The study found that the PBoC uses its financial tools in very practical ways to support China鈥檚 green industries. For example, it offers cheaper loans for renewable energy projects and allows banks to borrow more easily when they invest in approved green sectors. Since 2021, one programme alone has supported more than 拢120 billion in green lending.

By contrast, the Bank of England and European Central Bank have focused mainly on encouraging banks to think about climate risk, rather than shifting financial markets directly. The researchers describe this as an 鈥渋ndirect鈥� approach that has little real-world impact.

What makes the Chinese case unique is how the government sets the direction - such as its pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 - and then expects the central bank to help deliver it. The PBoC still has technical freedom to design its own tools, but its mission is clear. One PBoC staff member told the researchers: 鈥淭he government sets the goal. We decide how to get there.鈥�

Dr Jackson says this offers an important lesson for the climate era. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not saying countries should copy China鈥檚 political system, but we are saying that central banks around the world may need to rethink how they work with governments. In order to tackle climate change and adapt to its impacts, we need financial systems that can move quickly - not slowly.鈥�

The report is based on extensive research and evidence from over 200 experts, practitioners, policymakers, academics and community representatives. 

Professor Pilkington鈥檚 remit was to scrutinise the evidence around the Government鈥檚 Prevent programme - which aims to identify and rehabilitate people at risk of radicalisation - drawing on her research expertise in youth engagement and the societal drivers of extremism.  

Referrals to Prevent increased markedly after 2015, when it became a legal duty for teachers, social workers, nurses and other frontline professionals to report people they believed to be at risk of being drawn into terrorism or extremism. Referrals jumped from a few hundred a year before 2015, to an average of 6,458 per year since 2015 and to a record number of 8,517 in 2024-25. 

More than two thirds of these referrals were for concerns that had no - or no clear - ideological dimension, meaning that a counter-terrorism intervention was not an appropriate response.  Almost half of referrals were for children aged 11-17, and a third had at least one mental health or neurodivergence condition.  

鈥淚t should constitute one element of a broader, more holistic and better resourced multi-agency safeguarding approach that addresses diverse drivers of violence and to which individuals are referred via a 鈥榖ig front door鈥�,鈥� Hilary added.

The Commission sets out 113 recommendations to modernise the UK鈥檚 counter-terrorism framework and strengthen its fairness, focus and accountability. 

The report concludes that while the UK鈥檚 counter-terrorism system remains world-leading, it has grown complex and overbroad. Key reforms are needed to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and rooted in democratic values. As well as the recommendations concerning the Prevent programme, it also recommends that the government: 

• Narrow the legal definition of terrorism, ensuring clarity and proportionality.  

• Reform proscription powers, introducing time-limited reviews and stronger parliamentary and judicial oversight.

• Tighten terrorism offences, ensuring prosecutions are fair, proportionate, and grounded in clear intent.  

• Restore equality in citizenship law, limiting deprivation powers and ensuring fair treatment under the law.  

• Invest in social cohesion, recognising that inclusion and trust are vital to long-term security. 

The visit was made possible by alumnus and Blackpool FC owner, Simon Sadler, whose 拢1.5 million philanthropic gift has enabled the University to launch a transformative bursary programme for care-experienced students.

The Sadler Bursary provides an annual grant of 拢10,000 to up to 36 undergraduate students who have left care. The initiative addresses the significant barriers faced by care leavers in accessing and thriving in higher education. Nationally, only 14% of care leavers progress to university, compared to 47% of students from state-funded schools.

In recognition of these barriers, The University of 野狼社区 offers extensive support for care leavers. Each student has a named contact who helps them settle into university life and provides advice around subjects such as housing and finance. The University also makes 52-week accommodation in halls available, and can act as a guarantor to private landlords.

Financial support, of which the Sadler Bursary is an important part, also covers living costs, access to sports and recreation, and an offer of becoming a paid student ambassador.

The Scholars were invited to Blackpool FC to enjoy full hospitality in the club鈥檚 boardroom, meet players and staff, and walk through the players鈥� tunnel onto the pitch prior to kick-off.

Simon Sadler, Owner of Blackpool FC, commented: 鈥淚t was deeply moving to welcome the Scholars and to see them enjoying all that our wonderful club has to offer. These young people have overcome more challenges than many and the bursary is about giving them the support and encouragement they may need to pursue their ambitions with confidence.鈥�

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of 野狼社区, commented: 鈥�Thanks to Simon's generosity, the Sadler Bursary is a shining example of how philanthropy can help change lives by making education more accessible and inclusive. This visit to Blackpool FC was a celebration of that spirit and that mission. These students deserve every opportunity to thrive, and we鈥檙e proud to be supporting them throughout their journey.鈥�

Daniel, one of the Sadler Scholars, added: 鈥淕rowing up, my life felt contained in a dark tunnel, boundless and solitary. Now, as I step out of the Bloomfield Road tunnel, the future shines so bright. On this journey I am no longer alone.鈥�

The Sadler Bursary forms part of the University鈥檚 broader commitment to supporting care-experienced and estranged students. In addition to financial support, students benefit from tailored guidance, accommodation grants, and opportunities to work as Student Ambassadors.

Led by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator Professor Kevin Munro, the research team surveyed a representative sample of over 2,000 adults in the UK about their willingness to test their own hearing at home and use pre-programmed or self-fit hearing aids.

Almost 9 in every 10 adults surveyed said they would be willing to test their own hearing at home if recommended by the NHS.

The majority also said they would be willing to try a hearing aid that was sent to them by the NHS either ready programmed or which required them to programme it for themselves.  

The current NHS pathway involves GPs making a referral for a face-to-face appointment with an NHS audiologist in a hospital or high street setting. The uptake of hearing care is low and slow and current waiting times are very long.

However, policymakers are encouraging self-monitoring of health, and for health services to make greater use of digital technology as well as provide care closer to home.

The findings are a positive indication that such an approach would be welcomed by at least a proportion of adults.   

A variety of apps and online tests are available for people to assess their hearing at home using their smartphone or tablet, and there are hearing aids that are available without the need to involve a hearing professional. However, these vary in quality, and not all have been properly evaluated.

The findings are published in the International Journal of Audiology.

The study was funded by an NIHR Senior Investigator award to Prof Munro and was supported by the NIHR 野狼社区 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

Prof Kevin Munro said: 鈥淚f evaluated and shown to be successful for adults who prefer this option, DIY ear care has the potential to increase patient choice and shift care closer to home. It will also free up audiologists鈥� time to spend with adults who most need their help.鈥�

However, Prof Munro cautions that more work is needed before the findings are rolled out into practice: 鈥淲e have yet to evaluate whether this willingness will translate into reality or whether audiologists would be comfortable with this approach. We would also need to determine what support the NHS should provide to adults who opt to use these new pathways.鈥�

Professor Gabrielle Saunders from The University of 野狼社区 and Hearing Health Co-Theme Lead at the NIHR 野狼社区 BRC, a co-author of the study said: 鈥淭he main benefits reported in the survey include convenience, immediacy (not needing to wait for an appointment) and savings for the NHS. However, respondents raised genuine concerns that will need to be addressed including uncertainty about trusting the test results and feeling confident that they did the testing properly in the absence of face-to-face support.鈥� 

Claire Benton, President of the British Academy of Audiology, said:   鈥淭he profession is keen to foster a culture of continuous improvement, and these findings are very interesting. It is clear there is a need to provide a variety of solutions to resolve the current pressures. If the benefit to patients is not inferior to current practice, this provides additional options that are potentially sustainable solution for the NHS.鈥�

However, Benton went on to note: 鈥淭hese low-touch digital solutions will not be suitable for everyone. Also, we need to be reassured that we will not miss anyone with ear disease that requires medical attention.鈥�

Professor De wet Swanepoel, editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Audiology said: "Traditional models of hearing care can no longer meet the near-universal demand among older adults. This study highlights that adults themselves recognise the need for more accessible, self-directed models of care 鈥� a shift that is both necessary and transformative for healthy ageing.鈥�

According to RNID, 1 in 3 adults in the UK have some sort of hearing disorder, which is a total of over 18 million people. The prevalence increases significantly with age, with over half of people aged 55 or more having hearing loss. The number is projected to rise, with estimates suggesting 14.2 million adults will have hearing loss by 2035.

• The paper: DIY audiology at home: adults are interested in conducting self-administered hearing tests and trying fit-at-home hearing aids is published . The DOI of the paper is: 10.1080/14992027.2025.2576030.T

This year鈥檚 UN climate summit (Cop30) in Bel茅m, Brazil, begins with a familiar dilemma: how can we tackle a highly political, long-term problem that involves every country of the world?

Governments, experts and activists have been trying to address since the early 1990s, yet global greenhouse gas emissions remain at .

Emissions growth may be slowing, but even pro-climate action strategies seem to be pulling in different 鈥� or even, antagonistic 鈥� directions. Our presents these antagonisms as a choice between 鈥渟tability鈥� and 鈥減oliticisation鈥� in climate governance.

According to those favouring stability, governments should lock in steady, long-term policies that place us on a predictable and gradual track to much lower emissions. Creating policies that commit us to a certain path should help businesses to invest in ways that meet this predictable trajectory.

However, if it is weakened and made inadequate by pro-fossil fuel lobbyists and governments, then the stable path can still meander into climate catastrophe. This is the course we are presently on.

On the other hand, for those pursuing the politicisation of climate action, it is better to encourage political conflict and protests that constantly create pressure for more significant and rapid policy change.

Such strategies can disrupt pro-fossil fuel lobbyists鈥� grip and expose strategies used by some political figures to dismantle the hard-fought climate goals already in place. But by encouraging increased politicisation of these issues, we may open the door to and others seeking to slow or stop climate policy action altogether.

Both schools of thought 鈥� stability or politicisation 鈥� have their supporters and detractors. Both have benefits and downsides. However, these have rarely been discussed in conversation with one another, until now.

At Cop30, these distinct strategies will be under the spotlight.

The stability or politicisation dilemma helps to explain why building a strategy that works over years and decades creates difficult questions, not only about policy design but approaches for different organisations and states. These challenges change according to which level of government, which country, and which economic sector is in play.

For instance, it is easier to push for politicisation and conflict when you鈥檙e not a member of a marginalised or racialised community already facing to political participation.

Conversely, it is hard to avoid having to engage in politicisation and conflict in areas where there are deep historical power structures that need to be challenged. For example, in the UK, land ownership concentration blocks 鈥� both because landowners want to keep peat moors dry to maximise their grouse shooting revenue, and because the land concentration means they are very powerful within the British state.

Tension between timeframes

Our traces these dynamics across a range of cases, from the fossil fuel industry in the US to strategies used by the and ; from to environmental justice ; and from arguments about to generation.

International relations expert previous UN climate summits have been shaped by this clash in strategies, right back to the Kyoto protocol, the 1997 agreement that set emissions targets for economically developed countries.

Whereas the EU was previously the driving force behind depoliticisation of negotiations, more recently, countries such as India and China are also pursuing such strategies. As Allan warns, this may delay the implementation of climate policies as more states debate how best to progress.

In Bel茅m at Cop30, similar dynamics will be at play. Efforts are ongoing to implement the 2015 agenda and process. Core issues remain on how to ensure regular reporting of emissions, alongside questions around who pays for the consequences of climate change.

