Latest news with #NorthumbriaUniversity
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
The many benefits of rosemary: Secret to brain health is hiding in your kitchen
Rosemary, the aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, has long been a staple in kitchens around the world. However, a recent study led by Dipa Kamdar from Kingston University reveals that rosemary's benefits go far beyond its culinary appeal. This powerful herb plays a vital role in supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune function. Also read | Looking for hair growth solution? Try rosemary oil; doctor reveals this simple herb oil is the go-to for thicker hair According to multiple studies, rosemary has been associated with healthy brain function. One study associated rosemary to decreased risk of Alzheimer's. According to a study conducted by the researchers at Northumbria University, participants who inhaled rosemary's scent performed better in memory tasks than the ones who performed the same tasks in an unscented environment. Even historically, rosemary had been associated with better brain functioning. It is believed that in ancient Greece and Rome, students used rosemary to improve concentration and memory. Also read | Super herb: Benefits of rosemary water for great hair Blood circulation: Rosemary helps in stimulating blood circulation in the brain, which helps in delivering more blood and nutrients that can improve mental clarity. Calming properties: The aroma of rosemary is believed to have calming properties that can help in reducing anxiety and stress. It also helps in inducing better sleep. Lower stress can help in better memory retention and clarity. Antioxidants: Oxidative stress can cause damage to brain cells, that can affe4ct cognitive functioning. Rosemary is packed with antioxidants that can prevent this process. Also read | Habits that damage your brain health: Modern lifestyle routines you need to stop immediately Health-enhancing effects: Rosemary is loaded with carnosic acid, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent that helps in shielding brain cells from harm. Beyond brain health: rosemary's health effects go beyond the brain. It also helps in easing digestion, relieving bloating and reducing inflammation. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Science
- Canada Standard
As Arctic ice vanishes, maritime traffic booms fuel climate crisis
The Arctic is warming four times faster than any other place on the planet. As sea ice melts, new shipping routes between continents are opening up, and the yearly window for navigating through these freezing waters is expanding. But there is a heavy toll that comes with increased traffic in the Arctic - a fragile environment that is rapidly collapsing. When a Russian gas tanker sliced through the icy waters of theArcticin the middle of winter four years ago, it became clear global shipping routes would be forever changed. The Christophe de Margerie vessel, named after the former CEO of French oil company Total, made its way from eastern China through the Bering Sea, eventually docking at a remote Arctic port inSiberiain February 2021. For the first time in history, global warming caused by humans allowed a ship to navigate through Arctic winter ice. The Arctic has been warming four times faster than anywhere else on the planet since 1979, according tomultiple scientific studies. Melting sea ice is opening up paths for increased shipping and other vessel traffic in the region, especially along the Northern Sea Route, the Arctic shortcut between Europe and Asia that stretches more than9,000 kilometres. Shipping seasons are also being prolonged as a result of the warming climate. But with more traffic comes more environmental degradation. The consequences are dire, particularly forclimateheating, loss ofbiodiversityand since the Arctic is a key regulator of the Earth's climate, what happens in this region can be felt thousands of kilometres away. A vicious cycle It's a vicious cycle. As sea ice melts and opens new routes for maritime traffic in the Arctic, the environmental fallout caused by vessels burning fossil fuels adds to global warming, which in turn melts more sea ice. A perfect example of this is black carbon. It's a sooty material emitted from gas and diesel engines that aren't completely combusted. Not only does black carbon pollute the air with particulate matter, but because of its ability to absorb light as heat, it contributes toclimate changeby warming the air. When black carbon is deposited on ice in the Arctic, it takes away its ability to reflect heat. The black colour deposited on the white ice means the ice then absorbs more sunlight, leading to more melting, explained Sammie Buzzard, a polar scientist at the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at Northumbria University. Read moreArctic scientists race against the clock as 'ice memory' melts away The use of heavy fuel oil, leftovers from the bottom of the barrel that lead to high blackcarbon emissions,grew by 75 percentin the Arctic in just four years, between 2015 and 2019. On the opposite end of the planet, inAntarctica, its use has been banned since 2011. Black carbon is one of themost significantcontributors to climate change, after CO2. Lots of Arctic ice gets covered, and anything that changes the colour of the ice or causes it to melt also removes a