Question for written answer E-002331/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gerald Hauser (PfE)
According to the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2024’ report, the OECD considers health professions in Europe to be in crisis. In the EU as a whole, there is a shortfall of 1.2 million doctors, nursing professionals and midwives. The WHO describes it as a ticking bomb: Without immediate action, healthcare staff shortages could have disastrous consequences. Moreover, the situation regarding healthcare staff in the EU is significantly worse than it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Union’s crisis prevention strategy, the Commission seeks to take over key responsibilities from the Member States in the area of health, inter alia through the Critical Medicines Act and the Union of Skills, as well as with the help of various EU agencies and authorities. The Commission has explained that in order to safeguard citizens’ wellbeing, it is proposing additional measures in order to better cope with a series of threats, including pandemics and all manner of health emergencies.
1.What does the Commission intend to do to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
2.What sum does the Commission intend to invest to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
Question for written answer E-002331/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gerald Hauser (PfE)
According to the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2024’ report, the OECD considers health professions in Europe to be in crisis. In the EU as a whole, there is a shortfall of 1.2 million doctors, nursing professionals and midwives. The WHO describes it as a ticking bomb: Without immediate action, healthcare staff shortages could have disastrous consequences. Moreover, the situation regarding healthcare staff in the EU is significantly worse than it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Union’s crisis prevention strategy, the Commission seeks to take over key responsibilities from the Member States in the area of health, inter alia through the Critical Medicines Act and the Union of Skills, as well as with the help of various EU agencies and authorities. The Commission has explained that in order to safeguard citizens’ wellbeing, it is proposing additional measures in order to better cope with a series of threats, including pandemics and all manner of health emergencies.
1.What does the Commission intend to do to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
2.What sum does the Commission intend to invest to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is gearing up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 with a series of events across the country. Embracing the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, the organisation has planned 50 yoga sessions in 46 different locations, reinforcing its commitment to promoting holistic well-being.
The GSI will organise guided yoga sessions at its Central Headquarters in Kolkata, as well as at regional and state unit offices. Special sessions will also be conducted at 12 geo-heritage sites, six drilling field camps, and three training centres.
Over 3,000 participants, including GSI employees, school children, and members of local communities, are expected to join the nationwide campaign. These sessions will highlight the unifying and health-boosting aspects of yoga, while encouraging collective participation from diverse regions and backgrounds.
As part of the preparations, GSI will also participate in the Countdown Event for IDY 2025. This special session, featuring a live yoga demonstration, will be held in Hyderabad on 20th June and will be attended by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy.
With these initiatives, the Geological Survey of India continues to actively support the national movement towards health and wellness. The widespread observance reflects GSI’s ongoing efforts to blend traditional practices like yoga into the daily lives of its scientific and administrative community, while also engaging with the general public.
The International Day of Yoga is observed globally on 21st June each year to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and to inspire individuals to adopt it as a way of life.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced an immediate review of new clinical trials that involve sending American citizens’ living cells to China and other hostile countries for genetic engineering and subsequent infusion back into U.S. patients – sometimes without their knowledge or consent. This action by the FDA follows mounting evidence that some of these trials failed to inform participants about the international transfer and manipulation of their biological material and may have exposed Americans’ sensitive genetic data to misuse by foreign governments including adversaries. This practice was made possible by a data security rule finalized under the Biden Administration in December 2024 and implemented in April 2025 by the U.S. Department of Justice. While the rule imposed export controls to limit sensitive data transfers to countries of concern, the Biden Administration specifically requested and approved a sweeping exemption that allowed U.S. companies to send trial participants’ biological samples — including DNA — for processing overseas as part of FDA-regulated clinical trials. This exemption applied even in cases involving companies partially owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. “The previous administration turned a blind eye and allowed American DNA to be sent abroad — often without the knowledge or understanding of trial participants,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. “The integrity of our biomedical research enterprise is paramount. We are taking action to protect patients, restore public trust, and safeguard U.S. biomedical leadership.” The FDA is actively reviewing all relevant clinical trials that relied on this exemption and will require companies to demonstrate full transparency, ethical consent, and domestic handling of sensitive biological materials. New trials that cannot meet these standards will not proceed. The agency is also working closely with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that no federally funded research is compromised by these practices. Additional enforcement and policy measures could be forthcoming. This action is part of a broader national effort to implement Executive Orders 14117 and 14292, which direct the federal government to prevent the exploitation of sensitive biological data by foreign adversaries and ensure research funding flows only to secure, transparent, and U.S.-compliant institutions.
Consumer:888-INFO-FDA
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The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.
On 24 June, Parliament will host Bill Gates for a debate on development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.
WHEN: Tuesday, 24 June, 17:45-18:45 CET
WHERE: European Parliament, ANTALL building, room 6Q2
MEPs from the Committee on Development, together with colleagues from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Public Health, will host an exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, on Tuesday 24 June.
The hour-long session with Mr Gates will focus on the role of official development assistance (ODA) and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.
The debate comes at a time when major global development donors – including the US administration under Trump and several EU member states – are cutting their aid budgets and questioning the value of traditional ODA. In doing so they are contributing to an already-acute global development financing gap reaching into the trillions of dollars.
Since its creation by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2000, the Gates Foundation has grown to become one of the largest private philanthropic organisations worldwide, with a strong focus on public health in developing countries.
On 24 June, 17:45-18-45, Mr. Bill Gates will join the DEVE Committee for an exchange on “ODA and Innovation: Key Drivers for Health and Living Standards in the Global South.” The discussion will focus on the Gates Foundation’s work in public health, including vaccination, disease eradication, and innovative technologies. Members will explore the role of Official Development Assistance, the impact of funding cuts, and the importance of investing in human capital for sustainable development.
On 24 June, Mr. Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, joins the DEVE Committee for an exchange on “ODA and Innovation as Key Drivers for Improving Health and Living Standards in the Global South.” The discussion will highlight the Gates Foundation’s major role in public health, including vaccination programs, disease eradication, healthcare system strengthening, nutrition initiatives, and pandemic preparedness. Members will explore the critical role of Official Development Assistance amid recent funding cuts and the U.S. withdrawal from WHO. The conversation will also focus on investing in human capital–through education, health, and skills development–to drive sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. The Foundation’s approach to maximizing impact through innovation and partnerships with governments, multilateral agencies, and the private sector will be discussed. A Q&A session will follow, with contributions from ITRE and SANT Committee chairs/vice-chairs.
Question for written answer E-002329/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)
The EU’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Directive (89/654/EEC), establishing minimum safety requirements for workplaces, has remained unchanged since 1989. However, the work environment and its risks have continued to change since then, with heart disease fatalities related to long working hours seeing a rise of 41 %. It is thus crucial to mitigate the risks associated with health emergencies, such as sudden cardiac arrests.
EU legislation can be updated to address this risk by improving access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). By improving workers’ abilities to respond to medical emergencies, the EU can promote a culture of preparedness within the workplace and beyond.
In this context:
1.Does the Commission intend to revise the OSH Directive to include mandatory CPR training and the availability of AEDs in workplaces, ensuring a harmonised approach to emergency preparedness across the Member States?
2.How does the Commission intend to integrate the Council conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the EU into occupational health and safety legislation, given the Council’s focus on making AEDs publicly available and ensuring that individuals are properly trained to use them?
3.Can the Commission fund the purchase of AEDs to be used in public schools, workplaces and similar high-capacity environments?
Jordan has taken a bold step to make its roads safer with the ratification of a new drink-driving law that meets World Health Organization (WHO) best practice criteria.
With technical support from WHO, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan introduced legislation that lowers the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for the general population, bringing the country closer to global standards that are proven to save lives.
Drinking and driving significantly increases the risk and severity of road crashes. In low- and middle-income countries, where 92% of road deaths occur, between 33% and 69% of drivers killed in crashes have consumed alcohol.
“Jordan’s landmark drink-driving law is a major step forward in efforts to reduce road deaths,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan. “This builds on the commendable progress in reducing preventable road fatalities in recent years. Looking forward, WHO is here to help implement the new law and advance road safety however we can.”
With an estimated 1514 annual road traffic fatalities and a fatality rate of 13.6 deaths per 100 000 population, Jordan is below the global average of 15 deaths per 100 000 population. Yet while road deaths are declining, the country faces challenges around legislation for speed limits, seatbelt use, child restraints, helmet use and impaired driving.
The adoption of the new law follows extensive engagement with WHO, including through a series of consultations with countries across the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region that focused on developing laws on key road user behaviours.
