An international collaboration of scientists, including from 51福利社, working on the experiment at the U.S. Department of Energy鈥檚 Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory announced that they have found no evidence for a fourth type of neutrino, known as a sterile neutrino.

For decades, physics experiments have observed neutrinos - sub-atomic particles that are all around us - behaving in a way that doesn鈥檛 fit . One of the most promising explanations was the existence of a sterile neutrino, named because they are predicted not to interact with matter at all, whereas other neutrinos can. This means they could pass through the Universe almost undetected.

Using a highly sensitive detector called MicroBooNE, sitting on two different neutrino beams, the researchers observed how thousands of neutrinos behaved over several years. If the fourth neutrinos existed, it would have left a clear fingerprint. The result, published today in the journal , shows there was no evidence and rules out a single sterile neutrino explanation with 95% certainty.

Professor of Particle Physics at 51福利社 and co-spokesperson for MicroBooNE, said: 鈥淎ny time you rule out one place where physics beyond the Standard Model could be, that makes you look in other places. This is a result that is going to really spur a creative push in the neutrino physics community to come up with yet more exciting ways of looking for new physics. Sometimes, science is just as much about what you don鈥檛 find as what you do."

51福利社 played a leading role in the breakthrough. Dr Elena Gramellini was the driving force behind the experiment鈥檚 physics programme using the NuMI beam - a crucial part of the analysis behind this result. Professor Roxanne Guenette was one of the originators of MicroBooNE鈥檚 short-baseline oscillation programme, helping to shape the strategy used to investigate the sterile-neutrino question. The new paper builds directly on that foundational work.

Neutrinos come in three known types, or flavours: muon, electron and tau. They can change from one type to another as they travel. But this flavour-flipping cannot fully be explained by the current Standard Model.

Some earlier experiments - -  also made observations suggesting that muon neutrinos were oscillating into electron neutrinos over shorter distances than should be possible.

鈥淭hey saw flavour change on a length scale that is just not consistent with there only being three neutrinos,鈥� explained , 鈥淎nd the most popular explanation over the past 30 years to explain the anomaly is that there鈥檚 a sterile neutrino.鈥�

The experiment collected data from 2015 to 2021, observing neutrinos from Fermilab鈥檚 Booster Neutrino Beam and the NuMI beam. MicroBooNE is the first experiment that has done a sterile neutrino search with one detector and two beams simultaneously. This reduces the uncertainties in MicroBooNE鈥檚 result, making it possible to exclude nearly the entire favoured region in which a single sterile neutrino could be hiding. 

Although this result rules out one explanation for anomalies seen in neutrino behaviour, the mystery itself remains. Scientists are now analysing the remaining MicroBooNE data and other experiments in the Short-Baseline Neutrino Program are also on the case.

In addition to the search for new physics, the MicroBooNE collaboration is providing insight into how neutrinos interact in liquid argon, an important metric that will benefit other liquid-argon time projection chamber experiments such as the .

Matthew Toups, Fermilab senior scientist and co-spokesperson for MicroBooNE, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 really exciting to be doing both cutting-edge science that has a major impact on our field as well as developing novel techniques that will support and enable future scientific measurements.鈥�

This research has been published in the journal

Full title: Search for light sterile neutrinos with two neutrino beams at MicroBooNE

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09757-7

URL:

Ultimately, the project concludes that tackling conspiracy theories requires more than closing individual online channels. Efforts must address the structural political and social conditions that allow conspiracist narratives to flourish, as well as the business models that incentivise sensational content. The researchers urge a move away from simply asking why the public lacks trust, towards making institutions genuinely worthy of trust.

The research offers a pointed reminder that, in an era where symbolic gestures from global sporting bodies can carry enormous political weight, understanding the mechanics of narrative formation is essential. Debates around sport, reputation and political power are set to continue - and this work provides a crucial framework for interpreting them.

The researchers say progress on attendance since the pandemic has been slow - and for some children, things are getting worse. They鈥檙e calling for a joined-up approach that brings together schools, families and community services. This could include:

- Family Hubs which offer early help, advice and activities to support school readiness
- More flexible routes through education, like apprenticeships and internships
- Enrichment activities, mental health and careers support to support pupil鈥檚 broader engagement with learning
- Stronger relationships between teachers, pupils and parents
- Involving young people in decisions to increase their sense of belonging and safety

鈥淓very missed day of school means a missed opportunity,鈥� said Baroness Anne Longfield, founder of the Centre for Young Lives. 鈥淭his research shines a light on the urgent need to fix attendance and make sure every child gets the education they deserve.鈥�

The Child of the North campaign is a partnership between the N8 Research Partnership and Health Equity North which brings together universities across the North of England - including 51福利社, Leeds, Durham, York, Lancaster, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle - to push for fairer futures for children across the North of England.

鈥淚f we want to give every child a fair start in life, we need to fix attendance - and that means fixing the barriers that stop children from feeling they belong in school,鈥� said Professor Mark Mon-Williams, who leads the campaign.

In February this year, Oliver (Ollie) Chu, was treated for Hunter syndrome in a clinical study being delivered at Royal 51福利社 Children鈥檚 Hospital (RMCH) in collaboration with the 51福利社 Centre for Genomic Medicine at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital 鈥� both part of 51福利社 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) The trial is managed and sponsored by the University of 51福利社.

