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Why we have to continue with animal testing for medical research | Letters

Why we have to continue with animal testing for medical research | Letters

Dr Robin Lovell-Badge and Prof Emma Robinson respond to an editorial on using new technologies to reduce the reliance on animal experiments I write in response to your editorial on animals in research ( The Guardian view on animal testing: we can stop sacrificing millions of lives for our own health, 23 November ). I am supportive of many aspects of the strategy to aid the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods to replace the use of animals. However, much of this is geared towards regulatory testing, where the goals are more readily achievable, rather than for discovery science. All scientists working with animals in the UK have signed up to the 3Rs: replacement (developing alternatives), reduction and refinement. But we are definitely not ready to abandon research with animals, and for some disciplines we may never get to this. Advances in the ability to generate large amounts of detailed information about gene activity in cells and computer analysis have been amazing, but much of this is correlative. To prove causation still requires testing. Continue reading...

Shabana Mahmood and my surprise at teenagers’ views on immigration | Letter

Shabana Mahmood and my surprise at teenagers’ views on immigration | Letter

Rev Dr Michael Fox responds to an article by Nesrine Malik on the home secretary using her ‘story’ to silence criticism of her policies Nesrine Malik’s analysis of Shabana Mahmood’s immigration policies may apply more widely than to second-generation immigrant politicians ( Shabana Mahmood is an avatar of open Britain – that’s what makes her fable about immigration so seductive, 24 November) . Twenty years ago, while making a documentary on politics for the Open University, I interviewed a group of 15-year-olds at a school in Moss Side, Manchester. The school had selected a mixed group of children, half identifying as white British, half as second-generation immigrant. Continue reading...

Let’s not repeat the folly of PFIs for NHS buildings | Letter

Let’s not repeat the folly of PFIs for NHS buildings | Letter

Too often savings in construction cost and time are at the expense of design and materials, and high finance and support costs, writes Martin Cook In response to Lord Hutton’s letter ( 23 November ) on NHS hospitals built under the private finance initiative (PFI), independent research into the design quality of PFI public buildings, by all of the auditing authorities in the UK, showed serious flaws and a significant “quality gap” when compared to traditional design-led procurement. In my 2007 book The Design Quality Manual: Improving Building Performance, I included results from all these reviews, starting with the Audit Commission’s 2003 report PFI in Schools. The design flaws were serious, including poor functionality, short-life materials, and non-compliance with building and safety regulations. Continue reading...

A more nuanced approach to ultra-processed foods is necessary | Letters

A more nuanced approach to ultra-processed foods is necessary | Letters

The discussion over UPFs distracts from the real public health problem: meat and dairy products, writes Noah Praamsma It’s time to clear up the confusion over ultra-processed foods ( We know ultra-processed foods are bad for you – but can you spot them? Take our quiz, 21 November ). Yes, eating UPFs made from animal products (like chicken nuggets and cheese in a squeeze bottle) can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, but UPFs from plants (like cereal, canned beans and even veggie burgers) can actually help keep you healthy. More and more leading health organisations agree that a more nuanced approach to UPFs is necessary. The American Medical Association recently passed a resolution that “supports and promotes public awareness and education about the differences between healthful foods and unhealthful ultra-processed foods”. The American Heart Association also recently released a report noting that “not all UPFs are junk foods or have poor nutritional quality; some UPFs have better nutritional value [than others] and can be part of an overall healthy dietary pattern”. This difference has a lot to do with whether the UPF is an animal- or plant-based product. Continue reading...

Family of Indonesian woman killed in Hong Kong apartment blaze awaits repatriation

Family of Indonesian woman killed in Hong Kong apartment blaze awaits repatriation

"Tragedy struck a family in Ponorogo after Dina Martiana, an Indonesian migrant worker, died in a high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong. Footage filmed on Sunday shows mourners arriving at Martiana's family home to offer condolences to loved ones. "Yesterday at 12:00 noon, she [Martiana's younger sister] received a phone call, but I picked it up [...] I was informed that Ms. Dina had been found dead [...] based on the data and evidence at the location," said Riko Andi, the victim's younger brother. Andi shared that Martiana's employment agency told the family that she had been unable to escape because heavy smoke filled the stairwell. "The agency said she was trapped in the room. She couldn't go down the stairs because smoke was rising from below. So the only option was to stay in the room," he explained. Martiana leaves behind a husband and a child who is still in junior high school. The victim's younger sister said that the Indonesian Embassy in Hong Kong contacted the family to confirm her death. The family is now waiting for Martiana's remains to be repatriated so she can be buried in her hometown of Ponorogo. On Wednesday, a massive blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong and continued to burn for more than 20 hours. Authorities confirmed 128 deaths, including 89 victims who had yet to be identified, while about 200 people remained missing."

Tradition, history and magic - UNESCO-recognised Carnival of Black and Whites held in in Bogota

Tradition, history and magic - UNESCO-recognised Carnival of Black and Whites held in in Bogota

"Thousands gathered in Bogota’s Plaza Bolivar to celebrate the Carnival of Blacks and Whites, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Footage shows dance troupes performing wearing traditional attire, accompanied by giant puppets as they marched to the rhythms of traditional music. Established in 1546, the festivities hold deep meaning for Colombians, blending Andean and Hispanic traditions into a colourful procession. Traditionally held in San Juan de Pasto from December 28 and January 6 every year, the carnival was also held in the country’s capital for the second time, according to media reports. In Pasto, the last two days are dedicated to the 'Day of the Blacks' and the 'Day of the Whites'. The celebrations are held to reflect the equality, cultural diversity and unity among communities."