Unlocking the potential to tackle plastic pollution in oceans Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Genetically-engineered bacteria break down plastic in saltwater 09/07/25, 15:14 Last updated: Published: 29/09/23, 21:19 Unlocking the potential to tackle plastic pollution in oceans Groundbreaking discovery in the fight against plastic pollution North Carolina State University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against plastic pollution in marine environments. They have successfully genetically engineered a marine microorganism capable of breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a commonly used plastic found in water bottles and clothing, contributing to the growing problem of ocean microplastic pollution. Introducing foreign enzymes to V. natriegens The modified organism, created by incorporating genes from the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis into the genome of Vibrio natriegens , can effectively degrade PET in saltwater conditions. This achievement marks the first time foreign enzymes have been successfully expressed on the surface of V. natriegens cells, making it a significant scientific breakthrough. PET microplastics pose a significant challenge in marine ecosystems, and current methods of removing them, such as extracting and disposing of them in landfills, are not sustainable. The researchers behind this study aim to find a more environmentally friendly solution by breaking down PET into reusable products, like thermoformed packaging (takeaway cartons) or textiles (clothing, duvets, pillows, carpeting). The team worked with two bacteria species, V. natriegens and I. sakaiensis . V. natriegens , known for its rapid reproduction in saltwater, served as the host organism, while I. sakaiensis provided the enzymes necessary for PET degradation. The researchers first rinsed the plastics collected from the ocean to remove high-concentration salts before initiating the plastic degradation process. Challenges ahead While this breakthrough is a significant step forward, three key challenges are still ahead. The researchers aim to incorporate the DNA responsible for enzyme production directly into the genome of V. natriegens to enhance stability. Because DNA is the genetic material responsible for the production of enzymes, and enzymes are proteins that are responsible for carrying out various chemical reactions in the body, by incorporating the DNA responsible for enzyme production into the genome of V. natriegens , the researchers can enhance the stability of the enzyme production. Thus, this DNA is essential for producing the enzymes necessary for PET degradation, as it contains the genetic information vital for encoding the proteins needed for PET breakdown. Additionally, the research team plans to modify V. natriegens further to feed on the byproducts generated during PET degradation. Lastly, they seek to engineer V. natriegens to produce a desirable end product from PET, such as a molecule that can be utilised in the chemical industry. Collaboration with industry groups Collaboration with industry groups is also crucial in determining the market demand for the molecules that V. natriegens can produce. The researchers are open to working with industry partners to explore the vast production scale and identify the most desirable molecules for commercial use. By introducing the genes responsible for PET degradation into V. natriegens using a plasmid, the researchers successfully induced the production of enzymes on the surface of the bacterial cells. The modified V. natriegens demonstrated its ability to break down PET microplastics in saltwater, providing a practical and economically feasible solution for addressing plastic pollution in marine environments. This research represents a significant advancement in the field, as it is the first time that V. natriegens has been genetically engineered to express foreign enzymes on its cell surface. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for further modifications, such as incorporating the DNA from I. sakaiensis directly into the genome of V. natriegens to make the production of plastic-degrading enzymes a more stable feature of the organism. The researchers aim to modify V. natriegens to feed on the byproducts produced during the breakdown of PET and create a desirable end product for the chemical industry. The researchers are open to collaborating with industry groups to identify the most desirable molecules to be engineered into V. natriegens for production. This groundbreaking research, published in the AIChE Journal with the support of the National Science Foundation under grant 2029327, paves the way for developing more efficient and sustainable methods for addressing plastic pollution in saltwater environments. Conclusion The research has made a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution in marine environments. By incorporating genes from the bacterium I. sakaiensis into the genome of V. natriegens , they created a genetically modified marine microorganism capable of breaking down PET. This achievement provides a practical and economically feasible solution to address plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The researchers are now looking into further modifications to the organism to enable it to feed on byproducts and to produce a desirable end product that can be used in the chemical industry. This research highlights the potential of genetic engineering to create sustainable solutions to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Written by Sara Maria Majernikova Related article: Plastics and their environmental impact Project Gallery