Children with Hunter syndrome, a rare, inherited condition also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), have an error in a gene, meaning they cannot produce an important enzyme that breaks down complex sugar molecules. Over time these sugars build up in organs and tissues, leading to joint stiffness, hearing loss, breathing and heart problems, developmental delays and cognitive decline, resembling childhood dementia. Hunter syndrome can be life-threatening, with life expectancy typically between 10 and 20 years. Currently the only licensed drug that can help to improve life for children with Hunter syndrome is Elaprase 鈥� a weekly enzyme replacement therapy that takes approximately three hours, that children must take for their whole life. Approximately 50 patients in the UK receive Elaprase, which costs around 拢375,000 a year per patient. The drug can reduce mobility and organ problems but cannot improve mental decline.

Now, several months on from the procedure, Ollie has fully recovered from the transplant, and his parents and the 51福利社 researchers are excited by his progress.

The clinical study at RMCH is investigating a one-off gene therapy which involves removing the child鈥檚 stem cells, replacing the faulty gene and re-injecting the modified cells into the patient. These stem cells can produce high levels of the missing enzyme and also reach the brain.

Professor Rob Wynn, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist and Director of Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at RMCH and joint clinical lead, said: 鈥溾�淔or many years we have performed bone marrow transplant for children with Hunter Syndrome and similar illnesses. However, these are difficult procedures that can only deliver as much enzyme as the donor鈥檚 blood naturally has.

鈥淕ene therapy is not only safer and more effective, but it enables us to use the child鈥檚 own cells which cuts out the need to find a donor, and means we can produce more enzyme for the patient.

鈥淭he principles of using gene therapy of blood cells to treat patients with this disease can be applied to many other conditions which offers exciting prospects for patients and healthcare professionals. Our medicine is becoming safer, and better, and that can only be a good thing!鈥�

Professor Simon Jones Consultant in Paediatric Inherited Metabolic Disease at the 51福利社 Centre for Genomic Medicine at Saint Mary鈥檚 Hospital,  joint study lead, said: 鈥淪ince having the gene therapy Ollie is no longer having weekly Elaprase infusions, but instead of seeing levels of the previously missing enzyme dropping we are seeing very high levels in his blood, and this is an extremely encouraging sign that the treatment is working.

Professor Jones, who is also a Medical Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 51福利社 Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at RMCH, added: 鈥淚 have worked in researching treatments for children with rare genetic diseases for over twenty years and I have sadly seen many children lose their lives to these devastating conditions. This is a truly exciting development which could lead the way for treating similar genetic conditions and bring hope to other families.鈥�

Ollie Chu is the first of five young children with Hunter syndrome to participate in this study. The research is jointly funded by the University of 51福利社 and by LifeArc, a self-funded, not-for-profit medical research organisation, and developed by researchers at MFT and 51福利社, working in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where patients鈥� cells are taken to be modified with the missing gene in their specialist laboratories.

Ollie鈥檚 story

Ollie was diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome after five-year-old brother, Skyler, was found to have the condition.

Ollie, who lives in California with mum Jingru, dad Ricky, and Skyler travelled to the UK to be part of the research, after tests showed he was still in the early stages of the condition.

Ricky said: 鈥淎lthough it was a big commitment to travel to the UK, of course we want the best for our children, so when this opportunity came up in 51福利社, we discussed it as a family. Due to Skyler鈥檚 age, he was not eligible to take part in the 51福利社 trial and is taking part in a different study in the United States. That has meant splitting up the family, but it was something we were willing to do for Ollie to have the opportunity to be in this trial.

鈥淭here are very few times where your child can have a reset on life so if you can give them that chance, then it鈥檚 just something you do.

鈥淥llie is doing great since having the gene therapy. We have seen dramatic improvements, and he continues to grow physically and cognitively. Our hope for Ollie because of this treatment is that he will continue to make his own enzymes and live a normal life without infusions.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for Ollie鈥檚 future. Seeing the difference for Ollie pre-and post-transplant has made us believers.

鈥淲e will be forever grateful to the entire research team for allowing us to be part of this research. I鈥檝e been a huge advocate of this trial. The medical team is very transparent and provides all the information that they can.

"We think it鈥檚 wonderful that there is research being done on rare conditions. Our priority is our children but knowing that this could result in helping other children around the world is very meaningful for us. We hope that one day, a treatment becomes available for all children at all stages of Hunter syndrome.鈥�

Brian Bigger, Honorary Professor at 51福利社, academic lead said: 鈥淭his therapy was developed over the course of 10 years at the University 51福利社 and seeing this now tested in patients by the clinical team at MFT has been incredibly rewarding.鈥�

鈥淲e developed an improved method of stem cell gene therapy which adds a short tag to the missing enzyme, allowing it to cross the blood-brain-barrier and improve the amount of enzyme delivered to the brain. This helps break down complex sugars that build up in the brain and aims to prevent the devastating dementia-like decline seen in children with severe Hunter disease. Parents have told us that this symptom is the most important factor to improve quality of life for their family.鈥�

• Philanthropic support from individual donors and not-for-profit medical research organisations such as , has been essential in driving this progress forward. Philanthropy helps to bridge critical funding gaps and translate breakthrough science into life-changing therapies. To learn more about the University's fundraising for research, visit: Challenge Accepted.

Beyond advancing ecological science, the research could provide vital tools for tracking soil carbon storage, monitoring land degradation, and supporting sustainable land management in the face of climate change. 

