News
Sunshine may help to prevent allergies and eczema
Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study published this week.
Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, along with several Australian institutions, have found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition eczema, compared to those in areas with higher UV.
The research team used data from a study of Australian children and analysed how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country. As well as finding a link between latitude and allergies to peanut and egg, the results showed that on average children in the south of the country are twice as likely to develop eczema as those in the north.
The report builds upon existing evidence that suggests exposure to the sun may play a role in rising levels of food allergy and eczema. Sunlight is important because it provides our body with the fuel to create vitamin D in the skin, and locations closer to the equator typically receive higher levels of sunshine. Australia is a particularly good place for this type of study as it spans nearly 3000 miles from north to south, with a large variation in climate, day length and sun strength - from Queensland in the north to Tasmania in the south.
Dr Nick Osborne, who led the research, believes these findings provide us with an important insight into the prevalence of food allergies and eczema, which appear to be on the increase. Dr Osborne also cautioned that exposure to sunlight can vary for a host of reasons beyond latitude, such as local climate variations and behaviours, and these factors will also need to be considered.
He said “This investigation has further underlined the association between food allergies, eczema and where you live. We’re now hoping to study these effects at a much finer scale and examine which factors such as temperature, infectious disease or vitamin D are the main drivers of this relationship. As always, care has to be taken we are not exposed to too much sunlight, increasing the risk of skin cancer.”
Dr Osborne will be presenting the findings of the study at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Orlando on March 6th 2012.
The study is published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology this week.
Tremough Innovation Centre opens its doors to first clients
A shipyard designer, a social enterprise tackling deforestation in South America, and a high-tech web architecture firm are among the first clients to move into Cornwall’s new state-of-the-art business innovation facility.
The £13m Tremough Innovation Centre (TIC) opens its doors this week looking to create significant numbers of high-value jobs and nurture the development of high-skilled, growth enterprise in the county.
Situated adjacent to the Tremough Campus in Penryn, TIC will be able to support up to 70 businesses and will be operated by Plymouth University on behalf of Cornwall Council. The facility will provide clients with access to a supportive and creative communal environment in which they can develop their ideas, accelerate their growth, and create jobs.
Six companies are set to move in over the first three days, including Cool Earth, a social enterprise and environmental charity, founded in 2007, and who work with indigenous people around the world to save endangered rainforest.
Matthew Owen, Director, said: “The Tremough Innovation Centre has achieved one of the highest standards of environmental accreditation, so where better for a rainforest charity to set up its new offices?!
“What’s more, Cool Earth is really looking forward to using some of its state-of-the-art facilities, such as the video conference centre, which will help us keep people around the globe up-to-date on rainforest issues. Plus, we’re looking forward to meeting our new neighbours, other innovative organisations that are excelling in their field and keen to expand in Cornwall.”
Graphic Design firm Collaborative Thought is another to be moving into the facility in the first week. James Beresford founded the business in Truro 18 months ago, and said he was looking forward to growing the company in its new surroundings.
He said: “Moving to Tremough will help me to take the business to the next level, providing the base I need to bring in skilled freelancers to work alongside me on new projects.
“I’m also looking forward to tapping into the creative community here, and I’d like to be able to offer students experiential learning opportunities in the near future.”
Bernard Curren, Director of TIC, said: “There has been a tremendous amount of interest from within the local business community and prospective clients. As our success at Pool has shown, there is clearly a strong appetite for high quality innovation support and collaboration in the county.
“And with the University at the heart of the Peninsula Growth Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN), all of our clients are automatically plugged into a region-wide strategy to accelerate the creation, growth and investment in high quality businesses and ideas, creating wealth and jobs in the region."
The pioneering TIC project has been led by Cornwall Council, and supported by Cornwall Development Company (CDC). Investment has been provided by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence Programme and the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency).
Chris Ridgers, the Council’s Cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “The success of Pool Innovation Centre, in attracting businesses with high-growth potential able to create employment opportunities, set the bar high and it is very pleasing that the Tremough Innovation Centre has hit the ground running with businesses taking up resident from its opening. Positive support for, and encouragement of, high-growth potential businesses is an integral part of Cornwall Council’s ambitions for Cornwall’s economy.”
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office, which has invested nearly £10m in the construction of TIC, added: “This is the second Innovation Centre to open out of a suite of three funded through the ERDF Convergence programme. These are the final stage of the bridge between the university knowledge community and the emerging higher value opportunities for businesses; an 11-year journey from inception to reality."
