Life Solved

In this special festive episode of Life Solved, Robyn Montague speaks with Dr Karen Middleton about her research into the social power of advertising.

If you’re currently overwhelmed by festive advertising, you might also have noticed some subtle shifts in the way brand and organisations are positioning their products and values.

Brands have long sought to gain our trust and loyalty through emotive and provocative campaigns, but today are more likely to be called out on their mistakes and mis-steps.

Karen explains why advertisers are being asked to take more responsibility than ever before for the social norms they promote, and what strides they are taking to be representative of diverse societies in campaigns.

She shares insights from her work into gender and advertising, discusses the trends she sees emerging and reflects upon how social media is allowing diverse aspects of society to hold businesses responsible for the imagery and ideas they promote.

Oh, and if you want to find out what this expert’s favourite Christmas advert is, you’ll just have to listen.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Dr Karen Middleton

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/karen-middleton

Is advertising getting woke?

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/how-advertising-got-woke-the-institutional-role-of-advertising-in

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

https://www.asa.org.uk

The John Lewis Christmas Ad 2022

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z0jfP2gCIs

Navigating the Cost of Living crisis with advertising 

https://theconversation.com/how-this-years-christmas-ads-are-navigating-the-cost-of-living-crisis-195339

The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and other campaigns

https://www.dove.com/uk/stories/campaigns.html

The UN Sustainable Development Goals and Advertising

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/want-to-do-good-in-advertising-the-un-has-a-plan-for-that/

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The railways are part of our country’s heritage – and for many of us, a regular part of our lives. What can we learn from the past to ensure train travel is safer than ever in the 21st century?

In the last in the current series of Life Solved, Dr Mike Esbester explains how a growing historical database of railway accidents, going back over 150 years, could create safer journeys and be a useful resource for those exploring their family’s past.

With 21,000 cases documented so far, the Railway Work, Life And Death Project reveals how staffing levels have changed over the years and how passenger and employee safety is addressed today, compared to the approaches of old.

The project is particularly timely as current-day rail union members have held industrial action in 2022, citing – amongst other things - concerns over staffing levels. And whilst advanced technology is increasingly available, can decades-old records of accidents inform today’s safety procedures?

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

Dr Mike Esbester is a Senior Lecturer in History

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/mike-esbester

Read more about the project

https://www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/

https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/caution-railway-safety-1913

The Railway Work, Life And Death database can be downloaded here

https://www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/the-accidents/

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University of Portsmouth researchers are using techniques, normally reserved for athletes, to help aid weight loss and address the challenges of diabetes.

In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ant Shepherd takes us through a unique project to investigate how altitude and temperature could be of benefit to millions of people in the UK.

The project is currently taking place in the 'Extreme Environments Laboratory' at the University Of Portsmouth, using both state-of-the-art techniques but also more familiar features like hot tubs!

In the podcast Ant takes us through the results of the experiments that have already been conducted and explains why he thinks it is entirely possible that the technology needed to address the obesity crisis could be an integral part of people's homes in the future.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

Dr Ant Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in the School Of Sport, Health & Exercise Science

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/ant-shepherd

Read more about the project

https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/call-for-volunteers-with-type-2-diabetes-to-trial-weight-loss-technology

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-61864181

For advice on diabetes

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/

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University of Portsmouth researchers are using the latest digital technology to help more of us uncover the secrets of our seas.

In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ann Coats takes us through a cutting-edge project to investigate shipwrecks around the UK coastline and reveal more about our maritime past.

By drawing together research from across different disciplines, the Unpath’d Waters Project (UNPATH for short) has been working with museums and exhibitions such as Portsmouth’s Mary Rose, to design immersive exhibitions.

But other specialist groups are also gathering information about our past, from landscapes to ocean scientists, by studying the UK’s shipwreck hotspots.

