MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
@mrclmb.bsky.social
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology aims to understand biological processes at the molecular level to help tackle human health problems and disease.
Pinned
How did life arise from simple chemical building blocks?
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
How could a simple self-replicating system emerge at the origins of life? RNA polymerase ribozymes can replicate RNA, but existing ones are so large that their self-replication seems impossible. Could they be smaller?
Excited to share our latest work in @science.org on a new small polymerase.
1/n
Excited to share our latest work in @science.org on a new small polymerase.
1/n
A small polymerase ribozyme that can synthesize itself and its complementary strand
The emergence of a chemical system capable of self-replication and evolution is a critical event in the origin of life. RNA polymerase ribozymes can replicate RNA, but their large size and structural ...
www.science.org
February 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM
How could a simple self-replicating system emerge at the origins of life? RNA polymerase ribozymes can replicate RNA, but existing ones are so large that their self-replication seems impossible. Could they be smaller?
Excited to share our latest work in @science.org on a new small polymerase.
1/n
Excited to share our latest work in @science.org on a new small polymerase.
1/n
Reposted by MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Researchers have discovered a little RNA molecule - small enough to potentially form spontaneously, yet sophisticated enough to begin to copy itself - that could explain how life on Earth began over four billion years ago, Science Director @rogerhighfield.bsky.social reports: https://bit.ly/3ZvPS6s
February 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Researchers have discovered a little RNA molecule - small enough to potentially form spontaneously, yet sophisticated enough to begin to copy itself - that could explain how life on Earth began over four billion years ago, Science Director @rogerhighfield.bsky.social reports: https://bit.ly/3ZvPS6s
How did life arise from simple chemical building blocks?
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
February 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM
How did life arise from simple chemical building blocks?
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
New #LMBResearch led by @edogia.bsky.social in @philholliger.bsky.social group has identified a small self-replicating ribozyme that could be the answer.
Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
@kellythd-nguyen.bsky.social, Group Leader in the Structural Studies Division, has been announced as a Finalist in the 2026 Blavatnik Awards for her work on telomerase.
Congratulations to Kelly and to all the other Finalists!
Read more here: blavatnikawards.org/news/items/y...
#LMBintheNews
Congratulations to Kelly and to all the other Finalists!
Read more here: blavatnikawards.org/news/items/y...
#LMBintheNews
February 10, 2026 at 9:34 AM
@kellythd-nguyen.bsky.social, Group Leader in the Structural Studies Division, has been announced as a Finalist in the 2026 Blavatnik Awards for her work on telomerase.
Congratulations to Kelly and to all the other Finalists!
Read more here: blavatnikawards.org/news/items/y...
#LMBintheNews
Congratulations to Kelly and to all the other Finalists!
Read more here: blavatnikawards.org/news/items/y...
#LMBintheNews
How did life on Earth begin?
LMB Group Leader John Sutherland posits that the building blocks for life could have emerged simultaneously from early-Earth chemistry, kickstarted by hydrogen cyanide.
Read more about this field of research here: www.chemistryworld.com/features/how...
#LMBintheNews
LMB Group Leader John Sutherland posits that the building blocks for life could have emerged simultaneously from early-Earth chemistry, kickstarted by hydrogen cyanide.
Read more about this field of research here: www.chemistryworld.com/features/how...
#LMBintheNews
How RNA reveals clues to life’s origins on Earth
The discovery of catalytic RNA transformed our understanding of life's beginnings. Clare Sansom explores how the RNA world hypothesis bridges the gap between non-living chemistry and the first cells
www.chemistryworld.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:39 AM
How did life on Earth begin?
LMB Group Leader John Sutherland posits that the building blocks for life could have emerged simultaneously from early-Earth chemistry, kickstarted by hydrogen cyanide.
Read more about this field of research here: www.chemistryworld.com/features/how...
#LMBintheNews
LMB Group Leader John Sutherland posits that the building blocks for life could have emerged simultaneously from early-Earth chemistry, kickstarted by hydrogen cyanide.
Read more about this field of research here: www.chemistryworld.com/features/how...
#LMBintheNews
Congratulations to former LMB postdoc @mfpronker.bsky.social, who is launching his own independent research group at Sanquin Research where he'll use protein engineering and structural biology techniques to study important blood protein complexes.
Best of luck to you Matti!
#LMBAlumni
Best of luck to you Matti!
#LMBAlumni
February 5, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Congratulations to former LMB postdoc @mfpronker.bsky.social, who is launching his own independent research group at Sanquin Research where he'll use protein engineering and structural biology techniques to study important blood protein complexes.
Best of luck to you Matti!
#LMBAlumni
Best of luck to you Matti!
