Ben Morton
@benmorton.bsky.social
Reader @lstmnews.bsky.social
Crit Care Consultant @nhsuhlg.bsky.social
Editor @anaesjournal.bsky.social
Website: https://research.lstmed.ac.uk/en/persons/benjamin-morton-7
Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6164-2854
Crit Care Consultant @nhsuhlg.bsky.social
Editor @anaesjournal.bsky.social
Website: https://research.lstmed.ac.uk/en/persons/benjamin-morton-7
Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6164-2854
Reposted by Ben Morton
Keir Starmer says it is in Britain’s interests to “align more closely with the EU single market” and “we should”.
Interestingly this is one of his most passionate answers in a long interview.
I think we can expect movement on this issue in 2026. Brexit still remains an unsettled matter.
Interestingly this is one of his most passionate answers in a long interview.
I think we can expect movement on this issue in 2026. Brexit still remains an unsettled matter.
January 4, 2026 at 9:31 AM
Keir Starmer says it is in Britain’s interests to “align more closely with the EU single market” and “we should”.
Interestingly this is one of his most passionate answers in a long interview.
I think we can expect movement on this issue in 2026. Brexit still remains an unsettled matter.
Interestingly this is one of his most passionate answers in a long interview.
I think we can expect movement on this issue in 2026. Brexit still remains an unsettled matter.
Reposted by Ben Morton
‘… the “middle ground” doesn’t exist like it used to because demands for better wages or public services can’t be easily satisfied without redistribution in a stagnating economy.’
Why is Starmer unpopular? The answer’s obvious, but it mystifies the media
ALL the “serious” media pundits are working on “Why is Keir Starmer so unpopular” columns. The one thing the pundits won’t say is “He is so unpopular because we told him to be.”Media commentators can’...
morningstaronline.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 11:02 AM
‘… the “middle ground” doesn’t exist like it used to because demands for better wages or public services can’t be easily satisfied without redistribution in a stagnating economy.’
@mancunianmedic.bsky.social I thought this might interest: manchestermill.co.uk/a-mancunian-...
A Mancunian noir classic capturing a lost city
In 1960, Hell is a City set the bar for neo-noir. Now it's a window into a past long demolished
manchestermill.co.uk
January 3, 2026 at 9:20 AM
@mancunianmedic.bsky.social I thought this might interest: manchestermill.co.uk/a-mancunian-...
How can we accelerate human trials of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics against priority pathogens in advance of epidemics and pandemics? Well, if we can identify safe, weakened versions controlled human infection model trials might be possible:
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
🧪 🩺 #IDsky
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
🧪 🩺 #IDsky
Attenuated viral strains of priority pathogens for potential use in controlled human infection model studies: A scoping review
Author summary There are several families of viruses that scientists predict are most likely to cause a future pandemic, such as coronaviruses or Ebola. Studying these viruses ahead of time might mean...
journals.plos.org
January 3, 2026 at 8:50 AM
How can we accelerate human trials of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics against priority pathogens in advance of epidemics and pandemics? Well, if we can identify safe, weakened versions controlled human infection model trials might be possible:
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
🧪 🩺 #IDsky
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
🧪 🩺 #IDsky
Reposted by Ben Morton
Flocean, a Norwegian company, is set to open the world’s first commercial-scale subsea desalination plant, an approach that could cut the cost and energy used to make seawater drinkable
World's first subsea desalination facility will start running in 2026
Flocean, a Norwegian company, is set to open the world’s first commercial-scale subsea desalination plant, an approach that could cut the cost and energy used to make seawater drinkable
www.newscientist.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Flocean, a Norwegian company, is set to open the world’s first commercial-scale subsea desalination plant, an approach that could cut the cost and energy used to make seawater drinkable
@anaesjournal.bsky.social we aim for (and mainly achieve) a two week turn around for time to first decision.
Chia-Hsuan Hsu waited 18 months before chasing an editor for a decision on a paper
go.nature.com/4j47KhM
go.nature.com/4j47KhM
Dear editors, your publication delays are damaging our careers
Chia-Hsuan Hsu waited 18 months before chasing an editor for a decision on a paper. The answer surprised him.
go.nature.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:18 PM
@anaesjournal.bsky.social we aim for (and mainly achieve) a two week turn around for time to first decision.
