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Month: November 2019

Photo: University of Manchester Comedy Society

Review: The Morning After the Fright Before

Written by Kate MacLachlan on . Posted in Societies.

There aren’t many places on a Sunday night where you can hear about the ghost of Maggie Thatcher, Spongebob fanfiction erotica and incorrectly spelled protest signs in the space of two hours. In fact, last Sunday’s show by the Comedy Society might be the only place. Located at HAUS in Fallowfield, (formerly the Fallow Café) this bar provided the perfect space for the chilled out evening of comedy. For anyone who has yet to visit, HAUS boasts a minimalist aesthetic, medium price cocktails and low priced pizza (the latter two ideal for during the interval).

The show, titled The Morning After the Fright Before, had sold out and so unsurprisingly the upstairs room where it took place was jam-packed. However, this did not detract from the performance and instead added to the cosy atmosphere created through floor rugs and dimmed hanging lightbulbs.

Despite its Halloween theme, the performances were highly varied both in style and topic due to a huge number of performers bringing their own ideas to the stage. The event featured a varied mixture of sketches, stand up and improvisation, and each performance was consistently laugh-out-loud funny.

The show started with multiple stand up performances which, due to the varied themes and comedians, meant there was something for everyone. It also made the show feel much shorter than two hours. Next was short form improv, which I had never seen before, but watching the performers attempt to act out and guess suggestions given by the audience was brilliant. The audience participation required when creating an occupation, location and weapon for a murder gave the opportunity to shout out UoM student in-jokes, making the performance all the more entertaining (Oak House as a murder location, anyone? Not all that unlikely).

This was followed by more stand up performances and then a long form improvisation. I understood what they were trying to achieve but Maggie Thatcher’s ghost was suggested as a character, and the performers’ political knowledge was not up to scratch to make this as entertaining as it had the potential to be. Still, a good concept, and perhaps the audience should take the blame for not being more forthcoming with suggestions.

One more stand up, and then a series of sketches interspersed with some pre-recorded phone conversations with a (failing) wannabe villain. My personal highlights from these sketches included a vet filling in for a doctor, and subsequently giving some questionable medical advice. The Boris Johnson impersonation was absolutely superb, too.

Comedy shows, particularly by a society which may have new members, have the potential to be cringe-worthy, but I can honestly say this show had consistent out-loud laughs throughout. This could be due to the show’s introduction, during which we were taught which type of laugh the comedians desired the most. However, in my case the laughter was genuine, and I felt this type of show would be great for anyone wanting a chilled out yet slightly different way to spend an evening. The Comedy Society are planning another show late November so keep your eyes on their Facebook page for updates.

Photo: East European apartment block @ Martin Vorel

Social housing allocation will change to help Manchester’s most vulnerable

Written by Zofia Gryf-Lowczowska on . Posted in News.

Following a major public consultation held over the summer, council members have been asked to enact changes to current social housing allocation to ensure residents in the greatest need of rehousing are given the highest priority.

30% of all housing stock in the city (over 65,000) are social homes, but high demand means over 5,000 people on the register are in priority need of rehousing.  As residents are choosing to stay in social housing for longer periods of time, turnover of social homes has decreased significantly. Consequently, individuals on the rehousing register are waiting longer to access a new home; the number of new lettings has decreased from 3,356 in 2015/16 to 2,644 in 2018/19.

Proposed changes, which if enacted will take effect in Autumn 2020, hope to improve accessibility to social housing for residents in the city who need it most urgently.

The current system of allocation categorises those registered for social housing into six bands depending upon the urgency of their situation, with band 1 indicating the greatest need for re-housing. The changes would reduce the number of bands in the allocation system, making it both easier to navigate and understand.

The proposals would also prevent homeowners from joining the rehousing register and lower the savings limit for applicants from £75k to £30k to ensure properties ran by not-for-profit landlords are more accessible for the city’s most vulnerable residents.

A two-year residency rule to apply to be on the rehousing register has also been recommended – the current requirement is simply to have an address based in Manchester.

It is hoped that the proposed changes will reduce the strain on social housing, allowing for the most urgent cases to be prioritised.

Councillor Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, believes the proposals will help the growing homeless population in the city: “The number of people presenting as homeless in the city has increased massively in the past few years, putting an unsustainable strain on temporary accommodation. It is right therefore that we can support these residents more effectively with improved access to social housing.”

“The housing landscape in the city has changed a lot in the last few years due to a range of factors, including welfare reform and increasing private rents. This means that demand for social housing is going up, while we continue to lose stock through Right to Buy. It’s important then that we can react to changing factors to ensure social housing can be accessed by those who need it most.”

 

 

 

 

Football commemorates fall of the Berlin Wall

Written by tomreynolds on . Posted in Sport.

It has been 30 years since the fall of the Berlin wall, and to celebrate this important anniversary Hertha BSC put on a fantastic show at their home ground, the Olympiastadion on Saturday. Wearing their retro shirts from the 1989-1990 season, Hertha players walked onto the pitch alongside their RB Leipzig opponents, where a replica Berlin wall had been erected in the middle of the pitch. On the wall was the message “against walls together with Berlin”.

A Trabant car, a symbol to Germans of East Germany and the fall of the regime, then drove across the pitch and through the wall before fans tore it down. All the while, David Bowies’ atmospheric and poignant song Heroes echoed around the vast stadium. 

The fixture’s significance was clear; Hertha are a team who existed on the west side of the wall in the city that was separated in two. Hertha fans on the east side used to listen to the cheers from the ground on the other side of the wall as a way of supporting their team. 

Leipzig, which was in East Germany, is where the Monday Demonstrations began. This led to a national movement protesting in favour of rights such as fair elections and freedom of travel. It was therefore exciting to see these two teams meet in the Bundesliga and celebrate the fall of the wall. 

Leipzig won the game 4-2, with a Timo Werner brace helping the highflying Rotten Bullen to another three points. Hertha went on to face their rivals, FC Union Berlin, in the first top flight Berlin derby in over 40 years. 

Although divided, links between the east and west of the city continued beyond the wall during the years of the German Democratic Republic. Hertha fans stood in solidarity with their Union counterparts, supporting their use of football crowds to express political opinions without being identified and punished by the communist regime. 

However, since the fall of the wall their rivalry has become fierce. This was made clear after the game was stopped in the second half, as fans were throwing flares onto the pitch. Sebastian Polter scored a last minute penalty to give Union the three points and moved them to 11th in the league, two points above Hertha. 