At the same time, there will be a continued politicising push by certain countries and social movements. States such as the US, Saudi Arabia and their allies will be trying to politicise the negotiations to stymy progress. Meanwhile, social movements will be protesting to keep the pressure on negotiators and promote climate justice for those who are hardest hit by climate change.

, Senior Lecturer in Politics, ; , Professor of International Politics, , and , Professor of Global Governance & Human Security,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

The study informs a process that takes place in many countries worldwide where women are overburdened with care responsibilities. As populations age and family structures change, how societies value and share care work may become one of the defining social issues of the century.

The authors also raise concerns over the discontinuation of the Thai national time-use survey by the National Statistical Office. They advocate for its urgent resumption, stressing that time-use data is critical for understanding gender inequality, strengthening the care economy, and helping the government monitor its progress toward the SDGs. Without such data, key dimensions of unpaid care work remain invisible in policy design and economic planning.

The study in older animals  showed that the placentas of male but not female offspring had increased cell damage from a biological state called oxidative stress. 

Oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules called free radicals build up faster than the body can clear them. 

It is associated with a range of pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, both of which increase the risk of stillbirth. 

The study demonstrated reduced weight in both female and male fetuses in older mice, but the placental alterations were sex-specific. 

The scientists are conducting further studies in mice to confirm these findings  and also carrying out a parallel study to see if similar sex differentiated mechanisms exist in human placentas from mothers of advanced maternal age (AMA), defined as age 35 and over. 

The study, published in the journal Reproduction and funded by Tommy鈥檚 and the Medical Research Council, also discovered placental mitochondria -  the biological batteries that power cells-  were working at a reduced rate in the placentas of both male and female pups but that there were more of them. 

Mitochondria are a major source of free radicals. Reducing their rate of activity at the same time as increasing their numbers is a way they adapt to prevent further oxidative stress while maintaining the supply of energy needed for cells to work properly.

This could mean that the adaptation in placentas from females was more successful than in placentas from males because oxidative stress was not increased in placentas from females of older mice. 

Although scientists know AMA increases the risk of placental dysfunction leading to  fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, little is known about the mechanisms that cause it.

Lead author Dr Michelles Desforges from the University of 野狼社区  said: 鈥淪ome impacts of advanced maternal age appear common to both sexes but this data suggests some may be sex specific.

鈥淓vidence that sex differentiated placental dysfunction occurs in a range of risk groups -  including diabetes or obesity- has been around for some time.

鈥淭his, however, is amongst the few to delve into the sex differentiated processes which increase the risks of adverse pregnancy outcome in animals of advanced maternal age.

鈥淚n 1980, only around 6% of pregnant women in the UK were aged 35 and over. However this figure has now risen to 25%. This represents a massive societal shift and it is important that we understand the reasons why these pregnancies are more vulnerable to fetal growth restriction and stillbirth.

鈥淏ut it is important to stress, however, that though advanced maternal age comes with  increased risks for some women, the  majority of mums aged 35 and over have normal pregnancies and healthy babies.鈥�

Principle investigator Dr Mark Dilworth added: 鈥淪tudies in mice are particularly helpful as they allow us to compare male and female offspring in the same pregnancy. In addition, these studies provide an important basis for future studies intent on developing therapeutic strategies for preventing fetal growth restriction and stillbirth.鈥�

• Sex-specific alterations in placental mitochondria, oxidative damage and apoptosis in mice of advanced maternal age鈥� is available .DOI: 

Scientists have developed a simple, low-cost method to drive key chemical reactions, which could make large-scale drug manufacturing, faster, more accessible and affordable.

The new study, published in the journal today by The University of 野狼社区, describes how complex light or electricity-mediated methods currently used across modern chemistry could be replaced by those driven by a simpler technology - heat.

By heating two common, inexpensive chemicals together, the researchers triggered 鈥榚lectron transfer鈥� reactions that chemists use to make many of our everyday products and medicines.  

Lead researcher, , Lecturer in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淥ur goal was to develop a broadly accessible and low-cost way to promote electron transfer reactions for industrial applications.

鈥淏y using something as simple as heat - something every chemistry lab already has - we鈥檝e created a process that can be scaled more easily and used by companies without the need for expensive, specialised equipment, opening up new possibilities for chemists all over the world.鈥�

Many modern chemical reactions rely on photochemical (light) or electrochemical (electricity) technologies to kick start 鈥榚lectron transfer reactions鈥� 鈥� a process that involves transferring electrons between molecules to make medicines, or other essential materials. Although these high-tech methods are powerful and effective, they can be difficult to scale up for industrial use as they require specialist reactors and costly infrastructure.

The 野狼社区 team鈥檚 new approach achieves the same result using only heat and two widely available chemicals - a type of azo compound and a formate salt. When heated together in a standard industrial reactor, these reagents naturally form a highly reactive molecule known as 鈥榗arbon dioxide radical anion鈥� - a simple yet powerful species capable of driving a wide range of chemical transformations.

Working with Dr James Douglas from AstraZeneca, the research team successfully demonstrated the scalability of the developed method  and tested it on a variety of other chemical reactions used in drug discovery.

, Lecturer in Computational & Theoretical Chemistry at The University of 野狼社区, added: 鈥淩adical chain chemistry underpins so many areas of science and manufacturing, so we hope this simple initiation method will be of wide use across both industry and academia. Beyond large-scale applications, it could also become a valuable tool for researchers studying new chemical reactions.鈥�

This research was published in the journal . 

DOI: 10.1038/s44160-025-00919-z

Researchers at the 野狼社区 Breast Centre, based at The University of 野狼社区, found that blocking the effects of the hormone progesterone, using ulipristal acetate, a drug already used on the NHS, may reduce the risk of breast cancer developing in women before the menopause, with a strong family history of the disease.

Progesterone is a hormone that can drive breast cancer development. It promotes the growth of a type of breast cell, that has the potential to turn into breast cancer. It can also influence the environment inside the breast, making it easier for these healthy cells to transform into cancer cells.

Blocking these effects of progesterone could be a new way to stop breast cancer before it starts.

The study, published today in the journal Nature, found that taking ulipristal acetate helped block the growth of breast cells that can turn into cancer, called luminal progenitors. These cells are the starting point for triple negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease that is more common in younger women and black women. Previous research has shown that the risk of triple negative breast cancer coming back or spreading in the first few years after diagnosis, is higher than in other types of breast cancer.

Between 2016 and 2019, 24 women aged 34-44 with a family history of breast cancer took ulipristal acetate for a 12-week period. During the trial, they underwent breast biopsies, blood tests, and detailed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans before and after treatment.

The researchers were measuring changes in breast tissue to understand if the drug might have a protective effect against breast cancer development.

MRI scans showed that the breast tissue became less dense with treatment, which is important because higher breast density is known to increase risk of breast cancer. The team found that the treatment worked best in women who had high breast density before treatment started.

Researchers also observed dramatic changes in breast tissue.  They found that treatment significantly reduced the number and function of certain collagen proteins that normally help support breast tissue.  Overall, the breast tissue became less stiff, making the environment less favourable for cancers to develop and grow.

One protein in particular 鈥� collagen 6 鈥� showed the most noticeable decrease after treatment. Based on their findings, researchers now think that it may directly influence the behaviour of luminal progenitor cells, that can give rise to breast cancer. 

All these changes suggest that the drug alters breast tissue in a way that makes it harder for cancer cells to develop and grow, therefore reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Clinical lead author, Dr Sacha Howell, Clinical senior lecturer at The University of 野狼社区, Director of 野狼社区 Breast Centre and Consultant Oncologist at The Christie said: 鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to the women who volunteered for this study. Our research, with them, provides evidence that progesterone plays a critical role in breast cancer development in high-risk individuals. By targeting its action, ulipristal acetate and other anti-progestins show promise as preventive treatments for women at increased risk.

鈥淲hat makes this study particularly exciting is the combination of clinical imaging and biological analysis, which gives us a powerful tool to understand how prevention therapies work at both the tissue and molecular levels. These results lay important groundwork for larger trials to confirm the potential of anti-progestins in reducing breast cancer risk鈥�.

Laboratory lead author, Dr Bruno Sim玫es, research fellow at The University of 野狼社区 and Principal Investigator at the 野狼社区 Breast Centre said: 鈥淥ur team was intrigued by how anti-progestins reshaped the breast tissue environment at the molecular level, reducing the number of tumour-initiating cells. We observed clear reductions in collagen levels and organisation, giving us direct insight into how targeting progesterone signalling can create conditions that make it harder for cancers to develop.鈥�

鈥淥ur goal is to understand the biology underlying breast cancer risk factors so we can develop better strategies to reduce the number of women affected by the disease. This study is particularly exciting because it suggests that women with increased breast density, a well-established risk factor, may benefit most from preventive treatment with an anti-progestin drug.鈥�

Co-lead author, Rob Clarke, professor of breast biology at the University of 野狼社区, Principal Investigator and former Director of the 野狼社区 Breast Centre said: 鈥淭he biological research behind the clinical study was a great example of team science, a major collaboration between investigators in 野狼社区, Cambridge and Toronto coming

together to understand the breast tissue and cellular changes underlying this preventive treatment. The findings reveal biomarkers that could be used to gauge response to therapy and whether it will be effective in preventing breast cancer.鈥�

Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, which funded the research, said: 鈥淲e desperately need better risk-reducing treatments for women at high risk of breast cancer, that also protect their quality of life. And we need to explore all avenues, including existing drugs with the scope to be repurposed, to achieve this.

鈥淐urrently, these women have only two options to reduce their risk - surgery or long-term hormone therapy, both of which have a profound impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing.

鈥淭his research into ulipristal acetate is an important step forward, and aligns with our key strategic goal to accelerate the discovery of preventative treatments.  We now need larger, longer-term studies, so we can fully understand the potential of this drug to stop breast cancer developing.鈥�

Grace Burton, 27, from Bromley London, underwent a preventative double mastectomy last year after finding out she was at high risk of breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 gene change at the age of 21.

Grace says: 鈥淏reast cancer has had a huge impact on my family - both my mum and my aunt were diagnosed, and knowing I was at high risk was always in the back of my mind. Having later gone through preventative surgery myself, I know how heavy and difficult those decisions can feel. That鈥檚 why this new research into preventative medication is so exciting, it offers hope for other women who might one day have less invasive options to protect their health.

鈥淔or those of us with a strong family history, the possibility of preventing breast cancer before it starts is incredible. It gives me hope that future generations may not have to make the same tough choices and can grow up with more options and less fear around breast cancer.鈥�

Several of the authors were supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 野狼社区 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The research is published in Nature and is  available

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09684-7   

Dr Yasmin hopes the findings will encourage international charities, donors and governments to rethink how they design and monitor conservation projects. 鈥淚f we want sustainable development,鈥� she said, 鈥渨e have to stop speaking for people and start listening to them - especially those who are most often ignored.鈥�

The annual list identifies the world鈥檚 most-cited researchers, offering an overview of the impact and influence of their work. This year, 551 野狼社区 academics feature in the rankings, underscoring the University鈥檚 leading international research presence.

The data reveals the breadth of 野狼社区鈥檚 research impact, with scholars contributing to diverse and interdisciplinary fields such as advanced materials, social sciences, global health, ecology, and physics.

The Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings draw on data from Elsevier鈥檚 Scopus database, incorporating citations up to the end of 2024. The rankings evaluate researchers using a range of metrics, including, co-authorship-adjusted citations and a composite citation score鈥� providing a measure of influence beyond publication volume alone.

