Positive Health Online

The Millennium Technology Prize from Finland – Nominations from Around the World

The Finnish Millennium Technology Prize has further strengthened its position as the most prestigious innovation technology award in the world. The nomination period for the next prize of one million euros ended in February and 79 innovations were nominated for the 2027 Millennium Technology Prize (69 in the previous prize round). The number of  nominations was almost 25% higher than the average of all previous nomination rounds. The proportion of nominated female candidates (19%) is the second highest in history. 

The nominated innovations spread more evenly around the world than before, increasingly also in the global south. Africa has established its position as part of the nominations (9% in this round), and this round we also have nominations from South America.

“The recently concluded Call for Nominations was a success. We increased the number of nominations and expanded the geographical distribution. The share of nominated innovations developed by women increased from last year and remained at the clearly higher level reached a few years ago thanks to persistent communications efforts. Until 2020, women accounted for around ten percent of nominees at most. Results began to appear once we started actively encouraging women nominations, says Maija Liiri, CEO of Technology Academy Finland, the foundation awarding the Millennium Technology Prize.

“The ¼ increase for the average number of nominations is a good achievement, as there is a limited number of top-level innovations in the world that improve people’s quality of life and the planet’s living conditions – and are thus eligible for the Millennium Technology Prize. We are very happy that the awareness of the prize has risen sharply in recent years as we need all the great minds from all over the world to solve the biggest challenges of humanity and the planet,” Maija Liiri states. 

The prize will be awarded in Finland in June 2027

Next, the Pre-selection Committee of the Millennium Technology Prize will review the nominations and provide additional information to the International Selection Committee, which will make a proposal for the winner. The winner will be selected by the Board of Technology Academy Finland and awarded in Finland in June 2027, in connection with the international conference, Millennium Technology Prize Forum. Read more about the evaluation process of the nominations.

Previous winners of the Millennium Technology Prize include, for example, Bantval Jayant Baliga (2024) from USA, who radically reduced the global energy consumption of electrical devices; Martin Green (2022) from Australia, who developed the PERC cell used in nearly all solar panels; and Shinya Yamanaka (2012) from Japan, who enabled ethical stem cell research. Read more about previous winners.

The Millennium Technology Prize has been awarded since 2004 and is under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Finland. 

Media Contact and Further information

"Millennium Technology Prize" <info@millenniumprize.org>

Laura Manas, Communications Manager, Technology Academy Finland

Tel: +358 500 989 286 

laura.manas@millenniumprize.org

Four Cuppas A Day Could Help Keep Inflammatory Issues At Bay

A regular brew may help reduce inflammation, especially in people with existing high levels, suggests new study

A familiar British staple may have a newly uncovered health-related role. A new study suggests that regular black tea with or without milk, one of the nation’s most-consumed drinks, may help relieve conditions linked to long-term inflammation.

Co-author of the new study, Black Tea and Systemic Inflammation: A Narrative Review of Inflammatory Markers and Their Role in Disease Modulation,[1] and Tea Advisory Panel (TAP; teaadvisorypanel.com) member, Dr Nisa Aslam says, “These latest research  findings could be relevant to conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and more – all of which are driven, at least in part, by chronic inflammation.”

The new study brings together evidence from 22 previously published papers, including 11 reviews of previous studies and 11 clinical trials, examining how black tea affects markers of inflammation in the body.

Why the Focus on Black Tea?

“Previous research has tended to focus on green tea, or to look at plant compounds more generally, rather than examining black tea on its own. As a result, evidence on black tea and inflammation has been scattered across the scientific literature,” says study co-author and TAP member Dr Emma Derbyshire.

This review brings that evidence together, offering a clearer picture of how drinking black  tea (with and without milk), the most widely consumed tea among Brits – may be linked to anti-inflammatory activity in the body.

“While our research review is not suggesting that tea can replace medical treatment, it does add to growing evidence that the tea we drink dietetically every day, which is rich in plant compounds called polyphenols - such as flavan-3-ols – may influence how the body responds to inflammatory stress,” says Dr Nisa Aslam.

How Could Your Cuppa Help?

Black tea’s potential anti-inflammatory activity appears to stem from its rich profile of naturally occurring bioactive compounds. These include polyphenols like flavan-3-ols theaflavins, thearubigins, catechins and quercetin – plant chemicals that interact with the body’s immune and inflammatory pathways.

Researcher, chemist, and TAP co-author, Dr Tim Bond comments, “Tea polyphenols can help defend against harmful molecules that can damage cells, while also boosting the body’s own built-in antioxidant defences. They may also help to reduce activity in some of the main biological pathways that trigger and maintain the inflammatory response.”

“Additionally, black tea polyphenols may help maintain a strong gut barrier and improve the gut’s bacterial balance, which may benefit people with inflammatory bowel conditions in particular,[2] says Dr Nisa Aslam.