Photo: Dr. Blofeld @WikimediaCommons

Laugh at Little Brexit — if you can

Written by Sam James on . Posted in Film.

It has been over a decade since Little Britain was last on our screens, and in that time the work of Lucas and Walliams has unfortunately fallen out of favour. What was on the edge of shocking and controversial in the early to mid-Noughties has now crossed the borders of popular taste to be at best, slightly distasteful, and at worse, downright offensive. I think this is highly unfortunate as Little Britain means, to me, so much more. The characters, the catchphrases, the scripts and the production values are all of an extremely high standard. The humour does not just come from the dark, dank hell hole of smut and stereotype; there is also a strong vein of “Vick-and-Bob-esque” silliness which never failed to make me laugh.

The original series were a success like the sketch show genre had never seen before. Little Britain Live was one of the first comedy shows to play to arenas since Newman and Baddiel performed for one night at Wembley in 1994. Not only did the show have the kudos of high worldwide ratings and the sell-out live tour, but also astronomical DVD sales and merchandise — all of this made superstars of its writers.

Now, it’s back as a show written for 2019, tailored to current sensibilities. This is both its merit and its downfall. The new show, entitled Little Brexit is free from the elements that have dragged Little Britain down in contemporary eyes, and generously sprinkled with those that made the original show the transnational, cultural phenomenon they were.

Writing for the current times, however, is not a mean feat and, regrettably, Little Brexit may become a story of warning for others trying to attempt something similar. It will come as no surprise, given the name and the date it was broadcast on Radio 4 — 31st of October 2019 — that the show was supposed to coincide with Britain’s departure from the EU. In the week before broadcast it was announced that this would not be happening. The other event that may have scupper the show’s triumphant return was the announcement of the General Election meaning that all the BBC and OFCOM impartiality rules and satire restrictions suddenly came into full force. These two events will have lead to frantic rewrites, which would explain the less than polished scripts.

I would love to see Little Britain come back in the same way The League of Gentlemen did in 2017 and as Gavin and Stacey are set to at Christmas, but this was not the case. I was exited by a radio return because for me, even ten years later, the visual incarnation of the show had done everything it could and is so iconic that they it is best left alone, for the time being. By returning to its wireless roots the show had the potential to shine.

Little Brexit was not the best it could have been, but that is not to say you shouldn’t listen to it; it is lovely to hear Lucas and Walliams perform together again, but also to hear the characters reunited after all these years. The first two sketches featuring Vickey Pollard and then Lou and Andy still had some of the old magic and are up there with the best of the original run. I would like them to give it another go but please, for your own sakes, stay away from politics!

Black Friday protestor

Opinion: Boycott Black Friday this November

Written by Patrice Fisher Akins on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Every year on Black Friday people take to the streets to find better-than-you-can-believe deals. But this holiday holds sinister implications, as sustainability and ethics within fashion are rapidly becoming more and more of an issue.

Black Friday, originating in America, is the name given to the Friday that falls after Thanksgiving. This particular Friday has historically marked the beginning of America’s Christmas shopping season, encouraging brands over all industries, but particularly in fashion, to offer large discounts. The phenomenon has also become commonplace in the UK in recent years.

Despite the recent rise in sustainable fashion brands, fast fashion is still extremely popular and the great deals promised for the end of this month will only promote it further. Black Friday is estimated to bring in £7 billion from UK shoppers. This fuelling of fast fashion means many sale items will be removed of to make room for the production and sale of the latest fashions. On top of this, huge discounts mean many buyers make regrettable purchases that ultimately end up in landfill. This culture of disposable purchasing continues to fuel the harsh environmental impact of the textile industry, with large corporations employing overseas factories for alleviated regulations.

Black Friday is not only unsustainable for the planet, but also for your bank account. Many fast fashion items that are advertised as great deals come with a hidden guarantee that you will be back soon. This phenomenon is called ‘inbuilt obsolescence’, meaning the items you are buying are designed to fail sooner than you’d think.

Those boots you’ve been eyeing on sale for £10 might seem like a bargain to get you through the winter, but realistically after a couple of uses the cheaply produced materials will show their true value, forcing you to invest in multiple future pairs in the very-near future. Those individual ‘bargain’ purchases can easily add up, so the more sensible, pocket and planet-friendly option would be to invest in a sustainably sourced well-made product that will last.

One thing often forgotten on the aptly named Black Friday, is how it poses a dreaded, truly ominous time for retail workers, already prepping for the frantic festive rush during the following month. With the yearly rapid influx of shoppers being positive for companies, the same is not true for their staff.

Companies at this time require more help from their workers, often employing temporary staff but keeping many underpaid and overworked. Black Friday may seem like a good opportunity to get that jacket you wanted on sale, but saving a few pounds isn’t truly worth the lack of basic human decency shoppers tend to display at this time, not to mention the terrible conditions the factory workers making the clothes are in.

Ultimately, these inexpensive deals may seem great for your student budget, but our planet and the people behind these clothes will pay the price for them.

Uni sport: A forgettable week

Written by Harry Deacon on . Posted in Sport.

As the days grow shorter and the typical Manchester winter entrenches itself into our everyday lives, you might be excused for steering clear of the harshness of the elements in favour of a comfortable living room. However, the students representing the University of Manchester at their respective sports will do no such thing, battling on each Wednesday until the Christmas break.

Although big wins and thrilling encounters are undeniably favoured, they do not always prevail. This is what the men’s basketball first team found out as they fell short of the mark against Sheffield firsts, the match finishing 85-75. Just three points separate next week’s rivals – the Manchester men’s team, who are currently in fifth place, and Chester’s men’s team in first place. It is not unlikely that the Northern Division 1A might soon look extremely different.

While the men’s firsts struggled in Sheffield, the women’s firsts came close in Leeds. Still, a 63-59 loss signed off a forgettable week for the uni’s basketball outfits. The Manchester women find themselves in second of the Northern Division 1A but a six point gap from the top has provided Sheffield Hallam with a cushioned gap that needs to be closed as soon as possible.

The University’s basketball sides were not the only ones to come home empty handed after their tough away trips. A 3-1 away loss to Durham insured a long journey home for the women’s volleyball firsts. However, a cup game against Nottingham next week could be exactly what the University needs to bounce back, and kickstart a positive string of results.

Cup matches will be cropping up all over next week, notably with men’s fencing taking on a Liverpool side who got the better of them earlier in the season. Having the home advantage could mean revenge is on the cards.

