Researchers finds breakthrough in multiple sclerosis treatment

A Cambridge study has found that, by using a combination of the common diabetes drug metformin and the antihistamine clemastine, the protective coating around nerves damaged by multiple sclerosis can be repaired. According to Cambridge University researchers, this finding takes them a step closer to stopping the progression of multiple sclerosis. Dr Nick Cunniffe, who led the second clinical trial and is a clinical lecturer in Neurology at Cambridge, said his instinct “is that we are on the brink of a new class of treatments to stop MS progression, and within the next decade we could see the first licensed treatment that repairs myelin and improves the lives of people living with MS”.

Why does Cambridge always win?

A panel discussion on Cambridge University’s sporting successes took place at St Edmund’s College on Saturday (27/09). Entitled Beyond the Win: the Transformative Power of Sports, the panel discussed what ‘success’ means in sports and the role of Cambridge sporting ‘culture’ in helping them achieve recent victories over Oxford. Taking place as part of the 2025 Alumni Festival, the panel featured multiple former Cambridge athletes including Olympic rower Richard Phelps, chief coach at Cambridge University Boat Club Rob Baker, and Varsity rugby captain Fergus Hughes.

Bonnie Blue descends on Revs

Infamous creator Bonnie Blue was spotted in Revolution by Cambridge sports pre-season students, who claimed the bar seemed to be facilitating a “meet and greet” style event with the porn actress. A third-year Cambridge student who attended Revolution on Wednesday (24/09) evening told Varsity she saw Revolution staff “facilitating a meet and greet style event” where students could “line up to take selfies with Bonnie Blue’’. A spokesperson for Revolution told Varsity: “We would like to clarify that the individual in question entered the bar as a customer, there were no arrangements made with her or her team. Any interactions that took place were not part of a scheduled or endorsed event.”

Baits Bite Lock on River Cam to re-open

Repair work is now underway at the Baits Bite Lock in Cambridge, and the Lock is expected to open in approximately 16 weeks, bringing the overall closure period to 20 months. It closed initially in May last year following a survey carried out by Conservators of the River Cam which revealed structural issues with the lock island. According to a spokesperson for the Conservators this “project is focused on reinforcing and securing the lock island to ensure its long-term resilience and safety”. They added that “all works are being carried out with careful consideration for the surrounding environment and waterway users.”