The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 notes that 166 countries report having drink-driving laws, yet only 53 UN Member States meet all three WHO best practice criteria. This requires countries to have a drink-driving law in place, to set blood alcohol concentration at 0.05 grams or below per decilitre for the general population and at 0.02 grams per decilitre or below for novice drivers. Jordan’s new law meets two of the three criteria.
With WHO support, efforts will focus on ensuring the law is effectively implemented, properly enforced and clearly communicated to enforcement authorities and the public. The WHO Drink-Driving Manual for Decision Makers notes that laws must be evidence-based, context-relevant and supported by robust enforcement and public awareness to save lives.
“Jordan’s progress demonstrates what is possible when leadership, evidence and commitment come together. With the new drink-driving law in place, the country is taking meaningful action to protect lives and build a safer future on its roads,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan.
The Highland Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Sutton as Chief Officer – Operations and Maintenance. This marks the fourth of five key appointments within the Council’s newly restructured senior management team for the Place service cluster, led by Malcolm Macleod, Assistant Chief Executive – Place.
This appointment is part of the Council’s revised senior management structure, approved on 14 March 2024 as outlined in the 2024/25 budget plan. The new structure streamlines the management hierarchy from three layers to two, aligning Highland Council with other benchmarked local authorities and enhancing operational efficiency.
Council Convener, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “I warmly congratulate Debbie on her new role. She brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership that will be a tremendous asset to The Highland Council.”
Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, added: “I’m encouraged by the continued progress in implementing our new senior management structure. These appointments are a key step in delivering the efficiencies agreed in our February 2024 budget. The restructure is expected to generate initial savings of £370,000, with long-term savings projected to reach approximately 20% of senior management costs.”
Debbie Sutton, currently serving as Acting Strategic Lead for Community Operations and Logistics, brings 19 years of experience with The Highland Council. She holds a degree in (Hospitality) Management and brings extensive experience in insourcing, strategic reviews, and strategy development. Her work includes the original development of the Greenspace Strategy for Inverness in 2006, as well as the more recent and nationally recognised Play Park Strategy. Debbie has also led and managed a wide range of operational services, including Grounds Maintenance, Play Areas and Public Conveniences. Debbie will assume her new responsibilities with immediate effect.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Since 2011, over 1,100 social facilities have been built in Moscow: schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, sports and cultural complexes. They were built both using funds from the capital’s Targeted Investment Program and with the participation of private investors. This was announced at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“Moscow pays great attention to the creation of social infrastructure. The facilities are built at the expense of the city budget and investors. Thus, since 2011, 1,143 social facilities have been built in Moscow: 661 school and kindergarten buildings, about 175 healthcare facilities, 225 sports facilities and 82 cultural facilities. In particular, the construction of such important institutions for the capital as the flagship center of the V.M. Buyanov City Clinical Hospital, the ice palace in the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain have been completed, and the first kindergarten built using modular technology has been opened in Izmailovo,” Vladimir Efimov noted.
Work on creating social infrastructure continues. Last year alone, 49 schools and kindergartens, 17 sports facilities and nine cultural facilities were built through the joint efforts of the city and investors.
“In the first five months of this year, developers have already built more than 10 socially significant facilities. For example, in the Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo district, an investor built a school for 825 students with an area of more than 12 thousand square meters. In the east of Moscow, a developer built a multidisciplinary medical center in the Kosino-Ukhtomsky district, and in the South Administrative District, in the Biryulevo Vostochnoye district, a sports and recreation complex with an area of over seven thousand square meters was built using extra-budgetary sources,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy
Since 2011, the capital has also built such significant facilities as the flagship centers of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care, the V.V. Veresaev City Clinical Hospital, No. 15 named after O.M. Filatov and named after S.P. Botkin, the International Sambo Center, the boxing center on the territory of the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, the Sports Palace in Nekrasovka, and the educational complex of the N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
The construction of social facilities in Moscow corresponds to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 19) launched a new edition of antimicrobial guidelines entitled the Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial ChemoTherapy (IMPACT) Guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for doctors when prescribing antimicrobial drugs for inpatients, aiming to prevent overuse which may aggravate antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
“In view of the evolving AMR situations, the CHP in collaboration with experts updated IMPACT based on local AMR data and the latest international and local literature for reference of doctors so that antimicrobials can be prescribed in a more accurate manner. The CHP organised a forum today to introduce the major updates of the guidelines, including the empirical therapy of common infections, antimicrobials for known pathogens and recommendations for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis to over 150 participating healthcare professionals from the public and private sectors. Recommended dosing and adverse reactions for certain antimicrobials are also set out in the updated guidelines,” said the Consultant (Antimicrobial Resistance) of the Infection Control Branch of the CHP, Dr Edmond Ma.
In addition to the forum for the medical field, the CHP also issued a Letter to Doctors today, urging them to refer to the new guidelines and prescribe the appropriate antimicrobials to patients in need. This will help curb the spread of drug resistance and safeguard the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Dr Ma added, “AMR occurs when microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) evolve and become resistant to previously effective medications. When patients are infected with drug-resistant bacteria, their illness may be prolonged, and their risk of death may even increase. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the major drivers of drug-resistant bacteria. Since the first edition of the IMPACT Guidelines was launched in 1999, it has become an important reference for healthcare professionals, helping to minimise unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. At the same time, it has become a key foundation for launching the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in public hospitals and will facilitate the enhancement of relevant measures in private hospitals in the future. According to the latest surveillance data, the proportion of antimicrobials in the Watch category (i.e. antimicrobials considered by the World Health Organization to be at a higher risk of developing drug resistance) in the total supply of antimicrobials in Hong Kong decreased from 40.3 per cent in 2016 to 34.6 per cent in 2024, indicating that doctors are prescribing relatively fewer broad spectrum antibiotics to help combat AMR.”
The Government has been placing great importance on addressing the necessity of combating AMR. In 2022, the Government published the second Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (Action Plan), outlining strategies to tackle the threat of AMR from 2023 to 2027. The measures include reviewing and updating IMPACT, and reminding doctors to prescribe antimicrobials to patients in accordance with guidelines and scientific evidence.
The IMPACT set of guidelines, now in its 6th edition, are a collaborative effort among the CHP, the Hospital Authority, the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Medical Association and the Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association. The CHP would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Editors, Dr Ho Pak-leung, Dr Wu Tak-chiu, and the other members of the Editorial Board.
The CHP also urged members of the public to work with healthcare professionals to eliminate AMR by observing the following:
Consult a doctor when having a cold, flu or COVID-19. Do not buy antibiotics without a prescription at community pharmacies;
Do not demand antibiotics from doctors. Only take antibiotics when advised by doctors and complete the whole course of treatment even if symptoms have improved;
Follow health advice stated on the prescription bag and adopt appropriate infection control measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, and disinfecting and covering all wounds properly to prevent person-to-person spread of resistant bacteria when taking antibiotics;
Receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as effective means to prevent secondary bacterial infection, hence reducing the use of antibiotics and occurrence of AMR;
Be aware of the risk of acquiring resistant bacteria from ready-to-eat (RTE) food. People taking antibiotics or antacids, and high-risk populations (such as pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity) are of higher risk and should avoid eating raw or undercooked RTE foods; and
Observe good hygienic practices in the kitchen when handling food to minimise the risk of cross-contamination by resistant bacteria.
For details of the IMPACT Guidelines, please visit the IMPACT webpage (impact.chp.gov.hk/). For more information about AMR, please visit the CHP website.
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed delegates from across the world to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa which is currently underway in Cape Town.
For over a decade the Future Hospitality Summit Africa – previously known as AHIF – has served as a launchpad for hospitality investment across the continent, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
The summit, which began on Tuesday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), gathers global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders who are dedicated to turning potential into reality. The summit concludes on Thursday, 19 June.
In his address, Meyer emphasised the province’s dynamic role in shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“Cape Town is not just a backdrop; it is a beacon of possibility. But our world-class infrastructure, stable governance, and vibrant economic ecosystem make the Western Cape Africa’s gateway to investment,” Meyer said.
The MEC also touched on the upcoming Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, which is set to take place from 5-7 November.
This summit serves as a transformative platform aimed at connecting global capital with high-impact opportunities.
Aligned with the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, the summit seeks to attract R200 billion in direct investment, to develop an inclusive R1 trillion economy that grows at an annual rate of 3-5% by 2035.
According to the provincial department, the hospitality and tourism sectors are essential components of this vision.
In April 2025, Cape Town’s hotels recorded an impressive occupancy rate of 72.5%, along with a 20.1% year-on-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR).