This week was not all doom and gloom, with the men’s ultimate frisbee players winning their first game of the season 14-10 against Newcastle. A win on the road at Bangor would make it two in two, setting a precedent for an impressive campaign.

Next week’s cup matches, on top of the usual league fixtures, will surely produce numerous twists and turns – hopefully enough to make the best of the University’s sportspeople brave the mancunian weather.

Photo: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung@ flickr

Gary Younge joins the University of Manchester as a Professor of Sociology

Written by jamesshepherd on . Posted in News.

Gary Younge, award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster, is joining the University of Manchester School of Social Sciences as a Professor of Sociology.  

Younge’s award winning work has taken him across the globe as a reporter; he became The Guardian’s US correspondent in 2003 and was later appointed as the Editor-at-Large in 2015.  His 2017 series on knife crime Beyond the Blade saw him named Feature Writer of the Year by both Amnesty UK and the Society of Editors.

Speaking on his appointment, Gary told the University of Manchester: “The Guardian was my first full-time job, and I worked there for 26 years – it’s been a fantastic experience. Journalism, for me, has always been a process of enquiry and sharing whatever insights I’ve gathered in an accessible and informative way – that’s precisely what I hope to achieve as a professor at The University of Manchester, and why I’m excited to be joining the sociology department”.

He plans to continue writing for The Guardian after he begins his new role at the University commenting: “I won’t be giving up journalism altogether. But teaching and researching at Manchester will provide a welcome shift of emphasis, even as I continue in that tradition.”

Speaking on his departure from the publication, the Guardian’s Editor-in-Chief, Katharine Viner, said: “Gary Younge is one of the leading thinkers and writers on politics and society working in Britain today.

“His powerful and distinctive reporting, commentary and film-making have been central to the Guardian’s coverage of some of the biggest stories in the world for the last twenty years, and like many others at The Guardian, I’ve learned a huge amount from working closely with Gary — about politics, about writing, about life.

“I’m very sorry to see him leave, but I’m delighted that he will continue to write for The Guardian – and that he will be continuing to use his talents to shine a light on some of society’s most pressing problems.”

Gary’s significant work as an author and journalist has been well celebrated; he has been the recipient of the David Nhan Prize for political journalism from Harvard’s Shorenstein Center and the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize from Columbia Journalism School and Nieman Foundation for his 2016 book, Another Day in the Death of America.  

families By Moneycortex via PixaBay

Students urged to ‘take control’ of their tenancy agreements

Written by Joe Manock on . Posted in News.

The National Union of Students (NUS) are arguing that more needs to be done to tackle landlords unfairly targeting students with deposit deductions following a 2019 Homes Fit For Study report stated that just 61% of surveyed students who paid a deposit received it back in full at the end of their tenancy.

In light of the report, the NUS is now urging the government to start penalising landlords. The Tenant Fees Act was introduced in June to protect renters from unfair agency fees, but failed to cover the issue of deposit deductions.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), which provides insurance-backed and custodial deposit protection, has advised students to be “methodical and thorough” when it comes to dealing with landlords.

Steve Harriott, Group Chief Executive at TDS, insists there are many tactics to ensure the entire deposit is returned when the rental agreement comes to an end.

He said: “We highly recommend students read the inventory to their rental property when they move in. We recommend they are methodical and thorough, making comments along the way on the document where it does not reflect the contents, condition or cleanliness of the property. Throughout the tenancy, any issues should be reported to the landlord or agency and a record must be kept.

“We urge students to raise a dispute (insured) or repayment request (custodial) with TDS at the end of the tenancy if they do not feel the landlord is proposing fair deductions, or the landlord is not responding to their requests at all.”

One third year Economics and Politics student, told The Mancunion about his experience: ” We didn’t get our deposit back for a multitude of reasons. Our landlord found damages that were microscopic then tried to charge us saying the items needed to be replaced. He also charged us to fix things beyond the quality of what they were when we moved in – the carpet was fine but he charged us to get it professionally cleaned and to repaint the walls.

“There were so many reasons he gave, I just prepared not to get my deposit back. I’d been fighting with him all year over things, [and] I physically and mentally wasn’t going to be able to fight him all summer for my deposit. Through the year he tried to scam us in so many ways.”

‘The Manifesto for the North’: Newspapers unite in call for devolution

Written by Lucca Di Virgilio on . Posted in News.

With an upcoming general election on December 12, newspapers across the North have called for an end to economic neglect in the area. On November 7, news titles from the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, Reach, JPI and Newsquest published the ‘Manifesto for the North’, laying out “a common-sense blueprint for regional prosperity”.

The idea for the manifesto arose at the Convention for the North earlier this year, where all 11 Northern Local Enterprise Partnerships agreed to the need for a new political settlement. The former head of the civil service, Bob Kerslake’s UK2070 Commission also showed that the UK is the most politically centralised and regionally unbalanced country in the OECD.

Nigel Burton, Group Editor at Newsquest, said: “All the people of the North have ever asked for is a level playing field, but successive governments have paid lip service to the region and carried on pouring cash and resources into London and the South-East. We support this manifesto as a common-sense blueprint for regional prosperity. Give us a chance to show the rest of the country, and the world, what the North unleashed can really achieve.”

The five key areas of the Manifesto are: Local control of education, training , and skills; A formal treasury to rebalance the North/South economy; A transport budget for the North to deliver on all key objectives; Freedom to export growth with greater investment; and investment for the North to lead the green industrial revolution.

The manifesto ran in print, including Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, Newcastle Chronicle, Huddersfield Examiner and Hull Daily Mail, and online on LeedsLive, and LancsLive.

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the NP11, said: “Our region led the first Industrial Revolution and today it can become the crucible for the fourth – and first sustainable – industrial revolution, but only if we take critical action now.

“This Manifesto for the North sets out the direction that we need to take and marks the North coming together with one voice to tell the incoming Government what our ambition is for a thriving Northern Powerhouse.”

Abstract: The Art of Design – Our Planet for artists

Written by David N Rose on . Posted in Arts.

The best way I can think to describe the experience of watching ‘Abstract: The Art of Design’ is that it’s like David Attenborough’s ‘Our Planet’, but for the creative arts.

As informative as it is visually captivating, this Netflix original documentary series drips with integrated animations, slick title sequences, cinematic establishing shots, and plenty of footage of creators practising their craft. Executive producer and former Wired editor-in-chief, Scott Dadich, even boasted of the equipment used to film the series.

I came across this docu-series just shortly before the second season was released in September of this year, and was delighted to find the latest instalment as mind-bending as the first.

