Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have uncovered a key process that contributes to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. The findings could lead to new treatments that can be used before any irreversible vision loss has occurred.
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye, known as the retina. There are no current treatments that prevent the advancement of diabetic retinopathy from its early to late stages, beyond the careful management of diabetes itself. As a result, a significant proportion of people with diabetes still progress to the vision-threatening complications of the disease.
As the number of people with diabetes continues to increase globally, there is an urgent need for new treatment strategies, particularly those that target the early stages of the disease to prevent vision loss.
The retina demands a high oxygen and nutrient supply to function properly. This is met by an elaborate network of blood vessels that maintain a constant flow of blood even during daily fluctuations in blood and eye pressure. The ability of the blood vessels to maintain blood flow at a steady level is called blood flow autoregulation. The disruption of this process is one of the earliest effects of diabetes in the retina.
The breakthrough made by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast pinpoints the cause of these early changes to the retina.
The study, published in the US journal JCI Insight, has discovered that the loss of blood flow autoregulation during diabetes is caused by the disruption of a protein called TRPV2. Furthermore, they show that disruption of blood flow autoregulation even in the absence of diabetes causes damage closely resembling that seen in diabetic retinopathy.
The research team are hopeful that these findings will be used to inform the development of new treatments that preserve vision in people with diabetes.
Professor Tim Curtis, Deputy Director at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s and corresponding author, explains: “We are excited about the new insights that this study provides, which explain how the retina is damaged during the early stages of diabetes.
“By identifying TRPV2 as a key protein involved in diabetes-related vision loss, we have a new target and opportunity to develop treatments that halt the advancement of diabetic retinopathy.”
The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Department for the Economy Postgraduate Studentship scheme.
Eating when you’re hungry is better for your psychological and physical health, new research comparing eating styles indicates
People who eat when they are hungry tend to be more satisfied with their body and generally have higher self-esteem, a new international study suggests.
Published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, the study indicates that, contrary to popular ideas that it is important to ‘control’ hunger, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues appears to be linked to maintaining a lower weight.
In contrast, those who rely on food as a source of comfort or avoid certain types or amounts of food are less satisfied with their bodies and have lower self-esteem, says the research which involved more than 6,000 young adults in eight countries.
Lead researcher Dr Charlotte Markey, professor of psychology at Rutgers University (NJ, USA), said: “Cultural messages constantly suggest that it’s important to ignore our bodies’ hunger and satiety cues, but trusting our bodies and eating when we feel hunger – in other words, eating intuitively — seems to be better for both our psychological and physical health.”
Researchers examined three types of eating style and related factors rarely studied together: intuitive eating, emotional eating (eating in response to internal emotional signals, for example in response to feeling stressed) and restrained eating (also known as dietary restraint, where consumption is rigidly restricted with the aim of losing or maintaining weight).
A total of 6,272 young adults with an average age of about 21 completed the study survey. They were based in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States.
Young adults were chosen because they experience social and psychological transitions and research shows they appear to be at risk of being dissatisfied with their bodies. In addition, this development period is linked with an increase in weight as well as changes in lifestyle habits. However, the findings are consistent with some research that suggests they are likely to be true of all adults.
The study found that the more people ate intuitively, the happier they tended to be with their body. They also had higher self-esteem and lower weight.
However higher levels of restrained and emotional eating were generally associated with lower body satisfaction and self-esteem, and being heavier.
The researchers conclude that the results suggest that eating styles are likely to be associated with how people feel about their bodies and how they feel in general.
In addition, ‘we can deduce that these eating styles may affect individual’s actual consumption, given the association sometimes found with weight status’, the study says.
Dr Markey suggests: “This research is in sync with evidence that dieting is ineffective for both weight loss and body satisfaction – and often counterproductive. We should aim to be more in tune with our own physiology than the latest trendy diet or eating plan.”
Some cultural differences between countries was noticed, the authors state, and this would be worthy of further examination.