Meanwhile, the luxury properties led the charge, reinforcing the city’s status as a global tourism hub.
The summit will showcase investment-ready projects across nine sectors, with tourism and hospitality offering premium experiences, cultural capital, and tech-driven innovation.
The gathering will provide streamlined regulatory support, expedited approvals, and direct access to key decision-makers. Meyer concluded with a call to action to join the Western Cape Investment Summit 2025, aiming to shape the future of hospitality and tourism in Africa.
“Together, we can create jobs, uplift communities, and position the Western Cape as Africa’s investment leader.” – SAnews.gov.za
As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is rolling out a wide range of events across the country under this year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
The main event, Yoga Sangam, will feature a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over one lakh locations across India. The nationwide event is scheduled for June 21, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebration from Visakhapatnam, where over 2.5 lakh participants are expected to perform yoga together — an attempt to set a new world record. This collective celebration underscores India’s continued commitment to yoga as a timeless tool for well-being and sustainability.
Yoga, an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, has become one of the most trusted practices to enhance both physical and mental health. Derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite,” yoga symbolises the unity of mind and body, thought and action, discipline and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature.
Recognising yoga’s universal appeal, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. The draft resolution was introduced by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.
Prime Minister Modi first proposed the idea in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The date, June 21, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising balance between nature and wellness — a concept rooted in many cultures worldwide.
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated in 2015, and since then, the event has grown into a global wellness movement. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, participation has risen exponentially — from 9.59 crore people in 2018 to an estimated 24.53 crore in 2024, demonstrating its massive global appeal.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply with India’s G20 presidency vision — One Earth, One Family, One Future. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual health, planetary sustainability, and collective well-being.
Elaborating on the symbolism of the International Yoga Day logo, the Ministry of AYUSH explained that the folded hands represent the union of individual and universal consciousness, regarded as the core principle of yoga.
Each element of the logo carries deeper meaning: the brown leaves signify the Earth element, green represents Nature, blue denotes Water, brightness symbolizes Fire, and the Sun stands for the ultimate source of energy and inspiration.
Together, the logo embodies the values of harmony, peace, and holistic well-being for all of humanity.
As part of the celebrations, the PM Yoga Awards will be conferred to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions in promoting and practising yoga. The awards aim to honour excellence and encourage the widespread adoption of yoga as a daily practice.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on UKHSA announcing a rabies case in an individual that had contact with an animal in Morocco.
Dr Chris Smith, Clinical Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Although cases in UK travellers are very rare, this recent tragic case underscores the importance of awareness and timely treatment.
“Rabies is endemic in many parts of the world, including popular holiday destinations such as Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. All human rabies cases reported in the UK since 1902 have been acquired abroad: typically through dog bites. Since 1946, 26 imported cases have been reported, with the most recent prior to this being in 2018, following a bite from a cat in Morocco.
“Travellers to countries where rabies is present should seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination.
“Rabies is usually transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often dogs, but also cats and bats. Even a minor scratch or lick on broken skin can pose a risk. If exposed, immediate first aid is essential: the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – including a course of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin – should be sought. These interventions are highly effective when started early.”
“The key public health messages are:
Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease
Seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination when visiting high-risk countries
Avoid contact with animals abroad; if bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately — don’t wait for symptoms to appear”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A meta-analysis published in Aging Cell looks at the effect of Rapamycin, Metformin, and Dietary Restriction on non-human vertebrate lifespan.
Dr David Clancy, Lecturer in Biogerontology, Lancaster University, said:
“Diet restriction seems to extend lifespan significantly but is hard to do, and certainly no fun. So Ivimey-Cook et al decided to look at hundreds of datasets across 8 species of vertebrate which examined lifespan effects of diet restriction (DR), the immune suppressant drug rapamycin and the diabetes drug metformin. Both drugs have been extensively tested for lifespan extension. The closest species to humans were rhesus monkeys (4 studies) and the furthest from humans were fish (4 studies). The most common were mice and rats (210 studies).
“This well-done study showed DR and rapamycin extending lifespan with significant consistency across studies, in both sexes, DR probably a little greater than rapamycin. However metformin did not. That is a pity for the many people now taking off-label metformin for lifespan extension. Let’s hope it doesn’t have any or many adverse effects.
“Rapamycin is used mainly as an immune suppressant in kidney transplant. Oddly it may be slightly toxic to kidneys in humans but has not been tested in non-renal patients, and not over the long term as in these lifespan studies. Early experiments in flies and worms show that it needs the cell process known as autophagy to exert its lifespan extension. This is the process whereby cells ‘clean’ themselves of damaged and misfolded proteins and other damaged biomolecules and cell components and recycle them. Unsurprisingly research is looking for stimulators of autophagy (which DR achieves, and exercise), and is searching for ‘rapalogues’ – molecules similar in action to rapamycin but ideally smaller, less complex molecules with no immune system or other ‘off-target’ effects.”
Prof Dame Linda Partridge, Professorial Fellow, UCL, said:
“This meta-analysis of published studies of the effects on vertebrate animals of dietary restriction (DR) and two licensed drugs, metformin and rapamycin, finds that only DR and rapamycin consistently extend lifespan. They do so to about the same extent and with similar effects in males and females. Dietary restriction is long established as ameliorating many of the adverse effects of ageing, The discovery of lifespan extension from rapamycin is more recent. In mice irapamycin also holds back several ageing-related pathologies. The finding that DR and rapamycin have effects of similar magnitude on lifespan across species implies that rapamycin is a candidate for repurposing for prevention of ageing-related pathologies in humans. Other licensed drugs may be similarly geroprotective, and more work is needed to investigate their potential to prevent deterioration of health in older people. Given that many of the candidate drugs are off patent, public and charity funding may be needed to investigate the potential of these drugs for prevention of age-related diseases.”
Prof Lynne Cox, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, said:
“Research into ageing understandably attracts a lot of public interest. For most people, retaining their health is more important than the exact length of time they live, but it is also the case that increased lifespan usually reflects better health, and in the scientific laboratory, lifespan (time from birth to death) is clear and easy to measure.
“Dietary restriction (DR, i.e. cutting down on overall food intake, reducing calories or undertaking periods of fasting) has been widely reported to increase lifespan in experimental animals. But it is very hard for people to achieve DR for long periods, and in fact research suggests that it is actually harmful for older adults to cut down on how much they eat.
“Scientists have therefore looked for ways of achieving lifespan extension without having to stick to a highly restrictive diet, using drugs that might mimic DR, particularly rapamycin and metformin. Each drug has been reported to increase lifespan in multiple scientific reports. In this new study, the researchers compare results from 167 scientific papers studying the effect on lifespan of dietary restriction, metformin or rapamycin. They conclude that DR and rapamycin (but not metformin) increase lifespan in all vertebrate species analysed, and that males and females equally benefit.
“The difficulties these researchers encountered when trying to find original raw data highlights a major problem in the ageing field – the lack of transparency and accessibility of lifespan data so that others can cross check and carry out further analysis. They also report far fewer studies on females compared with males – again a major issue with biomedical research.
“The paper is an interesting first-pass analysis, but it doesn’t take into account the really important aspect of drug dosing or duration, which can have huge impacts on healthspan and lifespan; a very high dose of a drug might be toxic, while much lower doses of the drug could be beneficial. Dosing is particularly important with rapamycin which is immunosuppressive at high doses but immunosupportive at low doses. Similarly, metformin either increases or decreases lifespan in mice according to dose. It is therefore vital that the drug dose, duration of treatment, and the age of the individual at which the drug is administered, are all taken into account when analysing lifespan effects. By drawing together results from so many studies across different vertebrate species, this paper is a step in the right direction but highlights the need for even more studies that provide important information on age, dose and treatment duration, as well as correlations with detailed health measures.”
Prof Neil Mabbott, Personal Chair of Immunopathology, Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, said:
“Many studies have described how interventions such as dietary restriction can extend lifespans in experimental settings. However, the impact that some of these approaches have on lifespans has occasionally been inconsistent, or not observed, when repeated in different animal species or laboratories. To address these concerns the authors have analysed over 900 effect sizes across 167 studies to compare the reported effects of three interventions on their ability to extend lifespan. Their analysis revealed that dietary restriction or treatment with the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin were equally effective in extending lifespans in the animal species used in those studies.
“This is an interesting and useful study, but more research is now required to uncover how these treatments extend lifespans. Furthermore, none of the studies the authors compared described effects in humans. So it is uncertain whether the effects described in animals such as laboratory mice, rats, dogs, macaques, fish and mouse lemurs, are also applicable to humans.
