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Fri, Jan 17, 2025 08:32 PM All times are UTC

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Soo Downe

Professor of Midwifery Studies, University of Central Lancashire
After completing a degree in Literature and Linguistics at the University of York, Soo trained as a midwife, and then worked for 15 years at Derby City Hospital mainly on the labour ward. Since 2001 she has been at the University of Central Lancashire, where she is now Professor of Midwifery Studies. Her research focus is on the nature and consequences of normal (physiological) birth, but she is also actively involved in wider maternity care issues. She was a member of the steering group for the Lancet Midwifery Series, and of the advisory group for the 2016 Lancet Stillbirth Series. With the Research in Childbirth and Health (ReaCH) team that she leads, she is currently contributing to the development process for three World Health Organisation guidelines: antenatal care, intrapartum care, and caesarean section. She is also currently the lead for an EU funded COST project related to global research in the maternity services, that includes 32 countries and over 100 scientists, academics, and service users. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the global MotherBaby Friendly initiative. She regularly contributes to initiatives from the RCOG and the RCM, and she was awarded an OBE for services to midwifery in 2011.

Caesareans are rising fast in the UK – but giving birth is getting worse for women

Jan 17, 2025 14:22 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Health

Caesarean births are rising worldwide, but the UK has one of the highest rates in Europe, with the fastest increase in recent years. In England, 42% of all births are now by caesarean section compared with 29% five years...

Economy

Rupee Marginally Weaker Amid Dollar Demand and RBI Intervention

The Indian rupee edged lower on Friday, trading at 86.5850 against the U.S. dollar by 09:55 a.m. IST, compared to its previous close of 86.55. The slight dip was driven by heightened dollar demand due to the maturity of...

China's Economic Resurgence: Strong Growth Signals a Bright Future Ahead

The Chinese economy had fared even better than its forecast of 5.0% at the same quarter last year with the report of an annualized increase of 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase came in contrast with previous...

Bull Market Optimism Persists Amid Historical Trends and Economic Growth

As the bull market enters its third year, the Sevens Report remains optimistic despite concerns over stretched valuations and geopolitical risks. The report cites factors such as robust economic growth, pro-growth policies...

Wall Street Slips as Apple Drags Tech Amid Mixed Economic Data

The SP 500 dipped Thursday as banking sector strength was overshadowed by a tech slump led by Apple. At market close, the Dow fell 0.2%, the SP 500 dropped 0.2%, and the NASDAQ slid 0.9%. Apple shares tumbled 4% after...

UK Economy Sees Marginal Growth Amid Tax Hikes and Business Caution

The UK economy showed a modest rebound in November, with GDP increasing by 0.1% from October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the first monthly growth since August, falling short of...

Politics

Orban Urges EU to End Sanctions Against Russia Amid Political Shift

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to lift its sanctions on Russia, coinciding with the upcoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump, which he believes signals a new era. Speaking on...

Trump's Inauguration Ushers in a Transformative Era for Cryptocurrency

President-elect Donald Trumps administration, featuring several pro-crypto appointees, is expected to influence U.S. policy on emerging technologies. The crypto industry, which has long faced regulatory challenges, hopes...

South Korean Authorities Seek to Prolong President Yoon's Detention Amid Crisis

South Koreas anti-corruption agency is seeking to extend President Yoon Suk Yeols detention as he faces allegations of insurrection tied to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. Yoon, the first sitting...

Democratic AGs Fight to Defend Biden Policies Amid Trump’s Return

Democratic attorneys general from over a dozen states, including California, New Jersey, and Michigan, have launched legal efforts to protect Biden administration policies on immigration, the environment, and gun control...

Denmark PM Responds to Trump’s Greenland Remarks Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for a meeting with the nations business leaders after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested possible military or economic action, including tariffs, to gain...

Science

Double Moonshot: Japan’s ispace and Firefly Launch Lunar Missions

In a significant stride for lunar exploration, Japanese company ispace and U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace launched moon landers aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida. This rare double mission highlights the growing competition...

Bill Gates’ Shocking New Malaria Solution Unveiled as Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Turn Into Flying Vaccinators

In a groundbreaking and controversial move, researchers funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at Leiden University Medical Center have developed a revolutionary approach to combat malaria. The team has created...

Explosive CIA Whistleblower Claims Havana Syndrome Victims Face Cancer, Dementia, and Government Betrayal

A former CIA operative has come forward with alarming allegations, claiming that victims of the mysterious Havana Syndrome are now battling devastating health issues, including cancer, dementia, and Parkinsons disease. The...

FDA Approval of Opdivo Injection Sparks Hope for Cancer Patients with Revolutionary Treatment Update

In a significant advancement for cancer care, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an injectable version of Bristol Myers Squibbs blockbuster cancer drug Opdivo. Branded as Opdivo Qvantig, the new...

From dead galaxies to mysterious red dots, here’s what the James Webb telescope has found in just 3 years

On this day three years ago, we witnessed the nail-biting launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most powerful telescope humans have ever sent into space. It took 30 years to build, but in three...

Technology

SpaceX Starship Breaks Apart After Launch, Disrupting Air Traffic

A SpaceX Starship rocket broke apart minutes after launching from Texas, disrupting airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico due to falling debris. The rocket, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites, lost...

TSMC Faces Challenges in Bringing Advanced Chipmaking to U.S.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is encountering significant hurdles in its effort to bring advanced chip production to its new $65 billion Arizona facilities. CEO C.C. Wei highlighted that compliance issues,...

Nintendo Unveils Switch 2 Console, Launch Expected This Year

Nintendo has announced the release of the highly anticipated Switch 2 console, a successor to its popular hybrid home-portable gaming device. The Kyoto-based company revealed plans to provide more details, including...

SpaceX Starship Rocket Breaks Apart Mid-Flight, Disrupting Air Traffic

A SpaceX Starship rocket disintegrated minutes after launching from Texas on Thursday, disrupting Gulf of Mexico air traffic and dealing a setback to Elon Musks flagship space program. The upgraded Starship, carrying mock...

FBI Warns of Massive AT&T Breach Impacting Agents' Data

The FBI has raised concerns over a significant data breach of ATTs (NYSE:T) systems last year, potentially exposing months of agents call and text logs. The breach, disclosed by Bloomberg News, compromised FBI devices...