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Achievements
In this section you can read summaries of achievements by MRC-funded researchers over the last decade, listed by year. These have been selected from more than 2,000 MRC research findings that are published each year in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Inside the working brain
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2002
Using functional imaging, scientists have discovered that although the regions of the brain that anticipate pain are close to the areas that respond to pain, which could lead to new ways of managing conditions involving chronic pain.
Targeting amyloid disease
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2002
MRC researchers have developed a drug that destabilises build-ups of proteins called amyloids in the brain, offering a new approach to treating a range of amyloid diseases.
Ribosome structure insight
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2002
Researchers have solved the molecular structure of one of the two subunits of ribosomes, large molecular machines that cells use to assemble proteins.
Safer pregnancy for mother and child
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2002
An international clinical trial shows that magnesium sulphate, a simple and affordable anti-convulsive drug, could halve the risk of pregnant mothers developing eclampsia following pre-eclampsia.
Internal examination
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2002
Researchers at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research have developed a new optical imaging technique that allows rapid and accurate 3-D analysis of internal tissue structure.
Mouse map will aid genetic discovery
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2002
A team at the MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, has constructed a detailed, and almost complete, map of mouse genes.
Good news for heart health
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2002
MRC-funded research has shown that over a third of heart attacks and strokes major causes of death and ill health worldwide could be prevented if those at risk took drugs called statins, which lower cholesterol levels.
Improving IVF treatment
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2002
Scientists have developed a test that addresses the problems of low success rates and a high rate of multiple associated with in vitro fertilisation.
Safer pregnancy for mother and child
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2002
MRC research has shown that the injection of a simple and affordable anti-convulsive drug could halve the risk pre-eclampsia in preganant women.
New test for bowel cancer offers national screening possibilities
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2002
A new test for bowel cancer has been developed by scientists at the MRC and Cancer Research UK.
Understanding malaria
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2002
National Institute for Medical Research scientists have shown that a group of related proteins are involved in the invasion of different host cells by malaria parasites.