The Conversation Will Lucy Letby get a retrial? Here’s what happens next with her case - - Daniel Alge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Brunel University of London - The panel’s findings put the case in uncharted territory given Letby’s very recent convictions and the continuing public inquiry into the case. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong suffering – here’s what you need to know - - Cristina Pina, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Brunel University of London Victor Hernandez-Hernandez, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Brunel University of London - Sickle cell disease affects nearly 8 million people worldwide, most in sub-Saharan Africa. AI can boost economic growth, but it needs to be managed incredibly carefully - - Ashley Braganza, Professor of Business Transformation, Brunel University of London Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi, Senior Lecturer in Strategy & Business Economy, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London - The risks of AI include displacement of jobs, which could counter any benefits. How The Sims’ endless customisation fostered one of gaming’s most diverse player communities - - Andra Ivănescu, Senior Lecturer in Game Studies and Ludomusicology, Brunel University of London - The Sims’ players can enjoy a gaming experience that’s as diverse as they are. Farewell to Smithfield – how past, present, commerce and culture collide in London’s 900-year-old meat market - - Monica Montserrat Degen, Professor in Urban Studies, Brunel University of London Tom Butler, Doctoral researcher in the built environment, College of Business, Arts & Social Sciences, Brunel University of London - Many fear Smithfield’s special sense of place will be lost once the meat market is gone. But could a new emerging cultural quarter bring social cohesion? The UK property outlook for 2025: another bleak year for mortgages amid so much economic uncertainty - - Alper Kara, Head of Department - Economics and Finance & Professor of Banking and Finance, Brunel University of London - Interest rates have fallen a little, but nothing is guaranteed. Five ways to beat loneliness this winter - - Dorothy Yen, Professor in Marketing and Lead on the Happy to Chat project, Brunel University of London Christina Victor, Professor of Gerontology and Public Health, Brunel University of London - Loneliness can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but small steps toward connection can make a significant difference. Early pregnancy endings are an overlooked workplace issue – here’s how that could change - - Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations, The Open University Ilaria Boncori, Professor in Management and Marketing, University of Essex Julie Davies, Professor of Healthcare Management and Leadership Development, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London - There are several types of early pregnancy ending, and most workplaces don’t have enough support in place for staff who are affected. Conclave: tight thriller about Vatican power politics chimes with a year of elections - - Jon Hackett, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television, Brunel University of London - An exceptional performance from Ralph Fiennes, a heritage setting, plus Vatican scandal and intrigue make this an outstanding watch. Why asbestos is still being found in some cosmetics - - Ashley Howkins, Technical Specialist and Lead Scientific Officer of the Experimental Techniques Centre, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University of London Lorna Anguilano, Senior Research Fellow, Quality Manager of the Experimental Techniques Centre, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, and Assistant Director of the Wolfson Centre for sustainable materials development and processing, Brunel University of London - Asbestos related cancer has been linked with make-up containing talcum powder. Thirty years on from its first paying passengers, Eurostar now has a fresh chance to hit its potential - - Alison Carrol, Reader in European History, Brunel University of London - The company’s future will largely hinge on the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours. Anora: a refreshing depiction of sex workers as part of the working class - - Rachel Stuart, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Deviant Identities, Brunel University of London - Anora isn’t some vulnerable girl waiting to be saved from sex work by a rich man. Fitness apps can reveal your location – updated laws would help plug this hole in our personal security - - Pin Lean Lau, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Bio-Law, Brunel University of London - More awareness is needed of security issues with tech used to track our exercise goals. UK interest rates cut – here’s the outlook for property owners and home buyers after the budget - - Alper Kara, Professor of Banking and Finance, Brunel University of London - The more the government borrows, the more expensive it gets for everyone. Recruiting the world’s first disabled astronaut doesn’t mean space travel is inclusive – here’s how to change that - - Sean Cullen, Lecturer in Engineering Manufacturing, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University of London Ezgi Merdin Uygur, Lecturer in Digital Marketing, College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University of London Vanja Garaj, Professor of Design and Director of Research, Brunel University of London - Disabled astronauts have lots to offer, but spaceflight has traditionally been limited to the able-bodied. Como reconhecer o ‘burnout’ - e o que fazer se você for afetado - - Michael Koch, Reader in Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour, Brunel University of London Sarah Park, Professor in International Business, University of Leicester - O esgotamento pode ser uma condição séria e pode se manifestar de várias maneiras. How to recognise burnout – and what to do if you’re affected - - Michael Koch, Reader in Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour, Brunel University of London Sarah Park, Professor in International Business, University of Leicester - Burnout can be a serious condition and can show up in a variety of ways. When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab - - Iain Farquharson, Lecturer in Global Challenges – Security Pathway Lead, Brunel University of London - Buffer zones are supposed to be mutual agreements, not imposed by one side of a conflict on its rival. The Substance: Demi Moore is ferocious in gloriously gory satire on Hollywood’s female ageism - - Caroline Ruddell, Reader in Film and Television, Brunel University of London - A Hollywood star whose career goes into free fall as she turns 50 makes a Faustian pact with explosive consequences. CBT is an effective treatment for many mental health issues – but here’s why it may not suit everyone - - Elena Makovac, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Department of Life Sciences College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University of London - As a clinical psychologist using CBT with my patients, I can attest to its efficacy – but I’ve also seen that it doesn’t work for everyone.