Latest news with #CardiffUniversity
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sunny weather: Do more expensive sunglasses give more protection?
We all know how the sun can age our skin, but experts warn it can also damage our or UV, light can lead to a number of conditions that can affect vision, such as cataracts. Our eyes can even get avoid eye damage, optometrists say we need to properly protect our eyes when out in the sun, but the good news is that we do not need expensive sunglasses for the protection we need. Dr Malgorzata Rozanoswka, from Cardiff University's School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, said adequate protection was required, including "proper sunglasses", sun cream with high sun protection factor (SPF) and wide brimmed hats."When you are on the beach, there is the reflection of the UV from water, from sand. It could be quite high," she added people hiking or climbing mountains needed more protection because "the higher the altitude, then the higher UV". How can UV damage our eyes? Starting outside the eye, our eyelids are at risk from exposure to the sun, because they are not somewhere we often think about applying skin is also susceptible to UV-associated cancers, much like the rest of our body, including melanoma. Inside our eyes, short-term exposure to UV can lead to photokeratitis, which is like sunburn that affects the cornea, rather than the skin. This painful condition is also known as "snow blindness" and can affect skiers and climbers who spend time at high altitude.A lack of protecting our eyes throughout our lifetime can also lead to deteriorating eyesight, increasing the risk of conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Dr Rozanowska said increased exposure to sunlight could increase the risk of the retina aging prematurely, as well as other parts of the eye."So there is a very well-established association of UV and cataracts, and those cancers of the surface of the eye," she said. "Honestly, just ones that fit my head, because I've got such a small head. But obviously also to protect from UV," said Hattie from Cardiff, speaking from the city's Bute friend Immy, from Buckinghamshire, added: "For me, it's more like fashion. I don't really think about protection."Searching for the right pair of sunglasses requires some some shops you will notice labels with categories from 0 to 4, referring to how dark the lenses are. Category 0 sunglasses let a lot of sunlight through, while category 4 are best for activities in more intense sunshine, such as skiing or hiking in mountains. Category 4 sunglasses block so much visible light that they are not considered safe to drive darker sunglasses do not mean better UV protection, and you cannot tell by looking at the colour of the lenses how much UV protection is offered. Dr Rozanowska recommended looking at the certificate on the frame to see whether sunglasses block UV best to look for is UV400, which blocks 99% of all UV, she said."When buying sunglasses, it's worth getting them from reputable sources and look for those certificates on the frame."Good sunglasses also do not have to cost a lot of money, with some cheaper sunglasses offering as much protection as expensive ones."The lenses are probably made from the same material as the very expensive designer sunglasses, as long as they have the certificate CE or UV 400," Dr Rozanowska those fake designer sunglasses we are tempted to buy from a market stall on holiday may look like a bargain, but they may be offering no protection at all from the sun."Even though they have very dark lenses, they can transmit a lot of UV light and wearing this type of sunglasses with dark lenses, this would make your pupils dilate and more of that UV light would be transmitted to the lens," she sunglasses with no UV protection can actually cause more harm to our eyes. Another thing to consider is that not all sunglasses offer good protection at the side of our eyes - a narrow arm can still allow for UV light to reach our eyes, resulting in eye typically spend a lot of time playing outdoors and their eyes can be more vulnerable to UV damage than adults, said Dr said lenses offered almost no protection from UV, so it was not necessary to force a child to wear sunglasses, instead creating shady areas for play. "So if you are playing on the grass surrounded by trees, there is enough shadow. That reflection from the grass is like 2%, it's almost nothing."It is important for children to play outside without any eye protection. It prevents the development of myopia or short-sightedness."