Developed by data scientists at Elsevier鈥檚 ICSR Lab in collaboration with Stanford University, the list鈥攏ow in its eighth edition鈥攈as become one of the most respected indicators of research excellence worldwide.

Professor Rosalie David and Dr Roger Forshaw show in their book, published by Liverpool University Press  in paperback this month, how Western medical practice owes a debt of thanks to the Ancient Egyptians. 

Though previous works have highlighted the diseases that affected the Egyptians thousands of years ago, this is the first to be written from the perspective of the ancient equivalent of doctors, patients and nurses. 

According to the authors, the system can be seen as a precursor to the healthcare of today: the equivalent of consultants 鈥� with different specialisms-    and GPs treated patients either at home in the community or in something resembling hospitals. 

Nurses cared for patients and midwives -  usually women - were highly respected and according to one account were paid more than the doctors. 

Student medics , who were often male relatives of existing doctors,  were trained in temples. Discoveries of mummies also showed that patients who lived with long term debilitating  illness were presumably cared  for by nurses and support workers during their lives. 

If they needed the ancient equivalent of hospital treatment, patients stayed in small cells attached to a temple -  such as at the temple of Denderah in upper Egypt-  where they would be looked after by priest-doctors. 

The care  was paid for either in kind by the patients themselves-  who donated food or other items to the temple - or some assistance was provided by the State for particular groups -  almost like the state healthcare of today. 

The system was so successful that if you made it past the first 5 years of life, your  life expectancy was similar to that of many British people  in Victorian times-  between 30 and  40. 

What the authors call 鈥榬ational鈥� treatments were given for problems that could be seen, such  as bandaging for broken bones. There was even a form of palliative care for the terminally ill. 

Balanites oil-   which is extracted from parts of the Desert Date tree  - was often successfully prescribed by community doctors to  treat bilharzia or Schistosomiasis-  a devastating disease caused by parasitic worms. The treatment was still used in modern medicine up to  50 years ago. 

However the less commonly used 鈥榠rrational鈥� treatments, where it wasn鈥檛 possible  to see the origin of the disease such as mental illness- involved the use of spells and magic.

Much of the information about ancient Egyptian healthcare was derived by the researchers from medical papyri discovered  in different locations across Egypt.

The papyri give details on disease, diagnosis, and treatments, including herbal remedies, surgery, and magical incantations.

Only 12 of these medical papyri are known today from over 3,000 years of history: others undoubtedly existed and may in future be discovered during excavations or identified in modern library collections of papyri.

The economically successful New Kingdom (1550 BCE 鈥� 1069 BCE)  and the Greco Roman Period  from around the beginning of the common era, were probably the high point for healthcare in ancient Egypt said Professor David, though it probably existed from at least around 3000 BC she added.

The book, called Medicine and Healing Practices in Ancient Egypt, shows how European, Arabic and ancient Greek medicine all  have a direct lineage to healthcare  practice that was common 3000 years ago.

Professor David said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted our book is available in paperback, which means the public, medics and Egyptology buffs will not just enjoy it, but learn about the important contribution of ancient Egyptian healthcare to our systems of today.鈥�

鈥淭hough punishments could be quite vicious if you transgressed the legal code, the perception that ancient Egypt was a violent and unpleasant  place is completely wrong.

鈥淭hey believed in an afterlife where there was no aging, or illness-  but to get there you had to be on the straight and narrow.鈥�

鈥淭hat might at least partially explain why, for most of the time, it was a well-organised society which cared for its people in a way which far exceeded anything else in the ancient world.鈥�

Images:

• The remains of a schistosome, the causative parasite for the disease Bilharzia, discovered in an Egyptian mummy. Parasite DNA was for the first time identified in this sample
• Sanatorium at Temple of Hathor at Denderah
• Cover of book: Medicine and Healing Practices in Ancient Egypt
• Statue of Sekhmet, lioness-headed goddess of medicine
• Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri where patients received medical treatment

One hundred years ago, a catastrophic flood carrying enormous boulders swept through part of Dolgarrog village, north Wales, destroying several homes, a bridge and the local chapel. Ten adults and six children lost their lives. The tragedy was widely and King George V sent a message of condolence.

This was not a natural . It was caused by the failure of two dams impounding the Eigiau and Coedty reservoirs on the Carneddau plateau, high above Dolgarrog, following a wet October. Overtopped by inflow from the Eigiau breach, the Coedty dam failed catastrophically, unleashing a flood of some 1.7 million cubic metres. There was no time to warn the village.

The Dolgarrog disaster followed a reservoir failure at , Scotland, in April 1925. Both brought attention to poor dam construction and inadequate maintenance practices, and led directly to the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act of 1930.

The act sought to ensure the structural safety of large reservoirs by introducing legal requirements for regular inspection and certification by qualified engineers. It was the first attempt in the UK to regulate the design, construction, and maintenance of reservoirs through statutory safety measures.

Since Dolgarrog, the UK has had an excellent reservoir safety record. But in late July 2019, the evacuation of more than downstream of Toddbrook reservoir in Derbyshire, England, was ordered. Toddbrook had received a month鈥檚 rain in just two days.

Swollen inflows overtopped the dam鈥檚 emergency spillway, undermining its concrete slabs. A large cavity appeared on the spillway, exposing the dam鈥檚 core, raising fears of a breach.

A dropped 400 tonnes of aggregate on the Toddbrook spillway to reinforce the damaged section, while fire services used high-capacity pumps to lower the water level and reduce pressure on the dam. After several days, engineers declared the Toddbrook dam stable enough to lift the evacuation order.

The Toddbrook incident was one of the most serious near failures of a dam in recent UK history. It showed how extreme rainfall events can living downstream. , the fire incident commander, said: 鈥淲e were in a situation where we had five times as much water going in than we could take out. We absolutely thought it could fail. It was a very, very tense night.鈥�

Following this scare, in April 2021, the UK government commissioned an into reservoir safety. A was issued to owners of all large, raised reservoirs, making the formulation of emergency a legal requirement to ensure that they are prepared for an eventuality that could result in an uncontrolled release of water.

The threat from climate change

As who work on river processes and landforms, we are researching the landscape-changing effects of such dam breach floods, but also how topography can amplify the hazard to communities.

As the Dolgarrog disaster showed so graphically, reservoirs that drain into steep and narrow upland valleys present a particular hazard, especially where flows increase in speed and pick up destructive boulders. All aspects of the landscape setting should be part of flood emergency planning.

While the Toddbrook reservoir was compliant with existing legislation and had been recently inspected, it suffered 鈥�.鈥� by local residents about how well it had been maintained. .

Most reservoirs in upland Britain were constructed in the 19th century under hydrological conditions that no longer hold. Embankment dams and older masonry dams can be especially vulnerable to erosion, seepage, slope instability or overtopping.

The most is overtopping where the spillway cannot cope with floodwaters. Reservoir safety may also be challenged by rapid or sustained water level lowering during droughts. As pore pressures change, and soils dry out and crack, embankment stability can be compromised.

Climate change is increasing in many parts of the UK posing a threat to reservoir safety. Climate models tell us that intense rainstorms that cause flash flooding will be five times more likely by 2080. Steep upland catchments in hard impermeable rocks are especially vulnerable to flash flooding, and this is where much of the UK鈥檚 water storage infrastructure is located.

The Dolgarrog disaster was the last time anyone was killed in the UK by a dam failure. But if intense storms and prolonged droughts are the new normal for our climate, the risk to ageing upland water storage infrastructure will likely increase.

, Professor of Physical Geography, ; , Professor in the Department of Geography, , and , Professor of Physical Geography,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

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The study by health economists at The University of 野狼社区 and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater 野狼社区 (ARC-GM), is published today in the journal Quality of Life Research.

The authors  also say that people from different ethnic groups with health conditions rated their quality of life differently, even when they reported similar prevalence of actual illness.

The findings bring us closer to confirming  what researchers have explored but where further empirical evidence was still needed .

Based on the data from General Practice Patient Survey in England 鈥� including 2.3 million White respondents, 160 thousand Asian, 70 thousand Black, 20 thousand of Mixed or Multiple background, and 60 thousand from Other ethnic groups 鈥� the findings have potential implications on the equitable design of health services and the way health outcomes are measured.

Though the survey data used in the study relies on self-reported long term health conditions to capture illness, the measure is thought to be more objective than other studies to date for England. It鈥檚 also the largest study to yet tackle differences in self-rating.

Lead author Dr Juan Marcelo Virdis from the University of 野狼社区 said: 鈥淥ur study found that certain black and Asian ethnic groups could be more likely to downplay different aspects of how health affects their lives.

鈥淭his is important because differences between perceived and actual health can affect how you seek healthcare health care and could, for example, delay a clinical consultation.

鈥淏ut understanding these differences is crucial for designing equitable health services and improving outcomes across diverse populations.鈥�

The researchers based their analysis on EQ-5D-5L, a standardized measurement tool developed by a group of European researchers called EuroQol Group (EQ) to measure health-related quality of life.

5D refers to five self-reported dimensions of health it assesses: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression.

And  the 5L refers to five levels of self-reported severity for each dimension: no problems, slight problems, moderate problems, severe problems, extreme problems/unable.

They analysed five distinct ethnic groups: White ethnic, mixed background, Asian, Black and Other who reported which  of  15 long term health conditions they had.

In some cases - such as Mobility for the Black and Other ethnic groups or Self-care for the Asian-  the tendency was to choose extreme categories. The study also explored differences within these broader ethnic groups, suggesting that heterogeneity may exist within them as well.

Though the reason why some ethnic groups report differently remain  unclear, some researchers speculate that we answer subjective questions on health by saying what is normal for us, influenced by our background and expectations.

Dr Virdis added: 鈥淥ur research provides a scenario for further studies using objectively measured health conditions, such as biological risk factors, or objective measures of physical health such as grip strength. In addition, we were not able to investigate the mechanisms at play, so this could be a focus for future qualitative research.鈥�

The paper Differences in rating of health related quality of life on the EQ-5D-5L between ethnic groups is published . DOI: 10.1007/s11136-025-04082-y 

The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) has approved the University鈥檚 Quality Mark, which signifies a university has demonstrated support for the inclusion and success of students with care experience or who are estranged.  

The Quality Mark has been renewed for another three years. The framework covers the student lifecycle, from outreach through to graduation and beyond, institutional culture and leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement and future plans.  

Melissa Jacobi, Head of Access And Student Success and Development at The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淭he NNECL renewal process was a fantastic way for us to capture, evidence and reflect on the many ways in which our University community cares and supports our diverse student body, and our many students who are navigating their university experience without family support, be they care experienced or estranged.  

This recognition is a reflection of how colleagues work tirelessly across The University of 野狼社区 with genuine care and compassion for the individuals we are supporting, to provide help and ensure our processes enable students to make the most out of their time at 野狼社区.鈥� 

University of Sanctuary status has also been reaccredited, with the panel commenting on the 鈥榖readth of the opportunities, community collaboration, and the various pathways that facilitate access to sanctuary seekers鈥� at The University of 野狼社区. A sanctuary seeker is an individual seeking refuge or protection, such as from war, violence or persecution. 

Support ranges from financial aid, such as scholarships and tuition fee concessions, library study support and volunteering opportunities to help build transferrable skills. Awareness sessions are also run through the University鈥檚 partnership with 野狼社区 City of Sanctuary for staff and students, while activities are held in schools and the local community during Refugee Week. 

Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of 野狼社区, who also chairs the University of Sanctuary Steering Group, reflected: 鈥淎t The University of 野狼社区, being values-led and socially responsible is at the heart of everything we do. This is powerfully demonstrated by our renewed status as a University of Sanctuary, which recognises our deep commitment to supporting those seeking refuge 鈥� whether in our city region, our student body, or through our research and humanitarian work in the UK and beyond. 

Our reaccreditation reflects the collective efforts of our community: from extensive student volunteering with sanctuary seekers in 野狼社区, to scholarships and bursaries that break down barriers to education, and the impactful research undertaken by our colleagues. We are grateful to City of Sanctuary UK for this recognition and look forward to building on this work in the years ahead.鈥� 

To find out more about the support offered for students who are care experienced, estranged or sanctuary seeking at The University of 野狼社区, email wecare@manchester.ac.uk  

Part of the Greater 野狼社区 Civic University Agreement (CUA), the priorities were unveiled this week at a special event at the Royal Northern College of Music, attended by civic leaders, university partners, members of the Greater 野狼社区 Citizens鈥� Panel and Councillor Eamonn O鈥橞rien, leader of Bury Council.

Developed in collaboration with the Greater 野狼社区 Combined Authority (GMCA) and shaped by the Citizens鈥� Panel, the new priorities ensure the universities鈥� civic mission remains grounded in the needs of residents while also supporting Greater 野狼社区鈥檚 long-term vision of becoming 鈥榓 thriving city region where everyone can live a good life鈥�.

The Greater 野狼社区 Civic University Agreement (CUA), launched in 2021, brings together the University of Greater 野狼社区, 野狼社区 Metropolitan University, the University of 野狼社区, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Salford, alongside the the Greater 野狼社区 Combined Authority, in a shared commitment to align the strengths of the universities with the needs of the city-region, with a shared goal of improving the lives of people across Greater 野狼社区.

Professor Jennie Henley, Chair of the Civic University Board, highlighted the importance of this partnership: 鈥淥ur universities are not separate from Greater 野狼社区; they are part of its fabric. These refreshed priorities are about reaffirming our long-term commitment to the people of this city-region. By working in partnership, we can achieve more together than any of us could alone, helping to build a Greater 野狼社区 that is fairer, healthier, greener, and full of opportunity.鈥�

The four new priorities focus on areas where the universities can make the biggest collective difference:

• Opportunity & Prosperity 鈥� widening access to education, creating lifelong learning pathways, supporting innovation, and helping people secure good jobs.
• Health & Wellbeing 鈥� training the next generation of doctors, nurses and social care professionals, supporting mental health initiatives, tackling health inequalities, and using research and expertise to put prevention at the heart of the region鈥檚 health strategy.
• Culture 鈥� celebrating Greater 野狼社区鈥檚 cultural strengths, making arts and creativity accessible to everyone, and building the skills that keep the city region鈥檚 creative economy thriving.
• Environment 鈥� helping Greater 野狼社区 reach net zero by promoting sustainability in learning and research, creating greener places to live, and preparing people for the jobs of the future.

Greater 野狼社区鈥檚 universities already contribute over 拢4 billion to the local economy each year, educate more than 100,000 students and welcome millions of residents to concerts, lectures and public events. They also train the region鈥檚 future workforce, including an estimated 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers between 2022 and 2027.

Mayor of Greater 野狼社区 Andy Burnham said: 鈥淕reater 野狼社区鈥檚 universities make a massive contribution to our city region, one that goes far beyond educating students. These refreshed civic priorities reflect the breadth of our universities鈥� impact across our society and economy, from creating jobs and supporting business innovation to enriching our culture. We recently set out our vision for Greater 野狼社区鈥檚 next decade of growth and we know our universities have a vital role to play in our continued success.鈥�

By refreshing their priorities, the universities have renewed their pledge to work with civic partners and communities to make Greater 野狼社区 a place where everyone can thrive. Explore our shared priorities for Greater 野狼社区.

•  for Greater 野狼社区

This list coincides with the publication of the Home Office鈥檚 report on the statistics of scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain in 2024. 

The ten listed organisations were responsible for 1,379,399 procedures, 54% (more than half) of the 2,637,578 procedures carried out on animals for scientific research in Great Britain in 2024*. Of these 1,379,399 procedures, more than 99% were carried out on mice, fish, rats, and birds and 82% were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection. 

The ten organisations are listed below alongside the total number of procedures they carried out in 2024. Each organisation鈥檚 name links to its animal research webpage, which includes more detailed statistics. Case studies explaining how animal research has been used in recent medical research are also provided in the Notes to Editors section. This is the tenth consecutive year that organisations have come together to publicise their collective statistics and examples of their research.

Seventy-two organisations have proactively published their 2024 animal research statistics

UAR has also produced a list (see appendix) of 72 organisations in the UK that have publicly shared their 2024 animal research statistics. This includes organisations that carry out or fund animal research.

All organisations are committed to the ethical framework called the 鈥�3Rs鈥� of replacement, reduction and refinement. This means avoiding or replacing the use of animals where possible, minimising the number of animals used per experiment and optimising the experience of the animals to improve animal welfare. However, as institutions expand and conduct more research, the total number of animals used can rise even if fewer animals are used per study. 

All organisations listed are signatories to the , which commits them to being more open about the use of animals in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK. More than 130 organisations have signed the Concordat, including UK universities, medical research charities, research funders, learned societies and commercial research organisations.

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research, which developed the Concordat on Openness, said: 鈥淎nimal research remains a small but vital part of the quest for new medicines, vaccines and treatments for humans and animals. Alternative methods are increasingly being phased in, but, until we have sufficient reliable alternatives available, it is important that organisations that use animals in research maintain the public鈥檚 trust in them. By providing this level of information about the numbers of animals used, and the experience of those animals, as well as details of the medical breakthroughs that derive from this research, these Concordat signatories are helping the public to make up their own minds about how they feel about the use of animals in scientific research in Great Britain.鈥� 

Dr. Maria Kamper, Director of the Biological Services Facility at The University of 野狼社区, said:

"Scientific research involving animals remains essential in advancing our understanding of health and disease, and is fundamental to developing new medicines and medical technologies.

"At our institution, we prioritize transparency in animal research alongside a culture of exceptional care among our staff. Our approach is founded on collaboration and superior animal husbandry standards. We are dedicated to cultivating a sustainable environment where animal welfare, staff wellbeing, scientific excellence, and open communication with both stakeholders and the public are our highest priorities.

鈥淭his dedication aligns with the University of 野狼社区's broader mission to enhance education, knowledge, and wisdom for society's benefit.鈥�

Case study:

Clotbuster drug is new hope for stroke treatment

A new clotbusting drug tested on mice has been shown by University of 野狼社区 scientists to be significantly better at treating ischemic stroke than existing therapies.

The compound, developed by the scientists and known as caADAMTS13, could be a breakthrough for patients who have brain blood clots with an overabundance of platelets- the tiny cell fragments that help form clots and are often not treatable by existing therapies.

• One in 12 pupils (8.3%) reported being placed in isolation at least once a week
• The average time spent in isolation was 8.5 hours a week 鈥� more than a full school day
• Even after accounting for behavioural difficulties:
  -    Children with recognised special educational needs (an Education, Health and Care plan) were more than twice as likely to be in isolation
  -    Children on Free School Meals were more than one and a half times more likely to be in isolation
  -    Children who identified as LGBTQ+ were nearly twice as likely to be in isolation
  -    Black, Asian and mixed heritage children were more likely to be in isolation than their White British peers
• Isolated pupils reported reduced belonging, poorer relationships with teachers, and (for girls) lower levels of mental wellbeing than a very closely matched sample of their non-isolated peers.
• Schools with higher rates of suspensions also tended to isolate more pupils, undermining the idea that internal exclusion prevents more serious sanctions.

鈥淚nternal exclusion is happening every day in classrooms across England, yet it is largely hidden from view,鈥� said lead author Dr Emma Thornton. 鈥淲e know that it can provide an effective short-term solution for teachers dealing with disruption in their class, who want to create the conditions for all pupils to thrive. But our findings show that it is disproportionately applied to young people most in need of support, and leads to lost learning, weaker connections with teachers, and in some cases poorer mental health.鈥�

#BeeWell is one of 40 organisations calling for a government definition of inclusion as measurable through data on the amount of lost learning - time spent away from the classroom through isolation, suspension and absence - and through pupil experience data, such as the #BeeWell data used in this study. The Inclusion for All campaign asks that the upcoming Schools White Paper should provide guidance and support schools to continuously improve and reduce the amount of time spent away from classrooms and peers.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 needed is more research and practice-sharing on effective ways to set up internal spaces that are diagnostic, supportive and get children back to class as soon as possible,鈥� said Kiran Gill, CEO of charity The Difference charity. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why The Difference is working with schools across the country to better measure inclusion, and to set up spaces internally to support young people in crisis before their challenges escalate.  We鈥檙e excited to bring some of those school leaders together with #BeeWell and others at our annual conference IncludED in January to share strategies that are working, as measured by pupils鈥� own experiences.鈥�

The research is part of the , a major study of young people鈥檚 wellbeing in Greater 野狼社区, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, funded by The University of 野狼社区 and partners including The National Lottery Community Fund.

The study also reflects a global concern. As house prices rise faster than wages in cities across the world, young people from 野狼社区 to Nairobi are being told that property is their route to security. Yet many find themselves excluded from ownership or holding assets they cannot make use of.

鈥淭his research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap,鈥� Dr Lockwood added. 鈥淚t offers the illusion of escape from precarious work - but for many young people, it never delivers.鈥�

The findings shed new light on how land, property and housing shape the futures of young people in rapidly urbanising regions, and they raise urgent questions about inequality, opportunity and the future of work worldwide.

A team from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, working with industry partner Q-Sustain Limited, an engineering consultant based in 野狼社区, is designing innovative vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) that capture airflow generated by trains moving through tunnels 鈥� known as the piston effect.

The project, which begins with the Transpennine Route Upgrade project, will explore how this untapped energy source can be integrated into transport infrastructure, providing clean electricity and supporting the UK鈥檚 decarbonisation goals.

Early feasibility studies have already confirmed the potential of tunnel airflow, and the team has developed a bespoke techno-economic analysis (TEA) toolkit to evaluate performance and commercial viability of such designs. Available through , the software offers a practical platform for assessing renewable energy projects, with potential applications beyond just rail.

The project, funded under EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and under the remit of 鈥榮ustainable engineering and transport systems鈥�, could transform how transport infrastructure is designed and operated in the future.

Academic Lead of the project at The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淥ur VerXis toolkit represents a leap forward in renewable energy research. By turning minimal tunnel geometry and schedule data into bank-level economic indicators in minutes, we're bridging the gap between academic innovation and real-world deployment, making piston-wind VAWTs not just technically viable, but genuinely investable.鈥�

Mr Azhar Quaiyoom, Director of industrial partner Q-Sustain Limited, added: 鈥淲hat excites us most about VerXis is its ability to rapidly test and scale turbine designs tailored to each tunnel environment. This toolkit enables smarter, data-driven decisions, helping us deploy sustainable solutions in railway infrastructure that align with the UK's net-zero ambitions and calculates the return on investment for our clients鈥�

The next stage will see prototype turbines tested in real-world tunnel environments, alongside further development of the VerXis toolkit, with the ambition of influencing future rail energy standards.

