Malaria poses a significant threat to public health in tropical regions, with nearly half of the global population at risk. Historically, transmission was common in temperate regions including northwestern Europe, with records indicating that malaria was prevalent in Scotland until the early nineteenth century. While current environmental and epidemiological conditions are unsuitable for transmission, future climate, environmental, and land-use change may alter the receptivity of Scotland to malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. As a first step to assess the potential for future transmission risk, we aimed to map the distribution of two native Anopheles mosquito species in Scotland that have been implicated in historical malaria transmission and assess the relationship between areas of high contemporary suitability and historical hotspots of transmission. Using data generated from a recent Scotland-wide mosquito surveillance programme and citizen science reporting (2023-2024), we used species distribution models to predict the current distribution of Anopheles claviger and An. plumbeus in Scotland and identify their associations with environmental and land-use variables. Another historical vector, An. maculipennis s.l., was also recorded but with too few observations for reliable modelling. Using georeferenced historical parish hotspots of malaria in Scotland (eighteenth century records), we tested whether predicted contemporary suitability at hotspot locations was higher than expected by chance using comparisons against randomly sampled background locations. Several climatic and physical environmental variables were associated with Anopheles species distribution in Scotland, with altitude and landcover being the most consistent, and temperature and precipitation having variable impact across species. Anopheles were predicted to have widespread distribution across coastal and lowland Scotland, with pockets of habitat suitability extending up to the northeast coast and Shetland islands. Historical hotspots of malaria (parish locations) were consistently associated with higher predicted current suitability for Anopheles species than background locations. Overall, these findings show that potential malaria vectors are still common throughout Scotland and highlight the need for continued monitoring to generate more accurate estimates of predictors, distribution and future disease risk.
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a major global health threat. Despite vaccination, meningococcal genetic diversity means disease, including epidemics at various scales, still occurs unpredictably, highlighting the need for real-time genomic surveillance. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced invasive respiratory diseases, but its effect on IMD distribution remains unassessed. We aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent social restrictions on genomic and demographic characteristics of IMD in Scotland to inform public health policy. In this retrospective, observational analysis, we used genomic and epidemiological surveillance data of cases of IMD reported in Scotland between July 1, 2009, and April 20, 2026. Genomic data (from whole genome characterisation of culture-confirmed IMD cases) were obtained from the public databases for molecular typing and microbial genome diversity (PubMLST) and demographic data were obtained from the Meningococcal Invasive Disease Augmented Surveillance database. The pre-COVID-19 period was defined as July 1, 2009, to March 23, 2020, the COVID-19 period was March 24, 2020, to March 18, 2022, and the post-COVID-19 period was March 19, 2022, to April 20, 2026. A total of 27 binary outcomes derived from the genomic and demographic variables were prespecified before model fitting. We assessed associations with interrupted time-series analyses to establish changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between July 1, 2009, and April 20, 2026, 1143 IMD cases were reported in Scotland. Of these, 512 (44·8%) were culture-confirmed cases with a corresponding meningococcal genome. High-risk groups (including children aged <1 year, children aged 1-4 years, adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years, and people aged 65 years or older) were affected across all time periods with no demographic changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 27 genomic and demographic variables analysed, six showed changes in their contribution to IMD between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. During the COVID-19 period, the contributions of genogroup B and MenB-FHbp-preventable status to IMD both increased and the contributions of genogroups W and C, clonal complex 11, and polysaccharide-preventable status all decreased. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in IMD capsular distribution in Scotland, concomitant with a decline in clonal complex 11. In 2025-26, 4 years after physical restrictions eased, genogroup and lineages returned towards pre-COVID-19 patterns, from a new baseline, expected with a host-associated pathogen causing human disease. Age, sex, and deprivation status did not differ over time, highlighting that ongoing efforts are needed to deploy vaccinations to protect high-risk groups based on data from integrated genomic epidemiological surveillance and cost-effectiveness evaluation. NHS Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Wellcome Trust.