key part of the ecosystem, Buzzard said. Busy routes Almost all types of maritime traffic are on the rise in the Arctic, whether for tourism or are by far themost common type on shipin the Arctic,followed by cargo ships and bulk carriers. Between2013 and 2023, every type of ship aside from oil tankers and research vessels took to the Arctic in higher numbers. Not only are there an increasing number of ships in the Arctic Ocean, but they are also navigating over greater distances. In the span of a decade, the total distance vessels covered more than doubled, with an increase of111 percent. The area for ships to move safely in open waters of the Arctic route during a 90-day safety window expanded by35 percentfrom 1979 to 2018. Every year, the area keeps growing. Its estimated that five percent of globalshippingtraffic will be diverted to the Arctic route as a result. Usually, navigating the frozen waters of the Arctic requires an escort well-versed in icebreaking. A boat designed to break open large chunks of ice glides alongside vessels that need to make it through one of the three main shipping routes: the Transpolar Sea Route, the Northwest Passage or the Northern Sea Route. But according to climate projections, unescorted navigation could be possibleas early as 2030in the summer months. In the Canadian Arctic, where the Northwest Passage is located, the number of vessels hasquadrupledsince 1990. But the exact number of weeks ships can navigate safely through the route is found that melting sea ice doesn't necessarily make all Arctic sea routes more accessible. Thin sea ice does indeed melt under global warming, but centuries-old floes break off and are released into the Arctic Ocean, moving southwards and creating choke points, which makes some key points in the Northwest Passage more dangerous and unpredictable. Still, the overall trend is alarming. Melting sea ice brought on by global warming allowed shipping traffic to increaseby 25 percentbetween 2013 and 2019. The butterfly effect of the Arctic The Arctic helps keep the planet's climate in balance. As sea ice perishes and maritime traffic increases, further accelerating global warming, environmental consequences become ever more far-reaching. The polar regions act to help cool the rest of the planet through the white ice reflecting energy from the sun back to space, Buzzard explained. They act a bit like a giant freezer for the rest of the planet. This has an effect on global ice regulates heat exchange between the atmosphere and ocean, impacting the global circulation of heat, said Buzzard. [So] anything that reduces the amount of ice, or darkens it, can mean less energy is reflected, which means extra warming, which then has consequences for the entire planet. Some changes are being implemented to slow down this worrying feedback loop. A ban on heavy fuel oil, which releases black carbon, was introducedin July 2024, though some vessels can continue to use it until July 2029. The UN agency responsible for regulating maritime transport, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), also pledged to reduce emissionsby at least 20 percentin the next five years. But the Clean Arctic Alliance, a group of 21 NGOs who advocate for government action to protect the Arctic's wildlife and its people, insists there is not enough being done to curb the rise of black carbon and methane pollution from shipping in the Arctic. Its lead advisor, Sian Prior, said that in recent years, black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping have more than doubled, in astatementpublished on 14 May. For Buzzard, the economic interests of using Arctic shipping routes may be beneficial. But increased traffic must be coupled with strict environmental regulations. While there can be a saving both in terms of carbon and time for ships to travel across the Arctic, this is a very fragile ecosystem that is already struggling to cope with changes from human-created climate change, she said. Sea ice not only acts to help cool the planet, it is a habitat for creatures like polar bears that use the ice for hunting, Buzzard noted. The polar bear, now a mascot for environmental issues in the Arctic, relies on sea ice to hunt and move around to find crucial denning areas. It accounts forover 96 percentof the animal's critical habitat. Increased traffic also brings noise pollution, which disturbs mammals who travel through these frozen waters, like whales. Pods use sound to find their food, mates, avoid predators and migrate. A recent study found that underwater noise in some places in the Arctic Oceanhas doubledin just six years because of increased shipping. The list of environmental consequences of the maritime traffic boom in the Arctic goes on. Vessels navigating through the Arctic also release air pollutants, flush out sulphur oxide into the ocean through scrubbers that remove the substance from a ship's exhaust, and can leave behind litter. There is also the increased risk of pollution from oil spills, added Buzzard. As countries such as Russia and China eye the prospect ofnew exploitationthat comes with melting sea ice, and US President Donald Trump covets theresource-rich island of Greenland, time is running out for this fragile environment. There needs to be careful regulation to minimise the [environmental] impacts to the area, stressed consequences won't just stay in the Arctic. Originally published on France24