If successful, the approach could be applied not only to rail but also to other transport networks, providing a scalable model for integrating renewable energy into infrastructure across the UK and beyond.

野狼社区鈥檚 Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno celebrated when she heard the Government had decided of the 2014 Children Act, which said involvement of both parents would improve their children鈥檚 welfare, creating unsafe contact arrangements 

The decision follows years of advocacy and research and acknowledges the devastating impact the presumption had on victims:  the mothers and their children.

 Further changes put forward will also automatically restrict parents convicted of rape resulting in the birth of a child and for those convicted of serious sexual offences against any child鈥攏ot just their own- from having access to children. 

And parents convicted of abuse can no longer make decisions about a child鈥檚 schooling, medical care, or travel, removing the burden on survivors to apply through the family courts to provide immediate protection post-sentencing. 

Dr Dalgarno is also the Director and Founder of a collective of multidisciplinary professionals working in health, human rights, law, finance, social care and domestic abuse researchers. 

Her research  highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform, and included a study of the shocking impact of family courts on women鈥檚 health.

Another study, reported in the , revealed how nine dads accused of child sex abuse won parental access.

She said: 鈥淲e are overwhelmed with the extraordinary news that the presumption of parental involvement is to be revoked.

鈥淭his marks a historic and long-awaited moment of justice for victims of domestic abuse across the country.

鈥淲e would like to send our deepest gratitude to the many researchers and professionals - and the wider academic and survivor communities - whose tireless efforts have illuminated the harms and helped build the case for reform.鈥�

鈥淟ed by Claire Throssell, who turned unimaginable personal tragedy鈥攖he loss of her sons Jack and Paul鈥攊nto powerful advocacy that has shaped national policy.鈥�

She added: 鈥淚 also pay tribute to SHERA founder members, especially Natalie Page of The Court Said, Survivor Family Network, and Eight Street LLP, who have dedicated over a decade of their lives to this cause.

鈥淭he Victims and Courts Bill amendments follow a long-standing campaign led by Natalie Fleet MP, Baroness Harman, and Jess Asato MP.

鈥淎nd we also recognise the unwavering commitment of Dr Adrienne Barnett of Brunel University and Dr Charlotte Proudman of Right to Equality, whose legal and academic leadership has been instrumental.

鈥淎bove all, we thank the victim-survivors who have shared their stories, fought for justice, and dedicated their lives to this cause. There is much more work to be done, but this victory should be celebrated and belongs to you.鈥�

Dr Dalgarno also thanked Professor Arpana Verma, Alex Davies-Jones MP, Josh Barbarinde MP, Dr Marie Tidball MP,  Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, Alison Hume MP and Jess Phillips MP, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, the London Victims鈥� Commissioner, Women鈥檚 Aid, Profs Birchall, Hester, Kelly and Choudhry, CWA, Kaleidoscopic, PEEPSA, Rights of Women, FiLia Hague Mothers and all those across the VAWG sector who have long advocated for these changes.

The Health Creation Alliance awarded the group Best health creating approach to seeking and using community insight award which they will pick up at a Partnership Summit on 21 October. 

Since 2022, Ardwick Climate Action has conducted in partnership with The University of 野狼社区 which showed that local communities are an important way understand where local sources of pollution are and barriers to less polluting forms of travel. 

They have launched multiple initiatives, including  developing a green route that local people can use to avoid the excessive pollution, closing a section of the  A6 for a community day and creating  a series of green spaces that serve to educate and engage local people. 

By connecting communities with researchers, listening and responding to their health concerns, a series of planting projects across Ardwick and a new 鈥楪reen Route鈥� marked by interactive 鈥榃ayfinders鈥� was launched through Ardwick in 2024. 

The project received widespread acclaim, including extensive media coverage, parliamentary attention, a public exhibition and the local Co-op Academy Medlock is now part of the official 鈥楽chool Street鈥� project. 

The Green Route has been integrated into a local school鈥檚 activities, showing the power of genuinely community-engaged research to drive health creation for lasting change.

One of the lead researchers, said: 鈥淐ollaborative working between local communities and our researchers was vital to understand the barriers for active travel and the issues that most impacted residents.

鈥淏y engaging with communities we can promote awareness of the risks of pollution to health and do more meaningful research that best meets the needs of those most impacted by pollution.鈥�

Dan Musaheb, Co-Founder of Ardwick Climate Action said: 鈥淎rdwick residents together with The University of 野狼社区 researchers, have co-created solutions for healthier, safer and more sustainable urban transformation in their local area.

鈥淎t it鈥檚 heart is community action, and through our strategic partnership with The University of 野狼社区, we have delivered much needed infrastructure. The Green Route project supports public health, education of nature and biodiversity, whilst inviting people to take up alternative routes who may have never stepped into the community鈥�.

Read more about ACA

The Health Creation Alliance is a national cross-sector movement improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequity through Health Creation.

A not-for-profit community interest company, their membership comprises professionals from different sectors and levels of seniority, community leaders, and people with lived experience of poverty, trauma or discrimination working together as equal partners.

• The , which celebrates the winners, takes place  from 17:00-18:00

And now an upgraded version of the programme called Thumos,  involving small group workshops and a follow-up 1:1 phone or video call with the workshop facilitator afterwards, who is a psychological therapist, is being  trailed. 

The programme aims to equip medical students  with psychological strategies which some people find helpful. 

As the study is a trial, 50% of participants will be allocated to receive the intervention, 50% will not receive the intervention, but all participants can continue to access all other support services as usual. 

All participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and will be reimbursed for their time in completing follow up questionnaires (those which come after the first set/the baseline measurement). 

The 115 students, from medical schools across the UK, completed the original Reboot  coaching programme as part of a study to assess whether it would improve their psychological resilience, depression, burnout and confidence in their ability to cope with stressful work-related events. 

Before, during and after the coaching, the students were assessed in each of these areas.  found that taking part in Reboot was linked with significant improvements in all areas, with fewer students experiencing depression symptoms after they had completed the coaching. 

It was originally designed by Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Johnson, formerly from the University of Leeds but now from The University of 野狼社区. 

Dr Johnson adapted the programme to fit the needs of medical students. Globally, one in two report high burnout, while one in three experience elevated depression. 

She said: 鈥淯ntil now, most evaluations of supportive interventions for medical students have focused on generic interventions such as mindfulness, stress management training and yoga. These lack relevance for medical students and professionals and there is no clear evidence for such interventions improving depression or burnout among this group. 

鈥淧oor mental health in medical students is a significant problem globally and there is evidence that a significant proportion of medical students intend to leave the profession as soon as they qualify.

鈥淭here is also a workforce crisis, with projections indicating a global shortage of around 10 million healthcare professionals by 2030. Anything which can help retain healthcare professionals in their professions is sorely needed. 

鈥淲e found reboot supported medical students with work-related stressors, normalising the anxiety which is inherent to training, providing peer-support and also helping medical students develop skills and solutions for the challenges they face and will continue to face as qualified doctors. 

• If you are a medical student in a year involving clinical placements, such as Y4 or Y5 you are eligible to take part in a new study evaluating a supportive programme designed to help students cope with the challenges placements can present. To express interest visit
• For more information, email ThumosTrial@manchester.ac.uk or the Principal Investigator Dr Judith Johnson,Judith.johnson@manchester.ac.uk

This new strategy to 2035 is rooted in 野狼社区 and the North, creating knowledge, innovation and solutions that bring local benefits and scale globally.  

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淭he University of 野狼社区 was born as an answer to a question posed amid the Industrial Revolution: what kind of new knowledge and citizens do we need for our city to thrive in a world undergoing profound change?     

鈥淎s we enter our third century, we stand at a similarly pivotal moment. From 野狼社区 for the world means working with our city and region deeply, to develop the ideas and solutions our communities and the world urgently need.鈥� 

Focused priorities for the next decade 

The University鈥檚 strategy to 2035 focuses on five areas to go further and faster, driving innovation, skills and good jobs in the region and country, while also addressing global challenges from climate change and growing political polarisation, to social inequalities.  

They are: 

• Flexible, personalised and digitally enabled learning 鈥� more personalised, applied and digitally enabled study that fits diverse lives.
• Accelerating the path from research excellence to impact 鈥� faster routes from discovery to policy, practice and industry.
• A powerhouse of innovation鈥� translating strengths into start-ups and scale-ups to create inclusive growth.
• The university to partner with 鈥� easier routes for partners to work with the University on collaborations that focus on making a difference.
• Digital inside and out 鈥� modern, data-driven and AI-enabled services and systems that make studying and collaborating with 野狼社区 simpler. 

These priorities build on firm foundations 鈥� the University will remain committed to excellence in teaching and research, values-led social responsibility, its deep civic roots with global reach, and a culture with equity, diversity and inclusion at its heart. 

A preview of what's to come 

The future the University wants to build is already becoming real through key initiatives.  

launched in October 2024 to accelerate 野狼社区鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. The UK needs cities like 野狼社区 to grow faster in socially inclusive ways and Unit M is reshaping innovation at 野狼社区 鈥� integrating expertise and partnerships across the University and transforming how it collaborates with startups, scale-ups, industry, community and government. It is already working with entrepreneurs, industry and civic partners, to tackle challenges in productivity, innovation and growth. 

Through 野狼社区 Online, the University is developing a new platform to deliver teaching beyond the campus. It will help students locally and globally to access a University of 野狼社区 education, building new skills through CPD, short courses, community and employer-responsive programmes, and collaborative projects that strengthen the region and global impact. 

The University is also beginning to build a student experience for the future 鈥� more flexible, personal and connected. In partnership with the Students鈥� Union (SU), the University is making support more inclusive, learning more applied, and university life more responsive.   

The University is also launching its first major fundraising and volunteering campaign to turn strategy into action for the communities it serves by supporting the next generation of students and researchers to tackle the major challenges of our time.  

Leading with purpose 

Professor Ivison added: 鈥溡袄巧缜� must lead 鈥� setting out a clear vision that strengthens our city and region and tackling global challenges. To succeed, we need to face the future together, not as individuals, or isolated teams, but as a community.  

鈥淭hat is manifested in how we built this strategy: thousands of our students, staff, alumni and partners contributed to the creation of From 野狼社区 for the world. It is not a fixed map for the future, but a framework that allows us to respond to this time of change, while also creating faster paths from discovery to impact, simpler ways to work with us, and benefits felt across Greater 野狼社区 and beyond.鈥� 

Find out more about From 野狼社区 for the world on the University website. 

The report models the potential effectiveness of the Government鈥檚 鈥楪etting Britain Working鈥� programmes, showing these savings could be made by the end of this Parliament in 2029 if just 5% of out-of-work people in receipt of Universal Credit returned to work.

The report estimates that:

• Getting 5% of unemployed under-25s back into work would save 拢903 million.
• Getting 5% of under-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save 拢631 million.
• Getting 5% of unemployed over-25s back into work would save 拢6.67 billion.
• Getting 5% of over-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save 拢11.9 billion.

The 5% estimate is based on what happened with the similar New Deal initiatives that happened in the UK in the 2000s. Savings would be made in the form of both reduced benefits spending and increases in tax and national insurance revenue.

The costs to Government of assisting this number of people back into, and helping them stay in, employment could be between 拢1.5 to 拢1.9 billion. So that within just two years, the Government could save almost 拢10bn, meaning every 拢1 invested in employment support programmes could return between 拢5.21 and 拢6.63.