Prime Minister launches national mission to tackle dementia, and doubles research funding to £160 million a year by 2024
New taskforce to speed up dementia research, using the successful approach of the Covid Vaccine Taskforce
Prime Minister calls for volunteers to come forward and join ‘Babs’ Army’ by signing up for clinical trials
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a new national mission to tackle dementia and doubled research funding in memory of the late Dame Barbara Windsor.
Dame Barbara’s husband, Scott Mitchell, met with the Prime Minister earlier this week at Downing Street. They discussed the significant suffering caused by dementia and the slow process of finding treatments and cures.
In response, the Prime Minister has launched the ‘Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission,’ in honour of Dame Barbara and the millions of other people and their loved ones who have had their lives ruined by dementia.
An additional £95 million in ringfenced funding will support the national mission, boosting the number of clinical trials and innovative research projects. This will help meet the manifesto commitment to double dementia research funding by 2024, reaching a total of £160 million a year.
The mission will be driven by a new taskforce, bringing together industry, the NHS, academia and families living with dementia. By speeding up the clinical trial process, more hypotheses and potential treatments can be tested for dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The taskforce will build on the success of the Covid Vaccine Taskforce led by Kate Bingham.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Dame Barbara Windsor was a British hero. I had the pleasure of meeting her both on the set of Eastenders as Peggy Mitchell, and at Downing Street as we discussed the injustices faced by dementia sufferers.
“I am delighted that we can now honour Dame Barbara in such a fitting way, launching a new national dementia mission in her name.
“Working with her husband Scott, and on behalf of everyone who is living with dementia or has a loved one affected by this devastating condition, I am doubling research funding and calling for volunteers to join ‘Babs’ Army.’ We can work together to beat this disease, and honour an exceptional woman who campaigned tirelessly for change.”
One million people are predicted to be living with dementia by 2025, and 1.6 million by 2040. Up to 40% of dementia cases are potentially preventable but causes are still poorly understood. Dementia can affect the brain years before people show any symptoms, which means treatments need to be tested on people far earlier.
More clinical trials are needed but these are often overly time consuming, with resources wasted on trying to find volunteers.
The Prime Minister has today issued a call for volunteers with or without a family history of dementia to come forward and sign up for clinical trials for preventative therapies, nicknamed “Babs’ Army.’
Scott Mitchell, Dame Barbara’s husband, said: “The first in 15 Prime Ministers and over 70 years to grasp the nettle and reform social care, I’m so pleased that Boris had the conviction to do this reform.
“I’m so honoured that not only has he reformed social care, but he’s also committed this new money in Barbara’s name to make the necessary research breakthroughs to find a cure for dementia.
“Barbara would be so proud that she has had this legacy which will hopefully mean that families in the future won’t have to go through the same heart-breaking experience that she and I had to endure. I can’t stop thinking about her looking down with pride.”
Volunteers can register their interest through the Join Dementia Research website. The new taskforce, combined with the extra funding, will work to reduce the cost of trials while speeding up delivery. Existing NIHR infrastructure will be used, building on new ways of working pioneered during covid vaccination clinical trials.
A recruitment process will start this week for a taskforce lead, with the successful candidate focusing on galvanising action while ensuring the best use of tax-payer money.
The new national mission will build on recent advances in biological and data sciences, including genomics, AI and the latest brain imaging technology, to test new treatments from a growing range of possible options.
Researchers will look for signals of risk factors, which could help those who are at risk from developing dementia to understand how they might be able to slow or prevent the disease in the future.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “Anyone who lives with dementia, or has a loved one affected, knows the devastating impact this condition can have on their daily lives, but for too long our understanding of its causes have not been fully understood.
“By harnessing the same spirit of innovation that delivered the vaccine rollout, this new Dementia mission, backed by £95 million of government funding, will help us find new ways to deliver earlier diagnosis, enhanced treatments and ensure a better quality of life for those living with this disease, both now and in the future.”