In the podcast Ann takes us through the stages to this enormous project, and its big picture of creating an astounding, accessible resource upon the history of our seas.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

Dr Ann Coats is a Reader in Maritime Heritage

https://port.academia.edu/AnnCoats

Find out more about UNPATH and its role in the UK’s Maritime Heritage

https://unpathdwaters.org.uk

https://historicengland.org.uk/research/current/discover-and-understand/coastal-and-marine/unpathd-waters/

The Mary Rose has been immersing visitors in the past life of this ship and its residents

https://maryrose.org

Find out more about famous shipwrecks and the history behind them

https://www.history.co.uk/articles/there-are-40000-shipwrecks-around-the-british-isles-here-are-the-most-fascinating

https://www.historyhit.com/guides/shipwrecks-you-can-visit-in-the-uk/

https://www.businessinsider.com/shipwreck-photos-history-2018-4?r=US&IR=T

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It’s possible there’s a fifth form of matter out there, and you might be using it right now.

University of Portsmouth research stretches across the disciplines to help us understand our world better. And in today’s episode of Life Solved we hear from one academic who might be about to transform our concept of reality!

Dr Melvin Vopson thinks he might have found the missing piece to understanding matter in our universe, and he’s planning an experiment to find out if “information” is the fifth form of matter.

Get ready for some complex physics, brilliant theory and a workout for your mind as Melvin takes us through this exciting new theory – and its possible implications!

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Dr Melvin Vopson

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/melvin-vopson

https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/new-experiment-could-confirm-the-fifth-element

Melvin on The Conversation

https://theconversation.com/profiles/melvin-m-vopson-304487

Is information the fifth element of matter?

https://www.iflscience.com/information-fifth-state-matter-physicist-aims-prove-63035

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2020/06/09/what-are-the-fifth-and-sixth-states-of-matter/?sh=67a3c9814a7f

https://futurism.com/the-byte/physicist-information-new-form-matter

What are the states of matter?

https://www.livescience.com/46506-states-of-matter.html

Claude Shannon

https://www.quantamagazine.org/how-claude-shannons-information-theory-invented-the-future-20201222/

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You might not give a second thought to a well-fitting piece of sports clothing, but when your kit isn’t up to scratch, it can be a real disadvantage to your game.

That’s what Dr Jenny Burbage and her team have been addressing through their innovative research in breast health and biomechanics here at the University of Portsmouth.

In this episode of Life Solved Jenny shares how inconsistent products, sizing systems and a lack of historic research has left many women wearing the wrong bra for their sport or shape. She discusses what actually makes a good sports bra and the considerations we should have when looking for the right fit.

It’s her hope that by addressing the gap in knowledge in this field of biomechanics, we can also address inequalities not only in women’s sport but in fields such as the military and police too.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Dr Jenny Burbage @jenny_burbage

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jenny-burbage

Breast Biomechanics and Riding Bras

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/breast-biomechanics-exercise-induced-breast-pain-mastalgia-breast

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/better-riding-bras-needed-644411

Sport Bra Use

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/sports-bra-use-preferences-and-fit-issues-among-exercising-female

Bras and the Women’s Euros

https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/bespoke-bras-given-to-top-sportswomen-to-boost-performance

Jenny is part of the University’s Breast Health Research Group

https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/research-group-in-breast-health

How to Buy The Right Bra

https://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion/how-to-buy-correct-bra/535700

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How can a background in mapping cause you to end up tracking illegal gold miners, and using drones to assist in humanitarian crises?

Professor Richard Teeuw is a geomorphologist and remote sensing scientist at the University of Portsmouth. In this episode of Life Solved he explains how his work in geoinformatics and disaster risk reduction has led him to work on tackling challenges here on earth.

Thanks to revolutionary modern technology, Richard’s helping more and more organisations embrace mapping and imagery for good. And it’s not just satellite mapping either. His work with uncrewed aircraft systems or drones is helping rescue teams and communities work safely and affordably to save lives in the face of disaster.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Professor Richard Teew @Chewwy_Teeuw

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/richard-teeuw

Use of drones and mapping in disaster risk reduction

https://phys.org/news/2018-02-hurricane-survey-worldwide.html

Tackling Illegal Gold Mining in Columbia

https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/helping-in-the-fight-against-illegal-gold-mining-in-colombia

https://blog.maxar.com/earth-intelligence/2022/combating-illegal-gold-mining-in-the-amazon-rainforest-with-maxars-high-resolution-satellite-imagery

What is a Cubesat?

