Departmental news

A new paper from the Saunders lab introduces CellMet, an open-source toolkit that extracts 3D cell shape and topology metrics within dense tissue. Going beyond basic measures like volume and surface area, CellMet reveal detailed morphological features - such as twisting shape - and highlights how cells interact and organise themselves. From organoids to Drosophila embryos, CellMet provides a powerful framework to reveal hidden tissue architecture.

Read the paper.Link opens in a new window
CellMetLink opens in a new window

A new paper from the Royle lab describes a method to label membrane contact sites in living cells on-demand. Laura Downie found that the Lamin B Receptor (LBR), which is usually on the nuclear envelope, can be used as a multi-purpose contact site highlighter. With a bit of engineering, LBR can label ER contacts with the plasma membrane, mitochondria, lysosomes, endosomes, lipid droplets and the Golgi! We found Golgi-ER contact sites persist in mitosis, a time when the Golgi is broken down but the contact sites remain intact! As a bonus track, the paper contains a method to segment mitochondria and ER from volume-EM data using machine learning, and find their contacts in 3D.

Read the paper here.

Pleomorphism in influenza viruses, characterized by diverse morphological forms ranging from spherical virions to elongated filaments, has been suggested to present significant implications for pathogenesis. This review examines the role of pleomorphism on the influenza virus life cycle, encompassing viral attachment and entry, replication, assembly, and budding, as well as transmission dynamics. It explores the determinants' underlying morphological variability in virions and their impact on viral fitness and host interactions. Insights into how pleomorphic forms of the virus influence disease severity and the efficacy of antivirals are discussed. Understanding the implications of pleomorphism in influenza virus pathogenesis is crucial for the development of effective disease prevention, control, and treatment strategies.

Read the paper here.

Warwick Medical School's MSc Advanced Critical Care Practice has been awarded full accreditation by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM), one of only three courses in the UK to achieve this.

A study led by WMS researchers has revealed an abnormal process in the womb lining as the explanation behind some preventable pregnancy loss, paving the way for new tests and treatments for some women who experience recurrent miscarriage.

The International Zebrafish Society (IZFS), comprising of over 900 members, is the premier society in this research area.
Karuna was declared winner in the Board of Directors ElectionLink opens in a new window on 18 June 2025. Karuna will succeed Professor Cecilia Moens (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA,USA) and will be President of the International Zebrafish Society 2026-2027.
 

A film produced by the ISOBAR project team at Warwick Medical School has won the Best Film Award at the annual conference of the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD).

Warwick Medical School students and staff have been recognised at the Warwick Students' Union Awards.

Prehospital critical care teams are less likely to attend cardiac arrest patients in more deprived neighbourhoods, according to a study led by Warwick Medical School.

The Institute of Precision Diagnostics and Translational Medicine at UHCW was delighted to welcome a nationwide audience to the launch of its Multi-Omics platform on Thursday 8 May 2025.