The Daily Populous

I taught philosophy to prisoners, and I know it can help end the damaging macho prison culture

In the 12 months to September 2017 there were more than 28,000 assaults – a 12 per cent rise on the previous year.

But as recent reports of suicides in Nottingham Prison highlight, imprisonment can be particularly damaging to an individual’s psychological health.

In 2016-17, incidences of self-harm stood at more than 42,000, with 70 prisoners taking their own lives.

Outside the risk of violence, the prison experience is, in reality, characterised by boredom and stagnation.

Participants described the dialogue as a “break from the drudgery” or as a form of “freedom” not found elsewhere in the prison.

If we are to assume that the purpose of prison is to rehabilitate, then there is an expectation of transformation placed upon prisoners.

But growth and transformation involve deep and careful self-reflection in an environment characterised by fear, violence and intimidation. »

How exercise in old age prevents the immune system from declining

Authored by bbc.com

Doing lots of exercise in older age can prevent the immune system from declining and protect people against infections, scientists say.

They followed 125 long-distance cyclists, some now in their 80s, and found they had the immune systems of 20-year-olds.

"It has wide-ranging benefits for the body, the mind, for our muscles and our immune system.". »

North Carolina police officer faces charges after beating, choking and tasing suspected jaywalker

Authored by cnn.com

The release of body cam video in late February caused outrage in this North Carolina city in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Amid the outcry, police Chief Tammy Hooper said she would resign if it would help resolve the problem, WLOS reported.

"There is no excuse for what happened to Johnnie Rush," the ACLU of North Carolina said in a tweet . »

World's last male northern white rhino on the mend after infection threatened the species

Authored by abc.net.au

World's last male northern white rhino on the mend after infection threatened the species.

Sudan lives with the last two females of the same species in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, about 250 kilometres north of Nairobi.

Poachers can sell northern white rhino horns for $50,000 per kilo, making them more valuable than gold or cocaine. »

'Attacks and killings': human rights activists at growing risk, study claims

Authored by theguardian.com

Research shows 34% rise in attacks against campaigners defending land, environment and labour rights in the face of corporate activity.

Human rights defenders who challenge big corporations are being killed, assaulted, harassed and suppressed in growing numbers, researchers have claimed.

While we may not always agree with positions taken by human rights defenders, ICMM recognises freedom of expression and assembly as fundamental human rights.”. »