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Oxford University launches neuro disorder video campaign

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Launched by the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford, the Genes, Brains, and Breakthroughs campaign aims to raise awareness through family-informed, animated video resources.

The short animations explain conditions affecting children’s brain development in an accessible way, covering neurodevelopment, genetic diagnoses and new therapies like gene therapy.

The series was created with input from families, clinicians, researchers and patient advocacy groups, and is designed to make complex science clear and relatable.

Dr Narjes Rohani, the campaign’s lead researcher, said: “Families consistently tell us that accessible information and public understanding are among their greatest unmet needs.

“This campaign is about opening up conversations around neurodevelopmental disorders, reducing stigma, and ensuring that advances in therapeutic genomics are communicated in a way that is meaningful and empowering for families and society as a whole.”

Helen Newton, from Tamworth, was involved in the project after her own family’s difficult journey with genetic testing.

She said: “My experience of genetic testing for my son was extremely difficult.

“Five years ago, we requested testing for our now 31-year-old son, but it took more than two years for the results to arrive in a letter through the post stating that he had SLC6A1 and SCN2A gene mutations.

“The letter simply said that our neurologist would have discussed this with us. We were referred for genetic counselling, but then faced another wait of almost a year.

“One of the biggest challenges with rare genetic conditions is that many healthcare professionals simply do not have enough information about them, so families often have to search elsewhere for support and guidance.

She welcomed the campaign and its resources.

Adding: “I did not want other families to go through the same experience we did, which is why I wanted to support the Genes, Brains, and Breakthroughs project.

“These animations will help families better understand rare genetic conditions and emerging research in a way that is accessible and reassuring.

“Being involved in developing the videos also gave me the opportunity to advocate for families without a scientific or genetic background.

“I was able to help identify when explanations became too technical and ensure the information remained clear, understandable, and genuinely useful for parents and carers.

The 16 animated videos were developed by the MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Therapeutic Genomics, based within Oxford’s Department of Paediatrics, and shaped by families’ real questions and experiences.





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Iceland set to make major changes in stores across the UK

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It is part of its new ‘Frozen Pledge,’ aimed at helping shoppers reduce their grocery bills.

The decision follows reports that the supermarket’s prices rose by 5.8 per cent in April.

It was the second-highest increase among supermarkets and well above the industry average of 3.8 per cent, according to The Telegraph.



However, executive chairman Richard Walker disputed this data, calling it “flawed” and arguing the figures were skewed by “very specific lamb deals in place last year.”

He also said the figures did not reflect new products or deals introduced this year.

According to The Grocer, Mr Walker said: “Doing the right thing for customers has never been more important and this Frozen Pledge is a huge commitment to both our new and existing shoppers.

“It’s one of our biggest-ever refreshes on deals and now includes hundreds of our frozen products across our stores.

“We know people from all walks of life are continuing to feel the pressure of rising costs, so we want to help people save money just when they need it most.”



As part of the refresh, Iceland is extending its multibuy offers and adding new items to its promotional calendar over the coming months.

What products will be reduced?

The £2 ice cream deal now includes reduced prices on several branded packs.

Snickers ice cream four-packs, previously £2.89, are now £2.

Other reductions include Solero Strawberry Twists, reduced by 75p for three, and five-packs of Calippo Strawberry Minis, reduced from £2.75.

Starting July 28, three-packs of Magnum Almond, Mint, and Salted Caramel will also be reduced from £3.50 to £2.



The supermarket said it has halved the price of other branded staples.

The Chicago Town Tiger Crust Pepperoni Pizza has dropped from £4 to £2.

Young’s Chip Shop XL Battered Fish Fillets are down from £4.50 to £2.25, and McCain Smiles now cost £1.25 instead of £2.50.

Iceland has also added nine more own-label pizzas to its £1 Pizza Cabinet and extended its 10-for-£10 multibuy deal through to at least July 6.

Which is your favourite supermarket? Let us know in the comments





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Brit’s genius hack helps him avoid Ryanair baggage charge

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Leon Docwra, 50, from Great Yarmouth, filled the £15 pillow with underwear, T-shirts, swimming shorts, and even a beach towel before boarding a Ryanair flight from Norwich to Portugal.

Having paid only for hand luggage on the around £400 flight, he also wore two tracksuits, three pairs of pants, and three pairs of socks to avoid a fine.

Mr Docwra said: “We fly frequently and have been charged for having too much stuff in our bags and wanted to find a way to get extra on without paying fees.


Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed


“Neck pillows are allowed and they didn’t check it.

“If they had, I would have gone to the bathroom and worn everything to avoid paying a £75 fine.

“I was already wearing two layers of clothes, three pairs of pants and three pairs of socks and it did get hot, but it was worth it.”

He revealed it was not the first time he had used the pillow-packing trick.

Mr Docwra said: “I’ll do it every time.