“With advances in health care etc. lifespans across the world are forecast to steadily increase. While this is obviously to be welcomed, an increased elderly population does bring with it challenges, especially to health care providers. In this study the authors compared how effective the different interventions were on extending lifespan. However, rather than simply focusing on lifespan duration, we should also focus our efforts on extending the health-span. This is the period of our lives in which we live healthily and disease-free. While this study found consistent effects on lifespan, it is uncertain whether these interventions have a similar impact on the health-span. Living a lot longer but with the multiple morbidities that can accompany aging is perhaps not the best thing. Treatments that can improve the duration of those healthy years, will themselves feedback into increased lifespans.”
Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Co-director of the Healthy Lifespan Institute, University of Sheffield, said:
“This meta-analysis compiles existing data on the effects of dietary restriction (DR), metformin, and rapamycin on lifespan across multiple species, but its findings—particularly regarding DR and rapamycin—should be interpreted with caution. While the authors report no significant differences between these two interventions or between sexes, this may reflect limitations in the underlying data, and its heterogeneity, rather than a true absence of effect. Both rapamycin and DR have demonstrated sex-specific and context-dependent effects on longevity in numerous experimental models, especially in mice. Moreover, the analysis cannot address key translational questions, such as dose dependency and timing of intervention—factors that are particularly important given rapamycin’s known side effects. Perhaps more critically, the study focuses on lifespan rather than healthspan, and it is well established that longer life does not necessarily mean more years in good health. Although the study reinforces general principles about the influence of these interventions on longevity, its relevance to human ageing and therapeutic translation is limited, and claims of equivalence should be treated with caution.”
Dr Laura Sinclair, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Exeter, said:
“The team made use of the powerful tool of meta-analysis to look at how dietary restriction, metformin and rapamycin affect longevity across published experimental research studies.
“As one might expect, a drug’s effect on lifespan can be quite difficult to assess in humans, so research often uses model organisms for assessing lifespan, while human studies focus more on age-related diseases. For example, the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) Trial in the US will use mortality and a combination of age-related disease indications to examine metformin’s effects on ageing and lifespan.
“The team analysed data from lots of experiments from other studies. Most of the experiments that the team studied will have involved giving an animal a treatment and measuring their lifespan compared to a control group of animals not given the treatment. The dietary restriction treatment may have consisted of giving the animal less food, less time to eat and/or less nutrition in their food.
Dietary restriction is well known to increase longevity across many studies in animals, but its effects are difficult to replicate in people in the real world for many reasons.
“When you eat less, lots of nutrition-sensing pathways are affected in your cells. These pathways overlap a lot with cell-controlling pathways that are associated with living longer. It is important to study these pathways as targeting them might help us be able to live healthier in older age. It is also important to consider sex differences as some differences in response between sexes have been observed in other studies.
‘Rapamycin, not metformin, mirrors dietary restriction-2driven lifespan extension in vertebrates: a meta-analysis’by Ivimey-Cook et al. will be published in Aging Cell at 00:01 UK time on Thursday 19th June, which is when the embargo will lift.
Declared interests
Prof Neil Mabbott “I have no conflicts of interest to declare”
Prof Ilaria Bellantuono “I am consulting for Holland and Barrett.”
Dr Laura Sinclair “My project is currently funded by the charity, Animal-Free Research UK”
Prof Lynne Cox “Lynne Cox is a biochemist at the university of Oxford. She runs the Lab of Ageing and Cell Senescence in Oxford, and has strong research interest in rapamycin and drugs that act in similar ways to preserve healthspan. She has served for the past 3 years as co-director of the UK Ageing research Networks (UKAN) and is currently Program Director of Dynamic Resilience, a $60m global healthspan program co-funded by Wellcome Leap and Temasek Trust.”
Dr David Clancy “No interested to declare”
For all other experts no reply to our request for COIs was receive.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The Times Higher Education (THE) rating agency has published the results of the international TНE University Impact Rankings 2025. It measures the contribution of universities to socio-economic development through the prism of 17 UN global goals. This year, the ranking included 2,526 universities from 130 countries, including 80 Russian ones. Polytechnic University demonstrated high results, taking first place among Russian universities and entering the group of 301-400 best universities in the world.
THE Impact Rankings is an opportunity to assess the scale of achievements of such multidisciplinary universities as ours. Due to our polytechnic nature, we make a significant contribution to the development of a wide range of areas. I am proud of the social responsibility of polytechnics, their concern and desire for positive changes. Therefore, even focusing on technological leadership, Polytechnic does not lose sight of the importance of social and economic development of Russia and the world, – noted the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.
This year’s ranking showed a significant improvement in Polytechnic University’s positions on eight sustainable development goals. Particularly impressive is the progress in the area of “Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals” (SDG17), where the university moved up 11 positions among Russian universities and 200 positions in the world ranking. Indicators for the goal “Preservation of Marine Ecosystems” (SDG14) also increased significantly: plus seven positions in Russia and plus one hundred in the world. Significant progress was noted for the goals “Climate Action” (SDG13) and “Good Health and Well-Being” (SDG3), where SPbPU moved up six and five positions, respectively, among Russian universities. Polytechnic University maintains its leading position in Russia for the goal “Responsible Production and Consumption” (SDG12).
In addition to its significant impact on the economic development of the region and the country, Polytechnic University makes a significant social contribution. Our university provides access to quality education to more than 30 thousand Russian and foreign students, is a major employer, providing jobs for more than six thousand people, including people with disabilities. In addition, the university organizes many free socially significant events for the local community, and this is only part of our social activities. Evaluation of this kind of contribution is no less important, and this is the great value of such ratings, – commented Vice-Rector for Human Resources Policy Maria Vrublevskaya.
The assessment is based on information provided by universities and confirmed by Elsevier bibliometric data. The analysis covers three important areas: research activities (development of science to solve global problems), management efficiency (resource management and educational activities) and social work (implementation of social programs within the university).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
Polytechnic University scientists have developed a new chemical composition with increased anti-cancer activity and virtually zero toxicity.
Malignant neoplasms are one of the most serious problems of modern healthcare. Globally, about 20 million new cases of the disease are registered annually, and global mortality from cancer reaches 9-10 million people per year. In Russia, more than 640 thousand new cases of cancer are detected annually. At the same time, about 40% of patients seek medical help when the disease has already reached stage III-IV, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment and worsens survival. The most common types are breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
High morbidity and a significant proportion of cases of late diagnosis require the introduction of new, effective and affordable methods of therapy, which scientists in all countries are working on. Over the past ten years, a breakthrough has been achieved in the treatment of malignant neoplasms after the approval of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have significantly changed approaches to the treatment of patients with cancer tumors. Small-molecule inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) are a promising group of new antitumor agents that can selectively inhibit the enzyme responsible for the restoration of genotoxic damage in cells, which ultimately leads to apoptosis and death of tumor cells.
In Russia, under the conditions of sanctions pressure and the rising cost of modern foreign medicines, the creation of domestic antitumor drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity is especially relevant. This is the task that a group of scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is solving. They have selected chemical substances and invented a method for obtaining a new compound that has not only high anticancer activity, but also low toxicity.
Standard tests using resazurin revealed that the obtained compound has more than 50 times the anti-cancer activity of its FDA-approved analogue. We determined the toxicity of the compound using the method of G. N. Pershin on mice. The results of the experiments showed that, according to the current classification, the compound belongs to class V of virtually non-toxic drugs. The obtained characteristics make it possible to use this compound to create new targeted drugs with low toxicity to healthy tissues, – said one of the authors of the invention, head of the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances of the Institute of Cardiovascular and Biological Problems of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Alexander Timin.
The potential of the drug for further production of anti-cancer drugs is highly appreciated by specialists participating in testing the new compound, in accordance with the agreement concluded between the N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of Russia and SPbPU.
Currently, there are no registered inhibitors of domestic development in Russia. Therefore, it is especially important that the compound created by the scientists of the Polytechnic University of Petrovsky already demonstrates encouraging results at the early stages. This is an original molecule with characteristics comparable to foreign drugs. We continue research on biological models and are preparing for preclinical trials in accordance with international standards in order to provide patients with an effective and affordable antitumor agent in the future. Now we are waiting for the decision of the Ministry of Health on financing the project within the framework of the State assignment – the first stage of expert evaluation has already been successfully completed, – said Artem Poltoratsky, Head of the Department of Organization of Preclinical and Clinical Research, Leading Researcher and Oncologist at the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology.
