Our Brains Lead the Way in Science
We are all aware of Scotland’s credentials as a world-leader in medical research and life sciences.
Our wealth of businesses and universities that work on the advancements of cures for some of the world’s most traumatic illnesses are second to none. They play a hugely positive role not only in our economy, but in our appeal to partner nations looking for a slice of the pie.
With so much of our headlines leading on the Covid-19 pandemic, it is easy to overlook the strong infrastructure Scotland can boast in its contribution to transformative solutions. In the last week, however, I was delighted to read about a team who hit the headlines for their breakthrough in an area that affects millions of people around the world.
Led by Professor Craig Ritchie at the University of Edinburgh – a world-leading authority in dementia – his team has uncovered that dementia could be as treatable as something like breast cancer when detected at its earliest stages.
The findings of this pioneering group of scientists – which experts are hailing as ‘real progress’ – point to advances in blood-based biomarkers, which can open the door to reliable and effective screening and early treatment.
Mr Ritchie claims treatment is five to 10 years away but could be piloted earlier if the plans to launch four new brain health clinics are able to progress. He himself is leading on more than 30 drug trials, which shows the scale of activity going on behind the scenes in this area.
And dementia research isn’t the only area of focus. Just recently the UK Government invested £20m into projects led by the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University, in a bid to transform NHS healthcare delivery.
Delivered through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the investment covers an AI x-ray scanner to diagnose cancer and osteoarthritis more effectively, along with clinical sensors to provide feedback on health and wellbeing in homes.
What captured my interest in this story was not only the great strides Scotland is taking in the world of medical research, but the role technology is playing to make these advances.
Much of my business success is based around technology, so it’s something I watch with a keen eye. It has always been a fast-moving sector, so from a commercial point of view, it is amazing to witness AI, for example, playing such a role in bringing new research and treatment forward.
Covid-19 has accelerated the use of new technologies in many areas of business, and the life science sector is capitalising massively with the World Health Organisation, Microsoft, IBM and many other key players around the globe proactively incorporating it into their business activity.
It would seem that healthcare, which is weaving technological building blocks together, is setting a course for the future.
AI, in particular, offers a unique advantage. Life science start-up businesses are soaring far beyond established incumbents because the AI technology they embrace doesn’t approach a problem based on years of experience or inherent human biases. It hasn’t yet learned what not to try. This blank slate offers fruitful ground for transformation in healthcare.
Overwhelmingly, AI can become a driver of change, redefining not just how organisations work – through automation and execution – but also what they actually do.
In this new world where physical distancing has become a necessity, not a preference, AI can help by treating people at home. Smartphones equipped with sensors can continuously monitor a variety of health issues, including respiratory conditions. Algorithms identify and classify the severity of coughs or flag breathing irregularities so that care providers can intervene when issues crop up.
What Scotland is doing very well is harnessing the latest technologies and utilising its world-leading expertise to drive forward a step-change in how healthcare is delivered – something that will no doubt benefit millions of people.
What’s heart-warming is the pioneering projects that are being backed in Scotland today will help modernise healthcare, improving all our lives now and into the future and keep this sector in Scotland booming. I say AI to that.
Brand Change for a Better Future
Mars is the latest brand to change the name and logo of a product due to links with racial stereotypes.
Since the Black Lives Matter protests, which were seen across the world following George Floyd’s death in America, brands have had to review their branding and take action where needed to ensure they lose any racist connotations.
The change from Mars will see the product once originally known as Uncle Ben’s rice change to Ben’s Original and will no longer feature the well-known image of Uncle Ben.
Quaker Oats also announced earlier this summer that they would be removing the Aunt Jemima character from its products after it conducted research with customers and employees on its connotation.
Mars isn’t the first brand to make changes since the protests and it will not be the last, however some sections of the public see this being overly politically correct.
Perhaps as a society we are guilty of being obsessed with being PC, however small changes like this can only be seen as a positive ripple effect following the Black Lives Matter movement.
Companies across Scotland and the UK are also having to evaluate whether they too have historical links to the slave trade and decide on what course of action they should take.
In my opinion, rebranding may be the correct first step towards change, however brands need to do more than just alter their packaging to make a difference.
Not only is Mars rebranding some of its products, they have announced a number of initiatives that will see investment in scholarships and education, whilst the brand also aims to increase the number of ethnic minorities in management positions within the company.
I’m hoping more brands follow in their footsteps for positive change.
It Made Me Laugh
Pedal Power
The story of a dad cycling on his daughter’s tiny bike from Glasgow to Manchester made me chuckle last week.
He cycled for six days straight on the child’s small pink bicycle and successfully completed the journey – although he had to change the tyres eight times to reach the finish line.
It sounds bizarre, but Wesley Hamnett was raising money for charity and managed to collect a staggering £4,000 for several charitable organisations.
It turns out his original plan was to cycle between Russia and Manchester on his road bike, but after his plans were cancelled he had to think of plan B.
Cheered on by Scots throughout, it sounds like Wesley might return to Scotland for a big knees-up, which in my opinion is well deserved – although he may need new knees after completing the challenge.
It Made Me Weep
Stinky Stats
We’ve gone through a number of different phases during lockdown, from overstocking loo rolls to baking countless amounts of banana bread. However, the latest trend is causing a bit of a stink.
PZ Cussons, which sells hygiene products such as Carex and Imperial Leather, has revealed that sales have dropped due to fewer people showering.
It seems that those of us working from home aren’t abiding to the same morning routines that we once did before heading into the office.
With positive mental health a must during these difficult times, people would be best looking after themselves as much as possible. Keeping to a daily routine certainly helps.
I hope when it is safe to return to the workplace, people will pick up where they left off – otherwise I think I’ll continue working from my office at home.