Each episode focuses on an individual in a particular art or design field, someone at the height of their powers with the enviable job of executing their creative dreams. Some episodes follow a loose narrative around a particular artistic project – a New Yorker cover for illustrator Christopher Niemann; a personal portfolio installation for stage designer Es Devlin; the now infamous apparel worn in ‘Black Panther’ for costume designer Ruth E Carter.

Some of these disciplines will be familiar to the viewer, like architecture (Bjarke Ingels) and photography (Platon). Even the more obscure fields of footwear (Tinker Hatfield) and interior design (Ilse Crawford) are not too “out there” to alienate. Season 2, however, takes a sharp turn for the niche, with lesser-known the lesser-known design practices of typeface (Jonathan Hoefler), digital products (Ian Spalter), and a personal favourite of mine, bio-architecture (Neri Oxman).

Aesthetically pleasing as the show is, it puts the creatives at the forefront. I find the most enjoyable moments to be those when the artists and designers wax lyrical about their craft, as they tease out their own philosophy of art and describe their creative processes.

“When you design typeface, you’re designing raw materials,” says Hoefler of his vocation. “We do nature-inspired design and then we do design-inspired nature,” explains bio-architect Neri-Oxman, though even “bio-architect” is a word too narrow to describe what she actually does at the intersection of design and life itself.

Speaking on her process, Devlin, the stage designer had this to say: “Until I know what the space is that it’s going to inhabit. Because as soon as you have a frame, of course the first thing you want to do is start breaking the edge of it.”

For me, one of the highlights was Olafur Eliasson, an eccentric Icelandic installation artist who likes to mess with light, mirrors, sound, and even with the format of documentary itself. At one point he holds up a mirror to the camera to demonstrate the construct of watching TV on a screen, where he is talking to a film crew and not to you, sat in bed on a Friday night watching documentaries about design. This is a man used to breaking the fourth wall and any other dividing structure he comes into contact with.

Olafur Eliasson’s feature was the highest rated episode on IMBD (jointly with Platon’s), and the series as a whole received a not-too-shabby 8.4. But not everyone was pleased. I came across Anne Quito’s scathing review of the first season on Quartz, and she hated pretty much everything that I enjoyed: the photography, the narratives, the artsy introspection. As a seasoned design reporter, perhaps Quito was not as taken in by the bright lights and magic tales as the uninitiated and curious, such as myself, were.

I appreciate that not all who watch this series will find such joy in it as I have. For all its juicy frames and mystical ramblings, it will seem quite slow and ponderous compared to, say, Riverdale or RuPaul’s Drag Race. If you like non-fiction podcasts and a good old-fashion longread, then you’ll likely get on very well with ‘Abstract’.

It should be obvious by now that this isn’t a review. This is a eulogy, as there is nothing that I don’t like about the two seasons of ‘Abstract’. The only drawbacks I can think of are that it made me green with envy to see creatives at the top of their game and doing what they love for their work. That, and I struggled to convince my wife to watch with me.

To be sure, I don’t like each episode equally, but I could probably still watch it on repeat until a third installment is released. Considering the two year gap between the existing series, this could unfortunately be a long way off.

Lisbon photo courtesy of Phoebe Moore at The Mancunion

Let’s Get Away: Lisbon

Written by Phoebe Moore on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Escape the university workload and explore the beautiful Portuguese capital of Lisbon with its charming character, culture, and cuisine. Let us tempt you with another delightful student-friendly destination to add to a travel bucket list worth saving for!

With its characteristic streets of colourful tiled buildings, old yellow trams rambling through the neighbourhoods and the not-to-be-missed sweet treat ‘Pastéis de Nata’, Lisbon makes for a fabulous weekend away. It lies beside the River Tagus, opening up into the Atlantic above which stretches the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, a cousin in appearance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate. This coastal city offers a cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood and is where I indulged in the most flavoursome risotto I’ve ever had. Discover Lisbon’s culture, food and traditions with your uni mates or go solo – don’t forget to bring your student card for discounts!

A definite highlight of your weekend will be touring the city on one of the iconic trams visiting sites such as the cathedral, the main square Praça do Comércio and the vibrant Alfama district, all of which are must-sees. The yellow-tinted main square in Lisbon’s commercial centre is bordered by the River Tagus so you’re never far away from the water. Climb aboard tram number 28, which costs €2.90 for a single ticket. Boarding at the less busy Martim Moniz stop gives you the best chance of bagging a seat for the bumpy ride! Otherwise purchase the 24-hour public transport pass costing €6.40, which covers all tram and metro journeys and can be bought at any metro station.

The beautiful Alfama neighbourhood is absolutely worth an explore. It is a maze of colourful houses up and down its tiny streets, each covered in detailed ceramic tile-work called azulejos. You can buy an individually decorated tile from one of the gift shops to stick on your flat fridge back in Manchester, making it the perfect memento! Every building façade is unique and showcases Lisbon’s culturally-embedded artistry.

Alfama district, photos courtesy of Phoebe Moore from The Mancunion

Alfama is also home to the traditional Portuguese fado music, a typically melancholic string sound. If you’re lucky you might hear it at one of Alfama’s river-facing viewpoints such as Miradouro da Graça. See the incredible city views from this spot in the hilltop grounds of Castelo de São Jorge; a cityscape of bright terracotta roofs against the shimmering blue River Tagus. A breathtakingly beautiful sight that definitely shouldn’t be missed. Visit the historic walled Castle of Saint George and its pride of roaming peacocks for €5 (discount for up to age 25).

On the other side of the city, in the Belém district, lies another of Lisbon’s main attractions, Torre de Belém. This UNESCO-protected riverside tower used to act as a fortified gateway into Lisbon, and you can explore its winding staircases and climb up to see the views for €3, courtesy of the student discount.  Nearby along the river lies the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery), with an exceptionally peaceful courtyard to roam around, for only €5 for students.

The Belém district has one further treasure to behold; it’s the place where the famous egg custard tarts ‘Pastéis de Nata’ were created. Dusted with a little cinnamon, these delectable delights are traditionally made and sold in the eatery Pastéis de Belém not far from the monastery, and the monks here established the very recipe you can enjoy today.

One quicker way than walking to visit Belém’s attractions is by grabbing one of the green Lime scooters which are dotted around the city. Lisbon is one of many European cities to host this cheap electric scooter network, much like Madrid. The flat cycle lanes by the river make perfect routes for an exhilarating ride, tried and tested by yours truly and undeniably great fun! To use, simply download the Lime app to find the nearest scooter, unlock for €0.50 and then its only €0.15 for every minute used for a ride.

