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Venus’s vanishing water mystery: How our neighbouring planet became a desert

Venus and Jupiter Planet Conjunction
image: @themotioncloud | iStock

Venus, the neighbour of Earth, has long puzzled scientists with its bone-dry landscape. But a study from planetary scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered the mystery of Venus’s vanishing water 

In a recent paper, researchers revealed that hydrogen atoms in Venus’s atmosphere are responsible for its extreme dryness. But what does this mean?

Hydrogen atoms to blame: Dissociative recombination

Through a process called “dissociative recombination,” hydrogen atoms zip into space, causing Venus to lose water at twice the rate previously estimated. This discovery unravels Venus’s water story and also offers insights into the water dynamics of planets across the galaxy.

Lead author Eryn Cangi, from the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), emphasises the importance of understanding water’s role in the universe, especially in the search for habitable environments. 

When comparing Venus to Earth, Cangi highlights the difference in water content, with Venus having a fraction of Earth’s water despite its similar size and mass.

Venus’s water loss

“Water is really important for life,” said Eryn Cangi, “We need to understand the conditions that support liquid water in the universe, and that may have produced the very dry state of Venus today.”

The study, conducted as a giant chemistry experiment on Venus, zoomed into the reactions within its atmosphere. It identified a molecule called HCO+ as a key player in Venus’s water loss. 

This molecule, high in Venus’s atmosphere, reduces the escape of hydrogen atoms, effectively draining the planet’s water reservoir.

“We’re trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,” said Cangi, who earned her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary sciences at CU Boulder in 2023.

But why is Venus so dry when it likely received water during its formation billions of years ago? 

The researchers propose that a greenhouse effect, driven by clouds of carbon dioxide, led to the evaporation of Venus’s water into steam, with most of it eventually escaping into space. However, what remained continued to disperse, largely due to the HCO+ molecule.

HCO+ has never been directly observed around Venus. With new missions such as NASA’s DAVINCI, equipped to explore Venus’s atmosphere, scientists are hopeful for future breakthroughs. 

These missions promise to unveil more about Venus’s water dynamics and planetary evolution.

The truth behind ApoE4 gene variant and your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurons and Microglia
image: @koto_feja iStock

Researchers have found evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors may play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, even among individuals carrying the ApoE4 gene variant

For decades, the ApoE4 gene variant has been identified as a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the latest research challenges the conventional understanding of genetic predisposition to this neurodegenerative condition. 

The study reveals that having the ApoE4 gene does not necessarily mean individuals will develop Alzheimer’s.

Patrick Holford, Chair of the Expert Group on Alzheimer’s Prevention, underscores the nuanced understanding of genetic risk, stating, “Having this contributes 4 to 6% of the absolute risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” He clarifies, “This is often exaggerated as a risk factor because, if a person has the Apoe4 gene, and changes nothing, they have about a 20% greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s later in life than someone who doesn’t. This is called ‘relative risk’.” However, in absolute terms, the risk increment is minimal.

“Having this contributes 4 to 6% of the absolute risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study, led by Dr. Juan Fortea of the University of Barcelona and colleagues, examined over 3,000 donated brains and analysed data from more than 10,000 individuals across three countries. Their findings challenge the traditional view of Alzheimer’s as solely a genetic disease by highlighting the impact of lifestyle choices on disease development.

The link between lifestyle and Alzheimer’s 

Dr. Fortea’s team discovered that while individuals with two copies of the ApoE4 gene variant face a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s, lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications and specific nutrient supplementation can potentially mitigate this risk. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association highlights the significance of these findings, emphasising their potential implications for disease risk assessment, clinical trials, and treatment development.

The study suggests that the ApoE4 gene variant may not be the only determinant of Alzheimer’s risk. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, intellectual engagement, and social interactions emerge as powerful predictors of cognitive health and resilience against neurodegeneration.

Lifestyle over genetic risk 

In a comprehensive analysis involving over 29,000 participants in China, researchers found that adherence to a healthy lifestyle significantly reduced the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, irrespective of genetic predisposition. 

The study shows the importance of dietary choices, highlighting the superiority of a healthy diet over exercise in predicting cognitive outcomes.

Holford links the ApoE4 gene variant to a weak light in the darkness of Alzheimer’s risk. He suggests that proactive lifestyle interventions serve as a potent source of illumination, diminishing the influence of genetic susceptibility.

“All major studies on people at risk of or already with dementia or Alzheimer’s have measured whether the study participants do or don’t have the ApoE4 variant. I’ve looked at these studies and they almost all show no difference in outcome if you do or don’t have the gene.” 

UK takes steps to combat space debris and ensure space sustainability

image: ©SiberianArt | iStock

In a bid to tackle the growing threat of space debris and ensure the sustainability of space operations, the UK government has announced ambitious initiatives and investments

With space playing an increasingly crucial role in daily life, addressing the risks posed by space junk has become a top priority

Recent statistical models estimate that over one million pieces of space debris orbit the Earth, posing a significant risk to active satellites. These debris range from small fragments to defunct satellites and spent rocket bodies, threatening the functioning of critical services such as telecommunications, navigation, and weather forecasting.

More specifically, researchers have recorded that there are one million pieces of space debris measuring between 1 cm and 10 cm, with a staggering 130 million more pieces between 1 mm and 1 cm in orbit. Of these, around 36,500 objects larger than 10 cm are actively tracked, with over 35,000 already catalogued.

UK commitment to tackling space debris

The UK Space Agency has pledged substantial funding towards addressing the space debris challenge. Two Active Debris Removal Phase B mission studies, totaling £4 million, aim to demonstrate the nation’s capability to remove defunct satellites by 2026.

These initiatives underscore the UK’s determination to lead the way in space sustainability efforts.

Astroscale’s COSMIC Mission: Removing junk from low Earth orbit by 2026

Leading the charge in space debris removal is Astroscale, with its ambitious COSMIC mission. Backed by the UK Space Agency, Astroscale aims to remove defunct UK satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2026. The mission represents a significant step towards cleaning up space and ensuring the safety of future space operations.

Over the past decade, Astroscale has assembled a diverse team of over 500 professionals across multiple countries, including the UK, France, Israel, the USA, and Japan. This dedicated team is working tirelessly to develop innovative and scalable solutions for managing space debris, ranging from end-of-life satellite management to the removal of large debris objects.

The COSMIC mission holds promise not only for cleaning up space debris but also for paving the way for future in-orbit servicing and recycling initiatives. By removing defunct satellites from orbit, Astroscale is contributing to the creation of a safer and more sustainable space environment for generations to come.

ClearSpace’s CLEAR mission

Another prominent player in the space industry is ClearSpace. Founded in 2018, ClearSpace has embarked on a groundbreaking mission known as CLEAR (Clearing of the LEO Environment with Active Removal). Its mission is to revolutionize space missions and foster sustainable space operations.

Selected by the UK Space Agency, ClearSpace’s CLEAR mission is poised to make significant strides in the removal of multiple dangerous objects from space. This ambitious initiative aims to advance key technology building blocks for sustainable space operations and catalyze the development of commercially viable disposal services.

The CLEAR mission aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to space sustainability and underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the space debris challenge. By leveraging ClearSpace’s expertise and innovative technologies, the mission holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk posed by space debris and pave the way for a cleaner and safer space environment.

Multi-faceted approaches to space sustainability and international collaboration

Beyond debris removal missions, the UK government is pursuing a multi-faceted approach to space sustainability. Initiatives include research into refueling technologies, atmospheric ablation studies, and upgrades to space surveillance and tracking capabilities. These efforts aim to address the root causes of space debris and prevent future accumulation.

