In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we cover the UK’s first major trial offering cash to unhoused people as a poverty reduction strategy, Mexico’s civilian-led efforts to fight cartel violence, and the positive effects of reducing deforestation on public health in Brazil.
Homeless people to be given cash in first major UK trial to reduce poverty
Researchers are conducting the UK’s first major scientific trials to establish whether giving homeless people cash is a more effective way of reducing poverty than traditional forms of help. Poverty campaigners have long believed that cash transfers are the most cost-effective way of helping people, but most studies have examined schemes in developing countries.
Mexico’s civilian-led approach to tackling cartel violence
Claudia Sheinbaum, the nation’s first female president, pledged to avoid launching a new offensive against the powerful drug cartels, with the solution focusing on prevention, addressing root causes, intelligence, and a strong presence of authorities.
How cutting back on deforestation improved Brazil’s public health
Recent policy shifts in Brazil that curbed Amazon deforestation for agricultural purposes have been linked to a big decline in hospitalisations and wildfire-related fatalities – potentially saving thousands of lives.
The AI mediation tool helping people find common ground
This chatbot-style tool generates group statements that mirror both majority and minority perspectives, helping people with different opinions identify shared points of consensus.
AI-powered wheelchair gives freedom to those with movement challenges
For individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy that impact mobility and coordination, controlling a traditional wheelchair can be difficult. But a new “AI wheelchair” is helping to restore this sense of independence.
University of Texas System offers free tuition for families earning $100K or less
The Board of Regents has given the green light for the expansion of the Promise Plus scheme, which will provide free tuition and fees for undergraduate students starting in autumn 2025. The move is expected to build on previous initiatives, with UT graduate student debt already dropping from 53.6% in 2019 to 47.8% in 2023.
AI project in Canada looks to reverse the trend towards mass insect extinction
Solar-powered camera traps in a variety of regions, from the Canadian far north to the rain forests of Panama, collect data on insects attracted to the light. The director of Montreal’s Insectarium thinks this low-cost solution could double the insect data collected over the last 150 years and create tools for conservation and restoration of biodiversity.
A tech solution to wasteful supply chain in the fashion industry
Based on the Isle of Wight, TeeMill has developed a circular system of clothing pre-orders that can be produced in minutes on spec – with the cost savings already attracting over 10,000 brands and businesses.
A low-impact gym is helping slow Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria
The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation provides personalised care plans and a low-impact gym designed to fit the needs of individuals living with Parkinson’s. According to ADPF data, 90% of participants who follow their care plan see a slower rate of Parkinson’s progression.
Ecologists bringing back biodiversity in India’s tea region
70% of arable land in the Western Ghat mountain area of India is devoted to tea plantations stemming from colonial times – but the degradation of the land has caused the area to be termed a “green desert.” Ecologists in the Nigiri region are restoring some of the land to grassland that supports animals and holds water in the soil for use downstream.