鈥淭his research opens up a powerful new window into Earth鈥檚 hidden biodiversity, providing a way to map and monitor soil biodiversity at large scales in a cost-effective way,鈥� said Professor Bardgett.

A report released today (November 20, 2025) by Health Equity North (HEN) reveals that the relationship between health and productivity has become stronger over the last seven years, placing a huge financial burden on the economy and stagnating possible productivity growth.

The scale of the health-related economic inactivity crisis is greater in the North of England, with workers more likely to lose their job due to ill health, and those without educational qualifications facing a ninefold higher risk of losing their job if they become ill.

鈥楬ealth for Wealth 2025: Building a Healthier North to boost UK Productivity鈥� revisits the issues exposed in the landmark 2018 Health for Wealth report and explores how the landscape has changed over the last seven years.

It shows that regional inequalities in health, wages and economic inactivity have deepened since the 2018 report 鈥� a trend that began even before the COVID pandemic. This sharp rise in economic inactivity due to ill health, now at a record high, underscores the urgent need to put health at the heart of any strategy for sustainable economic growth.  However, there are some 鈥榞ood news stories鈥� in the North, with productivity growth strong in areas such as Greater 51福利社, Cumbria and parts of Yorkshire over the past few years.

In 2018, the Northern Health Science Alliance鈥檚 highlighted the link between the North鈥檚 poor health and poor productivity for the first time, and revealed that tackling health inequalities between the North and the South could generate an additional 拢13.2bn per year. Today鈥檚 analysis show that this figure has risen to 拢18.4bn per year.

Findings also show that improving physical and mental health through a variety of policy changes, proactive health programmes and empowering local authorities, could deliver transformative economic benefits - particularly in regions such as the North East, where improving population mental health alone could add 拢6.6bn to the economy.

The report, authored by HEN academics from Newcastle University, 51福利社, Lancaster University and Teesside University, shows that:

• If the health of the North was matched to the rest of the country, it could generate an additional 拢18.4bn a year - a 13% increase in economic gains found in the previous Health for Wealth report published in 2018 when accounting for inflation.
• People living in the North are two times more likely to lose their job following a spell of ill-health than those in the rest of England.
• In the North, workers with no educational qualifications are nine times less likely to remain employed following a spell of ill health compared with those with at least an A-level qualification, whereas in the rest of England, there is no statistically significant relationship between worsening health and remaining employed by educational attainment.
• 拢6.6bn could be added to the economy if mental health was improved in the North East.
• Workers in the North who experience ill-health suffer monthly pay losses that are nearly triple the national average 鈥� equal to 6.6% vs. 2.3% national average.
• Since 2018, all three northern regions have experienced, on average, more than double rises in economic inactivity due to ill health compared with London - rising by 22% vs. 10% respectively.
• Amongst people with long-term health conditions, the gap in economic inactivity between the North and rest of England has nearly quadrupled since the start of the COVID pandemic 鈥� increasing from a 1.1 percentage point difference to 4.2 percentage points (47% to 51.2%).
• The regional economic divide between the North and the South has increased since 2018, with gaps in total economic inactivity growing by 8% and in wages by 5%.
• The relative gap in productivity (as measured by GVA per head) has decreased by 2%, owing to the relatively greater increases in the North, particularly since the pandemic. However, the gap remains large, with 26% lower productivity in the North than in the rest of England in 2023. In particular, Greater 51福利社 and some parts of Yorkshire experienced the highest increases in productivity growth over the past two decades, with accelerated improvements since the pandemic. However, other parts of the North 鈥� including the majority of the North East 鈥� are continuing to be left-behind.
• The new report suggests that unless decisive action is taken, the North-South health and productivity divide will continue to widen, limiting the UK鈥檚 ability to deliver inclusive, sustainable growth.

Additional findings include:

Wages and GVA

• Overall, between 2013 and 2022, the average gap in GVA per head was approximately 30% lower in the North (拢22,710 vs 拢29,379) 鈥� 36% of the gap can be attributed to the poor health in the North.
• Since 2013, the gap in economic inactivity increased by 8% (from 3.8 to 4.1 percentage points) and the gap in wages rose by 5% (from 拢54 to 拢57). The relative gap in productivity has decreased by 2%, with the Northern regions experiencing faster productivity growth by 1% since the pandemic.

Economic inactivity

• Since 2019, economic inactivity rates have been rising ten times faster than the growth of the working-age population. Economic inactivity due to ill-health is now at its highest levels, with poor mental health and musculoskeletal problems being the main cited reasons.
• Economically inactive people in the North are more likely to have mental health problems, to be younger and to live in larger families and more likely to be private renters.
• The economic inactivity rates due to ill-health in North East are more than double compared with the rates in South East (9.5% vs. 4.5%), with the remaining southern regions having similarly low rates around 5%. The North East has the highest rates of economically inactive women at 9.7% and 9.4% for men - compared to 5% and 3.9% respectively in the South East.

Mortality and morbidity

• Between 2013 and 2022, rates of mortality were 16% higher in the North than in the rest of England, with the rates of morbidity being 45% higher.
• Since 2013, the gap in morbidity between the North and the rest of England has increased by 62%, with the gap in mortality rising by 15%.