#LMBAlumni
Self-Doubt, the new book from @labliston.bsky.social, explores the uncertainty researchers face in their careers.
Several scientists share their stories, including Tombi Makuyana, a postdoc in the LMB’s PNAC Division.
Read more about the book here: www.cam.ac.uk/stories/camb...
#LMBNews
Several scientists share their stories, including Tombi Makuyana, a postdoc in the LMB’s PNAC Division.
Read more about the book here: www.cam.ac.uk/stories/camb...
#LMBNews
Hidden struggles: Cambridge scientists share the truth behind their success
In a career defined by constant questioning, self-doubt can become an occupational hazard. Now, for the first time, a group of Cambridge scientists reveal the personal struggles they’ve faced – and co...
www.cam.ac.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Self-Doubt, the new book from @labliston.bsky.social, explores the uncertainty researchers face in their careers.
Several scientists share their stories, including Tombi Makuyana, a postdoc in the LMB’s PNAC Division.
Read more about the book here: www.cam.ac.uk/stories/camb...
#LMBNews
Several scientists share their stories, including Tombi Makuyana, a postdoc in the LMB’s PNAC Division.
Read more about the book here: www.cam.ac.uk/stories/camb...
#LMBNews
We’re looking for a postdoc to join Albert Cardona’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division.
The successful candidate will work on various connectome mapping projects to better understand the neural circuit basis of behaviour.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Closes 15 FEB
The successful candidate will work on various connectome mapping projects to better understand the neural circuit basis of behaviour.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Closes 15 FEB
February 3, 2026 at 9:34 AM
We’re looking for a postdoc to join Albert Cardona’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division.
The successful candidate will work on various connectome mapping projects to better understand the neural circuit basis of behaviour.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Closes 15 FEB
The successful candidate will work on various connectome mapping projects to better understand the neural circuit basis of behaviour.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Closes 15 FEB
📣 Applications are open for work experience
🧪🔬 Aimed at local Y12 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in science
🗓️ 27/07 – 31/07
Eligibility and selection criteria apply
Applications by 01/03
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-...
#STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers
🧪🔬 Aimed at local Y12 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in science
🗓️ 27/07 – 31/07
Eligibility and selection criteria apply
Applications by 01/03
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-...
#STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers
February 2, 2026 at 3:31 PM
📣 Applications are open for work experience
🧪🔬 Aimed at local Y12 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in science
🗓️ 27/07 – 31/07
Eligibility and selection criteria apply
Applications by 01/03
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-...
#STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers
🧪🔬 Aimed at local Y12 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in science
🗓️ 27/07 – 31/07
Eligibility and selection criteria apply
Applications by 01/03
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-...
#STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers
We’re looking for a Maintenance Technician to join our skilled Estates & Facilities team part-time!
You’ll be responsible for electrical or mechanical works to keep the LMB buildings running in optimal condition.
Read more here: www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQH141/m...
Apply by 16 FEB
#CambridgeJobs
You’ll be responsible for electrical or mechanical works to keep the LMB buildings running in optimal condition.
Read more here: www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQH141/m...
Apply by 16 FEB
#CambridgeJobs
February 2, 2026 at 9:24 AM
We’re looking for a Maintenance Technician to join our skilled Estates & Facilities team part-time!
You’ll be responsible for electrical or mechanical works to keep the LMB buildings running in optimal condition.
Read more here: www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQH141/m...
Apply by 16 FEB
#CambridgeJobs
You’ll be responsible for electrical or mechanical works to keep the LMB buildings running in optimal condition.
Read more here: www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQH141/m...
Apply by 16 FEB
#CambridgeJobs
Since the 1970s, the annual Christmas raffle has been a staple event in the LMB’s calendar.
Supported by a craft sale, in 2025, the LMB raised over £2000 for @camcycle.bsky.social in memory of Mark Troll.
Read more here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
#LMBNews
Supported by a craft sale, in 2025, the LMB raised over £2000 for @camcycle.bsky.social in memory of Mark Troll.
Read more here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
#LMBNews
January 30, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Since the 1970s, the annual Christmas raffle has been a staple event in the LMB’s calendar.
Supported by a craft sale, in 2025, the LMB raised over £2000 for @camcycle.bsky.social in memory of Mark Troll.
Read more here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
#LMBNews
Supported by a craft sale, in 2025, the LMB raised over £2000 for @camcycle.bsky.social in memory of Mark Troll.
Read more here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
#LMBNews
This #RaceEqualityWeek join us at 1pm (GMT) on Tue 3rd Feb for an inspiring conversation on career progression in biomedical research.
We look forward to welcoming our speakers Adewale Adebajo, Emmanuel Adukwu & Chinedu Agwu!