Reposted by Ben Morton
A DR Congo supporter has watched all their of three African Cup of Nations 2025 games holding his pose as the statue of Patrice Lumumba, who was born a century ago in 1925, and assassinated as prime minister in 1961 shortly after independence
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/202...
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/202...
Watch: DR Congo fan’s extraordinary ‘statue’ pose for entire match
Supporter’s tribute at Afcon honours Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister who was assassinated in 1961
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 4:31 PM
A DR Congo supporter has watched all their of three African Cup of Nations 2025 games holding his pose as the statue of Patrice Lumumba, who was born a century ago in 1925, and assassinated as prime minister in 1961 shortly after independence
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/202...
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/202...
Reposted by Ben Morton
There are actually many more things you can point to as examples of recent scientific breakthroughs www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br... than 'curing Alzheimer's in mice', which people have been claiming to have done for decades and has a tenuous connection to what happens in humans.
Wanna see real-life miracles? Fund scientific research.
A team of US scientists just cured Alzheimer’s in mice — and there is now hope that the disease can be reversed in humans.
futurism.com/health-medic...
A team of US scientists just cured Alzheimer’s in mice — and there is now hope that the disease can be reversed in humans.
futurism.com/health-medic...
Alzheimer's Fully Reversed in Mice, Scientists Say
A new compound has been shown to reverse late stage Alzheimer's disease in lab mice, which gives millions of sufferers new cause for hope.
futurism.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:37 PM
There are actually many more things you can point to as examples of recent scientific breakthroughs www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br... than 'curing Alzheimer's in mice', which people have been claiming to have done for decades and has a tenuous connection to what happens in humans.
Good move. Too much nonsense going on in crypto www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Crypto users forced to share account details with tax officials
The move is designed to ensure people pay all relevant tax on buying and selling crypto.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Good move. Too much nonsense going on in crypto www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Morton
Happy New Year from all of us at Anaesthesia!
Thank you all for your contributions in 2025!
We look forward to more wonderful papers, discussions and podcasts in 2026!
#AnSky
Thank you all for your contributions in 2025!
We look forward to more wonderful papers, discussions and podcasts in 2026!
#AnSky
January 1, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Happy New Year from all of us at Anaesthesia!
Thank you all for your contributions in 2025!
We look forward to more wonderful papers, discussions and podcasts in 2026!
#AnSky
Thank you all for your contributions in 2025!
We look forward to more wonderful papers, discussions and podcasts in 2026!
#AnSky
Reposted by Ben Morton
In China, EVs now make up more than half of new car sales, compared with just 1 in 10 in the US.
With models ranging from budget to luxury, top safety ratings and competitive prices, here’s how Chinese automakers are reshaping the global market and leaving US carmakers behind.
With models ranging from budget to luxury, top safety ratings and competitive prices, here’s how Chinese automakers are reshaping the global market and leaving US carmakers behind.
China’s electric vehicle influence expands nearly everywhere – except the US and Canada
China is already producing a wide range of EVs, including several options that cost less than $25,000.
buff.ly
January 1, 2026 at 9:06 AM
In China, EVs now make up more than half of new car sales, compared with just 1 in 10 in the US.
With models ranging from budget to luxury, top safety ratings and competitive prices, here’s how Chinese automakers are reshaping the global market and leaving US carmakers behind.
With models ranging from budget to luxury, top safety ratings and competitive prices, here’s how Chinese automakers are reshaping the global market and leaving US carmakers behind.
Reposted by Ben Morton
STRENGTHEN PRIMARY CARE.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Huge rise in number of people in England’s A&Es for coughs or hiccups
Lack of prompt access to primary care blamed for rise in hospital cases of minor ailments including blocked noses
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:19 AM
STRENGTHEN PRIMARY CARE.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Ben Morton
Terry's insight into human nature was at its sharpest and most cutting when it came to those who manipulated others, especially using the trappings of religion or mysticism
he knew it worked, and he had quite a lot to say about anyone who took advantage of that
he knew it worked, and he had quite a lot to say about anyone who took advantage of that
December 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Terry's insight into human nature was at its sharpest and most cutting when it came to those who manipulated others, especially using the trappings of religion or mysticism
he knew it worked, and he had quite a lot to say about anyone who took advantage of that
he knew it worked, and he had quite a lot to say about anyone who took advantage of that
Was thinking about approach to ward rounds at the weekend. I very deliberately speak to patient first (if not sedated), then bedside nurse and then resident doctor before going over charts and making a plan. Is this unusual?