Health and productivity

• In the North East, potential economic gains from improving population mental health amount to 拢6.6bn in terms of productivity and household prosperity.
• To reduce the employment gap between the northern regions and the rest of England by 10%, population self-rated health problems in the North need to be reduced by 4.4%.
• The report urges government and business leaders to make health a central component of the UK鈥檚 productivity and growth strategy.

The recommendations call for targeted investment in mental health services, preventative programmes, and public health funding across the North of England, alongside reforms to benefits and employment support that promote health and economic participation. Authors also advocate for regionally driven strategies with embedded health targets to tackle inequalities and ensure place-based solutions align with national goals.

Lead report author Dr Julija Simpson, Research Associate at Newcastle University, said: 鈥淪ince the last Health for Wealth report in 2018, the health divide between the North and the rest of England has not only persisted but deepened. This growing inequality is not inevitable, nor is it the fault of individuals 鈥� it鈥檚 the result of policy choices. Addressing this gap must be central to the government鈥檚 growth and wealth agendas.

鈥淗ealth and economic performance are deeply intertwined: when communities are healthier, they are more productive, more resilient, and better able to contribute to long-term prosperity. Health policy is economic policy 鈥� and investing in the health of people in the North is one of the most effective ways to unlock the country鈥檚 full economic potential.鈥�

Professor Clare Bambra, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University, said: 鈥�

鈥淲hile many welfare and employment reforms are designed to reduce long-term benefit dependency and encourage people back into the workforce, these efforts will not work unless they are supported by sustained investment in public health, health care and mental health services. Without addressing the root causes of ill health in the North, we risk pushing people into situations of poverty - worsening their wellbeing and limiting their capacity to work 鈥� all while our economy continues to take the hit.

鈥淭o genuinely improve economic participation, we need to ensure that people are not only healthy enough to be able to work, but and also healthy enough to thrive in employment. The link between good health and a strong economy is undeniable 鈥� and policy must reflect that reality.鈥�

Dr Luke Munford, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics, 51福利社, said: 鈥淚nvesting in public health delivers extraordinary value for money. For every 拢1 spent, society can expect to see a return of around 拢14 in broader health and socio-economic benefits. That means every pound we invest in preventing illness, improving mental health, and tackling health inequalities pays dividends in higher productivity, stronger local economies, and reduced strain on the NHS.

鈥淭he evidence is clear: the government鈥檚 approach to health should not be seen as a cost, but an investment. By prioritising prevention and supporting healthier communities, we create the conditions for long-term economic growth and prosperity across the North and the nation as a whole.

鈥淭here are things we can learn from Greater 51福利社. Since devolution of health and social care, we have seen improvements in life expectancy, and this is now beginning to track through to increases in productivity and economic growth.鈥�

Hannah Davies, Executive Director at Health Equity North, said: 鈥淭here is a great deal of work being done across local government, central government, and the third sector to tackle the North鈥檚 health and productivity challenges 鈥� but the scale of the problem means there is still so much more to do.

鈥淥ur new analysis makes it clear that health investment is not just a social or moral priority, but an economic necessity. Poor physical and mental health are holding back the potential of millions of people and, in turn, the productivity of the entire UK. If we want a stronger economy, we must start by building a healthier nation. Prioritising mental health, prevention, and place-based support in the North will deliver lasting returns in prosperity and wellbeing.鈥�

The report, Health for Wealth 2025: Building a Healthier North to boost UK Productivity, is available

Previous research has found the risks of serious conditions like diabetes, renal and liver failure, fractures, and premature death, are particularly raised within the first 12 months of being diagnosed with an eating disorder. 

But new findings, published in the journal ,  highlight that these elevated risks can persist for years, even after the person is thought to have recovered from their eating disorder, with the researchers saying that timely interventions from multiple different health services are needed to improve patient outcomes.

The research team, led by Dr Cathy Morgan from 51福利社 with input from Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham OBE from Keele, were funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater 51福利社 Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC).

Using the the researchers studied anonymised electronic health records spanning from 1998 to 2018, linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data, and linked death records across England.

Their data covered over 24,000 patients with a diagnosed eating disorder which were each matched for age, sex, and GP practice, with up to 20 others who had not been diagnosed with an eating disorder (493,001 in total). They then tracked the patients鈥� mental and physical health over 10 years using the data to learn more about their health following initial diagnosis.

Their analysis showed that patients diagnosed with eating disorders were at a much higher risk of poor physical and mental health, and premature death. The greatest risks were within a year of diagnosis, but the researchers found that these risks persisted for years afterwards.

People with eating disorders were six times more likely to develop renal failure and nearly seven times more likely to develop liver disease within the first year of being diagnosed, as well as being at significantly heightened risks of osteoporosis, heart failure, and diabetes.

The risks of poor mental health were also higher within the first 12 months of diagnosis, with rates of depression and self harm being significantly higher during this period, with these heightened risks persisting after five years, albeit lowered.

The risk of death from any cause was also higher within the first 12 months and once again, these risks persisted for up to 10 years afterwards, although at a lower rate.

Dr Cathy Morgan from the University of 51福利社, said: 鈥淭his study highlights the substantial long-term effects of eating disorders. Raising awareness among healthcare providers about the lasting effects of eating disorders and the need for ongoing support in managing current symptoms and recovery is essential.鈥� 

Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham OBE from Keele University, added: 鈥淚ntegration is needed across primary and specialist care 鈥� both mental and physical health services including nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology. This is particularly important at the time of diagnosis of an eating disorder and whilst a person is under specialist mental health services.