Black tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been found to block oxidative damage caused by inflammatory reactions and protect against damage to the lining cells of organs like the digestive tract and airway. Together, these compounds provide a realistic mechanism for the inflammation-reducing effects of black tea observed by scientists.

How much Tea makes a Difference?

“Most of the studies we included involved people drinking around three to four cups of black tea a day,” says Dr Tim Bond. “That is broadly in line with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ recommendation of 400–600 mg a day of flavan-3--ols for cardiometabolic health.[3]

Across the 22 studies, the link between drinking black tea (with or without milk) and reductions in inflammatory markers were particularly noticeable among people who had higher levels of inflammation to begin with. The strongest effects were seen in longer-running trials and in groups with existing inflammatory health conditions.

Bringing tea to the Public Health Table

“Chronic low-level inflammation is a growing public health concern, linked to rising rates of conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis. Diet is increasingly recognised as a practical way to help manage this inflammation, with dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, for example, often cited for their benefits,” says Dr Nisa Aslam.

While this new study revealed a range of potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of regular black tea consumption, the need for larger and longer-term studies that reflect everyday tea-drinking habits and examine a wider range of health outcomes remains.

“With additional insight from larger and longer-term studies, tea – as a widely consumed, low-cost source of anti-inflammatory compounds – may prove to be worthy of incorporation into public health strategies,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire.

For now, we can all sit back and relax with our brew, knowing that enjoying 3-4 cups of black tea, with or without milk, each day appears to be a simple and comforting way to boost our intake of anti-inflammatory plant bioactives – alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

About The Tea Advisory Panel

The Tea Advisory Panel is supported by an restricted educational grant from the UK Tea & Infusions Association, the trade association for the UK tea industry. The Panel has been created to provide media with impartial information regarding the health benefits of tea. Panel members include nutritionists; dieticians and doctors. The Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) co-authors, chemist Dr Tim Bond, GP, Dr Nisa Aslam and public health nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire, provide insight into the latest study.

References

1. Derbyshire, et al. (2026). Black Tea and Systemic Inflammation: A Narrative Review of Inflammatory Markers and Their Role in Disease Modulation. Food & Nutrition Sciences; 9^th February 2026. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=149424
2. Truong VL, Manochai B, Pham TT, et al. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Zingiber montanum Oil in HepG2 Cells and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages. J Med Food 2021;24(6):595–605. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2021.k.0019
3. Derbyshire E, Bond T, Mason P (2023) Moving Beyond Nutrients–Tea Flavonoids and Human Health Is It Time to Coonsider Food-Based Bioactive Guidelines? Nutr Food Technol Open Access 9(1): dx.doi.org/10.16966/2470-6086.184

Source and Media Contact

Pally Kaur <pally@junglecatsolutions.com>

Taking Control of Your Health

Health is often at the top of the agenda when it comes to resolutions, and recent research shows that for many of us, health is a core 2026 focus.[1] 

And two leading GPs are reminding people that health and self-care need to be taken seriously. Here in this e-news they share a few simple solutions to help you look out for your health.

Dr Gill Jenkins says: “Kicking off with a new motivation to look after your health is great. But we also need to remember that health is a long-term commitment.

“Often, what people need is simple, accessible support and tools that can empower them to look after their health and make informed decisions.

“The January health kick-off doesn’t have to mean going full force into running miles, lifting heavy weights or going to the gym every day.

“It can also be about knowing and understanding your own health and health numbers, taking proactive action where you would usually ignore symptoms or taking responsibility for those health niggles and putting your mind at ease.”

Taking Control of Your Health: At-Home Testing

Many of us are finding it difficult to get access to a GP appointment or having the time to visit a healthcare professional with a health concern, or simply don’t want to feel like a burden visiting the doctor.

But this can mean a key health problem is overlooked, not managed and could run the risk of becoming more severe or causing other health problems.

So, what can people do to take control of their health?

More people are now taking advantage of the increasing availability of self-diagnostic tests, which allow them to take control of their health in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Berkeley Health offers a variety of at-home testing kits, which test for a range of health conditions, including prostate health, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, UTIs, thyroid health, menopause and vaginal infections.

Dr Janine David, GP, says: “We want individuals to feel empowered, so they can have the confidence to take greater control over their health.

“Health concerns and niggles don’t only take place in January, so knowing what feels right for you, or putting your mind at ease year-round with an at-home testing kit, can help support your health – and encourage you to seek the professional advice and treatments needed.”

Dr Gill Jenkins adds: “These rapid self-tests from Berkeley Health allow users to access results conveniently, privately and quickly, without the long wait for a GP appointment.