TIC is the second innovation centre to be completed in Cornwall over the past two years, with the highly successful Pool Innovation Centre (PIC), which opened in July 2010, already exceeding all targets. In the first year PIC assisted client businesses to achieve average growth of over 40% and saw 44 new jobs created. Work on a third innovation centre specialising in the Health and Wellbeing sector, on the site close to Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and the Knowledge Spa in Truro, began in August and is expected to be completed in late October 2012.
Delivering a world-class campus and facilities in Cornwall
The Tremough Campus Services Group (TCSG) is the pioneering partnership between University College Falmouth and the University of Exeter that delivers buildings, facilities and services at the Tremough Campus in Penryn.
As part of TCSG’s continual investment in the development of the Tremough Campus and its commitment to delivering a world-class campus and facilities in Cornwall, the site is currently benefiting from a programme of refurbishment to further enhance its look and feel.
Four projects have been implemented so far this term including Project Pride, the installation of impressive new green and grey University Campus Tremough signage; Project White, the refreshing of white-painted surfaces on existing buildings across the campus; Project Spring Clean, a general spruce up in time for the new academic year, and Project Café which has seen major investment in the redesign of the refectory/bar and events space, the Stannary.
“With interior design by HOK, who are one of the world’s largest, most diverse and respected design practices, the Stannary has been transformed with a new colour scheme and contemporary furniture, the majority of which has been sourced from local designers and suppliers,” explains Director of Estates & Development Services, Andrew Asbury. “This makeover not only gives this important campus facility a fresh new look but also enhances the quality of the environment for students, staff and other users.”
Much of the furniture has been produced by MARK, which stands for Made and Realised in Kernow. MARK is a furniture company based in Penryn that works with many other local manufacturers to produce a range of design-led furniture for both private and commercial customers. Working with both traditional craft skills and the hi tech innovations that are emerging from creative Cornwall, MARK’s mission is to raise the profile of the quality of design, skills and manufacturing in the County by taking products to market, nationally and internationally.
From powdercoated chairs in claret, sunshine yellow and water blue, inspired by fishing nets left to dry in the sun and created by award-winning product designer, Sam Johnson to coffee tables, developed with skilled surfboard shapers and crafted using high grade marine materials from design duo, Kay+Stemmer, the overall effect is one of quality and style.
“In response to staff and student feedback, instead of the Stannary providing one large, rather utilitarian space, this redesign also offers different kinds of spaces to provide a more intimate feel. We have also provided beautifully designed external seating around the Campus, particularly outside the Stannary and on the new terrace that has been formed outside the Sports Centre,” adds Andrew.
“This programme of activity not only represents physical change but also a progressive psychological development in the attitude towards the student experience at the Tremough Campus,” explains FXU President for the University of Exeter, Jonathan Harris. “Project White has really brightened up the exterior, and the new furniture in the Stannary and Upper Bar is sharp, stylish, and demonstrates TCSG’s commitment to reinvesting in Tremough.”
“TCSG is committed to providing students and staff with world-class services, and this major investment forms part of that approach,” comments TCSG Chief Executive Officer, Niamh Lamond. “As we move into a new fees arena, our students are increasingly discerning, and expect the highest of standards in everything that we deliver. Good locally sourced design is playing an important part in creating a distinctive and contemporary campus environment. By continually raising standards and improving the quality of our facilities and services, we will also attract business from external organisations, bringing in income for reinvestment in our campuses for the benefit of students and staff.”
“The vast majority of what we manufacture goes to businesses outside of Cornwall such as the BBC, John Lewis and NPower, so it’s great to be able to supply such a high profile project close to home,” said Director of MARK, John Miller. “Every pound spent on our furniture goes directly to supporting local jobs and the Cornish economy, which chimes with the universities’ remit to help regenerate the County.”
Ward Williams in Truro has assisted with the project management of these initiatives whilst 20:20 from Falmouth has produced signage and undertaken some of the interior design elements.
As part of its continual programme of reinvestment, TCSG plans to install new way-finding signage, and art installations, and outline its plans to develop the heart of the campus in 2012.
For further information about developments at the Tremough Campus, please visit www.tremoughcampus.com
UCF welcomes Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills to the hub of Creative Industries in Cornwall
University College Falmouth (UCF) hosted the ministerial visit of the Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills on Thursday 1 Dec 2011. Dr Cable’s first visit to UCF comes at a time of significant positive change not only for the University College but for Cornwall’s creative industries as a whole.
The Business Secretary toured the new Performance Centre and Design Centre on the Tremough Campus. He also learned about Falmouth’s Woodlane Campus with its 100 year heritage and the planned 2012 opening of the Academy for Innovation & Research (AIR). Dr Cable was introduced to senior academics, professional services staff and talented creative students from a range of programmes throughout the day and openly praised the exceptionally high level of creative work.