Conducting preclinical studies and, in general, bringing the drug to market will be significantly cheaper also because Polytechnic scientists use artificial intelligence technologies. They conduct retrosynthetic analysis of large data sets (Big Data), establishing the relationship between the structure and biological activity of the compounds being studied.
The neural network we trained generates potential structures with the required properties and predicts binding affinities with target molecules. The proposed approach allows us to calculate properties based on the structure, create training samples based on more than 40,000 molecules and predict the structures of leading compounds. These solutions and the developed neural network approach, which tracks the effect of molecules on the body, significantly reduce the time and material costs of preclinical studies, – said the leading researcher of the laboratory of nano- and microencapsulation of biologically active substances, one of the authors of the invention Sergey Shipilovskikh.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Air pollution levels in Oxford are continuing to improve, new data from Oxford City Council has found.
However, despite improvements, there continues to be no safe level of air pollution.
Latest data from Oxford City Council has found that during 2024, overall NO2 levels in Oxford decreased by 10% on average compared to 2023 levels – with some areas seeing decreases of up to 24% – and a 38% decrease overall on pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
The data follows the publication of Oxford City Council’s latest Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2024 which examines air pollution levels across 118 locations in the city from January 2024 – December 2024.
According to the latest NO2 data, Oxford met all UK legal limits for NO2 at all sites of relevant public exposure, with one site in breach of the UK’s legal target (Headington Hill). In addition, the city is on track to meet its local NO2 target by the end of 2025, with only four locations exceeding this target, with just one site in a location of public exposure.
Monitoring air pollution
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is measured in micrograms in each cubic metre of air (μg/m³), with the legal annual mean target set by Government of 40 μg/m³.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) published new guidelines which recommended stricter limits on the ‘safe’ level of air pollution, including PM2.5 and NO2, advising that there is no level at which pollutants stop causing damage.
In Oxford, there are two annual mean targets for Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution:
National legal limit: the annual mean concentration of NO2 which must not exceed 40 μg/m³
Oxford’s own adopted local annual mean target for NO2 of 30 µg/m3
Pollutant
World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended annual mean
UK Legal annual mean limit value
Oxford’s local annual mean target (commitment to be achieved across the city by 2025)
PM2.5
5 μg/m³
10 μg/m³
Non applicable
NO2
10 μg/m³
40 μg/m³
30 μg/m³
Oxford City Council has a statutory duty to report on air quality within the city and gathers data from each monitoring station within the city, following detailed technical guidance from DEFRA.
Report highlights:
Some of the highlights of the latest report are:
On average, NO₂ levels fell by 10% in 2024
In areas of high bus traffic – such as High Street and St Aldates – there were reductions of up to 24%, largely due to the introduction of ZEBRA funded electric buses in January 2024
Oxford met all UK legal limits for NO₂ at all sites of relevant public exposure
Only one site was found to be in breach of the UK’s legal target. This is in an area with limited public exposure to air pollution (eg busy roads away from residential areas or areas with pedestrians):
Headington Hill measured a concentration of 43 μg/m³. While still 7% (3 μg/m³) over the legal target, this is a 19% reduction compared to in NO₂ levels in 2023 (53 μg/m³).
Only four of the 118 sites were found to be in breach of Oxford’s local annual mean target for NO₂: St Clements (34 μg/m³), with the other three located in areas of limited public exposure: Headington Hill (43 μg/m³), and Oxford’s ring road (32 μg/m³ and 31 μg/m³).
Over the past decade (2013 – 2023), average NO2 levels in Oxford have decreased by 52%
While NO₂ levels fell by 10% on average, areas of high bus traffic – such as High Street and St Aldates saw reductions of up to 24%. This is believed to be largely due to the introduction of 159 ZEBRA funded electric buses from January 2024.
In February, the Council published an updated source apportionment study for Oxford, which found that the transport is the largest contributor to nitrogen oxides (NO + NO₂) emissions, accounting for 44% of the total emissions of these pollutants.
The Source Apportionment Study modelling suggested that there was a 12% drop in road transport NOX emissions (from 40% to 32%), with buses now contributing only 4% to total NOX emissions. This reflects a significant (28%) reduction since the previous source apportionment study.
The latest air pollution data supports this modelling, with the 24% reduction on High Street (reduction from 27 to 21 μg/m³) and St Aldates (reduction from 31 to 23 μg/m³) largely attributed to the introduction of the ZEBRA scheme electric buses, which now covers 69% of Oxford’s total bus mileage.
ZEZ Pilot
In February 2022, the Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council launched the UK’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot in Oxford.
In 2024, NO₂ levels within the ZEZ Pilot area overall remain well below both the UK’s legal limit of 40 μg/m³ and Oxford’s local target of 30 μg/m³
NO₂ levels have generally remained stable at locations that are largely pedestrianised: Cornmarket (15 μg/m³), New Inn Hall Street (14 μg/m³), and St Michael’s Street (14 μg/m³).
Pedestrianised areas that are shared with buses and taxis (Queen Street, Bonn Square, and New Road) saw the largest reductions in NO2:
Queen Street: 17 μg/m³ – a reduction of 4 μg/m³
Bonn Square: 18 μg/m³ – a reduction of 2 μg/m³
New Road: 16 μg/m³ – a reduction of 6 μg/m³
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)
All the monitoring locations both inside and on the boundary roads of Oxford’s LTNS showed a decrease in NO₂ levels measured in 2024, compared to 2023.
None of the NO2 levels measured both inside and on the boundary roads of Oxford’s LTNS were above the UK legal limit
Only one location (St Clements) showed NO2 levels above the city’s local annual mean target for NO2
St Clements – historically Oxford’s most polluted street – saw notable NO₂ reductions of 4 μg/m³, 5 μg/m³, and 3 μg/m³ – averaging 34 μg/m³
Between Towns Road also saw a significant reduction of 5 μg/m³ (from 28 to 23 μg/m³)
Hollow Way saw a reduction of 2 μg/m³ (from 31 to 29 μg/m³), now meeting Oxford’s local air quality target for the first time
Particulate pollution (PM2.5 and PM10)
PM10 and PM2.5 were both monitored by automatic continuous monitors at St Ebbes (urban background) and Oxford High Street in 2024.
Oxford has consistently met all UK legal limits for PM2.5 in recent years and is now 2 μg/m³ away from achieving the WHO-recommended annual mean of 5 μg/m³ – considered the safest level for human health.
PM10 annual means for these sites were of 9 and 13 μg/m³. These values are both below the current UK legal annual mean limit of this pollutant (40 μg/m³) and of the WHO recommended annual mean (15 μg/m³).
Botley road closure
In April 2023, Botley Road was closed to traffic as part of broader improvement works on the western side of Oxford Railway Station. Since then, NO₂ levels have been monitored at four locations along Botley Road.
In 2022, prior to the road closure, the average NO₂ concentration at these sites was 19 μg/m³
In 2023, this dropped to 16 μg/m³ (a 16% decrease)
In 2024, the average further declined to 14 μg/m³ – a 2 μg/m³ decrease compared to 2023 levels, and 13% decrease, compared to the 10% city average
Main arterial routes into Oxford
On other major arterial roads into Oxford, 2024 monitoring data shows a consistent decline in NO₂ levels:
Abingdon Road: saw a 1 μg/m³ reduction (from 24 to 23 μg/m³)
Woodstock Road: saw a 1 μg/m³ reduction on average across 3 sites (from 16 to 15 μg/m³)
Banbury Road: saw a 2 μg/m³ reduction on average across 3 sites (from 18 to 16 μg/m³)
Headington Road/London Road: saw a 2 μg/m³ reduction on average across 3 sites (from 20 to 18 μg/m³)
Sunderland Avenue: saw a 2 μg/m³ reduction on average across 5 sites (from 22 to 20 μg/m³)
Next steps
The Council’s report will be submitted to the Government to be ratified and approved.
The report will also be used to inform the Council’s upcoming Air Quality Action Plan, which will be updated in 2026 following public consultation later this year.
An Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) outlines the actions that the Council and its partners will take to improve air quality in Oxford within a certain period of time. The Council’s current Air Quality Action Plan can be read here.
Comment
“It is great news that air pollution levels are continuing to fall across all areas of the city, that Oxford is are legally compliant in all locations of public exposure, and that we are close to reaching our localised air pollution target. However, it is important to remember that there is ultimately no safe level of air pollution – it always causes us harm.
“This data provides us with the latest picture on pollution in Oxford and will help inform our upcoming Air Quality Action Plan, which will look at what measures we can take over the next few years to further improve air quality for everyone in our city.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford
Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together, a bold vision setting out the shared ambitions of the city, its partners and citizens, and the Corporate Plan setting out the council’s priorities, were approved.
Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) approved at full council (17 June 2025) – which is a partnership plan for the next decade – aims to address challenges, grasp opportunities and tackle inequalities Birmingham and its residents face.
This vision – produced through consulting and engaging partners and communities across Birmingham and which will be delivered by working closely with city partners – is for Birmingham to be a city that has a thriving economy, tackles inequality, where all communities can enjoy greater opportunities and the wellbeing that brings.
The SBFT has helped shape the city council’s Corporate Plan 2025-28 which sets out how the council will strengthen Birmingham’s position as a thriving, young, diverse and creative global city – a place where everyone is included in the opportunities that the city can offer.
The council’s strategic priorities and outcomes are aimed at responding to the city’s challenges and opportunities so it can best serve the city and citizens and achieve. The following are the key missions set out in SBTF, which will guide how the council delivers its priorities:
Growth and prosperity for Birmingham – Focusing on investment and economic growth that benefits all people and places in the city.
Knowledge and opportunity – For all children and young people to have a good start in life and a great education, and with lifelong learning accessible to all.
Safety and sustainability – Ensuring more affordable homes are built, housing standards are improved, and homelessness prevented wherever possible.
Health, education and inequalities – For all children and young people to have a healthy start in life, and encouraging physical activity and healthy living, so everyone can live and age well.
Connected Birmingham – The provision of a safe and sustainable transport network, good access to online services and support to develop digital skills.
Improvement and Recovery – to stabilise and strengthen the council’s financial position to ensure it becomes a well-run, high performing council
The Corporate Plan for 2025-28 incorporates the Improvement and Recovery Plan for the council. It will guide how the council delivers, enables and influences these core missions over the next three years.
It also includes a performance framework, against which the council’s progress against these priorities will be measured.
Cllr John Cotton, Leader of BCC and Chair of Chair of Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together, said: “The Corporate Plan is a clear demonstration of our ambitions for the people and communities of Birmingham. For too long, our story has been a Tale of Two Cities: a booming city centre with cranes dotting the skyline, in stark contrast to neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty and unemployment just a stone’s throw away.
“That’s why we feel it’s important to have shared ambitions for Birmingham, which both address our challenges and harness our incredible collective potential. Through our work on Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together, we have created a shared vision for Birmingham, which draws from our rich history and maps out a bright future.”
Joanne Roney CBE, the city council’s Managing Director, said: “This Corporate Plan marks an important shift towards embedding sustainable improvements and ensuring that the council is fully equipped to meet the challenges ahead with confidence and accountability.
“Its success will lead to improved outcomes for citizens and communities – and ultimately ensure that Birmingham City Council becomes the organisation that our citizens, communities and partners deserve.”
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
Congratulations to Anatoly Ivanovich Osokin, Head of the Department of Geotechnics at SPbGASU, on the successful defense of his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences.
Scientific consultant – Rashid Abdullovich Mangushev, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Department of Geotechnics at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Dissertation topic: “Conceptual foundations and practical application of principles of scientific and technical justification and support of underground construction in soft soils”. Scientific specialty – 2.1.2. Foundations and bases, underground structures.
The defense took place on June 18 in the dissertation council 24.2.380.04, created on the basis of our university.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
regon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and community partners joined together to spotlight the importance of preventing and reporting abuse of older adults in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This observance serves as a critical reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the safety, dignity and rights of older adults across Oregon.
Every year, thousands of older Oregonians are subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial and neglect. In Oregon in 2024, there were 18,535 alleged victims, according to data collected by the Adult Protective Services (APS) unit within ODHS. However, many cases go unreported due to fear, isolation, or lack of awareness. Education and community engagement are essential to ensure people know what to do if they are being harmed or suspect someone they know could be at risk.
“Anyone can be a victim of abuse. Understanding the many forms that abuse takes and what to do about it is everyone’s responsibility,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., Director of ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time to strengthen our commitment to educate ourselves, check in on neighbors and relatives, and speak up when we see or suspect harm.”
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is on June 15 each year, communities across Oregon held events this month, sharing educational materials and connecting with local organizations to help foster a safer environment for older adults.
In Klamath County, APD partnered with the Klamath & Lake Counties Council on Aging, the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, and other local agencies to host a community resource fair on June 10. The event featured guest speakers, educational booths, engaging activities, giveaways, and a free lunch. A similar event was held the following day in Lake County at The Center (formerly the Lake County Senior Citizens Center). Hundreds of community members participated in the two events, showing strong local support for older adult abuse awareness and prevention. Events were also hosted virtually. Several APD leaders gave an informational presentation on June 12 at the Oregon Health Care Association’s Elder Abuse Prevention Summit 2025. The presentation focused on best practices facilities can implement to prevent abuse. Other topics covered at the summit included long-term care facility resident rights, effective abuse report investigations and navigating conflict.
Resources:
Anyone who suspects elder abuse is encouraged to call Oregon’s SafeLine at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). Reports are confidential and can be made twenty-four hours a day.
Warning signs of abuse can include:
Physical: Unexplained injuries or physical signs of punishment or restraint.
Emotional: Anxiety, depression, or behavior changes
Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, weight loss or unsafe living conditions.
Abandonment: A dependent person left alone.
Sexual: Withdrawal, distress or physical symptoms.
Financial: Unexplained bank transactions, late bill payments or missing assets.
For more information on how to help spot, prevent and report abuse, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/report-abuse/pages/default.aspx
For centuries, humans have searched for ways to extend life. Alchemists never found the philosopher’s stone, but scientists have consistently shown that a longer life can be attained by eating less – at least in certain lab animals. But can we find a way to live longer while still enjoying our food?
Compounds that mimic the biological effects of dieting could be the answer, and the two most popular diet-mimicking drugs are rapamycin and metformin. In a new study, my colleagues and I found that rapamycin prolongs life almost as consistently as eating less, whereas metformin does not.
Eating less, or dietary restriction, has been the gold standard for achieving a longer life ever since a study nearly a century ago in which laboratory rats that ate less surprised scientists by outliving their well-fed lab mates.
But for many people, sticking to a permanent diet is hard and far from enjoyable. Also, if taken to extremes, it can even be bad for health. That is why we wanted to know whether drugs that are dieting mimics could bring the same benefit of eating less without the unwanted side-effects.
Rapamycin was first discovered in bacteria living in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, and medical professionals now use it to prevent organ-transplant rejection, as it is a powerful immunosuppressant. It works by blocking a molecular switch that tells cells when nutrients are abundant.
Metformin, meanwhile, is a synthetic descendant of a compound found in French lilac (also known as goat’s rue) and is widely prescribed to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are involved in the body’s ability to sense nutrients and energy, so biologists like us hoped they might copy the mechanisms activated by eating less.
To find out, we pooled the results of many studies to see if there were any overall patterns. We carefully examined thousands of scientific papers to finally home in on 167 studies on eight vertebrate species, from fish to monkeys, that provided sufficient details on survival and how the study was done. Then we compared three longevity strategies: eating less, taking rapamycin and taking metformin.
We found that eating less still came out on top as the most consistent way to prolong life in all animals but rapamycin was close behind. Metformin, in contrast, showed no clear benefit. The life-extension effect of eating less was the same in both sexes, and it didn’t matter whether the diet plan involved eating smaller portions or intermittent fasting.
That makes rapamycin one of the most exciting leads for new anti-ageing therapies. Ageing might not be considered a disease, but it is a risk factor behind many diseases from cancer to dementia. If we slow that underlying process, the benefit will be extra years of quality life and lower healthcare bills as the world’s population grows older.
Rapamycin was first isolated from bacteria found in the soil on Easter Island. JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com
Encouraging early signs, but we’re not quite there yet
However, there are some important points to consider. First, we discovered considerable variation from experiment to experiment with some studies even showing that eating less or taking rapamycin reduced lifespan.
Also, most of the evidence originates from mice and rats that have many of our genes but are clearly not exactly like us.
Finally, rapamycin may have side-effects such as repressing immunity and reproduction. Researchers are now investigating milder doses of rapamycin to see if they provide the advantages without the side-effects.
The preliminary signs are encouraging. In an ongoing human rapamycin trial, volunteers given low, intermittent doses of rapamycin have experienced positive effects on indicators of healthspan. For metformin, the human trial is still in progress and the findings are expected to be out in a few years time.