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First Post
2 days ago
- Science
- First Post
Melting Arctic ice opens shorter shipping routes, stokes worries about climate change-induced destruction
Shipping activity has surged in the Arctic in the last decade. With that rise comes a new environmental threat. More ships in the Arctic mean more fossil fuel emissions, and more pollution means more warming read more The village of Kaktovik is seen at the edge of Barter Island in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, near Kaktovik, Alaska. AP Four years ago, a Russian gas tanker, Christophe de Margerie, travelled from eastern China through the Bering Sea before docking at a remote Arctic port in Siberia. For the first time a commercial vessel had crossed the frozen Arctic Ocean in the heart of winter– a feat made possible by human-induced global warming. Scientists say the Arctic has been warming four times faster than the rest of the planet since 1979. As sea ice retreats, new shipping lanes such as the 9,000-kilometre Northern Sea Route are becoming accessible for longer periods each year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The result is a steady rise in maritime traffic through these once impassable waters, according to a report by France24. Black carbon and the feedback loop With that rise comes a new environmental threat. More ships in the Arctic mean more fossil fuel emissions, and more pollution means more warming, especially in the form of black carbon. Black carbon, a byproduct of incomplete combustion from diesel and gas engines, is a potent climate pollutant. It absorbs sunlight, heats the air, and accelerates the melting of ice when deposited on its surface. 'The black colour deposited on the white ice means the ice then absorbs more sunlight, leading to more melting,' said Sammie Buzzard, a polar scientist at Northumbria University's Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling. Heavy fuel oil, which produces high levels of black carbon, saw a 75 per cent increase in use in the Arctic from 2015 to 2019. The fuel has been banned in Antarctica since 2011, and a phased ban in the Arctic began in July 2024. Vessels have until 2029 to comply fully. Rising traffic, rising risks Shipping activity has surged in the Arctic in the last decade. Fishing boats are the most common vessels, followed by cargo ships and bulk carriers. Between 2013 and 2023, all ship types except oil tankers and research vessels increased in number. Distance travelled in the Arctic by vessels more than doubled over ten years, jumping by 111 per cent. The safe navigation zone during a 90-day summer window grew by 35 per cent from 1979 to 2018. An estimated 5 per cent of global shipping is expected to shift to Arctic routes. Most vessels still require icebreaker escorts to cross key routes like the Transpolar Sea Route, the Northwest Passage or the Northern Sea Route. But climate models suggest unescorted navigation may be possible in summer months as early as 2030. In the Canadian Arctic, vessel numbers have quadrupled since 1990. Yet, melting ice can also bring unexpected hazards. Old ice floes break off and drift south, creating choke points in narrow passages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, shipping traffic grew 25 per cent between 2013 and 2019, driven by the promise of faster and more efficient trade. Global consequences of Arctic warming The Arctic's transformation has worldwide implications. 'The polar regions act to help cool the rest of the planet through the white ice reflecting energy from the sun back to space,' Buzzard said. 'They act a bit like a giant freezer for the rest of the planet.' As sea ice melts, that reflective ability weakens. 'Sea ice regulates heat exchange between the atmosphere and ocean, impacting the global circulation of heat,' said Buzzard. '[So] anything that reduces the amount of ice, or darkens it, can mean less energy is reflected, which means extra warming, which then has consequences for the entire planet.' The United Nations' International Maritime Organization has pledged to reduce shipping emissions by at least 20 per cent over the next five years. But environmental groups say progress is too slow. The Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of 21 NGOs, said in a May 14 statement that 'in recent years, black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping have more than doubled.' The group is urging governments to take stronger action against pollutants like black carbon and methane. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The cost to wildlife and fragile ecosystems Buzzard said Arctic shipping could offer some carbon savings if it shortens trade routes, but without strict regulation the damage may outweigh the benefits. 'Sea ice not only acts to help cool the planet, it is a habitat for creatures like polar bears that use the ice for hunting.' Over 96 per cent of the polar bear's critical habitat depends on sea ice for hunting and movement. Noise pollution from increased traffic is another growing threat. Whales and other marine mammals rely on sound to communicate and migrate. Studies show underwater noise has doubled in some Arctic areas in just six years. Other consequences include air pollution, waste discharge, oil spill risks, and sulfur runoff from exhaust-cleaning scrubbers.