鈥淥ur work highlights that monitoring a person鈥檚 health is vital even when management of the eating disorder has been completed and the person is thought to have recovered. This monitoring should take place in primary care (general practice) 鈥� so we highlight the need for education and training of primary care clinicians, but also the need for this work to be commissioned in primary care going forwards.鈥�

• Adverse outcomes in patients with a diagnosis of an eating disorder: primary care cohort study with linked secondary care and mortality records is published in BMJ Medicine and is available .  doi:10.1136/ bmjmed-2025-001438

With an overall score of 98 out of 100, 51福利社 is now 10^th globally and 5^th in the UK in recognition of its ability to tackle the world鈥檚 greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges - a shift from 9^th and 4^th respectively last year.

The University remains the only university in the world to feature in the top 10 of both the QS Sustainability Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Now in the fourth year, this year鈥檚 QS assessment is its most comprehensive yet, evaluating 2,002 universities, compared with 1,745 in 2024. It assesses Universities鈥� commitment to sustainability, evaluating them on everything from the impact that alumni are making in science and technology to solve climate issues, to the impact of research being done across the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as a centres of education and research, as well as a major employers with the operational sustainability challenges of any large and complex organisation.

51福利社 has placed social responsibility as one of five foundations in its new strategy From 51福利社 for the world, and as one of the world鈥檚 leading research institutions, the University is driving global change through groundbreaking research, teaching, community engagement and responsible campus operations.

In the past five years alone, 51福利社 academics have produced more than 21,500 SDG-related research publications, accounting for 4% of all UK research on the goals.

Through teaching, students are empowered to address global challenges through accessible education, the Stellify programme and curriculum-embedded social responsibility opportunities.

The University holds a prestigious Platinum Watermark for excellence in public engagement and its work with cultural institutions including 51福利社 Museum, the Whitworth, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, aims involve and inspire local and global communities with the SDGs.

Meanwhile, its campus operations continue these values, from being a living wage employer and a leader in equality standards to its commitment to reach zero carbon by 2038.

Earlier this year, the University begun powering its campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm, which means that up to 65% of the University鈥檚 electricity demand will now be met from exclusive 鈥榥ew-to-earth鈥� renewable infrastructure. The move will reduce University carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2e each year - enough to power 21,000 homes.

Their symptoms are investigated less often, they receive less treatment, and have a poorer prognosis according to the study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater 51福利社 Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC). 

The results of the most comprehensive investigation ever carried out 鈥� using huge national datasets - are published today (insert date) in the journal The Lancet Regional Health 鈥� Europe. 

The study using linked primary care, hospital, and national cancer and death records from England, compared 180,911 individuals with a learning disability to over 3.4 million matched comparators. 

According to the study, people with learning disabilities were about half as likely to be referred for urgent investigation when they had 鈥榬ed flag鈥� symptoms that could be due to cancer. They were more often diagnosed after the disease had spread, when cure was not possible, and were less likely to receive surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic anticancer therapy. 

Life expectancy after cancer diagnosis was significantly shorter, particularly among those with severe learning disability or Down syndrome, with most dying within four years of diagnosis compared with nine years among those without a learning disability. 

The study found that several cancers were more common among people with learning disabilities. Rates of sarcoma were around twice as high, cancers of the central nervous system were three and a half times higher, testicular cancer was twice as high, and uterine cancer was about 70% higher compared with the general population. 

While some cancers, including melanoma, breast and prostate cancer were less common among people with learning disabilities, those affected had up to a fourfold higher risk of death after diagnosis, highlighting possible delays in diagnosis and inequities in access to timely and effective treatment. 

The research team also found that people with learning disabilities were over 70% more likely to develop cancer before the age of 50. This pattern was especially strong for nervous system, uterine, ovarian and digestive tract cancers. Oesophageal cancer in the under 50s, was more than five-fold higher in those with a learning disability. 

Lead author Dr Oliver Kennedy, Clinical Lecturer at 51福利社 and The Christie said: 鈥淲e already know that people with a learning disability face poorer health outcomes, but the burden of cancer in this population is poorly understood. 

鈥淭hat is why this study, the most comprehensive population-based investigation of cancer in people with a learning disability, is so crucial to understand the immense challenges this vulnerable population group face in cancer care. 

鈥淭here is an urgent need for effective strategies to improve cancer detection and care鈥�

Principal Investigator Prof Darren Ashcroft from 51福利社 is Director of the NIHR Greater 51福利社 Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC)  

He said: 鈥淧eople with a learning disability frequently encounter barriers to healthcare access, such as communication difficulties and  diagnostic overshadowing, where clinicians might attribute new symptoms to an existing diagnosis instead of investigating other possible causes.

鈥淭hese contribute to poorer health outcomes in general. On average, adults with a learning disability die 19鈥�23 years earlier and it is widely accepted that 42% of deaths are considered preventable.

鈥淭his study highlights critical gaps and persistent uncertainties in cancer care for people with a learning disability that merit further investigation.鈥�

Dr Kennedy added: 鈥淲e suspect many people with learning disability experience missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis given the reduced likelihood of urgent suspected cancer referral following red-flag symptoms.

鈥淭his was probably why more cancers were diagnosed outside the urgent suspected cancer referral pathway, and more frequently at an advanced stage.