“And this proactive approach helps people make informed health decisions with speed and ease, from the comfort of their own home.”

Berkeley Health offers a range of health self-testing kits, including:

• Prostate health
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• UTIs
• Thyroid
• Menopause
• Vaginal infections

All tests are under £10 at Waitrose stores and online.

A Closer Look: Berkeley Health Self-Testing Kits:

• Berkeley Health Prostate PSA: This test tests for levels of a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). High levels may need further investigation from a GP as it could be a sign of a prostate condition, such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. This test is intended for men aged 45 or over who want to check the health of their prostate and also for men with symptoms such as peeing more than usual, having a sudden urge to pee or getting up often in the night to pee, blood in the urine or problems getting or keeping an erection.
• Berkeley Health Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for every cell in your body, with deficiency linked to rickets, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, diabetes, strokes, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. This test looks at vitamin D levels and is useful for people at risk from vitamin D deficiency, such as people who get tired and fatigued easily, have inadequate sun exposure, limited oral intake, or have impaired intestinal absorption. In fact, in the UK a scary one in six adults are deficient in vitamin D.[2]
• Berkeley Health Iron FER: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia,[3] a global health problem. Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood, for cell multiplication, and to build the structure of tissues and organs. This test checks for ferritin levels, which is an excellent indicator of the amount of iron available to the body.
• Berkeley Health Urinary Tract Infection: UTIs are one of the most common infections in local primary care. This tests for leukocytes, looks at blood, nitrites or proteins in the urine, indicating if a possible infection may be in progress.
• Berkeley Health Thyroid TSH:An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common condition where the thyroid gland in your neck does not make enough hormones, which control how fast or slow your body uses energy, affecting your metabolism, weight, mood and even body temperature. This also checks for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, which can then be brought to your GP for further testing
• Berkeley Health Menopause FSH:For anyone who thinks they are experiencing menopause symptoms, this test measures Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. Although this test will not diagnose the start of menopause, it can potentially highlight changes which could point to the start of menopause. Visiting a GP at that point for an assessment can then offer confirmation.
• Berkeley Health Vaginal PH:This test indicates an abnormal level of vaginal mucus acidity and can help assess whether vaginal symptoms are caused by an infection that requires medical attention. For pregnant women, vaginal infections have the potential to cause harm, endangering both the mother and the foetus. So, symptoms and results obtained from this test should always be discussed with a doctor.

Further Information

For more information and where to buy Berkeley Health Tests, see: https://www.berkeleyhealth.com/ or buy at Waitrose or online at Waitrose: Waitrose.com.

References

1. https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/53756-what-new-years-resolutions-are-britons-making-for-2026
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-review-launched-into-vitamin-d-intake-to-help-tackle-health-disparities#:~:text=Around%201%20in%206%20adults,and%20muscle%20weakness%20in%20adults. .
3. Cappellini MD, Musallam KM, Taher AT (2020) Iron deficiency anaemia revisited. J Intern Med 287, 153–170.PubMedGoogle Scholar

Source and Media Contact

"Pally Kaur" <pally@junglecatsolutions.com>

Protecting Egg And Sperm From Oxidative Stress: The Nutrient You Need To Include In Your Pre-Pregnancy Plan

When you’re planning for a baby, hormones and ovulation tracking can become your key focus. But there’s something else you need to consider; what’s going on inside your cells.

New research published in the journal Nutrients, titled Ubiquinol in Fertility and Reproduction: A Conditionally Essential Nutrient for Critical Early-Life Stages[1]- says that egg and sperm cells are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, which is a type of damage that happens when harmful molecules build up in the body, quicker than the body can neutralise them. Too much oxidative stress can affect how well these cells work.

The research review says that the nutrient Ubiquinol, a bioavailable form of Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), plays a huge role in protecting these cells from oxidative stress, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Ubiquinol also plays a role in the cellular energy production that egg and sperm cells rely on to function properly.

Dr Emma Derbyshire Public health nutritionist and part of the Kaneka Ubiquinol expert hub, adds: “While some lifestyle and environmental factors can increase oxidative stress (think smoking, too much UV and stress), there are also certain stages of life when cells require more energy and they are naturally more vulnerable to damage from oxidative stress. If there isn’t enough nutritional support to attenuate this, cells might struggle to function at their best, potentially making it harder to conceive.”

According to the research, these life stages include the reproductive years, pregnancy, early development and advanced age. “Although we normally make enough of our own Ubiquinol naturally, during these stages, Ubiquinol may become ‘conditionally essential’. This means the body may not produce enough to meet the higher demand, so diet and/or supplementation could play a vital role," adds Dr Emma Derbyshire.

The research around Ubiquinol is a big breakthrough and could offer hope for the 186 million people around the world, including 48 million couples[2], who are infertile.

