Dogs Trust: Is your dog trying to tell you something? Take part in the National Dog Survey

 

Help us support dogs and their owners through the cost of living crisis. Take 10 minutes to fill in the National Dog Survey and let us know how your dog is doing.  

By taking part, you're helping form a picture of dog ownership across the UK, and of what support is needed keep dog-human relationships healthy and fulfilled. 

From the pandemic to the rising cost of living, the past few years have been a difficult for all of us, including our dogs. By taking part you're helping us to do all we can to support the nation's pooches and their owners. 

It only takes 15 minutes! Last year, 244,478 incredible dog lovers took part, telling us about 348,533 dogs. Will you help us make this National Dog Survey even bigger? 

Keep an eye out for the results! We’ll let you know what we found out about the nation’s dogs, including the most popular breeds and names, and insights into the issues that matter most to their humans. 

The more people tell us about their best friends the more we can tailor our work to ensure we're making the biggest impact to dogs and their owners. So, next time you’re on your walkies, tell everyone about the National Dog Survey!  

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Microsoft says April Windows updates break VPN connections

Microsoft has confirmed that the April 2024 Windows security updates break VPN connections across client and server platforms.

The company explains on the Windows health dashboard that "Windows devices might face VPN connection failures after installing the April 2024 security update or the April 2024 non-security preview update."

"We are investigating user reports, and we will provide more information in the coming days," Redmond added.

The list of affected Windows versions includes Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

Oh dear: Windows 11 loses market share, Win 10 on the up!

 

Last month, Statcounter reported a notable decrease in Windows 11's market share, and the trend continued in April 2024. After reaching its all-time high of 28.16% in February 2024, Windows 11 plummeted below the 26% mark.

According to Statcounter, in April 2024, Windows 11 lost 0.97 points, going down from 26.68% to 25.65%. All those users seemingly went for Windows 10 since the OS, which will soon turn nine, crossed the 70% mark for the first time since September 2023, gaining 0.96 points.

It is interesting to see Windows 11 losing quite a significant chunk of users in the middle of its cycle. Even Windows 8 and 8.1, universally considered not great versions of Windows, only went down after the release of their successors. True, Statcounter is not 100% accurate in its estimates, but an almost 3-point decline for a product with over 1 billion devices is too big to dismiss.

Some argue that Windows 11 still offers little to no benefits for upgrading, especially in light of Microsoft killing some of the system's unique features, such as Windows Subsystem for Android. Add to that the ever-increasing number of ads, some of which are quite shameless, and you get an operating system that has a hard time winning hearts and minds and retaining its customers.

www.neowin.net

Bacterial enzyme strips away blood types to create universal donor blood

 

Using enzymes produced by a bacteria that almost everyone has in their gut, researchers have removed the antigens from red blood cells that determine blood type, putting us within reach of producing universal donor blood.

There’s a global shortage of blood supplies needed for life-saving transfusions due to factors that include an aging population with a higher demand for it and a lack of volunteer donors. However, even if there was an ample blood supply, it’s not as simple as just giving blood when it’s needed.

Each blood group (A, B, or AB) or type is identified by the presence of A and B antigens attached to sugar (oligosaccharide) chains on the surface of red blood cells. Blood cells in group O carry no antigens. When a blood transfusion is given, the donor and recipient's blood groups need to match. Otherwise, the immune system will attack and destroy the donated blood cells, causing a potentially fatal reaction.

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Lund University, Sweden, have used enzymes produced by a common gut bacteria to remove the A and B antigens from red blood cells, bringing them one step closer to creating universal donor blood.

“For the first time, the new enzyme cocktails not only remove the well-described A and B antigens, but also extended variants previously not recognized as problematic for transfusion safety,” said Maher Abou Hachem, co-corresponding author of the study and scientist at DTU’s Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine.

www.newatlas.com

Action video of Calli getting her spa treatment!

 

Calli has just been to Sammy's perfect pets grooming salon for her regular wash 'n' brush up - and got a full works upgrade! They made Calli a video star to boot!

What a great team @ Sammy's perfect pets - they really care for their furry clients. Such a blessing that they are right here in Denmead! Well done ladies - see you again in June!

www.sammysperfectpets.com

All Saints Church Denmead - a loving Christian Community in Hampshire

 

A Christian church is not a building – it is primarily a community of people who, together and individually, are on a journey of faith. The building provides a focal point for prayer and learning about God, and for celebrating his greatest gift to us – His Son, Jesus.

We warmly welcome newcomers… So whether you are visiting, are newly arrived in the area or have been living in Denmead for years, there is always a special welcome for you here.

There is always a lot going on at All Saints, but in all of it our aim is to KNOW God, GROW in faith and commitment, and SHOW the love of God to those around us. (See more of our Vision and Values here.)

The church is a lively part of a thriving village and its members are active in sport, uniformed organisation, schools, politics, music, charities and interest groups of every sort. We also support the church and other good causes world-wide through fund-raising events, learning and prayer. We maintain overseas links with the Diocese of Kofridua, Ghana. There is a pastoral care group to help in bereavement, sickness and other types of need - and while we speak of need - your Church needs you too.

www.allsaintsdenmead.org.uk

Smart gadgets: Tougher rules for sellers of internet connected devices in the UK

Manufacturers will have to follow stricter rules if they want to sell "smart" gadgets in the UK after a new law came into effect.

It is designed to ensure there is better security around devices such as baby monitors, televisions and speakers that are linked to the internet. These gadgets can pose a risk because cyber-criminals use them to hack into home networks and steal private data. The government said the new law should give consumers "peace of mind".

The risks have ballooned in recent years as our houses have filled with more and more web-linked smart devices - from games consoles to fitness trackers, doorbells and even dishwashers, also sometimes referred to as the "internet of things" (IoT).

Until now, manufacturers were expected to follow security guidelines, but the new law makes three new requirements:

• that password procedures are more secure, including ensuring any set by the manufacturer are not left blank or using easy-to-guess choices like "12345" or "admin"
• that there is clarity around how to report "bugs" or security problems that arise
• that manufacturers and retailers inform customers how long they will receive support, including software updates, for the device they are buying

Failure to meet these minimum requirements, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, can trigger fines.

www.bbc.co.uk