Recognizing the global nature of the space debris challenge, the UK is actively engaging in international cooperation and regulatory efforts. Through forums such as COPUOS and UNOOSA, the UK is advocating for sustainable space practices and shaping the agenda for future space governance.

Conclusion

As the UK charts a course towards a cleaner and more sustainable space environment, these initiatives promise to have far-reaching implications for the future of space exploration and utilization. By taking bold steps to address the space debris challenge, the UK is setting a precedent for responsible space stewardship and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

€17.8 Million for transformative neighbourhood projects in New European Bauhaus initiative

Globe viewing from space at night with abstract 5G connection zones. - New European Bauhaus
image: ©imaginima | iStock

The European Union has announced a significant funding opportunity for projects aimed at revitalizing neighbourhoods and fostering sustainability through the New European Bauhaus initiative

With EUR 17.8 million available under the Horizon Europe program, the call seeks innovative proposals to transform communities into vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally friendly spaces.

Call overview:

Under the banner of “Transforming neighbourhoods, making them beautiful, sustainable & inclusive,” the call invites submissions contributing to the vision of the New European Bauhaus Destination (NEB). It encompasses three main topics: leveraging secondary bio-based products, exploring new governance models for public space co-design, and establishing a hub for New European Bauhaus impact and results.

What is the application process?

Prospective applicants can access detailed information, including the call text and application forms, via the Funding and Tenders Portal using the reference code HORIZON-MISS-2024-NEB-01. The Horizon Europe Programme Guide and the Online Manual provide guidance on application procedures and grant management. Additionally, frequently asked questions are addressed in the Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ.

Requirements and evaluation needed

Project proposals must adhere to specific requirements outlined in the published documents on the call page. Submissions will undergo evaluation by independent experts drawn from the European Commission’s database of external evaluators.

The background and significance of Horizon Europe and its funding

Horizon Europe, succeeding Horizon 2020, underscores the EU’s commitment to research and innovation. The New European Bauhaus initiative aligns with broader EU missions focused on addressing societal challenges, including those related to sustainability and climate action.

The ambitious EU research & innovation framework programme for 2021-2027 has a budget of €95.5 billion.

Its overarching goals are:

  1. To strengthen the EU’s scientific and technological bases and the European Research Area (ERA);
  2. To boost Europe’s innovation capacity, competitiveness and jobs;
  3. To deliver on citizens’ priorities and sustain our socioeconomic model and values.

Managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), missions such as Adaptation to Climate Change and 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 aim to drive transformative change across Europe.

Creating sustainable and inclusive communities

The EUR 17.8 million funding opportunity for transformative neighbourhood projects represents a pivotal moment in the EU’s efforts to create sustainable, inclusive communities. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the New European Bauhaus initiative aims to reshape urban landscapes and enhance the quality of life for citizens across Europe. As applications open, stakeholders are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to the EU’s vision of a more beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive future.

Massive data breach exposes UK military personnel’s payroll information

Abstract tech background
image: @traffic_analyzer | iStock

An estimated 270,000 payroll records of Britain’s armed forces have been compromised due to a breach by a third-party contractor

The breach, discovered recently, has left the personal information of current and former members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reservists vulnerable to exploitation.

Compromised data leak 

The compromised data includes names, bank details, and, in some cases, addresses and national insurance numbers. While there is currently no evidence of data theft or tampering, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the extent of the breach and potential risks posed to people affected.

The breach was promptly addressed by taking the affected system offline after it was discovered. However, hackers may have had access to the system for an extended period, possibly weeks, raising concerns about the security protocols in place.

While the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, is expected to provide an update to MPs on the situation and the steps being taken to mitigate the fallout, the perpetrators behind the breach remain undisclosed. 

Although there is no formal attribution, it’s understood that the hackers are from China, adding to a series of data breaches attributed to the country in recent times.

Growing threat set by cyber-attacks from hostile states and third-party actors

This breach shows the growing threat set by cyber-attacks from hostile states and third-party actors. The UK has been increasingly vigilant against these threats, with recent incidents implicating China in cyber intrusions targeting public institutions, including the Electoral Commission.

Supporting those affected and the future of data protection

The breach has prompted immediate action from the Ministry of Defence, which is actively notifying and providing support to anyone affected, including veteran organisations. Measures are being put in place to safeguard the affected service members and prevent further breaches.

The incident also raises questions about the security measures employed by third-party contractors entrusted with sensitive military data. Investigations are underway to identify any potential lapses in security protocols that may have facilitated the breach.

There’s an urgent need for enhanced caution and strong cyber-defence measures to safeguard critical data and infrastructure from attacks like these.

Achieve the holy grail of business and organisational information technology

People communication network concept. Social media.
image: @metamorworks | iStock

MaxVal Consultancy can increase your capability to maximise net gain (value), success and return on investment (ROI) by a significant, even dramatic degree. Here, discover a better way to achieve this perennially elusive pinnacle of successful business and organisational IT!

Industry has been grappling with this crusade for several decades, and not made very significant progress (especially given the exponential speed of the increase in hardware capability). The reason for this is that the focus has been a bit off-piste; what has been thought to be the key issues are actually not the key issues!

David P Jacobs of MaxVal Consultancy, the world’s leading Business Value Maximisation Specialist (BVMS) for IT and digital transformation, explains here why more value is there to be had; we just need to know how to get it.

David has run a 30-year research and development programme that has identified most of the central issues that have been missing, incorrectly portrayed, or just not clearly articulated. When any other set of methods, practices, approaches or frameworks are underpinned by the results of this R&D programme, encapsulated in Business Value Maximisation Framework (BVMF®), a different world of value opens up.

Tracking the missing elephant

The methods we have been using were adopted from engineering and adapted for use with computing/IT/digital transformation projects. Some of these evolved/emerging methods are certainly not bad and have a contribution to make to this quest that we all are involved in to boost our organisations to be more effective, efficient and powerful using IT/computers.

However, IT/computing/digital transformation projects and activities have specific characteristics when it comes to maximising their utility and value that differ from the characteristics for optimising value and success from physical engineering.

Industry’s main focus has been on writing software, which is like having your dog’s tail spruced up when the rest of the dog is still very grubby! The business processes that deliver the success and value by achieving (or exceeding) the business objectives are too often left to their own devices rather than being used, holistically and pro-actively, as the driver of what is required of software functionality that will work with human beings to bring about the meeting (or exceeding) of the organisational objectives.

We also have some decent methods for running projects around this heavy focus on software production, helping to manage the whole process. But, again, these methods are for running projects instead of being obsessed (like we are) with getting the maximum value, success and ROI for the organisation by incorporating software-assisted processes into the ways of working.

There are other reasons, which I won’t try to cover here, why business IT has struggled to fulfil its potential. However, the factors outlined thus far account for most of the skirting around what I believe are the central issues of gaining maximum value and success from business and organisational IT. The elephant in the room!

Credibility for the journey

Why am I qualified to talk about this? Over the last few decades, I’ve produced BVMF®, which knocks the socks off most other methods, approaches, practices and frameworks. However, I am pleased to say that I am not trying to knock anyone else’s socks off but adding ingredients into the value cake that have been missing, incorrectly framed, or too lightly considered.

The beauty of this Business Value Maximisation Framework (BVMF®) is that it sits under most other methods, approaches and practices providing underlying principles that have been missing or unclearly defined. BVMF® does not try to replace the other methods (why reinvent the wheel?), but crucially sets up a sound set of foundations upon which the upper floors of the block of value related flats can be built.

Sorry to mix metaphors, but they bring such clarity! So, BVMF® supplies the fundamental, underlying principles for gaining maximum business value, success and ROI from IT, boosting the power of all the other methods by a powerful factor.

What happens when BVMF® is used?