鈥淏arriers such as lack of staff training, communication challenges and inflexible appointment systems may also contribute to these disparities.鈥�

Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: 鈥淲e already know that cancer is the second most common cause of avoidable death amongst people with a learning disability.

鈥淚t鈥檚 unacceptable that late diagnosis and lack of urgent referral for treatment is costing people with a learning disability years of life.

鈥淢elanoma, breast and prostate cancer are eminently treatable, yet people with a learning disability are four times more likely to die of them even after diagnosis. There鈥檚 something deeply wrong when people die for want of proper screening or treatment.

鈥淭he NHS must do better, with priority screening at a younger age and urgent referral for people with a learning disability, who we know are at greater risk of certain cancers.鈥�

CASE STUDY:

Annabell Downey, supported by Mencap in Hexham, Northumberland has terminal cancer. She said:

鈥淚鈥檇 gone to the doctor countless times with back pain but I found it hard to explain how bad it was. The pain scale didn鈥檛 mean anything to me and when I was asked if I could walk about as normal, I struggled to convey that sometimes I鈥檇 be fine, other times I鈥檇 be curled up in agony.

鈥淎nd, though I鈥檇 had breast pain for some time, I didn鈥檛 realise it might be related.

鈥淪omeone without a learning disability might volunteer that information, questioning if there was a link 鈥� but it didn鈥檛 occur to me. No one ever asked if I had pain elsewhere until I was in hospital.

The  paper 鈥楥ancer diagnoses, referrals, and survival in people with a learning disability in the UK: a population-based, matched cohort study鈥�, published in Lancet European Health is available

Interestingly, the index did not predict COVID-19 mortality or pandemic-related excess deaths - the researchers say this may reflect that some aspects of resilience 鈥� such as good transport links, mobility and strong social connectedness 鈥� can increase exposure risk during fast-moving infectious disease outbreaks.

The team believes their findings could help shape future public health policy. While deprivation measures like the Index of Multiple Deprivation will remain key tools, resilience-based measures may help councils and national bodies identify communities that need support - not just because of what they lack, but because of the assets they can build upon.

The researchers hope the index will be used alongside deprivation indices to guide investment in social infrastructure, voluntary sector capacity, community spaces and local connectivity.

With arts subjects continuing to decrease in school timetables, the research provides compelling evidence for policymakers to rethink how creativity is valued.

鈥淭his analysis meaningfully contributes to the body of evidence on investing in arts and culture as an investment in young people鈥檚 future,鈥� said Dr Maliha Rahanaz, author of the report. 鈥淓very young person deserves the chance to imagine, create and belong.鈥�

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The campaign will mobilise more than half a million global alumni, supporters, staff and students with a target of raising 拢400M to drive transformative change.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; 鈥淐hallenge Accepted鈥� will focus on four core priorities: student inclusion and success; research with purpose; innovation and enterprise; and culture and community - accelerating the University's ambitious 51福利社 2035 strategy.

51福利社 has launched a landmark 拢400m global fundraising and volunteering campaign to drive transformative change across research, student support, innovation and culture and back bold solutions to the world's most pressing problems.

"Challenge Accepted" marks a defining moment for the University as it looks ahead to its third century, building on 200 years of turning world-changing discoveries into practical impact - from splitting the atom, isolating graphene, challenging social norms, and building the first programmable computer.

Built in the world's first modern city, 51福利社 has always pursued new ideas, creating knowledge for public good to shape the region and the wider world. But today's challenges demand more, which this campaign aims to address.

The launch follows the recent unveiling of the University's 51福利社 2035 strategy, which sets out an ambitious vision to become the partner of choice for those committed to excellence and turning knowledge into impact for the public good. The fundraising campaign will accelerate delivery of this strategy, channelling philanthropic giving and volunteering support into four priority areas:

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Research with purpose: Backing researchers tackling today's most urgent problems - from quantum physics and cancer research to climate resilience and social innovation - getting breakthrough discoveries like cancer drugs out of labs and into patients more quickly.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Innovation and enterprise: 51福利社ing world-leading research with our innovation ecosystem, civic networks and entrepreneurial hubs. Supporting entrepreneurial students and staff to address global challenges in green energy, health equity and digital inclusion, with the ambition to become Europe's most impactful innovation network and drive inclusive growth for Greater 51福利社 and beyond.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Culture and community: Harnessing the University's world-class cultural institutions - the Whitworth, 51福利社 Museum, the John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank - as engines of inclusion and creativity, tackling mental health challenges, reaching 40,000 school children annually and creating spaces where marginalised communities feel welcome.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Student inclusion and success: Removing barriers to access and supporting leadership and career success through scholarships, mentorship, wellbeing support and paid work opportunities, preparing students from all backgrounds to become the leaders and citizens who will change the world.

The campaign reflects the University's role as a great civic university for the 21st century in the digital age. By connecting brilliant people to work together - academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders - the University will deliver real-world change, both locally in 51福利社 and globally.

Professor Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics and Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science at 51福利社, is a Challenge Accepted ambassador. He said: "This is such an exciting moment for 51福利社, and for all of us whose work here depends on the generosity of philanthropists.

 "Their support drives the curiosity-led research that deepens our understanding of the world - from developing new cancer treatments and tackling climate change, to exploring the origins of the universe.