“Flights are expensive enough without having to pay for extra luggage and fines.

“I fly a lot so I’d spend a fortune on baggage.

“It’s money we can spend on our holiday.”

He shared a video of the stuffed pillow online, earning praise from other travellers for his ingenuity.

Mr Docwra said: “People think it’s great.

“They said they’re going to start doing it themselves.

“Anything at the moment where you can save money is great to share with others.”

One viewer commented: “I wore two trackies when I travelled last week to avoid the extra cost.

“Was sweating like a b*tch though.”

Another joked: “Mate, I’d rather pay the 80 quid than have to iron that lot the other end.”





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Aldi Specialbuys June 2026 including inflatable screens

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As always, the supermarket showcases a huge range of items, which includes options for Father’s Day and the upcoming World Cup.

This will feature an inflatable garden screen and a beer dispenser machine, among other options.

Here are some of the key items you’ll be able to spot in Aldi’s June Specialbuys.

Aldi’s Specialbuys for June 2026

World Cup items

One of the main highlights of Aldi’s World Cup range is the Inflatable Garden Screen, ideal for outdoor viewing.

The Inflatable Movie Screen (£59.99) goes on sale from Thursday, June 4.

Aldi said: “With football fever about to grip the nation, Aldi is giving fans the ultimate home advantage with its latest game-changing Specialbuy.”

The screen promises a “stadium buzz” at home, and the supermarket says it offers a 77% saving compared to similar branded screens.

Pair the screen with Aldi’s HD LED Projector (£49.99), which projects up to 130 inches and includes a built-in speaker plus a three-year warranty.

Aldi’s World Cup range features an inflatable screen, an LED projector and football solar lights (Image: Aldi)

To complete the setup outdoors, the 10-metre 4 Socket Cable Reel (£14.99) is also available.

Linked to these items, Aldi is on the lookout for the nation’s most impressive outdoor space, in a bid to crown Britain’s best Watch Party Garden.

The supermarket is calling on homeowners across the country to submit photos or videos of their gardens, patios or balconies, showcasing how they’ve transformed their space into the ultimate open-air hosting zone.

Whether it’s a kitted-out pub shed, cosy seating or a beautifully landscaped garden ready for entertaining, Aldi is looking for spaces that combine creativity, personality and hosting potential.

The winner will receive £1,966 in Aldi vouchers — a playful nod to England’s iconic 1966 World Cup victory — alongside Aldi’s Inflatable Movie Screen and HD LED Projector, helping them host in style all summer long.

They will also receive a professional photoshoot of their garden and be officially crowned Britain’s best ‘Watch Party Garden’.

The inflatable screen is intended to create a “stadium buzz” at home (Image: Aldi)

For a chance to win, entrants simply need to submit photos or videos of their outdoor space to WorldCupGarden@aldi.co.uk with the following:

  • Name
  • Where they’re from
  • 2-3 photos or videos that show the summer garden setup and why they should win

The competition is open until Thursday, June 4.

Meanwhile, other parts of the range include the football-themed Solar Light Chain (£2.99), which is on offer to help decorate your garden or outdoor space.

Aldi is also releasing officially licensed FIFA World Cup 26 merchandise, including adults’ national T-shirts (£4.99) and children’s national T-shirts (£3.99).

For half-time drinks, the Beer Glass Assortment (£4.99) offers five different glass styles to suit every pint.

FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise is part of the Aldi Specialbuys items this month (Image: Aldi)

Father’s Day options

If you want to bring the pub experience home, Aldi is launching a Beer Dispenser Machine (£109.99) for freshly poured pints that could be a perfect gift for Father’s Day.

A smaller version costing £24.99 will also be available.

There’s also a Sisal Dartboard Set (£17.99) complete with a dartboard, scoreboard, and two sets of darts for a friendly family competition.

Comfort is also covered with Men’s Scuff Slippers (£4.99) in navy or grey.

TWS ANC Headphones (£11.99) are “perfect for Dads looking to switch off and enjoy some personal time.”

Beer dispensers and dartboards are among the Aldi Specialbuys for June (Image: Aldi)

If you’re looking to find a gift for an aspiring chef, then the Cast Iron Dutch Oven (£19.99 could be an option, and the Father’s Day Sweet Tub (£2.99) is “packed with a selection of delicious treats”.


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Meanwhile, Aldi is offering a Father’s Day game (£7.99), with themes like the Ultra Sports Quiz, Darts Pub Quiz, and Music Night Quiz.

For fans of puzzles, the Puzzle Book (£1.99) offers hours of entertainment, with themes including 70s, 80s or 90s trivia, Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches.

These items will be available to buy from Sunday, June 7.

As with all Specialbuys, once these items are gone, they’re gone.

Will you be aiming to get any of these Aldi Specialbuys? Let us know in the comments.





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