Category Archives: Analysis

Towards zero hunger in Africa: 5 steps to achieve food security

Edward Mabaya, Cornell University; Robert B. Richardson, Michigan State University, and Thomas Jayne, Michigan State University Global food systems have been battered by overlapping crises in recent years. Key among these are the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russo-Ukraine war and extreme weather events resulting from climate change. These have resulted in forced migration, loss of employment,Continue reading “Towards zero hunger in Africa: 5 steps to achieve food security”

Has the pandemic changed our personalities? New research suggests we’re less open, agreeable and conscientious

Jolanta Burke, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences For many of us, some personality traits stay the same throughout our lives while others change only gradually. However, evidence shows that significant events in our personal lives which induce severe stress or trauma can be associated with more rapid changes in our personalities. A newContinue reading “Has the pandemic changed our personalities? New research suggests we’re less open, agreeable and conscientious”

Dogs can get dementia – but lots of walks may lower the risk

Susan Hazel, University of Adelaide and Tracey Taylor, University of Adelaide Dogs get dementia too. But it’s often difficult to spot. Research published today shows how common it is, especially in dogs over ten years old. Here are some behavioural changes to watch out for in your senior dog and when to consult your veterinarian.Continue reading “Dogs can get dementia – but lots of walks may lower the risk”

Disabled people are already cutting back on costs more than others – for many, the £150 cost of living payment won’t do much to help

Sharon Collard, University of Bristol and Jamie Evans, University of Bristol Even before the current cost of living crisis, disabled people were much more likely than non-disabled people to be in poverty and living on inadequate incomes. Now, spiralling living costs are adding to years of financial disadvantage. Our new analysis of YouGov survey dataContinue reading “Disabled people are already cutting back on costs more than others – for many, the £150 cost of living payment won’t do much to help”

Obesity costs South Africa billions. We did the sums

Micheal Boachie, University of the Witwatersrand Globally, it is widely acknowledged that obesity-related conditions and their complications add hugely to healthcare costs and productivity losses. In turn this adds a large burden on individuals, their families and on governments. One estimate suggests that of the total health expenditure on the continent, 9% is attributed toContinue reading “Obesity costs South Africa billions. We did the sums”

For LGBTI employees, working overseas can be a lonely, frustrating and even dangerous experience

Miriam Moeller, The University of Queensland; Jane Maley, Charles Sturt University, and Ruth McPhail, Griffith University As the number of workers taking international assignments increases, companies have more responsibility to look after their LGBTI employees who face persecution while on assignment. Russia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are becoming some of the most challenging expatriateContinue reading “For LGBTI employees, working overseas can be a lonely, frustrating and even dangerous experience”

How safe is it to drink rainwater?

Ian Cousins, Stockholm University; Bo Sha, Stockholm University; Jana H. Johansson, Stockholm University; Martin Scheringer, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, and Matthew Salter, Stockholm University In many parts of the world, including Africa, people rely on rainwater as a source of drinking water, as well as for other household and livelihood uses. One ofContinue reading “How safe is it to drink rainwater?”

How Nigerian students became ‘change agents’ in solid waste management

Chidi Nzeadibe, University of Nigeria Nigerian cities aren’t managing solid waste effectively. Waste has to be managed all the way from generation to storage, collection, transport, recycling, treatment and disposal. But it is visible everywhere in the country’s cities, presenting a major socio-cultural and environmental challenge. Cities tend to treat waste as purely a technicalContinue reading “How Nigerian students became ‘change agents’ in solid waste management”