The aim of the study is to describe the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of cancer in Scotland. The retrospective observational cohort study included patients aged 18 years or older who commenced treatment with an ICI in Scotland between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2024. The National Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) dataset was used to identify patients and obtain details on ICI treatments and patient characteristics. Additional data sources providing information on comorbidities were linked deterministically via a unique patient identifier. All analyses were descriptive. In total, 10 394 patients in Scotland initiated their first ICI treatment between 2018 and 2024; the number of patients initiating ICIs increased substantially year-on-year, from 764 patients in 2018 to 2233 patients in 2024. The most commonly prescribed ICI was pembrolizumab (56.8%, n = 5908), followed by nivolumab (16.4%, n = 1700) and atezolizumab (11.3%, n = 1170); treatment was most commonly initiated for lung and chest cancers (44.1%, n = 4585), skin cancer (18.8%, n = 1955) and urological cancers (14.8%, n = 1539). While the majority of patients (66.6%, n = 6923) initiated ICI monotherapy, combination therapies-most commonly ICI with chemotherapy (18.4%, n = 1910)-were also used. Overall, 6.6% of patients (n = 681) were on treatment for more than 2 years. With the continuous addition of new ICIs, alongside the ever-expanding list of approved indications for their use, the observed increase in ICI use is expected to continue. This increasing use of ICIs may pose challenges to health services-for instance, an increase in immune-related adverse effects-with potential implications for clinical practice and future research.
Over 200 safer drug consumption facilities have been implemented globally, as an effective intervention to prevent drug-related harms. There are many possible service designs of the facility and currently the optimum design is unclear in the Scottish context. This study investigates people who use drugs (PWUD)' preferences for the features of safer drug consumption facility to provide useful information in guiding planning for improved service in Scotland. Preferences were elicited using a discrete choice experiment. Each choice set presented 2 different hypothetical safer drug consumption facilities and an opt-out option. The hypothetical facilities were defined by 6 attributes: location, staffing, space allocation, ancillary service, opening times, and travel time. A mixed logit model was used to assess the relative importance of defined attributes among 77 PWUD in Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Participants had a strong preference for a safer drug consumption facility that involves peer workers (Coeff: 0.953, p<0.001), provides inhalation space (Coeff: 0.668, p<0.05), provides drug checking service (Coeff: 0.677, p<0.001), and is open 24 hours a day (Coeff: 0.373, p<0.05) compared to one without peer workers, no inhalation space, no drug checking service, and with daytime-only opening hours. A longer travel time was associated with a lower preference to use a safer drug consumption facility (Coeff: -0.011, p<0.001). There was no evidence of preferences regarding location or overnight opening time (p>0.05). This is the first discrete choice experiment to quantify the preference of PWUD regarding different design features for a hypothetical safer drug consumption facility. The findings can be used to guide the design of safer drug consumption facility in Scotland, while providing evidence base for the wider context.
Described as the 'cause célèbre' of North Sea oil developments, this article focuses on the unexpected alliance provoked by a proposal for a concrete platform construction yard at Drumbuie, Wester Ross, on the Scottish northwest coast. This land was owned inalienably by the National Trust for Scotland, which teamed up with a local action group to argue against the development proposals primarily on the basis of perceived damage to the social fabric of the community. Previous descriptions of the Drumbuie Inquiry have been fleeting and have missed the centrality of the social to the objectors, assuming it to be a straightforward 'environmentalist' case. This article details the arguments against the development and the consequences this had on larger Scottish planning issues, such as creating the first National Planning Guidelines. It also discusses how the 'environment' as a concept was used during the inquiry, arguing that this lacked conceptual coherence other than being used as a synonym for 'amenity'.