For now, nobody should run to their doctor asking for prescriptions of rapamycin to live longer. But this drug, extracted from obscure soil bacteria, shows us that interfering with a single molecular pathway can be enough to mimic the benefits of eating less. The challenge is to use this discovery to produce therapies that make us healthier for longer without compromising our quality of life – or our taste for the occasional slice of chocolate cake.
Dr. Zahida Sultanova works for the University of East Anglia and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. She is a member of European Society of Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Society of Turkey (EkoEvo).
The results of an extensive engagement focusing on multiple strategies will be used to shape plans to support communities across the city.
The results of the “Your Place, Your Plans, Your Future” engagement were presented to the Community Planning Aberdeen board yesterday (18 June) and saw 2087 participants share their insights to help Community Planning Partners set their priorities for the years ahead.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “My thanks go out to everyone who gave us their views. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us to focus on the things that matter most to those living in our communities.
The engagement ran from 24 March to 18 May, with citizens able to contribute via an online survey for adults, a survey designed for children and young people and drop-in sessions where assistance was available with support from third sector organisations.
The engagement focused on the Local Housing Strategy, Health and Social Care Strategic Plan, Community Learning and Development Plan, Visitor Levy, and the next Local Outcome Improvement Plan, Locality Plans, Children’s Services Plan, and Local Development Plan.
The engagement used the Place Standard tool, a nationally-approved tool to assist with long-term planning that promotes conversations about how to improve people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
The results are being used to inform the finalised Local Housing Strategy, Health and Social Care Strategic Plan, Community Learning and Development Plan and Visitor Levy proposal before submission for approval.
Community Planning Aberdeen, the Locality Empowerment Groups and Priority Neighbourhood Partnerships, are analysing the results to support the development of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Locality Plans 2026-36 which are to be consulted on in early 2026.
It’s all about babies this week (16 – 21 June) in Manchester as parents, carers and tiny tots are invited to join in with a whole host of baby and toddler friendly activities, designed to educate and entertain parents, carers, and little ones alike.
Activities are happening every day this week in a packed programme of free, fun-filled stuff for parents, carers and their babies to enjoy right across the city – all aimed at supporting a child’s development from birth and before, to two years old.
The week kicked off on Monday with a day of activities at Central Library and Manchester Art Gallery that saw mums, dads and babies take part in everything from Baby DJing sessions, Dance Like a Mother (or dad) workouts, to have-a-go sessions playing musical instruments and singing with the Hallé Musical Stars.
The day also included plenty of opportunities for toddlers and their carers to get messy together with creative play sessions, as well baby massage and yoga classes – showing carers how to enjoy moments of calm and connection with their babies in what can sometimes seem like a busy and noisy world.
The rest of the week sees many of the same activities and more taking place across the city, in cultural venues, leisure centres, libraries, local Family Hubs, children’s centres, and also in the city’s parks – which will host free family fun days for all on Saturday 21 June.
With family splash and swim sessions, pool parties, sensory play, mini-me fitness and fun sessions for toddlers and their grown-ups, plus groovy dance classes, as well as walk and talk rambles round local areas and healthy child drop-ins with Health Visitors, there are plenty of free activities of all kinds for families to get involved in.
There’s also plenty of practical advice on offer through the week for parents and carers – from preventing common accidents in the home and first aid taster sessions, to Tiny Talk Baby Signing sessions to help teach even the youngest babies to begin to communicate long before they’re able to speak, helping parents and their babies to understand each other from the earliest of days together.
Manchester’s annual Baby Week takes place at an important time for Manchester as the city journeys towards being recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City – the best possible place for a child to grow up in, a place where children’s rights are understood and the voices of children and young people matter.
Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: “As any parent or carer will tell you, parenting or caring for a baby or toddler can be both the most joyous and the most challenging of experiences – and sometimes even both these things in the space of a minute!
“Having people around you to share these experiences with and help you navigate the hard things whilst enjoying all the great stuff is really important. And that’s where Manchester Baby Week comes in.
“We want to make sure that Manchester is the very best place it can be for all our babies and children to grow up in. The week provides a brilliant platform for parents, carers and babies to meet each other, learn from each other, and really enjoy themselves as they explore what’s available for tiny tots and their grown-ups in the city.”
Home » Latest News » External transformation of Poor Priests’ Hospital complete
Work is now complete on a dramatic external transformation of one of Canterbury’s most historic buildings.
Poor Priests’ Hospital in Stour Street, which is owned by the city council and dates back to the 1200s, has been under scaffolding for the past 11 months, but is now once again on show in all its glory to the public following extensive repairs to the building’s external fabric.
The key element of the project has seen the reroofing of the Kent Peg roofs and lead roofs.
The existing Kent Peg roofs were stripped back to the roof structure in their entirety, with salvageable tiles consolidated on selected roof slopes, ,mainly the later parts of the building.
The most significant parts of the Poor Priests’ Hospital – the main hall, solar and chapel – and some connected roofs were then completely recovered and carefully detailed to match the existing roofs using new, handmade Kent Peg tiles, including ridge tiles, bonnet hip tiles and valley tiles.
The tiles used were selected through careful and extensive consultation with Historic England and other expert organisations.
And the roofs to historic parts of the building where the roof structure can be seen internally have been insulated using a fully breathable build up using wood fibre products and natural lime hemp plasters, which significantly improves the thermal performance of these roofs.
Other aspects of the project include repair and renewal of lead valley gutters and lead flashings, as well as joinery repairs and redecoration, including windows, soffits and facias with replacements provided where needed.
Stone repairs, replacement and cleaning, including flintwork and repointing, and brick repairs, cleaning and repointing, have also taken place.
And there has also been a complete rebuild of the chimney stack and structural brickwork repairs to the building’s bay window area.
All work has been carried out by highly skilled conservation contractors in accordance with Listed Building Consent and Historic England approvals, with the stonework carried out by the Cathedral Masons.
The repairs, costing a total of £1.6 million, have been paid for using government money as part of the council’s Connected Canterbury: Unlocking the Tales of England project.
Cabinet member for heritage, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: “This has been an absolutely fantastic project with stunning results. I am so pleased to see Poor Priests’ Hospital back on full show and enhancing the appearance of Stour Street once more.
“As you would expect with such an historic building, it has not been without its challenges. When you get right into the fabric of something like we have, it throws up all sorts of things you were not anticipating.
“But looking at it now, we can be proud of doing an exceptional and sensitive job, leaving the Poor Priests’ Hospital in a much improved condition and far better insulated to stand the test of time for many, many more years to come.
“I would like to thank all the highly-skilled craftsmen, masons, roofers, lead workers, scaffolders and carpenters who have joined us on this journey. Everybody has wanted to do right by this building and that has been excellent to see.”
Alongside many companies who have worked on the building, the council also acknowledges the excellent external consultants it worked with, Purcell and the Moreton Partnership, as well as the support provided by Canterbury Archaeological Trust.
NSW Health is urging the community to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID, including getting vaccinated, as cases rise across the state. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows 3,475 people in NSW testing positive for COVID in the week ending 14 June, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared with the previous week. The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise and at moderate levels in NSW. Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus. Rates of COVID notifications have increased since early May 2025 and concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over. Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said COVID is now circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase, but there are things people can do to reduce the risk of becoming very sick. “While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we’re urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves,” Dr McAnulty said. “Boosters are recommended for people 75 years and older every 6 months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. “COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised. “People aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, who have COVID are eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness if they seek care early enough. These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly. “Importantly if you do fall ill, you can always call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, instant health advice and for access to antivirals if you are eligible.” Dr McAnulty said in addition to vaccination, there are other ways that people can help prevent the spread of COVID. “The impact that COVID and other respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV will have on NSW will be determined by the actions all of us take this winter,” he said. “While vaccination is the best protection, if we all do the right things, like staying home if we’re sick, wearing a mask if you do need to go out when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces for gatherings, we can protect each other from these nasty viruses.” NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:
Staying up to date with their vaccinations Staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out Avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces Considering doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable Making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if they get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if they are eligible for antiviral medicine Practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.
For more information on eligibility for COVID vaccination, visit the Commonwealth Government’s website. You can find a vaccine provider using the healthdirect Service Finder. All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for free, instant health advice anywhere, anytime, across NSW. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
In the educational and scientific center Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (UNC IMMT) NSU has completed more than 90% of the work on installing stained glass windows and installing a curtain wall façade; in the NSU Research Center (R&C), the percentage of readiness for these types of work is 80%. The buildings are second-stage facilities. new campus of NSU, being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”.
In the building of the NSU IMMT UNC, the work on laying walls and partitions is almost complete (90%), rough finishing work is underway on all floors, floor screeding has been completed, the floor is being covered with porcelain stoneware, and work is underway on installing internal utility networks.
