There is growing UK and international interest in using ‘small modular nuclear reactors’ (SMRs) to generate electricity, and the UK Government announced a number of measures to support SMR development in the 2018 Nuclear Sector Deal. Stakeholders suggest that, compared with conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs could offer cost savings to operators and consumers, more flexible energy production and a greater choice of potential sites. This note examines key aspects of SMR technology, their economics and regulation.

There is growing UK and international interest in using ‘small modular nuclear reactors’ (SMRs) to generate electricity, and the UK Government announced a number of measures to support SMR development in the 2018 Nuclear Sector Deal. Stakeholders suggest that, compared with conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs could offer cost savings to...

A legacy of persistent pollutants is widely distributed in the environment, increasing the potential for exposure of wildlife and humans. This POSTnote sets out the challenge this posed for regulators, current regulatory approaches and some of the emerging issues.

A legacy of persistent pollutants is widely distributed in the environment, increasing the potential for exposure of wildlife and humans. This POSTnote sets out the challenge this posed for regulators, current regulatory approaches and some of the emerging issues.

Biometric technologies identify individuals based on their distinguishing physical and behavioural attributes, such as fingerprints, face, and voice. Unlike passwords or traditional identity documents, biometric attributes are inherently linked to a person and cannot usually be lost or forgotten, potentially providing greater security and convenience. This briefing focuses on how these technologies work, their applications, and the policy challenges raised by their use.

Biometric technologies identify individuals based on their distinguishing physical and behavioural attributes, such as fingerprints, face, and voice. Unlike passwords or traditional identity documents, biometric attributes are inherently linked to a person and cannot usually be lost or forgotten, potentially providing greater security and convenience. This briefing focuses on how...

A POSTnote that discusses the age of criminal responsibility and explores issues arising from international legal standards, the scientific research on children's mental and moral development, and alternative approaches to dealing with children in conflict with the law.

A POSTnote that discusses the age of criminal responsibility and explores issues arising from international legal standards, the scientific research on children's mental and moral development, and alternative approaches to dealing with children in conflict with the law.

Teaching about relationships and sex in UK schools often focuses on the biology of reproduction. Stakeholders have called for lessons to cover a broader range of issues, such as healthy relationships and the risks posed by using digital technology. The subject Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) will become statutory in all secondary schools in England in the near future. There is ongoing consultation into what will be included in the statutory guidance for RSE. This POSTnote reviews evidence on the potential outcomes of RSE in schools and how to maximise its effectiveness.

Teaching about relationships and sex in UK schools often focuses on the biology of reproduction. Stakeholders have called for lessons to cover a broader range of issues, such as healthy relationships and the risks posed by using digital technology. The subject Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) will become statutory in...

Fires at Grenfell Tower in 2017, Lakanal House in 2009, and other residential tower blocks have raised questions about how construction products affect the severity and spread of fires. This briefing considers how the fire safety of construction products is regulated; how products are tested and classified; and challenges for product testing and the building regulations more widely.

Fires at Grenfell Tower in 2017, Lakanal House in 2009, and other residential tower blocks have raised questions about how construction products affect the severity and spread of fires. This briefing considers how the fire safety of construction products is regulated; how products are tested and classified; and challenges for...

This POSTnote examines what is known about the human microbiome and the diseases and conditions linked to it. The note then describes interventions to modify the human microbiome and examines the issues raised by their use and by microbiome research more generally.

This POSTnote examines what is known about the human microbiome and the diseases and conditions linked to it. The note then describes interventions to modify the human microbiome and examines the issues raised by their use and by microbiome research more generally.

This POSTnote looks at the quality of housing in the private rented sector and explains the effects that housing conditions can have on health. It also looks at interventions to improve housing quality in the private rented sector and at the challenges to implementing them.

This POSTnote looks at the quality of housing in the private rented sector and explains the effects that housing conditions can have on health. It also looks at interventions to improve housing quality in the private rented sector and at the challenges to implementing them.

Following EU withdrawal the UK will have full responsibility for fisheries policy and management within its waters. This POSTnote summarises the science used to inform management, current approaches to EU fisheries, and challenges and opportunities for future UK fisheries management

Following EU withdrawal the UK will have full responsibility for fisheries policy and management within its waters. This POSTnote summarises the science used to inform management, current approaches to EU fisheries, and challenges and opportunities for future UK fisheries management

This POST note examines the biological basis of ageing, the potential to manipulate the ageing process and to use such knowledge to promote better health later in life.

This POST note examines the biological basis of ageing, the potential to manipulate the ageing process and to use such knowledge to promote better health later in life.

