Latest news with #JamesMitchell
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
MoD admits Britain's troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons
Senior British officers and scientists admit British troops may suffer 'brain damage' caused by low impact blasts from their own weapons while fighting on the frontline Thousands of UK troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons, defence chiefs have confirmed. Blast waves repeatedly caused by explosions from weapons could have led to life-long health issues, it has been revealed. The Ministry of Defence's lead officer on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lt Col James Mitchell admitted exposure to weapons blasts could cause the injuries. He told ITV News that in Iraq and Afghanistan, TBI and concussion was caused by larger explosions and blasts. But in fact low level blasts may cause health problems. Lt Col Mitchell told ITV News: "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts.' He said low level blasts were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems." Lt Col Mitchell said 'thousands' of personnel may have been exposed to harmful blasts. Most at risk are troops exposed to heavy weapons like mortars, shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. The force is so strong it enters the skull and can cause microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure means the brain may not heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They are severe headaches, sight problems, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Scientists are probing the causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at Birmingham University said: 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' Hugh Keir, a Para Regiment sniper who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. British troops throughout the Afghan and Iraq wars were repeatedly exposed to firefights, explosions from bombs and mortars, especially being fired by their own side. Thousands have suffered hearing loss from the blasts but the new research suggests lower-grade blasts may have caused long-term issues. Sources said the research into the issue is ongoing and may result in protective gear used by soldiers may be investigated and further improved in a bid to protect against the blast waves. An estimated 300,000 armed forces personnel suffering with hearing loss caused by the relentless noise of military life. Hearing loss and tinnitus is much more common in the military population than the general public. In fact, by the age of 75, service personnel are 3.5 times more likely to experience hearing difficulties than the general public. The UK Armed Forces has a number of compensation schemes for serving and former serving personnel who have been injured as a result of their service in the armed forces. If the injury was caused prior to April 6 2005 and the person is no longer serving this would be the War Pension Scheme (WPS). The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was established for soldiers injured after 2005 who are still in active service. However the criteria to claim for both schemes is arduous and in-depth.
STV News
a day ago
- Health
- STV News
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
The MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain, as ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew reports Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. 'Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts,' he explained. He said these low level blasts were predominantly being caused by 'the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems'. Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Lt Col James Mitchell, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged thousands of troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blasts Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. / Credit: ITV News Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. Hugh Keir / Credit: H-Hour podcast/Hugh Keir He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what 'normal' looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available The charity Samaritans operates a 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone who needs somebody to talk to. Further resources can also be found on its website. Concussion Legacy Foundation supports British current and former serving members and their families The Concussion Legacy Foundation also provides a personalised helpline for those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
A new platform is connecting sports, arts instructors with students from across the Greater Toronto Area
is a new platform that recently launched in GTA and is connecting local students and instructors for affordable lessons. CTV's Pat Foran reports. A new platform that recently launched in the Greater Toronto Area is connecting local students with instructors for affordable lessons for things like golf, tennis, and pickleball. allows students to search for instructors within their area who are offering lessons at different price points and skill levels. 'It's not as crazy as tennis and it's a bit more of a step up from ping pong. It also gets you moving and people like the social aspect of it,' James Mitchell, a pickleball instructor with told CTV News. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada. It's something people of all ages can play and requires just a few lessons to get the hang of it. Mitchell told CTV News he's been offering his coaching services on the platform, connecting him with players he can coach on evenings and weekends, while making some extra money at the same time. Nicolas Mazomenos has played tennis in the past, but wanted to learn a different sport and decided to give pickleball a shot. 'It's going great. It's my second lesson and I feel like I learned a lot,' said Mazomenos, one of Mitchell's students. 'I got lucky and got paired with a great person, I feel like I've known him forever.' Maaz Patel only started golfing a year ago but enjoys the game and wanted to take lessons to get to the next level. 'I just want to play consistent and if I'm going out there with people from work, or with my friends I don't want to look bad,' said Patel. 'I just want to improve my bad shots.' As for Craig Cook, he coaches golf and finds it's a way to share his love for the sport and earn extra money teaching part-time. 'I teach all ranges of golfers, so beginners, intermediate and more advanced,' Cook said. 