Latest news with #CardiffMetropolitanUniversity
Business News Wales
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Deadline Approaching for Wales STEM Awards Entries
The countdown is on for entries to the Wales STEM Awards 2025, with just two weeks left to submit nominations before the deadline on Friday 25th July. Celebrating the brightest talent and boldest innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the awards aim to recognise the organisations and individuals making a real difference to Wales' STEM landscape. Now in their sixth year, the awards feature 15 categories, including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. Martin McHugh, newly appointed Chair of Judges and former CEO of CSA Catapult, urged potential nominees not to miss out: 'These awards shine a much-needed spotlight on the people and companies powering STEM forward in Wales. With just two weeks to go, I'd encourage anyone doing impactful work in the sector to put themselves forward. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your achievements and gain wider recognition.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'We know there are so many unsung heroes across Wales championing STEM—from start-ups to long-established companies, educators to engineers. This is your chance to tell your story. The deadline is fast approaching, so don't delay.' This year's awards are supported by headline sponsor Cardiff Metropolitan University, with category sponsors including CSA Catapult and Wynne Jones IP, who have joined as sponsor of the Innovation in STEM category. Further sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to engage with Wales' thriving STEM community. The organisers say the importance of celebrating STEM in Wales has never been greater. A growing skills shortage in STEM could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if left unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing sector alone employs over 147,000 people, highlighting the vital role STEM plays in the nation's future prosperity. Past winners have included pioneering companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm, and Wales Interactive, and inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information or to submit your entry, visit .
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New diet slashes your risk of dementia and it's very easy to follow
The Mind diet combines elements of the Mediterranean diet with the Dash diet, and experts say there is evidence it could slow down cognitive decline A diet that merges two healthy eating strategies could bolster brain health and reduce the risk of dementia, according to experts. The Mind diet, a fusion of the Mediterranean and Dash diets, is believed to slow cognitive decline, based on existing evidence. Both the Mediterranean and Dash diets are inspired by traditional food habits from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. They advocate for a high intake of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, low-fat dairy products like milk and yoghurts, and lean proteins including fish and chicken. Both diets limit the consumption of red and processed meats. READ MORE: 'Life-saving' menopause product inspired by menopausal 25-year-old sells out 3 times The Dash diet, an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, emphasises reducing low-sodium foods, added sugars, and saturated and trans fats to lower blood pressure. Aisling Pigott and Sophie Davies, lecturers in dietetics and nutrition at Cardiff Metropolitan University, stated that both diets have been extensively researched and proven effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They also help shield the brain's neurons from damage and enhance cognitive health. They explained: "The Mind diet adheres to many of the fundamental principles of both diets but places a stronger emphasis on consuming more foods rich in nutrients that promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline." Mind stands for Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurocognitive Delay. The diet includes: flavonoids and polyphenols found in fruit, vegetables, tea and dark chocolate folate found in leafy greens and legumes N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. The experts have declared: "Numerous studies have been conducted on the Mind diet, and the evidence for this dietary approach's brain health benefit is pretty convincing." Research involving over 900 participants across five years revealed that those with a higher intake of 'Mind diet' foods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline, reports Bristol Live. Another study examining nearly 600 individuals found that those who had adhered to either the Mind diet or the Mediterranean diet for over ten years showed fewer amyloid plaques in their brains post-mortem, which are indicative of Alzheimer's disease. The specialists said: "Higher intake of leafy greens appeared to the most important dietary component. A systematic review of 13 studies on the Mind diet has also found a positive association between adherence to the Mind diet and cognitive performance and function in older people. "One paper included in the review even demonstrated a 53% reduction in Alzheimer's disease risk in those that adhered to the diet." They cautioned: "It's important to note that most of this research is based on observational studies and food frequency questionnaires, which have their limitations in research due to reliability and participant bias. "Only one randomised control trial was included in the review. It found that women who were randomly assigned to follow the Mind diet over a control diet for a short period of time showed a slight improvement in memory and attention. "Research in this field is ongoing, so hopefully we'll soon have a better understanding of the diet's benefits – and know exactly why it's so beneficial." The Mind diet encourages the consumption of leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale) and berries due to their cognitive advantages, and recommends using olive oil