 "The truth is, we never know which discovery will transform our future - and that鈥檚 what makes philanthropy so powerful. Whether it鈥檚 funding a PhD, supporting a particular area of research or innovation, every gift fuels the people and ideas needed to tackle the challenges of our time.鈥�

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of 51福利社, said: "At 51福利社, turning discovery into impact is what we do. Through this campaign, we're mobilising our entire community to deliver real-world change. The support of academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders will help us deliver the next life-saving medical discovery, the next leap in sustainable technology, and support the next generation of global changemakers.

"The great universities of the 21st century are going to be the ones that get their work out into the world and make a difference, faster. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has already supported 51福利社, and I warmly invite others to join us. The future won't be shaped by those who wait. It will be shaped by those who say: 'Challenge Accepted.'"

The campaign builds on existing momentum, with major gifts already accelerating high-impact research and expanding student support.

In 2024, 51福利社 received a $1.3 million donation from alumna Judith Sear to accelerate cancer research impact. The generous gift, which was made to the North American Foundation for 51福利社 (NAFUM), created the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund. The first initiative supported by the fund is a four-year Sear Family Cancer Research PhD, into which early-career researcher Gala Konteva has been recruited. Her research will focus on improving outcomes for lung cancer sufferers.

Also in 2024, Sir Terry Leahy pledged 拢1.5 million to fund research into regional economic disparities. The gift supports the Sir Terry Leahy Chair in Urban and Regional Economics. The role is part of Alliance 51福利社 Business School (AMBS), which oversees detailed research into regional productivity inequalities. The first appointment to the Chair was award-winning economist Professor Philip McCann 鈥� a specialist in the analysis of regional economic inequalities and the identification of new pathways to change the trajectory of the UK economy.

Through Challenge Accepted, supporters can engage directly with academic leadership, shape a meaningful legacy through named gifts and bespoke partnerships, and explore causes that reflect their passions - from discovery science to social justice.

For more information about the Challenge Accepted campaign and to start a conversation about how your support can make a difference, visit www.manchester.ac.uk/give

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. 

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.

Researchers at the 51福利社 Breast Centre, based at 51福利社, 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 51福利社, Director of 51福利社 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 51福利社 and Principal Investigator at the 51福利社 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 51福利社, Principal Investigator and former Director of the 51福利社 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 51福利社, 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) 51福利社 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The research is published in Nature and is  available

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09684-7   

51福利社 is globally renowned for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university 鈥� ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings 鈥� with a diverse community of more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries.  Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe. 

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�

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

The study by health economists at 51福利社 and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater 51福利社 (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 51福利社 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 

• 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 51福利社, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, funded by 51福利社 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 51福利社 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.

51福利社鈥檚 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.

This new strategy to 2035 is rooted in 51福利社 and the North, creating knowledge, innovation and solutions that bring local benefits and scale globally.  

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of 51福利社, said: 鈥�51福利社 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 51福利社 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 51福利社 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 51福利社鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. The UK needs cities like 51福利社 to grow faster in socially inclusive ways and Unit M is reshaping innovation at 51福利社 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 51福利社 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 51福利社 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�51福利社 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 51福利社 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 51福利社 and beyond.鈥� 

Find out more about From 51福利社 for the world on the University website. 

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 51福利社, 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 51福利社 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 51福利社 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 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 51福利社: 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. 

51福利社 scored highest in the international outlook category, highlighting 51福利社鈥檚 global draw to attracting undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all over the planet. A strength which makes the University and the Greater 51福利社 Region a culturally rich, collaborative and economically impactful partner on the world stage. 

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 51福利社 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 51福利社 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 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 51福利社 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 51福利社 and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 51福利社 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�

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

鈥淗owever, if we want to create high streets that truly support healthier, fairer communities, we must also invest in bringing back vital amenities like libraries and community hubs - regulating unhealthy outlets is important, but we also need to create positive alternatives that give people better choices. The Prime Minister鈥檚 announcement is progress, but now we need some real ambition."

This success highlights the importance of academic research in tackling some of society鈥檚 most pressing challenges. As the government takes steps to empower local authorities, the researchers will continue to work with policymakers, communities and partners across the UK to ensure that high streets can once again thrive as healthy, inclusive spaces.

The Ganges, a lifeline for hundreds of millions across South Asia, is drying at a rate scientists say is unprecedented in recorded history. , shifting monsoons, relentless extraction and damming are pushing the mighty river towards collapse, with consequences for food, water and livelihoods across the region.

For centuries, the Ganges and its tributaries have sustained one of the world鈥檚 most densely populated regions. Stretching from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the whole river basin supports over 650 million people, a quarter of India鈥檚 freshwater, and much of its food and economic value. Yet new research reveals the river鈥檚 decline is accelerating beyond anything seen in recorded history.

In recent decades, scientists have documented across many of the world鈥檚 big rivers, but the Ganges stands apart for its speed and scale.

In a , scientists reconstructed streamflow records going back 1,300 years to show that the basin has faced its worst droughts over the period in just the last few decades. And those droughts are well outside the range of natural climate variability.

Stretches of river that once supported year-round navigation are now impassable in summer. Large boats that once travelled the Ganges from Bengal and Bihar through Varanasi and Allahabad now run aground where water once flowed freely. Canals that used to irrigate fields for weeks longer a generation ago now dry up early. Even some wells that protected families for decades are yielding little more than a trickle.