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted the Government has recommitted to doubling dementia research funding, and that our call for a Dementia Medicines Taskforce to speed up the development of new treatments has been heard.
“This marks an important step towards finding life-changing treatments for dementia and supporting our NHS to be able to deliver these new medicines to the people who need them when they become available.
“We are incredibly grateful to our tireless supporters who have helped keep dementia on the political agenda over the past three years. Over 50,000 people joined us in contacting their MPs, signing petitions, and even writing personal letters to the Prime Minster himself.
“The upcoming 10-year dementia plan is a chance for the next Prime Minster to make sure this funding is met with ambitious action and we look forward to working with the Government to turn it into a reality.”
The type of activity primary school children do in PE lessons can affect how well they are able to focus afterwards, a new study has found.
Published in the British Journal of Education Psychology, the research found that physical activity performed as part of a group, rather than alone, had the greatest impact on children‘s attention scores.
Games-based activities also resulted in participants being better able to control their impulses.
Lead researcher of the Spanish study Dr Josune Rodriguez-Negro, who is a PhD researcher in the physical education and sport department of the University of the Basque Country, said: “The study findings highlight not only that physical education in schools can improve children’s attention and impulse control, both of which are linked to academic success – but also that different types of content can produce different results.
“Therefore it seems right to increase the amount of time children spend doing PE and for children to do PE first thing in the mornings to get the best results. Also, school leaders should select activity for lessons based on what they are looking to influence.”
A total of 135 children aged between six and eight took part in the study in a Spanish state school. They were split into three groups and each group was assigned to one of three intervention programmes: a balance intervention programme (BIP), a games-based programme (GBP) and a drama learning programme (DLP).
In the BIP intervention, children performed individual balance activities, like standing on one leg for a minute, whereas the other two interventions were group-based.
The study is believed to be the first to compare the effects of BIPs, GBPs and DLPs on children’s perception of the intensity of the intervention, how they felt and their cognitive functions.
The intervention programmes lasted eight weeks and were held during the school’s regular 90-minute weekly PE lesson, so there was no change to the structure of the school day.
Researchers found that after each intervention programme, children in the GBP and DLP groups ‘significantly’ improved their attention test scores.
Children in the GBP group also improved their impulse control scores.
However, children in the BIP group showed no improvement in either attention or impulse control scores. However, children in this group thought the activity they did was more intense than children in the other groups.
The type of activity children did had no bearing on how they felt during the intervention, they enjoyed it equally, whichever group they were.
Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation, is renewing its partnership with the University of Edinburgh’s flagship Venture Builder Incubator which supports the commercialisation of data-driven PhD research.
Cancer Research Horizons, through its Entrepreneurial Programmes, will sponsor ten places for cancer-related research projects from across the UK to take part on this 16-week programme which aims to drive academic entrepreneurship by supporting PhD students and early career researchers to develop their business ideas, build their skills and secure funding.
In 2021, the first year of the Cancer Research Horizons collaboration, eight companies operating in the field of cancer were selected as start-ups for the incubator.
For the second year running, Cancer Research Horizons’ continued support for PhD students and researchers will play an important role in accelerating the commercialisation of ideas aimed at conquering cancer.
Laura Bernal, Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Cancer Research Horizons again this year.
“Our Incubator programme is designed to help fledgling entrepreneurs across all sectors of business build their skills and take their businesses to the next level and through continuing to build our relationship with the brilliant team at Cancer Research Horizons, we can ensure that we are supporting the commercialisation of vital research across 10 cancer-related projects this year.”
The Venture Builder Incubator, delivered by the Bayes Centre, the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading innovation hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, on behalf of the University’s five Data-Driven Innovation Hubs and Edinburgh Innovations, the commercialisation service of the University, will start later this year and builds on the success of the previous cohorts which have seen considerable success, attracting £1.8m in funding in the last 12 months.
