Under the Radar: VR's Quiet Revolution in Therapeutics
A virtual reality headset holds thousands of worlds and experiences. From helping stroke survivors to delivering psychological therapy, VR is reshaping the health landscape.
FREELANCE JOURNALISM
How robot voice impersonators are scamming millions from customers every day
(Additional reporting by Effie Webb) When the CEO of a UK-based energy company took the phone call, the voice sounded familiar if unusually impatient. It was his boss in Germany, and he had an urgent request. He wanted the CEO to send $243,000 (£191,000) to a Hungarian supplier as soon as possible by wire transfer. “It is urgent,” he said. The CEO was assured of reimbursement.
After the money was transferred, it was forwarded to an account in Mexico and then to other locations. But the money was never reimbursed and so when the CE
After the money was transferred, it was forwarded to an account in Mexico and then to other locations. But the money was never reimbursed and so when the CE
Lost in Translation: How what3words overcame the language barrier to redefine global navigation | Great Big Story
what3words divides the entire planet into 10 feet squares. Each square is assigned a unique three-word combination and with just 25,000 different words, they have covered the earth’s surface.
But that was just the start of the challenge.
Chris Sheldrick, what3words CEO and Co-founder was a tour manager in the music industry when a logistical nightmare surfaced. He had booked a band for a wedding just south of Rome, Italy, and provided them with the GPS coordinates. One small typo later, they f
But that was just the start of the challenge.
Chris Sheldrick, what3words CEO and Co-founder was a tour manager in the music industry when a logistical nightmare surfaced. He had booked a band for a wedding just south of Rome, Italy, and provided them with the GPS coordinates. One small typo later, they f
How is AI reshaping health research
AI has the power to reshape science and health. Three experts share the benefits and pitfalls of AI in health research.
Campus protest is back – can universities keep up?
2023 will go down as a year of disruption. We’ve become accustomed to a rolling backdrop of activism, striking doctors, teachers, and train companies.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter launches debut EP at George IV - Chiswick Calendar Features
Caolan McCarthy, from Omagh, County Tyrone, is not one to hide away in a garret wondering why he hasn’t been discovered. He is out there, recording, performing, teaching – wearing various musical hats while also making his mark in the world of acting.
“I’m convinced that there are the Elvises and Arethas of the world, these brilliant talents, that no one will ever discover because they’re just sat in their bedrooms singing songs and writing music. And that’s a real sin to me.”
Growing up in a
“I’m convinced that there are the Elvises and Arethas of the world, these brilliant talents, that no one will ever discover because they’re just sat in their bedrooms singing songs and writing music. And that’s a real sin to me.”
Growing up in a
From Ctrl+v to ChatGPT: Generative AI Marks a Third Wave of Technological Disruption in Higher Education –
Sam (not his real name) was in his final year at Durham when a dreaded email landed in his inbox: “Plagiarism has been detected in your essay.” He is one of at least 400 students facing a similar fate. The cause? Generative AI.
The advent of large language models like ChatGPT has ushered in waves of excitement and hysteria. The education sector is no exception: across the board, educators are grappling with the infiltration of technology.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced plans to i
The advent of large language models like ChatGPT has ushered in waves of excitement and hysteria. The education sector is no exception: across the board, educators are grappling with the infiltration of technology.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced plans to i
Wage War: Record-breaking NHS strike ceases as doctor pay dispute persists
Junior doctors in England return to work today after a five-day strike, the longest walkout in NHS history.
For the fourth time this year, strikers demanded the restoration of junior doctors’ pay to 2008 levels from 13th-18th July.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen branded the British Medical Association’s (BMA) pursuit of a 35% pay rise completely unaffordable, a sentiment echoed by Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week announced a 6% pay rise for docto
For the fourth time this year, strikers demanded the restoration of junior doctors’ pay to 2008 levels from 13th-18th July.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen branded the British Medical Association’s (BMA) pursuit of a 35% pay rise completely unaffordable, a sentiment echoed by Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week announced a 6% pay rise for docto
Explained: how El Niño impacts health
El Niño conditions are returning. Global temperatures are expected to rise, leading to extreme climate and weather events with health consequences around the world. Find out how El Niño affects health and why preparedness is critical to mitigating its impact.
Activism ‘fit for a King’ | How does climate activism sit with King Charles’ environmental views ahead of the Coronation?
Activism in the UK is having its heyday. In April alone, Animal Rising made headlines when protestors delayed the Grand National;, Just Stop Oil (JSO) suspended play at the World Snooker Championships; and Extinction Rebellion’s (XR) ‘The Big One’ attracted a 60,000-strong crowd, making it the UK’s joint-biggest environmental protest. All of this occurred in just one week.