Looking at silicon dioxide Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The effects of nanoparticles on health Last updated: 17/07/25, 11:50 Published: 01/05/25, 08:00 Looking at silicon dioxide There are around 100 trillion harmless and beneficial microbes in the gut, representing as many as 5,000 different species! They are called the gut microbiota and are essential for regulating brain function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, controlling intestinal inflammation and more. Nanoparticles may alter the gut microbiota, posing a risk to health and well-being. Read on to find out more about how. What are nanoparticles? Nanoparticles are small particles that are usually less than 100 nm in diameter. One example of a common nanoparticle is silicon dioxide, which can be found as the food additive E551. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are commonly used as anti-caking agents in free-flowing powdery food products, such as spices and coffee. These nanoparticles can be toxic, damaging cells, tissues, and organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The damage is primarily due to the way SiO2NPs react in the body as a result of their size: even though SiO2NPs are bigger than 100 nm in the form of E551, when the SiO2NPs are in the gastrointestinal tract, they can clump together and degrade into a smaller size of 10-50 nm. The experiment Researchers completed several experiments to examine the effects of exposure to SiO2NPs on health. This article will specifically talk about one experiment where they looked at the impacts of SiO2NPs on the gut microbiota. For this experiment, the researchers hypothesised that oral exposure to SiO2NPs will cause changes in the gut microbiota, affecting diversity and function in mice. 20 healthy male 4-week-old mice were used, weighing 8 to 12 grams. Researchers administered either SiO2NPs solution or vehicle solution for 28 days. The vehicle solution can be considered the control and was created out of a sterile saline solution. All bacteria contain the 16S rRNA gene which is highly conserved, meaning that the sequence remains mostly unchanged across different species. After 28 days, the researchers took faecal samples from the mice and conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the bacterial DNA in the faeces to analyse the gut microbiota. Figure 1 shows the process of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a method used to identify and compare bacterial diversity without needing to grow bacterial cultures. Because it is culture-free, 16S sequencing can survey complex microbiomes or difficult environments to study. This technique is commonly used to identify bacteria down to the genus or species level, depending on the needs of the experiments. Researchers looked at the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota, with Sob, Ace, Chao, Simpson, and Shannon indices being used. Sob, Ace and Chao give information about the number of species, while Simpson and Shannon give information about the community diversity, including the species evenness. The results The results of this experiment, as seen in Figure 2 , show that there was a significant increase in Sob, Ace, and Chao indices, but there was no substantial change in Simpson or Shannon indices. This suggests that SiO2NPs can change the diversity of gut microbiota, which could impact their biological functions. For example, if there are changes to the gut microbiota, it could result in increased inflammation in the intestine. This could potentially lead to the immune system’s defences in the gut being weaker, allowing harmful pathogens to pass through the epithelial barrier more easily. Conclusion One of the main weaknesses of this experiment is that it was conducted on mice. Because of this, the study's findings cannot be directly translated to humans. In addition, the study was conducted over only 28 days, meaning we don’t know the long-term effects and consequences of the impacts of SiO2NPs on the gut microbiota. Nevertheless, this is still a critical study as it shows that SiO2NPs do impact the gut microbiota. It also shows that maintaining healthy gut microbiota is important. This can be done by being mindful of what we eat. So next time, instead of having instant noodles full of additives, think about making a home-made soup with your favourite vegetables! Eating unprocessed whole foods is not just good for us, but also for our gut microbiota! Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: Nanomedicine / Nanoparticles as diabetes treatment / Nanogels / Nanocarriers / Silicon hydrogel lenses / Microbiota Project Gallery

Manufacturing doubt is another strategy where facts are intentionally changed to promote an agenda. It is used in the tobacco industry and against the climate crisis. Meaning articles can maintain the façade of using scientific methods by referencing sources that are difficult to interpret whilst research supported by sound evidence is labelled and downplayed. Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How fake science websites hijack our trust in experts to misinform and confuse Last updated: 13/06/26 Published: 29/12/22 In science, all research is peer-reviewed by experts. Now, fake science websites are mimicking these disciplines. These websites capitalise on our trust in experts. In some cases, these websites are paid to publish fake science. This is becoming more common. In a recent global survey, almost 50% of respondents said they see false or misleading information online daily. By understanding the methods these sites use, we can prevent their influence. In the age of AI, low-quality and 'spammy' content are being generated automatically. This is a much faster process than writing content manually, and it is not easy to spot textual AI content. The content is low-quality due to heavy misinformation (incorrect factual data), and hallucinations (un-grounded, unverified facts or claims). It is important to differentiate between factual and misleading information, as science often involves a lot of high-risk data e.g. in medicine, health. Hyperlinking is a technique used to convince website users. They reassure the user that the content is credible, but most people don’t have experience in analytical techniques and so these links aren’t questioned. Repetition is used to increase the visibility of fake science content but also saturate search engines. This content can be repeated and spread across different sites. Users of “lateral reading” get multiple websites that corroborate the fake science from the initial source. Many of these sites only choose articles that agree with their perspective and depend on the audience not taking time to follow up. Manufacturing doubt is another strategy where facts are intentionally changed to promote an agenda. It is used in the tobacco industry and against the climate crisis. Meaning articles can maintain the façade of using scientific methods by referencing sources that are difficult to interpret whilst research supported by sound evidence is labelled and downplayed. On fake science websites first, check the hyperlinked articles. These websites will use sites with repeated content from disreputable sites. Next, look at the number of reposts a website has. Legitimate science posts are on credible websites. Some websites investigate websites that feature fake science. Cross-checking and re-verifying the information produced on these websites will also aid in spotting 'fake' content. Ultimately, these websites thrive on users not having the time or skills to look deeper into the evidence, so doing so will help expose the fake websites. Written by Antonio Rodrigues Related articles: Digital disinformation / COVID-19 misconceptions

Raymond et. al (1992), Shapiro (1994), and other studies Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link An exploration of the attentional blink in rapid serial visual presentation studies Last updated: 24/06/25, 15:01 Published: 03/07/25, 08:00 Raymond et. al (1992), Shapiro (1994), and other studies Attention is a cognitive mechanism that helps us select and process vital information while ignoring irrelevant information, enabling us to consolidate our memories. Attentional blink typically refers to the finding of a severe impairment for detection or identification of the second target (T2) of the two masked visual targets that occurs when the targets are presented within less than 500 milliseconds of each other. In this context, T1 refers to the first target, which captures attention and temporarily limits the ability to detect or identify T2 if they are presented too closely in time. Raymond et al. (1992) suggested that the attentional blink phenomenon is observed in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) conditions in which stimuli such as letters, digits or pictures are presented in a rapid sequence mostly at a single location. Typically, the target from the RSVP stimulus stream is differentiated (e.g. presented in a different colour), and the participant’s task is to identify the target. The RSVP procedure is a widely employed paradigm used to examine the temporal characteristics of perceptual and attentional processes. Shapiro (1994) proposed the interference theory as an explanation for attentional blink. According to the interference theory, there is a temporal buffer if many distractors are present. Due to the limitations of visual short-term memory, multiple items compete to be retrieved from this hypothetical temporal buffer, which can affect recall accuracy. As a result, attentional blink occurs due to competition over which target, T1 or T2, receives attentional processing. Supporting evidence comes from Isaak (1999), who presented combinations of letter and false-font stimuli per trial, and claimed that attentional blink magnitude increases if the competitors arise from the same conceptual category, for example, digits. Alternatively, Chun and Potter (1995) introduced their two-stage model to account for attentional blink. The aim of their research was to investigate whether attentional blink occurs in a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) task. Their hypothesis stated that participants’ ability to detect T2 would be reduced if it appeared approximately 300 milliseconds after T1. They also sought to examine whether attentional blink reflects a limited-capacity processing mechanism. The model suggests that stage 1 is where stimuli are processed and features and meanings are registered, but not at a sufficient level for report. In stage 2, the stimulus is consolidated for a response. The researchers reported that attentional blink occurs at stage 2, where identification and consolidation of T1 are slowed when there is a following item, delaying the processing of T2 after the onset of T1. Discussion Many RSVP studies hypothesise that presenting T2 300-700 milliseconds after T1, with multiple distractor items, increases the likelihood of attentional blink and impairs the ability to detect T2. This outcome aligns with Shapiro et al.’s (1999) interference theory, as participants faced significant difficulty retrieving stimuli from the temporal buffer during the dual task. However, participants demonstrated a higher success rate in identifying the target