Over the years I've developed a number of "rants" (aka teaching) that seem to resonate with trainees on #ICUsky ward round.
This pedogogical style might make educationalists wince but keeps me and (crucially) trainees, interested
Interested in any counter rants, refined rants or rant affirmation
This pedogogical style might make educationalists wince but keeps me and (crucially) trainees, interested
Interested in any counter rants, refined rants or rant affirmation
December 31, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Was thinking about approach to ward rounds at the weekend. I very deliberately speak to patient first (if not sedated), then bedside nurse and then resident doctor before going over charts and making a plan. Is this unusual?
Reposted by Ben Morton
‘We want the mullahs gone’: economic crisis sparks biggest protests in Iran since 2022
‘We want the mullahs gone’: economic crisis sparks biggest protests in Iran since 2022
Protests against deteriorating living conditions have widened to include criticism of way country is being governed
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:02 PM
‘We want the mullahs gone’: economic crisis sparks biggest protests in Iran since 2022
I won’t say the catchphrase but it’s how I feel, loved Isiah Whitlock Jr in the Wire
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Isiah Whitlock: Veep and The Wire actor dies at 71
Whitlock was known for his notably elongated, profane catchphrase, which he used on The Wire and in films.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 6:47 PM
I won’t say the catchphrase but it’s how I feel, loved Isiah Whitlock Jr in the Wire
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Morton
New post!
There was a lot of innovation in medicine and biomedical research this year, and I've tried to summarize the biggest ones in this blogpost.
Medical breakthroughs in 2025. Plus a serious note at the end.
www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br...
There was a lot of innovation in medicine and biomedical research this year, and I've tried to summarize the biggest ones in this blogpost.
Medical breakthroughs in 2025. Plus a serious note at the end.
www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br...
Medical breakthroughs in 2025
... and a happy new year.
www.scientificdiscovery.dev
December 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
New post!
There was a lot of innovation in medicine and biomedical research this year, and I've tried to summarize the biggest ones in this blogpost.
Medical breakthroughs in 2025. Plus a serious note at the end.
www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br...
There was a lot of innovation in medicine and biomedical research this year, and I've tried to summarize the biggest ones in this blogpost.
Medical breakthroughs in 2025. Plus a serious note at the end.
www.scientificdiscovery.dev/p/medical-br...
Reposted by Ben Morton
Malawi now spends more on debt servicing than on health.
🚨With public debt at 86% of GDP, fiscal pressure is undermining social protection and food security efforts.
✍️Dingaan Mithi
@newhumanitarian.bsky.social
📖⬇️ & 🙏
🚨With public debt at 86% of GDP, fiscal pressure is undermining social protection and food security efforts.
✍️Dingaan Mithi
@newhumanitarian.bsky.social
📖⬇️ & 🙏
Malawi’s New Government Faces National Hunger, Dwindling Aid And Soaring Debt - Health Policy Watch
With over four million Malawians – 22% of the population – facing the threat of acute malnutrition until the next harvest in March, Mutharika last month
healthpolicy-watch.news
December 20, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Malawi now spends more on debt servicing than on health.
🚨With public debt at 86% of GDP, fiscal pressure is undermining social protection and food security efforts.
✍️Dingaan Mithi
@newhumanitarian.bsky.social
📖⬇️ & 🙏
🚨With public debt at 86% of GDP, fiscal pressure is undermining social protection and food security efforts.
✍️Dingaan Mithi
@newhumanitarian.bsky.social
📖⬇️ & 🙏
Reposted by Ben Morton
Hydrogen gets plenty of hype as a zero emission fuel, but direct electrification is increasingly recognised as safer and more efficient wherever it’s an option.
Our new report explains where hydrogen does and doesn't makes sense, + the challenges around production, leakage, storage and transport.