And this momentum isn’t showing signs of slowing. The King’s Coronation, like many nationally-broadcast events, provides a
And this momentum isn’t showing signs of slowing. The King’s Coronation, like many nationally-broadcast events, provides a
Junior Doctors Striking Against an NHS ‘On Fire’: ‘Signing Up to a Life of Pain and Misery’ –
‘Signing Up to a Life of Pain and Misery’
Effie Webb talks to past and prospective junior doctors who describe a crumbling healthcare system and the demise of what was once a prestigious career
This week’s 96-hour junior doctor walk-out signals both a crumbling NHS and a workforce at the end of its tether.
Forty per cent of junior doctors feel burnt out ‘always’ or ‘often’, while the Health Secretary has dismissed their call for pay restoration as “unreasonable”. Poor conditions and pay have
Effie Webb talks to past and prospective junior doctors who describe a crumbling healthcare system and the demise of what was once a prestigious career
This week’s 96-hour junior doctor walk-out signals both a crumbling NHS and a workforce at the end of its tether.
Forty per cent of junior doctors feel burnt out ‘always’ or ‘often’, while the Health Secretary has dismissed their call for pay restoration as “unreasonable”. Poor conditions and pay have
The healing power of breathing
Many therapeutic breathing practices we know today developed from ancient Hindu disciplines. Pranayama, which stems from the Sanskrit prana (life force) and ayama (to draw out or extend), is a yogic practice dating back to roughly sixth-century BCE India. Alongside simple deep breaths, yogic practitioners teach four main types of pranayama breathing: ujjayi (which roughly translates as “victorious breath” or “ocean breath”) for improved concentration; bhastrika (“energising breath”) to clear the
Smartphones are designed to addict
Sean Parker, Facebook's founding president, publicly announced that the company had set out to consume as much user time as possible, and that it was "exploiting a vulnerability in human psychology". So, to a large degree, once we’ve clicked on an app it is the platform designers who take control.
Online versus real-life interactions: Generation mute
Whether it’s dating-app success stories, the virtual exchange of innovative new ideas, or the maintenance of long-distance relationships (platonic or romantic), the convenience and necessity of online communication in modern life is indisputable.
Misinformation online: an infodemic
It’s no secret that social media platforms are transforming the way we consume information and form opinions. Ofcom’s 2019 news consumption report revealed that half of all UK adults get their news from social media, with more recent data suggesting this figure has risen in light of COVID-19.
Exclusive interview: Wuhan professor recounts city’s harrowing coronavirus response –
The World Health Organisation recognised coronavirus as a global pandemic on 11th March. Today, over a quarter of the global population is under lockdown, and over 1 million cases have been confirmed globally. Wuhan city, in China’s Hubei province, the birthplace and original epicentre of the outbreak, has seen more than 50,000 coronavirus cases, with at least 3,000 deaths in wider province. After more than two months of aggressive quarantine, Wuhan partially reopened on the 28th March.
The Oxf
The Oxf
What would Brexit mean for the future of the scientific community?
After a three year long Brexit limbo, with two leaders, five rejected deals and an increasingly polarised population, Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill was passed on 20th December with a majority of 124, leaving the UK on course to leave the EU by the end of January.
The United Kingdom prides itself on the breakthrough contributions of its scientists, and up until now, our membership in the EU has been crucial for the provision of funding, our status in the wider scientific community, and our collabo
The United Kingdom prides itself on the breakthrough contributions of its scientists, and up until now, our membership in the EU has been crucial for the provision of funding, our status in the wider scientific community, and our collabo
DAILY EXPRESS
Nutritionist shares delicious winter fruit you should eat 'daily' to lose weight
An overlooked winter fruit could boost weight loss and immunity without the high price tag, nutritionists say. Flus and viruses become more active in winter, so boosting your immune system is crucial for staying healthy. Vitamin-C rich fruits like apples are known for their immune-boosting and weight loss properties. Persimmons, grown from persimmon trees originally in China, are a cheaper alternative to popular seasonal fruits. These orange fruits are loaded with vitamin C, E and potassium, wit
Best breakfast food to avoid weight gain at Christmas is a royal favourite
On Christmas morning, amidst the holiday festivities, one essential element takes centre-stage: breakfast. Whether you're plotting a grand Christmas brunch or a quick morning bite, pivot towards choices that won’t weigh you down. Former royal chef Darren McGrady gives insight into the Royal Family's approach to festive breakfasts, balancing opulence and smart nutritional choices. According to McGrady, royal women receive a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee in
Christmas gift packaging method to deter festive thieves
Over the busy festive period, keeping the home safe and secure is even more important to make sure celebrations stay merry and worry-free. With many Britons expecting deliveries and high-value presents, security experts at ADT share a simple guide to protect your home and keep your holiday spirit intact. Leaving packages outside can attract the wrong attention, signalling to burglars there might be valuable stuff inside. Proper disposal hides your new items, making it less tempting for thieves.
