iolo ap dafydd is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Swansea Tidal Lagoon: Questions raised over engineering

15 Jan 2016  |  BBC  |  English  |  Environmental Impact

Doubts have emerged regarding the engineering of Swansea's £1bn tidal lagoon project, particularly concerning turbine efficiency and environmental impact. Prime Minister David Cameron's enthusiasm for tidal energy has waned as the UK government negotiates subsidies. Experts, including Roger Griffiths and Dr Bob Allen, express concerns about the turbines' performance under varying conditions. Tidal Lagoon Power asserts that all engineering and environmental issues have been thoroughly addressed. The project, employing new technology on a large scale, has received a Development Consent Order and validation from independent technical adjudicators.

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Lancaster University Swansea University UK Government

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Nicole Chang is a journalist based in Paris, France. She has more than 5 years’ worth of professional journalism experience, and has lived in Singapore, London and Shanghai. She is a native English speaker, and also knows Mandarin and French.

Uterus transplants are already a reality. What does it mean for transgender women getting pregnant?

23 Aug 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Medical Advancements

Uterus transplants, initially successful in women with uterine factor infertility, are being explored for transgender women. While the procedure remains experimental, experts like Mats Brännström and researchers from the University of Lancaster emphasize the need for further research, particularly in male animal models. Ethical and legal considerations are significant, with potential implications for anti-discrimination laws. The procedure could enhance the quality of life for transgender women, aligning with their gender identity and alleviating gender dysphoria. However, challenges include ensuring safety, effectiveness, and addressing potential donor preferences and organ assignment issues.

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Harvard University Durham University University of Lancaster University of Gothenburg

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Experienced multimedia journalist and award-winning podcast producer. Bilingual in Russian, French, and English. Interest and understanding of environmental, human rights and social justice issues as well as Russia and the former Soviet states politics.

Podcast: ‘An acoustic world’ – marine experts on the noises and sounds in our oceans

08 Jun 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Coral Reefs

The podcast episode discusses the impact of ocean noise pollution caused by human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, and military actions. Nicolas Entrup from Ocean Care highlights the detrimental effects of noise on marine life and advocates for regulations to limit noise emissions. The war in Ukraine has exacerbated noise pollution in the Black Sea, leading to mass dolphin deaths. Kirsten Thompson from the University of Exeter warns about the potential noise pollution from future deep-sea mining. Timothy Lamont from Lancaster Environment Centre shares how playing 'healthy reef' sounds can help restore degraded coral reefs, though additional efforts are needed for long-term recovery.

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Lancaster Environment Centre University of Exeter Ocean Care European Commission Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology

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Donna Ferguson is an award-winning freelance journalist, specialising in celebrity interviews, personal finance, education and lifestyle pieces for national newspapers. My articles appear regularly in The Guardian, The Observer, The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times. I also write for The Times, ...

Reams of secret poetry by pioneering British scientist finally come to light

30 Dec 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Literature

Sir Humphry Davy, renowned for his scientific discoveries and inventions, also secretly wrote hundreds of poems, now revealed by researchers at Lancaster University. These poems, found in his notebooks alongside his scientific experiments, offer insights into his creative process and the interplay between his scientific and poetic endeavors. The discovery underscores the symbiotic relationship between science and the arts, challenging the modern separation of these fields. Davy's work, including his tour of Europe with Michael Faraday, highlights his profound impact on both science and literature.

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University College London Lancaster University Royal Society

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

New AI video tools increase worries of deepfakes ahead of elections

06 Mar 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Disinformation

The rise of AI video tools like OpenAI's Sora has sparked concerns about the potential for deepfakes to disrupt elections by spreading disinformation. Experts argue that while these tools add to the arsenal of technologies used to mislead, the core issue remains the regulation of social media platforms and the accountability of Big Tech companies. Despite existing policies, companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta are criticized for not enforcing safeguards effectively. The article highlights the broader implications of unregulated AI and social media, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in the US, EU, UK, and India.