Professor Anne Carlisle, Rector & CEO for UCF, who hosted the tour with Professor Geoff Smith, emphasised the valuable contribution the visit made to further establishing UCF as a leading specialist arts institution, saying;
“Our vision is to continue to grow as a specialist multi-arts institution that forges multiple links between arts and business. Our graduates have a successful track record of contributing to the economy, locally and globally, which includes staying and working in Cornwall’s fast growing creative industries as employees or employers. Many of our graduates become self-employed both in and outside the creative industries, while an estimated 38% of creative graduates go on to use their skills for the benefit of other sectors not related necessarily to art, design, media, performance and writing.”
She adds, “In difficult economic times, and with a new fees regime in Higher Education, we have been able to demonstrate to the Minister the benefit of a high quality creative education which prepares students for work and the impact that arts institutions can bring to business and industry.”
During the tour the Minister was introduced to Professor Mike Wilson, Dean of Media & Performance, and Dr Larry Lynch, Head of the Department of Performance who had prepared an exceptional showcase of work including; watching a ballet class with 2nd year Dance students, listening to 2nd year Music Student band, The Klezbians, who recently played at The Royal Albert Hall; viewing a contact improvisation class with 2nd year Choreography students; a presentation of collaborative work with Pinewood Studios and a demonstration of the state-of-art recording studio control rooms.
Later in the tour the Minister was introduced to Patrick Gottelier, Head of the Department of Design, and Andrew Harbert, Associate Dean: Academic Development & Planning, who led the tour which included; a walk through the textiles studios (comprising of weave, print tables, sewing machines, digital print equipment, Jacquard looms), wood metals and plastics construction area; ceramics and glass casting and rapid prototyping area; and a display in the Design Centre foyer of the high quality design projects that bring together Higher Education and business, including the famous show piece Quiver surfboard.
All in all, Dr Cable spent two hours at UCF and went away enthused about the contribution that the creative industries can make to the economy, and reassured about the value of a creative arts education. He was impressed by the enthusiasm, creativity and energy of UCF students and staff, and spoke warmly about the future for the University College and for Cornwall.
Unique art-science experiment conducted in Cornwall and Iceland
A new book – Six Days in Iceland – is the result of collaboration between a poet and Geography staff and students on the Tremough Campus, Penryn. Written by poet Alyson Hallett and University of Exeter geographer Professor Chris Caseldine and featuring students’ photographs, it was inspired by a field trip to Iceland. It is the culmination of a year-long project, bringing art and science together.
Alyson Hallett was poet in residence in the University of Exeter’s Geography department on the Tremough Campus from September 2010 to May 2011. Funded by the Leverhulme Trust, she was the first poet in residence in any UK geography department. The residency enabled Alyson to work with physical geographers and find out how scientists work, while staff and students gained new insight to their subject by Alyson’s presence in the department. As part of her time there, she took part in a field trip to Iceland, which inspired a new collection of poems.
Six Days in Iceland includes a new collection of poems by Alyson, photographs taken by Alyson and second-year Geography students and scientific essays on Iceland by Professor Chris Caseldine. It is published by Dropstone Press and was printed by RBoothPrint in Penryn. It is now on sale locally at Falmouth Bookseller and online through Amazon.
The residency explored the synergy between art and science. As poet in residence, Alyson’s aim was to challenge her own understanding of landscape and introduce Geography students and staff to an imaginative and poetic appreciation of language. She had not planned to write a book as a result of her time with the University, but the field trip inspired a number of poems, which Professor Caseldine suggested she publish as a new collection.
Alyson Hallett said: “The field trip to Iceland was an amazing opportunity for me and I found the landscape hugely inspiring. Through the residency I have established a really strong relationship with the Geography department, who could not have been more welcoming.
“My understanding of landscape has deepened and I am fascinated by the differences in language that poets and scientists use. The experience has shown me that it’s inspiring for everyone when artists and scientists come together and share their ideas and working practices.”
Professor Chris Caseldine of the University of Exeter’s Geography department on the Tremough Campus said: “Having Alyson on the trip added a totally new way of looking at the landscape and the poems offer so much more than a straightforward ‘academic’ understanding of everything we did.”
Second-year Geography student Megan Rowe added: "The book is valuable not only as a memento of our trip to Iceland but as a tool which allows us to consider the beauty of the area we studied in a way we wouldn't have on any other geography field trip"
Originally from Street, Somerset, Alyson now lives in Falmouth. She has published books of poetry and fiction, and has also written drama for Radio 4 and Sky Television. Alyson won first prize in the Scintilla Open Poetry Competition and has received major awards from Arts Council England for her work. She runs an international poetry as public art project, The Migration Habits of Stones, with work sited in the UK, USA and Australia and is currently a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Exeter.