Ben Titford
@dr-b-titford.bsky.social
GP/ UK General Practice. Devon. Uncertainty..transience..evidence, chaos, knowledge and (Rawl’s) ignorance to make the world better…Cycling/ active transport/ the environment; People; Kindness, community- spelling mistake -s deliberate punctuation crime
Reposted by Ben Titford
Anyone who's read me ranting about screening will know I'm all for thinking critically about health care. But there's a reason maternal mortality has more than halved in the last 40 years. There's a reason maternal mortality is used as a proxy for health care quality globally.
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Anyone who's read me ranting about screening will know I'm all for thinking critically about health care. But there's a reason maternal mortality has more than halved in the last 40 years. There's a reason maternal mortality is used as a proxy for health care quality globally.
Such an excellent conversation, full of content and humanity.
I really loved this conversation with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social - I've thought about it lots ever since.
Hope you enjoy it too!
youtu.be/3xx6lNFx8tI?...
Hope you enjoy it too!
youtu.be/3xx6lNFx8tI?...
How To Platform Socialist Ideas Through Billionaire Owned Channels | George Monbiot | Zack Polanski
YouTube video by Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Such an excellent conversation, full of content and humanity.
In fact, on reflection, I was wrong.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This study tested whether an unexpected event, such as the presence of a person dressed as Batman, could increase prosocial behavior by disrupting routine.
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
November 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
In fact, on reflection, I was wrong.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
This, very interesting and fantastic research - which offers insights around prosocial behaviour and conscious observation- was not simply possible to be done while being dressed as Batman, it would have been impossible had someone NOT been dressed as Batman.
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This study tested whether an unexpected event, such as the presence of a person dressed as Batman, could increase prosocial behavior by disrupting routine.
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present.
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Unexpected events and prosocial behavior: the Batman effect - npj Mental Health Research
npj Mental Health Research - Unexpected events and prosocial behavior: the Batman effect
www.nature.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
so much here that is just great and amazing and interesting. Above all- the fantastic realisation that you can do serious research dressed up as Batman
This is such a potent, rich, kind and hopeful message…
The biggest problem in the world isn’t climate change, future pandemics, or democratic collapse.
It’s that far too many of our most brilliant minds are working on *everything but* those problems. 🧵
It’s that far too many of our most brilliant minds are working on *everything but* those problems. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
This is such a potent, rich, kind and hopeful message…
Reposted by Ben Titford
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Not just our cities- access to rural areas is just as important and is often challenging in different ways without a car. In my Devon village the only way in and out is by road- which is getting busier and faster due to satnav routing … it doesn’t need to be like this!
Here’s something that’s really important for everyone to understand.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
If we design our cities just for cars, they fail everyone, including drivers.
If we design our cities with many great CHOICES in how to get around, they work better for everyone, including drivers.
Spread the word.
November 16, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Not just our cities- access to rural areas is just as important and is often challenging in different ways without a car. In my Devon village the only way in and out is by road- which is getting busier and faster due to satnav routing … it doesn’t need to be like this!
This is so worth reading and thinking about… and worth thinking about how we live our lives and might - like trying to exercise more- try to live with others a bit more… Even An introvert like me is convince by this argument…
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
The Perils of Social Atrophy - The Ideas Letter
Societal disconnection is often framed as a “loneliness epidemic,” but the crisis runs much deeper: It’s not just that we feel alone, but also that prolonged isolation is rewiring our…
www.theideasletter.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:26 AM
This is so worth reading and thinking about… and worth thinking about how we live our lives and might - like trying to exercise more- try to live with others a bit more… Even An introvert like me is convince by this argument…
Reposted by Ben Titford
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Sir Mo Farah reveals 'the truth' about how he came to the UK
The Olympic star was warned speaking out could put his British citizenship at "real risk" - but it is understood the Home Office is taking no action against him.
news.sky.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
this is such a great thread- and speaks to me about what values we want or chose to have as a society and a nation. If we resolve that they are kindness, compassion, enlightenment, humanity and generosity- we will always be repaid far more than we have ever given.
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
this is such a great thread- and speaks to me about what values we want or chose to have as a society and a nation. If we resolve that they are kindness, compassion, enlightenment, humanity and generosity- we will always be repaid far more than we have ever given.
I really appreciate the (albeit oblique) recognition in this of benefits of retaining experienced GPs. huge efficiencies and other benefits in maintaining depth of experience in our workforce.
Latest fascinating & comprehensive analysis from the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team of Labour’s public services performance… www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wes Streeting accused of ‘chaotic and incoherent approach’ to NHS reform
Exclusive: thinktank report finds health secretary has failed to improve productivity, with the health service unlikely to meet its targets
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I really appreciate the (albeit oblique) recognition in this of benefits of retaining experienced GPs. huge efficiencies and other benefits in maintaining depth of experience in our workforce.
Reposted by Ben Titford
"Beyond the numbers, there’s a simple truth that emerges from both the research and the riders: e-cargo bikes are fun. They turn errands into adventures, draw smiles from strangers, and make cities feel friendlier."
Cycling has come a long way.
And with cargo bikes offering more transport capability plus the option of extra power from electric batteries, the fun and benefits are great
Matthew O'Connor Lomas tells all...
And with cargo bikes offering more transport capability plus the option of extra power from electric batteries, the fun and benefits are great
Matthew O'Connor Lomas tells all...
