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MRC Toxicology Unit

@mrc-tu.bsky.social

180 followers 350 following 95 posts

The MRC Toxicology Unit is working to understand the mechanisms of cellular and tissue response to injury caused by drugs, chemicals and endogenous molecules.

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Feb 21

What is toxicology and what do we do at the MRC Toxicology Unit?

Our scientists work across a range of topics from the gut microbiome, to air pollution and cancer immunotherapy so new therapeutics and environmental factors can be safe-by-design.

Find out more:
youtu.be/cYaxFnckfUI?...

What we do at the MRC Toxicology Unit | University of Cambridge

YouTube video by MRC Toxicology Unit - University of Cambridge

youtu.be

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 19h

Could gut microbes protect us from toxic 'forever chemicals (PFAS)’?

Kiran Patil discusses exciting findings from his group that certain species of human gut bacteria can take in and store PFAS. Boosting these species could help protect us from the harmful effects of PFAS.

Watch:

Gut microbes could protect us from toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Scientists have discovered that certain species of microbe found in the human gut can absorb PFAS - the toxic and long-lasting ‘forever chemicals.’ They say boosting these species in our gut…

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 1d

Our next science comic, from the MacFarlane lab, is about macrophages, biopersistent fibres and how this is linked to mesothelioma.

Each comic, created with @claudiaflandoli.bsky.social tells a story from the microworld and relates it to real world research.

Find out more here: buff.ly/SWp8G4v

Reposted by MRC Toxicology Unit

MRC Biostatistics Unit @mrc-bsu.bsky.social · 1d

Our Director John Whittaker took part in a short video interview discussing; what motivated him to work in biostatistics, why he enjoys being Director, and his thoughts on the future of #Biostatistics.

Watch here 👇
youtu.be/o3ArK999wgE

Meet our researchers: Interview with John Whittaker

YouTube video by MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge

youtu.be

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 5d

Professor Anne Willis, our Unit director, will be speaking alongside other experts at the Nature Conference, Cracking the Code: Nucleic Acid Medicines Coming of Age in Boston MA this December.

Abstract submission and early bird registration closes on the 10th October: buff.ly/Iar2R7H

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 7d

Welcome to our new PhD and MPhil students! We're excited for you to join our diverse group of researchers working to understand how chemicals in our environment and medicines affect our bodies. We look forward to seeing what new discoveries you will make!

Reposted by MRC Toxicology Unit

Department of Pharmacology | University of Cambridge @phar.cam.ac.uk · 13d

Apply now for the #MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences at the University of #Cambridge, starting Oct 2026!

1-year full-time course with a 6-month research placement, combining world-class academic & industry training.

Developed with the Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences.

🔗 bit.ly/3KdJrk9

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 13d

With Anfas finishing his MPhil project in the Sawarkar Lab, we spoke to him about about his experience at the MRC Tox Unit, his research on the heat shock protein HSP90, and how HSP90 is linked to regulation of cellular stress.

Read our interview with Anfas here: buff.ly/rGicEMw

Anfas laughs whilst turning towards the camera whilst working in a tissue culture hood. He wears a blue lab coat and gloves and holds a pipette boy.

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 14d

We aim to carry out pioneering research which leads to safer medicines and environments. To support our work, we're looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join the Building Services Team as a Building Services Technician.

Apply buff.ly/Ubp8X4C

@cambridgebiosci.bsky.social

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 16d

Members from the MRC Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and the Gurdon Institute took part in the Chariots of Fire event, a charity race that takes a scenic route through central Cambridge.

Read more about the event here: buff.ly/QgJr1DK

@phar.cam.ac.uk @gurdoninstitute.bsky.social

Twelve members from the MRC Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Gurdon Institute standing in blue t-shirts with their race medals.

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 20d

Working together on the same topics allows us to benefit from the expertise of our colleagues across the School of Biological Sciences. This theme focusses on the building blocks of life - cells and molecules. How they interact is key to understanding health and disease.

School of Biological Sciences @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social · 21d

We’re excited to re-introduce the academic leads for our Molecules and Cells Research Theme! Hear from new Theme Lead Marc about what the Research Themes mean to him.

Find out more bio.cam.ac.uk
#BiologicalSciences @scicambridge.bsky.social @cambiochem.bsky.social @mrc-tu.bsky.social

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 21d

Did you know that around 20% of the world’s meat and fish is eaten by our pets?