Electricity markets in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe are physically linked by ‘interconnector’ cables. These benefit energy system operators and consumers by reducing prices. They can also help integrate renewable electricity and ensure security of supply. This note discusses these benefits, proposals for future increases in interconnection and the potential effects of Brexit.

Electricity markets in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe are physically linked by ‘interconnector’ cables. These benefit energy system operators and consumers by reducing prices. They can also help integrate renewable electricity and ensure security of supply. This note discusses these benefits, proposals for future increases in interconnection and the...

Parental Alcohol Misuse (PAM) can negatively affect children’s physical and mental health, and other outcomes including educational attainment and behaviour. Effects can be acute when experienced in conjunction with other adverse experiences such as domestic abuse, marital conflict, and deprivation. PAM is a common feature in child protection and care proceedings, and places a considerable burden on social services.

Parental Alcohol Misuse (PAM) can negatively affect children’s physical and mental health, and other outcomes including educational attainment and behaviour. Effects can be acute when experienced in conjunction with other adverse experiences such as domestic abuse, marital conflict, and deprivation. PAM is a common feature in child protection and care...

A POSTnote which explains what science diplomacy involves, outlining the mechanisms and settings that encourage organisations and individuals to build international relations through science-related activities.

A POSTnote which explains what science diplomacy involves, outlining the mechanisms and settings that encourage organisations and individuals to build international relations through science-related activities.

A POSTnote which explains what advanced therapies are and how they can benefit patients, and gives an overview of the current regulatory framework and how this might change after Brexit.

A POSTnote which explains what advanced therapies are and how they can benefit patients, and gives an overview of the current regulatory framework and how this might change after Brexit.

The burning of natural gas for heating contributes 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Decarbonising, or reducing the carbon content of the UK gas supply is one option for reducing the emissions from heating. This POSTnote looks at the contribution that two alternative gases, hydrogen and biomethane, could make in achieving this goal.

The burning of natural gas for heating contributes 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Decarbonising, or reducing the carbon content of the UK gas supply is one option for reducing the emissions from heating. This POSTnote looks at the contribution that two alternative gases, hydrogen and biomethane, could...

Earth observation (EO) is the process of gathering information about the Earth from a range of sensors to provide monitoring data at a range of scales. This POSTnote outlines some of the environmental uses and benefits of EO data, the potential opportunities from advances in relevant technologies and challenges facing the effective use of EO data.

Earth observation (EO) is the process of gathering information about the Earth from a range of sensors to provide monitoring data at a range of scales. This POSTnote outlines some of the environmental uses and benefits of EO data, the potential opportunities from advances in relevant technologies and challenges facing...

People's responses to risk are shaped by the way that such risks are communicated. Communicating risks effectively can defuse concerns, mitigate disaster situations and build trust with public institutions and organisations. This POSTnote defines the often misunderstood concepts of risk, uncertainty and hazard and describes the key stakeholders communicating it. It examines the factors that shape how people perceive and respond to such risks and summarises evidence on effective risk communication strategies.

People's responses to risk are shaped by the way that such risks are communicated. Communicating risks effectively can defuse concerns, mitigate disaster situations and build trust with public institutions and organisations. This POSTnote defines the often misunderstood concepts of risk, uncertainty and hazard and describes the key stakeholders communicating it....

This POSTnote describes some of the new models of Children and Young People Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) and examines the challenges to their effective implementation.

This POSTnote describes some of the new models of Children and Young People Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) and examines the challenges to their effective implementation.

The unique properties of engineered nanomaterials are beneficial to a range of industries. However, uncertainties in assessing their potential health and environmental risks could hinder their safe use. This POSTnote summarises the current regulation of nanomaterials and highlights potential future directions for regulatory testing approaches.

The unique properties of engineered nanomaterials are beneficial to a range of industries. However, uncertainties in assessing their potential health and environmental risks could hinder their safe use. This POSTnote summarises the current regulation of nanomaterials and highlights potential future directions for regulatory testing approaches.

This POSTnote describes the new EU Clinical Trial Regulation and the timetable for its implementation and examines its likely impact on the regulation of clinical trials in the UK post-Brexit.

This POSTnote describes the new EU Clinical Trial Regulation and the timetable for its implementation and examines its likely impact on the regulation of clinical trials in the UK post-Brexit.

Migration is often cited in public debate as a significant factor in the demand for UK housing. This POSTnote provides an overview of available research on migrants and housing. It examines definitions and data sources on migration and its implications. It also outlines the possible impact of migrants on housing, including variation by tenure type, migrant characteristics and region. Finally, it considers the impact of housing on migrants and local communities.