over other fats because of the 'potential neuroprotective effects of the fats found in olive oil'. Here are some small, manageable changes you can make daily to adhere more closely to the Mind diet: upgrade your meals by sprinkling nuts and seeds on cereals, salads or yoghurts to increase fibre and healthy fats eat the rainbow of fruit and vegetables, aiming to fill half your plate with these foods canned and frozen foods are just as nutrient-rich as fresh fruits and vegetables bake or airfry vegetables and meats instead of frying to reduce fat intake opt for poly-unsaturated fats and oils in salads and dressings – such as olive oil bulk out meat or meat alternatives with pulses, legumes chickpeas or beans. These can easily be added into dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, chilli, shepherd's pie or curry use tinned salmon, mackerel or sardines in salads or as protein sources for meal planning. The experts added: "These small changes can have a meaningful impact on your overall health – including your brain's health. With growing evidence linking diet to cognitive function, even minor adjustments to your eating habits may help safeguard your mind as you age." This article was originally published in The Conversation.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Superdiet' that combines two healthy plans slashes dementia risk
Experts in diet and nutrition say one specific diet plan has been found to protect your brain health One diet which combines two healthy approaches could keep the brain strong and lower dementia risk, experts say. The Mind diet combines elements of the Mediterranean diet with the Dash diet, and experts say there is evidence it could slow down cognitive decline. Both the Mediterranean diet and Dash diet are based on traditional eating patterns from countries which border the Mediterranean sea and emphasise eating plenty of plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds), low-fat dairy products (such as milk and yoghurts) and lean proteins including fish and chicken. Both diets include very little red and processed meats. The Dash diet ( dietary approaches to stop hypertension) , puts an emphasis on reducing low-sodium foods, added sugar and saturated and trans-fats to reduce blood pressure. Aisling Pigott and Sophie Davies, lecturers in dietetics and nutrition at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said b oth diets are well-researched and shown to be effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases – including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They're also shown to help protect the brain's neurons from damage and benefit cognitive health. They said: "The Mind diet follows many of the core tenets of both diets but places greater emphasis on consuming more foods that contain nutrients which promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline.". Mind stands for Mediterranean-Dash intervention for neurocognitive delay. The diet includes: flavonoids and polyphenols found in fruit, vegetables, tea and dark chocolate folate found in leafy greens and legumes N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. The experts said: "Numerous studies have been conducted on the Mind diet, and the evidence for this dietary approach's brain health benefit is pretty convincing." One study which followed more than 900 people over five years found a link between people who had a diet higher in 'Mind diet' foods and slower cognitive decline. Another looking at almost 600 people found that people who had closely followed either the Mind diet or the Mediterranean diet for at least a decade had fewer signs of amyloid plaques in their brain when examined after death. Amyloid plaques are a red flag of Alzheimer's disease. The experts said: "Higher intake of leafy greens appeared to the most important dietary component." They added: "A systematic review of 13 studies on the Mind diet has also found a positive association between adherence to the Mind diet and cognitive performance and function in older people. One paper included in the review even demonstrated a 53% reduction in Alzheimer's disease risk in those that adhered to the diet. "It's important to note that most of this research is based on observational studies and food frequency questionnaires, which have their limitations in research due to reliabiltiy and participant bias. Only one randomised control trial was included in the review. It found that women who were randomly assigned to follow the Mind diet over a control diet for a short period of time showed a slight improvement in memory and attention. "Research in this field is ongoing, so hopefully we'll soon have a better understanding of the diet's benefits – and know exactly why it's so beneficial." The Mind diet recommends choosing leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale) and berries for their cognitive benefits and sticking to olive oil instead of any other fats due to the 'potential neuroprotective effects of the fats found in olive oil'. Small, simple swaps you can make each day to more closely follow the Mind diet: upgrade your meals by sprinkling nuts and seeds on cereals, salads or yoghurts to increase fibre and healthy fats eat the rainbow of fruit and vegetables, aiming to fill half your plate with these foods canned and frozen foods are just as nutrient-rich as fresh fruits and vegetables bake or airfry vegetables and meats instead of frying to reduce fat intake opt for poly-unsaturated fats and oils in salads and dressings – such as olive oil bulk out meat or meat alternatives with pulses, legumes chickpeas or beans. These can easily be added into dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, chilli, shepherd's pie or curry use tinned salmon, mackerel or sardines in salads or as protein sources for meal planning. The experts said: "These small changes can have a meaningful impact on your overall health – including your brain's health. With growing evidence linking diet to cognitive function, even little changes to your eating habits may help protect your mind as you age."