Instead of IT value creation being a rather hit-and-miss endeavour, as has been the case for many years, with these fundamental principles in play, the probability of successfully achieving or even exceeding project business objectives is greatly elevated, profoundly so. This translates to not only a substantial increase in the likelihood of meeting business case objectives but also the realisation of the harder-to-predict value.

For example, say your business case states that your project aims to progress from making and/or selling 30 widgets a week to 40; when you conduct the project, it is often possible to raise the result by another five or even ten widgets a week, to 45 or even 50 widgets in total.

By reducing the uncertainty and increasing the understanding of what value is and how to get it, these extra harder-to-predict five or ten widgets may even come for free, or at the least for very little additional effort or cost. Would most organisations want such a result? Of course!

Seeing is believing

If you think this sounds too good to be true, let me say this. You can see for yourself why this works. When you see that the BVMF® models and techniques make such logical sense, you will try them out; then, you will feel, see, touch and smell the logic of the whole paradigm.

You can read about my 30-year R&D programme and what BVMF® does and contains (75 models and 450 techniques) by clicking here. You will find links to articles, presentations and a podcast aimed at business seniors and owners, business analysts and all business IT project roles. You can even see some of the basic BVMF® models and techniques by looking at the presentations I have given which are listed on the home page’s Latest News feed.

Using the Contact form you can also request a personal presentation for your organisation when we will focus on your specific issues and challenges and advise how we can help, with or without BVMF®. Usually with.

Measure to maximise, maximise to measure

BVMF® has various measurement and associated value-maximising mechanisms so you can be in touch with your required value from the start through to the finish. Except that there usually isn’t a finish because maximum IT business value is a moving target and involves an unending journey of progress that we all need to undertake. Processes and IT systems need near daily attention to stay at maximum performance – it took industry a long time to realise this.

Project teams used to celebrate when a project was finally implemented and rarely went back to check that the processes and systems deployed were working optimally. Processes and systems that were maybe 65% effective on day one, were 45% effective 18 months later, waiting for the next project to be initiated to upgrade, replace, etc.

This is one area where agile methods have certainly helped, although, as we will explain, the adoption of agile, as it has rolled out, has not been free from ‘baby out with the bath water’ syndrome.

Measuring & improving IT effectiveness

Using our IT Effectiveness Spectrum™, we will measure your current IT Business Value Capability (ITBVC)™, identify weak areas and plan to strengthen them. We will do this for a set of 20 basic criteria without charge for interested organisations.

When we subsequently go into more depth, we will charge fees to cover our costs and pay our consultants, although we always aim to provide much more value than we take. In any case, we will start by assessing your ability to produce information systems business value (ISBV)™ and planning to improve it. Here is a simplified diagram to show what we focus on as we work through from simple to more sophisticated levels of assessment.

Get in touch if you want to learn more about us and BVMF®. We look forward to speaking with you.

Please Note: This is a Commercial Profile
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Breaking the Stigma: Promoting Awareness of Perinatal Mental Health

Portrait of young happy man and woman holding newborn cute babe dressed in white unisex clothing.
image: @nd3000 | iStock

Lorna Rothery spoke to Wendy Davis, Executive Director of Postpartum Support International, about the prevalence of perinatal mental health problems and how inadequate medical education and policies surrounding mental health care can negatively affect new parents

Q. What are the key challenges facing the management and treatment of postpartum depression?

There is a tendency to use the term ‘postpartum depression’ to refer to various mental health disorders that can occur during pregnancy and the first year after delivery. These complications are collectively known as perinatal mental health conditions. It’s important to note that anxiety is just as prevalent as depression during this period.

Managing and treating postpartum depression

One of the biggest challenges in the management and treatment of postpartum depression itself is the lack of understanding among providers, the public, and policymakers about its symptoms, presentations, causes, and treatments. Experts and organizations like Postpartum Support International work hard to raise awareness so people can fully understand perinatal mental health conditions, which include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, bipolar disorders, and psychosis. If we only look for depression, we might miss some of the most critical symptoms and presentations that have the highest risk of adverse outcomes if left untreated or mistreated. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that providers, families, and policymakers understand the common symptoms and presentations related to mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.

People should not be ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their mental health with their providers. Real, significant change will come from the understanding that perinatal mental health disorders are common, treatable, temporary, and a public health crisis.

Q. How does the lack of understanding around postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health disorders impact maternal health and wellbeing?

Medical education, including that for mental health providers, often lacks education on the topic of perinatal mental health. This means that perinatal mental health is rarely taught in academic or medical settings. Therefore, healthcare providers and medical institutions must take the responsibility to seek out and provide specific training and education on perinatal mental health disorders. It’s important to note that research shows that perinatal mental health disorders are among the most common complications of childbirth. Yet, it is still not widely taught in medical education, compared objectively with really common causes of maternal complications and maternal mortality, like hemorrhage and infection.

Maternal mortality

Maternal mental health complications are a leading cause of maternal mortality. Despite this, it is not considered a public health crisis and does not receive the same level of policy support and focus as other public health issues, such as smoking cessation and high blood pressure. This lack of attention is detrimental to our population’s health. We need to ask ourselves why this is the case and take action to address this problem.

According to experts in the field, perinatal mental health is often ignored despite its high prevalence and the fact that these disorders are treatable and temporary. The reason for this neglect is believed to be the shame and stigma surrounding mental health in general, and specifically around perinatal mental health.

There are a few key elements in public health science that indicate that preventive efforts can make a significant difference. In the case of perinatal mental health disorders, many of those elements are present: we know the population where prevention can focus (women of childbearing age, and more specifically during and after pregnancy); we have evidence-based screening tools that can identify those at risk; and reliable treatment to prevent escalation of symptoms. We have screening tools that have been developed and tested over decades, and anyone who has contact with pregnant or postpartum women can use them. These tools were specifically developed for health nurses to use and are available at no cost to anyone. It’s important to note that these tools do not make a diagnosis, but are used to help identify those who may be at risk or experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Universal screening should be a standard of care, just as it is for diabetes, hypertension, or cancer.

The treatments available are evidence-based and proven to be effective, with extensive research to back them up. Providers are able to undergo training and certification to ensure they can deliver quality care. Rather than asking if a mental illness itself is preventable, we should focus on what we can prevent, such as the escalation of symptoms, lack of knowledge for providers and families, and discontinuity of care.

If policies, medical education, and communities work together to implement preventive steps, we can save lives. There are statistics to support this. It’s an important point to consider, so we need to ask ourselves why we haven’t done this already. The answer is shame, stigma, and a burden on mothers. We tend to overlook their health and put them last on the list. Around the world, mental health and substance abuse are among the top three causes of death for women related to pregnancy and childbirth.

When public health authorities talk about maternal mortality, it’s natural to assume that we’re only talking about physical causes such as hemorrhage, infection, or hypertension. However, what we’re missing is that even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States says that 80% of maternal deaths are preventable through scientific research. On average, 23% of those preventable deaths are caused by mental health and substance abuse issues. When we look at the big picture, we realize that we are separating physical health from mental health when, in reality, it’s a single subject. Unfortunately, almost every government in the world focuses only on ‘hard sciences’ while ignoring mental health. This separation is one of the biggest problems, and in the case of maternal mortality, it’s alarming how high the rates are due to the lack of mental health support. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is working to make a difference as we teach and certify mental health providers and provide peer support to families.

Q. Coming back to the stigma and shame surrounding mental health, can you tell me about the common mental health issues affecting new fathers?

It is important to note that when discussing mental health in the context of pregnancy or postpartum, we must include men as well. Studies have revealed that up to one in 10 fathers suffer from depression postpartum, so it is imperative to recognize that perinatal mental health complications and disorders are complex and multifaceted. They can be caused by physical and biological factors, genetics, social aspects, and psychological factors. Therefore, all of these factors impact every individual who experiences perinatal complications. When you think about it that way, you see that men are very susceptible, and men are also at risk.