Previous oncology-related ventures focused on developing early diagnosis tools and less invasive testing to enable improved outcomes for people affected by cancer. They included: OncoAssign, a precision medicine startup integrating AI and onco-diagnostics to deliver accurate treatment prediction; 10zyme, a start-up devising a simple method of detecting cancers through urine or saliva samples; ForceBiology, developers of a versatile, more accurate and cost-effective high throughput drug-screening platform for cancer and Therapevo, a screening platform striving to fill the gap between research and the medical testing of new therapeutic strategies.
Commenting on her experience as a participant in last year’s cohort, Estefania Esposito, Co-founder of Therapevo, said: “Being introduced to a network of Venture Builder cohorts past and present was invaluable.
“They all had different backgrounds, and even when they had similar backgrounds, they all added something: an experience, an idea or an opinion.”
Dr Alessia Errico, Associate Director of Search and Evaluation, and Entrepreneurial Programmes Lead at Cancer Research Horizon said: “We want to inspire the next generation of scientific entrepreneurs in the field of cancer research as well as inspiring cultural change within the industry, so working alongside Edinburgh University and their Data Driven Innovation programme provides us with the perfect platform to do this.
“Supporting entrepreneurs on the journey from an ideation to venture creation is one of the most important things that we can do, so we are excited about what this next year will bring.”
The Venture Builder Incubator is designed to help fledgling entrepreneurs across all sectors build their skills and take their businesses to the next level. Start-ups are chosen after an application process which is open to PhD students, early career researchers and academic staff from the University of Edinburgh or Heriot-Watt University, as well as early career researchers focused on cancer-related projects from across the UK.
Each startup is provided with £2,000 as well as business support through a series of workshops, networking events, mentoring, peer-to-peer learnings and access to the University of Edinburgh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its data expertise.
The early bird deadline for applications is Friday 22nd July and those entering before this date are guaranteed application feedback and the chance to resubmit their proposal and an invitation to a Bayes Centre Community Event.
The final deadline for applications is Friday 9 September.
CarStore and Battersea announce partnership to empower dog-owning customers to find the right car for them
With many set to take their pooches away with them this summer, new research of 2,000 dog owners has revealed more than two thirds of drivers (68%)* aren’t aware of the current rules surrounding car travel with dogs.
To mark the launch of CarStore’s partnership with leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, a new study suggests that over half (52%) of us are happiest while out driving with our dogs – yappy days! What’s more, 42% proclaim to treasure them as part of the family, so it’s troubling to find that despite this, 2 in 5 drivers are unknowingly breaking the rules when out travelling with their dogs.
While 1 in 5 (20%) don’t have a designated zone for their pooch, only half (54%) keep their dog restrained while out travelling and just 5% are aware of the severity of the repercussions of driving without due care and attention can entail (up to £5,000 and nine points on your driving licence), it’s clear there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when out driving with our four-legged friends.
As one of the first used car brands in the UK to partner with a national animal charity, CarStore is delivering on its commitment to flex to the needs of contemporary car-seekers via the partnership.
Battersea will be hosting training sessions for CarStore Personal Advisors, educating them on how to manage experience centre visits from dog-owning customers and create a more dog friendly environment.
Personal Advisors will also be informed about the legal requirements surrounding car travel with dogs, and the equipment available to meet these requirements. Alongside this training, CarStore and Battersea will co-create useful advice and content to help improve customer understanding of the rules and requirements for travelling with their furry friends.
Kim Costello, Chief Marketing Officer at CarStore, said: “We know there has been a huge surge in pet ownership over the past 12-18 months and as a result, a likely need for individuals and families to purchase a new car to accommodate their new furry friends.
“This new alliance between CarStore and Battersea aims to help as many of the nation’s dog owners as possible find the right car for them.
