Between a rock and a hard place?

Christ’s College faced criticism over proposals to demolish its 1970s library and replace it with a larger, accessible library backing onto Christ’s Lane. Campaigners from the Christ’s Lane Action Group argued the design was “too large” and risked turning the “bustling” lane into a “canyon.” Christ’s Master Simon McDonald said the old library suffered from “severe maintenance” issues and lacked wheelchair access, calling the new proposal “urgent” and “beautiful”. This week, planning officers confirmed 57 public comments in support and 65 objections. Cambridge City Council’s planning committee discussed the proposal on Thursday (11/09). A decision is still yet to be made, leaving the “canyon” proposal on a cliffhanger.

Arthritis breakthrough offers joint hope

Cambridge researchers developed a soft “artificial cartilage” that releases drugs during arthritis flare-ups, offering a potential new way to treat the condition. The material responds to acidity levels in inflamed joints by becoming more jelly-like. In laboratory tests it was found to respond only within a narrow pH range, releasing drugs specifically at inflamed joints. Researchers said this targeted approach could reduce harmful side effects, which Jesus Fellow Oren Scherman stated was “a really exciting prospect”. The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, was supported by UKRI and the European Research Council. Cambridge Enterprise is considering commercial applications, but clinical trials will be required before patient use.

Short stories shortlisted

Cambridge and the BBC marked the 20th anniversary of the National Short Story Award, with this year’s shortlist announced Thursday (11/09) on Radio 4’s Front Row. The literary prize, among the UK’s most significant for short stories, named Emily Abdeni-Holman, Colwill Brown, Edward Hogan, Caoilinn Hughes and Andrew Miller as the five writers considered for the £15,000 award. Their stories, including settings from Doncaster and Jerusalem, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between 15 and 19 September and published in an anthology by Comma Press. The University has a long partnership with the Award, and the winner will be announced on 30 September.

Here be dragons

The 19th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival took place on Saturday (13/09) at Fen Ditton, with first-timers Bango winning the race. With a drummer setting the rhythm, more than 40 crews of ten raced 200m courses while hundreds of spectators watched from Ditton Meadows. The race, run with NewWave Events, aimed at raising funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Illumina vice-president Mark Robinson said: “It [was] a great opportunity to give something back to the communities in which we live and work.” Alongside the races, visitors enjoyed food stalls, cultural performances, and family activities.