Global climate models have failed to predict the severity of this drying, pointing to something deeply unsettling: human and environmental pressures are combining in ways we don鈥檛 yet understand.

Water has been diverted into irrigation canals, groundwater has been pumped for agriculture, and industries have proliferated along the river鈥檚 banks. More than a thousand dams and barrages have radically altered the river itself. And as the world warms, the monsoon which feeds the Ganges has grown increasingly erratic. The result is a river system increasingly unable to replenish itself.

Melting glaciers, vanishing rivers

At the river鈥檚 source high in the Himalayas, the Gangotri glacier has retreated in just two decades. The pattern is repeating across the world鈥檚 largest mountain range, as rising temperatures are melting glaciers faster than ever.

Initially, this brings . In the long-run, it means far less water flowing downstream during the dry season.

These glaciers are often termed the 鈥渨ater towers of Asia鈥�. But as those towers shrink, the summer flow of water in the Ganges and its tributaries is dwindling too.

Humans are making things worse

The reckless extraction of is aggravating the situation. The Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is one of the most rapidly depleting aquifers in the world, with water levels falling by . Much of this groundwater is already contaminated with arsenic and fluoride, threatening both human health and .

The role of human engineering cannot be ignored either. Projects like the in India have reduced dry-season flows into Bangladesh, making the land saltier and threatening the Sundarbans, the world鈥檚 largest mangrove forest. Decisions to prioritise short-term economic gains have undermined the river鈥檚 ecological health.

Across and West Bengal, smaller rivers are already drying up in the summer, leaving communities without water for crops or livestock. The disappearance of these smaller tributaries is a harbinger of what may happen on a larger scale if the Ganges itself continues its downward spiral. If nothing changes, experts warn that millions of people across the basin could face within the next few decades.

Saving the Ganges

The need for urgent, coordinated action cannot be overstated. Piecemeal solutions will not be enough. It鈥檚 time for a comprehensive rethinking of how the river is managed.

That will mean reducing unsustainable extraction of groundwater so supplies can recharge. It will mean environmental flow requirements to keep enough water in the river for people and ecosystems. And it will require improved climate models that integrate human pressures (irrigation and damming, for example) with monsoon variability to guide water policy.

Transboundary cooperation is also a must. India, Bangladesh and Nepal must do better at sharing data, managing dams, and planning for climate change. International funding and political agreements must treat rivers like the Ganges as global priorities. Above all, governance must be inclusive, so local voices shape river restoration efforts alongside scientists and policymakers.

The Ganges is more than a river. It is a lifeline, a sacred symbol, and a cornerstone of South Asian civilisation. But it is drying faster than ever before, and the consequences of inaction are unthinkable. The time for warnings has passed. We must act now to ensure the Ganges continues to flow 鈥� not just for us, but for generations to come.

, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Geography,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

The report calls for urgent reforms, including:

Faster approvals 鈥� cutting the red tape that slows NHS trial delivery.
Flexible design 鈥� letting participants choose between home visits, clinic appointments or online check-ins.
Specialist centres 鈥� building dedicated hubs for mental health trials inside major NHS Trusts.
Smarter promotion 鈥� using social media campaigns and testimonials to boost awareness and trust.

Despite the surge of private providers, the NHS still has key advantages. It can draw on huge, reliable patient datasets and long-standing doctor-patient relationships that private firms cannot match. This helps ensure trials include a diverse mix of people 鈥� and prevents the problem of 鈥減rofessional patients,鈥� which industry leaders say can account for up to 30% of participants in US depression trials.

The study was supported by the UK Government鈥檚 Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

As more countries and regions introduce stronger privacy protections, the study raises questions about how smaller financial institutions will cope with the cost of compliance. While consumers may benefit from improved protection, the financial burden may be felt most by smaller banks, which could in turn affect the services they provide.

The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, banks and the public. It underlines that the debate over data privacy is not only about regulation but also about competition, trust and the future of banking in the digital age.

鈥淭he quality of universal SEL education has significantly improved over the last two decades, meaning new programmes face a higher bar for showing additional impact. This highlights the excellent work already being done in schools to nurture children's mental health," Neil added.

The research also raises questions about whether programmes developed in one country - like Passport, which was originally from Canada - will work the same way in another. Cultural differences may affect how well these interventions work.

The researchers plan to keep studying the data, and looking into whether the programme has any long-term benefits, works better for certain groups of children or is good value for money.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent is available now from .

The research, titled Right on Cue? Category-Switching in Online Marketplaces, is published in the .

About the Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award

The Award is made in memory of Professor Richard Whipp, an outstanding scholar in the field of business and management and former Chair of BAM. It specifically recognises a career within the management field where the beneficiary will have done one or more of the following: enhanced a field of study, founded or effectively led a major national/international academic initiative, or provided unusually effective service to a major professional institution and/or the Academy.

Professor Hodgkinson鈥檚 Reflections

Said Professor Hodgkinson: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted and humbled in equal measure, to have received this prestigious award, in recognition of my various contributions to research, BAM, and the wider management research community, over the course of the past 40 plus years.鈥�

A Legacy of Achievement

Professor Hodgkinson was made a Fellow of BAM in 2001 and received the BAM Medal for Research in 2021. He is pictured receiving the Richard Whipp Award from Richard鈥檚 widow Anne Whipp.