“Specially trained by Battersea experts, our Personal Advisors will be equipped to support dog-owning customers with the car-buying process. Whether they’re looking for a car to accommodate a large German Shepherd, or something smaller to seat a Cockapoo and a small carrier, our Personal Advisors will be on hand to support and help customers find their perfect car.”
The survey suggested that many do not believe their car is currently practical for travelling with a dog, with almost half (49%) wishing they could do more to dog proof it. However, 10% confirmed they do not know where to source correct and accurate guidance, with many admitting to checking social media (18%) or forums online (18%) rather than reputable sources.
Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with CarStore to further help dog owners travel safely and wisely with their pets.
“With the good weather returning, many families may be looking to travel with their dogs during their staycations and Battersea wants to ensure dog owners have the right knowledge before embarking on a car journey with their pets.
“When in the car with your dog, it’s important that they are comfortable in their environment to reduce stress and anxiety, so familiarising your pet with your vehicle before embarking on a long journey will help them get used to travelling.
“It’s also important to ensure they are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you need to stop suddenly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet crate or guard are all suitable ways to travel safely with your pet.”
CarStore offers customers a combined approach when it comes to buying, selling, and purchasing a used vehicle, blending digital and physical locations to give customers the flexibility and freedom to approach the process in a way that works best for their lifestyle. CarStore’s impartial Personal Advisors provide expert advice and empower customers to make informed decisions that are right for them.
Visit the website to find out more about the partnership and access the content hub:
HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL WHEN TRAVELLING DURING THE NEXT HEATWAVE
Parts of the UK are set for a second heatwave in the coming weeks, with temperatures set to reach 28C
Dogs are at increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses and start to suffer in just a few minutes
Battersea and CarStore have shared the key watchouts and guidance for looking after your dog in these hot temperatures
With temperatures set to soar again next week, reaching 28C or higher in some areas, it’s important for pet owners to know exactly what to do to keep their dogs safe when travelling in these balmy temperatures.
Looking after beloved pooches is all about planning ahead and being prepared. The aim is to keep them healthy, happy, and hydrated, to reduce the risk of the dog suffering from heatstroke – a genuine threat on a hot summer’s day.
To help drivers stay on top of things whilst out travelling this summer,CarStore have joined forces with Battersea to share their top tips for dog-owning drivers:
KEEP THE CAR COOL
If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight.
You should also make sure your dog has access to water during the journey. The amount of time it takes for a dog to overheat in a car is much shorter than many people think, especially if your dog is long-haired or has a short snout – in some cases, it could be minutes or less. Many of these dogs have difficulty breathing and these problems are exacerbated in hot weather, even from 20°C.
TAKE CARE ON HOT SURFACES
Lots of surfaces heat up in the sun, such as leather car seats or the tarmac in a car park, and this can be painful for your dog’s paws, causing injuries such as blisters. If in doubt, check for yourself using the palm of your hand. If it feels too hot for you, the chances are your dog will feel the same. Use a towel or dog bed in your car to ensure your dog is not sat directly on a hot seat whilst on the move.
PLAN STOPS ON YOUR JOURNEY
If you’re travelling for any kind of significant distance, make sure you take a route that has enough places to stop, so not only can the human passengers take a break, but your dog/s can stretch their legs, go to the toilet, rehydrate, and have a cooling treat too. We would recommend setting off earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and there is less traffic, if possible.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR
Cars can get very warm, very quickly, and this can be deadly for your dog. Even if your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.
LOOK OUT FOR HEATSTROKE
When your dog gets too hot and can’t reduce their body temperature they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. The signs to look out for include:
Heavy panting
Glazed eyes
A rapid pulse
Excessive drooling
Lack of coordination, or confusion
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Loss of consciousness
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you need to act fast. Immediately take them to a cool, shaded area and ring your nearest vet clinic.
Once in the shade, lay them down on a towel soaked in cold water and let them drink small amounts of cool water. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Try to keep cooling them down while you take them to the vets.
Wherever you’re heading, we wish you and your dog a summer full of safe and cool car journeys.
