In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re covering Spain’s push to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace, a major EU court ruling protecting marine ecosystems, and a encouraging new tool in the fight against sepsis.
Spain champions LGBTQ+ workers’ rights despite global regression
Amongst others, a new decree stipulates that companies with more than 50 employees need to implement specific measures to prevent the discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.
EU court rules Marine Protected Areas must be shielded from trawling
After rejecting a legal challenge brought by a German fishing association, a European court has ruled that Marine Protected Areas must be properly protected from destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling.
According to new data, fewer ships sank last year than ever before. Evidence suggests this isn’t a happy accident: it continues a positive trend that has been ongoing for decades.
New rapid test detects sepsis with over 90% accuracy
Researchers in Canada have created a portable device and blood test that can identify the early signs of sepsis more quickly and accurately than current diagnostic tools.
Bradford project produces “outstanding” rise in children’s physical activity
A project in the UK which included young people designing their own play spaces has led to what researchers say is the highest increase in children’s physical activity ever recorded by an intervention of its kind. The JU:MP programme included co-design of play spaces, exercise in faith settings and interventions in schools.
CU Boulder scheme helps Latina mothers with postpartum depression
Nearly half of Latina mothers in the US experience some form of postpartum mental health challenge. The University of Colorado Boulder’s programme, Alma, has helped hundreds of women by connecting them with peer mentors who have faced similar struggles.
The Iberian lynx population grew by 19% in 2024, reaching a total of 2,401 animals. This figure comes from the latest annual census conducted by Spanish and Portuguese organisations involved in the species’ recovery project.
In Panama, Indigenous communities lead the reforestation movement
In the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, an Indigenous protected territory in Panama, local communities are pairing up with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to build a new model of reforestation, centred on native tree species and supported by carbon credit payments.
Inclusive styling workshops are helping blind women become more self-reliant
Across the UK, inclusive hair styling workshops and adaptive fashion events are letting women with vision loss to express themselves and build confidence with control over their personal style.
How a Kentucky horse farm is helping men build sober lives
Right in the middle of an area home to America’s bourbon industry, Stable Recovery is entirely funded by donations and does no formal advertising. The programme is offered as an alternative to prison, with the goal being to keep men in the scheme for a year as opposed to other recovery models, which usually run for 30-90 days.