National Geographic
26-06-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
What your noisy knees are trying to tell you
Joint sounds like cracking and popping are often harmless—but when paired with pain or stiffness, they may signal early arthritis. Experts say age isn't the only factor—diet, inflammation, and movement play a big role in how your joints hold up over time. Illustration by Ruslanas Baranauskas, Science Photo Library From gas bubbles to worn cartilage, here's what makes your joints pop—and how to know if it's something to worry about. Snap. Crackle. Pop. If your knees sound like a bowl of cereal every time you stand, you're not alone. 'Those cracking or popping sounds people hear are really common. We call it 'crepitus' in the medical world and, most of the time, it's just a normal part of joint mechanics,' says Mitchell McDowell, an orthopedic surgeon, osteopathic physician, and president of M Bone and Joint. 'It could be tiny gas bubbles in the joint fluid popping, or even tendons or ligaments shifting a bit as you move.' However, when the noise accompanies pain or stiffness, it may signal something more serious. Starting as early as your thirties, the smooth, springy padding inside your joints—called cartilage—can begin to wear down. That doesn't mean arthritis is inevitable, but without that shock-absorbing layer inside your joints, your bones may start to grind instead of glide—leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. And while age plays a role, emerging research suggests that lifestyle, diet, and inflammation may also play a part. Here's what researchers are learning about why joints get creaky—and what you can do now to stay limber for life. Is your stiffness a sign of aging? Joint wear tends to become more noticeable in your 40s and 50s, says Barry L. Bently, an associate professor in bioengineering at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Roughly 30 percent of Americans between 45 and 64—and over 50 percent of those 65 and older—have arthritis, according to the CDC. But it's not as simple as ticking off birthdays. What you put in your body can have a big impact on what you keep in your head. 'Chronological age, or the number of years since birth, is only loosely correlated with biological age and the accumulation of physiological damage,' Bentley explains. 'It is far from straightforward to define what should be considered 'normal' aging.' Genetics, past injuries, and lifestyle habits all influence when joint problems show up—and how severe they become. (The overlooked key to fitness? Strengthening your joints and tendons.) So, how can you tell the difference between natural stiffness and something more serious? 'Most of us feel a bit stiff now and then, especially after sitting too long or waking up in the morning, and that kind of stiffness usually eases up once you get moving,' says McDowell. 'But with early arthritis, the stiffness tends to hang around longer, sometimes even getting worse with activity.' A 2021 study in Rheumatology found that morning stiffness lasting an hour or more is a key warning sign of arthritis. If that stiffness is accompanied by swelling, pain, or a nagging ache that doesn't go away, 'it's smart to get it looked at early,' says McDowell. 'It's always easier to manage arthritis in the beginning stages.' Why do your joints wear down over time? 'For significant joint wear that leads to osteoarthritis, there have been some studies showing that chronological age only accounts for about half the risk, with the other half being attributable to modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors,' says Bentley. That includes physical stress. 'There is ample evidence that activities that place repetitive or excessive loads on the joints can lead to cartilage wear and bone changes,' says Bentley. High-impact activities, such as running on hard surfaces, manual labor, or heavy lifting, can overburden joints, especially if you're not recovering sufficiently. (Here's why double-jointed people are more likely to have health problems.) But it's not just wear and tear. Low-grade, chronic inflammation plays a major role in joint aging. 'Consuming a diet high in processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking, can play a significant role in accelerating biological aging, including exacerbating joint damage,' explains Bentley. 'Those behaviors promote systemic inflammation, which impairs cartilage repair mechanisms and accelerates tissue degradation.' How to protect your joints in your 40s and beyond The good news? You can take action to protect your joints—even if they're already a little creaky. 'I see a lot of patients who worry it's 'too late' to do something about their joints, but that's just not true,' McDowell. 'Even in your 40s or 50s, small changes can make a big difference.' Those changes can include maintaining a healthy weight to take pressure off your joints or eating a nutrient-rich diet that contains omega-3 fatty acids—found in fatty fish like salmon—which have anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help protect cartilage from oxidative damage, while calcium and vitamin D support both bones and cartilage. In addition, McDowell recommends cutting back on nicotine, which limits blood flow to the joints, and excessive alcohol consumption, which depletes the body of nutrients. (This is why mobility should be a key part of your fitness routine.) Consistent, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, tai chi, or cycling are gentle on your joints while helping improve strength and flexibility. Strength training is also key, says McDowell. Stronger muscles stabilize the joints and act as shock absorbers, especially in key areas such as the hips and knees. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Physiology found that regular exercise can slow cartilage degeneration, reduce inflammation, and prevent bone loss in people with osteoarthritis. Another 2019 study in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests it may even reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. 'Think of the joints like tires on a car,' says McDowell. 'If you drive 300 miles a day, especially if you're carrying some extra cargo, the tires wear out quickly. It's even worse if there was trauma or the alignment is off.' He continues, 'On the other hand, if you park the car in the garage, you lose air pressure/ belts bend and the engine stops working. It's all about balance.'