For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in summer, visit the CarStore site, or for pet advice, the Pet Advice section on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home website is full of expert information.
More people recognise the wellbeing benefits of walking are encouraged to spend more time outdoors due to their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic according to new findings.
The research was commissioned by natural heritage body NatureScot in the aftermath of three waves of the Coronavirus crisis to better understand outdoor visit behaviour and how people engaged with nature.
The survey looked at the behaviour of more than 3,000 people who revealed details of how they spent time outdoors as coronavirus restrictions relaxed.
The survey found that people will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, make more use of local green space, and try to walk more, have been welcomed by Scottish walking charity Paths for All who, along with other partners, supported these 3 studies.
Evidence gathered from respondents following the 2021 third wave found that 68% of people agreed they will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, 62% will minimise non-essential travel and the same figure will make more use of local greenspace.
The survey also found almost two-thirds (64%) of people will try to walk, wheel or cycle more in favour of using a car, more than half would like to do more to look after local nature and wildlife, while more than one-third (36%) would be willing to volunteer time to help nature.
Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Paths for All – which champions everyday walking to create happier and healthier lives – welcomed the survey and believes the impact of the pandemic has reset people’s views on how they can interact with nature and enjoy more active lifestyles.
He said: “The negative impact of the wholly necessary Covid-related restrictions on our movements and ability to get out and about cannot be underestimated and it caused great stress and anxiety for all age groups and social classes living throughout Scotland.
“But this survey is hugely encouraging and offers some very positive messages on how people are more willing to incorporate walking and getting closer to nature in their post-lockdown lives.
“NatureScot has delivered an impressively comprehensive insight into what is motivating people to embrace nature more, be that on their urban doorsteps or by taking advantage of our vast array of rural landscapes.”
Seventy three percent of those questioned said spending time outdoors after Wave 3 helped them to destress, relax and unwind, while 66% stated that it made them feel energised and revitalised – an increase on both 2020 waves.
Almost three in five (58%) agreed that since the pandemic began nature had become more important to their health and wellbeing, up from 49% in the first survey – but their enjoyment was curtailed by a number of issues.
Litter was a bugbear on visits to the outdoors for almost half of respondents (48%), while nearly one-third cited a lack of public toilet facilities as a factor, followed by pavement cyclists (26%) and cars parking on pavements (25%).
Frequency of participation in outdoor visits remained high during all three waves – between 71-80% – and the survey revealed a marked decrease in the number of adults who took no outdoor visits – down from 19% in May 2020 to only 10% in the final period last September.
More than half of those surveyed said their outdoor activity after Wave 3 consisted of walking under two miles, 43% walked between two and eight miles, a healthy 15% said they walked more than eight miles, with a further 11% taking part in hillwalking.
Kevin Lafferty added: “Everyday walking is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the Scottish people so it is heartening to see such high numbers of people shaking off the restrictions of lockdown and getting out into the fresh air to walk and enjoy the abundance of nature all around us.
“The research indicates a marked drop in the number of people who latterly were not managing to get outdoors at all – probably due to vaccination uptake and rising confidence that Covid-19 is more controlled – and we hope those people have continued to enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors.”
More than one-third (37%) of respondents reported taking more visits to the outdoors after Wave 3 than pre-pandemic. The key reasons given for the increase were a “pent up demand” following the easing of lockdown restrictions, increased levels of appreciation of the outdoors acquired during the pandemic, seeking to get fit or exercise, and having increased amounts of free time.
However, those who spent less time outdoors during this period, put it down to continued adherence to rules, general health or old age issues and/or continued nervousness about going outside due to the risks of infection or transmission.
Kevin added: “A third of us in Scotland are not active enough and walking is by far the best way for many of us to be more active.
“A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can prevent illness, improve physical and mental health and improve our connections with our community and the environment.
