UK science policy in a changing Arctic: The Arctic Circle Assembly 2019
Dr Kate Hendry, Associate Professor in Geochemistry at the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol
The Arctic is one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth. Its lands and oceans are undergoing unprecedented transitions, from permafrost melting to sea ice thinning, and its people are vulnerable to the knock-on effects of climate change. Continue reading
Working with PolicyBristol: Q & A with Dr Peter Dunne, Senior Lecturer at University of Bristol Law School.
This week’s guest blog is by Dr Peter Dunne, Senior Lecturer at University of Bristol Law School.
Here he answers some questions on working with PolicyBristol, his policy-relevant work, and the importance of policy impact. Continue reading
Taking paracetamol during pregnancy may affect the child’s behaviour in early years
Jean Golding, University of Bristol
In the early 1960s, thousands of babies were born with malformed limbs as a result of their mother taking thalidomide – a drug used to treat morning sickness. The tragedy rocked the medical establishment and made doctors wonder what other drugs might have foetus-harming effects. Continue reading
MMB hosts the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants
By Diego Acosta, Bridget Anderson and Lindsey Pike
On 3 July 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, Professor Felipe González, visited the University of Bristol. The event was organized by Migration Mobilities Bristol (MMB) with funding from PolicyBristol. Here we outline the scope of his work and focus of his visit. Continue reading
Why GPs and patients need to talk more openly about death
Navalnyi/Shutterstock
Lucy Pocock, University of Bristol
Dealing with death is part of the job description for all doctors. For those working in general practice, this often means planning ahead, with GPs encouraged to keep a register of patients thought to be in the last year of their life. Continue reading
Peru’s ancient water systems can help protect communities from shortages caused by climate change
Shutterstock.
Susan Conlon, University of Bristol and Kevin Lane, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Water is essential for human life, but in many parts of the world water supplies are under threat from more extreme, less predictable weather conditions due to climate change. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Peruvian Andes, where rising temperatures and receding glaciers forewarn of imminent water scarcity for the communities that live there. Continue reading
Gaslighting: from partners to politicians – how to avoid becoming a victim
The White House
Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol
President Donald Trump’s statement on the horrific mass shooting in El Paso on August 3 that killed 22 people and injured 24 covered a lot of ground. From video games and mental illness to the death penalty, the president drew attention to many variables – but not to the semi-automatic guns that are often used in mass shootings. Instead, he claimed that “mental illness and hatred pulls the trigger, not the gun”. Continue reading
Remembering Why We Ride – putting a positive spin on the story of cycling
Before Channel 5 aired their broadcast Cyclists: Scourge of the Roads?, described by The Guardian’s Peter Walker as ‘the worst, most scaremongering, inaccurate, downright irresponsible programme on cycling’, I’d already conducted a brief analysis of tabloid coverage of cycling to confirm what I and many other cyclists have felt for a long time: that we get a lot of bad press. Continue reading
The US branding China a ‘currency manipulator’ threatens global stability
“Donald Trump”by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Winnie King, University of Bristol
The US has escalated its trade war with China by accusing the country of devaluing its currency to make its exports unfairly cheap. When China’s currency, the renminbi (RMB) fell below the symbolic seven-per-dollar level on August 5, President Donald Trump reacted by labelling China a currency manipulator on Twitter. His Treasury department followed suit, making it the official government position. Continue reading
Climate-driven extreme weather is threatening old bridges with collapse
The damaged bridge near Grinton. July 2019 Picture: Danny Lawson/ PA
Maria Pregnolato, University of Bristol and Elizabeth Lewis, Newcastle University
The recent collapse of a bridge in Grinton, North Yorkshire, raises lots of questions about how prepared we are for these sorts of risks. The bridge, which was due to be on the route of the cycling world championships in September, collapsed after a month’s worth of rain fell in just four hours, causing flash flooding. Continue reading