Mental health in fathers

It is important to acknowledge that men can also be impacted by the social and psychological pressures associated with pregnancy and childbirth. These pressures may include previous mental health disorders, previous trauma, and social determinants of health such as access to food and shelter. Men are often culturally and biologically conditioned to feel responsible for providing and protecting their families, which can add to the stress of job and food insecurity, as well as the social stigma of experiencing mental health issues. Additionally, new fathers may experience sleep deprivation, lack of time to rest, and increased stress and conflict with their partner during this challenging time. All of the pressures that mothers are facing, men are also facing.

Research has shown that men also experience hormonal changes during and after childbirth, although they don’t have the same physical experience as women. These hormonal shifts can affect testosterone levels and other hormones related to sleep and mood.

In the modern world, there is a social stigma around discussing mental health, and men are generally conditioned not to share their mental health vulnerabilities as much as women. Keeping our emotions bottled up and not seeking help can worsen our mental health symptoms. Men are often taught to withhold their feelings and not show vulnerability, which can lead to their symptoms getting worse. This may manifest externally as a dad withdrawing more, being irritable or angry, although women also experience these symptoms. However, men tend to be conditioned more to become quiet, stay busy, and sometimes isolate themselves socially.

If the workplace and our governmental and medical policies included questions on awareness and support for mental health, as much as physical health or financial health, we would be a healthier planet.

Q. Can you talk me through the support and training PSI offers to both expecting and new families and healthcare professionals?

PSI offers free social support to expecting and new families through virtual platforms, including telephone and online groups, all across the globe. Peer-to-peer support and mentoring are the foundation of PSI’s services.

Perinatal mental health training

The organization also provides training and certification to care providers of all professions, with the aim of creating a safety net for families. In the 21st century, perinatal mental health disorders are detectable, curable, and temporary, and standardized training is offered to all care providers. We train all care providers, from peer mentors to psychiatrists, and teach elements that bring all providers up to speed in screening, detection, assessment, treatment, and social support.

Our training programs are accessible to all care providers. We have developed standardized training based on evidence-based research, practice, and treatment methods. In 2018, we also created a perinatal mental health certification program that is available worldwide. Providers can become perinatal mental health certified professionals by meeting a standardized requisite of education, training, and years of practice. The certification recognizes that they have the necessary education, knowledge, and skills to treat perinatal mental health complications and prevent crises. Having an approved professional certification also provides visibility for the need and the existence of this specialist in both medical and public settings.

PSI training programs aim to increase providers’ knowledge base so they can be more confident in asking questions, screening, referring, and supporting individuals at risk of or experiencing treatable mental health conditions. Our training programs are available virtually and in person, in English and Spanish. They are offered at every level for medical providers like psychiatrists, obstetricians, nurse midwives, therapists, counselors, peer supporters, faith-based clergy, and home visitors.

Educated providers and supported families would create the safety net we all need. Our vision is that every care provider has the information they need within the scope of their practice so families have access to support to be healthy and make it through this vulnerable transitional time. We want all families to know that they are not alone, and there is knowledgeable and compassionate help available. They can find support and knowledge through PSI at www.postpartum.net, @postpartumsupportinternational on social media, or download the app Connect by PSI.

Fighting disinformation to safeguard democracy

Social media, Fake news, Artificial, Newspaper, The Media, Sharing, Web page
image: ©tommy | iStock

In today’s digital age, combating disinformation is crucial to safeguarding democracy. Here, John Comer, rapporteur for the EESC explores the evolution of misinformation, its consequences, and strategies to empower citizens and protect democratic institutions

Disinformation can be defined as false, inaccurate or misleading information deliberately created and spread to deceive the public and influence public opinion

Misinformation can be defined as false and inaccurate information, including gossip and rumours spread without malicious intent.

Online disinformation erodes trust in state institutions, media and scientific experts. Various bizarre conspiracies are promoted and widely spread on social media, leading to a false understanding of the real world.

The most obvious way that disinformation distorts and undermines democratic debate is by convincing people to believe things that are untrue. Disinformation and misinformation are not new phenomena. Social media has revolutionised its spread.

The evolution of disinformation in the digital age

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the development of new forms of disinformation and misinformation that use AI and algorithms to mislead or to change the original meaning of something.

Deep fakes use AI to manipulate and generate visual and audio content with the potential to deliberately deceive millions of people by spreading fake news.

The consequences of disinformation

Wrong information and conspiracy theories about the COVID–19 pandemic, the 6 January attack on the United States Capitol and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have shown the consequences of disinformation and false narratives, leading to the widespread erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the media.

Many people refuse to believe anything said by government institutions, scientific experts and the media. Social media has facilitated the rapid spread of disinformation to millions of people.

What challenges to democracy is disinformation presenting?

Democracies are facing massive disinformation and foreign interference operations with the potential to destabilise democratic institutions and undermine citizens’ trust in democratic institutions. Hybrid threats are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to detect.

According to the EU hybrid fusion cell, established in 2016 within the European External Action Service (EEAS), hybrid threads by Russia pose the greatest threat because they are systematic, well-resourced and on a different scale to other countries.

EU initiatives and responses

The Strategic Compass, adopted by the EU in March 2022, sets out a plan of action for strengthening the EU security and defence policy by 2030. One of its aspects is the development of a toolbox to counter foreign information and interference threats.

In a 2018 Eurobarometer survey, 83% of respondents said that fake news represented a danger to democracy and that they were especially concerned about disinformation aimed at influencing elections and immigration policies.

Many people are alienated from society due to social and economic disadvantages and become very receptive to accepting fake news, wrongly believing that it will help them to improve their situation.

For decades we have been witnessing a steady increase in inequalities in income and wealth and in social disharmony, leading to a breakdown of society and the emergence of separate communities whose convictions are strengthened and reinforced by the use of their specific digital networks. The vulnerable people who lose out as a result of these developments are easy prey for certain types of disinformation.

Alienation from society and a belief that something wonderful from the past has been lost are emerging as serious issues in the spread of disinformation and fake news among vulnerable communities who feel that contemporary society has left them isolated and abandoned. The EESC recommends that all EU policies be reinforced to deal with this problem, in order to reduce inequalities and promote social cohesion.

Democracy in the EU is facing major challenges, from rising extremism and election interference to hybrid threats. Safeguarding our European democratic system requires determined action to protect the electoral processes, to ensure that elections continue to be free and fair.

It is self-evident that social media platforms are not taking sufficient action to take down disinformation. Data collection and targeted advertisements by social media companies need to be regulated. The key problem remains that all these social platforms are financed by advertising, and it is extremely difficult to control them in the context of disinformation.

The technological means to fight disinformation exist, but they are not being adequately used by social platforms to take down disinformation. Stronger legislation may be necessary to achieve this objective.

Empowering citizens

We need to empower citizens and enable them to detect and be able to respond to online disinformation. The education system must enable students by means of critical reflection and critical assessment to be able to detect disinformation, and make of them independent assessors of what they read and see.

The Commission and the Member States need greater coordination and resources in facing hybrid threats.

Many studies reveal that Europe has a problem with pluralism in the media. A necessary first step to guaranteeing that pluralism is not dependent on strict market rules is to classify journalism as a European public good, as suggested by UNESCO.

The Commission should study the viability of a public European news channel, available on different platforms and in all national languages, with an independent editorial commitment that allows European citizens to assess the information they need to make informed choices.

An adequately financed and independent public service media is also essential for ensuringthat the public have access to good quality information that is free and fair.