“This report is important in understanding how Covid-19 impacted the daily habit of taking a walk that many of us take for granted, and hopefully one of the benefits to come out of this global health crisis is that more of us now have a stronger connection to the outdoors.”
Shared Care Scotland is the national carer organisation focused on improving short breaks for all of Scotland’s unpaid carers.
Research is an essential part of this work: it helps ensure that short breaks policy and provision is better informed by the experience of carers and cared-for people and that those responsible for the commissioning and delivery of short breaks have access to the current best evidence on ‘what works’.
Shared Care Scotland recently worked with Iriss to hear directly from carers about the impact that the Short Breaks Fund ‘Time to Live’ grant scheme had on their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report shows that taking a person-centred approach – supporting carers to have choice and control in short breaks – brings sustainable benefits and can improve their financial, physical and mental wellbeing as well as providing similar benefits to those they care for.
What also emerges from the report is that it is not just the break itself that can lead to positive outcomes, but the process of accessing support can also achieve additional benefits. This includes reducing isolation, helping carers feel valued, and providing that essential preventative support that can help to sustain the caring role.
It is hoped that the report provides important evidence to help reinforce good practice. Above all, it is to show that supporting carers to embed pockets of respite throughout their days can be fundamental in helping them have ‘Time to Live’.
Research by James Hutton Institute and Heriot-Watt University scientists has carried out the first review of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Scotland’s waters.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are a major source of concern for public health. According to the World Health Organisation, new resistance mechanisms continue to emerge and spread globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases and endangering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
Work by Hutton and Heriot-Watt researchers, funded by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters, considered the available information on antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters and identified emerging monitoring approaches and potential technological solutions for detecting and tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Findings will help policymakers develop solutions for detecting, monitoring and reducing antimicrobial resistance in Scottish waters.
Dr Lisa Avery, a senior environmental microbiologist at the James Hutton Institute’s Environmental and Biochemical Sciences department and co-author of the study, said: “So far, there has not been enough monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters to know how widespread or how concentrated the levels of resistant microbes, genes and resistance-driving chemicals are.
“Globally, lots of different methods are used for detecting resistance. The most common ones are to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria by culturing (growing) them and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – based methods to detect specific resistance genes. Our study found no consensus on the best detection method.”
Dr Helen Bridle, Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering of Heriot-Watt University added: “A diversity of approaches is needed for research purposes.
“However, if we can develop some guidelines so that those researching or monitoring resistance in waters are encouraged to use at least one or two of the same approaches across all of the different studies, this would help in understanding antimicrobial resistance and how it is linked across humans, animals and the environment.”
At a recent meeting of the Scottish Parliament, Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, said: “We need to recognise that antimicrobial resistance does not affect only humans.
“Bacteria with the potential to become resistant to antibiotics exist in animals and in the environment. For that reason, we require a one health approach to the threat that recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.”
The researchers conclude that agreement across methodological approaches and guidance would support technology developers to develop and validate new approaches for detecting antimicrobial resistance, as most current methods are developed for the clinical, rather than environmental field.
It’s hoped that treatment technologies can remove antimicrobial resistance, but cost-benefit analyses are needed to compare different treatment and mitigation strategies.
A spokesperson from SEPA commented: “SEPA welcomes the publication of the Centre of Expertise for Waters’ (CREW) policy briefing, which provides valuable insights to better understanding the risks of AMR in Scotland’s water environment.
“There are many sectors and activities we regulate that have the potential to exacerbate the spread of AMR through the environment, and we are committed to playing our role in understanding and helping to address the issue.
“Through research and multi-agency collaboration we are working to ensure that interventions are developed and implemented in a way that recognises how the health of people is closely and inextricably linked to the health of animals and our shared environment. This includes our involvement in key groups such as the One Heath Breakthrough Partnership and the Scottish One Health National AMR Action Plan Group.”
The policy outputs, including a policy note (Antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters) and policy brief (Technologies for monitoring and treatment of antimicrobial resistance in water), are both available from the CREW website [https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications].