Elaborating on Lisbon’s food scene, head to the Time Out Market or Mercado da Ribeira near the main square Praça do Comércio. Here you can choose from dozens of food stands for a hearty lunch, whether that be fish, meat or rice. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to ensure you find a seat!  The dishes hover around a price of €10. Slightly more pricey but I’m forever pining for the incredible seafood risotto I tried there. I’ll be returning to Lisbon simply to re-experience its unparalleled flavour.

For a more modest meal, exploring the Bairro Alto or Alfama districts is the best way to come across a humble restaurant full of traditional delights, such as grilled sardines, typically eaten in summer, and fresh cod.

In terms of transport, Lisbon’s metro system is made up of only four lines and is the cheapest way to travel around this very hilly city. You first purchase the reusable ‘Viva Viagem’ card for €0.50 at any metro station, charging €1.50 to it for each single trip. It’s perfect for reaching areas slightly further outside the centre, such as Belém. Otherwise, the commercial centre is relatively flat and walkable, plus there’s always the thrill of the Lime scooters!

Flying to the Portuguese capital for a long weekend costs from £35 with Ryanair, around the end of January/early February 2020. Again it’s perfect for a post-Semester 1 exams treat, with 2-3 days recommended for experiencing all the main sites and making the most of all Lisbon has to offer.

We hope colourful, culture-rich Lisbon has been added to your travel bucket list! Where to next? Join us next time as we explore another student-friendly destination.

Flight prices correct at time of publication. Book early to avoid disappointment!

University students run 24 hours for homeless charity

Written by Kate Jackson on . Posted in News.

Students at the University of Manchester ran non-stop for 24 hours in aid of those sleeping rough on the streets of Manchester.

The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness, hosted by the Run Wild Manchester society, saw students run through the city on a mapped out course for 24 hours straight. The run started on the 13th of November and finished at midday on the 14th. 

Run Wild Manchester managed to more than double their £1000 target for the charity, with the current total standing at £2234 and still rising. There were 309 runners who took part across the two days with 215km completed in total, making this the biggest event that Run Wild Manchester has put on to date.

The event raised money for the Mayor’s Charity, which will support the A Bed Every Night Scheme. The charity works to ensure that no-one sleeps rough on the streets of Manchester and aims to change the mindset of those that just ‘walk on by’ people sleeping rough by encouraging social action.

The running track for the event consisted of 5km laps with different groups setting off every thirty minutes. Like the runs put on by Run Wild on a weekly basis, the event encouraged people of all running abilities to take part. The groups ran at a pace that everyone was comfortable with and people could run as many laps as they wanted to.

The runners who completed the final lap. Photo: Thomas Lewis

Speaking before the event, president of Run Wild Manchester, Thomas Lewis said: “We’re really excited about this challenge. Not only will it be a lot of fun, it will also raise awareness and provide real help to homeless people struggling on the streets of our city.”

Jonathan Aze, the first runner in the event. Photo: Thomas Lewis

The first runner, Jonathan Aze, who is a regular member at Run Wild, set off on the first lap at 12pm on Wednesday. He initially ran two 5km laps but went back out to do a further two laps on Thursday morning.

Speaking to The Mancunion, Jonathan said he got involved with the 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness because he “thought it was a really interesting challenge, and homelessness is such a visible problem in Manchester, so it’s a great cause to be supporting.”

To get involved with the Run Wild society, and to hear more about their upcoming projects, visit their Facebook page. If you would like to donate to the event you can still do so on the Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness Just Giving page.

Parliamentary report finds evidence of Chinese meddling in UK universities

Written by Sam Honey on . Posted in News.

The Foreign Affairs Committee has warned that the academic freedom of UK universities is increasingly under attack from autocratic influence.

The caution forms part of the committee’s wider investigation into the effects of authoritarian states on British democracy, which has now been suspended until after the general election.

The report found evidence of continuing Chinese interference with activity at UK universities, with the Chinese embassy in London linked to a number of these initiatives.

The findings have been released after Universities UK (UUK) gave evidence to the committee in parliament a little over three weeks ago. The committee flagged a lack of government advice to the higher education field amid the reports of persistent meddling. According to the report, such meddling has taken a number of different forms, including ‘financial, political and diplomatic’ pressure.

Noted examples include initiatives to block topics sensitive to China and the pressuring of UK-based Chinese students and their families back home. Academic papers that mentioned Taiwan were confiscated at a recent conference, while there have been reports of Chinese students in the UK seeking to ‘undermine’ Hong Kong protesters.

Criticisms of the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and some academic organisations dominated the committee’s comments. The FCO was accused of not considering the use of the Magnitsky amendment, a part of the 2018 Anti-Money Laundering Act, which gives the government power to curb unwanted involvement by imposing sanctions on those guilty of human rights violations. The FCO had previously argued that the amendment could not be enforced until the UK had exited the EU, but have since retracted that, confirming that it is possible for the UK to use the amendment independently, while still an EU member.

The verdict on FCO inactivity adds to a growing concern over the government’s ability to respond to foreign corruption. The committee has also urged the government to review the position of British judges on the Hong Kong of final appeal amid unrest, while there has been widespread outcry over the decision to hold back the publication of a report into Russian interference in UK politics.

Despite the hard-hitting findings, UUK denied the existence of any wide-scale interference with the sector from abroad.

“Although there is some limited anecdotal evidence of attempted influence over institutions, any instance that Universities UK is aware of has been firmly rejected. We are unaware of any systematic attempt to interfere with the sector.”

As the general election looms, there will be increasing debate over how increasingly-international universities in Britain can safeguard themselves from rising levels of foreign interference, and the extent to which they can rely on government support to prevent human rights abuses.

Is it Art? The house with too many sockets

Written by Chess Bradley on . Posted in Arts.

We’re rapidly approaching the end of the 2010s. What a decade, eh?

We entered the 2010s in the dark ages, when you couldn’t get 4G because it literally did not exist and are emerging on the other end enlightened, with a smart solution for literally everything (and I do mean literally)!

Who’d have thought, 10 years ago, that issues like having to move to turn on a light would be fixed by talking to a speaker, which then relays all your data personally to Jeff Bezos, who lies on his bed of millions of dollars, listening intently to what you had for tea.

But modern solutions have also caused modern problems. So many devices means so many chargers and only so many plug sockets. But a 1.5 million house in Pinner has a solution.

I like this house. I like imagining the story behind it.

