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I don’t mean to alarm you, but you’re surrounded right now – by millions of tiny, microscopic microbes. Whether you’re reading this in the office, sitting on the train or at home in your pyjamas, there are thousands upon thousands of fungi, viruses and bacteria thriving in the spaces around you. This intricate ecosystem of microorganisms is known as the “indoor microbiome”. And research is increasingly showing that just like your gut microbiome, it has a significant impact on your health — linked to everything from respiratory health and immune function to mental wellbeing.
More than four decades ago, the UK government banned the use of the toxic synthetic chemicals “polychlorinated biphenyls” (PCBs). Yet despite bans, the legacy of these toxic chemicals means human and environmental health is still being threatened today.
In a notable move, the UK has decided to suspend 30 arms export licenses from Israel. But, as we hear from a Middle East expert, this policy shift is unlikely to change much in Gaza.
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Heather Kroeker
Commissioning Editor, Health
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Our everyday activities have a significant influence on this indoor microbiome.
VectorMine/ Shutterstock
Samuel J. White, York St John University; Philippe B. Wilson, York St John University
The ‘indoor microbiome’ is linked to respiratory health, immune function and possibly even mental wellbeing.
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Historic landfills contain high levels of toxic synthetic chemicals known as PCBs which continue to pollute the environment and pose a health hazard.
Jenya Smyk/Shutterstock
Andrew Sweetman, Lancaster University
Due to their persistence and toxicity, strict regulation of PCBs should continue to be a top priority.
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Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock
Julie M. Norman, UCL
However, signals do matter, especially when seen as part of a broader international shift.
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World
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Leonie Fleischmann, City, University of London
The latest Israeli incursions into the West Bank will only encourage more resistance and militant defiance among Palestinians.
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Politics + Society
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Lucy Potter, University of Sheffield
The asylum system is stacked against asylum seekers who have fled persecution for non-religious beliefs.
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Arts + Culture
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Anna De Amicis, University of Reading; Yi Wu, University of Reading
Where artists relocate, gentrification invariably follows, but inner city projects are showing that local communities can resurrect declining neighbourhoods through arts and culture for all.
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Taeyoung Kim, Loughborough University
K-pop with non-Korean stars is becoming more common
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Kenneth Pratt, University of the West of Scotland
For Scotland fans, it’s less about losing, but rather how the team lose.
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Business + Economy
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Richard Whittle, University of Salford; Stuart Mills, University of Leeds
Using social media platforms to invest has become so popular that it can have a big impact on markets.
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Helen Carr, University of Southampton; Edward Kirton-Darling, University of Bristol
Moves to get rid of no-fault evictions for tenants will not be enough to solve the rental sector’s problems.
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Environment
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Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, University of Plymouth
Plankton bloom and wither with the seasons much as plants do on land.
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Health
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Lee Sherry, University of Glasgow
A poliovirus experts explains the ins and outs of the vaccination campaign in Gaza.
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Science + Technology
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John Chiverton, University of Portsmouth
New processors have been crucial to hosting power-hungry AI features on phones rather than the cloud.
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Maureen Cohen, The Open University
Most planets that have the potential to host life have one side always facing their sun.
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Ingmar Werneburg, University of Tübingen
When did fur evolve? You may be surprised to learn there’s a chance it pre-dates the dinosaurs.
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3 - 4 September 2024
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Portsmouth
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9 - 11 September 2024
•
Hull
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10 September 2024
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Oxford
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