Author: Dave Antrobus

The onset of respiratory illness season is challenging health systems worldwide. Low vaccination rates could undermine efforts to control the spread of infections such as flu, RSV, and Covid-19.Healthcare experts are voicing concerns over the rapid escalation of cases. With holidays approaching, there is an urgent call for increased vaccinations to safeguard vulnerable populations.Current State of Respiratory IllnessesCold and flu season has kicked off, but not without its challenges. According to the CDC, flu vaccination rates are disappointingly low this year. Less than 40% of adults and children have been vaccinated against the flu, a drop from previous years. The…

London’s 9fin, a developer of AI-driven debt analytics, secures $50m funding.Series B funding round aims to enhance 9fin’s debt capital markets analytics.A strong focus is on expanding US operations due to rapid growth.9fin integrates generative AI, offering advanced features like chatbots.Led by Highland Europe, this round sees participation from renowned investors.9fin, a London-based startup, has successfully concluded a Series B funding round, securing $50 million (approximately £39.3 million). This funding round signifies investor confidence as the company focuses on enhancing its debt capital markets analytics platform. Since its founding in 2016, 9fin has become a notable player in the financial…

At President Grover Cleveland High School in Portland, a unique club is redefining what it means to be a man. This ‘Healthy Masculinity Club’ meets weekly, providing a space for open and honest discussions among its members. The initiative reflects a growing trend across the United States, encouraging young men to embrace empathy, vulnerability, and diverse narratives of manhood.The club’s gatherings are more than just meetings; they’re transformative experiences. Teenage boys are not only talking about masculinity but also challenging traditional norms that have long defined it. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, the club is contributing to…

Throughout the evolution of industries, technological fluency has become indispensable for CEOs aiming to steer their companies through the complex AI and data landscape.Current evidence shows that many CEOs lack a comprehensive understanding of technology, which is becoming a critical barrier.Less than half of Chief Data Officers believe their CEOs grasp the nuances of their roles, pointing to a significant gap in tech leadership.This delegation of tech responsibilities, primarily to Chief Data Officers, may be contributing to a stagnation in UK technological advancement.Addressing this gap is crucial as companies risk lagging behind without leaders equipped to make informed tech-driven decisions.In…

The introduction of corporate digital IDs could significantly reduce economic losses in the UK.Projected savings in economic crime prevention amount to £600m with digital IDs.The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) advocates for digital IDs.Fraud represents a major financial strain, costing the UK nearly £200bn annually.Partnerships with banks and digital ID firms aim to enhance fraud prevention measures.The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT), a government-supported fintech initiative, has advocated for the implementation of digital identification systems to combat fraud in the UK. Findings suggest these virtual passports could prevent economic losses estimated at £600m, contributing to a…

Temu is collaborating with UK suppliers to enhance delivery speed and cut costs.This move allows the 12 million UK users of Temu to receive local products, especially fashion and homeware, within two days.Locally sourced items are often larger, like coats and furniture, reducing the expense of international shipping.Temu plans to establish a London office, recruiting new talent from competitors.Free shipping and returns policies align closely with fast fashion benchmarks, intensifying competition in the UK market.The Chinese online shopping platform Temu is strengthening its supply chain by teaming up with UK-based suppliers. This strategic initiative aims to deliver products more swiftly…

Morrisons has rolled out a major update to its loyalty programme.Five More Card points are now available on every product, enhancing customer incentives.Shoppers can continue to earn extra points on select items, including up to 50 points on ‘The Best’ line this December.The supermarket has extended its collaboration with Amazon, broadening access to its loyalty benefits.Morrisons aims to deliver greater value and savings with this revamped scheme.Morrisons, in its latest strategic move, has overhauled its loyalty programme to provide shoppers with a more rewarding experience. By introducing five More Card points on every product sold, whether in-store, online, or via…

London Fashion Week is taking a significant step towards ethical fashion by banning wild animal skins from 2025.The British Fashion Council (BFC) will enforce this ban, extending its existing fur-free policy.This decision marks London as the first of the big four fashion weeks to implement such a ban.Other fashion weeks, like those in Copenhagen and Berlin, have already adopted similar measures.The fashion industry responds to growing environmental and social concerns with this move.London Fashion Week is setting a strong precedent in the fashion world by banning wild animal skins starting in 2025, aligning with its previous fur-free stance. The British…

A recent study has revealed potential genetic connections between period pain and depression. Researchers utilised Mendelian randomization to shed light on these complex relations. Results indicate that depression might exacerbate menstrual discomfort through identified genetic pathways.Period pain affects up to 90% of menstruating individuals, often accompanied by depression due to severe discomfort. The study, however, suggests depression could trigger menstrual pain. Researchers gathered genetic data from diverse populations, providing insights into this intricate relationship.Exploring the Genetic HypothesisThe study published in the journal Briefings in Bioinformatics proposes a novel perspective. By leveraging Mendelian randomization, researchers sought to determine if genetic factors…

Industry leaders demand Meta take stronger action against fake accounts to combat fraud.ClearBank CEO highlights social media’s role in push payment fraud prevalence.McManus points out significant fraud originates from Meta-operated platforms like Facebook.ClearBank joins other financial institutions in urging Meta to share financial responsibility.UK fraud levels soar, intensifying calls for proactive measures from tech giants.The financial sector is pressing Meta, operator of major social media platforms, to address the issue of fake accounts as a key step in tackling fraud. Charles McManus, CEO of ClearBank, emphasises the necessity for social media companies to actively participate in fraud prevention efforts. McManus…