Currently, more than five million people in the UK are out of work and in receipt of Universal Credit - including almost one million people aged 18-24 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 1 in 5 of these young people receive health-related benefits largely for mental health conditions. Ill-health related economic inactivity accounts for over three million claims and is particularly concentrated in the most deprived and deindustrialised areas. As of May 2025, the average household on Universal Credit received 拢961.63 per month in England.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Work and Pensions Select Committee and produced by Health Equity North with academics from Newcastle University, The University of 野狼社区, University of Liverpool, and University of Glasgow.

The UK government has introduced several return-to-work initiatives over the last 12 months as part of its desire to 鈥楪et Britain Working鈥�. This includes:

• Creating a new Jobs and Careers Service by merging Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service
• Establishing eight 鈥淭railblazer鈥� areas that receive funding to test local partnerships between the NHS, councils, colleges, and employers
• A Connect to Work programme providing rapid job-matching, training, and in-work coaching
• Embedding employment advisers in mental health and musculoskeletal services, with expanded Individual Placement and Support provision.
• Launching a new Primary Care pilot will enable GPs to directly refer patients for employment support.
• Launching proposals for the Employment Rights Bill and the NHS 10-Year Plan鈥檚, which focus on prevention will further reduce ill health among working-age people.
• The Youth Guarantee for NEETS, which ensures access to apprenticeships, training, education, and tailored job support - including paid work placements for those out of work for more than 18 months.

These schemes replicate previous New Labour successes of the 鈥楴ew Deal鈥� return to work programmes which, between 1997 and 2010, saw a spike in employment across all age groups. This saved up to 拢2,500 per New Deal participant, with 46% gaining a job and 27% sustaining employment that lasted six months or more.

The report has been submitted as evidence to the Government鈥檚 Work and Pensions Select Committee, which looks into the policies and spending of the DWP, including benefits for people both in and out of work.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: : 鈥淎fter more than a decade of austerity-driven policies - further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic - levels of ill health and health inequalities have deteriorated across the UK, but particularly especially in deprived areas. As a result, the country now faces significantly higher rates of economic inactivity due to ill health compared with similar economies such as Germany, Sweden, and France. This poses a major economic challenge, contributing to stagnant growth, widening productivity gaps, and increasing poverty and health inequalities. In the past we have seen the value of supportive welfare-to-work programmes, such as the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Young People, which addressed the needs of the whole person in helping them to get into work. It鈥檚 imperative that these Government 鈥楾railblazer鈥� schemes are ramped up 鈥� if we can get even a small proportion of the out-of-work population working again, we will see extraordinary gains, not only fiscally, but for these individuals, their families and across communities, workplaces, and public services alike.鈥�

Professor Clare Bambra, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University, said: 鈥淐onstituencies such as East Marsh and Port, Grimsby, Central Easterhouse, Glasgow and Birkenhead Central have around 30% of the working-age population receiving ill health-related welfare benefits. In these areas, life expectancy is 12 years less than the national average. This stark inequality reflects the deep connections between health, work, and place - where decades of industrial decline and underinvestment have left communities struggling with poor health, limited opportunities, and persistent economic disadvantage.

鈥淏y embedding employment support within health services and targeting investment where ill health and unemployment overlap, we have a real opportunity to break this cycle. Helping even a small proportion of people in these areas back into good, secure work could have transformative effects - not just for the government and local economies, but for people鈥檚 health, wellbeing, and prosperity.鈥�

Dr Luke Munford, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at The University of 野狼社区, said: 鈥淲hen people are supported to stay healthy, skilled, and connected to good jobs, everyone benefits 鈥� be it individuals, families, businesses or the economy as a whole. This report highlights the value of investing in people鈥檚 health and employability. Even modest improvements in getting people back into the workplace could deliver billions in savings by the end of the decade. These findings show that the Government鈥檚 efforts to integrate and embed health and employment can be a huge step towards the economic recovery of the UK.鈥�

Dr Andy Baxter, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, said: 鈥淓mployment is one of the strongest determinants of health. When people are in good, secure work, they鈥檙e less likely to experience long-term illness, more likely to engage with preventive healthcare, and more connected to their communities. Reducing economic inactivity through health-focused employment programmes provides stability, purpose, and the foundation for healthier, fairer futures. Effective back-to-work schemes are crucial in rebuilding a Britain that is healthy and prosperous, and our research shows that the return on investment potential is huge.鈥�

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen in the past that well-designed back-to-work schemes can transform lives and deliver real results for both people and the economy. But this time, it needs to be right from the very start - ensuring programmes are properly funded, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of local communities. If the Government can combine effective employment support with investment in health, skills, and opportunity, they have a genuine chance to break the cycle of long-term unemployment and ill health once and for all.鈥�

Read the full analysis 鈥楨stimating the savings and financial benefits to the UK government of return-to-work for people in receipt of Universal Credit鈥� here:

The app-  called Cerina 鈥� uses the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) -  which affects a significant number of students, studies show.

The peer reviewed study, sponsored by IT4Anxiety-  a partnership between Cerina Health  and Ulster University and funded by the European Commission, is published in JMIR  mhealth and uhealth

A sample of 158  Ulster University students with mild to moderate GAD symptoms were randomly allocated to either an intervention group of 79 or to a wait-list control group of 79

The wait list group would still have the opportunity to complete the intervention following the study and were offered to optional on-campus wellbeing services during the study period.

The intervention group had direct access to Cerina and followed CBT-based interactive sessions for 6 weeks.

All participants completed online self-reported assessments on anxiety, depression, worry, and usability at three time points.

When they completed the intervention, they were invited to an online interview to understand the implementation of the intervention in more depth.

In the intervention group, 13% dropped out and 61 % completed 2 sessions -  the minimum required. 12% completed 6 or 7 sessions.

The students who completed 2 or more sessions, when modules on worry starts,  showed significant improvement in GAD, worry symptoms and functional impairment. The greater the engagement, the greater the impact on worry symptoms

When they  re-ran analyses for all participants including those who dropped out or were lost to follow-up, the significant improvements on GAD symptoms maintained. There was also  marginally significant improvement in worry symptoms.

Participants who completed their assessments, argue the researchers engaged better with the app, completed more sessions including the ones focusing on worry, and benefitted more.

Lead author Dr Ozlem Eylem-Van bergeijk from The University of 野狼社区 said: 鈥淯niversity students can sometimes be vulnerable to generalised anxiety disorder because the rigours of academic pressure and financial uncertainty, let alone the issues young people often go through when they leave home for the first time.

鈥淏ut despite the need for treatments the availability of  psychological services is patchy for students.

鈥淎nd perceived stigma, long waiting times, service availability can restrict access to treatment.鈥�

The study was managed by Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk, and the Ulster University study team led by Prof. Gerard Leavey. Study participant recruitment took place at Ulster University campuses from April 2023 until April 2024.

She added: 鈥淥ur results suggest that even with limited engagement, Cerina had a meaningful impact on reducing GAD symptoms and modest impact in reducing worry symptoms among participants.

鈥淥ur study supports findings from other trials  showing that digital CBT-based interventions are effective and feasible for a wide range of age groups and populations experiencing GAD symptoms-  none the least because they are cheap, accessible and anonymous.

鈥淗owever, many participants did not complete the recommended number of sessions, highlighting the importance of making the Cerina app even more engaging and user-friendly in future.

鈥淐o-design with users might be a good way  to  test the effects of the technology-driven engagement features such as AI-based chatbot on engagement with longer follow-ups.鈥�

CEO of Cerina Health was involved only during the conceptualization phase of the study to preserve independence. The study was conducted as part of the NWE INTERREG IT4Anxiety project in partnership between Cerina Therapeutics and Ulster University,  supported by the European Commission. The sponsor, Cerina Health, was not involved in writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit it for publication. Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk is also Research Lead at Cerina Health . However, she was then part of the wider project team from Ulster University and the project which ensured study protocols and procedures were peer reviewed and followed.

• A copy of the paper Cerina- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based mobile application for managing GAD symptoms among university students: results from a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

The knowledge could reduce the risk of severe bowel complications from radiotherapy, known as rectal toxicity, heralding a more personalised approach to prostate cancer treatment. 

The study, funded by Prostate Cancer UK, is published in Clinical Cancer Research today.(13/10/25). 

The study was led by PhD researcher Artemis Bouzaki from The University of 野狼社区, who is also an honorary researcher at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

Her approach is the first study to combine genetic data with detailed spatial maps of where radiation is delivered in the rectum. 

Though scientists have already identified the lower posterior of the rectum as significant for rectal toxicities after prostate cancer radiotherapy, the study is the first to incorporate genetic information into the framework. 

鈥�Rectal toxicity is a significant concern for patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men and  now the most common cancer in England,鈥� she said.

鈥淎lthough dose guidelines limit the overall rate of rectal toxicity to around 10%, bowel function nevertheless often deteriorates over the course of treatment and beyond.

鈥淪ome patients experience severe, persistent complications, such as incontinence, or rectal bleeding, permanently affecting their quality of life.鈥�

The scientists analysed data from 1,293 prostate cancer patients as part of the international REQUITE study, which collected radiotherapy outcomes from 17 hospitals in Europe and the USA between 2014 and 2016.

For each of three genetic variants linked to increased radiation sensitivity, patients were grouped based on whether they carried the variant.

They were analysed alongside dose maps over the surface of the rectum - based on a methodology developed by the team in their earlier work- which showed the risk regions were consistently in the lower posterior rectum.

 The scientists used a special way of analysing 3D image data by looking at it in tiny volume units called voxels, the 3D equivalent of a pixel.

Instead of just measuring overall dose averages in a region, Voxel Based Analysis analyses the data voxel by voxel across the entire image. This allows smaller regions of organs to be identified, where more radiation dose is linked to different treatment side-effects.

Co-author and supervisor of the study, Dr Alan McWilliam from the University of 野狼社区 added: 鈥淥ur work has revealed that patients with certain genetic variants may benefit from lower radiation doses in those specific parts of the rectum, which could make a significant difference to their recovery.

鈥淗owever, these findings are preliminary, and clinical studies will be necessary to confirm their safety and effectiveness before any changes are made to standard treatment.鈥�

One reason why the lower part of the rectum may be particularly sensitive is that the higher and lower parts of rectum have anatomical and functional differences which could influence their response to radiation.

The differences play a key role in inflammation and immune response and are likely to be affected by different genetic variants, including the ones analysed by the researchers.

Dr Hayley Luxton, Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: 鈥淣o two men鈥檚 prostate cancers will be the same, and different men will opt for different treatment. We know that radiotherapy is an extremely effective way to treat men with prostate cancer. However, it can have life changing side effects for patients.

鈥淭here are two ways to limit the side effects caused by radiotherapy 鈥� either through adjusting dosage to account for genetics or by reducing the dose to certain areas of the body.

鈥淔or the first time, thanks to Prostate Cancer UK鈥檚 funding alongside Movember, the team in 野狼社区 have combined both methods, and can now fine-tune the delivery of radiotherapy based on a man鈥檚 genetics.

鈥淭he ability to personalise treatment in this way is exactly the direction we want prostate cancer care to head in. This study helps bring us that much closer to making sure the right men get the right treatment, at the right time.鈥�

The paper Integration of dose surface maps and genetic data identifies the lower posterior rectum as a key region for toxicity after prostate cancer radiotherapy, DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxx is available

The study highlights practical lessons for UK supermarkets and other retailers facing uncertain times. With climate change expected to increase extreme weather events and global supply chains still under strain, building networks that can flex under pressure will be vital.