Did someone’s Dad get fed up of hearing their kid’s fighting over sockets, and go completely and utterly mad? Has the person behind this ever heard of an extension cord? What’s their electricity bill like? What have those walls, with their incredible amount of sockets, seen?

I like to think this is a modern art piece. A sort of comment on modern times. Maybe we don’t realise how plugged in we are until we’re really confronted by it.

Or maybe someone is just that, truly as batty as they are pragmatic, trying desperately not to choose between plugging in their Amazon Echo and their television.

Verdict: Is it art? Truly in my soul, I want to say yes, so I’m saying yes.

Photo: Owen Trimming @ The Mancunion

Live Review: Metronomy at Manchester Academy

Written by owentrimming on . Posted in Music.

Two months after the release of their sixth studio album, electronica outfit Metronomy treated Manchester Academy to an outstanding performance. The LPs title, Metronomy Forever, is a promise I can only dream they will keep.

Taking to the stage in white jumpsuits, the band looked about as odd as their music sounds. Metronomy are certainly a group who present themselves as uncool, but in reality, they are completely iconic. Their image is well cultivated, paired well to a colourful light show and eccentric dance moves. They were out there to enjoy their Saturday night just as much as everyone else.

Having grown from frontman Joseph Mount’s DJ act, Metronomy are now a seasoned five piece. The band know how to get the most from their material, mixing songs masterfully. Recreating electronic music for a live performance can prove challenging, but a challenge that Metronomy has definitely overcome. Tracks felt well adapted and improvisation throughout gave greater depth.

The latest album has proven to be some of Metronomy’s best material both on and off the stage. The albums intro ‘Wedding’ was also well suited as an atmospheric entrance for the group. Leading into ‘Lately’ was a strong start with fast pace immediately lifting the energy in the room immediately.

Maintaining this feeling, ‘The Bay’ showcased Olugbenga Adelekan’s skill on bass – a contender for the leading man on stage. Metronomy continued delivering hits with ‘Wedding Bells’ being a prime example of why Metronomy Forever is simply an excellent record.

Metronomy managed to deliver variety in the set preventing any hint of boredom.  A welcome surprise was keyboardists Oscar Cash and Michael Lovett taking over the whole stage for an almost impromptu DJ set. Playing ‘Boy Races and ‘Lying Low’ back to back got everyone moving. Following on, ‘Old Skool’ ended up being the most enjoyable song to dance to all night.

However, this did not characterise the whole show, with mellower sing-along moments providing good balance. A stripped back version of ‘I’m Aquarius’ with only a woodblock and cymbals captivated the crowd. ‘Everything Goes My Way’ was just as mesmerising, giving drummer Anna Prior the chance to lead on vocals. Although, this did highlight slight weakness in Mount’s singing, as Prior is less shaky in this area.

The risk of touring an album like Metronomy Forever, is that it works so well as it’s own piece. However, mixing it in with Metronomy’s decade long discography didn’t feel like a muddle. ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ came sandwiched in between ‘The End of You Too’ from Nights Out and The English Rivera hit ‘The Look’. The trio of tracks seemed to complement each other, furthermore ‘Salted Caramel Ice Cream’ was able to hold its own alongside some of the band’s most popular work.

‘The Look’ remains the groups most recognisable song: a classic that is well within the mainstream and with good reason. Clearly this was the moment many in the room had waited for, with fans following every word and chanting that distinctive melody. Audience involvement gave the track new energy whilst an unexpected extension kept if from seeming overdone.

Mount took a moment before moving on, enlisting the crowds help to introduce ‘Love Letters’. The slow trumpets that usually start the song were a replaced with the audience singing out “Love”. This extra touch was simple but effective with the proceeding track feeling like a real release of joy. Here the set could have ended perfectly however ‘Sex Emoji’ followed in the finale spot. Definitely an inventive and likeable song, although misplaced in the set.

‘Love Underlined’ also seemed mistimed, being the first song in the encore. The crowd was clearly keen for more and this was slightly underwhelming. However, Metronomy more than redeemed themselves ending with ‘Radio Ladio’. Dating back to 2008’s Nights Out and still sounding fresh, it gave Manchester one more chance to sing and dance.

Metronomy delivered an overall memorable performance, leaving a lasting impression. As the band continues to bring out consistently brilliant material, I can only hope for much more in the future.

8/10

Photo: Joseph Bateman

Palace: A new-found maturity

Written by Robbie Beale on . Posted in Music.

On the 7th of November, Palace transformed a stark and utilitarian Academy 2 venue into a reverb-drenched world of soaring melodies and heart-wrenching stories.

The band effortlessly wove together light and shade, including old favourite ‘Veins’ (other bands would be hard pressed to top a B-side of this calibre) and new ballad ‘All In My Stride’, summed up perfectly in the snippet of conversation we overheard during the performance: ‘I had sex to this song’.

The band had no need for frills or special effects. Although Leo Wyndham (the enigmatic yet chilled frontman of the band) let slip the odd smirk, knowing how good a performance he was giving, the band remained relatively down-to-earth. “This would usually be the bit where we do an encore … but I think we’re just going to carry on playing,” he stated in the same manner as he said “excuse me mate” walking past us in the queue.

Leo had every right to be proud of his performance — not many people can claim to sing in a voice as smooth and sweet as his, while laying down bluesy lead guitar.  My only criticism would be the lack of charisma shown by Leo’s bandmates, though this being said, their laid-back attitude did serve the mood, and Leo was perfectly capable of being the centre of attention. He made effectively doubling as frontman and lead guitarist seem effortless.

The setlist selection was strong, front-loading new tracks before inserting old favourites like ‘It’s Over’, to build to a stellar finale with ‘Bitter’.  Introduced as the first song they wrote together, it crescendos into an incredibly uplifting jam, where the band’s love for what they do is most visible. The stand-out song, however, was undoubtedly the lead single off the latest album Life After.

‘Heaven Up There’ is certainly a departure from the summery, bluesy feel of the first album, and represents an incredibly encouraging shift to more mature music and lyrics. As the tune grows blissfully on stage, and a cacophony of lights reveals an audience in pure admiration, it is impossible not to be captivated.

The end of the show made clear that Palace are on their way to amassing a serious fanbase.  If a band can hold an audience for an entire set, in spite of minimal on-stage antics, still leaving you beaming come curtain-close, then they’re one to keep on your radar.

The final praise for this amazing band is simply how down-to-earth they not only appear on stage, but truly are in person. After the show they made an appearance in Big Hands, happy to meet each and every fan. It’s actions like this that keep audiences rooting for Palace.

