Latest news with #academics
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Study finds new link between HRT and breast cancer risk in young women
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not broadly linked to young-onset breast cancer, using certain types before menopause could increase the risk of it developing in young women, a new study suggests. An international team of researchers found that overall, the use of HRT – a treatment commonly used to alleviate menopause symptoms – was not connected to young-onset breast cancer. Then they looked at the specific type used. Various types of HRT are available, containing different hormones, including oestrogen products, progestogen, or a combination of both. These medicines can be taken or used in different ways and work by replacing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which can fall to lower levels as women approach the menopause. The researchers found that oestrogen hormone therapy use appeared to decrease breast cancer risk, while oestrogen plus progestin therapy appeared to increase it. Most studies examining the links between hormone therapy and breast cancer risk have been conducted in older women. Previous work, which has focused on women who have already been through the menopause, suggests that oestrogen plus progestin hormone therapy is a risk factor for breast cancer. But academics from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the US wanted to explore the risks among younger women on hormone therapy, who may take these drugs after gynaecological surgery or during perimenopause. The new meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet Oncology examined data drawn from previous studies of 459,476 women aged 16 to 54 years old. Some 2 per cent of this group (8,455) developed young-onset breast cancer, which means the disease was diagnosed before they were 55 years old. And 15 per cent of women involved in the study reported using hormone therapy, with oestrogen plus progestin hormone therapy and oestrogen being the most common types. They found that oestrogen hormone therapy appeared to reduce the risk of young breast cancer by 14 per cent, while oestrogen plus progestin therapy increased the risk by 10 per cent. 'Although the strength of these associations might vary by age at first use, duration of use, gynaecological surgery status, and other factors, unopposed oestrogen hormone therapy use appears to decrease breast cancer risk and oestrogen plus progestin therapy appears to increase breast cancer risk,' the authors wrote. 'The findings can be used to augment clinical recommendations for hormone therapy use in young women, for whom guidance was previously scarce.' Commenting on the study, Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, head of research communications at the charity Breast Cancer Now, said: 'This large-scale study offers useful insights for women aged under 55 on how HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may influence their chances of developing breast cancer before the menopause. 'It found that oestrogen-only therapy was linked to a lower risk, while combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy was associated with a small increase in risk of developing breast cancer in some women – particularly when used for more than two years or in women who hadn't undergone surgery to remove their uterus or both ovaries. 'These results are largely in line with what we already know about taking HRT for menopausal symptoms and its effects on breast cancer risk – for most people, the risk of developing breast cancer because of taking HRT is small and is outweighed by the benefits. 'The risk is higher the longer you take it, and the risk is higher with combined HRT compared to oestrogen-only HRT. 'Taking HRT is a very personal decision and, as such, it's vital that everyone has the information they need on the benefits and risks, discusses them with their GP or specialist team and is supported to make the choice that's right for them. 'We'd encourage anyone with questions about HRT and their breast cancer risk to speak to their GP or to our expert nurses by calling our free, confidential Helpline on 0808 800 6000.'
CNA
7 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Artificial intelligence's adoption and regulation in focus at WEF's Summer Davos
TIANJIN: At the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Summer Davos in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, the familiar gathering of academics and business leaders featured a newer presence: robots. Handshakes were shared between participants and humanoid machines as participants watched robotic fingers mimic their gestures with uncanny precision. Though tucked into a small exhibit, these interactions echoed one of the forum's biggest themes – how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping daily life and transforming industries. For instance, the AI-powered robotic hands are already helping doctors in surgery. They may also one day provide advanced prosthetics to replace missing body parts. With such swift advances, AI is among topics being discussed at the WEF multilateral gathering officially known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions. AI & CLIMATE CRISIS A key focus is AI's predictive potential in tackling the climate crisis. Advocates have emphasised the urgency to scale up renewable energy as the planet gets warmer year after year. Last year was the hottest year on record. Experts at the meeting are discussing how AI can accelerate the energy transition, such as managing energy use and demand, and using predictive capabilities to help governments prioritise projects in the future. However, industry players warn that momentum could stall, with financial and geopolitical concerns bringing competing priorities. 