Woman loses three stone in 12 weeks without surgery
To prepare for the Christmas party season, a woman from the West Midlands started a three month weight loss transformation. Danielle Worden, 40, who had long avoided the limelight due to her weight, made a significant shift by opting for a non-surgical gastric balloon. For those seeking weight loss without the hassle of surgery, the Allurion gastric balloon is a practical option. The balloon is swallowed as a capsule and after 16 weeks, the balloon deflates naturally inside the body, meaning no
Best washing powder for 2023 named - and it's not Ariel
Aldi's budget-friendly Almat Bio Washing Powder has snagged the 2023 title of Which? top product of the year. The detergent, selected from a pool of 4,000 products, edged out competition including Apple Watches and Dyson Vacuum Cleaners. Securing the second spot is a Lenovo laptop, celebrated for its fast processor and battery life. A Currys’ Essentials cooker, that costs only £229, claimed third place. The list also revealed surprising victories for budget-friendly items over their branded coun
Sainsbury's confirms Christmas and Boxing Day opening hours
With Christmas just a week away, UK shoppers are on the hunt for last-minute festive supermarket essentials. Sainsbury's, with 1,422 stores across the United Kingdom and well-known for its ‘Taste the Difference’ range, has unveiled its Christmas opening hours and dates. It's crucial to note that opening hours may vary from store to store. Opening times often depend on factors like size and location. To ensure precise planning, customers are encouraged to check their local branch's opening hours
Tesco launches cheapest Christmas dinner for just £2.09 per person
Tesco is turning up the holiday cheer with a wallet-friendly Christmas dinner bundle, outpricing other supermarkets and offering a complete feast for six at just £12.54 – a mere £2.09 per person. Available exclusively for Tesco Clubcard members, this deal includes a 3.245Kg white whole turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and more. Running from December 19 to Christmas Eve, the deal ensures even last-minute shoppers can enjoy a top-quality Christmas meal without breaking the bank. Emma Botton, Tesco Gr
9 simple changes to slim down during menopause and see 'improvement in weeks'
The holiday season can be a tricky time for women going through menopause, especially when it comes to managing weight. Joanna Lyall, nutritional expert and The Better Menopause founder explains your gut health could hold the key to a slimmer Christmas. Lyall told The Express: “If you're a woman with menopause symptoms, you may want to look at balancing your gut health first. "Probiotics and diet are good place to start, as you're likely to see an improvement within weeks.” She added: “Most wome
Greggs opens first fine dining restaurant - perfect for a 'posh Greggs date'
Until New Year's Eve, Greggs classics will get a gourmet facelift in this 'Parisian-inspired' pop-up. The menu, curated by Fenwick's executive chef Mark Reid and Greggs, transforms the iconic festive bake into a masterpiece with duck-fat roasties, smoked pancetta, chestnuts, and sprouts. The cordon bleu-inspired dishes include Greggs Benedict, featuring poached Cacklebean eggs and a hollandaise sauce, and a steak bake paired with truffled dauphinoise potatoes, green beans, and almonds. Desserts
'Venice of Portugal' is only a short flight away from UK airports
With picturesque canals, vibrant boats, and a thriving fishing industry, Aveiro, in Portugal, shares many similarities with its Italian counterpart. The city, half the size of Venice, boasts twice the space to explore, minus the overwhelming crowds. During summer, temperatures reach up to 29°C, creating an ideal setting for exploring canals and relaxing on sandy beaches like Barra Beach and São Jacinto Beach. What sets it apart is its wallet-friendly perks. A pint of beer won't cost you more tha
Doctor says women should use tomatoes to look younger
While celebrated for its cancer-preventing and cardiovascular benefits, this antioxidant powerhouse is emerging as a game-changer in the world of skincare. Globally acclaimed anti-ageing guru Dr William Li sheds light on lycopene's versatile advantages. Dr Li says it "slows down cellular ageing" to increase longevity. Why all this buzz about lycopene? The answer lies in its skincare benefits, making it a sought-after ingredient in various skincare formulations, including serums, creams, and oils
10 questions to test how well you know your partner
Licensed couples therapist and internet sensation Jeff Guenther, Therapy Jeff on TikTok, has shared 10 viral questions to determine how well you know your partner. Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or it’s a fresh relationship, these are great to get to know someone in a more meaningful way. The questions go beyond the usual suspects: "What’s your dream holiday destination?" or "Do you like pineapple on pizza?" Instead, you’ll ask yourself how in tune you are with your partners’ love lang
VIDEOS
Beyond Festivals: Can The Loop Transform Drug Safety And Harm Reduction?
