MHRA-led study reveals major inconsistencies in global microbiome research
- A landmark international study led by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has exposed significant variability in microbiome research methods across the world, highlighting an urgent need to adopt unified standards for the global harmonisation of gut microbiome research.
- The study involved leading laboratories across multiple countries testing identical samples of gut microbiome bacteria. Results revealed startling inconsistencies, with accuracy measures varying dramatically between laboratories – despite analysing the same samples.
NHS Supply Chain plans to make procurement frameworks more selective
- Emerging reports suggest that NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) is planning to move future framework awards towards a more selective model, so reducing access for clinicians to the wider range of MedTech products that might be most appropriate for their patients, whilst damaging plurality and diversity of supply, and threatening future innovation, particularly by start-ups and smaller and medium-sized enterprise.
- Instead of broader, multi-supplier frameworks, it seems NHSSC intends that awards will focus on a smaller number of top-ranked suppliers.
- North Wales in line for more than 3,400 new jobs through newly announced AI Growth Zone, as the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary set out plans to ensure sites deliver for working people
- AI Growth Zone uniquely positioned with the potential to leverage the UK’s first small modular reactor in Wylfa – bringing together the technologies of the future in North Wales
- Reforms to planning and energy access to accelerate development to unlock up to £100 billion of additional investment, creating thousands of jobs across the country
GSK and Fleming Initiative scientists unite to target AMR with advanced AI
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£45m in GSK funding has been allocated to new research programmes combining expertise and using cutting edge AI technology to accelerate AMR research.
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GSK and the Fleming Initiative today announced six major new research programmes, called ‘Grand Challenges’ which harness some of the best scientific expertise and the latest technologies, including advanced AI, to find new ways to slow the progress of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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According to the recent (October 2025) WHO GLASS Report highlighting a worsening global AMR situation, around one in six laboratory confirmed bacterial infections were caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Wellcome Genome Campus chiefs creating huge global township for Science & Technology community
- Robert Evans, CEO, Wellcome Genome Campus has revealed to Business Weekly the full and impressive scale of a development that will revolutionise Cambridge and UK research and wow the world.
- The Wellcome Genome Campus is already a globally recognised, established research hub but is now expanding for the future to support the UK’s position as a world leader in science and technology.
- Evans says that over the next few years, the Campus will increase in size from 125 acres to 440 acres, “to accommodate a growing community of leading institutes, companies and organisations in genomics, biodata, health data, translation and data science.”
Animal testing to be phased out faster as UK unveils roadmap for alternative methods
- Government vows to phase out animal tests as alternative methods come on stream with new strategy welcomed as ‘ambitious’ and ‘timely’ by animal welfare and life sciences organisations
- New £75 million funding will help bring forward new testing methods for products that can save lives and make path to regulation clearer for researchers
- Strategy developed by government with life sciences, business and animal welfare organisations, meeting government’s manifesto commitment