'The biggest constraint is resources for any country, especially in a very geopolitically tense world where every country is prioritising spending on defence,' said Himanshu Gupta, co-founder and CEO of ClimateAi, a firm which uses AI to help clients manage climate-related risks. AI itself is also contributing to the energy demand. It needs powerful processors to train and run, with data centres requiring constant power and generating immense heat. Both the computing and the cooling processes guzzle massive amounts of electricity. Still, experts said there is increased commitment to rebalance the global energy mix, with more funding flowing into sustainable systems, especially in Asia. China, the world's leading producer of clean technologies, has also made the green transition cheaper and more accessible. 'It's a shifting landscape for sustainability, climate and energy. We're not stopping on energy transition because … we need to leave (future generations) with the right kind of resources,' said Agnes Tai, director of Great Glory Investment Corporation, a Hong Kong-based family office focused on sustainability. AI RIVALRY AND ADOPTION Discussions surrounding AI are also centred on moving beyond theory and towards real-world implementation across sectors including healthcare and manufacturing. According to a recent WEF report, just 45 per cent of chief economists surveyed expect AI to become commercially disruptive this year. One major roadblock is the shortage of workers equipped with the skills to work with AI. However, experts said challenges stand in the way of widening and deepening adoption. Despite falling costs, AI systems are not yet widely embedded across industries. There is also a broader geopolitical issue – restrictions on advanced chips, especially from the United States, have further complicated progress in China, slowing down access to the types of AI hardware needed to train cutting-edge models. The rivals – which make up the world's two largest economies – are at the forefront of the global AI race. But experts have said the battle for AI supremacy is not necessarily a zero-sum game. 'People are talking about how we need to achieve AI supremacy for data security, national security in order to achieve economic growth. But I don't think that's the case,' said Angela Zhang, a law professor at the University of Southern California. 'Everybody is trying to advance, it does not necessarily mean you have to get to the most cutting edge to create that explosive growth,' she told CNA. 'If we combine these two countries (the US and China) together, they will make the perfect team. Their skillsets are complementary.' Others argue the restrictions have created space for greater innovation. 'Initially, founders in China were super worried because there's embargo on chips and the foundation model to China,' said Zhou Yuxiang, CEO of Black Lake Technologies. 'But DeepSeek is kind of a landmark event that made us realise we actually will be able to self-incubate a foundation model on a more cost efficient way, and also certain embargo will drive China or the rest of the world to incubate our own chips, our own foundation model, which is gradually happening now.' DeepSeek's release in January has simultaneously stirred awe and rattled nerves through the global tech sector. The Chinese model came hot on the heels of ChatGPT – at fraction of the cost – despite efforts to stifle AI progress in China. LAGGING IN REGULATION Another area of discussion in the rise of AI and its adoption is regulation – or the lack thereof. This involves establishing clear guidelines, ethical standards and legal frameworks to ensure that such technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. A survey by Japanese infotech firm NTT Data showed over 80 per cent of respondents citing a lack of regulation in the industry as an impediment to investments. 'In the global landscape, certainly in Asia Pacific, there's a lot of regulatory hurdles,' said the company's Asia Pacific CEO John Lombard. 'We certainly think organisations need to consider the regulatory environment that they're operating in.' However, industry leaders have said regulation not only creates safety parameters, but also grounds for innovation. 'If politics gets in the way, engineers and developers will find a different way to solve the problem,' said Darko Matovski, co-founder and CEO of software firm causaLens. 'I think that's actually really good for the field, we're going to get different ideas inspiring the different ecosystems. Competition is actually always healthy and is going to produce better results faster.' Experts said greater investment in infrastructure and education will make AI more inclusive and accessible. Despite the challenges, industry leaders say the key lies in reimagining AI's role, allowing it to take over certain tasks, while humans concentrate on areas where they excel. 'We'll see new jobs developed off the back of AI. Many years ago, there were concerns about technology replacing jobs, but what we saw was new jobs created,' said Lombard. 'AI is there to augment us, to help us, not to replace us. We always need human involvement in all of these processes and activities.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SabbaticalHomes Celebrates 25 Years of Housing Minds on the Move
LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SabbaticalHomes celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. With more than 2 million members in 65 countries, the international housing platform has long been the trusted resource for academics and scholars seeking temporary accommodations worldwide. As higher education faces global uncertainty and housing costs continue to climb, SabbaticalHomes is more relevant than ever. A Home for Scholars Founded in 2000 by Nadege Conger, SabbaticalHomes was inspired by personal experience. As part of an academic family, Conger witnessed how difficult it was for scholars to find suitable housing while working abroad. Seeing the potential of the internet to connect like-minded people, she coded the first version of the site herself—long before the plethora of short-term rental platforms emerged. Despite international disruptions like 9/11, economic downturns, and COVID-19, the company remains focused on its mission: supporting those who advance knowledge through research, writing, and education. About the