Migration is often cited in public debate as a significant factor in the demand for UK housing. This POSTnote provides an overview of available research on migrants and housing. It examines definitions and data sources on migration and its implications. It also outlines the possible impact of migrants on housing,...

Internet search engines and social media platforms are an increasingly popular way of accessing news and information. In 2017, the proportion of UK adults consuming news online exceeded those who watched news on TV (74% versus 69%). This note considers how people access news online, how algorithms (sequences of instructions) and social networks influence the content that users see, and options for mitigating any negative impact.

Internet search engines and social media platforms are an increasingly popular way of accessing news and information. In 2017, the proportion of UK adults consuming news online exceeded those who watched news on TV (74% versus 69%). This note considers how people access news online, how algorithms (sequences of instructions)...

A POSTnote that highlights the critical role of radioactive isotopes used in medicine, and outlines the challenges for the UK in ensuring their future supply.

A POSTnote that highlights the critical role of radioactive isotopes used in medicine, and outlines the challenges for the UK in ensuring their future supply.

Agricultural practices can reduce water quality, degrade soils and cause biodiversity loss. This in turn can disrupt natural processes that support food production. Environmentally sustainable agriculture seeks to reduce environmental damage and restore such processes. This POSTnote summarises associated land management options, agricultural policies and the constraints imposed by a new trading environment.

Agricultural practices can reduce water quality, degrade soils and cause biodiversity loss. This in turn can disrupt natural processes that support food production. Environmentally sustainable agriculture seeks to reduce environmental damage and restore such processes. This POSTnote summarises associated land management options, agricultural policies and the constraints imposed by a...

This note outlines current UK trade in food and animal feed, examines the challenges raised to the security of UK food supply by withdrawal from the EU and analyses the policy options available for improving UK food security

This note outlines current UK trade in food and animal feed, examines the challenges raised to the security of UK food supply by withdrawal from the EU and analyses the policy options available for improving UK food security

Sea level rise increases the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and rates of coastal erosion. Sea level rise will continue far beyond the 21st century, even if global temperature increase is limited to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This POSTnote sets out the causes and likely future levels of sea level rise and its implications. It updates POSTnote 363 on Sea Level Rise, published in September 2010.

Sea level rise increases the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and rates of coastal erosion. Sea level rise will continue far beyond the 21st century, even if global temperature increase is limited to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This POSTnote sets out the causes and likely future levels of sea...

A POSTnote which reviews trends in global health inequalities in the context of the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals.

A POSTnote which reviews trends in global health inequalities in the context of the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals.

The Government has identified ‘cyber’ as one of six Tier 1 threats to UK national security. This POSTnote focuses on the cyber security of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, describing measures to improve cyber security and challenges in implementing them. It also reviews the new National Cyber Security Strategy, along with international policy and legislation.

The Government has identified ‘cyber’ as one of six Tier 1 threats to UK national security. This POSTnote focuses on the cyber security of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, describing measures to improve cyber security and challenges in implementing them. It also reviews the new National Cyber Security Strategy, along...

Quantum Technologies use the behaviour of matter and light that is normally only observed at very small scales. This POSTnote introduces recent advances, applications, and UK initiatives to support their development and commercialisation. It also reviews policy concerns such as privacy, access to new technologies and secure communications.

Quantum Technologies use the behaviour of matter and light that is normally only observed at very small scales. This POSTnote introduces recent advances, applications, and UK initiatives to support their development and commercialisation. It also reviews policy concerns such as privacy, access to new technologies and secure communications.

This note outlines some of the new plant breeding techniques developed recently and looks at their applications and the regulatory challenges they raise

This note outlines some of the new plant breeding techniques developed recently and looks at their applications and the regulatory challenges they raise

This POSTnote describes clinical testing technologies and their status in the UK, and highlights some of the issues which may be of interest to Parliamentarians. POSTnote 4. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN004

This POSTnote describes clinical testing technologies and their status in the UK, and highlights some of the issues which may be of interest to Parliamentarians. POSTnote 4. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN004

This POSTnote presents some of the science and technology relevant to human fertilisation and embryology. POSTnote 6. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN006 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN006

This POSTnote presents some of the science and technology relevant to human fertilisation and embryology. POSTnote 6. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN006 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN006

This POSTnote summarises the technology involved in decommissioning nuclear power stations and addresses related issues of potential interest to Parliamentarians. POSTnote 5. POST. 1989.