But, as it stands, 80% are not sure what Ubiquinol is and a high three-quarters (74%) have never even heard of Ubiquinol, according to research[3] commissioned by Kaneka Ubiquinol.

Sharing more about Ubiquinol, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “Ubiquinol plays a key role in the production of cellular energy needed by human cells and organs”.[4]

There are two forms of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is an  active and bioavailable from of CoQ10. Other forms of CoQ10, such as Ubiquinone, need to be converted to Ubiquinol before they can be used by the human body.[5] The oral bioavailability of Ubiquinol has been reported to be greater than that of ubiquinone in healthy adults and Kaneka Ubiquinol is three to five-times better absorbed than conventional CoQ10.[6,7]

Supporting Eggs and Sperm Cells

So how exactly does Ubiquinol help fertility?

Interestingly, egg cells, also called oocytes, are some of the most energy-demanding cells in the body.

“Eggs contain thousands of mitochondria which are like powerhouses inside cells that produce energy. They need this energy for egg maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire.

The latest research just published explains that Ubiquinol is essential for helping mitochondria produce energy efficiently. Plus, as Ubiquinol is an antioxidant, it helps to protect the cells which may have been damaged by oxidative stress.

The data identifies that several research studies have looked at whether Ubiquinol helps women undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF. In one particular study, 135 women with unexplained infertility took daily supplements, including100 mg of CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) and 600 mg of omega-3, two months before IVF treatment. There was also a control group of 164 women, who did not take the supplements. All the women then underwent ovarian stimulation using fertility hormones used to stimulate egg production before IVF.

The researchers found that the women taking the supplements had a much higher clinical pregnancy rate compared to those who did not.[8]

“As for sperm cells, they need lots of energy to move effectively. Just like egg cells, the energy comes from mitochondria,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire.  But sperm are particularly prone to oxidative stress because of the way their cell membranes are structured.

“Excess oxidative stress can affect how well sperm swim and even how much damage is caused to the DNA. The fascinating new paper highlights that protection against oxidative stress is crucial for maintaining sperm function with Ubiquinol playing a vital role.”

In a three-month study done on 100 men (50 infertile and 50 fertile), a daily supplement containing 200 mg of Ubiquinol helped improve sperm quality, reduce oxidative stress and lower sperm DNA damage.[9]

Dr Emma Derbyshire adds: “Egg and sperm cells require a lot of energy, so supporting them before conception, could help to reduce the chances of egg and sperm cell quality dropping. Particularly in the presence of fertility challenges or ageing parents.”

But, as per the Kaneka Ubiquinol research, a tiny 13% of people linked Ubiquinol to energy production and an even smaller 8% identified its role in mitochondrial function meaning 92% had no idea of Ubiquinol and the mitochondrial function.

Increasing your Intake of Ubiquinol

As the paper explains, there are not yet official intake recommendations for Ubiquinol, however oily fish, organ meats (such as liver), poultry, whole grains and green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach all provide CoQ10.

Dr Emma Derbyshire adds: “For couples struggling with infertility, it can often seem as though there’s nothing that can be done. However, supplements such as Kaneka Ubiquinol could be the aid that so many couples and individuals who are battling infertility need.

“The research around Ubiquinol is eye-opening and I hope it offers hope to people around the globe who have been struggling to conceive,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire.

Other research has shown that for individuals struggling with infertility, consider Kaneka Ubiquinol, which is three to five times more bioavailable than the oxidised form, ubiquinone, making it a preferred form for supplementation.[10] 

Kaneka is a leading ingredient supplier specialising in CoQ10 and Ubiquinol. Kaneka Ubiquinol products mean the highest quality standards of safety, sustainability and traceability. Plus, Kaneka has an ongoing research programme that is dedicated to investigating the importance of Ubiquinol for health.[11”

References

1. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/1/156#Abstract
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7863696/
3. Data on file GIN235085 - Ubiquinol
4. https://ubiquinol.org/ubiquinol-coq10-supplement-facts
5. Bhagavan, H.N. and Chopra, R.K. (2006). Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic Res. 40(5): p. 445-453.
6. Ikematsu H, Nakamura K, Harashima S et al. (2006) Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10 (Kaneka Q10) in healthy subjects: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 44(3): 212-8.
7. Hosoe K, Kiano M, Kishida H et al. (2007) Study on safety and bioavailability of ubiquinol (Kaneka QH™) after
8. single and 4-week multiple oral administration to healthy volunteers. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 47: 19-28.
9. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b79d/d15ba5c1ce33e3493f9b4d052924f92ec006.pdf
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8176152/
11. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PrimaryMitochondrialDisorders-HealthProfessional/#coQ
12. Data on file

Media Contact and Further Information

"Paula Figgett" <paula@junglecatsolutions.com>