Category: Uncategorized
Background: Why Vitamin D Matters in Urban Communities Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and chronic disease prevention. In densely populated areas such as South East London, factors like limited sun exposure, dietary habits, and socioeconomic disparities can contribute to widespread deficiency. The recent study […]
Key Findings of the Study In a 30‑month project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), researchers at London Metropolitan University examined how hands‑on manipulation of objects influences creative thinking, with a focus on individuals exhibiting ADHD‑type characteristics. The study revealed that physical interaction can enhance problem‑solving in certain creative tasks, and that […]
Railway 200: Celebrating Two Centuries of Rail The Railway 200 touring train, a partnership between the National Railway Museum and the University of Portsmouth, is on a 60‑stop, year‑long journey across Britain. Launched to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, the train offers interactive displays that trace the evolution of rail transport, showcase […]
Why Endurance Athletes Face a Higher Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Recent research from Liverpool John Moores University’s sport and exercise science team has highlighted a striking finding: endurance athletes can experience up to four times the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with non‑athletes. AF is an irregular or rapid heartbeat that can increase the […]
In December 2025, Dr Ryan Magee earned his PhD in Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) after developing a rapid, low‑cost DNA test that can identify bovine tuberculosis (bTB) strains in hours. His work, part of the BTBGenIE project, offers a practical tool for farmers, wildlife managers and government agencies across the UK and Ireland. For […]
Balancing a Master’s Degree and a Chronic Condition Graduating with a Master’s in Global Security and Borders from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) while living with Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a testament to what can be achieved when determination meets support. Caitlin Mannis, a student from Ballygowan, Co. Down, not only earned the highest grade in […]
Why Nature Positive Matters for Universities Universities are more than learning hubs; they are large landholders, research powerhouses and community influencers. The concept of a Nature Positive University recognises that institutions can move beyond merely reducing their environmental footprint to actively restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. For students, staff and the surrounding community, this shift […]
In April 2026, the University of Kent will receive a substantial investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to continue its applied health and care research across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. This funding, part of a £157 million national programme, will enable the university to strengthen partnerships, deliver high‑impact studies and translate […]
Why the King’s Award Matters for Community Volunteering The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK. It is equivalent to an MBE and recognises sustained, high‑quality volunteer work that benefits the community. For Discovery Planet, an organisation that has been delivering STEM experiences to […]
Understanding the Scale of Primate Loss in Sub‑Saharan Africa In December 2025, a landmark study published in Nature highlighted that Sub‑Saharan Africa has lost up to half of its primate populations since pre‑industrial times. The research, led by Dr. Birthe (Bibi) Linden of Aberystwyth University, combined the expertise of 200 African ecologists to produce the […]