Our new report explains where hydrogen does and doesn't makes sense, + the challenges around production, leakage, storage and transport.
Hydrogen’s role in a clean power economy » Green Alliance
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
buff.ly
December 16, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Hydrogen gets plenty of hype as a zero emission fuel, but direct electrification is increasingly recognised as safer and more efficient wherever it’s an option.
Our new report explains where hydrogen does and doesn't makes sense, + the challenges around production, leakage, storage and transport.
Our new report explains where hydrogen does and doesn't makes sense, + the challenges around production, leakage, storage and transport.
Reposted by Ben Morton
I am from Northenden and my mum and her family from Chorlton so i grew up very close to the Manchester Mersey and spent a lot of time on these riverbanks and the water parks next to them. Good to see
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
First of nine new river walks in England announced for north-west
Mersey Valley Way takes in Manchester and Stockport on its 13-mile route with other walks to be identified in 2026
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:21 AM
I am from Northenden and my mum and her family from Chorlton so i grew up very close to the Manchester Mersey and spent a lot of time on these riverbanks and the water parks next to them. Good to see
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Ben Morton
How do you know how far to reposition your patient!?
"Around 6 inches"?
"a smidge"?
Check out RUDOLPH - Rough Units of Distance in Operating theatre Longitudinal Patient Handling
#AnSky
"Around 6 inches"?
"a smidge"?
Check out RUDOLPH - Rough Units of Distance in Operating theatre Longitudinal Patient Handling
#AnSky
doi.org
December 25, 2025 at 7:03 AM
How do you know how far to reposition your patient!?
"Around 6 inches"?
"a smidge"?
Check out RUDOLPH - Rough Units of Distance in Operating theatre Longitudinal Patient Handling
#AnSky
"Around 6 inches"?
"a smidge"?
Check out RUDOLPH - Rough Units of Distance in Operating theatre Longitudinal Patient Handling
#AnSky
Reposted by Ben Morton
Your kid when he asked Santa for a £1,200 iPhone and holiday to Disneyland but opens the £5 voucher for Superdrug and 4-pack of beers.
(He's 9).
"I'll look after those for you, lad"
(He's 9).
"I'll look after those for you, lad"
December 24, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Your kid when he asked Santa for a £1,200 iPhone and holiday to Disneyland but opens the £5 voucher for Superdrug and 4-pack of beers.
(He's 9).
"I'll look after those for you, lad"
(He's 9).
"I'll look after those for you, lad"
Reposted by Ben Morton
3/ in "shock-and-kill" approaches, as we found (link to studies below). Indeed, the authors don't seem to generate evidence for detectable reduction of the reservoir size, and (temporal) virus control seems to be achieved predominantly by T-cell responses. #HIVCure is not around the corner!
December 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
3/ in "shock-and-kill" approaches, as we found (link to studies below). Indeed, the authors don't seem to generate evidence for detectable reduction of the reservoir size, and (temporal) virus control seems to be achieved predominantly by T-cell responses. #HIVCure is not around the corner!
Reposted by Ben Morton
2/ special profile from start on which may potentially have facilitated things). I really do wonder if the chosen LRA, the TLR9 agonist lefitolimod, modulates cell surface Env presentation (important for ADCC), and/or apoptosis. Many (but not all!) LRAs do, and paradoxically impede "kill"
December 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
2/ special profile from start on which may potentially have facilitated things). I really do wonder if the chosen LRA, the TLR9 agonist lefitolimod, modulates cell surface Env presentation (important for ADCC), and/or apoptosis. Many (but not all!) LRAs do, and paradoxically impede "kill"
Reposted by Ben Morton
1/ I agree that (even functional) #HIVCure will probably need a multi-component and staged strategy, and is not close. This multi-pronged approach shows, 18 months post ATI, a delay of viral rebound in 6/9 participants, and remission in 1/9 participants (though the latter seems to display a
December 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
1/ I agree that (even functional) #HIVCure will probably need a multi-component and staged strategy, and is not close. This multi-pronged approach shows, 18 months post ATI, a delay of viral rebound in 6/9 participants, and remission in 1/9 participants (though the latter seems to display a