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cubesats/overview

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In a special edition of Life Solved, we’re celebrating the work of researchers across the University of Portsmouth, by chatting to some of the brilliant minds featured in the new edition of SOLVE magazine.

Our magazine shares in-depth articles and research highlights from across campus and in this episode Dr Nils Niederstrasser explains the link between chronic pain and physical activity and how we can use these insights for health and wellbeing later in life.

We catch up with Professor Adrian Hopgood on how Artificial Intelligence could improve outcomes for bowel cancer surgery and hospital care, before Dr Nizar Ibrahim shares his thoughts on new talent in a new era of international palaeontology.

Dr Patricia Shamai discusses the importance of public opinion, social media and grass-roots action in modern politics and warfare. Plus engineer Dr Jovana Radulocvic shares some important insights into the energy systems we could be using in our homes in the near future.

You can download and read the latest copy of SOLVE magazine for free right now on this link.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Dr Nils Niederstrasser

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/nils-niederstrasser

Professor Adrian Hopgood @adrianhopgood

https://adrianhopgood.com/?i=1

Dr Nizar Ibrahim @nizaribrahimphd

https://www.nizaribrahim.net

Dr Patricia Shamai @pshamai

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/patricia-shamai

Dr Jovana Radulocvic @drsuperblondie

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jovana-radulovic

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Every year in the UK alone, 155,000 people go missing. Why do they go missing and how can we protect our vulnerable loved ones better?

There are many misconceptions about what it means when a person goes missing, and how you should respond and report this. But one research group from the University of Portsmouth is working to reshape public knowledge and support the services that all play a part in looking after missing persons and their families.

Professor Karen Shalev-Green works in the School of Criminology and Justice and leads the Missing Persons Research Group. She’s had an interest in the field since childhood, when her own father would sometimes go missing following post-war trauma. 

Karen is passionate about raising the profile of this international problem. She talks to Life Solved about the reasons people go missing, the scale of the problem and what the public and families should know in order to protect vulnerable people around them.

She’s also just launched a podcast called Missing Persons Uncovered, which explores the issues in greater detail as she her colleague Caroline Humer join forces with experts and practitioners working in the field.

You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects

USEFUL LINKS

Follow Karen’s work here @GreeneShalev

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/karen-shalev-greene

Centre for the Study of Missing Persons

https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/centre-for-the-study-of-missing-persons

The Missing Persons Uncovered Website

https://missingpersonsuncovered.com

The Missing Persons Uncovered Podcast

podfollow.com/missingpersonsuncovered

The charity Missing People collaborates with the CSMP

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

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If you thought VR was just for computer games, then think again!

A groundbreaking new centre here at the University of Portsmouth is helping businesses and organisations from every sector transform the way they work.

From defence training to medicine, construction and even curing spider phobias, the University’s Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR) is enabling more people to embrace exciting technology and inspiring the next generation of talent.

Pippa Bostock is the Business Director at the Centre. In this episode of Life Solved, she explains how students working at the centre are referred to as ‘unicorns’ for their rare and sought-after skills in designing the engines behind simulations. What’s more, she shares exciting stories of how they’ve been working with museums and cultural organisations to present information in new and exciting ways for museum goers. 

Alex Counsell’s lifelong passion for technology has seen him overseeing the technical side of developing virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality programmes here. If you’re not sure what those terms mean, all is explained in the podcast. 

Alex has worked with creative partners in theatre as well as an organisation training journalists and first responders in emergency situations. He says we should all get ready for this kind of tech to be a part of daily life very soon.

USEFUL LINKS

Find out about The CCIXR

https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/ccixr

Follow CCIXR on Twitter

https://twitter.com/UniPortCCIXR?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

What is Extended Reality?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/08/12/what-is-extended-reality-technology-a-simple-explanation-for-anyone/

Have you heard of the Metaverse?

https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-metaverse-and-what-can-we-do-there-179200

Work produced by the UoP’s former Motion Capture Studio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds76fUDP1Y4

Alex Counsell

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/persons/alexander-counsell

Pippa Bostock

https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/pippa-bostock

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