New research released finds defined contribution (DC) pension schemes, which do not automatically offer a secure, guaranteed income for life, can lead to poor outcomes for those on lower incomes.
Since the introduction of ‘pension freedoms’ in 2015, the vast majority of consumers are opting against a guaranteed income, resulting in them facing significant threats to their retirement security.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham, supported by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, conducted in-depth interviews with DC pension consumers and gained insights from industry stakeholders to shed light on the experiences, risks and challenges of pension decision-making in the new retirement landscape.
They concluded that the existing system disadvantages people who are already vulnerable to poor pension outcomes.
Those from more disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to have access to networks of friends and family who can help them with their decision-making. In addition, the support available for those without access to regulated financial advice (typically those with smaller pension pots and/or low-to-middle incomes) remains largely limited to written information and checklist-based guidance.
This means many people do not have access to the kind of support they need – i.e. a personal recommendation on the best course of action.
Researchers found:
1. Consumers feel confused and overwhelmed by the DC withdrawal decision. Many people feel ill-prepared for making the ‘right’ decision about accessing their DC pension savings. They are often overwhelmed by its complexity and feel they need more help in the form of personalised advice, however, the cost of this advice is unaffordable for those on lower incomes.
2. Consumers (particularly non-advised consumers) do not know who to trust when they need support with their decision. This leads to poorer outcomes for those from less affluent backgrounds, who do not have social networks of people who can recommend trustworthy advisers.
3. Consumers have to manage high levels of confusion and uncertainty about the future when making a decumulation decision. Consumers are aware they have to manage multiple risks when deciding what to do with their DC pension pot. This includes several highly unpredictable aspects of the future, such as their health and longevity, the need for care, and stock market performance. This ‘individualisation’ of risk creates a sense of insecurity and adds to the discomfort and difficulty of the decision-making process.
Researchers have called for government, regulators and employers to do more to protect low-income DC scheme holders.
They make the following recommendations:
Better value products – Government and regulators must ensure industry works harder to meet the needs of people on low-to-middle incomes by creating more flexible, better value products. For example, by introducing a charge cap for DC investment pathways and drawdown arrangements to prevent consumers paying unnecessarily high charges, and help rebalance some of the responsibility for achieving good consumer outcomes
Price-capping – There should be Government-funded, price-capped, financial advice services so that lower income people can access regulated financial advice to support their pension decisions.
Reducing risk – Access to affordable, trustworthy regulated financial advice should be expanded as an option for all DC pension consumers. Through the introduction of pension freedoms, Government has created a situation where individuals are taking on too much responsibility and risk for securing an adequate retirement income. Government therefore needs to redress this balance by taking responsibility for providing appropriate protection and support. More regulation is needed of DC pensions to ensure value for customers.
Dr Louise Overton, Assistant Professor in Social Policy and Director of CHASM from the University of Birmingham, said: “Seven years on from the introduction of pension freedoms, too many people are facing poor retirement outcomes because industry and government aren’t doing enough to protect them.
“Our research shows that Pension Wise (set up as ‘a first port of call for DC consumers, offering free and impartial information and guidance) does not offer adequate support, and those without access to good quality regulated financial advice (those with smaller pension pots and lower incomes) are particularly at risk of adverse outcomes.
“We call on government, industry and the regulator to expand the scope of money guidance, widen access to regulated advice, and prioritise product innovation.”
Karen Barker, Head of Policy at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, said: ““The current ‘one size fits all’ system is not suitable for those on lower incomes. Whilst the new pension freedoms introduced by the government have benefitted many, this research shows they cause a great deal of confusion.
“It’s not practical to expect those with smaller pension pots to pay a lot of money for advice on how to manage those pots.
“However, it’s vital that those on low-to-middle incomes are properly advised if we are to avoid a return to high levels of pensioner poverty.”