during the single task, even with rapid stimulus presentation. Additional support for the interference theory is provided by Raffone et al. (2014), who argued that T2 must be masked by a distractor, and if T1 appears within 500 milliseconds of T2, T2 often goes undetected, leading to attentional blink. The unified model further suggests that in RSVP tasks, attention allocation to T1 reduces the attention available for T2, leaving T2 susceptible to decay or substitution. This implies that attentional blink may result from T1 monopolising attentional resources and thus limiting the capacity to process T2, which explains the poorer performance observed in the dual task. Conclusions Despite their insights, both theories of attentional blink have notable shortcomings. There is contradicting evidence for the interference theory from Olivers and Meeter (2008), who believe that once attentional blink is induced by a first target, it can be alleviated if T2 is preceded by a non-target that shares a target-defining feature, such as having the same colour. Whereas, Reeves and Sperling (1986) postulate that an attentional gate is opened after T1 is detected and continues to remain open until target identification is complete. This can amplify the processing of the stimuli, enabling the identification of T1 and aiding T2 in receiving attentional processes and being identified accurately. A main limitation of the two-stage model for attentional blink studies is its difficulty in explaining the full spectrum of attentional blink effects, particularly the T1-sparing’ phenomenon and the impact of task demands on T2 processing. For instance, the two-stage model often assumes that T2 processing is solely impaired due to the attentional load of T1, but research suggests that the difficulty of the T2 task itself can influence the attentional blink. For example, if T2 requires a more complex or demanding response, the attentional blink effect may be more pronounced, even if T1 processing is relatively simple. Future research should investigate if attentional blink exists within other modalities, such as cross-modal perception (visual T1, auditory T2). This will enable us to get a deeper insight into how the attention mechanisms operate. Future research should also explore alternative explanations for the attentional blink. Some studies suggest it may not be solely attributable to resource limitations or processing bottlenecks but could instead reflect a more dynamic process involving attentional re-engagement or the interaction between perceptual and attentional systems. Written by Pranavi Rastogi REFERENCES Chun, M. M., & Potter, M. C. (1995). A two-stage model for multiple target detection in rapid serial visual presentation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 21 (1), 109-127. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.21.1.109 Isaak, M. I., Shapiro, K. L., & Martin, J. (1999). The attentional blink reflects retrieval competition among multiple rapid serial visual presentation items: Tests of an interference model. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 25 (6), 1774-1792. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.25.6.1774 Olivers, C. N., & Meeter, M. (2008). A boost and bounce theory of temporal attention. Psychological Review, 115 (4), 836-863. doi:10.1037/a0013395 Raffone, A., Srinivasan, N., & Van Leeuwen, C. (2014). The interplay of attention and consciousness in visual search, attentional blink and working memory consolidation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 369 (1641), 20130215. doi:10.1098/rstb.2013.0215 Reeves, A., & Sperling, G. (1986). Attention gating in short-term visual memory. Psychological Review, 93 (2), 180-206. doi:10.1037/0033-295x.93.2.180 Raymond, J. E., Shapiro, K. L., & Arnell, K. M. (1992). Temporary suppression of visual processing in an RSVP task: An attentional blink? Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 18 (3), 849-860. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.18.3.849 Shapiro, K. L., Raymond, J. E., & Arnell, K. M. (1994). Attention to visual pattern information produces the attentional blink in rapid serial visual presentation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance,20 (2), 357-371. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.20.2.357 Project Gallery

Our planet's ecosystems are teeming with life! Navigate the intricate web of interactions in these intriguing articles. How do organisms relate to one another and their surroundings? Ecology Articles Our planet's ecosystems are teeming with life! Navigate the intricate web of interactions in these intriguing articles. How do organisms relate to one another and their surroundings? You may also like: Biology, Zoology Galápagos Tortoises An end at the beginning: their conservation Beavers are back in Britain The role of beavers in the ecosystem and their reintroduction in the UK. Article #3 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Pangolins in China From poached to protected. Article #4 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique From conflict to community. Article #5 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Wildlife corridors Why did the sloth cross the road? Meet the microbes that feed phosphorus to plants Plants need phosphorus to make biological molecules like DNA, ATP, and the phospholipid bilayers that form cell membranes How human activity impacts the phosphorus cycle Discussing eutrophication and industrial activities Rock, paper, survival? This theory occurs when three equally strong variants coexist in a population Behind the scenes of a David Attenborough documentary People behind the scenes, filming challenges (e.g. physical toll), technology and other factors

