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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 19
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 19
Bristol Bites: Brunel, Breakthroughs and Winter Blues
Louis Inglis
January 24, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 19
Bristol Bites: Brunel, Breakthroughs and Winter Blues
From the Editor
Certain names occupy a special place in our shared British story. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is one of them. Bristol and this country have been graced by his genius forever. His inventions and innovations include: The Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the transatlantic steamer, the first tunnel under the Thames and the swing-bridge. His creations are still there and still tangible. His engineering is still sound. It is entirely fitting that an AI supercomputer should be named after him. Just as people 200 years ago could hardly conceive of how the railway would change their lives, we can only sit back and wonder how AI will change ours. Even the best and most educated among us will hardly scratch the surface in their predictions. Of course, great tools inevitably become great weapons. But let’s not dwell on that side of things.
Elsewhere in the news, Bristol continues to be a hub for scientific research and medical breakthroughs. In a stunning editorial reversal, we at HANA News are now reporting that Bristol is among the saddest cities in the UK - despite being proclaimed one of the happiest only recently. There’s something distinctly British about that fact. I reckon (according to research) we’ll be the coolest city again after a pint or two tonight, but the lamest city by Monday morning.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning Avon Gorge
This week in Bristol
The Isambard-AI supercomputer will advance vaccine development for Alzheimer's and other diseases, reflecting AI's potential in drug research.
A Bristol research team received a £50 million grant to develop gene therapies for heart disease through collaboration with top institutions.
Gurvin Chopra, a University of Bristol graduate, highlights education's role in empowerment following her family's escape from Taliban persecution.
Bristol City Council has voted to divest from companies linked to Israeli war crimes.
Palestine Action protested against Aviva Centre's involvement in controversial activities.
A former medical student faced charges for inappropriate behaviour with a minor.
Recent research identified Bristol as the saddest city in the UK, citing housing affordability and social isolation as key factors affecting residents' well-being.
The UK government, along with the University of Cambridge, is researching the effects of smartphones and social media on children's mental health to improve policy.
Databox
Bristol has one of the highest graduate retention rates in the UK. The city retains approximately 51% of its graduates, which is significantly higher than the national average. This high retention rate is attributed to several factors:
Strong job market: Bristol offers a wide range of employment opportunities, particularly in tech, finance, and media sectors
Quality of life: The city's vibrant culture, nightlife, and overall lifestyle appeal to many graduates
Large student population: Bristol is home to more than 54,000 students, creating a strong academic community
Economic strength: Bristol has a £15 billion economy and a thriving business sector, which attracts graduates to stay in the city
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Clean and concise description, relevant to a story
Hyper-local news articles
AI supercomputer being used to develop vaccines for Alzheimer's BBC News - January 20, 2025 The Isambard-AI supercomputer, which will cost £225 million and become the UK's most powerful when fully operational this summer, aims to revolutionize drug and vaccine development using AI. Applications for conditions like Alzheimer's and heart disease are already underway. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's push for AI innovation across public services highlights its transformative potential, likening its impact to that of the Internet while fostering openness in research for the public good. |
Bristol researchers part of £50M research award to develop cutting-edge new therapies for heart disease Bristol - January 20, 2025 The Bristol team is collaborating with leading institutions to develop groundbreaking gene therapies for heart disease. These therapies focus on cell proliferation, new blood vessel growth, and scarring reduction. This initiative, part of the MRC/BHF-funded CoRE in Advanced Cardiac Therapies, aims to revolutionize heart treatments through innovative research and industry partnerships. |
Bristol University graduate's family escaped Taliban persecution BBC News - January 22, 2025 Gurvin Chopra, the first woman in her family to attend school, has achieved a master's degree in human rights from the University of Bristol, driven by her parents' sacrifices after fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan. She emphasizes education as a vital tool for empowerment, reflecting on her family's struggles and her mission to uplift others through knowledge. |
UK’s Bristol council votes for divesting from companies linked to Israel war crimes Middleeastmonitor - January 20, 2025 Bristol City Council has voted to divest from companies linked to Israeli war crimes and the arms trade, reflecting a commitment to human rights and ethical investment in support of Palestinian rights. This decision is part of a growing trend among local governments to reassess financial ties with controversial entities. |
In pictures: Aviva Centre in Bristol occupied by Palestine protestors for several hours Bristol Live - January 22, 2025 Palestine Action staged a protest at Bristol's Aviva Centre on January 22, targeting the insurer for its ties to Elbit Systems, which produces drone engines used in military operations in Gaza. Activists claimed that Aviva's investment in funds linked to Elbit enables these actions, highlighting the company's ongoing role despite divesting from direct shares. |
Doctor admits inappropriately messaging teenage patient he met at Bristol Children’s Hospital The Independent - January 17, 2025 Dr. Cian Hughes, a former medical student, faced a tribunal for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old patient he had met at a hospital, which escalated into sexual activity when she turned 17, raising serious concerns about his professional boundaries and ethical conduct. Despite acknowledging the inappropriateness of his actions, Dr. Hughes denied actively pursuing a relationship before she was 16, while the General Medical Council charged him with exploiting his position. |
A new study reveals Bristol as the UK city most affected by the winter blues Bristolworld - January 22, 2025 Recent research has named Bristol the saddest city in the UK, highlighting issues like housing affordability and social isolation as key factors affecting residents' happiness. This has ignited discussions on the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve mental well-being and quality of life in the vibrant city. |
Bristol researchers part of government project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people Bristol - January 17, 2025 The UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a project led by the University of Cambridge to investigate the effects of smartphone and social media use on children's mental health, following a 2019 review that called for more evidence. With contributions from several prestigious universities, the initiative aims to provide policymakers with causal insights to enhance online safety for young people. |
Snapshot of the Bristol skyline by the Harbourside
Property news
Is THIS Britain's skinniest home? Bizarre property with a wall just THREE FEET wide is compared to New York icon by bemused locals Mail Online - January 19, 2025 A narrow building in Bristol, like New York's Flatiron Building, has captivated locals with its quirky charm and three-foot-wide wall. This has sparked lively discussions about its unique design and potential nicknames. While some residents appreciate its appeal, others express curiosity about living in such small spaces. Sentiments largely lean towards admiration for its distinctiveness. |
Four people live in this mind-bending skinny house in Bristol Domain - January 20, 2025 Discover Bristol's narrow gem, a uniquely shaped house in Fishpond that measures just 3 feet wide. It captures attention for its unusual design and intriguing history. Meanwhile, Australia boasts stunning homes with diverse architectural styles, from light-filled cottages to Mediterranean-inspired properties, showcasing the beauty of real estate down under. |
Bristol 'badly let down' as 16,000 homes with planning permission remain unbuilt Bristol Live - January 22, 2025 Bristol is grappling with a housing crisis, with 16,000 approved homes remaining unbuilt due to challenges like project viability and developer priorities. City council leader Cllr Tony Dyer faces mounting pressure as discussions around affordable housing highlight the complexities of urban development amid a shortage of skilled workers and market dominance by a few builders. |
Use a quality snap of Bristol’s city centre - nightlife included
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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