Sign in

Ruth Watson

@ruthwatson.eurosky.social
25K followers 2.5K following 15K posts

Journalist. Activist. Working for a better tomorrow today. Political perspectives. Sustainability. Resilience. Food security. Social justice. Scottish. Irish. Algerian. Kabyl. There is no Planet B.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Nobel Prize @nobelprize.org · 1h
BREAKING NEWS The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel “for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.”
5309183
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Trussell Scotland @trussellscot.bsky.social · 1h
Today we’re at the launch of @jrf-uk.bsky.social’s Poverty in Scotland report. We must see bolder & upscaled action from all levels of govt to end poverty & build a Scotland where everyone can afford the essentials. More here 👇
022
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Andrew Chakhoyan 🇺🇦 @andrewchak.bsky.social · 1h
“Aren’t you disgusted to be sitting at the same table with an international war criminal, the butcher of the Ukrainian people?” Dmytro Gordon, asked Trump’s envoys in Kyiv, where Witkoff and Kushner arrived after visiting with Putin in Moscow. chakhoyan.substack.com/p/the-folly-...
1247
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Nobel Prize @nobelprize.org · 1h
To understand how the brain forms memories, feelings and behaviours has long been a dream for researchers.
1369
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Nobel Prize @nobelprize.org · 1h
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries leading to optogenetics, which makes it possible to switch on, or off, the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain.
14015
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 1h
As a Scot, from the country in the UK which voted Remain but was dragged out anyway, A nation whose people have voted repeatedly for a 2nd independence referendum because Brexit exposed the lack of fairness and lack of democracy within the existing constitutional framework This is all infuriating.
043
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Anand Menon @anandmenon.bsky.social · 1h
I spoke to WATO about the Brexit options the UK can choose from
4157
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 2h
As a Jew I think what the Greens have done is appalling. As a political commentator I think Andy Burnham is a lucky man.
4255754
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Amy Borrett @amyborrett.ft.com · 1h
🚨Over 20 NHS trusts have ditched Palantir waiting-list tools, according to @financialtimes.com analysis that casts doubt on widely cited claims about the success of the controversial project led by the US tech giant Another NHS/Palantir scoop w/ @laurahughesft.bsky.social as.ft.com/r/2580543f-2...
Stacked bar showing NHS England's impact claims include many hospitals that no longer use Palantir's waiting list tools
095
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Cycling Scotland @cyclingscotland.bsky.social · 1h
In 2025-26, several council areas reached new heights with #BikeabilityScotland 🚲 • @highland.gov.uk saw the greatest local increase in training delivery • @anguscouncil.bsky.social, @argyllandbute.bsky.social, @eastayrshire.bsky.social and Falkirk Council achieved their highest delivery rates yet
cycling.scot
More schools delivering Bikeability Scotland cycle training than ever before
2025-26 saw a record 70% of schools deliver Bikeability Scotland cycle training to 56,000 pupils, with the greatest growth in the Highlands.
032
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Cycling Scotland @cyclingscotland.bsky.social · 3h
NEWS: 2025-26 a record-breaking year for #BikeabilityScotland. 🚲️ • 56,000 pupils participated • 64% of primary schools delivered on-road Level 2 training (more than ever before) • Greatest increase in delivery in the Highlands Read more: buff.ly/dqv3fcE
A girl smiles as she takes part in an on-road Level 2 Bikeability Scotland cycle training session.A girl looks over her shoulder to observe traffic as she takes part in an on-road Level 2 Bikeability Scotland cycle training session with classmates, on a residential road.School pupils concentrate as they cycle on a residential street during a Bikeability Scotland cycle training session.
152
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP @hongkongfp.com · 1h
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has launched a probe into commercial gym chain 24/7 Fitness after pinhole cameras were discovered in the changing room of a Sha Tin branch. In full: hongkongfp.com/2026/10/05/h... Photo: @4_matthew_15 via Threads screenshot.
031
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Nobel Prize @nobelprize.org · 1h
Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel – awarded the 2026 medicine prize – discovered a remarkable protein, channelrhodopsin, in a single-celled alga. Hegemann wondered how Chlamydomonas, a single-celled alga, is able to swim towards a light source.
