Tag: University of Birmingham

Freshwater alga could be the next superfood that feeds the world

Stuart Mitchell

A green alga that grows in lakes and rivers could be the next ‘superfood’ – helping scientists to tackle global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability, a new study reveals. Chlorella Vulgaris is a freshwater microalga rich in protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike conventional agriculture, which requires extensive land and water resources, it can be cultivated sustainably with minimal environmental footprint. The microalga can be incorporated into food products to enhance their nutritional value. With its antioxidant properties, immune support, and detoxifying effects, Chlorella is a promising nutraceutical…

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Strategies for safe and equitable access to water: a catalyst for global peace and security

Stuart Mitchell

Water can be a catalyst for peace and security with a critical role in preventing conflicts and promoting cooperation among communities and nations – but only if managed equitably and sustainably, a new study reveals.  Experts have devised a blueprint to ensure safe, equitable and sustainable global access to clean water. The seven-point strategy will allow water challenges to be governed effectively so they do not create conflict when access is restricted or usage unfairly shared.  Publishing their findings in Nature Water in November, the international team of interdisciplinary experts…

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Transformation of UN SDGs only way forward for sustainable development

Stuart Mitchell

Climate change is the single biggest threat to the global environment and socio-economic development – demanding an urgent transformation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a new study.  The UN SDGs were created to end poverty, build social-economic-health protection and enhance education and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and providing environmental protection.   Following the recent COP29 environmental summit in Baku, University of Birmingham experts say that, as climate action is linked to sustainable development, systematic integration of climate resilience into every aspect of the SDGs…

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License to Chill: Bond shows ‘regressive nostalgia’ can freeze a brand’s future

Stuart Mitchell

Super-spy James Bond is a prime example of ‘regressive nostalgia’ highlighting how certain consumer groups cling to idealised past versions of brands and resist attempts to move with the times, a new study reveals. Researchers examined the James Bond movie franchise – a cultural icon for over 70 years – and discovered that some ‘super-consumers’ react negatively to modern portrayals of the fictional British secret agent that reflect contemporary societal values. Whilst loyal to the brand, these consumers prefer traditional, more exclusionary, versions of Bond which most closely follow author…

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Changing food consumers’ choices may help cut greenhouse gases

Stuart Mitchell

Planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions associated with the global food supply chains induced by diets could fall by 17% if people change their food choices towards more plant-based diets, a new study reveals.   Researchers believe that a currently over-consuming 56.9% of the global population would save 32.4% of global dietary emissions by changing their diet to the planetary health diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. Publishing their findings today last month in Nature Climate Change, an international group of researchers note that a diet switch to the planetary health diet would…

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