BACKGROUNDCommunity-acquired pneumonia by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is often complicated by co-infections with other respiratory pathogens.AIMWe describe through a sentinel respiratory surveillance system in Scotland, M. pneumoniae infection occurrence in patients presenting to general practitioners with acute respiratory infection (ARI) (October 2022-May 2025) and the co-detection frequency of other respiratory pathogens.METHODSUpper respiratory tract swabs from a representative community sample of 65,798 ARI patients were laboratory-tested for 10 respiratory pathogens, including M. pneumoniae. Positivity for M. pneumoniae was monitored over time. Single or multiple joint pathogen detections were assessed and stratified by demographic characteristics. Proportions hospitalised within 14 days after their M. pneumoniae positive test were determined.RESULTSOf 65,798 patients (40,158 female, 25,534 male, 106 sex unknown; median age: 35 years, interquartile range (IQR): 17-59), 3,031 (4.6%) were M. pneumoniae positive (1,686 female, 1,340 male, five sex unknown; median age: 18 years, IQR: 9-39). Positivity was elevated in October 2023-October 2024, particularly in 5-14-year-olds, and peaked at 47.7% (31/65) in week 1, 2024. Among M. pneumoniae cases viably tested for all pathogens, 26.0% (728/2,799) had co-detections of another pathogen, with rates in 0-4-year-olds (61.3%; 122/199) and 5-14-year-olds (31.3%, 321/1,024) reflecting those reported elsewhere in hospitalised paediatric cases. Co-detections involving rhinovirus (47.5%; 346/728) predominated, otherwise varying by pathogen and age. Of 3,031 M. pneumoniae cases, 1.8% (n = 55) were admitted.CONCLUSIONSentinel surveillance of respiratory pathogens in the community was helpful to characterise an M. pneumoniae epidemic, revealing frequent respiratory-pathogen co-detections in ≤ 14-year-olds, as prior reported in hospitalised M. pneumoniae paediatric cases.
Previous analysis of the Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey showed that rural-dwelling cancer patients experience greater travel burden and fewer opportunities to participate in research, while reporting similar overall care experience. However, urban-rural classification captures only one dimension of geography and does not directly reflect how cancer services are organized, accessed or delivered across regional systems. This study aimed to explore whether cancer patient experience in Scotland varies across regional and service-system geographies, and whether these patterns provide policy-relevant information beyond urban-rural classification alone. We conducted an exploratory descriptive analysis of publicly available aggregated SCPES 2024 data, comparing patient experience responses across NHS Board of residence, NHS Board of treatment, regional cancer network and deprivation quintile. We interpreted these patterns alongside previously reported urban-rural variation. We examined deprivation gradients using SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) quintiles. Chi-square tests and Cramér's V assessed both presence and magnitude of variation across key domains of the cancer care pathway. Associations between experience and geography differed across organizational levels. Early diagnosis showed little variation, while reported treatment receipt, particularly radiotherapy, varied substantially by NHS Board and persisted at cancer network level. Travel burden and reported distance to services showed the strongest geographic effects. Deprivation gradients were present but generally modest compared with regional variation. Findings suggest geography in cancer patient experience is multi-layered. Urban-rural classification remains important, but analysis by NHS Board, treatment location and cancer network may reveal additional service-system variation relevant to cancer policy, access and planning. Geographic variation in cancer patient experience should be evaluated not only by urban-rural classification or deprivation, but also by NHS Board, treatment location and cancer network. This may help identify service-system variation relevant to treatment access, travel burden and cancer service planning.
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This commentary argues for the systematic integration of brain health into menopause care and policy in the United Kingdom (UK). Using Scotland as a strategically bounded case study, it examines persistent knowledge gaps among women and primary care professionals and their implications for equitable menopause care. Menopause involves significant neuroendocrine changes that affect brain metabolism, structure, and cognition, contributing to women's disproportionate Alzheimer's disease risk. Although hormone replacement therapy may alleviate neurological and cognitive symptoms - and may offer neuroprotective benefits when initiated early - clinical uncertainty, stigma, and inconsistent guidance continue to delay recognition, support, and treatment. These gaps translate into avoidable cognitive decline, reduced quality of life, and marked inequities in access to menopause care. Targeted primary care training, coherent public communication, and UK-specific investment in evidence-based menopause services are urgently required. This programme of research is situated within Scotland as a strategically bounded, devolved health system, allowing for a focused examination of how brain health is addressed within menopause policy and practice. By embedding brain health within Scotland's Women's Health Plan, the findings will inform future comparative and UK-wide research and contribute to the development of equitable, person-centred, and brain-health informed menopause care across the lifespan.