16429
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Keith Irving @keithirving.bsky.social · 3h
More children cycling and benefiting from being active, independent, having increased road safety awareness and learning a skill for life. #BikeabilityScotland
042
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Sheila Kidd @sheilamkidd.bsky.social · 3h
A-màireach – tomorrow (5/10) Centre for Scottish & Celtic Studies’ Research Seminar in person & online Professor Hugh Cheape ‘Material Culture and Language: Reconstructing the Past in a West Highland Community’ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hugh-cheap...
eventbrite.co.uk
Hugh Cheape, Material Culture and Language
Part of the weekly seminar series run by the Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, for academic session 2026/27
123
Reposted by Ruth Watson
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 3h
⚡️Pro-Russian Dodik claims party victory in Bosnian elections. "If it had not been for (U.S. President) Donald Trump's magnificent victory, we would probably be political corpses today," Milorad Dodik told his supporters, while also thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
kyivindependent.com
Pro-Russian Dodik claims party victory in Bosnian elections
"If it had not been for (U.S. President) Donald Trump's magnificent victory, we would probably be political corpses today," Milorad Dodik told his supporters, while also thanking Russian President Vla...
145930
Reposted by Ruth Watson
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 3h
From Reykjavík to The Hague, European governments are starting to prepare for a literal sea change that would end life as we know it on the continent.
politico.eu
A climate nightmare lurks in the Atlantic. Europe is starting to pay attention.
A slowdown of ocean currents that would disrupt life on the continent on an unthinkable scale.
13726
Reposted by Ruth Watson
St Giles' Cathedral @stgilescathedral.bsky.social · 20h
Visitors with Accessibility Requirements can book an Access Ticket which comes with an optional free Companion Pass. tickets.stgilescathedral.org.uk/book/general... #Edinburgh #Scotland #StGilesCathedral #VisitScotland #VisitEdinburgh
tickets.stgilescathedral.org.uk
General Admission
Book your ticket to visit St Giles' Cathedral, for up to six visitors.
101
Reposted by Ruth Watson
St Giles' Cathedral @stgilescathedral.bsky.social · 20h
All residents in Scotland can claim a free Resident Pass, for streamlined and free entry during visitor hours. tickets.stgilescathedral.org.uk/book/residen... #Edinburgh #Scotland #StGilesCathedral #VisitScotland #VisitEdinburgh
tickets.stgilescathedral.org.uk
Resident Pass
Residents of Scotland can redeem a Resident Pass for free entry to St Giles'.
101
Reposted by Ruth Watson
St Giles' Cathedral @stgilescathedral.bsky.social · 20h
St Giles’ Cathedral is pleased to announce that tickets are now live for visiting from Monday 5th October. Tickets can now be purchased from our website: www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visit-us We look forward to welcoming you to St Giles' Cathedral.#Edinburgh #Scotland #StGilesCathedral
132
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Rebecca Sear @rebeccasear.bsky.social · 3h
Extreme heat is raising risks for pregnant women and babies, and Wellcome is calling for the needs of pregnant women and their babies to be reflected in national climate and health plans www.ft.com/content/f943...

	Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://help.ft.com/faq/gifting-and-sharing-an-article/what-is-a-gift-article/.
	https://www.ft.com/content/f9439ec0-f591-42b8-b376-015be62aad24?emailId=6157b41d-749b-40ba-8b38-98ceb569de40&segmentId=22011ee7-896a-8c4c-22a0-7603348b7f22&syn-25a6b1a6=1

	The poll of midwives, obstetricians and others in the field by Wellcome, one of the world’s biggest scientific funders, found that 73 per cent had seen an increase in heat-related complications affecting pregnant women over the past five years. More than three-quarters reported an increase in harm to foetal or newborn health from high temperatures over the same period.
11110
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Euronews @euronews.com · 3h
An 80-year-old farmer has been found dead and eight national park workers are stranded in the Samaria Gorge, as ministers head to the island and EU satellites map the affected areas. #EuropeNews
l.euronews.com
Five days of intense rainfall leave trail of destruction across Crete
An 80-year-old farmer has been found dead and eight national park workers are stranded in the Samaria Gorge, as ministers head to the island and EU satellites map the affected areas.
