The Conversation What does the UK Supreme Court’s gender ruling mean for trans men? - - Daniel Alge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Brunel University of London - The decision means trans men can be exluded from men’s single-sex spaces – but may also be excluded from women’s spaces. ‘Putin’s brain’: Aleksandr Dugin, the Russian ultra-nationalist who has endorsed Donald Trump - - Kevin Riehle, Lecturer in Intelligence and Security Studies, Brunel University of London - The Russian philosopher believes Vladimir Putin is no longer the main enemy for the US. British Rail wasn’t all bad. Sixty years after the brand launched we should remember its marketing successes - - Lewis Smith, Lecturer in Marketing, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London - The sandwiches may have been soggy but British Rail’s branding was sharp. Waiting lists, crumbling buildings, staff burnout: five years on, COVID is still hurting the financial health of the NHS - - Catia Nicodemo, Professor of Health Economics, Brunel University of London - Healthcare has not caught up with the disruption caused by the pandemic. New sentencing guidelines will make the UK’s justice system more fair, not less – expert view - - Daniel Alge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Brunel University of London - The wider use of pre-sentence reports could help reduce existing racial disparities in sentencing. Demi Moore: indicação ao Oscar premia uma carreira definida pelo desafio - - Caroline Ruddell, Reader in Film and Television, Brunel University of London - O trabalho da atriz americana, que por muito tempo era conhecida mais pela beleza, questiona a feminilidade e o poder How the UK’s rollback of banking regulations could risk another financial crisis - - Alper Kara, Head of Department of Economics and Finance, Brunel University of London - The sector risks repeating the mistakes which led to huge tax-payer funded bail outs. Demi Moore: the Oscar nominee with a career defined by defiance - - Caroline Ruddell, Reader in Film and Television, Brunel University of London - Moore’s work has long interrogated womanhood and power. Will Lucy Letby get a retrial? Here’s what happens next with her case - - Daniel Alge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Brunel University of London - The panel’s findings put the case in uncharted territory given Letby’s very recent convictions and the continuing public inquiry into the case. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong suffering – here’s what you need to know - - Cristina Pina, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Brunel University of London Victor Hernandez-Hernandez, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Brunel University of London - Sickle cell disease affects nearly 8 million people worldwide, most in sub-Saharan Africa. AI can boost economic growth, but it needs to be managed incredibly carefully - - Ashley Braganza, Professor of Business Transformation, Brunel University of London Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi, Senior Lecturer in Strategy & Business Economy, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London - The risks of AI include displacement of jobs, which could counter any benefits. How The Sims’ endless customisation fostered one of gaming’s most diverse player communities - - Andra Ivănescu, Senior Lecturer in Game Studies and Ludomusicology, Brunel University of London - The Sims’ players can enjoy a gaming experience that’s as diverse as they are. Farewell to Smithfield – how past, present, commerce and culture collide in London’s 900-year-old meat market - - Monica Montserrat Degen, Professor in Urban Studies, Brunel University of London Tom Butler, Doctoral researcher in the built environment, College of Business, Arts & Social Sciences, Brunel University of London - Many fear Smithfield’s special sense of place will be lost once the meat market is gone. But could a new emerging cultural quarter bring social cohesion? The UK property outlook for 2025: another bleak year for mortgages amid so much economic uncertainty - - Alper Kara, Head of Department - Economics and Finance & Professor of Banking and Finance, Brunel University of London - Interest rates have fallen a little, but nothing is guaranteed. Five ways to beat loneliness this winter - - Dorothy Yen, Professor in Marketing and Lead on the Happy to Chat project, Brunel University of London Christina Victor, Professor of Gerontology and Public Health, Brunel University of London - Loneliness can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but small steps toward connection can make a significant difference. Early pregnancy endings are an overlooked workplace issue – here’s how that could change - - Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations, The Open University Ilaria Boncori, Professor in Management and Marketing, University of Essex Julie Davies, Professor of Healthcare Management and Leadership Development, Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London - There are several types of early pregnancy ending, and most workplaces don’t have enough support in place for staff who are affected. Conclave: tight thriller about Vatican power politics chimes with a year of elections - - Jon Hackett, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television, Brunel University of London - An exceptional performance from Ralph Fiennes, a heritage setting, plus Vatican scandal and intrigue make this an outstanding watch. Why asbestos is still being found in some cosmetics - - Ashley Howkins, Technical Specialist and Lead Scientific Officer of the Experimental Techniques Centre, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University of London Lorna Anguilano, Senior Research Fellow, Quality Manager of the Experimental Techniques Centre, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, and Assistant Director of the Wolfson Centre for sustainable materials development and processing, Brunel University of London - Asbestos related cancer has been linked with make-up containing talcum powder. Thirty years on from its first paying passengers, Eurostar now has a fresh chance to hit its potential - - Alison Carrol, Reader in European History, Brunel University of London - The company’s future will largely hinge on the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours. Anora: a refreshing depiction of sex workers as part of the working class - - Rachel Stuart, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Deviant Identities, Brunel University of London - Anora isn’t some vulnerable girl waiting to be saved from sex work by a rich man.