Author: TECH

It’s concerning to hear that the government’s flagship disability employment scheme, Access to Work, has been called “unlikely to be sustainable in the long term” by Sir Stephen Timms, the social security and disability minister. Yet a group of 30 cross-party MPs, led by Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, has said that the scheme is a lifeline for young people with learning disabilities. Access to Work offers support to help disabled people in employment and self-employment, including grants to overcome work-related barriers. It has already been subject to ‘hidden’ funding cuts, with services such as support workers for people in…

The news coming out of Washington for older Americans is both sweet and sour this year.2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Social Security recipients, with some welcome changes and some that are not so welcome. If you’re not intimately familiar with the latest updates on Social Security, there’s both good and not-so-good news. Let’s start with the not-so-good news, just to get it out of the way. Image source: Getty Images. Not-so-good news: The government giveth and taketh away The big reveal last October was a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients. While few…

The Lighthouse Charity, a UK construction charity, and Ripple Suicide Prevention, who have developed online safety and crisis intervention technology, are launching their new partnership via a live webinar. The partnership aims to encourage open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention, increase awareness of the support available to construction workers, and help employers build safer, more supportive workplaces. As part of the launch, the organisations will co-host a live webinar on March 4 2026 at 11 am. Construction remains one of the highest-risk industries for suicide in the UK. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under…

The Nipah virus pictured in red – credit, US NIH In January, India recorded a mini-outbreak of the Nipah virus, an often lethal disease spread by contact between humans and animals. There was little that could be done for the victims, as no specialized treatment for Nipah virus exists other than normal supportive care procedures such as the treatment of the resulting symptoms, rest, and hydration. Some well-studied antiviral medications like ribavirin, remdesivir, acyclovir, favipiravir, have seen use on a speculative basis during certain outbreaks, but real efficacy is unclear. Now though, the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced…

About the show: Many people know what they should do to age well, but after age 50, hesitation, fear and habit often stand in the way. This series confronts this resistance head-on, showing that positive change is not only possible later in life, but powerfully transformative.Each episode follows two seniors facing real health challenges. With guidance from scientists, healthcare specialists and inspiring peers who embody active ageing, they are pushed to confront the barriers holding them back and to try new ways of living: moving differently, embracing community and technology, and strengthening their minds.Their journeys are grounded in robust scientific…

Image: Jill Wellington on Pexels.com Self-care’s evolved a ton over the last couple of years, from seeming like pure indulgence to this calmer, purposeful approach. Come 2026, it’s less about jumping on every hot trend and more about your own steadying habits in a world of nonstop hustle and buzz. Take a look at these eight rituals to carry forward. No pressure to nail them perfectly; they’re meant to be soft, bendable ways to encourage some self-love, nudge your personal growth, and celebrate what makes you, you. 1. Building a morning routine that belongs to you Let’s be honest, those…

A LARGE population-based study from southern China suggests that everyday lifestyle habits, including how long people sit, when they sleep and how often they exercise, are linked to adult acne, with mental health playing a significant mediating role. Large Population Study Examines Lifestyle Drivers of Adult Acne The researchers analysed data from 11,922 adults living across 10 districts in Shenzhen. The cross-sectional study set out to clarify how modifiable behaviours and psychological distress contribute to acne risk and severity, areas where comprehensive evidence has previously been limited. Participants completed detailed, investigator-administered questionnaires covering sedentary behaviour, physical activity and sleep patterns.…

Success today is no longer measured only by revenue, productivity, or growth. In a fully digital world, privacy has become a defining factor of long-term success. Every online interaction creates data, and every piece of data creates responsibility.  The numbers explain why. By 2025, data protection laws will cover approximately 79% of the global population, showing how privacy has moved from a technical concern to a global priority.  At the same time, 68% of people worldwide say they worry about protecting their privacy online, highlighting growing awareness and concern among users. Privacy is no longer optional. It is a measurable…

Many couples assume Social Security spousal benefits are straightforward. In reality, the rules are packed with fine print. Small misunderstandings can quietly reduce monthly checks and, over time, cost tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime income. As you approach retirement, understanding how these rules affect spousal benefits matters more than ever. Here are seven Social Security spousal rules you need to know to avoid money mistakes. Each one explains how the rule works, why it’s misunderstood, and how overlooking it can lead to lower benefits. Your claiming age affects spousal benefits Spousal benefits are not automatically…

A study published by the American Sociological Association in December of 2023 found that aunts are crucial to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth — particularly BIPOC youth. The paper is part of a larger two-year longitudinal study documenting the impact of supportive family members who aren’t parents. Researchers interviewed 83 LGBTQ+ youth in South Texas and the Inland Empire of California. They all reported ambivalence or low support from their parents regarding their identity, and over 80% of those interviewed were Latino, Hispanic, Black, Asian, or Indigenous. Additionally, nearly 70% were trans, non-binary, or gender nonconforming.A majority of respondents identified their aunts —…