Long-term strategies for safeguarding democracy

The threats to our democratic system posed by disinformation and misinformation are very real, especially in the lead–up to the 2024 elections. These threats are also a long-term problem, and we must develop strategies not only for the short term but also for the long term to ensure that we protect our democratic system in the EU.

This piece was written and provided by John Comer, rapporteur for the EESC opinion on Safeguarding Democracy Against Disinformation

Current CO2 removal plans will not meet Paris Agreement goals

Two industrial chimneys emitting thick clouds of smoke.
image: ©georgeclerk | iStock

A recent study led by the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA) has raised concern over the lack of current plans to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere

The findings, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, highlight a significant gap between countries’ climate protection pledges and what is required to limit global warming to 1.5 ºC, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

More is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goal 

Lead author Dr. William Lamb emphasised the critical role of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods in climate action. While these methods are essential for achieving net-zero emissions and mitigating climate change impacts, the study shows the reality that current efforts fall short of what is needed.

Dr. Naomi Vaughan, the co-author from UEA’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, emphasised the importance of heightened awareness and ambition in scaling up CDR methods alongside deep emissions reductions. 

According to the study, even if national targets are fully implemented, annual human-induced carbon removals would only increase by 2030 and 2050.

Carbon removals: Rapid reduction in emissions needed

The research team’s analysis shows that the required increase in carbon removals is far greater than what is currently being projected. For example, a ‘focus scenario’ set with the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report needs a 5.1 gigatonne increase by 2050, significantly higher than the anticipated 1.9 gigatonne rise under current plans.

Sustainability concerns threaten the scalability of carbon removals, with potential implications for biodiversity and food security. Despite these challenges, the study shows the importance of designing fair and sustainable land management policies to address these issues.

The is also a need for greater promotion of new carbon removal options, such as air filter systems and enhanced rock weathering, which have been largely overlooked. These methods currently contribute minimally to carbon removal compared to traditional options like afforestation.

The study’s conclusions show the urgency of accelerating emissions reductions across all sectors to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 ºC target. Dr. Lamb emphasised that without rapid reductions in emissions towards zero, meeting this goal remains unattainable.

iSMART Lab: Machine Learning innovation with real-world applications

iSMART Lab

iSMART Lab is a pioneering research institution at the forefront of machine learning (ML) innovation, with a specific focus on creating groundbreaking algorithms for practical, real-world applications

Our mission is to continuously push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) and craft cutting-edge solutions that contribute meaningfully to society.

iSMART Lab takes pride in its distinguished team of researchers, comprised of bright and accomplished individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping our innovative initiatives. These researchers are at the forefront of iSMART’s machine-learning endeavors, contributing their expertise to develop groundbreaking algorithms for real-world applications.

The synergy between experienced researchers within iSMART Lab creates a dynamic environment, fostering collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas. Their dedication and passion for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) further solidify iSMART Lab’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of ML innovation and making a meaningful impact on society.

Unlocking the full potential of machine learning

At iSMART Lab, our dedication lies in unlocking the full potential of machine learning to address diverse real-world challenges. Our researchers are deeply immersed in pioneering solutions that harness ML techniques to enhance healthcare systems, revolutionize transportation, advance computer vision, and tackle a myriad of other domains. Through a fusion of expertise in theoretical machine learning, computer vision, anomaly detection, and multidisciplinary collaboration, our aim is to drive forward the evolution of technology within these critical areas.

Recognizing the complexity of the challenges iSMART Lab addresses, the Lab thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration. iSMART Lab brings together experts from various fields to foster a collaborative ecosystem where ideas flourish. Our partnerships extend to academia, industry, and research institutions, creating a dynamic environment conducive to breakthrough innovations that address real-world challenges.

The Lab’s commitment to advancing the field of machine learning is evident in its regular contributions to top-tier conferences and journals. iSMART Lab members actively share insights, findings, and methodologies, contributing to the global knowledge base in AI, healthcare, and industrial automation. The Lab welcomes engagement from researchers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts intrigued by the potential of machine learning.

Propelling advancements that transcend traditional boundaries

In summary, iSMART Lab stands as a pioneer in the machine learning landscape, propelling advancements that transcend traditional boundaries. Our commitment to this mission reflects a broader dedication to crafting intelligent systems that catalyze positive change across various sectors.

iSMART Lab strives towards a future where cutting-edge technology reshapes the way humans confront complex challenges, driving progress and fostering a more efficient and interconnected world.

Click here to access iSMART Labs Previous interview

School of Industrial Relations at Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal

The School of Industrial Relations at the Université de Montréal (École de relations industrielles de l’Université de Montréal or ÉRI) is one of the major centres for the study of work and employment in North America

ÉRI brings together specialists in the areas of human resources management, labour relations, labour law, labour economics, public policies on work and employment, occupational health and safety, and comparative employment relations. It was founded in 1945 by a Jesuit, Father Émile Bouvier.

In terms of research, the School of Industrial Relations stands out for its research grants, publications, and scientific outreach. Research units linked to the School include a major research centre (Centre de recherche interuniversitaire sur la mondialisation et le travail [CRIMT]), a research institute (Institut Michael D. Penner sur les enjeux environnementaux, sociaux et de gouvernance), two observatories (Observatoire sur la santé et le mieux-être au travail and Observatoire Banque Scotia en innovation du développement durable), and two research chairs (Chaire BMO – Diversité et gouvernance and MYRIAGONE – Chaire McConnell-Université de Montréal en mobilisation des connaissances jeunesse).

Navigating the field of industrial relations

The field of Industrial relations broadly refers to the relations between management and workers in workplaces. This involves consideration of a wide range of social, economic, and psychological factors, as understanding more about such relations can help pave the way to improved working conditions and, therefore, an improved quality of life.

Industrial relations is thus a multidisciplinary academic field that studies employment relationships, worker-management relations and the labour market as a whole, in addition to the interactions and interrelations between employers, employees, trade union organisations, employer organisations, and government.

Using sugar as a catalyst to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide

Aerial top view of green trees in forest. Drone view of dense green tree captures CO2. Green tree nature background for carbon neutrality and net zero emissions concept. Sustainable green environment.
image: @Fahroni | iStock

In a study published in Science, Northwestern University researchers have introduced a catalyst with the ability to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), using table sugar 

Led by Milad Khoshooei and Omar K. Farha, the Northwestern team has developed a catalyst created from molybdenum carbide, a resilient ceramic material that stands out for its affordability. 

Unexpected carbon source

“We’re not the first research group to convert CO2 into another product,” said Northwestern’s Omar K. Farha, the study’s senior author. “However, for the process to be truly practical, it necessitates a catalyst that fulfils several crucial criteria: affordability, stability, ease of production and scalability. Balancing these four elements is key. Fortunately, our material excels in meeting these requirements.”

Khoshooei, reflecting on his daily trips to the lab with sugar in hand, emphasises the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of their approach. This catalyst not only offers a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions but also addresses the challenge of managing captured carbon.

Operating at high temperatures and ambient pressures, it shows selectivity in converting CO2 into CO, a crucial characteristic for practical application. 

Usually, it is common for a catalyst to lose its selectivity after just a few hours, this catalyst lasted 500 hours in a harsh environment and no change was observed. 

Farha highlights the catalyst’s stability, often in chemistry degradation over time is a concern but his catalyst will stay stable. 

Why is this achievement so significant? 

Converting CO2 is known for being difficult, it’s a stubborn molecule, resistant to change. The Northwestern team has succeeded in overcoming this obstacle, which will help fight against climate change.

Looking ahead, Farha envisions a tandem approach, combining the catalyst with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture and conversion. 

“At some point, we could employ a MOF to capture CO2, followed by a catalyst converting it into something more beneficial,” Farha suggested. “A tandem system utilizing two distinct materials for two sequential steps could be the way forward.”

