Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on developments from the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed. This month we take a look at the first rock sample successfully collected from the surface of Mars, and the impact of road noise on dementia.
In Focus
In October 2021, some schools began taking payments for lunches using facial recognition technology (FRT). In response, the Information Commissioner’s Office and some privacy campaigners have expressed concern that this use of the technology is unnecessarily intrusive. This article focuses on how FRT is used in schools, what concerns have been raised about its use and how it is governed.
In Focus
In January 2021, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report arguing action is required to increase healthy life expectancy. The Government plans to address disparities in life expectancy as part of its levelling up agenda. The House of Lords is due to debate the report on 20 October 2021.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month look at carbon offsetting, and the approval of a new Alzheimer's drug in the USA.
In Focus
On 8 July 2021, the House of Lords is due to debate the steps taken to improve women’s health outcomes. Research has found a gender health gap in the UK where many women receive poorer healthcare than men. This article examines some of the healthcare challenges women face, why they exist and what action the Government is taking to tackle the issue.
Research Briefing
This bill seeks to establish the Advanced Research and Invention Agency. It also sets out the agency’s functions and would enable the secretary of state to make grants to ARIA and provide it with funding.
Research Briefing
The Telecommunications (Security) Bill is a government bill to improve the regulation of the UK telecoms market in order to protect the security of the UK’s telecoms infrastructure. Second reading of the Telecommunications (Security) Bill is scheduled to take place in the House of Lords on 29 June 2021. This briefing provides a summary of the bill and its passage through the House of Commons.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month look at the emerging medical uses of ribonucleic acid, and whether legal action is required to solve the climate crisis.
In Focus
In May 2019, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report warning the quality and delivery of forensic science services in England and Wales was inadequate. It recommended several reforms intended to halt the damage this was causing to public trust in the criminal justice system. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate this report on 26 April 2021. This article summarises the committee’s recommendation, the Government’s response and subsequent developments.
In Focus
Facial recognition technology is used to identify individuals or to verify someone’s identity. Live facial recognition has been used by several police forces in England and Wales in collaboration with the private sector. There have been calls for increased scrutiny and oversight of the powers of the police to use the technology, including in the House of Lords. This article summarises the debates about the use of this technology.
In Focus
The Forensic Science Regulator Bill would put the existing forensic science regulator post on a statutory basis. The bill would also give the regulator powers to enforce a statutory code of practice for forensic science activities relating to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The bill has completed its stages in the House of Commons and is due to have its second reading in the Lords on 19 March 2021.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed from February 2021. Articles this month look at noise levels under the sea, and how decision making is harder for those with anxiety and depression.
In Focus
Malaria remains a deadly disease for many countries. A complex parasite causes the illness, which means it has proved difficult to vaccinate against. Currently, only one vaccine candidate has received regulatory approval, and no candidate has ever been fully launched and distributed. Why is malaria so difficult to vaccinate against, and which vaccine candidates are currently in development?
In Focus
In recent years, the Government has introduced several measures concerning the UK space industry. This included passing legislation to create a regulatory framework for commercial space activities and funding to build the country’s first spaceport. This In Focus examines the recent size and health of the UK space industry, including its contribution to the wider UK economy. It also covers several measures taken by the Government to date, such as the creation of the National Space Council.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at developments in antimatter research, and whether we should be taking more vitamin D supplements during the pandemic.
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