'I also offer playing lessons on the course.' How does it work? When CTV News spoke with founder Tyler Maloney, he said that following the success of the website—which launched in San Diego, it is now offering services in Toronto. 'We weren't really planning international expansion but we started having Canadian coaches sign up and they wanted to teach and then we thought we should double down on this,' Maloney said. According to Maloney, students can find local coaches offering lessons at a price point and skill level that they want, and the first lesson is always free. So far, the most popular sports on are golf, tennis, and pickleball. However, they're hoping to bring more activities that are on the U.S. platform to Canada. 'We just had a coach sign up to teach comedy writing. Music theory, rock climbing, beach volleyball, juggling are (also) a variety of things that people sign up to teach,' Maloney said. Lessons can start at about $50 and increase depending on the instructor's skill level. From each lesson booked, the website takes a cut. However, there are no fees to check the website, so you can browse for free to see what is being offered. hopes to expand across Canada in the future and encourages more coaches to apply online.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CyberCube and Aviva Partner to Harness AI for Cyber Threat Actor Intelligence and Advanced Portfolio Risk Management
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2025-- CyberCube, a global leader in cyber risk analytics, and Aviva plc, a leading UK insurer, are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map the behaviour of cyber threat actors and the technologies they most frequently target. Utilising CyberCube's 'Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence' service and its suite of cyber analytics software, the collaboration aims to strengthen Aviva's cyber exposure management strategy. By leveraging AI, specifically large language models (LLMs), to glean threat intelligence from extensive digital forensics data and data leaks tied to leading ransomware groups, Aviva has gained deep insights into how these threat actors operate and the tactics they use to execute attacks. With these insights, Aviva can pinpoint companies in its commercial portfolio that are most vulnerable to specific cyber threat actors, bringing a new level of precision and innovation to exposure management. Aviva is the first insurer to integrate 'Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence' into its exposure management strategy on a recurring basis, marking a significant step in enhancing the company's threat-informed underwriting and portfolio oversight capabilities. James Mitchell, Senior Cyber Pricing and Exposure Manager, Aviva, said: 'As cyber-attacks continue to rise, including the targeting of high-profile organisations, it's crucial that businesses are properly protected. 'Over the past year, Aviva has rigorously tested Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence against several ransomware groups. These threat actors were selected based on their relevance to Aviva's commercial portfolio - specifically their targeting preferences - and our ability to confidently map tactics, techniques, and procedures across the cyber kill chain. 'By incorporating this unique blend of cyber analytics and threat intelligence into current underwriting and exposure management processes, (re)insurers can gain deeper insights into their portfolios, enabling them to better manage cyber risk for both themselves and their customers. 'Customers identified as higher risk can then receive more tailored advice from (re)insurers. For instance, assisting customers with the selection of appropriate cybersecurity tabletop exercises that are specifically linked to the tactics of the higher-risk threat actors.' William Altman, Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence Services, CyberCube, said: 'Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence is an innovative solution that takes the management of cyber insurance portfolio risk to the next level. Through this capability, CyberCube supports Aviva's Exposure Management team in identifying companies within its portfolio that display firmographic traits, technology dependencies, and security gaps likely to attract specific cyber threat actors.' Aviva will utilise Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence on a quarterly basis, as part of creating a differentiated and more nuanced approach to portfolio risk management. This will help Aviva keep pace with the dynamic and fast-paced cyber threat landscape. CyberCube and Aviva regularly review threat intelligence to update threat actor kill chains and ensure analyses reflect the latest threats. Notes to Editors About CyberCube CyberCube is the leading provider of software-as-a-service cyber risk analytics to quantify cyber risk in financial terms. Driven by data and informed by insight, we have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to supplement our multi-disciplinary team. Our clients rely on our solutions to make informed decisions about managing and transferring cyber risks. We unpack complex cyber threats into clear, actionable strategies, translating cyber risk into financial impact on businesses, markets, and society as a whole. The CyberCube platform was established in 2015 within Symantec and now operates as a standalone company. Our models are built on an unparalleled ecosystem of data and validated by extensive model calibration, internally and externally. CyberCube is the leader in cyber risk quantification for the insurance industry, serving over 100 insurance institutions globally. The company's investors include Forgepoint Capital, HSCM Bermuda and Morgan Stanley Tactical Value. For more information, please visit or email [email protected]. About Aviva View source version on CONTACT: For media enquiries, please contact: CyberCube: Yvette Essen, Head of Communications & Market Engagement,[email protected], +44 (0)7956 877 206 Aviva: Karmen Ivey, Senior Media Relations Manager, Global Corporate & Specialty,[email protected], +44 (0)7385 013 292 KEYWORD: CHINA INDIA NORTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC CANADA EUROPE IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE FINANCE SECURITY FINTECH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE DATA ANALYTICS DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: CyberCube Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/19/2025 04:00 AM/DISC: 05/19/2025 04:01 AM
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CyberCube and Aviva Partner to Harness AI for Cyber Threat Actor Intelligence and Advanced Portfolio Risk Management