This system could change carbon sequestration, providing a versatile solution with economic value. By using sugar and molybdenum, carbon dioxide is being turned into a reliable source. 

China launches Chang’e-6 probe to collect samples from Moon’s dark side

The Moon and its Dark side
image: @Sjo | iStock

China has set on a mission to uncover the mysteries of the Moon’s far side, launching the Chang’e-6 probe from the Wenchang Space Launch Center 

The unmanned rocket, carrying this new spacecraft, took off at approximately 17:27 local time, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.

Going to the ‘Dark Side’ 

Over 53 days, Chang’e-6 aims to acquire approximately two kilograms of lunar samples from the previously unexplored far side. Unlike the side visible from Earth, this region, often referred to as the “dark side,” has a distinct geological landscape characterised by a thicker, older crust and a lot of craters. 

These features, less obscured by ancient lava flows, hold the potential to unveil crucial insights into the Moon’s formation.

The Chang’e-6 probe

Named after the revered Moon goddess of Chinese mythology, Chang’e-6 is set to touch down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an extensive stretch covering 2,500 kilometres in width and up to 8 kilometres in depth. 

Once landed, the probe will conduct experiments and gather lunar soil and rocks, paving the way for a deeper understanding of lunar geology.

The first mission of three

This mission represents the first of three ambitious lunar expeditions planned by China within this decade. Following Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 is set to explore the lunar south pole in search of water resources, while Chang’e-8 will assess the feasibility of establishing the International Lunar Research Station, a proposed base for scientific endeavours on the Moon.

Five years ago China achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first to successfully land a rover on the Moon’s far side. This ongoing endeavour shows China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration program, positioning itself as a tough contender alongside traditional space powers like the United States.

Looking ahead, China has set ambitious goals for its space program. By 2030, the nation aims to deploy its first astronauts to the lunar surface and dispatch probes to collect samples from Mars and Jupiter. 

Being sober curious: What, why and how

Man refuses or rejects to drink alcohol at the pub. Alcohol addiction treatment, sobriety and drinking problem.
image: ©cagkansayin | iStock

Have you heard the term ‘sober curious?’ What is it, why is it causing so much interest, and how can you do it?

What is being sober curious?

Sober curious is a new buzzword for anyone wanting to explore their relationship with alcohol and cut down their alcohol intake. The term originated from a book published in 2019, called Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington, in which she explores the numerous benefits of choosing to live life without alcohol.

This followed the onset of Dry January in 2013 and Feb Fast in 2021. Both are movements aimed at helping people break the cycle of alcohol and experience the benefits of being alcohol-free.

There’s no shortage of interest in wanting to stop drinking. The percentage of adults who drink alcohol at least once a week in England has fallen from 54% in 2011 to 49% in 2021. During the same time period, the percentage of nondrinkers increased from 16% to 20%, and the percentage of adults who drink more than 14 units a week has also fallen from 26% to 21%.

Online searches for non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic spirits have increased by 3,690% and 750%, respectively. The non-alcoholic drinks market is booming. The Wine Society reported that sales of non-alcoholic drinks rose by 33.3% in 2023.

Why is it causing so much interest?

Let’s face it – alcohol is a poison, an addictive drug and a carcinogen. It’s frankly surprising it’s legal at all! But our lives have been irrevocably intertwined with alcohol. No Friday night out, dinner party, birthday bash, Sunday lunch or wedding would be complete without it. And yet alcohol is so bad for our health.

After a good night out, there’s the horrific hangover. If we regularly drink too much, the short-term effects include headaches, acid reflux, insomnia, daytime fatigue, being unable to think, reduced work productivity, and relationship issues.

In the long term, excess alcohol is linked to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Drinking more than the recommended limits increases the risk of liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, cancer and dementia. Heavy drinking is a cause of malnutrition and also weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of serious illnesses such as sepsis. Alcohol causes accidents and frequent trips to A&E.

Nowadays, especially in the cost-of-living crisis, as alcohol is very expensive, we are all beginning to realise that ditching alcohol – or at least having less of it – has significant advantages. In the words of Ruby Warrington, being sober curious leads to ‘blissful sleep, greater focus, deep connection and limitless presence.’ What’s not to like?

Sober Curious? Here’s how to do it

So if you, like me, think sober curiosity is a good thing, here are some pointers listed below on how to become sober curious.

  • Ask yourself why you drink alcohol
    • Be honest with yourself. Are you using alcohol as a medicine or a crutch to help you with some sort of stress, relationship or work issue? If so, it’s time to look for other ways of dealing with this and reducing the alcohol. Drinking can be a habit, and you may drink when you are bored or lonely. In this case, you need to find a hobby or a pastime to do instead.
  • Look out for others who feel the same as you
    • If you look and listen there will often be one or two others in your group who are drinking very little or nothing at all. Gravitate towards them – there is safety in numbers.
  • Plan ahead
    • When you go to an event, plan what you will drink and what you will say to the others present. Be assertive – you might want to say, ‘It’s a personal choice’ or ‘I just feel better without alcohol.’ You can always be the designated driver. Once the event is underway, the moment has passed, and everyone will forget you’re not drinking.
  • Create your own drink
    • There’s a fabulous selection of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails. Give them a go and work out your favourite. Just drinking fizzy mineral water with lime or blackcurrant cordial is a good option or favourite tonic water. It helps to have an idea in your head on arrival.
  • Go on a course
    • There are several online courses, for example, those run by Club Soda. These are aimed at how to stop drinking and how to drink mindfully.
  • Write down how you are feeling
    • As you start to say ‘No’ to alcohol you will notice your head feels clearer, your thoughts are sharper, you have more energy and you feel brighter and more in control. Write it down. Keeping a journal has many benefits. You can revisit this whenever you like to remind yourself how much better you feel.
  • Consider mindful drinking
    • Mindful drinking is part of being sober curious. It means thinking about what you want to drink and sticking to your plan. The idea is to really appreciate your drink, drink it slowly and savour every mouthful. Decide how many drinks you will have and then stop. You need to stay in control of what you are doing. 
  • Can being sober curious fail?
    • Yes, no one will have a straight passage. In fact, if a person has become alcohol dependent, they will need more structured professional help. If you’ve tried and failed, see your GP. If you have an alcohol addiction, it is dangerous to stop drinking on your own, and you must seek professional help.

For advice and support, click here – NHS – Alcohol Support.

  • Join in alcohol-free events
    • Plenty of events don’t involve alcohol! If you are sober and curious, why not take up cycling, join a book club, play Scrabble, take up yoga or go hiking? There are many things you can do in your spare time that don’t involve alcohol.

Final thoughts on being sober curious

Sober curiosity is a good thing. I, for one, am embracing it. I’ve noticed I sleep so much better without alcohol, and sleep is essential for a happy, productive existence. We all want to stay in good health, age well and have a disability-free old age. Minimising alcohol is a very necessary tool to achieve these objectives.

  • Are you feeling sober curious?
  • What can you do to get started?

For more information

This piece was written and provided by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy

Key pathway in cancer cell growth

Stem cells
image: @koto_feja | iStock

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have revealed a crucial molecular pathway that drives cells toward uncontrolled genome duplication

This discovery shows the mechanisms underlying cancer development and offers promising routes for targeted therapies.

“An enduring question among scientists in the cancer field is: How do cancer cell genomes get so bad?” says Sergi Regot

The progression of the cell cycle

The study, led by Dr Sergi Regot and graduate research assistant Connor McKenney, focused on understanding how cells navigate the process of the cell cycle, where they replicate their genetic material and divide to form new cells.

By observing human breast and lung cells, which show rapid division rates, the researchers were able to capture the subtle nuances of this complex biological process.

