Plain packaging of vape pods reduces young people’s interest in trying them, but does not reduce interest among adults, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) and King’s College London researchers.

In collaboration with a hospital, researchers examined problems related to the timing and scheduling of surgeries and patients’ stays in recovery units. They developed an integrated elective surgery assignment, sequencing, and scheduling problem (ESASSP) and devised new ways to solve it. Implementing solutions based on the study’s models could significantly reduce congestion in recovery units, delays in operating rooms, overtime, idle time, and costs, the authors conclude.

A Swansea University study has uncovered the intense emotional and operational strain experienced by emergency ambulance staff across the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.