If all shows on the Life After tour follow this Thursday night masterclass, then I urge you to join them as they elevate each city’s audience, ever so briefly, into a wondrous state of blissful ecstasy.

9/10.

Okilly Dokilly dress as Ned Flanders complete with mustache at each an every show.

Live Review: Okilly Dokilly at Manchester Academy 3

Written by Reece Ritchie on . Posted in Music.

Tuesday night saw the Manchester Academy 3 stage graced by the Ned Flanders metal band Okilly Dokilly, with supports from DeadVIII and Red Rum. But was the Springfield flavoured Metal band “Brutalino” (their word not ours) or gimmicky?

Surprisingly enough to much of the audience, especially those not dressed as various Simpson’s characters, the second support act was also of a niche genre, with Red Rum delivering a forty-five-minute set of pirate metal.

This was as much of an otherworldly experience as it sounds — but in the best way possible. A hundred fans head-banging while shouting along to ‘Taking the Hobbits to Isengard’ is a sight not to be missed out on, or one that can be described accurately afterwards.

After the swashbuckling captain and his crew finished their rendition of Limp Bizkit’s ‘Rolling (Air Raid Vehicle)’ aptly entitled ‘Rowing‘ and the stage was reset by several techs in hazmat suits, the Flanderinos took to the stage.

With two albums under their belt, Howdilly Doodilly and Howdilly Twodilly, Okilly Dokilly drew on this material to deliver a jam-packed setlist of heavy metal tinged with indie-esque melodies; the band often used these to introduce their tracks before jumping into moshpit-inducing, screamed choruses.

Ned, Ned, Ned, and Ned provided great sound and were technically apt with their instruments, even with the lead singer taking over bass duty due to their regular stand-in having had to leave their UK tour early and return to the US as a result of illness.

The band’s frontman, Head Ned, flawlessly maintained a Ned Flanders persona without fail through the entire set. His regular interactions with the crowd were in character, and he introduced songs and opening pits for the ‘Flanchester’ natives in a polite, well-mannered left-handed, demeanour which could have come from the Simpson’s character himself — if he were in a metal band that is.

Metal as an all-encompassing genre features a far greater amount of niche and gimmicky bands than would be expected from indie or rock as a whole; sometimes this provides great variety and at other times gimmicks — their performance of  ‘Godspeed Doodle’ felt cheap. Yet with Okilly Dokilly’s live performance being so well received by the crowd at Academy 3, they came off as a more respected and serious band than many of the more ‘traditional’ metal bands writing and performing at the moment.

It is hard to imagine Okilly Dokilly being as popular or as successful as they are without their gimmick; there are more technically able metal bands across both the UK and the US, yet it is in their gimmick that the Flanderinos really shine. From their merch to their lyrics, outfits, song titles, and on-stage persona, Okilly Dokilly excel by delivering their own personal flavour of metal with humour and passion — this truly delivers an enjoyable live experience.

This was most evident on Tuesday night as Okilly Dokilly took to the stage for a final time to play an encore of both ‘White Wine Spritzer’ and ‘Nothing At All’ with the lead singer stripping down to a lycra bodysuit for the final song and dancing across the stage whilst describing the joy in feeling naked. Whether a Simpson’s fan, metal fan, both, or neither it cannot be denied that this is a hilarious, yet quality, take on a genre of music which all too often takes itself too seriously.

In an era of music which is so competitive and accessible that each and every new band search for their own angle in order to stand out, it is not impossible to assume that the future will see more bands like Okilly Dokilly bending genres and providing alternative experiences.

This prospect is made all the more likely by Okilly Dokilly being able to convince metal fans and Simpsons fans alike that they aren’t a joke, as they may be easily written off as. Instead, they are a serious metal band delivering heavy riffs, manic drum patterns, and blood pounding bass, all while wearing pin polo shirts and green sweaters.

8/10

Authorised Press Shot

In conversation with Craig David

Written by Bella Fleming on . Posted in Music.

“I don’t want to do the obvious thing of saying how much I love Manchester, but honestly I love the vibe,” Craig David laughs over the phone.

Modesty and politeness are the strongest and perhaps most surprising impressions Craig immediately exudes. With over 15 million record sales under his belt, his sense of demureness is apparent even in the most mundane of conversation topics. For example, he seems surprisingly excited about the onset of the dreary English winter:

“I get super creative around this time,” he says, “I definitely tend to be more creative in the studio when it’s dark outside.” With the intense summer festival circuit over, he “uses this period to write songs,” admitting that multitasking, in addition to writing on the road, is not one of his strengths.

When he first moved to Miami in 2010, his decision to take a break from releasing chart-topping singles led to the launch of his weekly club night: TS5. Even after his return to the UK in search of a calmer lifestyle, TS5 still remains an integral part of the Craig David live experience. “When I DJ after a show I can pick up songs I didn’t play that night,” he explains, “I can do a quick version of a tune so that the fans get to hear [all the hits], but they just get it in different forms.”

Signing with Sony in 2016 sparked something of a renaissance in his career. Teaming up with rapper Big Narstie and reconnecting with his UK garage roots led to his first single in six years, ‘When The Bassline Drops’, reaching the top ten in the UK charts. Revisiting the genre that first made him fall in love with music proved successful, leading to the release of his sixth studio album Following My Intuition.

Following his intuition is still paramount for Craig. “Intuition is all we’ve got […] I am still learning from my 14-year-old self now because that’s where the magic is,” he explains, “I didn’t know what worked and what didn’t, I was just using my intuition of what felt like a vibe.”

His strong belief in continuing to learn from his younger self is perhaps what has helped him stay so grounded throughout his career. “I was just making music and loving it,” he reminisces, “I was spending more time in the studio than at college, and I was just living music.”

His naivety to the industry meant his career has always been firmly rooted in his love of making music he loves. Even through all his accomplishments, he would still not change a thing about his debut, Born to Do It. “That album created and did more than I could ever imagine, so it had to come out the way it came out. It changed my life completely for the better.”

Now, in the year his debut Born to Do It turns 20, Craig David is celebrating by touring the UK. “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to travel the country,” he admits, “I just can’t wait to get out there and jump on stage and give everyone the feeling that they were looking for.”

It seems fitting for his latest tour to take place in the wake of a seeming resurgence of the UK garage music scene. As Craig says, “I think the UK garage scene is in an interesting place right now.” With artists such as Jorja Smith and AJ Tracey incorporating garage sounds in their genre-blurring music, “it shows that there’s definitely room for garage to come back again.”