France 24
3 days ago
- Science
- France 24
As Arctic ice vanishes, maritime traffic booms fuel climate crisis
When a Russian gas tanker sliced through the icy waters of the Arctic in the middle of winter four years ago, it became clear global shipping routes would be forever changed. The Christophe de Margerie vessel, named after the former CEO of French oil company Total, made its way from eastern China through the Bering Sea, eventually docking at a remote Arctic port in Siberia in February 2021. For the first time in history, global warming caused by humans allowed a ship to navigate through Arctic winter ice. The Arctic has been warming four times faster than anywhere else on the planet since 1979, according to multiple scientific studies. Melting sea ice is opening up paths for increased shipping and other vessel traffic in the region, especially along the Northern Sea Route, the Arctic shortcut between Europe and Asia that stretches more than 9,000 kilometres. Shipping seasons are also being prolonged as a result of the warming climate. But with more traffic comes more environmental degradation. The consequences are dire, particularly for climate heating, loss of biodiversity and pollution. And since the Arctic is a key regulator of the Earth's climate, what happens in this region can be felt thousands of kilometres away. A vicious cycle It's a vicious cycle. As sea ice melts and opens new routes for maritime traffic in the Arctic, the environmental fallout caused by vessels burning fossil fuels adds to global warming, which in turn melts more sea ice. A perfect example of this is black carbon. It's a sooty material emitted from gas and diesel engines that aren't completely combusted. Not only does black carbon pollute the air with particulate matter, but because of its ability to absorb light as heat, it contributes to climate change by warming the air. When black carbon is deposited on ice in the Arctic, it takes away its ability to reflect heat. 'The black colour deposited on the white ice means the ice then absorbs more sunlight, leading to more melting,' explained Sammie Buzzard, a polar scientist at the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at Northumbria University. The use of heavy fuel oil, leftovers from the bottom of the barrel that lead to high black carbon emissions, grew by 75 percent in the Arctic in just four years, between 2015 and 2019. On the opposite end of the planet, in Antarctica, its use has been banned since 2011. Black carbon is one of the most significant contributors to climate change, after CO2. 'Lots of Arctic ice gets covered, and anything that changes the colour of the ice or causes it to melt also removes a key part of the ecosystem,' Buzzard said. Busy routes Almost all types of maritime traffic are on the rise in the Arctic, whether for tourism or transportation. Fishing boats are by far the most common type on ship in the Arctic, followed by cargo ships and bulk carriers. Between 2013 and 2023, every type of ship aside from oil tankers and research vessels took to the Arctic in higher numbers. Not only are there an increasing number of ships in the Arctic Ocean, but they are also navigating over greater distances. In the span of a decade, the total distance vessels covered more than doubled, with an increase of 111 percent. The area for ships to move safely in open waters of the Arctic route during a 90-day safety window expanded by 35 percent from 1979 to 2018. Every year, the area keeps growing. It's estimated that five percent of global shipping traffic will be diverted to the Arctic route as a result. Usually, navigating the frozen waters of the Arctic requires an escort well-versed in icebreaking. A boat designed to break open large chunks of ice glides alongside vessels that need to make it through one of the three main shipping routes: the Transpolar Sea Route, the Northwest Passage or the Northern Sea Route. But according to climate projections, unescorted navigation could be possible as early as 2030 in the summer months. In the Canadian Arctic, where the Northwest Passage is located, the number