LONDON, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CyberCube, a global leader in cyber risk analytics, and Aviva plc, a leading UK insurer, are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map the behaviour of cyber threat actors and the technologies they most frequently target. Utilising CyberCube's 'Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence' service and its suite of cyber analytics software, the collaboration aims to strengthen Aviva's cyber exposure management strategy. By leveraging AI, specifically large language models (LLMs), to glean threat intelligence from extensive digital forensics data and data leaks tied to leading ransomware groups, Aviva has gained deep insights into how these threat actors operate and the tactics they use to execute attacks. With these insights, Aviva can pinpoint companies in its commercial portfolio that are most vulnerable to specific cyber threat actors, bringing a new level of precision and innovation to exposure management. Aviva is the first insurer to integrate 'Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence' into its exposure management strategy on a recurring basis, marking a significant step in enhancing the company's threat-informed underwriting and portfolio oversight capabilities. James Mitchell, Senior Cyber Pricing and Exposure Manager, Aviva, said: "As cyber-attacks continue to rise, including the targeting of high-profile organisations, it's crucial that businesses are properly protected. "Over the past year, Aviva has rigorously tested Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence against several ransomware groups. These threat actors were selected based on their relevance to Aviva's commercial portfolio - specifically their targeting preferences - and our ability to confidently map tactics, techniques, and procedures across the cyber kill chain. "By incorporating this unique blend of cyber analytics and threat intelligence into current underwriting and exposure management processes, (re)insurers can gain deeper insights into their portfolios, enabling them to better manage cyber risk for both themselves and their customers. "Customers identified as higher risk can then receive more tailored advice from (re)insurers. For instance, assisting customers with the selection of appropriate cybersecurity tabletop exercises that are specifically linked to the tactics of the higher-risk threat actors." William Altman, Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence Services, CyberCube, said: "Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence is an innovative solution that takes the management of cyber insurance portfolio risk to the next level. Through this capability, CyberCube supports Aviva's Exposure Management team in identifying companies within its portfolio that display firmographic traits, technology dependencies, and security gaps likely to attract specific cyber threat actors." Aviva will utilise Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence on a quarterly basis, as part of creating a differentiated and more nuanced approach to portfolio risk management. This will help Aviva keep pace with the dynamic and fast-paced cyber threat landscape. CyberCube and Aviva regularly review threat intelligence to update threat actor kill chains and ensure analyses reflect the latest threats. Notes to Editors Portfolio Threat Actor Intelligence is included as part of the CyberCube Concierge Threat Intelligence service. Concierge is a first-of-its-kind offering designed specifically for the unique needs of cyber (re)insurers, built by experts in cyber risk and insurance. Definitions: Cybersecurity tabletop exercise – a role play exercise where stakeholders in a business react to a fictional cyberattack. About CyberCube CyberCube is the leading provider of software-as-a-service cyber risk analytics to quantify cyber risk in financial terms. Driven by data and informed by insight, we have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to supplement our multi-disciplinary team. Our clients rely on our solutions to make informed decisions about managing and transferring cyber risks. We unpack complex cyber threats into clear, actionable strategies, translating cyber risk into financial impact on businesses, markets, and society as a whole. The CyberCube platform was established in 2015 within Symantec and now operates as a standalone company. Our models are built on an unparalleled ecosystem of data and validated by extensive model calibration, internally and externally. CyberCube is the leader in cyber risk quantification for the insurance industry, serving over 100 insurance institutions globally. The company's investors include Forgepoint Capital, HSCM Bermuda and Morgan Stanley Tactical Value. For more information, please visit or email info@ About Aviva We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China. We help our 20.5 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong we'll be there to put it right. We have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with our purpose of being 'with you today, for a better tomorrow'. In 2024, we paid £29.3 billion in claims and benefits to our customers. In 2021, we announced our ambition to become Net Zero by 2040, the first major insurance company in the world to do so. While we are working towards our sustainability ambitions, we recognise that while we have control over Aviva's operations and influence over our supply chain, when it comes to decarbonising the economy in which we operate and invest, Aviva is one part of a far larger global system. Nevertheless, we remain focused on the task and are committed to playing our part in the collective effort to enable the global transition. Find out more about our climate goals at and our sustainability ambition and action at Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for our people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at As at 31 December 2024, total Group assets under management at Aviva Group were £407 billion and our estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus as at 31 December 2024 was £7.9 billion. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE 100 index. For more details on what we do, our business and how we help our customers, visit View source version on Contacts For media enquiries, please contact: CyberCube: Yvette Essen, Head of Communications & Market Engagement, yvettee@ +44 (0)7956 877 206Aviva: Karmen Ivey, Senior Media Relations Manager, Global Corporate & Specialty, +44 (0)7385 013 292 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
