News

Anna Cochrane selected for the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar

29 October 2024

Congratulations to Anna Cochrane, a Loke CTR affiliate member and PhD student in the lab of Professor Dino Giussani , who has been selected to represent the University of Cambridge at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar this year. Anna's selection is based on the quality of her ongoing PhD work, academic...

Marmoset trophoblast stem cells model shallow embryo implantation

25 September 2024

Loke CTR scientists have developed a pioneering method to culture marmoset placental cells in the lab, offering new insights into embryo implantation, in research published online this week in Cell Stem Cell . Unlike human embryos, which implant deeply into the uterus, marmoset embryos undergo a much shallower implantation...

Centre for Trophoblast Research named in honour of Professor Charlie Y.W. Loke

6 September 2024

Centre for Trophoblast Research named in honour of Professor Charlie Y.W. Loke family_visit_2.jpg Amanda Louise Kwai-Lin Loke and Charlie Yung Wai Loke (King’s, 1953) The Loke Family are longstanding supporters of placental research at the University of Cambridge. In recognition of the invaluable support from the Loke...

Mother’s gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby’s brain development

21 August 2024

A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother’s gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus. R esearchers have compared the development of the fetal brain in mice whose mothers had no bacteria in their gut, to those whose mothers were given Bifidobacterium breve...

In Memoriam: Professor Chris Redman

15 August 2024

chris_redman.jpg It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Chris Redman, a pioneering figure in the study of pre-eclampsia and an honorary member of the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research . Professor Redman was a leading clinician-scientist whose groundbreaking work significantly advanced our...

Pioneering Code of Practice released for use of stem cell-based embryo models in research

4 July 2024

Pioneering Code of Practice released for use of stem cell-based embryo models in research The University of Cambridge, in partnership with the Progress Educational Trust, has led work to create the first ever UK guidelines for the generation and use of stem cell-based embryo models in research; These models can be created...

‘Mini-placentas’ help scientists study the causes of pre-eclampsia and pregnancy disorders

17 January 2024

Loke CTR scientists have grown ‘mini-placentas’ in the lab and used them to see how the placenta develops and interacts with the inner lining of the womb – findings that could help scientists better understand and, in future, potentially treat pre-eclampsia. The study, published today in Cell Stem Cell , shows that it is...

Cambridge-led study discovers cause of pregnancy sickness – and potential treatment

13 December 2023

A collaborative study led by Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, joined by Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (Loke CTR) researchers Prof Gordon Smith and Prof Steve Charnock Jones , has shown why many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy – and why some women, including the Duchess of Cambridge, become so...

Newborn babies at risk from bacteria commonly carried by mothers

30 November 2023

One in 200 newborns is admitted to a neonatal unit with sepsis caused by a bacteria commonly carried by their mothers – much greater than the previous estimate, say Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (Loke CTR) researchers. The team has developed an ultra-sensitive test capable of better detecting the bacteria, as it is...

Risk of premature birth from smoking while pregnant more than double previous estimates

13 October 2023

Loke CTR researchers have found that women who smoke during pregnancy are 2.6 times more likely to give birth prematurely compared to non-smokers – more than double the previous estimate. The study, published today in the International Journal of Epidemiology , also found that smoking meant that the baby was four times...