The researchers counted over 100,000 neurons and over a billion connections between them within this small cube of brain tissue. To find all the neurons and reconstruct the neural network, researchers had to slice the mouse brain 25,000 times. The issue is Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Can a human brain be linked to a computer? Last updated: 08/03/26 Published: 28/12/22 Scientists in the US have succeeded in mapping the three-dimensional structure of the network of neurons in one cubic millimetre of mouse brain- a feat that would require two petabytes of storage. The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons, which is one million times the number of neurons found in a cubic millimetre of mouse brain. The researchers counted over 100,000 neurons and over a billion connections between them within this small cube of brain tissue. To find all the neurons and reconstruct the neural network, researchers had to slice the mouse brain 25,000 times. The issue is that the amount of data to store would kill any single computer. Memory and experiences that would have defined people later would be lost if they tried to store their minds too early. Using a computer too late may result in the accumulation of a mind with dementia, which would not work so well. Human tissue would have to be cut into zillions of thin slices using techniques compatible with dying and cutting. Local electrical changes that travel down dendrites and axons allow neurons to communicate with one another. However, when reconstructing the 3D structure, this may not be possible. After we die, our brains undergo significant chemical and anatomical changes. At the age of 20, they begin to lose 85,000 neurons per day due to apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Many memories that would have shaped a person later would be lost if he or she tried to store their mind too early. There are numerous steps involved in developing a computer capable of storing and processing human-level intelligence. The Neuralink trial is a pioneering study that aims to enable interactions with computers via thought. As of January 2026, there are seven patients in the GB-PRIME study, which uses Neuralink's brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The goal of the study is to restore independence in paralysed individuals. It may be imposs ible for an artificial intelligence to produce sensations and actions identical to those provided and produced by your biological body. Bots are susceptible to hacking and hardware failure. Connecting sensors to the AI's digital mind would also be difficult. Written by Jeevana Thavarajah Related articles: The evolution of AI / Brain metastasis / AI in genetic diagnoses

Dive into the latest biological research! Explore the profound impact of negligent exercise on well-being, discover breakthroughs in organoid and iPSC research, and gain insights into how biomarkers are enabling disease diagnosis and prevention- along with public health news. Biology Articles Dive into the latest biological research! Explore the profound impact of negligent exercise on well-being, discover breakthroughs in organoid and iPSC research, and gain insights into how biomarkers are enabling disease diagnosis and prevention- along with public health news. You may also like: Cancer , Ecology , Genetics , Immunology , Neuroscience , Zoology , and Medicine Can a human brain be uploaded to a computer? Uncovering the possibilities of transferring information from your brain to a computer Impacts of negligent exercise on physiology How to avoid negligent personal training as it can harm the individual Key historical events in public health A timeline of discoveries in the history of public health Influence of different environmental factors on exercise How different environmental factors can affect exercise Why bacteria are essential to human survival The benefits of bacteria Will diabetes mellitus become an epidemic? Diabetes mellitus is when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it Correlation between a country's HDI and COVID-19 mortality rate HDI stands for Human Development Index, i.e. how much a country is developed considering various factors such as wealth Rising food prices Food deserts and malnutrition Organoids in drug discovery What organoids are, their applications in drug discovery and more The genesis of life What came first: the chicken or the egg? Challenges in endometriosis From underreporting to under-research iPSCs and organoids iPSC stands for induced pluripotent stem cells PMOS and endometriosis These two diseases are very similar, but how are they different? Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) A biomarker for renal damage Childhood stunting Its issue in developing countries Innovations in the biosciences The biggest ones currently Various health models Understanding health through different stances Medicinal Manuka The benefits of using Manuka honey as medicine The dual role of mitochondria A mechanism for survival, or death? Next