of vessels has quadrupled since 1990. But the exact number of weeks ships can navigate safely through the route is dwindling. Research has found that melting sea ice doesn't necessarily make all Arctic sea routes more accessible. Thin sea ice does indeed melt under global warming, but centuries-old floes break off and are released into the Arctic Ocean, moving southwards and creating choke points, which makes some key points in the Northwest Passage more dangerous and unpredictable. Still, the overall trend is alarming. Melting sea ice brought on by global warming allowed shipping traffic to increase by 25 percent between 2013 and 2019. The butterfly effect of the Arctic The Arctic helps keep the planet's climate in balance. As sea ice perishes and maritime traffic increases, further accelerating global warming, environmental consequences become ever more far-reaching. 'The polar regions act to help cool the rest of the planet through the white ice reflecting energy from the sun back to space,' Buzzard explained. 'They act a bit like a giant freezer for the rest of the planet.' This has an effect on global temperature. 'Sea ice regulates heat exchange between the atmosphere and ocean, impacting the global circulation of heat,' said Buzzard. '[So] anything that reduces the amount of ice, or darkens it, can mean less energy is reflected, which means extra warming, which then has consequences for the entire planet.' Some changes are being implemented to slow down this worrying feedback loop. A ban on heavy fuel oil, which releases black carbon, was introduced in July 2024, though some vessels can continue to use it until July 2029. The UN agency responsible for regulating maritime transport, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), also pledged to reduce emissions by at least 20 percent in the next five years. But the Clean Arctic Alliance, a group of 21 NGOs who advocate for government action to protect the Arctic's wildlife and its people, insists there is not enough being done to curb the rise of black carbon and methane pollution from shipping in the Arctic. Its lead advisor, Sian Prior, said that 'in recent years, black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping have more than doubled,' in a statement published on 14 May. For Buzzard, the economic interests of using Arctic shipping routes may be beneficial. But increased traffic must be coupled with strict environmental regulations. 'While there can be a saving both in terms of carbon and time for ships to travel across the Arctic, this is a very fragile ecosystem that is already struggling to cope with changes from human-created climate change,' she said. 'Sea ice not only acts to help cool the planet, it is a habitat for creatures like polar bears that use the ice for hunting,' Buzzard noted. The polar bear, now a mascot for environmental issues in the Arctic, relies on sea ice to hunt and move around to find crucial denning areas. It accounts for over 96 percent of the animal's critical habitat. Increased traffic also brings noise pollution, which disturbs mammals who travel through these frozen waters, like whales. Pods use sound to find their food, mates, avoid predators and migrate. A recent study found that underwater noise in some places in the Arctic Ocean has doubled in just six years because of increased shipping. The list of environmental consequences of the maritime traffic boom in the Arctic goes on. Vessels navigating through the Arctic also release air pollutants, flush out sulphur oxide into the ocean through scrubbers that remove the substance from a ship's exhaust, and can leave behind litter. 'There is also the increased risk of pollution from oil spills,' added Buzzard. As countries such as Russia and China eye the prospect of new exploitation that comes with melting sea ice, and US President Donald Trump covets the resource-rich island of Greenland, time is running out for this fragile environment. 'There needs to be careful regulation to minimise the [environmental] impacts to the area,' stressed Buzzard. 'The consequences won't just stay in the Arctic.'