Despite dipping his toes into RnB, pop, and Motown, it’s clear that his love for garage music still reigns strong. “The new scene is coming back to life,” he claims, “but I would like to see it spring to life in a slightly bigger way.”

Perhaps what is most evident from chatting to Craig is how grateful he is for every opportunity. His upcoming tour will encompass a plethora of arena shows all over the country. Even after decades of touring the world, and playing some of the biggest venues, it is more than apparent how appreciative he still is. “I always find that [touring] gives me so much joy, and it reminds me of the first time I went on tour when I was 18 or 19. The feeling is still the same.”

However, a nation-wide arena tour isn’t without its pressures. He admits that with such a huge catalogue of music behind him, deciding on setlists is “the hardest thing to put together. The way I look at it is; what were the singles released? Let’s try and get some of those songs in the mix.”

His tried and tested method also incorporates revisiting the album tracks that “got a lot of love” and alternating the tracks he plays live each night. This method, he tells me, “keeps it a little spicy while keeping it structured.”

As our conversation winds to an end, Craig assures me that he “will definitely have some new music before [he] comes to Manchester.” Despite the sunlight already fading outside, he plans on residing in the studio for the rest of the evening. This unending drive and passion makes Craig David, international pop star and DJ, the same Craig David who was skipping school to write music.

Craig David’s Hold That Thought Arena Tour comes to Manchester Arena 17th April 2020 — for tickets visit craigdavid.com.

bell hooks photo: Montikamoss@wikimedia commons

Re-thinking masculinity with the UoM Feminist Collective

Written by tallulahbrennan on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Gloria Jean Watkins, known as bell hooks,  published The Will to Change in 2002, and even 17 years ago, she concluded that masculinity was in crisis. If we take a look at the world in 2019 – Donald Trump (a man who has been quoted discussing ‘grabbing women by the pussy’) is President of the US, violence against women in the UK is at an epidemic level (currently two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner), and the male suicide rate in the UK is at 17.2 deaths per 100,000 men. This conclusion is clearly still relevant to today’s society.

Next Tuesday (19th November) is International Men’s Day, and the University of Manchester Feminist Collective is hosting an event titled ‘Re-thinking Masculinity’, in order to bring together men and women’s struggles against patriarchal masculinity. Lots of people would have you believe that men do not gain anything from the advancement of women’s liberation. Little do they know, we all have one common enemy: The Patriarchy. 

For many men the assertion of their masculinity, whether that be via violence or dominance or competition, has become the assertion of their personhood and the backbone of their very being. Questioning that backbone, or suggesting it should be removed, will often provoke a defensive response. This is often what puts men off feminism, and deters them from working cooperatively with women. 

To first try and ease away from defensiveness, we should attempt to make the following mainstream: masculinity is not intrinsic to biological sex, masculinity is performative. It is important for us to instead speak of the plural ‘masculinities’. Each self-identifying man performs and experiences their masculinity differently, and gender is fluid, but the singular term ‘masculinity’ does not allow for such flexibility. These statements are not things fundamentally threatening to men, they are threatening to patriarchal masculinity. We’re not asking you to give up your identity, we’re asking you to disown the masculine narrative which devalues your character and reduces you to domination, violence and emotional silence. Simply put: to critique masculinity is to hold men accountable for their actions, whilst believing in their capacity to do better.

The Feminist Collective has put this event together to stress the importance of working together and bridging the gap between men and women’s activism. We teach young boys to feel pain whilst teaching them that in no circumstance should they express it. This is as threatening to men as it is to women. Our relationships with grown-up men are often fractured and emotionally-lacking, while men’s mental health declines as they are unequipped with the emotional expression required for a tough and complex world. 

In the session next Tuesday, we will not only be debunking the ‘boys don’t cry’ myth, but we will be offering an alternative narrative for young boys and men alike. bell hooks writes, “feminist masculinity would have as its chief constituents integrity, self-love, emotional awareness, assertiveness, and relational skill, including the capacity to be empathic, autonomous, and connected.” Let’s start teaching this to men.

Ultimately, our event, ‘Re-thinking Masculinity’ offers an opportunity to engage with the alternative that feminism offers to us all. It is about educating and engaging any and all genders about the issue of masculinity and building alternative, liberating narratives that enable us to work towards a feminist future. 

‘Re-thinking Masculinity‘ will be taking place from 15:00-17:00 in LG1/Basement 1 of the SU on Tuesday 19th November.

Liposome drug-delivery method to reduce brain damage in stroke patients

Written by Shivani Kaura on . Posted in Science & Tech.

Latest research carried out at the University of Manchester has offered a new hope for patients in the early stages of a stroke. Researchers have found that using tiny vesicles called liposomes, which are made up of lipids, can form pouch-like structures referred to as caveolae, which can penetrate plasma membranes of cells.

Liposomes are made up of nano-particles which are 15,000 times smaller than a pinhead, and can mediate through a damaged blood-brain barrier following a stroke. The brain is the only organ to have this one-of-a-kind protective system that doesn’t allow the entry of foreign substances past the blood-brain barrier. On the other hand, it also blocks lifesaving drugs which have the ability to treat a range of complications.

Prior to this study, liposomes have been used as effective method of artificially carrying drugs or other substances into tissues. Using this theory, UoM researchers have manipulated liposomes which are just 100 nanometers in diameter to translocate and deliver drugs past tightly packed endothelial cells in the brain, thus preventing any further brain damage to the patient.

Scientists have also been able to generate microscopic pictures of mouse brain tissue using a combination of in vivo real-time imaging and histological analysis, demonstrating the use of the nano-material as a viable transporter.

Published in the journal ACS Nano, this exciting research could potentially allow doctors to be able to protect brain tissue in the acute phases of a stroke, protecting neurons from becoming damaged, therefore decreasing morbidity and mortality rates in patients.

Stuart Allan Professor of Neuroscience from the University of Manchester said: “The discovery that nano-materials may be able to facilitate the treatment of stroke is exciting: scientists have long been grappling with the difficulties of treating brain injuries and diseases.

“The brain-blood barrier is a major frontier in neurology, so the prospect of being able to cross it may have applications to other conditions as well – though clearly, much more work needs to be done.”

The potential of this study could be groundbreaking for the NHS, as Dr Zahraa Al-Ahmady, Honorary Research Fellow at UoM stated that: “They are easy to manufacture and use across the NHS. But our research also shows that liposomes have important implications for neurologists too.”