The cell cycle during stress

One of the key findings of the study was the identification of a series of molecules and enzymes that regulate the cell cycle, particularly during times of environmental stress. 

When cells experience stressors like UV radiation or changes in water pressure, a group of enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) become dysregulated, disrupting the normal progression of the cell cycle.

The researchers observed that a small percentage of cells, approximately 5% to 10%, were resistant to entering a dormant state in response to stress. Instead, these cells continued to replicate their genome. 

Further investigation revealed that the activation of stress-activated protein kinases played a critical role in driving these resistant cells to avoid the dormant stage and undergo repeated genome duplication. This behaviour eventually contributes to the formation of cancerous tumours.

Targeting cancer cells 

The study also identified potential therapeutic targets for disrupting this harmful pathway. Drugs that inhibit CDK activity or block the activation of a protein complex called the anaphase promoting complex (APC) show promise in preventing cancer cells from undergoing excessive genome duplication.

Dr. Regot emphasised the significance of these findings in the context of cancer treatment. He pointed out that ongoing clinical trials are exploring the efficacy of combination therapies involving DNA-damaging agents and CDK inhibitors. 

By understanding the molecular mechanisms driving cancer cell growth, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments that can overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Zero Trust: How can local councils defend against the increasing cyber threats?

Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured
image: ©Just_Super | iStock

The recent ransomware attack on Leicester City Council is a stern reminder of how vulnerable UK local councils are to increasing cyber threats. How should local councils defend themselves?

The council not only experienced a massive 1.3 terabyte data theft but also saw its support services shut down, including child protection, adult social care safeguarding, and homelessness. Even weeks after the attack, its impact continues to show, as the city’s lighting systems are still disrupted. According to reports, several streetlights across the city are being lit all day, affecting the council’s energy consumption.

However, this attack was not a one-off incident, as security threats across all local councils have significantly increased over the last few years. Between March 2022 and 2023, cyberattacks across the entire Sefton council increased up to 50 per cent. And earlier this year, three neighbouring councils in Kent were targeted by simultaneous breaches, affecting their public-facing systems.

Given such heightened risks, limited resources, and increasing complexity,y the,n a shift in mindset is necessary, moving from reactive measures to proactive, comprehensive defences that anticipate and mitigate potential breaches.

Increasing cyber threats: The challenges faced by local councils

Local councils manage critical functions and store a plethora of personal data, from tax records to personal identifiers, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. These data points are highly sensitive, increasing the potential for significant consequences if breached. Cyberattacks on such entities do not just lead to data loss but can erode public trust and disrupt essential services, which often have far-reaching impacts on community operations.

The inherent vulnerabilities of local council networks are largely driven by their continued reliance on outdated IT systems and end-of-life software that are not equipped to handle modern cyber threats. These systems are frequently patched together over many years, which introduces complexities in maintenance and security upgrades.

Most concerningly, many councils operate under tight budget constraints, limiting their ability to invest in the latest cybersecurity technologies or even maintain adequate staffing for their IT security teams. A recent survey from the Public Technology Institute shows that only 23 per centof the councils are ‘very engaged’ in cybersecurity initiatives. And while 55 per cent of the councils increased their cybersecurity spending in 2023, 7 per cent actually reduced their budgets.

Councils’ increasing reliance on third-party vendors for services ranging from data processing to infrastructure management, further compounds these security challenges. These partnerships can introduce risks if the third party’s security measures are weak, as seen in various incidents where breaches at a vendor level led to data compromises within councils. For instance, last year, Colchester City Council saw over 7,000 of its user data compromised through a breach on its third-party contractor, Capita.

At the same time, local councils are digitalising their services, adopting cloud-based solutions to improve accessibility. However, this increased digitalisation introduces more unique risks and vulnerabilities.

The shift towards cloud migration and its implications

The increased migration to the cloud disperses data across multiple platforms and services, often outside the direct control of the council’s IT department. This dispersion complicates data governance and also expands the potential attack surface. Each integration point and service provider can potentially be a new vulnerability unless adequately secured.

Threat actors are quick to exploit these vulnerabilities. They use sophisticated techniques to attack weak points in the cloud infrastructure, such as misconfigured storage buckets or inadequate access controls, which can lead to significant data breaches. The implications of such breaches are severe, ranging from financial penalties for data protection failures to the loss of public confidence in government services.

The increasing reliance on cloud services necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional security practices. Security models that focus solely on perimeter defence are becoming obsolete as data flows more freely across environments that the council does not physically control. This situation demands that security measures be more dynamic and adaptable to the changing landscape, focusing on data-centric and user-centric approaches.

The imperative of a Zero Trust approach

Adopting a Zero Trust security framework is becoming a necessity to effectively counter the sophisticated cyber threats facing local councils. Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” a significant shift from traditional security models that assumed everything inside the network could be trusted.

The core principle of Zero Trust lies in treating every access request as if it originates from an open network, regardless of the user’s location or the network used. This means that both external and internal requests are subject to strict verification before granting access to any data or services. Implementing this model involves a comprehensive reconfiguration of network and data access strategies to ensure that they are robust enough to manage the sophisticated threat landscape.

One of the critical components of a Zero Trust architecture is Zero Trust Segmentation (ZTS). This technology divides the network into smaller, manageable segments, each operating under its own strict access controls. For example, ZTS can be likened to a series of secure, locked doors within a bank. Just as a bank might have separate vaults for different types of assets, with each vault requiring unique access credentials, ZTS divides a network into distinct zones or segments. Each segment is secured and controlled independently, ensuring that even if threat actors breach one segment, they cannot move freely to others.

It’s an approach that limits the movement of a potential intruder within the network, effectively containing any breach to a small segment and significantly reducing the overall impact on the council’s operations.

Most importantly, ZTS can provide tangible financial benefits for councils. A 2023 commissioned Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ study of Illumio ZTS showed that Zero Trust Segmentation solutions reduced the blast radius of a cyberattack by up to 66 per cent, saving organisations up to $3.8 million in downtime over three years. It also reduced the operational efforts of security teams by 90 per cent. Such ROI can be crucial for local councils who are already stretched on budgets and technical resources.

Adopting a Zero Trust strategy also emphasises continuous monitoring and validation of all devices and users within the network, enhancing the ability to detect and respond to threats in real-time. This ongoing evaluation is supported by advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to identify unusual patterns that may indicate a breach.

Overall, by embracing Zero Trust, and specifically Zero Trust Segmentation, local councils can more easily protect themselves against significant data breaches and ensure they are resilient enough to recover quickly should an attack occur. This proactive stance is critical in maintaining the integrity of their services and the trust of their communities.

This piece was written and provided by Trevor Dearing, Director of Critical Infrastructure at Illumio

OECD predicts UK Economic struggle

Global Communications (World Map Courtesy of NASA)
image: @imaginima | iStock

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has suggested a worsening condition for the UK economy

According to their latest report, the UK is set to be the worst-performing economy in the G7 next year, a consequence of high-interest rates and inflationary pressures.

UK growth prediction 

The OECD devalued its growth prediction for the UK this year to 0.4%, with persistent price rises in the services sector and shortages of skilled staff.

Looking ahead to 2025, growth is predicted to reach 1%, staying behind other G7 nations like the US and Canada, both predicted to grow at 1.8%.

The Bank of England’s expected delay in cutting interest rates from 5.25% until the autumn further worsens the challenges faced by the UK economy. This delay is caused by fears of potential rebounds in price growth, prolonging the nation’s struggle to promote economic rates.

The global economy 

The OECD highlights a more optimistic outlook for the global economy, with a steady growth projection of 3.1% in 2024 and a slight increase to 3.2% in 2025. Stronger growth in household incomes and lower interest rates are noted as factors contributing to this global upturn.