The paper, Proactive Logistics-Redistribution Strategic Planning in Response to Facility Disruptions under Contingencies, was co-authored with colleagues from the Indian Institute of Management, National Taiwan University and the University of Liverpool, and is published in the .

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur called Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the 鈥淪word Dragon of Dorset鈥� is the only known example of its kind in existence and helps to fill an important gap in the evolutionary fossil record of ichthyosaurs.

Thousands of ichthyosaur fossils have been found along the UK鈥檚 Jurassic Coast since the discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning. Yet the discovery of Xiphodracon is the first described genus of an Early Jurassic ichthyosaur described from the region in over 100 years.

Discovered near Golden Cap in 2001 by Dorset fossil collector Chris Moore, the fossil is almost perfectly preserved in three dimensions. The skeleton includes a skull with enormous eye socket and a long sword-like snout. The scientists say the animal would have been about three metres long and would have dined on fish and squid. The remains even show what may be traces of its last meal. It is probably the world鈥檚 most complete prehistoric reptile from the Pliensbachian period.

The finding has been described by a trio of international palaeontologists, led by ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, an Honorary Research Fellow at The University of 野狼社区 and an 1851 Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, in the journal today.

Dr Lomax said: 鈥淚 remember seeing the skeleton for the first time in 2016. Back then, I knew it was unusual, but I did not expect it to play such a pivotal role in helping to fill a gap in our understanding of a complex faunal turnover during the Pliensbachian. This time is pretty crucial for ichthyosaurs as several families went extinct and new families emerged, yet Xiphodracon is something you might call a 鈥渕issing piece of the ichthyosaur puzzle鈥�. It is more closely related to species in the later Early Jurassic (in the Toarcian), and its discovery helps pinpoint when the faunal turnover occurred, being much earlier than expected.鈥�

After its discovery in 2001, the skeleton was acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada, where it became part of their extensive collection of ichthyosaurs but had remained unstudied.

Ichthyosaurs from the Pliensbachian (193鈥�184 million years ago) are incredibly rare and makes Xiphodracon a vital piece of evidence for scientists studying the critical but poorly understood time in ichthyosaurian evolution.

Ichthyosaur expert and co-author, Professor Judy Massare, from the State University of NY at Brockport, USA, said: 鈥淭housands of complete or nearly complete ichthyosaur skeletons are known from strata before and after the Pliensbachian. The two faunas are quite distinct, with no species in common, even though the overall ecology is similar. Clearly, a major change in species diversity occurred sometime in the Pliensbachian. Xiphodracon helps to determine when the change occurred, but we still don鈥檛 know why.鈥�

Dr Erin Maxwell, a co-author and ichthyosaur expert from the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, added: 鈥淭his skeleton provides critical information for understanding ichthyosaur evolution, but also contributes to our understanding of what life must have been like in the Jurassic seas of Britain. The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive, and the skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur- giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect.鈥�

Collectively, the trio have identified several features in Xiphodracon that have never been observed in any ichthyosaur. The most peculiar is a strange and unique bone around the nostril (called a lacrimal) that has prong-like bony structures.

Dr Lomax, who is the author of the recently published book, 鈥�The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs鈥�, said: 鈥淥ne of the coolest things about identifying a new species is that you get to name it! We opted for Xiphodracon because of the long, sword-like snout (xipho from Greek xiphos for sword) and dracon (Greek and Latin for dragon) in reference to ichthyosaurs being referred to as 鈥渟ea dragons鈥� for over 200 years.鈥�

The new research has been published today in the international journal 鈥�Papers in Palaeontology鈥�. The skeleton is planned to go on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Paper title:  A new long and narrow-snouted ichthyosaur illuminates a complex faunal turnover during an undersampled Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) interval

DOI:   

The research also points to wider benefits. City planners, museums, and community groups could use similar methods to understand how people use local spaces, collect living memories, and bring different voices into conversations about the future of towns and cities.

Focusing on the voices of older people highlights the importance of everyday places and the rich, personal stories they hold. It shows that the places we pass through each day - the park, the market, the church, the tram stop - are much more than just backdrops. They are living parts of our personal and collective stories.

The University has retained its spot as 8^th in the UK this year, while dropping three places in the overall global ranking. The university's overall score for teaching and industry also improved when compared to the 2024 ranking. 

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings measure research-intensive universities across all their core missions. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of 野狼社区: 鈥淲e are proud to see our university鈥檚 outstanding national and international reputation recognised. However, we also want to continue to improve in these and other rankings. Our new strategy is focused on driving excellence in research, teaching and innovation and for that to bring more benefit to society over the coming years.鈥�  

THE鈥檚 World University Rankings are assessed based on 18 performance indicators, grouped into the five areas of teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry. 

The University of 野狼社区 scored highest in the international outlook category, highlighting 野狼社区鈥檚 global draw to attracting undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all over the planet. A strength which makes the University and the Greater 野狼社区 Region a culturally rich, collaborative and economically impactful partner on the world stage. 

The celebration, in partnership with the University鈥檚 music department and  organised by university alumnus James Keirle with  Professor of music Ricardo Climent and his sister Dr Sarah Keirle will take place at 12pm this Friday. 

It is part of a cultural exchange programme which highlights the significance of  grass roots banding culture in both the North of England and East of Spain. 

As part of the visit they will be carrying out a 45 minute march around campus performing instrumental pieces on route and at stopping points along the way. 

James Keirle, a professional musician now based in Valancia studied at the University鈥檚 renowned . 

He said: 鈥淚'm extremely proud to have trained and performed in the Northern banding tradition. Now we are lucky enough to bring two musical cultures together. 

鈥淰alencia's rich history of symphonic wind band performance perfectly complements the University of 野狼社区's wonderful brass band.鈥� 

Professor Climent, who is originally from Valencia, said: 鈥淭he bands of the North of England and East of Spain are an enormous source of pride for local communities.

鈥淭his cultural exchange tour will foster new relationships with the Symphonic Wind band of Benimaclet, Valencia and celebrate the cultural power of international banding traditions.鈥�

The banding traditions in the north of England and the Valencian regions share a common history.

Whereas the north's bands represented mines and factories, the Valencian equivalents fought for the rights of orange growers and workers unions.

Both are powerhouses of grass roots music making which made it to the highest professional level of performance.

And both foster rich and unique worlds of new compositions; both regions use competitions to drive their bands to even higher standards.

The findings also matter for families struggling with the cost of living. Delivery costs can push up food prices. By making transport more efficient, hubs like Local Heroes can keep food affordable while still supporting small businesses. This is especially important in rural regions, where high logistics costs have long limited farmer incomes and consumer access.

鈥淭he North East has some of England鈥檚 highest child poverty levels, but also a growing demand for healthy, locally produced food,鈥� said co-authors Dr Barbara Tocco and Professor Matthew Gorton from , Newcastle University. 鈥淭his work shows how smarter logistics can help more people access it without harming the environment.鈥�

The study also highlights resilience. During Covid-19, when supermarkets ran low on supplies, food hubs were vital to connect farmers directly with households. Strengthening those networks will help communities to withstand future shocks from pandemics, rising fuel prices or climate change.

The researchers hope their model can be used by food hubs across the UK and Europe. With farming under pressure from economic and environmental challenges, small changes in delivery routes and vehicle choices could make a big difference.

The findings build on the team鈥檚 previous research which has been shared on the EU鈥檚 business advice platform , as well as being raised in UK Parliament questions about and . 

The research highlights that rather than setting bold new directions, the country copies climate policies from elsewhere (like the UK and New Zealand) and has to accept the prices set by bigger economies for its critical minerals. By waiting so long to act, Australia missed the chance to shape the global market. 

It also demonstrates the human cost - experts interviewed described how climate scientists and renewable energy experts left the country in frustration, a 鈥榖rain drain鈥� that left Australia short of skilled workers just as the green economy began to boom.

鈥淎ustralia鈥檚 story is a warning for all countries, especially those heavily tied to fossil fuels,鈥� said co-author Dr Paul Tobin. 鈥淒elay now means paying the price later, not only in rising climate impacts like bushfires and floods, but also in lost opportunities for jobs, innovation and global influence.鈥�

鈥淚f countries want to shape the future rather than scramble to catch up, they need to act boldly and early. Climate change isn鈥檛 just an environmental issue - it鈥檚 about economic competitiveness, national identity and fairness to the next generation.鈥�

The study, published in , funded by Wellcome and the Royal Society, definitively confirm the mother鈥檚 role as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

Though other researchers have focused on isolated relationships between mother and child, this is the first study of the role that both partners may play in family mental health, both concurrently and over time.

The researchers produced a series of maps - called networks - depicting the way symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents and their children up the age of 16 connect with each other over time.

They based the analysis on data from 3,757 families from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 to 2022.

Additional cross-sectional network maps of 8,795 families captured independent associations between family members鈥� mental health.

While fathers鈥� emotional state was linked to mothers鈥� mental health in the cross-sectional analysis, they observed an absence of associations with their children.

However, they reported that fathers鈥� emotional symptoms may influence children鈥檚 well-being indirectly, by affecting maternal mental health.

The longitudinal maps also identified how a mother鈥檚 feelings of being overwhelmed affected the child鈥檚 emotional state鈥攅specially worry, and that children鈥檚 feeling of worry cycled back, further affecting her own emotional health.

The influence of maternal emotional health on their children waned as they got older, reflecting how adolescents transfer their primary attachment from their parents to others.

Lead author Dr Yushi Bai from The University of 野狼社区 said: 鈥淲e do know that children鈥檚 mental health is formed by, and within, their family through shared genes, nurturing behaviours of caregivers, and sibling dynamics.

鈥淥ur study identified mothers, not fathers, as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

鈥淲e suspect that this can be explained by traditional division of parenting roles, where societal expectations often position mothers as the primary caregivers and organisers within families.

鈥淢others are typically more involved in child-rearing and spend considerably more time with their children than do fathers, which means they are more likely to influence children鈥檚 lives and development.

鈥淕reater exposure to maternal care might also lead children to copy their mother鈥檚 coping mechanisms and behaviours.鈥�

Co-author Dr Matthias Pierce from The University of 野狼社区 said: 鈥淓motional disorders in young people are not only increasingly prevalent, but also present at early ages, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

鈥淕iven the family鈥檚 central role in shaping and sustaining mental health, interventions and policies should consider how the family mental health ecosystem operates.

鈥淭his study shows the potential value of interventions that aim to support mothers and reduce maternal anxiety, which may have the greatest impact on improving family dynamics and reduce the risk of poor mental health in children.

鈥淲e also suggest that the link between fathers鈥� and mothers鈥� mental health presents a further potential avenue for alleviating maternal stress.鈥�

• The paper Quantifying cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in mental health symptoms within families: network models applied to UK cohort data  published in MBJ Open is published

• doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104829

The strategic partnership will help to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations in areas such as demography, smart cities planning, business, quantum science, biotechnology, advanced materials, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence. In addition to research projects, the partnership will pave the way for faculty exchanges and support for early career scholars.

The agreement was formally signed by Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International at The University of 野狼社区 and Dr Ahmad Ezzeddine, Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Washington.

Dr Ezzeddine said: 鈥淲e at the University of Washington are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with The University of 野狼社区.