In the world of UK festivals, The Loop has transformed drug safety and harm reduction, ensuring the beat goes on without unnecessary risks.
Since 2016, The Loop has made sure there are no drug-related deaths at festivals it oversees.
It's working — festivals with The Loop report a 10%-25% drop in drug-related harm, with over half of attendees ditching unexpected substances when they learn about the risks.
But now the UK is facing an opioid crisis, marked by a surge in addiction rates and a 388% increase in opiate-related deaths since 1993.
The Loop is expanding beyond festivals into City Centre Drug Checking. Find out how.
Useful resources:
https://wearetheloop.org/
https://www.talktofrank.com/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
Since 2016, The Loop has made sure there are no drug-related deaths at festivals it oversees.
It's working — festivals with The Loop report a 10%-25% drop in drug-related harm, with over half of attendees ditching unexpected substances when they learn about the risks.
But now the UK is facing an opioid crisis, marked by a surge in addiction rates and a 388% increase in opiate-related deaths since 1993.
The Loop is expanding beyond festivals into City Centre Drug Checking. Find out how.
Useful resources:
https://wearetheloop.org/
https://www.talktofrank.com/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
Half-Baked Launch Trailer
a new digital publication for journalists, writers and film-makers starting out in the industry is launching...
How do autistic people experience reproductive care? | Wellcome
From periods to maternity to menopause – we don’t know much about the reproductive health needs of autistic people.
Dr Aimee Grant wants to fill this research gap. By better understanding the health experiences of autistic adults, she hopes to to help improve autistic adults’ lives and make healthcare more accessible.
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🔗 MORE FROM WELLCOME:
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation. We want everyone to benefit from science’s potential to improve health and save lives.
Read our latest stories, opinions and reports: https://wellcome.org/news-and-reports
Learn more about our work: https://wellcome.org/what-we-do
Find our latest funding opportunities: https://wellcome.org/grant-funding
Dr Aimee Grant wants to fill this research gap. By better understanding the health experiences of autistic adults, she hopes to to help improve autistic adults’ lives and make healthcare more accessible.
🔔 Subscribe to Wellcome on YouTube: https://wellc.me/3Blh0c1
💬 SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wellcometrust
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellcometrust/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/wellcome-trust/
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellcometrust
🔗 MORE FROM WELLCOME:
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation. We want everyone to benefit from science’s potential to improve health and save lives.
Read our latest stories, opinions and reports: https://wellcome.org/news-and-reports
Learn more about our work: https://wellcome.org/what-we-do
Find our latest funding opportunities: https://wellcome.org/grant-funding
Archiving Audrey Amiss
Audrey Amiss compiled over 200 scrapbooks throughout her life. They contained her daily thoughts and experiences, and a range of food packaging, receipts, sketches and photographs, accompanied by copious handwritten notes. How do you describe such an abundant collection within an archive? How do you preserve an individual voice within an institutional record? In this film, archivist Elena Carter reveals how she approached cataloguing Audrey’s extraordinary body of work.
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection
Conserving Audrey Amiss
Food residue, insects and mould. Usually conservator Stefania Signorello would want to clean such things off the items in her care. But Audrey Amiss’s scrapbooks were different and provided a new challenge. In this film, she explains why it was so important to preserve the scrapbooks as Audrey created them and how her skills were put to the test in caring for this unique collection.
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection
Photographing Audrey Amiss
Audrey Amiss’s scrapbooks were degrading over time, so it was vital to photograph each item as thoroughly and quickly as possible to create a digital record. The unique properties of a large number of incredible works presented photographer Thomas Farnetti with unprecedented new challenges. In this film, he demonstrates the techniques he developed to photograph and capture for posterity every detail of Audrey’s highly intricate scrapbooks.
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection
This short film is part of Finding Audrey Amiss
Living in and out of psychiatric hospitals, the artist Audrey Amiss documented her everyday life in a striking visual diary. When she died, her family donated her archive of hundreds of scrapbooks, sketchbooks and notebooks to Wellcome Collection. In this series, archivist Elena Carter writes about cataloguing and caring for the collection to understand the artist’s life, which is also the subject of the feature film ‘Typist Artist Pirate King’, directed by Wellcome Screenwriting Fellow Carol Morley.
https://wellcomecollection.org/series/Y_OGkRQAACgAq4ui
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellcomecollection
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/explorewellcome
See us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wellcomecollection