In contrast to the UK’s performance, other major economies like France, Germany, and the US are witnessing growth upgrades for 2024. Despite Germany’s expansion rate following behind the UK this year, a recovery is anticipated in the eurozone, while growth in the US and emerging markets is expected to moderate. 

The UK economy: What about inflation? 

Annual consumer price inflation across G20 economies is projected to gradually ease, declining from 5.9% in 2024 to 3.6% in 2025. This gradual decline offers some relief, with inflation expected to return to target levels in major economies by the end of 2025.

The OECD issues a cautionary note to the UK government, emphasising the need for financial sense and productivity-enhancing public investment. 

With interest rates forecasted to decline gradually, there’s a call for strategic spending directed towards infrastructure, healthcare, and skill development.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts a rebound in the UK’s growth rate to 1.9% next year, driven by significant declines in interest rates and inflation.

Print and post help make London’s pensioners better off

Postbox in London beneath skyscrapers
Image: © Adam Webb | iStock

Print and post helped make London’s pensioners better off by over £8 million a year, writes Jason Lusty, Senior Business Development Manager at CFH Docmail Limited

Over 8,000 pensioners across London are entitled to Pension Credit but do not claim it. Policy in Practice, a social policy and analytics company, drove an initiative to engage with eligible residents.

Pension Credit is an extra support to help you cover costs if you’re over the State Pension age and living on a low income. It is one of the most underclaimed benefits, and over £245 million was estimated to be unclaimed in London. This meant a third of eligible pensioners were missing out on a top-up to their monthly income and help with other costs like heating, housing, and council tax. Many pensioners do not claim as they are simply unaware of the support.

In 2023, Policy in Practice partnered with public sector communications experts CFH on this critical campaign to inform pensioners of their eligibility for Pension Credit and signpost them to apply.

Helping London’s pensioners: Solution for print and post

Commissioned by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Policy and Practice’s campaign used local authority data to identify residents eligible for support across 17 London boroughs.

Mail was identified as the most effective communications channel to engage low-income pensioners due to:

  • JICMAIL research showed that those over 65 and those from lower socio-economic groups are particularly likely to engage with mail sent from local authorities.
  • TGI Consumer Analysis identified that residents agree that important messages, including those from public bodies, are better sent via mail. This form of communication is more trusted, more memorable, and gains more attention than email communications.
  • Further research from JICMAIL Government/Council Mail 2023 showed that mail received from a government agency has a 99% engagement rate, is referred to over five times and has a life span in the home of over a week, reminding people to act.

Through a collaborative approach, CFH’s hybrid mail product Docmail was identified as the ideal solution to fulfil the mailing requirements. Docmail is the UK’s leading hybrid mail platform that enables printed communications to be sent straight to an end audience through a secure account. As a part of the functionality, the solution allows organisations to integrate with the software for mailing automation.

The API integration meant that Policy in Practice’s audience database became directly linked to Docmail, allowing the functionality to operate in the background to manage the creation and sending of the letters. The output was personalised letters sent effortlessly on behalf of the respective councils.

The letters were sent in a non-window envelope which featured the Age UK London logo and the recipient’s council logo on the front. These reputable logos ensured pensioners knew the communication was trustworthy and the information was legitimate. Inside the envelopes were double-sided letters printed in colour for greater engagement. The copy informed pensioners of their eligibility and signposted them to services such as Age UK London for help with the application process. The letters were sent and delivered via Royal Mail second-class delivery.

Results for UK and London’s pensioners

As a result of Policy in Practice’s first mailing, 2,300 pensioners have seen an average increase of nearly £4,000 a year in pension credit, unlocking over £8.4 million in annual support. When factoring in cost-of-living payments and backdated support, the impact in the first year alone exceeded £12.5 million. The campaign’s lifetime impact is estimated to surpass £100 million.

This initiative secured financial support for pensioners and addressed social issues. It helped households avoid loneliness, repay debts and connect with housing teams when needed.

Next steps: Making this support more accessible

CFH is working with Policy in Practice on the second phase of this campaign, which will continue to be funded by the Mayor. The campaign will expand to 23 Boroughs and is expected to secure an additional £9 million.

To enhance accessibility for the entire community, the updated letters will now include translations of the information in multiple languages. This addition eliminates language barriers, ensuring crucial information is readily understandable and accessible to all recipients. By providing translations in the most common languages of the borough, the campaign aims to remove any obstacles to uptake, fostering inclusivity and making sure that support is available to everyone.

“We’re delighted to continue to work with our partners across CFH in innovative mailing campaigns. Our Pension Credit take-up campaign is a fantastic example of the broader impact of direct mail, which can be easily replicable in other cities and regions across the UK. Your expertise and dedication can be instrumental in sparking similar positive change,” said Deven Ghelani from Policy in Practice. (1)

To read the entire report, visit here.

Reference

  1. https://www.cfh.com/how-we-help/success-stories/public-sector/245m-of-pension-credit-goes-unclaimed-in-london/
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New revised age for ancient human fossils in Southern China

Location of Tongtianyan cave (Liujiang) in Guangxi Province, southern China, together with the location of other key fossils of Homo sapiens in China. Frontal view of the Liujiang cranial and postcranial elements. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47787-3
Location of Tongtianyan cave (Liujiang) in Guangxi Province, southern China, together with the location of other key fossils of Homo sapiens in China. Frontal view of the Liujiang cranial and postcranial elements. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47787-3

Discoveries illuminate Homo sapiens’ presence in Eastern Asia, researchers have new revelations regarding the age and provenance of Homo sapiens fossils discovered in the Tongtianyan cave, situated in the Liujiang District of Liuzhou City, Southern China

Researchers from Griffith University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences led the research. For decades, the age of these human fossils has remained a controversial issue, complicating our understanding of human distributions in Eastern Asia. 

However, the research team has shed new light on this mystery by using dating techniques, including U-series dating on human fossils and radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating on fossil-bearing sediments.

Revised age of human fossils 

The study’s findings, published in Nature Communications, disclose revised age estimates ranging from approximately 33,000 to 23,000 years ago, significantly changing previous assumptions. 

Professor Michael Petraglia, co-author of the study and Director of Griffith’s Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, notes that these revised dates align with other human fossils in northern China, showing a general presence of Homo sapiens across Eastern Asia post-40,000 years ago.

Dr Junyi Ge, the lead author of the study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights the implications of these discoveries, stating, “This finding holds significant implications for understanding human dispersals and adaptations in the region. It challenges previous interpretations and provides insights into the occupation history of China.”

The Liujiang human fossils

The Liujiang human fossils, discovered in 1958 and regarded as among the most significant in Eastern Asia, have offered valuable insights into our ancestors’ biology and morphology. 

With incredibly preserved cranial, dental, and postcranial remains, these fossils have fueled extensive scientific inquiry and comparative analysis across Eurasia.

Dr Qingfeng Shao, of the Nanjing Normal University, added: “The findings of this study overturn earlier age estimates and palaeoanthropological interpretations, emphasising the need for robust dating methods and proper provenance documentation in the study of human evolution.”

Dr. Qingfeng Shao of Nanjing Normal University emphasises the importance of robust dating methods and detailed origin documentation in paleoanthropological studies. The study’s complete dating analyses show the role of accurate age estimations in progressing our understanding of modern human origins and dispersals.

Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Open Access Government on the April 2024 issue. The publication of our work on AE4RIA & UN SDSN Global Climate Hub was handled with exceptional professionalism, and the quality of the result was outstanding. The editorial team, particularly in their prompt and efficient communication, ensured a smooth and productive process from start to finish. We look forward to potential future opportunities for collaboration”.

Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria

 

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