Gair Rhydd

Being green on a budget

Everyone's feeling the pinch so here are some tips on staying green while watching the purse strings

In the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Talks, all eyes are on the governments. But it’s not just Obama and Co who can make a change. You can too!

I hear you thinking: “Why would you want to, it’s all so expensive and costs so much effort!” Well, I won’t tell you to get a solar panel or wind turbine. These methods are not expensive, need minimal effort and will save you money! Think less impact on the environment and more money in your pocket.

Placebo mystery solved

The effects of placebos are not 'all in the mind'

A placebo is a fake medical intervention. For example, a patient is given an inert sugar pill, told that it may improve his/her condition, but not told that it is in fact medication. Such an intervention may cause the patient to believe the treatment will be helpful and this belief often materializes into substance.

If you thought the placebo effect was all in the mind, then perhaps think again. Scientists may have solved the mystery of why many people around the world claim to benefit from remedies that do not contain any active pain-relief ingredients.

Newsbites

Cardiff tumour research awarded

A researcher from Cardiff’s Institute of Medical Genetics has won the Welsh Livery Guild’s Merit Award for his research on therapy for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.