From cars to cargo bikes: How families found freedom
A new study shows that households using cargo bikes can halve their car miles – and a scheme is helping Norwich residents make the shift
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:41 AM
"Beyond the numbers, there’s a simple truth that emerges from both the research and the riders: e-cargo bikes are fun. They turn errands into adventures, draw smiles from strangers, and make cities feel friendlier."
Reposted by Ben Titford
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
The Perils of Social Atrophy - The Ideas Letter
Societal disconnection is often framed as a “loneliness epidemic,” but the crisis runs much deeper: It’s not just that we feel alone, but also that prolonged isolation is rewiring our…
www.theideasletter.org
August 7, 2025 at 11:02 PM
So so so pleased that my piece on social atrophy is out in the Open Society Foundation’s The Ideas Letter.
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
I explore ideas in the last book but take them further. I bring in a bit more Marx, and think about how alienation and neuroplasticity are related.
www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-pe...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Climate breakdown is driven by a storm of lies. This lying is systemic, funded and coordinated, and operates across almost all media, old and new.
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Climate breakdown is driven by a storm of lies. This lying is systemic, funded and coordinated, and operates across almost all media, old and new.
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column argues that we cannot fight the climate crisis without also fighting the epistemic crisis.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ben Titford
I could be spending more time in the garden, but I’m here X or working as a GP
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
November 13, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I could be spending more time in the garden, but I’m here X or working as a GP
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
The vast majority of GPs & colleagues care primarily about having high quality patient care & are fighting to see it continue
Standing up for patients means pointing out flaws in Govt policy & plans
Reposted by Ben Titford
‘I’ll be executed on Tuesday’: families reveal panicked last calls from foreigners on Saudi’s death row
‘I’ll be executed on Tuesday’: families reveal panicked last calls from foreigners on Saudi’s death row
Relatives share with the Guardian final words of those killed amid ‘horrifying’ surge in capital punishment under Mohammed bin Salman’s rule
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:20 AM
‘I’ll be executed on Tuesday’: families reveal panicked last calls from foreigners on Saudi’s death row
Reposted by Ben Titford
Landmark court decisions for climate change mean that big emitters can no longer feign ignorance about the impacts of their activities.
Medical professionals have a part to play in this process, say @lauraclarkece.bsky.social and @hughmontgomery.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Medical professionals have a part to play in this process, say @lauraclarkece.bsky.social and @hughmontgomery.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
November 7, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Landmark court decisions for climate change mean that big emitters can no longer feign ignorance about the impacts of their activities.
Medical professionals have a part to play in this process, say @lauraclarkece.bsky.social and @hughmontgomery.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Medical professionals have a part to play in this process, say @lauraclarkece.bsky.social and @hughmontgomery.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Populist opposition to climate action makes extreme weather events more likely.
Despite the fear and disruption that populists stoke, we mustn’t lose sight of the need to act, write Juliet Dobson, @drsophiecook.bsky.social, @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
#BMJClimate
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Despite the fear and disruption that populists stoke, we mustn’t lose sight of the need to act, write Juliet Dobson, @drsophiecook.bsky.social, @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
#BMJClimate
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
November 6, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Populist opposition to climate action makes extreme weather events more likely.
Despite the fear and disruption that populists stoke, we mustn’t lose sight of the need to act, write Juliet Dobson, @drsophiecook.bsky.social, @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
#BMJClimate
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Despite the fear and disruption that populists stoke, we mustn’t lose sight of the need to act, write Juliet Dobson, @drsophiecook.bsky.social, @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
#BMJClimate
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Reposted by Ben Titford
🔴We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🔴We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Wishing Mr Zitouni a full and fast recovery and hoping the story of his heroism would bring some sense and shame to the rampant racist narratives sweeping our country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Samir Zitouni named as train hero who saved lives during attack
The family of rail worker Samir Zitouni say they are
www.bbc.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Wishing Mr Zitouni a full and fast recovery and hoping the story of his heroism would bring some sense and shame to the rampant racist narratives sweeping our country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Titford
Can we talk about survivorship bias?
What might those whose lives were cut short by #pollution or crashes from 🚙🚘🚛 say if they were here to be heard?
Ready to challenge your own thinking in a #motornormative society? = Recomended reading from @ianwalker.bsky.social
simple.ghost.io/but-who-spea...
What might those whose lives were cut short by #pollution or crashes from 🚙🚘🚛 say if they were here to be heard?
Ready to challenge your own thinking in a #motornormative society? = Recomended reading from @ianwalker.bsky.social
simple.ghost.io/but-who-spea...
But who speaks for the dead?
Break out the ouija boards and activate the ghost of Doris Stokes. We're reaching back beyond the grave to solve today's transport and environmental crises.
simple.ghost.io
November 1, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Can we talk about survivorship bias?
What might those whose lives were cut short by #pollution or crashes from 🚙🚘🚛 say if they were here to be heard?
Ready to challenge your own thinking in a #motornormative society? = Recomended reading from @ianwalker.bsky.social
simple.ghost.io/but-who-spea...
What might those whose lives were cut short by #pollution or crashes from 🚙🚘🚛 say if they were here to be heard?
Ready to challenge your own thinking in a #motornormative society? = Recomended reading from @ianwalker.bsky.social
simple.ghost.io/but-who-spea...