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
The Music Scene That Builds a Better Cardiff
As Cardiff gears up for one of its busiest summers yet, with Oasis kicking off their reunion tour at the Principality Stadium and dozens more major live music events planned across the city, the economic benefits are clear. An estimated £100 million of fan spending linked to just two Oasis concerts is certainly not to be underestimated. But as someone working closely with place-based development and cultural events, I think it's important to see these headline numbers as just one part of an exciting bigger picture. Large-scale music events have undoubted appeal. They capture headlines, draw in crowds, and place Cardiff firmly on the touring map for world-class acts. These moments are important not just for the spend they bring, but for how they position Cardiff as a city capable of hosting major cultural milestones. The fact that Oasis is launching its reunion tour here says something about the city's growing reputation, as did last year's Taylor Swift and Pink concerts. Those were events that brought international visitors and sparked a real sense of buzz and civic pride. But the challenge – and also the opportunity – lies in how we capitalise on that momentum. The biggest shows can often feel like parachute events – high-impact but fleeting. Much of the associated spending, such as on tickets or merchandise, may not remain in the local economy. So while the short-term boost is welcome, the long-term gains come from thinking about how these events connect to Cardiff more broadly – and how we ensure they help build a more vibrant, sustainable cultural ecosystem. That's where the role of more grassroots and homegrown music activity becomes vital. Events like the Cardiff Music City Festival, which launched last autumn, provide a different type of value. My colleague Dr Dewi Jaimangal-Jones at Cardiff Metropolitan University evaluated that first festival and found positive results, particularly from an economic standpoint. But the significance of events like this extends beyond what we can easily quantify. The Cardiff Music City Festival, and the Music City strategy that underpins it, reflects a growing ambition to make Cardiff a recognised hub for music and culture. It brought together gigs, performances and installations across a wide range of venues – from grassroots spaces to more established locations. It also drew in artists from across genres and backgrounds, including homegrown talent like Mace the Great and High Contrast, alongside international acts such as Lauryn Hill and Leftfield. These sorts of events don't just attract visitors; they give local people reasons to re-engage with their city, support its venues and celebrate its creative output. One of the challenges we saw with the first year of the festival was around awareness. While people attended individual gigs, they weren't always aware that these were part of a wider programme. So there's still work to do in building that profile, encouraging more residents and businesses to get behind it, and showing that music is not just something that happens to Cardiff, but something that is shaped by and for the people who live here. Smaller-scale events also offer a different kind of accessibility. They tend to be more affordable and inclusive, helping to ensure that music is not just a visitor product, but a civic asset. When events are spread across different parts of the city and across different times of the year, they bring a more even spread of engagement and footfall – something that's particularly important for local retailers and hospitality businesses. Of course, major concerts have their place. They are part of what gives Cardiff its edge. But they are not the whole story. And they can bring with them challenges too – from road closures to disruption, and in some cases, displacement activity where people actively avoid the city centre unless attending the event. A more balanced approach means recognising the value of both the big moments and the steady, year-round rhythm of local music activity. This summer, with more than 30 headline gigs scheduled across venues including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle and Blackweir Fields, the city has a unique opportunity. Events like the new Blackweir Live series, which is already attracting audiences from beyond the city, show how music can activate quieter periods and bring people into the city centre at times when footfall would otherwise dip. It also highlights how Cardiff's music scene is evolving – not just in terms of scale, but in terms of variety, reach and ambition. The challenge for all of us – academics, event organisers, policymakers and residents alike – is to celebrate the big names while also championing the grassroots. That's how we make music matter – not just for a weekend, but for the long term.