1138
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Phil Sturgeon 🌳🚵⚓️ @philsturgeon.com · 3h
The woodland creation targets are going to be missed in 2026 just like they were in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, ... Government so far only tinkering around the edges with no meaningful reform in sight. Lots of AI data centers though.
3159
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Sarah de Lange @sldelange.bsky.social · 3h
Europe is entering a crucial phase. With the French presidential elections in Spring, Italian elections in 2027, and perhaps even early elections in Germany at some point, it could look fundamentally different a year from now.
1811
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 12h
Too many people are going horribly, hideously wrong. Racism, fascism, sexism, anti-Semitism, and more... Bigots are fearful, dangerous fools too often ready to be led by corrupt, dangerous opportunists, fanatics, fantasists. It turns out, too many people learned nothing by wearing a poppy.
072
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 17h
Lots in here, of course, that I don't agree with (as the writer intends, no doubt) but it does remind me of sitting round a campfire with a load of hippies in the '80s. I suspect, and hope, every generation has these conversations and meanderings. I think it is important to care enough to think.
010
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 21h
This Film often has the piss taken out of it for being a rather sedentary piece about 2 people just talking a lot — BUT — it has one of the most brilliantly prescient monologues imho. MY DINNER WITH ANDRE (1981) Have a listen.
81953238
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 18h
Remarkable mental athletics.
0103
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Rachel Pope @prehistorian.bsky.social · 20h
It’s time to start teaching on masculinity. Readers in social theory, who are your favourite British scholars on the topic?
195
Reposted by Ruth Watson
WuTangIsForTheChildren @wutangforchildren.bsky.social · 19h
Jack Smith….man of the people at the Power to the People concert hanging out on the lawn….no fancy pavilion seats or backstage laminate pass
1002223094822
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Bunkunin @bunkunin.bsky.social · 21h
Jewish human rights barrister, 94, arrested for supporting Palestine Action www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10...
aljazeera.com
‘I’m rather proud’: Barrister, 94, arrested for supporting Palestine Action
Margaret Owen OBE, a celebrated human rights lawyer and friend of Ed Miliband’s late mother, talks to Al Jazeera.
482059643
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 18h
See a doctor if scratched or bitten. An English woman died from rabies after a small scratch from a puppy in Morocco. She'd cleaned the site immediately with a wet wipe. The doctors treating her in England had never seen rabies before. She was only diagnosed after being referred to a psychiatrist.
221
Reposted by Ruth Watson
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control @ecdc.europa.eu · 19h
A bite or scratch from an animal can be easy to brush off. With rabies, don’t. Instead: 🧼 Wash the wound well with soap & water. 🩺 Seek medical advice ASAP. 💉 Don’t wait for symptoms. Treatment after exposure can prevent rabies when started in time. www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/rabies #WorldRabiesDay
1168
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Admirable Women @admirablewomen.bsky.social · 20h
English physician & epidemiologist Dr. Alice Stewart is best-known for her pioneering research in the 1950s that established a strong link between prenatal X-ray exposure and childhood leukemia. Her work influenced radiation protection standards. She was born #OTD in 1906. #WomenInSTEM #MedSky
Black-and-white photograph of English physician and pioneering epidemiologist Dr. Alice Stewart (1906–2002) working at her desk, symbolizing her groundbreaking research linking prenatal X-ray exposure to childhood leukemia. The composition positions Dr. Stewart on the left side of the frame, angled slightly toward the camera. She sits at a wooden desk with her body turned forward, leaning her forearms against the surface. Holding a pen in her right hand, she is captured in the act of writing on loose-leaf papers, looking directly at the viewer with a slight, knowing smile and an intelligent, engaged expression. Her dark hair is short, textured, and styled in loose curls around her face. She wears a crisp, light-colored medical lab coat over a textured collared shirt or blouse. The setting is a research lab or office environment. Positioned prominently in the background on the desk to her left is a large, classic black compound microscope. Stacks of research papers, documents, and reference materials are scattered across the workspace. The overall mood is intellectual, professional, and deeply focused, capturing a legendary scientist whose rigorous data collection transformed global radiation protection standards.