Founder Originally from France and now based in Southern California, Conger earned her MBA from McGill University in Montreal after studying in France and Canada. Her early career included roles at Disney Paris and Deloitte & Touche, but she sought a more meaningful path. "I'm particularly proud that SabbaticalHomes has grown organically, driven by purpose rather than venture capital," said Conger. "Each listing is more than a home—it's a vessel for thinkers, helping them contribute to society. We prioritize trust and respect over profits." A Global Academic Community SabbaticalHomes connects professors, postdocs, teachers, graduate students, and university staff as well as writers, scientists, artists, journalists, filmmakers, and doctors—people who value lifelong learning and intellectual exchange. Its members include Nobel laureates, Fulbright scholars, and fellowship recipients worldwide. Many return year after year, sharing testimonials that reflect the platform's deep impact and community-first approach. How It Works Members list homes for rent or exchange with house-sitting and sharing options. They arrange details independently and directly—checking references, drafting contracts, and handling payments. This model encourages trust, flexibility, and authentic personal connections. With flat listing and match fees, SabbaticalHomes serves users at all career stages. Looking Ahead As it marks 25 years, SabbaticalHomes continues to support "Minds on the Move." With a strong foundation and a loyal community, the platform is well-positioned to empower scholars and thought leaders for decades to come. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact Information: Becky McCalla(805) 225-3342bmccalla@ 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
Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Times
Robots won't replace us, say judges
Artificial intelligence could cut paperwork, allow courts to focus on complex cases and deliver 'audience specific' summaries of rulings — but robots won't replace human beings on the bench. At least that is the view of judges themselves, according to a report published this week by three international academics specialising in law and technology. Human judgment in the courts is 'non-negotiable', the professors say, as they reflect the view of a judicial focus group. 'Moral reasoning, fact-finding in first-instance trials and the dignity of face-to-face justice must remain human-led,' is the message from a group of a dozen judges, including five from the Supreme Court. The authors of the report are an interesting factor because none is based in the UK and therefore the team is arguably free of romantic bias for red gowns and long ceremonial wigs.
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Plans to replace 2031 census in England and Wales set to be abandoned after backlash
Plans to scrap the 2031 census in England and Wales are expected to be overturned after a backlash from senior statisticians over proposals to replace it with a patchwork of alternative data sources. The UK government said in 2014 that its 'ambition' was to abolish the mandatory national survey after 2021 and instead rely on piecing together 'administrative data' collected by other bodies and surveys. Apart from a wartime gap in 1941, a census has been conducted every 10 years in Britain since 1801. Those in favour of scrapping the census argue that a once-a-decade snapshot is limited when so much real-time data is routinely collected by public sector bodies such as the NHS, HMRC or in school enrolment. 'Based on our work to date … we can move beyond the decade-long cycle of population statistics that has dominated for centuries,' the then national statistician, Prof Ian Diamond, said in 2023. However, the proposal concerned statistical bodies and senior statisticians, who queried the feasibility and cost of patching together datasets that may have been collected in widely different ways. The Royal Statistical Society, while broadly supportive of the principle, said it had concerns over how reliably other bodies would share information and how comprehensive a piecemeal approach would be. In addition, 60 academics and leading statisticians published an open letter warning that an 'untested patchwork' of other sources 'risks an increasingly fragmented and inaccurate data landscape', describing the government's plans 'wishful thinking'. The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA), the government body that oversees official data collection, has now recommended that the England and Wales census goes ahead in 2031 as planned. While acknowledging that the final decision rests with ministers, acting national statistician, Emma Rourke, said on Tuesday: 'It has been clear from consultation and engagement that the decennial census, asked of the whole population, remains of enormous value for informing the most important decisions facing our country.' Alice Sullivan, professor of sociology at UCL's social research institute, said: 'I am absolutely delighted that the census have been saved. National census data is a foundational part of our data infrastructure, as it furnishes the benchmark against which we judge whether other data sources, such as surveys, are representative. 'Without a trusted picture of the population, we would have moved closer to a post-truth world of untestable 'alternative facts'.' Jane Frost, the CEO of the Market Research Society – the UK's regulator and trade body for the sector – said researchers would 'breathe a collective sigh of relief' at the UKSA's recommendations. 'Our £9bn market and social research sector in the UK has long relied on the survey's rich, consistent and reliable data to provide businesses and policymakers with all-important insight on the British people, informing critical decisions across public and private sectors,' she said. Statistics bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland conduct their own censuses. The UKSA said the ONS was working with National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, 'who are also advising their relevant ministers'.