Looking at how income and housing are linked to health Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Socioeconomic Health Inequalities Last updated: 05/03/26, 14:50 Published: 05/02/26, 08:00 Looking at how income and housing are linked to health This is Article no. 2 in a series on health equalities. Previous article: What are health inequalities? Next article: Ethnic inequalities . Welcome to the second article in a series of articles about health inequalities. This article will look more in detail at what socioeconomic health inequalities are. Introduction Socioeconomic factors refer to the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These conditions are often considered the wider determinants of health, and are a fundamental cause of health inequalities. These inequalities are not accidental; they are the result of underlying structural disparities, occurring as a result of unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society. Addressing these disparities requires coordinated, cross-government action across a wide range of policy areas, including prevention and focused work on the wider determinants of health. How income is linked to health Poverty and financial insecurity have a significant negative impact on health, as living on a low income is a source of stress. It also affects an individual's ability to afford health-improving goods, from nutritious food to gym memberships. Across the income spectrum, lower incomes are associated with worse self-reported health. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey 2023/24 shows that 43% of people on the lowest income rate their health as fair, bad or very bad, compared with 31% in the middle (the fifth income decile) and 15% on the highest incomes. The Health Foundation has visualised this in Figure 1 . The impact on health is even greater when low pay persists for generations: children from households in the bottom fifth of income distribution are over 4 times more likely to experience severe mental health issues compared to those in the highest fifth. Furthermore, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals are disproportionately affected and are more likely to live in poverty, have low incomes, and lower levels of wealth compared to White individuals. How housing links to health The places where people live and age can significantly influence their health. Affluent areas have more access to green and other public spaces, clean air, and affordable and active travel. In contrast, deprived areas often have less access to green space, higher concentrations of fast-food outlets, and limited availability of affordable and healthy food. Individuals living in deprived areas will most likely have poor-quality and overcrowded housing conditions, associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, depression and anxiety. They may also experience fuel poverty, so they cannot afford to heat their home. BAME households are more likely than White households to live in overcrowded homes and to experience fuel poverty. Health outcomes and projections The consequences of socioeconomic inequalities can be seen in differences in health outcomes. People in more deprived areas experience major illness earlier in life and die younger: in England, individuals in the 10% most deprived areas are expected to develop major illness 10 years earlier compared to those in the 10% most affluent areas. They are also over three times more likely to die prematurely before the age of 70. This inequality is projected to continue through to at least 2040, with no expected improvement. These findings are supported by research which looked at the impact of socioeconomic factors on the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that unequal access to healthcare amplified COVID-19 cases. It meant that a significant portion of cases, which could have been prevented through timely diagnosis, treatment, and resource distribution, contributed to an overall case rate that was 6-fold higher than it otherwise might have been. Additionally, a small group of long-term conditions contributes to most diagnosed health inequalities: chronic pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and anxiety and depression. The prevalence of these conditions is 1.5 times higher in the 10% most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas. The Health Foundation has visualised this in Figure 2 . Conclusion Socioeconomic health inequalities are fundamentally caused by the structural inequalities discussed throughout this article. Actions to address these disparities must be specifically targeted in the most deprived areas, which often see a disproportionate impact on BAME individuals. The next article in this series will look more in detail at ethnic health inequalities, so watch out for that! Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: Gentrification in the context of health / Global Health Injustices (series) Project Gallery

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​Dive into the latest biological research! Learn about the regulation and policy of stem cell research, health inequalities and other public health news. Biology Articles Dive into the latest biological research! Learn about the regulation and policy of stem cell research, health inequalities and other public health news. You may also like: Cancer , Ecology , Genetics , Immunology , Neuroscience , Zoology , and Medicine Regulation and policy of stem cell research The 14-day rule and stem cell-based embryo models Maveerar Naal Health, trauma, and resilience amid decades of war in Sri Lanka What are health inequalities? Unequal access to healthcare. Article #1 in a series on health inequalities. Socioeconomic health inequalities Unequal access to healthcare due to social and financial factors. Article #2 in a series on health inequalities. Ethnic health inequalities Unequal access to healthcare due to ethnicity and race. Article #3 in a series on health inequalities. Addressing health inequalities Addressing these inequalities due to various reasons. Article #4 in a series on health inequalities. Dessert deception How junk food advertising affects public health Previous