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
£107m For Health Spinout is 'Most Significant Commercial Investment in Welsh Research To Date'
A clinical-stage spinout company is launching with a $140 million (£107 million) investment – the most significant commercial investment into Welsh research to date. Cardiff University spinout Draig Therapeutics will launch with the investment from leading international venture investors to advance the development of novel therapies for major neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder. The university said this represents the most significant commercial investment into Welsh research to date. Founded on the research and expertise of Professor John Atack and Professor Simon Ward from Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute, the new company will translate the latest research into new treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions. Draig Therapeutics will target key processes in the brain – the Glutamate and GABA pathways – to develop new and more effective treatment options. Professor Simon Ward, Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute and Draig Therapeutics, said: 'We have unique scientific expertise in safely and effectively modulating the core Glutamate and GABA pathways in the brain, which play a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Our knowledge of balancing the chemical neurotransmitters in the brain in neuropsychiatric conditions underpins Draig's pipeline of novel treatments. With the launch of Draig, we can test and develop these new treatments, to bring them into clinical practice and make genuine impacts on the lives of patients around the world.' Draig was formed through a partnership between Cardiff University's Medicine Discovery Institute and SV Health Investors and was founded in 2024. Draig Therapeutics is due to launch on June 18, 2025, with investment led by Access Biotechnology, alongside SV Health Investors and ICG, and including Canaan Partners, SR One, Sanofi Ventures and Schroders Capital. Liam Ratcliffe, Head of Access Biotechnology, said: 'Despite numerous treatments available for neuropsychiatric disorders, a significant unmet need remains with many patients continuing to experience inadequate symptom relief and high rates of relapse. Draig's differentiated approach, which targets core mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, has the potential to deliver a real breakthrough for patients.' Ruth McKernan, co-founder and Executive Chair of Draig, added: 'Making the best molecules to rebalance brain networks has been John and Simon's life work. It has been a professional highlight for me to be part of creating this hugely promising company.' The new funds will enable Draig Therapeutics to advance its lead candidate drug, DT-101, into Phase 2 trials in 2025 for Major Depressive Disorder. The funding will also enable Draig Therapeutics to advance two other drugs towards clinical development in 2026, with best-in-class potential across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Rhodri Turner, Research Commercialisation Manager in Cardiff University's Research and Innovation Services, said: 'This investment in Draig Therapeutics is the largest into a Cardiff University spinout company and represents an outstanding success for the university's Medicines Discovery Institute and will significantly accelerate the delivery of much-needed therapeutics to patients.' The Medicines Discovery Institute was launched at Cardiff University in 2017, with supportive funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government's Sêr Cymru scheme, to translate the latest biomedical research into new therapies. Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University, said: 'Draig Therapeutics is an excellent example of how our research ecosystem is driving innovation-led growth and real-world commercialisation. In collaboration with government, the private sector and other stakeholders, we look forward to further building on this success to strengthen the sector's wider role in driving inward investment to Wales. 'Translating our fundamental research into innovative solutions for global challenges is at the heart of what we do. Combined with support for innovation, it is important to remember just how vital Sêr Cymru and other targeted research funding has been in making a step change for Wales. Together we can do much more.' Professor Wendy Larner, Vice-Chancellor and President at Cardiff University, said: 'This achievement exemplifies the huge impact from Cardiff's outstanding research. Our strategy for 2035 reaffirms our global-civic ambitions and the partnership approach that is vital for Wales and the UK. Through our new strategy, Cardiff will continue to strengthen its position for future innovation across the portfolio, for continued economic, social and health benefits.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh university spinout in huge £100m plus investment for its pioneering neuropsychiatric disorder therapies
Welsh university spinout in huge £100m plus investment for its pioneering neuropsychiatric disorder therapies Draig Therapeutics said the funding will support clinicial trials as it aims to move closer to commercialisation John Atack and Simon Ward of Draig Therapeutics. A Cardiff University life sciences spinout firm pioneering new therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders has been boosted with a huge £100m-plus investment round. In the biggest ever equity investment round into a Welsh university spinout and one of the largest for a start-up firm in Wales, Draig Therapeutics has secured backing from leading international venture capital investors globally to support its development of novel therapies for major neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder. The company is based on the research and expertise of Professor John Atack and Professor Simon Ward from Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute, The £107m investment round has been led Access Biotechnology, alongside SV Health Investors and ICG, and including Canaan Partners, SR One, Sanofi Ventures and Schroders Capital. The company was set in a partnership between the Medicine Discovery Institute and SV Health Investors and its chair in serial entrepreneur Ruth McKernan. The latest acquisition and equity investment news in Wales READ MORE: The new funds will enable Draig Therapeutics to advance its lead candidate drug, DT-101, into phase two trials this year for major depressive disorder. The funding will also enable it to advance two other drugs towards clinical development in 2026 with potential across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Article continues below The company was originally set up in 2021, but gained Cardiff University spinout status last year following approval by the university's executive board. Cardiff University said it could not disclose what equity it and the academic founders of the business have post the investment round. Draig currently employs 17 but with the potential for further job creation. Professor Ward of Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute and Draig Therapeutics, said: 'We have unique scientific expertise in safely and effectively modulating the core Glutamate and GABA pathways in the brain, which play a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders. 'Our knowledge of balancing the chemical neurotransmitters in the brain in neuropsychiatric conditions underpins Draig's pipeline of novel treatments. With the launch of Draig, we can test and develop these new treatments, to bring them into clinical practice and make genuine impacts on the lives of patients around the world.' Liam Ratcliffe, head of Access Biotechnology, said: 'Despite numerous treatments available for neuropsychiatric disorders, a significant unmet need remains with many patients continuing to experience inadequate symptom relief and high rates of relapse. Draig's differentiated approach, which targets core mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, has the potential to deliver a real breakthrough for patients.' Ms McKernan, co-founder and executive chair of Draig, said:'Making the best molecules to rebalance brain networks has been John and Simon's life work. It has been a professional highlight for me to be part of creating this hugely promising company.' The new funds will enable Draig Therapeutics to advance its lead candidate drug, DT-101, into phase two trials this year for major depressive disorder. The funding will also enable it to advance two other drugs towards clinical development in 2026 with potential across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Rhodri Turner, research commercialisation manager in Cardiff University's Research and Innovation Services, said: 'This investment in Draig Therapeutics is the largest into a Cardiff University spinout company and represents an outstanding success for the University's Medicines Discovery Institute and will significantly accelerate the delivery of much-needed therapeutics to patients.' The insittute was launched at Cardiff University in 2017, with supportive funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government's Sêr Cymru scheme, to translate the latest biomedical research into new therapies. Professor Roger Whitaker, pro vice-chancellor for research, innovation and enterprise at Cardiff University, said: 'Draig Therapeutics is an excellent example of how our research ecosystem is driving innovation-led growth and real-world commercialisation. In collaboration with government, the private sector and other stakeholders, we look forward to further building on this success to strengthen the sector's wider role in driving inward investment to Wales. Article continues below 'Translating our fundamental research into innovative solutions for global challenges is at the heart of what we do. Combined with support for innovation, it is important to remember just how vital Sêr Cymru and other targeted research funding has been in making a step change for Wales. Together we can do much more.' Professor Wendy Larner, vice-chancellor and president at Cardiff University, said: 'This achievement exemplifies the huge impact from Cardiff's outstanding research. Our strategy for 2035 reaffirms our global-civic ambitions and the partnership approach that is vital for Wales and the UK. Through our new strategy, Cardiff will continue to strengthen its position for future innovation across the portfolio, for continued economic, social and health benefits.'
