Copper could soon become crucial for global disease prevention November 11, 2015 “Antimicrobial copper” could soon become a common term in the medical world – researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered that the metal can rapidly inactivate certain viruses, stopping them from spreading and causing disease. When they placed coronavirus 229E on a surface containing copper, they found that the virus was destroyed within minutes, [...]
Investing in data science will secure London’s future as a global leader in research November 11, 2015 The UK is a science powerhouse that punches well above its weight. London alone is home to four of the world’s top 30 universities. And this Government is committed to ensuring the UK is the best place in Europe to innovate, patent new ideas and start a business. To fulfil this ambition, we need to [...]
These UK companies are creating technologies to make ageing more pleasant November 11, 2015 A handful of companies in London and the South East have been awarded backing to turn their healthcare inventions into reality. As part of the first ever MedTechSouthEast competition, 10 firms have been selected for their innovative designs to help elderly people stay independent for longer – a crucial development in an ageing society. The [...]
British sausage-maker explodes over “flawed” meat report and threatens UN with legal action November 11, 2015 A British wholesale meat supplier is furious over a “flawed” sausage report from the UN, and is now threatening to take legal action. Two weeks ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released the results of a study into the cancer-causing effects of processed meat, and ruled that eating one-and-a-half sausages a day increases risk of developing [...]
AstraZeneca issues $6bn of bonds to fund ZS Pharma acquisition November 11, 2015 AstraZeneca has issued $6bn worth of bonds so that it can finance its acquisition of biotech company ZS Pharma. The British drugmaker said the move would have no material impact on its financial guidance for the year, and that it will help it to meet certain repayment obligations. The bonds will be released in a series [...]
Think you’re not being tracked online? Our browsing habits are captured and leaked by nine out of 10 major websites November 11, 2015 Chances are, your internet browsing habits are well known among many companies – some of which you probably haven't even heard of. New research published today in the International Journal of Communication shows 88 per cent of mainstream websites track your data and pass it on to third parties. While the information they leak is [...]
Red tape is holding UK healthcare sector back by killing innovation November 11, 2015 Healthcare providers in Britain are too bogged down in red tape to be able to innovate, new research by PA consulting shows. By ranking sectors according to innovation level, they found that bodies like the NHS pushed healthcare below life sciences, technology and the pharmaceutical industry. The researchers said a large part of the problem [...]
Hardly any of us actually believe artificial intelligence will take our jobs November 10, 2015 When it comes to robots stealing jobs, it seems we consider ourselves immune – we have the "it couldn't possibly happen to me" mentality. Research from Rocket Fuel shows that just nine per cent of Britons believe artificial intelligence will negatively impact their job, with the majority expecting it to either have no impact. 10 per cent [...]
German Microsoft HQ evacuated after bomb threat November 10, 2015 Almost 2,000 Employees have been evacuated from Microsoft's headquarters in Germany following a bomb threat. The alarm went off after the technology company's Munich office received a “threatening call” shortly after midday local time (11:06 GMT). Police used sniffer dogs to search for explosives at the site, but have since said they believe it was [...]
Valeant chief executive Michael Pearson feels “very good” about next year amid pricing turmoil November 10, 2015 Despite mounting allegations against Valeant over its drug pricing, chief executive Michael Pearson feels “very good” about 2016. In a call with investors today, he said that while the Canadian drug company's dermatology unit will experience “significant impact” from the termination of its contract with pharmacy group Philidor, it will soon begin “regaining momentum”. I don't [...]