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Northeastern University Lancaster University Center for Countering Digital Hate

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Parisa Hashempour is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

5 History Myths You Probably Believe

19 Apr 2024  |  www.readersdigest.co.uk  |  English  |  Cultural Misconceptions

The article debunks five common historical myths, with insights from various UK-based academics. It clarifies that the longest ancient wall is the Great Wall of Gorgan, not the Great Wall of China or Hadrian's Wall. It also discusses the Crusades' impact on cultural exchanges between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities, contrary to the common belief of only conflict. The piece challenges the notion that British history is solely the history of white people, highlighting the diverse ethnicities that have influenced the UK. It addresses the lasting impact of colonialism on contemporary society, particularly in the UK and India, and refutes the misrepresentation of queer history in India. Lastly, it explains nationalism as a social construct rather than an inherent feeling, created by states and political apparatus in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Nottingham University University of Lancaster Bath Spa University Cardiff University

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Tahir Khan is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I started journalism in 1990 and worked in several media outlets. I hosted TV programms for an Urdu and two Pashto-language TV channels. I write on foreign affairs and security issues. My area of interest is militancy, terrorism, ...

Pathogenic variants in SLF2 and SMC5 cause segmented chromosomes and mosaic variegated hyperploidy

15 Nov 2022  |  Nature  |  English  |  Chromosomal Abnormalities

Pathogenic variants in SLF2 and SMC5 have been identified as causing segmented chromosomes and mosaic variegated hyperploidy, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as microcephaly and short stature. Whole exome sequencing of patients revealed biallelic variants in SLF2 and SMC5, which were associated with developmental delays, cardiac defects, and anemia. Functional studies demonstrated that these variants compromise protein stability and interactions within the RAD18-SLF1/2-SMC5/6 pathway, affecting DNA damage response and replication. Zebrafish models confirmed the developmental impact of these variants, showing significant reductions in head size and craniofacial abnormalities. The study underscores the critical role of SLF2 and SMC5 in maintaining genomic stability and normal development.

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Jichi Medical University Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine Lancaster General Hospital Institutional Review Board West Midlands, Coventry and Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee Scottish Multicentre Research Ethics Committee Regeneron Genetics Center

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Melissa Kravitz is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Eating Like a Salmon Is Better Than Eating Actual Salmon, Study Finds

31 Mar 2024  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Environmental Sustainability

A study published in Nature Food journal by researchers from the University of Cambridge, Lancaster University, University of Stirling, and the University of Aberdeen suggests that consuming small wild fish like mackerel, anchovies, and herring, which are part of salmon's diet, is more nutritionally beneficial than eating farmed salmon. The study found that wild-feed fish fillets contain higher levels of essential nutrients compared to farmed salmon fillets. Dr. David Willer, the lead author, recommends diversifying fish consumption to include these wild fish species for health and environmental benefits. The study also proposes reallocating one-third of food-grade, wild-feed fish for direct human consumption to improve nutrient intake and support wild seafood populations.

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University of Aberdeen University of Stirling Lancaster University University of Cambridge Nature Food journal

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Sarah MacDonald is a journalist based in Saskatoon, Canada.

Macbeth With A New Twist

21 Feb 2023  |  cumbriatimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Technology in Arts

A new production of Macbeth by the theatre company imitating the dog is set to tour the north of England, featuring a blend of live performance and advanced video technology. Directed by Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks, this innovative retelling of Shakespeare's classic explores themes of power, ambition, and downfall through a unique visual and auditory experience. The production, which includes actors Laura Atherton, Stefan Chanyaem, and Matt Prendergast, aims to engage audiences with its dynamic and modern approach while maintaining the essence of Shakespeare's original work.

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Lancaster University imitating the dog Leeds Playhouse

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London-based freelance journalist specialising in personal finance and the retail market. Music is also an interest. Proficent in using online publishing tools (Keyword Planner, Infogram, Wordpress). A former online writer at Which? Money Online and Retail Gazette. Available for feature articles, ...

Lack of managerial skill 'causes problems for staff'

13 Nov 2018  |  smallbusiness.co.uk  |  English  |  Skills Gap

Professor Cary Cooper from Lancaster University Management School highlights the negative consequences of underperforming managers, including increased stress, burnout, and reduced productivity. The National Employer Skills Survey 2017 indicates that 177,000 managers in England have a skills gap, an increase from 163,000 in 2007. The skills shortage is costing the private sector approximately £6.3 billion annually, according to The Open University's 2018 Business Barometer report.

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Lancaster University Management School National Employer Skills Survey

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