Find more info & register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/24e236...
We look forward to welcoming our speakers Adewale Adebajo, Emmanuel Adukwu & Chinedu Agwu!
Find more info & register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/24e236...
January 27, 2026 at 4:12 PM
This #RaceEqualityWeek join us at 1pm (GMT) on Tue 3rd Feb for an inspiring conversation on career progression in biomedical research.
We look forward to welcoming our speakers Adewale Adebajo, Emmanuel Adukwu & Chinedu Agwu!
Find more info & register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/24e236...
We look forward to welcoming our speakers Adewale Adebajo, Emmanuel Adukwu & Chinedu Agwu!
Find more info & register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/24e236...
To mark the upcoming publication of his book ‘On the Future of Species’ former LMB PhD student & postdoc @adrianwoolfson.bsky.social appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Start The Week to discuss how a new era of synthetic biology could transform life as we know it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#LMBAlumni
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#LMBAlumni
Start the Week - Biology, technology and the future - BBC Sounds
Adam Rutherford asks what it might mean if we can build human bodies and minds.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 12:14 PM
To mark the upcoming publication of his book ‘On the Future of Species’ former LMB PhD student & postdoc @adrianwoolfson.bsky.social appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Start The Week to discuss how a new era of synthetic biology could transform life as we know it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#LMBAlumni
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#LMBAlumni
Exciting opportunity for a #postdoc to join @suyangzhang.bsky.social’s group in the LMB Structural Studies Division to investigate co-transcriptional splicing using cryo-EM and biochemistry.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Apply by 11 FEB
#PostdocJobs #ScienceJobs
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Apply by 11 FEB
#PostdocJobs #ScienceJobs
January 27, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Exciting opportunity for a #postdoc to join @suyangzhang.bsky.social’s group in the LMB Structural Studies Division to investigate co-transcriptional splicing using cryo-EM and biochemistry.
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Apply by 11 FEB
#PostdocJobs #ScienceJobs
Read more: www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Apply by 11 FEB
#PostdocJobs #ScienceJobs
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Saja Fadila, postdoc in the Bertolotti group in the LMB's Neurobiology Division.
Her colleagues will remember Saja as a smart, energetic and determined scientist who will be sorely missed.
Read the LMB’s tribute here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Her colleagues will remember Saja as a smart, energetic and determined scientist who will be sorely missed.
Read the LMB’s tribute here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
January 26, 2026 at 3:08 PM
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Saja Fadila, postdoc in the Bertolotti group in the LMB's Neurobiology Division.
Her colleagues will remember Saja as a smart, energetic and determined scientist who will be sorely missed.
Read the LMB’s tribute here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Her colleagues will remember Saja as a smart, energetic and determined scientist who will be sorely missed.
Read the LMB’s tribute here: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
TODAY – Paul Nurse from the Francis Crick Institute will be joining us to discuss ‘New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control’.
Don’t miss this fantastic #LMBSeminar, beginning at 11am (GMT).
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Don’t miss this fantastic #LMBSeminar, beginning at 11am (GMT).
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
January 26, 2026 at 8:40 AM
TODAY – Paul Nurse from the Francis Crick Institute will be joining us to discuss ‘New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control’.
Don’t miss this fantastic #LMBSeminar, beginning at 11am (GMT).
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Don’t miss this fantastic #LMBSeminar, beginning at 11am (GMT).
More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
To complement the launch of our new LMB website, we’ve shared a new introductory video on our YouTube channel.
Meet some of our scientists and support staff, take a look around our wonderful building and see how we come together to unravel how life works.
youtu.be/JmC17_4bEMA?...
Meet some of our scientists and support staff, take a look around our wonderful building and see how we come together to unravel how life works.
youtu.be/JmC17_4bEMA?...
Through the doors of discovery - an introduction to the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
YouTube video by MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
youtu.be
January 23, 2026 at 3:28 PM
To complement the launch of our new LMB website, we’ve shared a new introductory video on our YouTube channel.
Meet some of our scientists and support staff, take a look around our wonderful building and see how we come together to unravel how life works.
youtu.be/JmC17_4bEMA?...
Meet some of our scientists and support staff, take a look around our wonderful building and see how we come together to unravel how life works.
youtu.be/JmC17_4bEMA?...
Congratulations to Tom Dendooven, former postdoc in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, who has launched his own research group at @viblifesciences.bsky.social
His group will study the molecular basis of male infertility using electron cryotomography.
Best of luck to you Tom!
#LMBAlumni 🎉
His group will study the molecular basis of male infertility using electron cryotomography.
Best of luck to you Tom!