Time Business News
12-05-2025
- Time Business News
Best Neighbourhoods in Newcastle
Find Student Accommodation with Finding the perfect Newcastle student accommodation just got easier! At we offer a wide range of room types to suit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a cozy private studio, a shared apartment with friends, or an en-suite room in a lively student community, we've got options from affordable to premium. Best of all, our properties are located just minutes from major universities like Newcastle University and Northumbria University, saving you time on commutes and giving you more flexibility to focus on your studies or explore the city. Our apartments are designed with student life in mind. Enjoy modern shared facilities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, study lounges, on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and social spaces to connect with fellow students. Need to unwind after class? Many residences include game zones, outdoor courtyards, or even rooftop terraces with stunning city views. Location is key, and our accommodations put you right in the heart of Newcastle's vibrant student scene. Step outside, and you'll find cafes, pubs, grocery stores, and popular eateries serving everything from quick bites to international cuisine. Best Neighbourhoods in Newcastle For Students 1. Jesmond Jesmond is a top choice for students who want to choose Newcastle University campus accommodation, located just a 10-minute walk from Newcastle University and 15 minutes from Northumbria University. Known for its leafy streets and vibrant Osborne Road, it offers a mix of cafes, pubs, and boutique shops. Popular spots like Jesmond Dene Park provide green spaces for relaxation. The area is safe, with a strong student community and excellent public transport links to the city center. Nightlife here is lively but balanced, perfect for both studying and socializing. 2. City Centre Newcastle's city centre is ideal for students who want everything at their doorstep. It's within walking distance of both Newcastle University (13 minutes) and Northumbria University (10 minutes). The area boasts iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and shopping hubs like Eldon Square. Nightlife thrives here, with bars, clubs, and theatres like The Sage Gateshead. Safety is prioritized due to its busy, well-lit streets and proximity to campus security teams. 3. Heaton Heaton offers a quieter, residential vibe while still being close to universities within a 15-minute bus ride. It's popular for its affordability, Victorian houses, and community feel. Chillingham Road is lined with indie cafes, thrift stores, and pubs like The Heaton Comptoir. The Ouseburn Valley, a creative district with art studios and live music venues, is nearby. Safety is high, with low crime rates and a mix of families and students. 4. Ouseburn Dubbed Newcastle's 'cultural quarter,' Ouseburn is perfect for artsy students. It's a 10-minute walk from the city centre and features eclectic spaces like Seven Stories (national children's literature centre) and indie breweries. The area is close to campuses via metro or bike in 15 minutes. While quieter at night, its quirky charm and safety make it appealing. Weekly markets and riverside walks add to its laid-back vibe. 5. Tynemouth For students craving coastal living, Tynemouth is a 25-minute metro ride from the city. It's ideal for weekend relaxation, with beaches, the historic Tynemouth Priory, and a famous weekend market. Though farther from universities, the metro connects directly to campuses. The area is safe and family-friendly, offering a peaceful escape with surf spots and seafood cafes like Marshall's Fish & Chips. Things to do In Best Neighborhoods in Newcastle 1. Explore Jesmond Dene Park (Jesmond) Jesmond Dene Park is a lush green oasis perfect for studying outdoors, jogging, or unwinding with friends. The park features waterfalls, walking trails, and the historic Jesmond Dene House. Nearby, Osborne Road offers trendy cafes like Jesmond Perk and pubs like The Butterfly Cabinet, ideal for brunch or casual hangouts. The area is safe and student-friendly, with easy access to Newcastle and Northumbria universities. 2. Experience Nightlife on Osborne Road (Jesmond) or The Gate (City Centre) Jesmond's Osborne Road is packed with student-friendly bars like The Dog & Parrot, while the City Centre's The Gate complex boasts clubs like Tup Tup Palace and themed bars. Head to The Cluny in Ouseburn Valley for live music, known for indie gigs and craft beer. These spots are lively yet safe, with regular public transport connecting to campuses. 3. Visit Cultural Landmarks in Ouseburn & City Centre In Ouseburn, explore the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (free entry) and catch live performances at The Sage Gateshead, a futuristic music venue26. The City Centre's Grey Street features stunning Georgian architecture, and the Theatre Royal hosts West End shows. Don't miss the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge for riverside walks and take photo. 4. Shop & Dine at Grainger Market (City Centre) The historic Grainger Market offers budget-friendly shopping, from fresh produce to vintage finds. Grab a stottie (local bread) sandwich or international street food here. Nearby, Chinatown serves authentic Asian cuisine, while Nudo Noodle House is a student favourite. For quirky boutiques, head to Heaton's Chillingham Road. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