This POSTnote summarises the technology involved in decommissioning nuclear power stations and addresses related issues of potential interest to Parliamentarians. POSTnote 5. POST. 1989.

This POSTnote looks at the potential for increasing energy efficiency in the UK, the barriers to progress, and reviews some of the options available for improvement. POSTnote 11. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote looks at the potential for increasing energy efficiency in the UK, the barriers to progress, and reviews some of the options available for improvement. POSTnote 11. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote addresses the processes underlying the generation of landfill gas and describes some of the options available for its control and use. POSTnote 3. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN003 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN003

This POSTnote addresses the processes underlying the generation of landfill gas and describes some of the options available for its control and use. POSTnote 3. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN003 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN003

This briefing note describes the science and technology underpinning the irradiation of foods. POSTnote 1. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN001

This briefing note describes the science and technology underpinning the irradiation of foods. POSTnote 1. POST. 1989. https://doi.org/10.58248/PN001

This POSTnote describes the UK’s involvement in the space station, and examines the way ahead in the light of the US budget constraints and European aspirations in space. POSTnote 7. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes the UK’s involvement in the space station, and examines the way ahead in the light of the US budget constraints and European aspirations in space. POSTnote 7. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote reviews the Antarctic Treaty System with emphasis on scientific activities relevant to the current debate. POSTnote 18. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote reviews the Antarctic Treaty System with emphasis on scientific activities relevant to the current debate. POSTnote 18. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes the basis of current standards and highlights some of the issues relating to the provision of safe drinking water. POSTnote 8. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes the basis of current standards and highlights some of the issues relating to the provision of safe drinking water. POSTnote 8. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes the present and potential applications of optical fibres and examines issues arising from the current regulatory framework within which they and competing technologies operate. POSTnote 13. POST. 1990 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN013

This POSTnote describes the present and potential applications of optical fibres and examines issues arising from the current regulatory framework within which they and competing technologies operate. POSTnote 13. POST. 1990 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN013

This POSTnote describes superconductivity and its potential, and examines the UK response with reference to similar efforts abroad. POSTnote 12. POST. 1990 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN012

This POSTnote describes superconductivity and its potential, and examines the UK response with reference to similar efforts abroad. POSTnote 12. POST. 1990 https://doi.org/10.58248/PN012

This POSTnote describes current and planned research on the human genome, and considers issues which may arise from this work. POSTnote 15. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes current and planned research on the human genome, and considers issues which may arise from this work. POSTnote 15. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote examines the current state of knowledge of ‘slow viruses’ such as BSE, the evidence relevant to the public health implications and uncertainties which remain. POSTnote 14. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote examines the current state of knowledge of ‘slow viruses’ such as BSE, the evidence relevant to the public health implications and uncertainties which remain. POSTnote 14. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote reviews technical aspects relevant to improving international control over the spread of sophisticated weaponry. POSTnote 19. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote reviews technical aspects relevant to improving international control over the spread of sophisticated weaponry. POSTnote 19. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote examines the effect of the National Curriculum on science teaching and the implications for the future of GCSE and A- Level exams, as well as for higher education. POSTnote 17. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote examines the effect of the National Curriculum on science teaching and the implications for the future of GCSE and A- Level exams, as well as for higher education. POSTnote 17. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes how computers can be ‘misused’, the damage that may or may not result, and the issues raised. POSTnote 9. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes how computers can be ‘misused’, the damage that may or may not result, and the issues raised. POSTnote 9. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote describes GMOs, their applications, potential risks and control. POSTnote 10. POST.1990.

This POSTnote describes GMOs, their applications, potential risks and control. POSTnote 10. POST.1990.

This POSTnote summarises current knowledge on global warming, and examines some remaining uncertainties which are relevant to decision-makers. POSTnote 16. POST. 1990.

This POSTnote summarises current knowledge on global warming, and examines some remaining uncertainties which are relevant to decision-makers. POSTnote 16. POST. 1990.

This note focuses on the latest UK dietary advice given to women from family planning through pregnancy and into breastfeeding.

This note focuses on the latest UK dietary advice given to women from family planning through pregnancy and into breastfeeding.

This POSTnote outlines the benefits and costs of future improvements in energy efficiency across various UK sectors. It then describes the barriers to energy efficiency measures, outlines options for future energy efficiency policy and summarises analyses of the effectiveness of different policy options.

This POSTnote outlines the benefits and costs of future improvements in energy efficiency across various UK sectors. It then describes the barriers to energy efficiency measures, outlines options for future energy efficiency policy and summarises analyses of the effectiveness of different policy options.