#LMBAlumni 🎉
January 21, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Congratulations to Tom Dendooven, former postdoc in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, who has launched his own research group at @viblifesciences.bsky.social
His group will study the molecular basis of male infertility using electron cryotomography.
Best of luck to you Tom!
#LMBAlumni 🎉
His group will study the molecular basis of male infertility using electron cryotomography.
Best of luck to you Tom!
#LMBAlumni 🎉
Don’t miss next week’s #LMBSeminar by Paul Nurse: New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control.
Monday 26th January, 11am (GMT)
Visit our website to find more details: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Monday 26th January, 11am (GMT)
Visit our website to find more details: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
January 20, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Don’t miss next week’s #LMBSeminar by Paul Nurse: New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control.
Monday 26th January, 11am (GMT)
Visit our website to find more details: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
Monday 26th January, 11am (GMT)
Visit our website to find more details: mrclmb.ac.uk/news-events/...
🌐Our new LMB website is live!🌐
Fresh design, better navigation, same first-class science.
Take a look around ➡️ mrclmb.ac.uk
Fresh design, better navigation, same first-class science.
Take a look around ➡️ mrclmb.ac.uk
January 19, 2026 at 5:25 PM
🌐Our new LMB website is live!🌐
Fresh design, better navigation, same first-class science.
Take a look around ➡️ mrclmb.ac.uk
Fresh design, better navigation, same first-class science.
Take a look around ➡️ mrclmb.ac.uk
Want to learn more about nuclear pore transport and its implications for new therapeutics?
Don’t miss the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture by Dirk Görlich at 11am on Monday 19th January.
More details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Don’t miss the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture by Dirk Görlich at 11am on Monday 19th January.
More details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
January 16, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Want to learn more about nuclear pore transport and its implications for new therapeutics?
Don’t miss the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture by Dirk Görlich at 11am on Monday 19th January.
More details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Don’t miss the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture by Dirk Görlich at 11am on Monday 19th January.
More details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Join Paul Nurse from the Francis Crick Institute at the LMB on Monday 26th January at 11am (GMT) for a #LMBSeminar on ‘New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control’
Visit our website for more details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Visit our website for more details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
January 14, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Join Paul Nurse from the Francis Crick Institute at the LMB on Monday 26th January at 11am (GMT) for a #LMBSeminar on ‘New Perspectives on CDKs and Cell Cycle Control’
Visit our website for more details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Visit our website for more details: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Dirk Görlich will give the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture at 11am (GMT) on 19th January.
Read more about his research and upcoming lecture ‘Transport through nuclear pores’ here: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/2026-max-per...
#LMBNews #LMBSeminar
Read more about his research and upcoming lecture ‘Transport through nuclear pores’ here: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/2026-max-per...
#LMBNews #LMBSeminar
January 12, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Dirk Görlich will give the 2026 Max Perutz Lecture at 11am (GMT) on 19th January.
Read more about his research and upcoming lecture ‘Transport through nuclear pores’ here: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/2026-max-per...
#LMBNews #LMBSeminar
Read more about his research and upcoming lecture ‘Transport through nuclear pores’ here: www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/2026-max-per...
#LMBNews #LMBSeminar
@lancasterlab.bsky.social, Joint Head of the LMB’s Cell Biology Division, dives into the world of brain organoids with @latif.bsky.social at @radiolab.bsky.social 🧠
Listen via the link: radiolab.org/podcast/brai...
#LMBintheNews
Listen via the link: radiolab.org/podcast/brai...
#LMBintheNews
Brain Balls
Scientists can now grow tiny, human brain balls. They’re useful, but are they alive?
radiolab.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:49 PM
@lancasterlab.bsky.social, Joint Head of the LMB’s Cell Biology Division, dives into the world of brain organoids with @latif.bsky.social at @radiolab.bsky.social 🧠
Listen via the link: radiolab.org/podcast/brai...
#LMBintheNews
Listen via the link: radiolab.org/podcast/brai...
#LMBintheNews
Reposted by MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Get the latest news and events straight to your phone via our WhatsApp channel!
For those who are not desk-based or may have very busy inboxes, we have launched a WhatsApp channel to enable people to receive the latest news and events directly to their phones: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
For those who are not desk-based or may have very busy inboxes, we have launched a WhatsApp channel to enable people to receive the latest news and events directly to their phones: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
January 9, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Get the latest news and events straight to your phone via our WhatsApp channel!
For those who are not desk-based or may have very busy inboxes, we have launched a WhatsApp channel to enable people to receive the latest news and events directly to their phones: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
For those who are not desk-based or may have very busy inboxes, we have launched a WhatsApp channel to enable people to receive the latest news and events directly to their phones: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...