鈥淭his collaboration between two globally recognized institutions will open new avenues for our faculty and students to engage in innovative research and educational programs that address some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges and opportunities. It also strengthens the bonds between our universities and communities, helping foster a deeper academic and cultural exchange.鈥�

The University of Washington in Seattle is a leading research institution in the US and ranks 17^th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It is also 25^th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 16^th in the Top US Public Universities and 8^th in the US News & World Report鈥檚 Best Global Universities.

Earlier this year, The University of 野狼社区 strengthened its ties to North America by signing a similar MoU with the University of Texas at Austin.

You can read more about The University of 野狼社区鈥檚 global partnerships here.

The high-tech hearing tests, they say, can efficiently understand human speech from the comfort of your own home, rather than at a hospital clinic, by using AI to screen out background noise.

The researchers developed and tested an AI-powered version of the Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test that combines text-to-speech (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies.

The result was a fully automated, self-administered hearing test that can be performed without clinical supervision in 10 minutes.

The study, funded by a Medical Research Council鈥檚 Doctoral Training Partnership grant, could revolutionise the way hearing tests are carried out and is published today  in the journal Trends in Hearing.

Lead author Mohsen Fatehifar from The University of 野狼社区 said: 鈥淗aving tested this technology, we are confident that with the help of AI it is entirely possible to automate a hearing test on a computer or smart phone so it can be done from the comfort of your own home.

鈥淭hough we still need more extensive trials and a user-friendly interface, this technology could potentially make a huge difference to patients.

鈥淪pecialised equipment in the clinic and the specially trained staff who are needed to use it are not always available to patients who need quick assessment.

鈥淎dditionally, people are slow to seek help when experiencing hearing difficulties: there is an estimated delay of 8.9 years between the time hearing aids are needed to the time of their adoption.

鈥淭hat is why we are excited about the ability of this system to incorporate machine learning into the test procedure to make it less dependent on human supervisors.鈥�

Speech-in-noise tests are commonly used to detect hearing problems by assessing how well someone can understand spoken speech over background noise.

Traditional tests typically rely on pre-recorded human speech and require a clinician to score the responses.

However, the AI-powered version replaces both with computer generated speech and automatic speech recognition, allowing the test to run entirely on its own.

In a group of 31 adults, some with normal hearing and with hearing loss, the AI-powered test was evaluated against two conventional DIN tests.

The researchers assessed both reliability - how consistent results were across multiple runs and validity - how closely results matched a reference test.

Results showed that the AI-powered test gave virtually the same results as the conventional DIN tests.

While there was slightly more variability in some cases - especially in people with a strong accent- the overall reliability and accuracy were the same, demonstrating the addition of AI did not negatively impact test performance.

And by using larger ASR systems, the researchers say the higher accuracy would make the system compatible with stronger accents.

Co-authors Professor Kevin Munro and Michael Stone are from The University of 野狼社区 and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 野狼社区 Biomedical Research Centre.

Professor Munro said: 鈥淭his  study highlights how AI can make hearing tests both reliable and user-friendly, particularly for individuals who may find traditional formats鈥攕uch as keyboards or touchscreens鈥攃hallenging to use.

鈥淚t also marks an important step toward more personalised and accessible hearing assessments that people can complete independently at home.

鈥淭he test software will be freely available, providing a foundation for future developments using more advanced speech technologies.鈥�

Professor Stone said: 鈥淭his research highlights the potential for well-crafted and tested AI to modernise hearing care.

鈥淥ur team plans to explore extending this technology to more complex speech tests in future studies.鈥�

We are shocked and horrified by the events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue this morning.  The thoughts of everyone at the University and Students鈥� Union go out to those affected and their loved ones. 

This holiest day in the Jewish calendar should be a time to come together in peaceful reflection and contemplation, but instead we know many in our community, especially our Jewish community, will be feeling worried and deeply distressed by what has happened. 

The University of 野狼社区 will always support and stand with our Jewish community of staff, students and across our city. 

Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, The University of 野狼社区 

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer, University of 野狼社区 Students鈥� Union 

Using sunbeds causes melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly among young people, yet existing sunbed legislation is ineffective and there is little evidence that stricter rules would help protect the most vulnerable, say Professor Paul Lorigan and colleagues. 

Indoor tanning is experiencing a boom in popularity, particularly among Gen Z (born 1997-2012), with social media promoting sunbeds as integral to wellness, they explain. For example, a 2024 survey of 2,003 people in the UK by Melanoma Focus found that 43% of respondents aged 18-25 used sunbeds, half of them at least weekly, with many unaware of the associated dangers. 

And despite a ban on under 18s using sunbeds in England and Wales in 2011, a 2025 survey by Melanoma Focus of 100 UK 16-17 year olds found that 34% were still using sunbeds. 

Neither the number nor location of sunbed outlets in the UK are monitored, point out the authors. Data from websites and social media in January 2024 identified 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with density per 100,000 population highest in north west and north east England and in the most deprived areas. 

The distribution of sunbed outlets also correlates with melanoma rates in young people, with the highest rates in north England, they add. Over 2,600 new diagnoses were recorded annually in 25-49 year olds in England during 2018-20 and 146 deaths, with two thirds of cases in women. 

Regulation has also failed to prevent young people鈥檚 use of sunbeds in other countries, they note. For example, the percentage of under 18s using sunbeds in the Republic of Ireland has barely changed since stricter regulation in 2014, while Iceland鈥檚 15-17 year olds are now the main users of sunbeds despite a ban for under 18s in 2011. 

The current situation in the UK is 鈥渁 clear example of an under-regulated industry aggressively marketing a harmful product to a vulnerable population,鈥� they write. 鈥淎n immediate outright ban on commercial sunbeds alongside public education offers the most cost effective solution to reduce skin cancer, save lives, and ease the burden on the NHS.鈥� 

To counter the economic impact of banning sunbeds on providers and communities, they suggest use of a buy-back scheme 鈥渢o mitigate industry pushback and the potential effect on livelihoods.鈥� 

They conclude: 鈥淭he UK government has pledged to prioritise prevention and to reduce health inequalities. Commercial sunbeds target those who are most disadvantaged and susceptible to harm.鈥� 

鈥淓nhanced efforts to encourage sun safe behaviours are critically needed but will likely take a generation to have an effect. A ban on commercial sunbeds is the first step in this process. It would send a clear message and have an immediate effect on skin cancer.鈥�

• Analysis: Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK  is published in the BMJ doi: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085414 and is available

Published in 1950 during Turing鈥檚 time as an academic at The University of 野狼社区, the paper was one of the first on artificial intelligence. It was in this paper that he established the Turing Test, also known as the Imitation Game, posing the question that would shape the modern world: 鈥淐an machines think?鈥� 

Today, more than 1,600 野狼社区 researchers are designing and applying AI to tackle global challenges, transform industries, enhance public services, and improve lives. From advancing breast cancer treatment and improving menopause care to transforming crop productivity in Ghana and tackling online misogyny, 野狼社区 researchers are using AI to deliver positive change for society and the environment. 

To enable this, the University has invested in a world-leading research environment, creating an AI research ecosystem that supports research excellence and accelerates the journey to real-world impact. Capabilities span from the , driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow, to two dedicated units fuelling innovation - the part of , which connect partners to the University鈥檚 world-famous talent, ideas and resources. 

Professor Jay adds: 鈥淲e believe AI should deliver real benefits to business, public services and society. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e continually investing in the people, partnerships and platforms that turn bold ideas into transformative outcomes. 

鈥淚n every thriving AI ecosystem, there鈥檚 a university at its heart. We鈥檙e proud to shape the future of AI 鈥� for 野狼社区, the UK and the world.鈥� 

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Current treatments for asthma largely involve controlling the inflammation of lung tissue using steroid inhalers. However, 4 people die every day in the UK¹ from asthma related complications. With funding from the Medical Research Foundation and Asthma UK, a team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of 野狼社区 have investigated the scarring that occurs in lung tissue as a result of asthma and have been able to reverse these changes in animal models.

Although still in the early stages of development, this discovery paves the way for a new way to treat not only asthma, but many different diseases in which similar structural changes in tissues occur. Such diseases include conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver and account for approximately 40% of deaths worldwide.

Asthma affects more than 7 million people in the UK and severe asthma can have a hugely detrimental impact on an individual鈥檚 quality of life. Even when treated, asthma can be fatal and the most recent data shows it contributed to 1,465 deaths in the UK in 2022¹ 鈥� this is despite the availability of new treatments which aim to dampen down inflammation in the lungs.

However, as well as inflammation, asthma also results in what has previously been considered to be irreversible structural lung changes. These changes include making the lungs stiffer and more scarred through increases in things like 鈥榚xtracellular matrix collagens.鈥�

Using animal models that share features of severe asthma in people, the researchers found that preventing inflammation alone is not enough to reverse this tissue scarring. Instead, they found that blocking the action of specific protein molecules strongly associated with inflammation and tissue damage, 鈥榬emarkably reversed鈥� scarring in the lungs. 

Dr Tara Sutherland, Lecturer of Immunology, who led the research at the University of Aberdeen, alongside collaborators at the University of 野狼社区, explains: 鈥淒rugs that inhibit inflammation in asthma are crucial for managing the disease. However, these drugs may not always be enough to prevent and reverse lung damage found in severe asthma.

鈥淥ur findings show that we also need to consider that structural lung changes occur in severe asthma and that these changes may occur independently of inflammatory pathways.

鈥淎 better understanding of these structural changes and their consequences for lung health could lead to development of new therapies that benefit people particularly with severe asthma and could potentially be used alongside drugs that stop inflammation.

鈥淎lthough a first step in a long process, our study suggests avenues for new treatments that may have the potential to prevent disease progression and even reverse tissue scarring in asthma and many other diseases where fibrosis due to disorganised matrix formation is suggested to account for approximately 40% of worldwide mortality.鈥�

James Parkinson, Research Associate from the division of Immunology and Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine at the University of 野狼社区 who collaborated on the project added: 鈥淭his work adds a new layer to our understanding of how asthma develops. It also reinforces the importance of considering all aspects of airway remodelling when evaluating future potential therapies.鈥�

, CEO of the , said: 鈥淎sthma affects millions of people in the UK, including 1.1 million children, yet despite current treatments, too many people still die from the condition every day. Severe uncontrolled asthma can cause lasting damage to the lungs and drastically reduce quality of life. This research is a crucial step forward 鈥� showing how we might not only prevent that damage, but even reverse it, opening the door to treatments that could transform lives.

鈥淏y supporting studies like this, the Medical Research Foundation aims to generate the evidence needed to change how asthma is treated and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with the condition.鈥�

Dr Ellen Forty, Research Networks and Partnerships Manager at Asthma + Lung UK added:

鈥淎sthma + Lung UK is pleased to have funded this exciting research which has helped to tease apart some of the ways that damage to lung tissue occurs in severe asthma, showing potential that some aspects of the damage could actually be reversed in mice. Now we need to invest in the next stages of this research to better understand this newly discovered process, and whether it works the same way in humans.

鈥淭his study offers hope for a new avenue for future treatments for the 7.2 million people in the UK living with asthma, that could supplement existing medicines. It could also have benefits for those with other lung conditions with similar causes of damage. Funding for lung health research is on life support and urgent action is needed to increase investment.鈥�

This research was funded by the Medical Research Foundation and the Asthma and Lung UK Fellowship with support from Medical Research Council and Wellcome.

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