In addition, approval of the specified boundaries of the connection point to the central heating system has already been received from the Federal State Unitary Enterprise UEV, and work on the installation of on-site heating networks will begin in the near future.
In the building of the NSU NRC, after the approval of new architectural and planning solutions, work is being carried out at an accelerated pace on laying internal partitions and installing the heating system. In the NSU IMMT UNC, more than 30% of the roofing work has been completed.
Work is also underway to install external water supply and sewerage networks, and work has begun to improve the territory in accordance with the general plan.
Completion of construction of these second-stage facilities is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The general contractor is the company “MONOTEK STROY”.
On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, a network of modern campuses is being created in Russia. By 2030, a constellation of 25 campuses should appear in the country. Work in this area is being carried out by the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. Currently, 24 such campuses are being designed and built with the support of the national project “Youth and Children”. By 2036, the number of campuses will increase to 40. The project is being financed by federal and regional budgets, as well as by extra-budgetary sources.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar) convened its 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting at 10 a.m. today (June 12) at the Tainan Head Office. According to reports presented at the meeting, Taisugar recorded NT$31.435 billion in operating revenue and NT$2.941 billion in operating profit for 2024, exceeding budgeted figures by NT$1.641 billion and NT$1.363 billion, respectively. Taisugar successfully achieved its financial targets and approved a cash dividend of NT$0.9 per share for the fiscal year.
Taisugar stated that in response to changes in the market environment, it continued to refine its business operations and implement goal-oriented management, resulting in steady growth in revenue and profit. In support of the government’s net-zero carbon policy, Taisugar had installed a total of 543.64 MW in solar photovoltaic facilities by the end of 2024. Additional initiatives include forest carbon sink projects, international smallholder carbon farming projects, conversion of factory boilers to natural gas (reducing annual carbon emissions by more than 20,000 tCO2e), and a sugar mill biomass carbon capture and utilization project. Taisugar is also accelerating the modernization of eco-friendly pig farms to advance its low-carbon transformation goals. Moreover, Taisugar continues to make land available to support the development of social housing and long-term care services in line with government policies. Six educational campuses under its administration have been converted into social housing units, addressing the housing needs of youth and underprivileged groups.
Taisugar also reported strong performance over the past year in both sustainability and product and service excellence. The company received numerous honors, including the Taiwan Top 100 Sustainability Exemplary Enterprises Award, the TSAA Sustainability Action Award, the National Enterprise Environmental Protection Silver Award, an award at the Taiwan International Orchid Show, the Eco-Friendly Hotel Certification, the ITI Superior Taste Award-often referred to as the “Michelin Guide of the food industry”-and the Gold Award for Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering. In terms of innovation, Taisugar received the Agri-Tech Startups Award. In collaboration with the National Kaohsiung. University of Hospitality and Tourism, the company developed terroir-inspired rhum agricole using fresh sugarcane juice . After winning recognition at the World Spirits Competition in both 2023 and 2024, the rum once again shone this year, receiving two Grand Gold Medals at the Vinalies Internationales Competition in France. Taisugar also teamed up with Michelin-starred restaurants to launch curated food and rum pairing events, fully showcasing the achievements of local food and beverage innovation through industry-academia collaboration.
Taisugar stated that these awards are not only a form of recognition but also a source of motivation. Looking ahead, the company will continue to strengthen corporate governance, fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, and stay committed to its sustainable net-zero goals. This year, under the theme of “Safe to Eat, Fun to Explore, and Green Living, ” Taisugar has thoughtfully curated a set of shareholder gifts that are both practical and aligned with sustainability values. The gift set includes one pack each of Taisugar’s “Tang Gan Mi Tian” organic white rice and brown rice (900g per pack), two one-way 50% discount coupons for the Chiayi Suantou Sugar Factory Cultural Park’s vintage narrow-gauge train ride to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, and a reusable canvas tote bag featuring the “Xun Mi Narrow-Gauge Train” as its key visual. This well-rounded and distinctive selection reflects Taisugar’s corporate culture and brand philosophy. With these gifts, shareholders can enjoy premium, safe, and chemical-free organic rice; experience a nostalgic journey on the vintage narrow-gauge train celebrating a century of sugar history and millennia of cultural heritage; and embrace eco-friendly habits by using the canvas tote bag in daily life-collectively supporting a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
TSC News Contact Person: Chang Mu-Jung Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951 Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is back in the news this week in a podcast discussing her viral “baby mama” video.
The video was made four years ago when she gave birth to daughter Lilibet, but only released recently. It shows the duchess in hospital, heavily pregnant, dancing and twerking to bring on labour. Her husband, Prince Harry, dances too.
Both of our children were a week past their due dates […] so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!
So does the Duchess of Sussex have a point? Can dancing really bring on labour?
First, how about dancing during pregnancy?
Exercise is recommended during pregnancy, and while some higher-impact exercises may need to be moderated, it carries minimal risk for healthy women and their babies. In fact, evidence shows regular exercise during pregnancy is associated with a variety of benefits.
Exercise can lead to a lower risk of gestational diabetes, caesarean section, the use of forceps and vacuum during birth and perinatal mental health problems, as well as quicker postpartum recovery.
While pregnant women might more often gravitate towards a brisk walk, some laps in the pool, or a group exercise class, dancing is a good option too. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has even listed dance as one of the forms of exercise found to be safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
The movements of dance involve the hips and pelvic area (especially twerking) which may help the baby get into a more optimal position and tone the pelvic floor, though the evidence for this is lacking.
Choose any form of dancing you like – even belly dancing. In a small qualitative study with two pregnant women, belly dancing was found to be joyful and empowering, boosting feelings of wellbeing.
You can dance any time during pregnancy but you may need to adapt your dance moves as the pregnancy advances and your growing belly gets in the way.
If you have risk factors such as bleeding it’s best to be cautious and discuss any planned dancing with your health-care provider.
Exercise is recommended during pregnancy – so why not try dancing? sandsun/Shutterstock
What about dancing to induce labour, and during labour?
Meghan is not the first woman to report dancing to induce their labour, but this is all anecdotal. There’s no scientific evidence to show dancing is an effective way to bring on labour.
There is perhaps slightly more evidence suggesting benefits once labour has started.
Many women seek non-pharmacological options (not involving medications) during labour. Especially early in labour, dancing may decrease the intensity of pain and lead women to feel more satisfied and in control of their labour.
In one study, 60 women were randomly allocated to either dance during labour, or not. The dancing group had significantly lower pain scores and higher satisfaction than the control group.
And again, music can lower levels of pain in early labour. So combining relaxing music with some movement could be a good thing.
Dancing to your comfort levels during labour could be helpful due to the combination of pelvic movements, being upright, moving the body rhythmically and changing the position of the body frequently.
Being upright and moving could also help transfer some pressure from the baby’s head onto the cervix, which can stimulate prostaglandin, a key chemical involved in progressing labour.
It’s been suggested dancing during labour could help get the baby into a better position for delivery and therefore help labour to proceed more smoothly and quickly. But ultimately we don’t have reliable evidence to substantiate these hypotheses.
So, did Meghan induce her labour with dance?
It’s unclear if dancing helped to induce the duchess’ labour as she was in hospital and may have later had a medical or surgical induction.
Labour can be medically induced with hormones, by using a balloon-shaped catheter placed in the woman’s cervix to open it up, or by breaking the bag of water around the baby.
Alternatively, Meghan’s labour may have eventually begun naturally without her dancing having played a role if she chose to wait another few days.
However, the joy on her face and connection and support of her husband Prince Harry is a good way to increase oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions. This could have helped too.
Meghan may have been on the right track, but we need more research before we can confidently recommend dancing to bring on or during labour.
In the meantime, while there’s no evidence to show dancing is effective for inducing labour, it’s highly unlikely to have any downsides – and it may contribute to a more positive childbirth experience. So, if you feel inclined, I say dance away.
Hannah Dahlen receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his greetings to Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on the occasion of his 55th birthday.
“Birthday greetings to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, at Delhi’s Holy Family Hospital, is the elder son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. He belongs to a distinguished political lineage that includes India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari also conveyed their wishes on social media. “Greetings to the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and a long life,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said: “Extending my heartfelt birthday wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. May this occasion bring joy, and the year ahead be filled with health and prosperity.”
To mark the occasion, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) is organising a large-scale job fair at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The event, coinciding with Gandhi’s birthday, is expected to host over 100 companies and multinational corporations, offering more than 5,000 job opportunities across various sectors.