111273407
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 19h
*sighs in multiracial Scots*
160
Reposted by Ruth Watson
New-Cleckit Dominie @ncdominie.bsky.social · 19h
This picture from a Red Cross photoshoot in 1918 is an uncomfortable reminder of the time when Glasgow had a racially segregated hospital. A wee thread... 📷: Library of Congress
A Black man in a hospital bed, reading a newspaper while a (white) nurse looks on.
23621
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 19h
Several hospitals were closed in Irkutsk for quarantine and a mask regime was introduced at an aluminum plant due to the plague ru.themoscowtimes.com/2026/10/04/v...
27427200
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 19h
This should not have needed to go to court. It remains a tragic reality that for many people that is the only way in which they can seek safety though, and one which Labour is desperately trying to deny as many as possible www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Court quashes block on mothers and children in Gaza joining families in UK
Immigration court judge finds ‘unsafe journeys’ policy was applied unlawfully to two families
05318
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 19h
Whistleblower and former banker Simon Andriesz, 57, has died by suicide, The Banker reports. Andriesz exposed US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
107854393
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Project Gutenberg @gutenberg.org · 04/10/2026
Join EveryLibrary Live! for Banned Books Week 2026, a four-day virtual celebration of authors, books, readers, and the freedom to read. www.everylibrary.org/bannedbooksw... #bannedbooksweek
everylibrary.org
Author Events All Banned Books Week 2026 on EveryLibrary Live
03524
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Thread. We could – and probably will – still see these threads in ten years' time.
64110
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Le Monde in English @english.lemonde.fr · 04/10/2026
Pro-Europe Latvian PM wins poll dominated by Russia, social worries
lemonde.fr
Pro-Europe Latvian PM wins poll dominated by Russia, social worries
Andris Kulbergs' United List party won 42 seats in the 100-seat parliament, but Latvia's parliamentary election also saw gains for populist parties, boosted by support from Latvia's Russian-speaking minority.
14662193
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Kevin Maguire @kevmag.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Conservative Party is “authoritarian” and attacking the “free press” by banning journalists from its conference when Kemi Badenoch called Reform precisely that for doing the same. bylinetimes.com/2026/09/30/k...
bylinetimes.com
Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives Block Byline Times From Conference After Condemning Reform for Journalist Ban
The ban comes just weeks after the Conservative leader called Reform's barring of critical journalists from their conference an "authoritarian" attack on the free press
1326287
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Big election today and a real crisis decision for Brazil. And the world.
bbc.co.uk
What to know about Brazil's election pitting Lula against Flávio Bolsonaro
Polls suggest the election will be a closely run contest between the left-wing incumbent and his right-wing rival.
26410122
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Hoodlum 🇺🇸 @nothoodlum.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The corruption is so blatant. US-Russia discussions now include a multibillion-dollar purchase of Russian energy giant Lukoil’s global assets,to enrich Mid East businesses with ties to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who are leading the negotiations. Gift link. 👇 www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
19120921204
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 21h
Evoking the spirit of English fascist, Sir Oswald Mosley (Whose grandson just happens to be a senior exec in Palantir)
Mosely and his anti-Semitic Blackshirts - Getty Images
062
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 22h
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb: “People need to start seriously thinking what will be one of the strongest security guarantees for Europe in the future.
929875
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 22h
“And I would argue that it is the military of Ukraine. It is the most modern military force that we have in Europe today. It is a buffer zone and an impediment for the potential of Russian aggression.”
730157
Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 21h
I am fairly sure I would be one of those who died pretty quickly from things we dismiss as a minor complaint today: an insect bite, an ear infection, a scratch, a tooth cavity, a pimple in the wrong place...
3120
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
There is no moral equivalence between bullies and the bullied, between tyranny and democracy, or between brutality and decency. No individual can be free in a society devoid of justice. There can be no liberty where brutality reigns.
10355441669