UK launches plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’ amid growing concerns
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The UK is to increase testing for so-called “forever chemicals” in the environment as part of a national plan to tackle the substances, which have prompted environmental and health concerns.
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The group of chemicals, also known as PFAS, are used in many everyday products because of their oil resistant and waterproof properties.
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The government says that by 2029 it wants to align more closely with regulations issued by the EU, which is looking to prohibit all non-essential uses.
Period blood test could offer less invasive alternative to cervical screening
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Testing period blood for signs of cervical cancer could be an accurate and convenient way of screening for the disease, researchers say.
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The current NHS test involves a nurse or doctor taking a sample of cells from the cervix – but a third of women invited for screening do not attend.
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A study of the new test, which can be carried out at home, used blood collected on a cotton strip attached to a standard sanitary pad.
UK and Japan strengthen science and technology ties
- Multi-million pound investment into UK life sciences’ gene therapy industry, and a partnership to deliver a national rare disease genomics pilot for Japan
- Millions in joint funding for quantum technologies to speed up drug discovery, secure data and improve navigation
- New £6 million UK-Japan research and innovation programme for seamless mobile coverage and stronger digital infrastructure
New technology and medicines to combat drug and alcohol addiction
- Innovators across the UK are being offered £20 million of government funding to develop cutting‑edge medicines, medical technologies and digital tools to tackle drug and alcohol addiction.
- Thousands of people die every year from substance misuse and addiction – with hundreds of thousands more suffering.
- Grants, delivered through Innovate UK, will support the development and deployment of new technologies designed to improve treatment, strengthen recovery and reduce harm from drug and alcohol addiction.
