General News
TfL: The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has delivered on his manifesto pledge to introduce a 21st century bus that draws inspiration from the iconic Routemaster, as the first new bus for London enters passenger service.
Press release & links
Press release & links
STFC: A mobile physics lab for young people, run by the Institute of Physics and sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, is embarking on a 6-month tour of North West England.
The ‘Lab in a Lorry’ is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists & engineers, offering 11-14 year olds the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.
The ‘Lab in a Lorry’ is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists & engineers, offering 11-14 year olds the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.
The experiments on board the lorry involve using the properties of light to diagnose sick patients, using sound waves to smash wine glasses, and scattering light to understand why the sky is blue and help identify the real colour of the Sun. The key concepts behind the experiments will be illustrated with examples from everyday life and cutting-edge research.
MoD: Airborne medics from 16 Medical Regiment have been practising the skills they might need for operations around the world on Exercise Serpent's Anvil. The exercise, which took place at the Army Medical Services Training Centre in York, saw the medics test to the limit their capabilities, kit & supplies.
TfL: Transport for London has recently unveiled a new online application process to make it easier for bus and coach operators to apply for, amend or cancel a London Service Permit. Whilst most buses operating throughout the Capital run services contracted by London Buses, certain services (such as open-top tour buses and commuter coach services) require a LSP to operate.
Operators are required to submit their applications to Transport for London by 12 March 2012 to take account of necessary changes resulting from the 2012 Olympics & Paralympics to take account of necessary changes resulting from the 2012 Olympics & Paralympics
FSA: The Food Standards Agency is inviting tenders to study international models for delivery of official food and feed controls. The Agency is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the UK official controls delivery model and considering the scope for making improvements. This research will increase the FSA’s understanding of delivery models in other countries and provide evidence to inform the option analysis for the UK review.
FSA: The Food Standards Agency is advising the public that, based on current evidence, there is unlikely to be any risk to consumers through the food chain from the virus that is causing abnormalities in livestock.
No illness has been reported to date in humans exposed to animals infected with the Schmallenberg virus, which is thought to be carried by midges. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have stated the virus is unlikely to cause disease in humans.
No illness has been reported to date in humans exposed to animals infected with the Schmallenberg virus, which is thought to be carried by midges. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have stated the virus is unlikely to cause disease in humans.
FSA: Morrisons is recalling its own-brand Whole Nut Milk Chocolate, with a 'best before' date of 16 June 2012, as it may be contaminated with small pieces of metal. If you've bought the chocolate, do not eat it. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice. .
FSA: Surya Foods is withdrawing 2 batches of J.F. Mills Rich 'n Moist Luxury Cake Mix due to incorrect allergen labelling. The products contain wheat flour that isn’t listed correctly on the label. If you’re allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten, don’t eat this product. The Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alert. .
ScotGov: All eligible under 18s with type 1 diabetes will now have access to life-changing insulin pumps under plans announced last week. The pumps are small medical devices that are attached to the individual's body and are programmed to administer the correct amount of insulin needed, removing the need for insulin injections and making the condition easier to manage.
Funding of at least £1m will be provided to NHS Boards to help them deliver pumps to under 18s who need them, as well as tripling the amount of pumps available to all Scots. Insulin pumps constantly drip feed tiny amounts of insulin throughout the day and monitor blood levels, increasing the amount of insulin if required.
HMT: Motorists in many remote island communities will benefit from a 5p per litre discount on pump prices from 1 March 2012. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, announced in November 2011 that final EU clearance had been received for the rural fuel rebate pilot scheme to go ahead this year.
STFC: The UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) and the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are delighted to announce the launch of a new strategic partnership bringing together some of the most fascinating & diverse science in the country with the talents & infrastructure of the nation’s largest network of science engagement organisations.
The partnership will begin with a 2-year national programme which aims to inspire more young people across the UK with the wonders of the physical sciences by sharing the amazing stories and technologies of STFC.
DH: Over £100m will be invested in NHS Clinical Research Facilities to develop new treatments to benefit thousands of patients, the Government announced last week. The money, provided by the National Institute for Health Research, will be spent on research nurses & technicians at 19 of the facilities around the country.
A huge number of new treatments for conditions including cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia and obesity will be developed by researchers at the facilities.
A huge number of new treatments for conditions including cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia and obesity will be developed by researchers at the facilities.
ScotGov: Some of Scotland’s most inspirational & successful stars have come together to headline a new campaign that celebrates Scotland’s creativity and welcomes visitors to the country. Part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, the campaign features posters of the Scottish stars with expressions of their creative inspirations at Scotland’s six main airports - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Prestwick, Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen - to welcome people to Scotland.
ACE: A joint 3-year programme between the British Council and Arts Council England, which will support individual artists based in England to work internationally, opened for applications last week. The Artists' international development fund will provide grants of between £1,000 to £5,000 for artists to travel, explore & collaborate internationally while carrying out professional projects.
TUC: On the day that Parliament debated the new European Treaty, and as Ireland announced a referendum, British unions took part in a day of action called by the European Trade Union Confederation against that Treaty.
Unions argue that the Treaty is unfair, undemocratic and will create a downward spiral of unemployment & debt. The TUC is concerned that the Treaty will tie the hands of individual governments - and therefore electorates - preventing them from doing anything to boost growth and jobs during economic downturns.