All posts – Page 58

Radiation and risk – why policymakers and the public need facts not fears

By Laura Leay Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 11, 2016

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that caused nearly 20,000 deaths and triggered a major emergency at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, Japan. In the days that followed, Japanese authorities evacuated around 100,000 people from the area as radiation was released into the atmosphere. But, asks Laura Leay, are policies around radiation […]

Don’t panic! Hancock’s Half Hour and the anti-advocacy clause

By Andy Westwood Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 10, 2016

An amendment to charities’ freedom in how they use Government grants has set many hares running in higher education. But, asks Andy Westwood, what does it mean and do we need to panic? Hancock’s half hour Matthew Hancock, the Cabinet Office minister has introduced a new ‘anti advocacy’ clause to be inserted into all new […]

The battle over skirt-only uniform codes – does it matter who wears the trousers?

By Claire Hale Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 8, 2016

Nowadays everywhere you look you will see women and girls wearing trousers: at work, at play, at formal and informal occasions. But many schools still impose skirt-only uniform codes for girls which Claire Hale says is gender discrimination and out of step with the modern world. The Queen has been seen in public wearing trousers. […]

Busting the male migrant myth – why the facts need to speak for themselves

By Jonathan Spencer Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 7, 2016

Men, mainly young and single, make up the majority of migrants coming into Europe in the recent crisis. But the negative portrayal of young migrant men in popular debates does not tally with the picture that emerges when you interview them, says researcher Jon Spencer. Stereotypes Failing in education, demonstrating inappropriate sexual behaviour and having a […]

“Sit down for breakfast- stand up for the farmers!”

By Ralitza Dimova Filed Under: All posts Posted: February 29, 2016

Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off today and this year we are being asked to organise a Fairtrade breakfast in support of the farmers who grow the food we have every morning, like coffee, tea, cocoa and bananas. Support for poor farmers is to be welcomed, but is Fairtrade getting it right asks Ralitza Dimova? I believe […]

Living well with dementia – why a care home might be the best place to be

By Clarissa Giebel Filed Under: All posts Posted: February 26, 2016

One of the key objectives of the National Dementia Strategy is improving well-being, but carer burden and depression among isolated people living with dementia, is a major barrier. More social activities and improved carer support is greatly needed to deliver this important goal, argues Clarissa Giebel. Dementia affects over 850,000 in the UK alone. But […]

Why medicine needs computer modelling in the fight against brain disease

By Steve Furber Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 18, 2016

Research into new drugs for brain disease is being held back because of a lack of fundamental understanding and models of brain function argues Steve Furber, who explains why policy makers and researchers worldwide should make computer modelling part of the solution. Brain diseases cost the developed economies more than heart diseases, cancer and diabetes […]

What are digital dividends and are they just for the wealthy?

By Richard Heeks Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 9, 2016

Digital technologies have seen rapid uptake, across most of our world. So are developing countries seeing the benefits? If not, why not? The World Bank recently published its World Development Report 2016 Digital Dividends. Richard Heeks considers whether this major report accurately reflects the digital revolution and its impact on global development. Some years back, when […]

At what point will we do something about inequality?

By David Hulme Filed Under: All posts Posted: February 4, 2016

Oxfam’s annual inequality report reveals that the richest 1% now have as much wealth as the rest of the world combined. And the wealthiest 62 people on the planet have as much wealth as the poorest half of the global population. Professor David Hulme examines this extreme fiscal inequality and asks what can we do […]

Safer prescribing of medicines – is it easier than we think?

By Jill Stocks Filed Under: All posts Posted: January 28, 2016

There is a high prevalence of potentially hazardous prescribing among some GP practices, a new research study published in the British Medical Journal has found. One of the authors, Dr Jill Stocks, explains the findings. Safe prescribing of medication is one of the most essential roles of GPs, yet our team’s research has found both […]