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Report calls for legislation to bolster governance of stem cell-based embryo models

Our Professor of Healthcare Law, Emma Cave, has chaired a working group looking into how research involving human stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) should be regulated.
A person looking through a microscope in a laboratory

Brains grew faster as humans evolved, study shows

Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found.
A digital image of a human brain within the silhouette of a head

Brain cells as traffic controllers

A groundbreaking study led by Dr Marco Bocchio in our Department of Psychology reveals how specific brain cells called interneurons can act as our in-built traffic controllers.
Abstract colourful image of a person's head and brain.

New imaging of bacterial DNA uncovers secrets to future antibiotic design

In a new study, scientists from our top-rated Biosciences department joined forces with researchers from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the John Innes Centre to reveal how a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase twists and stabilises DNA.
Graphic of DNA

New £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry

We’ve launched a new £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos.
Two people silhouetted against a starry sky.

North East England's universities respond to proposals for higher education

The five universities in North East England have responded to the UK Government’s priorities for higher education reform, indicating their commitment to work together and with others to drive growth.
Orange logo of UNEE on green background with text that reads Universities for North East England

Reflections on COP29

This year, we sent six delegates to the Conference of Parties in Baku, Azerbaijan. Learn how their work helps to address the challenges of an ever-changing and complex world – and inspires the next generation of problem-solvers.
Six headshots of Durham University's COP29 delegates in a row.

National biodiversity award for MammalWeb project

Our MammalWeb project has won a national biodiversity award for its work to gather information on the distribution, abundance, habits and behaviours of UK and European wild mammals.
Otters stare at the camera after being caught on a camera trap

Exhibition donated by ‘Knitting Bishop’ highlights links with Korea

A new exhibition ‘Knitted Together: The Korean Lives and Legacies of Richard and Joan Rutt’, focusing on the lives of two of the main donors to the Oriental Museum’s Korean collection, is now on display.
Korean Exhibition at the Oriental Museum, Knitted Together. Reverend Richard Rutt & wife Joan, black and white photo

Weather warnings in a changing climate to be explored thanks to Wellcome Award

Three of our scholars have been selected for the prestigious Wellcome Award, offering a combined £1,660,000 to work toward improving wellbeing through scientific research.
A person standing on sand holds a phone showing a high temperature.

Scientists reveal new breakthrough in OLED technology

Scientists from our top-rated Physics department and Newcastle University have developed a groundbreaking method to improve the stability and efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a technology used in smartphones, TVs, and other electronic displays.
Futuristic portrayal of screens on a black background

New study highlights how friendly social behaviours are contagious for chimpanzees

Researchers from our top-rated Psychology department have discovered that social bonding behaviours in chimpanzees, like grooming and play, can spread through groups much like contagious yawns or laughter in humans.
Two chimpanzees play on the ground outside. Photo credit: Dr Jake Brooker