working across infectious disease, genomics, neuroscience and cardiovascular medicine are among those recognised in this year\u2019s Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Louisa Lee, Meesha Patel, Eliza Kania, Emily Medcalf, Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Danny M Altmann, Emeritus Professor Anne R Lingford-Hughes, Professor David J Sharp, Professor James S Ware, Professor Mariagrazia Pizza, Professor Michael J E Sternberg, Professor Paul Kellam", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Medicine, Natural Sciences, News", "topic": "Health, Campus and community, Cross-faculty, Science", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology|Dementia|Fellows|Global Health|Healthcare|Infectious Diseases|Public Health|Research|Vaccines", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1772281", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/scientists-uncover-hidden-plant-defence-system-that-could-inform-next-generation-resilient-crops-and-production/", "date": "30 April 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-04-30", "headline": "Scientists uncover hidden plant defence system that could inform next-generation resilient crops and production", "summary": "A newly discovered immune mechanism shows how plants use internal calcium signals to fight disease, potentially opening new pathways for stronger, more resilient crops. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Roelle Santa Maria", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Engineering, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Cross-faculty, Engineering, Science", "topicLabel": "Cross-faculty", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate, energy and sustainability|Engineering Bioeng|Environment|Food Security|Immune System|Research|Synthetic Biology", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1772248", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/professor-vincent-savolainen-recognised-with-city-of-london-honours/", "date": "29 April 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-04-29", "headline": "Professor Vincent Savolainen recognised with City of London honours", "summary": "Professor Vincent Savolainen has been admitted to the Freedom of the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, in recognition of his contributions to science.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1770938", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/lower-intensity-coconut-farming-boosts-yields-and-soil-health-in-west-africa/", "date": "23 April 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-04-23", "headline": "Lower-intensity coconut farming boosts yields and soil health in West Africa", "summary": "New research shows that lower-intensity management of coconut palm plantations can sustain, or even increase, crop yields while improving soil health.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen, Dr Tilly Collins", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Africa|Climate, energy and sustainability", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1758970", "articleURL": "/news/articles/2026/scientists-find-promising-drug-target-for-tuberculosis/", "date": "17 March 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-03-17", "headline": "Scientists find promising drug target for tuberculosis", "summary": "Researchers from Imperiaand the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) have discovered a drug target that could potentially help tackle drug-resistant tuberculosis, one of the biggest causes of death worldwide.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "David Silverman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Natural Sciences, News", "topic": "Science, Health", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Bacteria|Drug Discovery|Enterprise|Infectious Diseases|Translation", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1758333", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/researchers-launch-forecasting-challenge-to-help-predict-severe-patient-harm-in-nhs-hospitals/", "date": "10 March 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-03-10", "headline": "Researchers launch forecasting challenge to help predict severe patient harm in NHS hospitals", "summary": "Researchers have launched a new data science challenge aimed at improving the ability of NHS hospitals to anticipate and prevent severe patient harm.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Health", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Healthcare", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1754017", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/researchers-call-for-urgent-action-on-ecological-feedbacks-in-earth-system-science/", "date": "24 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-24", "headline": "Researchers call for urgent action on ecological feedbacks in Earth system science", "summary": "A new review shows that ecological feedbacks, the ways that living organisms shape and respond to their environment, are essential for regulating the planet\u2019s climate, chemical cycles and ecosystem stability, yet these processes are often overlooked in current research and modelling.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Global Challenges Natural World", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1744635", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/celebrating-25-years-of-the-flowers-building/", "date": "17 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-17", "headline": "Celebrating 25 Years of the Flowers Building", "summary": "The Flowers Building, 海角社区\u2019s hub for infectious disease research in South Kensington, is celebrating 25 years of scientific discovery.\n", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Shiranee Sriskandan", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Health", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology|Events", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1743044", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/plants-could-sustain-humans-on-the-moon-mars-and-beyond/", "date": "11 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-11", "headline": "Plants could sustain humans on the Moon, Mars and beyond", "summary": "Plants could play a central role in sustaining human life on the Moon, Mars and beyond, according to a new international Viewpoint. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Space", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1741173", "articleURL": "/news/articles/medicine/department-of-surgery-and-cancer-news-articles/2026/exposure-to-burn-injuries-played-key-role-in-shaping-human-evolution-study-suggests/", "date": "5 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-05", "headline": "Exposure to burn injuries played key role in shaping human evolution, study suggests", "summary": "Humans\u2019 exposure to high temperature burn injuries may have played an important role in our evolutionary development, shaping how our bodies heal, fight infection, and sometimes fail under extreme injury, according to new research.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Conrad Duncan", "profile": "Dr Joshua S Cuddihy, Professor Armand M Leroi", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Medicine, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Health, Science", "topicLabel": "Health", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Evolution", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1741082", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/zsl-scientific-medal-won-by-professor-cris-banks-leite/", "date": "4 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-04", "headline": "ZSL Scientific Medal won by Professor Cris Banks-Leite", "summary": "Many congratulations to Professor Cris Banks-Leite, who has been awarded the prestigious ZSL Scientific Medal.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1741069", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/scientists-reveal-how-sleeping-sickness-parasites-control-their-surface-coat--/", "date": "4 February 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-02-04", "headline": "Scientists reveal how sleeping sickness parasites control their surface coat ", "summary": "Researchers have revealed how parasites hide thousands of antigens behind a single-colour coat and how disrupting this control could make the parasite more visible to the immune system. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Immune System", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1739289", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/2026/fons-students-present-at-linnean-society-meeting-/", "date": "29 January 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-01-29", "headline": "FoNS undergraduate students present at Linnean Society Meeting ", "summary": "Undergraduate students from both the Department of Life Sciences and the Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP) collaborated in order to present their work at the Linnean Society Meeting last November. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Alice Sharman", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Research|Students", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1737427", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/new-associate-provost-role-for-bernadette-byrne/", "date": "20 January 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-01-20", "headline": "New Associate Provost role for Bernadette Byrne", "summary": "Professor Bernadette Byrne has taken on the role of Associate Provost (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), until 31 August 2027. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Campus Developments", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1737401", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/imperial-students-win-gold-medal-at-2025-igem-grand-jamboree-/", "date": "20 January 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-01-20", "headline": "Imperiastudents win Gold Medal at 2025 iGEM Grand Jamboree ", "summary": "A group of Life Sciences undergraduates developed a yeast strain and optimisation tool for sustainable cultivated-meat production at iGEM 2025. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Events", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1736497", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2026/37million-project-to-unlock-secrets-of-deep-coral-reefs/", "date": "20 January 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-01-20", "headline": "\u00A33.7\u202Fmillion project to unlock secrets of deep coral reefs", "summary": "Researchers are launching a major new project to investigate the resilience of deeper coral ecosystems to future climate change. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Nature", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1720861", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/new-research-explores-ecological-and-social-roots-of-same-sex-sexual-behaviour-in-primates-/", "date": "12 January 2026", "year": "2026", "sortDate": "2026-01-12", "headline": "New research explores ecological and social roots of same-sex sexual behaviour in primates ", "summary": "A comprehensive new study of primates reveals that same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) is widespread and influenced by a combination of environmental and social factors. ", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Nature", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1717687", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/silwood-sustainability-champions-lead-the-way-with-green-impact-award/", "date": "11 December 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-12-11", "headline": "Silwood Sustainability Champions lead the way with Green Impact Award", "summary": "The Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, with headquarters at Silwood Park, has earned a Bronze Green Impact Award, recognising its commitment to embedding practical sustainability across the campus.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Vincent Savolainen", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Sustainability|Sustainable Development Goals|Sustainable 海角社区", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1718054", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/imperial-led-project-brings-gene-drive-mosquitoes-closer-to-reality-in-africa/", "date": "10 December 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-12-10", "headline": "海角社区-led project brings gene-drive mosquitoes closer to reality in Africa", "summary": "An 海角社区-led project has made a major advancement in developing gene drive modified mosquitoes to eliminate malaria transmission in Africa.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Conrad Duncan", "profile": "Professor George K Christophides, Professor Nikolai Windbichler", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Africa|International|Malaria|Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1717449", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/new-study-will-explore-how-photosynthesis-works-with-lower-energy-light/", "date": "9 December 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-12-09", "headline": "New study will explore how photosynthesis works with lower-energy light", "summary": "A \u00A35.4m UKRI SLoLA award will fund a major five-year study into recently discovered long-wavelength forms of photosynthesis.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Centres, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1714636", "articleURL": "/news/articles/admin-services/giving/2025/1134-million-gift-to-propel-advances-in-environmental-research/", "date": "26 November 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-11-26", "headline": "\u00A311.34 million gift to propel advances in environmental research", "summary": "Philanthropic support from the Michael Uren Foundation will transform ecological research at 海角社区\u2019s Silwood Park Campus.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Christiana Jasutan", "profile": "Professor Daniel M Davis, Professor Richard V Craster", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Administration, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Campus and community, Science", "topicLabel": "Campus and community", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Climate Change|Environment|Nature|Philanthropy", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1714784", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/global-bird-study-reveals-declining-ecosystem-resilience/", "date": "26 November 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-11-26", "headline": "Global bird study reveals declining ecosystem resilience", "summary": "Human-driven changes to landscapes worldwide are \u2018thinning out\u2019 the ecological services supplied by wild birds, eroding the functions that support stable and resilient ecosystems.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "Professor Joseph A Tobias", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Environment", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1711133", "articleURL": "/news/articles/admin-services/enterprise/2025/imperial-spinout-raises-19-million-to-trial-innovative-way-of-controlling-harmful-insects/", "date": "19 November 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-11-19", "headline": "Imperiaspinout raises $19 million to trial innovative way of controlling harmful insects", "summary": "Insects modified to be less fertile can reduce the size of populations in the wild able to spread human disease or to damage crops.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Ian Mundell", "profile": "", "homepage": "", "owningGroup": "ImperiaNews, Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Enterprise|Entrepreneurship|Environment|Global Health", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },{ "contentID": "1708725", "articleURL": "/news/articles/natural-sciences/life-sciences/2025/the-power-of-africas-wildlife-in-dramatic-decline/", "date": "5 November 2025", "year": "2025", "sortDate": "2025-11-05", "headline": "The \u201Cpower\u201D of Africa\u2019s wildlife in dramatic decline", "summary": "Africa\u2019s ecosystems have lost over a third of the energy they once had, with far-reaching impacts on biodiversity and human livelihoods.", "image": "\"\"", "author": "Emily Govan", "profile": "", "homepage": "yes", "owningGroup": "Natural Sciences", "topic": "Science, Science", "topicLabel": "Science", "storyType": "News Article", "tags": "Research", "ratio": "1.50", "visible": "yes" },]}