The Crick magazine

Issue 2, spring 2026

A cartoon man in a lab coat walking on an alien planet with DNA in the sky above.
Feature

Light-years of DNA

Kathleen Weston

John Diffley's 30-year mission to understand DNA replication and his place in the universe.

Video

Cracking DNA replication – John Diffley | Lifeworks

Tristan Quinn 23 March 2026

In this profile interview, John reveals how big questions posed by religion, lifelong curiosity and a culture of optimism inspired his work. 

Feature

The missing four weeks

Henry Scowcroft 25 March 2026

The events within a crucial four week period of human development have long eluded scientists. Stem cell models are finally revealing them – and raising new ethical questions.

Profile

Mission: possible

Clare Green 25 March 2026

The team of inventors overcoming the toughest technical challenges to accelerate scientific research.

Photo story

In Darwin's footsteps

Words by Tristan Quinn, images by Fiona Hanson 25 March 2026

Crick scientists are working with ZSL to investigate how the placenta has evolved with incredible variation across mammalian species. 

News

Investigating the rhythm of heart development

New research in zebrafish shows how embryos build a functional heart that keeps beating for life.

Research highlights

Locating the cell division trigger

Ancient teeth reveal shadows of infections

Pregnancy's impact on gut length

How phototherapy could reverse antibiotic resistance

Abandoned drug offers hope for overlooked infection

Profile

Life lessons with Kate Bingham

Roger Highfield 25 March 2026

Venture capitalist and Crick Board member Kate Bingham led the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID pandemic. She shares lessons from her 30-year career, including her inspirations, her advice on working with government, and building tree houses.

Feature

Ageing blood could ignite cancer

Kathryn Ingham 25 March 2026

Research suggests that mutations in ageing blood cells can influence how cancers grow, spread and respond to treatment.

Perspective

The promise of regenerative medicine

Foad Rouhani 25 March 2026

Understanding how organs regenerate could open the door to a new era of medicine, says transplant surgeon Foad Rouhani. 

Front and back cover of a magazine.

ISSN 2978-5294

Thank you to the Crick's generous philanthropic supporters. Support our science: philanthropy@crick.ac.uk

The Crick is published twice a year by the Communications and Public Engagement team at the Francis Crick Institute. 

Editorial team      Scientific advisors

Ali Bailey

Georgie Bevan

Roger Highfield

Kathryn Ingham

Halle McCarthy

Tristan Quinn

Henry Scowcroft

 

     Adrian Bird

     James Briscoe

     Gerard Evan

     Vivian Li

     Philippa Matthews

     Brigitta Stockinger

     Kathy Weston

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The Crick Magazine Issue 02 Spring 2026 (8.63 MB) PDF

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