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Study to reveal long-term impact of vaping on lung health

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SCIENTISTS from Aberystwyth University are taking part in a £1.55 million research project to uncover the long-term risks and potential benefits of vaping on lung health.

The year-long study, called EVALUATE, will explore how vaping affects lung cells, immune responses, inflammatory markers and the airway microbiome — areas where key questions remain unanswered.

Unlike previous research that assessed lung health at a single point in time, this project will monitor participants over twelve months to build a detailed picture of how the respiratory system responds to sustained vaping.

Backed by £1.55 million from the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, the study will recruit 200 healthy smokers, including those attempting to quit, as well as a smaller group of non-smokers.

Professor Luis Mur, from Aberystwyth University, said: “Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but we still know far too little about its long-term impact on the lungs. This research is therefore vital, not just for science but for public health, so that individuals and policymakers can make informed decisions based on robust evidence.”

Professor Mur and his team will focus on how toxic substances accumulate in the airways after vaping. He added:
“Using our cutting-edge mass spectrometry platforms, we can monitor how toxicants in the airways change as people move from smoking to vaping. Combined with data on immune cell function, this interdisciplinary approach will give us a powerful insight into the true nature of e-cigarette exposure.”

Dr Aaron Scott, Associate Professor in Respiratory Science at the University of Birmingham and chief investigator of the study, said: “We will study how vaping affects airway immune cells and the epithelial cells lining the lungs. Since these play a critical role in the development of smoking-related lung disease, the results will provide clear insight into the effects of vaping on lung health.”

The project is being led by the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Aberystwyth University, the University of Bath, and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

 

Business

Jewellery roadshow in Lamphey today with cash offers for valuables

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A TRAVELLING jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Pembrokeshire today (Tuesday, Mar 17), offering free valuations and on-the-spot cash offers for a wide range of items.

The event is being held at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa and is open until 6:00pm this evening.

Organisers say they are looking to buy “all items of interest”, including gold, silver, rings, watches, coins, military memorabilia and diamond jewellery. Broken jewellery is also accepted, along with items in any condition.

The promotional material states there are no fees, no commissions and no obligation to sell, with free appraisals available to anyone who brings items along.

They are also advertising interest in vintage items such as old watches, scientific instruments, medal groups and even classic cars and motorbikes.

A follow-up event will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, Mar 18) at Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest, running from 10:00am until 9:00pm, with late appointments available.

A third and final stop is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 19) at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, open from 10:00am until 6:00pm.

Organisers can be contacted on 07544 074 549, and also invite people to send photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary valuation.

Top prices paid: The jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Lamphey today before moving on to Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle (Pic: supplied).

 

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Charity

A cappella group hits the right note for lifesaving charity

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Pembrokeshire singers raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance during 25th anniversary year

A PEMBROKESHIRE a cappella group has been praised for supporting a lifesaving service during a landmark year for the charity.

The “Barnhowlers” recently busked at Cardigan Guildhall Market, raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance as it marks its 25th anniversary.

Since its first flight on March 1, 2001, the service has carried out more than 56,000 missions across Wales, delivering critical care to patients wherever it is needed.

Pam Jones, 74, who lives near Fishguard, said the cause was close to many people’s hearts.

“Most people know someone who has needed the Wales Air Ambulance,” she said.

“I know two people who are thankfully still with us because they received critical care from the service. It makes an incredible difference to patient outcomes.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service, bringing hospital-standard treatment directly to patients at the scene. If required, crews can transfer patients straight to the most appropriate hospital for their condition.

The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, relying on public donations to raise the £13 million needed each year to keep helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners are provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), enabling advanced treatments such as anaesthesia, blood transfusions and even minor operations to be carried out at the scene.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency care, regardless of where they are based.

Pam said the Barnhowlers take pride in performing for causes that make a real difference.

“There is nothing quite like coming together to sing some of our favourite songs, knowing that we are also making a difference,” she said.

Formed in 2011, the group began as a barbershop ensemble and has since evolved into a versatile a cappella group performing a wide range of music.

“We like to mix it up, performing songs from The Beatles and Duke Ellington to Thomas Tallis and Disney,” Pam added. “We want to entertain people, and we love it when the audience joins in.”

The group performs regularly at community events, including the Friendship Circle, gardening clubs, Parkinson’s support groups and the Fishguard Folk Festival. They have also supported local food banks and other health-related charities.

“Local nursing homes seem to like us too,” Pam said. “We bring a bit of cheer and take people down memory lane.”

Barnhowlers have several performances lined up throughout the spring and summer, including a concert in aid of the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May thanked the group for their support.

“We are so grateful to the Barnhowlers for using the power of music to shine a light on local causes,” he said.

“They entertained the crowds at Cardigan Guildhall Market in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. Every pound raised will help save lives. Diolch yn fawr.”

 

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News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river

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Town centre sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a person in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the nearby pedestrian bridge has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a ‘body in the water’.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

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