Empowering children and young people (CYP) to actively participate in research development is essential to ensure impactful outcomes. Meaningful involvement helps researchers to pose relevant questions, design acceptable methodologies, and disseminate findings effectively. However, the inclusion of CYP in research, particularly in paediatric intensive care (PIC), is rarely reported. This is partly due to the challenging PIC environment, and most patient and public involvement and engagement activities (PPIE) focus only on the parents' experience and perspective. The Intensive-Share group was established in Scotland in 2022 to facilitate PPIE activity in PIC research. The group includes family members with a range of lived experiences with the youngest member aged 7 years. They meet regularly to contribute to various aspects of research including research design, study materials and procedures, and public engagement. This article describes the co-production approach adopted in the 'What is data?' Project, which was co-created with researchers based on an idea from the Intensive-Share group. The project aimed to co-develop a short-animated video to explain healthcare data research to CYP in an engaging and accessible format. CYP meaningfully participated in all stages of the project and were integral to its success. Initial evaluations indicated the animation was well-received by families and they self-reported improved understanding of and willingness to participate in research. Co-production with CYP can be resource-intensive and challenging, but this project demonstrated it was feasible and incredibly valuable. Meaningful and authentic involvement challenged the research teams assumptions on inclusive language and the nature and level of involvement CYP preferred. Adopting a broader approach to PPIE in PIC research to include paediatric patients and siblings, perhaps on a national level, could facilitate similar initiatives in research communication and co-production. The open-source animated video is available as a resource to the wider research community to aid communication about paediatric healthcare data research. Actively involving children and young people (CYP) in research development is essential for research to have an impact. CYP can help ensure communication about research is understandable, engaging and addresses what is important to them. However, there are very few reports of involving CYP in developing research information, particularly in paediatric intensive care (PIC). Most examples focus on parents, not on the valuable perspectives of paediatric patients and their siblings. To address this, the Intensive-Share group was established in Scotland in 2022. The group includes families with a range of experiences of PIC. Members meet regularly to contribute to various aspects of research development including project questions, the way projects are carried out (methodology), and sharing research findings with the public. This article shares experiences from the ‘What is data?’ Project which was created through a partnership between researchers and the Intensive-Share group. The project took a co-production approach to develop a short-animated video to help CYP understand how healthcare data is used for research. CYP had important roles in all stages of the project, particularly in ensuring the language in the animation was accessible and relevant. The animation was well-received by families and they reported it improved their understanding of healthcare data research. The project underscores the value of involving CYP in research communication, not just parents, and research teams would benefit from resources to support such initiatives. The animation is an open-source resource to aid researchers communicating with families about healthcare data research.
The ICD-11 stroke definition expands stroke diagnosis by including neuroimaging-confirmed brain lesions regardless of symptom duration. Using directly age- and sex-standardized rates from the South London Stroke Register applied to UK Census 2021/2022 populations, we projected that ICD-11 to increase UK stroke incidence by ∼4.2%, yielding an estimated 2771 additional cases annually (England +2313; Scotland +241; Wales +142; Northern Ireland +75). Ethnicity-adjusted estimates suggested a 6.2% increase for England and Wales. These projections are scenario estimates that assume South London rates apply uniformly across the UK, their central limitation, and their realization will depend on local imaging and referral practice. Many additional cases will likely be managed in outpatient settings, requiring expanded provision, improved MRI, and strengthened cardiovascular prevention.