The BioPet project aims to boost the ability of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce lipids, creating sustainable alternatives for pet food.

View the 'Journey of Yarrowia' here: buff.ly/SL8yGEw

In this photo, a colony of a type of yeast called Yarrowia lipolytica is overlaid with a schematic of a metabolic network.

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 22d

For Postdoc Appreciation Week 2025 we are recognising the substantial contribution postdocs make to research and research culture.

Thank you Postdocs, for all the ideas and hard work you bring to the MRC Toxicology Unit.

Find a PAW event near you: buff.ly/CkuJQ7L

#npaw2025

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 23d

We're excited to share that we will be coming to the Big Biology Day at Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge from 10-4pm on Saturday 11th October. Do share this event with your friends and family!

Watch this space to find out what activities the Tox Unit will be bringing this year...

Four Tox Unit Researchers in blue Tox Unit t-shirts at the 2025 Cambridge Festival

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · 29d

Our latest comic from the Willis lab is about anti-sense oligonucleotide therapies and the challenge of getting them to their target.

Each comic, created with @claudiaflandoli.bsky.social tells a story from the microworld and relates it to real world research.

Find out more here: buff.ly/SWp8G4v

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Sep 4

As many MPhil students are finishing, we want to highlight some of our amazing MPhil students who have been part of the Tox Unit over the past year.

We asked Amy Lewis, an MPhil student in the MacFarlane Lab about her research at the Tox Unit and why she chose to study an MPhil: buff.ly/MwT0bCv

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Sep 2

Congratulations to Niall Buckley, who was awarded the Outstanding Poster by a Postdoc prize for his work on how CDK9 inhibitors can damage liver cells at the Gordon Research Conference on the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Toxicity.

Read more: buff.ly/UKkt37d

Niall stands beside his poster titled "CDK9 inhibition impairs ribosome biogenesis and induces nucleolar stress in primary human hepatocytes" at the Gordon Research Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity.

A picture of Niall's certificate for his award for Outstanding Poster by a Post-Doc.

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 28

@davidoloughlin.bsky.social

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 28

David O'Loughlin, a PhD student in the MacFarlane Lab went to the 2025 edition of the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, which this year focused on chemistry.

David has written an article about the meeting and how he found the experience which you can read here: buff.ly/N4C4Yhi

Group photo of some of the members of the UK Delegation nominated by the Royal Society

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 26

CLOSING SOON: Research Assistant position in the Sawarkar Lab. The successful candidate will investigate transcriptional changes in the context of stress and neurodegeneration and work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Sawarkar lab research: buff.ly/kk3P5ia
Apply here: buff.ly/oSlJ5J4

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 22

Closing soon: We are looking for a reliable and well organised person to join the MRC Toxicology Unit as our Building Manager. The post is integral for maintaining the infrastructure and facilities that allows research to continue in the Unit.

Apply here: buff.ly/uuYIuMo

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 19

We have been collaborating with scientific illustrator @claudiaflandoli.bsky.social to share our research in an exciting new way - through comic books!

We will share more about them soon but you can read the comics here now: buff.ly/SWp8G4v

A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved.

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 15

Our scientists admire beauty on the microscale. Using immunofluorescence imaging, scientists can marvel at the tiny structures inside our cells.

Xiao-Ming Sun shows us the cardiomyocytes he is working with, why he finds them beautiful and what proteins he is looking at.

Watch ➡️ buff.ly/nQJK44k

MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 15

Fascinating work. It's amazing that the platelets can soak up the cell free DNA so quickly!

Reposted by MRC Toxicology Unit

Cambridge Biochemistry @cambiochem.bsky.social · Aug 13

We are recruiting for two full-time Research Assistants to work in the Hollfelder group on the discovery of novel catalytic peptides and proteins. Apply here by 25 August 2025: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/52353/

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MRC Toxicology Unit @mrc-tu.bsky.social · Aug 14

The Sawarkar lab is looking for a Research Assistant to investigate transcriptional changes in the context of stress and neurodegeneration with the goal of developing novel therapeutics.

Sawarkar lab research: buff.ly/kk3P5ia
Apply here: buff.ly/oSlJ5J4
Closes 31st August 2025

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