Latest news with #University
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
University freedom of speech 'better than it was'
Free speech was stifled at the University of Cambridge in recent years but has since "got better", according to a departing college master. Roger Mosey, the master of Selwyn College, said: "For a period I think we were in rather a difficult spot when that freedom was not as strong as it should have been." He was "delighted" former minister Lord Smith had been elected as the university's chancellor because he had campaigned on a platform of free speech and academic freedom. The university has been approached for comment. Mosey, who is the former head of BBC television news, said universities were supposed to be about free speech, free ideas and academic freedom. He spoke to the BBC after writing about the "chilling" atmosphere felt by some academics in the Telegraph. "One of the things I say to students when they come to Selwyn is they may hear views they may find upsetting, they may not agree with people, but that's part of being at a university - and if someone says something you disagree with, challenge them. "I think that's what was difficult three, four or five years ago." From this summer, a new law will place a stronger responsibility on universities in England to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom. Mosey, who is standing down as Selwyn's master after 12 years, said: "My point is, you can both say, 'I'm in favour of free speech' and be in favour of trans rights or gender rights or racial rights or whatever. "I think we got into this weird position where somehow free speech was seen as undermining people, whereas I think a debate strengthens you - it makes you better able to defend yourself if you can debate." Debates within universities on such issues were not "really connected to the outside world", he added. "If you talk to people in towns and cities and villages across the region, they're not having the debates that are happening in university," he said. "[University freedom of speech] was bad about five years ago and it's got better now and I think it's got better because I think society's changed a bit - I think we're a little bit more relaxed now about some issues." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Cambridge University votes to protect free speech Students want free-speech clarity but universities fear catch-22 Related internet links Selwyn College, Cambridge
The Journal
a day ago
- Health
- The Journal
Synthetic cannabinoid HHC has now been classified as an illegal drug
THE SEMI-SYNTHETIC CANNABINOID product HHC has been banned in Ireland. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced today that Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been classed as a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. HHC produces similar effects to THC, which is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, HHC is a chemically modified substance. It has been available in Ireland in vapes and edibles but until today was not subject to legal restrictions as it had not yet classified as a controlled substance. The College of Psychiatrists has previously called on the government to add HHC and any semi-synthetic cannabinoid to the list of prohibited substances for manufacture, distribution and sale. In September of last year, Consultant Specialist Addiction Psychiatrist Professor Colin O'Gara said that although it is initially seen to be a 'harmless' drug, it 'can have devastating effects on a young person's mental health; we have treated young men suffering from severe psychosis as a result of vaping HHC'. Advertisement Since HHC was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation. A recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period. HHC is one of 14 new substances that have been newly classified as controlled drugs, alongside synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannaboids. The drugs were identified by the EU and by the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs as posing a serious risk to public health. The substances being classified as illegal gives gardaí added powers of enforcement in combatting the trade in illegal drugs. The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Siochana combatting the trade in illicit drugs. Carroll MacNeill said the sale of HHC as vapes in 'attractive packaging', or in edible jelly form is a 'marketing ploy' aimed at young people. Junior Minister for the National Drug Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor added that HHC is responsible for hospitalisations and psychotic episodes and that there are many people struggling with addition as a result of HHC and similar drugs. She urged those seeking help for themselves or a loved one to contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline. The HSE operates a confidential freephone Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm or through email at helpline@ Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
HHC drug to be banned in Ireland, Government says
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been classified as an illegal drug by the Government. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing the man-made substance is now illegal. In a statement, the Government said: "The semi-synthetic cannabinoid has similar effects to cannabis and has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, in herbal mixtures, oils, edible jellies and cakes and as tinctures. "Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation. "A recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period."
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Covid has made our brains age faster, says a new study – even if you were never ill with the virus
A new study from the University of Nottingham suggests the Covid pandemic may have left a very real impact on our brains, even if we were never sick with the virus. After analysing the data of over 15,000 adults via the UK Biobank – a biomedical treasure trove of health data and samples from half a million participants – scientists, with the help of artificial intelligence, compared brain ages found in two distinct two groups. One group had multiple brain scans taken before the pandemic over a set period of time, the second looked at those with scans taken both before and during the pandemic. Via this method, researchers found on average the human brain aged five and a half months faster during the pandemic than it did pre-2020. "This study reminds us that brain health is shaped not only by illness, but by our everyday environment," explains Dorothee Auer, Professor of Neuroimaging and senior author on the study. "The pandemic put a strain on people's lives, especially those already facing disadvantage. We can't yet test whether the changes we saw will reverse, but it's certainly possible, and that's an encouraging thought." The University study reports that "the changes were most noticeable in older individuals, in men, and in people from more disadvantaged backgrounds". It's a staunch reminder of just how big an impact stress and worry can have on our minds and bodies. "What surprised me most was that even people who hadn't had COVID showed significant increases in brain aging rates," added neurologist Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, who also worked on the study. "It really shows how much the experience of the pandemic itself, everything from isolation to uncertainty, may have affected our brain health." Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
UK's University of Bristol To Establish Campus In Mumbai, Classes From 2026
Last Updated: UK's University of Bristol will initially offer courses on data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts, and financial technology, among others. The University of Bristol in the UK has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a campus in Mumbai, with plans to commence operations in 2026, according to officials on Tuesday. 'Due to open in summer 2026, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will be the University's first international campus. It's a historic moment and a first in transnational education for the University, which next year celebrates its 150th anniversary and also opens the doors to its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus," reads the official notice. Marking the fifth anniversary of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Bristol obtained a letter of intent from the Indian government to develop a new Enterprise Campus in Mumbai. Officials noted that the University of Bristol selected Mumbai due to its strong reputation in technology, innovation, and the arts — areas that closely align with Bristol's strengths. The proposed campus location is situated near central Mumbai. Similar to the University's new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, slated to open in September 2026, the Mumbai campus will emphasise how data, AI, and immersive technologies converge, with a focus on innovation, interdisciplinary education, and inclusion. Initial courses will cover areas of global expertise for Bristol, such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts, and financial technology, expanding to computer science and AI, business, and management. The University also plans to offer scholarships through its acclaimed Think Big programme, reported PTI. 'We are absolutely delighted to announce our intention to create a new campus in Mumbai which would mark a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we are proud to build in partnership. Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university," Evelyn Welch, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said. 'Less than two weeks ago, we launched the UK's most powerful supercomputer in Bristol, and next year we will be opening the doors to our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. At such an important time for the University, we are pleased to develop partnerships across the globe which will have meaningful impact," he said. view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 13:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