Sepsis management and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are linked priorities. Early identification and treatment of sepsis with broad-spectrum antibiotics are key to reducing morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate clinicians' decision-making about broad-spectrum antibiotics for suspected maternal sepsis in women admitted to hospital for childbirth, to identify if, how and why overtreatment may occur. Qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted online, transcribed verbatim, coded in MAXQDA and analysed using the thematic Framework Approach. National Health Service (NHS) in England, Scotland and Wales, March-June 2024. 24 clinicians, purposively sampled for representation from relevant professions with roles in decision-making (n=15 obstetricians; n=4 anaesthetists; n=3 midwives; n=2 microbiologists). Participants report increasing numbers of women in labour are being prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics for suspected maternal sepsis per guidelines. Fear of missing sepsis, absence of evidence about sepsis during labour and beliefs about antibiotic use informed clinicians' views, impacting workloads and women's experiences. 9/24 participants said overtreatment is a problem; 21/24 believed overtreatment occurs. Clinicians' beliefs, views and experiences are reported in three themes that provide a framework to explain how clinicians navigate guidelines including; why overtreatment can occur (Theme 1: The sepsis guideline is more than a guideline); how decisions to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics during labour are made (Theme 2: Trying to balance the whole picture) and where clinicians' think the bigger picture problems lie (Theme 3: If we continue down this path where might we be). The framework encapsulates clinicians' tacit knowledge governing decision-making and guideline use. Clinicians link priorities for sepsis management and AMR, but antimicrobial stewardship comes second to concerns about missing sepsis in high-stakes maternity care. Overtreatment may be inevitable until better evidence to support decision-making for suspected maternal sepsis and point-of-care diagnostic tests for women in labour exist and are embedded in clinical guidelines and clinicians' mindlines.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) pose a serious threat to global environmental and human health. Among the most concerning are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals, which have been detected at alarming concentrations in waterways and wildlife, including fish. However, there is limited information on the concentrations of many of these pollutants in UK marine fish. Although, fish consumption from UK waters is a potential source of exposure to a range of POPs, there have been few assessments of exposure and risks from UK fisheries. In this paper, we quantified the concentrations of several PFAS and APIs in demersal fish tissue from four UK sites associated with industrialised cities (Mersey and Humber estuaries) and non-industrialised regions (North West Scotland and Cornwall) using quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). PFAS concentrations were exceptionally high relative to EPA risk-based thresholds. For instance, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was detected in every sample (41/41), with an average of 3.27 (± 0.15 SE) ng/g wet weight in industrialised areas. Concentrations of pharmaceuticals varied across our targeted panel; diclofenac was detected in every fish at an average of 7.07 (± 0.85 SE) ng/g wet weight and the antidepressant Venlafaxine was detected in 13 of 41 fish at an average concentration of 3.40 (± 2.0 SE) ng/g wet weight in industrialised areas. Concentrations of several of the PFAS were concerningly high. For example, the PFDA level of exposure if these fish were consumed would exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency recommended limit by up to ~500-fold. This study provides crucial evidence for the bioaccumulation of PFAS and APIs in the marine food chain, which have the potential to affect animal, human and ecosystem health.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with general practitioners (GPs) playing a crucial role in its identification and management. Despite this central position, GPs face challenges in diagnosing depression. Previous qualitative research has focused on clinical and interactional aspects of depression diagnosis in primary care, including uncertainty and negotiation; this study examines logistical and practical challenges in diagnosis. To explore GP perspectives of the challenges in diagnosing depression and providing initial support in primary care. Qualitative study involving GPs across Scotland, the North-East of England and Northern Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs, recruited through clinical networks of the research team who were contacted via email, followed by a snowball sampling strategy. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Themes were developed to explore GPs' perspectives of the challenges in diagnosing depression. Ten GPs from a range of practice locations were interviewed. Three themes were developed highlighting the challenges that GPs face in diagnosing depression: (1) Complexity of presentation; (2) Constraints on access and time; (3) Continuity of care. Diagnostic challenges for depression in primary care are shaped by clinical complexity, time constraints, and continuity of care. Addressing these factors may help GPs navigate diagnostic uncertainty and provide earlier support for patients presenting with depressive symptoms.
Attaining target glycaemia can be a challenge in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) due to insulin-induced weight gain. Adjunct therapy with modern glucose-lowering agents developed for type 2 diabetes (T2D) has great potential but may be insufficiently efficacious and carries risks of hypoglycaemia and ketosis. We designed the first Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of adding a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and a Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter (SGLT2) Inhibitor to insulin therapy in overweight and obese adults with T1D and glycaemia above target (HbA1c 7.5%-11.0% inclusive) (NCT03899402). In Period 1, participants are randomized 2:1 (open label) for 26 weeks to semaglutide and insulin (uptitrated to 1.0 mg weekly) or standard insulin therapy. In Period 2, those randomized to semaglutide and insulin in Period 1 are further randomized (double-blind) for 26 weeks to dapagliflozin (10 mg daily) or placebo, in addition to semaglutide. The primary objective is to compare change in HbA1c on 'triple therapy' (dapagliflozin, semaglutide and insulin) with 'dual therapy' (placebo, semaglutide and insulin). Secondary objectives include comparisons of triple therapy with standard insulin therapy and dual therapy (semaglutide and insulin) with standard insulin therapy. Safety outcomes include hypoglycaemia and ketosis. A sample size recalculation during the trial based on analysis of masked data revised the original recruitment target from 114 to 82 participants. The TTT1 trial will provide clinically useful information on combination adjunct therapy in the treatment of T1D.