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Veteran Solo Journalist, Haliza Hashim Links Two Continents
By Syamsiah Sahat IPOH, June 14 (Bernama) -- "Haliza Hashim, That was the iconic sign off of TV3 news correspondent, Haliza Hashim who was the face connecting Malaysian viewers with major events in Europe for over 30 years. In an era of increasingly advanced technology, this 60-year-old woman takes on the task of a versatile solo journalist who can double as a cameraman, interviewer, voice-over artist, scriptwriter, editor and presenter to make a complete and interesting report. "More than three decades, as if I can't believe it, I'm still standing here, still reporting. As long as the television company needs me, I will be here and retire here," she said when met by Bernama in London, recently. Recounting her career path, the Cardiff University economics graduate said she started at the TV3 News Room, Jalan Liku, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur in the early 1990s as a broadcast journalist for the news segment and Money Matters programme from February 1991 to January 1993 before making the bold decision to become a correspondent in London. "I started by joining several international media associations, introducing myself to Malaysian government departments and agencies in London and building networks with key ministries here. Chasing deadlines and language barriers in European countries were among the major challenges faced. "In the 90s, I hired a cameraman, rented an editing studio, sent visuals using satellite and sent text reports via fax to the newsroom. If you think about it, journalists are really lucky these days, they can write scripts and record visuals with smartphones." Haliza said that with the development of technology, starting in 2013 she used a broadcast-quality video camera to record visuals and interviews, edit videos using applications on her laptop and send news using the latest system directly to the editor in the newsroom. "As a solo journalist, sometimes I miss the intimacy with my colleagues, crew and the atmosphere of the newsroom. However, the advantages of working solo allow me to move more easily, quickly and save costs,' said the mother of two, aged 30 and 26.
Western Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Cardiff University cuts ‘could be repeated,' Senedd hears
Wendy Larner, president and vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, appeared before the Senedd's education committee on June 12 as part of an inquiry on higher education. She told Senedd members universities face an existential moment and the financial headwinds 'continue to blow strongly'. Prof Larner said it is an enormously challenging time for the higher education sector – 'not just here in Wales but in the UK and, indeed, globally'. Patrick Younge, chair of council, warned universities do not have a viable business model, with a tuition-fee freeze costing Cardiff £24m more than its competitors from 2017 to 2024. He said: 'If you don't address the fundamentals, all of the Welsh universities will be going through this year on year on year because income is not rising and expense inevitably rises.' Prof Larner said January's 'academic futures' document – which initially included a target to cut 400 jobs – was the beginning of a genuine consultation. The vice-chancellor confirmed the final plan includes retaining nursing, music and modern languages albeit with smaller cohorts and new models. She told the committee the initial target was scaled back to 220, with 151 academic staff leaving voluntarily: 'This leaves a final reduction of 69 full-time equivalents… by 2029/30. Compulsory redundancies are always a last resort.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, questioned the wisdom in proposing changes only to backtrack, 'with resulting damage to staff morale'. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, pressed the witnesses about the university's plans to open a new campus in Kazakhstan while making cuts at home. Prof Larner replied: 'Transnational education is part of the future for UK universities.' On staff welfare, Prof Larner said: 'We have seen… a little change in stress-related data. As is always the case, the majority of that… refers to personal, not workplace stress. 'But I absolutely understand the challenge here…. I take the well-being of our staff very seriously: this is not easy, change is really difficult.' She criticised the University and College Union for 'blindsiding' the university by going to the press with concerns about a 'total health and safety crisis'.
