Bishops back student fight for religious freedom on campus
Some of Britain’s most senior religious figures call today for an end to “intolerant and unlawful” attempts to restrict the rights of Christian Unions on university campuses. Eight Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops, as well as Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, are among those who urge student associations and university authorities to take action to halt the alleged discrimination. Thousands of Christians on campuses across Britain claim that their right to freedom of expression is being challenged by student associations attempting to force Christian Unions to allow anybody, regardless of faith, ethnicity or sexuality, to sit on their ruling committees and to address their meetings.
The Times
New banking degree to pay student wages and fees
No tuition fees, a guaranteed job after graduation and a wage while you study - it's a combination Barclays hopes will lure top students to a career with the bank. Barclays has launched the UK's first retail banking degree in partnership with Nottingham Business School. A pilot programme was launched in September and will be expanded next year. The retail development programme offers students work experience in a customer-centred environment, full funding of their tuition fees and a guaranteed full-time position immediately after graduating.
The Guardian
IoD in university drive to boost 'qualified' directors
Scottish MBA students at Glasgow University from next year will be encouraged to progress from their course to then become "qualified" directors, in a tie-up with the Institute of Directors. The Scottish Director Development Centre, which already runs a course providing personal and professional development for company directors and senior managers, leading to the Chartered Director qualification, wants to attract MBA students who want to learn about the theories of running a company.
The Scotsman
Study on effect of spices in preventing bowel cancer
Researchers at Aberdeen University have been awarded a £100,000 grant to help fund a major study to discover whether a diet of fruit drinks and even exotic spices such as turmeric can help prevent bowel cancer, which is more common in the north-east than anywhere else in Britain. The grant from Cancer Research will allow the university, in collaboration with researchers from the city's Rowett Institute, to carry out trials to determine whether a diet, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, can lessen the risk of developing the deadly disease.
The Scotsman
Folic acid could help to prevent heart attacks
Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes, according to research. British scientists have discovered that raised levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease. They say that increasing intake of folic acid would be a relatively cheap and simple way of reducing heart disease. Previous studies have also suggested that eating plenty of folic acid, a type of vitamin B, could help to prevent strokes and some cancers and could potentially halve the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Since folic acid helps to lower homocysteine, the scientists believe increasing intake of the vitamin could help to reduce the risk of disease.
The Times
Awards put fizz into lives of chemists
Two Edinburgh scientists have scooped top chemistry awards. Dr Rosalind Allen, 30, from the school of physics at the University of Edinburgh, and Professor David Leigh, 43, from the School of Chemistry, have won Royal Society of Chemistry awards. Dr Allen was given the Edward Harrison Memorial Prize for her specialist work in the investigation of chemical reactions that happen rarely but are extremely important when they do.
The Scotsman