As the world embraces the circular economy (CE) as a solution to the global sustainability crisis, experts warn that without integrating social justice into its framework, CE could inadvertently deepen existing inequalities – particularly in the Global South.
Developed by AI and data scientist Professor Georgina Cosma and human factors and complex systems expert Professor Patrick Waterson, the tool analyses maternity incident reports to highlight key human factors – such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making – that may have impacted care outcomes, providing insights into areas that could benefit from additional support.
Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
Professor Eef Hogervost wearing a green patterened dress and stood in front of an office space that is purple and green colour schemed.
Professor Eef Hogervorst.
While such findings are important and should be shared with the public, they must be communicated with care, says Professor Eef Hogervorst, a neuropsychologist and epidemiologist specialising in dementia research.
In this expert comment piece, Professor Hogervorst discusses the complex factors that influence dementia risk and why we must not oversimplify research findings by presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as straightforward solutions that will work for everyone.
A new study has found a symbiotic relationship that has evolved between Darwin’s favourite carnivorous plant and a specific type of fungus which lives inside it and helps it digest its prey.
Researchers from Loughborough, Taiwan and USA have shown that Acrodontium crateriforme, a fungus that thrives in the acidic conditions on the leaves, improves the digestion of the Drosera species of carnivorous plant – otherwise known as a sundew (pictured above), and once described by Charles Darwin as, "a wonderful plant… I care more about Drosera than the origin of all the species."
The fungus lives in a sticky secretion at the end of tentacles on the leaves. Its enzymes work with the plant's digestive processes to help it break down the prey – small bugs and insects.
The findings show that teamwork between plants and fungi may contribute to the evolution of carnivorous plants.
Andrew Peck, a cyber resilience PhD researcher at Loughborough University who, prior to joining the institute, had a career delivering IT solutions to big industry, healthcare and government, and Professor Oli Buckley, an expert in cyber security, have reacted to the IT outage news.
The Gevena Convention protects people who have fallen victim to armed conflict, but militaries around the world use thousands of animals in combat, support, and ceremonial roles. Who looks out for them?
Findings from a first-of-its kind study into Snus use in professional soccer have been published by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Loughborough University.
Over a fifth of Americans and Poles surveyed believed that COVID-19 vaccines can change people’s DNA.
And more than half of Serbian people believed that natural immunity from COVID was better than being vaccinated.
These figures come from a new report which examines the effects of populism on misinformation and other aspects of crisis communication around the coronavirus pandemic.
Analytical scientists from Loughborough University have demonstrated for the first time that drug residue – namely the fast-acting sleeping pill Zolpidem, which has been linked to drug-facilitated sexual assault and drink spiking – can be detected on gel-lifted fingerprints.
Leading computer scientists from around the world have shared their vision for the future of artificial intelligence – and it resembles the capabilities of Star Trek character 'The Borg'.
A study conducted by Loughborough University has examined how sporting interventions aimed at young children can reduce youth crime and violence in London.
A survey of more than 60 families living with Noonan Syndrome has highlighted the need for more social support and medical awareness.
Noonan Syndrome, though classed as a ‘rare’ genetic condition, is estimated to affect between 1 in 2000 to 1 in 2500 births in the UK, causing diverse health issues.
The findings of the collaborative study between Loughborough University and the Noonan Association Syndrome are being shared as part of a month-long awareness campaign.
One of the key survey findings is that there is a lack of awareness of the rare genetic condition – even among medical professionals, which can lead to difficulties in accessing care.
Another theme that emerged is that the social and emotional impacts of living with Noonan Syndrome are overlooked for individuals and carers.
The researchers and charity are now calling for greater awareness, research, and support systems.
Individuals and families – including Ian Legg, the Fay family, and Andrea Reid-Kelly – are sharing t
Dr Rob Gray (Associate Professor in Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University) talks about coaching in sport as well as skill acquisition in baseball and the future of virtual reality in sport
Just 10% of people surveyed understood that the terms 'Forwarded' and 'Forwarded many times' in WhatsApp meant they were reading potential misinformation.
Dr Ben Roberts, Lecturer in Building Energy at Loughborough University, discusses how our houses can help or hinder our health, why air conditioning isn’t always the best answer to reduce indoor heat, and how systemic building changes could transform our wellbeing.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 09:27 - Introduction to guest, the topic and background
09:28 - 18:45 - Loughborough University test houses and how are they being used
18:46 - 23:25 - Night ventilation and ventilation maps
23:26 - 28:12 - Abroad vs the UK
28:13 - 32:30 - Air conditioning and staying cool
32:31 - 39:45 - Impacting policy and air quality
39:46 - 41:20 - Current and future work
41:21 - 43:45 - Outro
Professor Eef Hogervorst, Professor of Biological Psychology at Loughborough University, sits down to discuss the factors influencing the menopause, what the best treatment options are, the relationship between oestrogen and dementia, and the controversies surrounding the andropause (the ‘male menopause’).
Dr Elisa Becker, Researcher in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, discusses the role of disgust in protecting our health through the behavioural immune system, our relationship with eating meat and whether food packaging on animal products should go down the same path as cigarettes.
Professor Amanda Daley, Professor of Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough University, breaks down the problem with current food labelling, the potential for P.A.C.E (physical activity calorie equivalent) labelling to provide a solution, and what she thinks about all the controversies surrounding this idea.
Varun Shivdasani, Performance Chef at Loughborough University's Elite Athlete Centre, discusses how he prepares nutritious meals on a budget, the importance of making cooking a family-friendly activity, and the future of precision nutrition.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 03:53 - Introduction to guest, the topic and background
03:54 - 05:56 - An average week as a performance chef
05:57 - 10:09 - Performance and nutrition
10:10 - 11:52 - Setting the menu
11:53 - 16:53 - Do you need a large budget for a balanced meal?
16:54 - 26:29 - Tips for eating well
26:30 - 30:56 - Precision nutrition
30:57 - 34:05 - What’s next in the world of food prep?
34:07 - 36.54 - Outro