Variability in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been associated with increased risks of mortality and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired kidney function. However, its significance in individuals with preserved kidney function remains unclear. In this nationwide retrospective population-based study of individuals with T2DM, eGFR variability was calculated by fitting a linear regression model to longitudinal data to estimate both the individual eGFR slope over the 5-year period as well as the variability in model residuals provided by the SD of the model residuals using longitudinal serum creatinine (SCr) measurements obtained during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were then applied to assess the association between eGFR variability and progression to stage G3b CKD among participants with preserved kidney function. This study included 98,322 participants who had an eGFR > 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at diagnosis, remained alive with an eGFR > 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 5 years after diagnosis, and were subsequently followed for a mean of 5.1 years. Greater eGFR variability was associated with an increased risk of progression to stage G3b CKD- hazard ratios (HRs) for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of variability versus the first quartile were 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.75), 1.85 (95% CI: 1.65-2.08), and 2.56 (95% CI: 2.29-2.86), respectively. This association persisted after adjustment for multiple variables-HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.40-1.77 for the fourth quartiles of variability versus the first quartile. eGFR variability in the absence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with CKD progression in individuals with T2DM and preserved kidney function.
The moult represents an important seasonal change in the physiology of phocid seals. However, physiological measurements are challenging due to the impracticalities of instrumenting moulting animals. The aim of this study was (i) to assess the feasibility of a long-term deployment of fully implantable loggers to measure heart rate (HR) and sub-blubber temperature (Tb) in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and (ii) to compare HR and Tb during moult and post-moult periods. Loggers were surgically implanted on an adult and sub-adult harbour seal in captivity. Animals healed quickly from surgery and loggers provided 65 days of continuous data before removal of the device. Results showed that in the adult when hauled out and in the water HR was lower during the moult compared with the post-moult. For the sub-adult, HR while in the water was also higher during the post-moult, however, when hauled out there was no difference in HR between the moult and post-moult periods. When hauled out, Tb was greater for both animals during the moult compared with the post-moult. During haulout events, Tb increased over time in both periods and Tb in both animals was lower during post moult compared to the moult period. In the sub-adult, Tb decreased with time in the water during the moult but showed little change during the post-moult period, whereas no temporal change was evident in the adult during either period. This study demonstrated that fully implantable loggers are a useful research tool allowing measurement of physiological parameters that are otherwise difficult to measure in pinnipeds. Physiological measurements suggested that the requirement to maintain higher skin temperature for hair growth during the moult was offset by lower metabolism to save energy in water, and on land in the case of adults. However, a decrease in body temperature with time in water in the sub-adult indicated that a smaller body size and less well-developed blubber layer is not as effective in reducing heat loss compared to adults. Future physio-logging on pinnipeds throughout their annual lifecycle may therefore benefit from similar techniques used to implant loggers.
This pre-registered study investigated how adolescents in a context of long-standing ethno-political polarization-Northern Ireland-transmit contested narratives. Much like the children's game of telephone, adolescents (N = 395, Mage = 14.56, SD = 2.16; range 10-18 years; 55.7% female, 42.0% male; 57.1% White-Irish, 32.5% White-British, 6.3% White-Other) read and recalled narratives for other participants; a process repeated sequentially across chains of four people. Narratives were either conflict-related or non-conflict control. Across homogeneous (same ethno-political group) and mixed (alternating group) chains, we found that information was rapidly lost or changed. This occurred to a greater extent in conflict compared to non-conflict conditions. We found no evidence for preferential transmission of ingroup-enhancing information, though nonpartisan recall slightly decreased with age. Adolescent information transmission may interrupt cycles of division in conflict-affected settings.