Luca Arfini is Italian communications professional based in Amsterdam, passionate about telling impactful stories that connect with diverse audiences. In 2023, he founded Creative Tractus L.A to mainly focus on science communication. Luca studied Political Science & International Relations and European Studies, and is completing a part-time master’s degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement, further enriching his skills and knowledge on how to bring science closer to the lay public. Writing about health, sustainability, innovation, European affairs and human rights.
Contributor: Luca Arfini
Do e-cigarettes pose a growing threat to the health of young Europeans?
E-cigarettes tend to be particularly popular among younger people. But how dangerous are they? Modern electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were introduced two decades ago, becoming commercially available in Europe and the USA around 2006. They were viewed as a potentially less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, while the long-term health effects remain unclear, other ...
A scientist’s opinion: Interview with João Breda on patient safety and digital health
Dr. João Breda is the Head of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Care and Patient Safety Office in Athens (Greece). The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2024, 'Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety,' is a crucial focus area. What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in achieving safer diagnostic processes in a digital health ...
World Patient Safety Day: Preventing harm in healthcare in a digitalised world
17 September is World Patient Safety Day. Can innovation and technology help to guarantee patient safety? Experts believe it is crucial to invest more in reducing patient harm. It is also important to fully understand the pros and cons of using new digital health technologies for this purpose.
A scientist’s opinion: Interview with Eric Sutherland on patient safety and digital health
Eric Sutherland is a Senior Health Economist at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He works at this inter governmental organisation based in Paris, France. He leads the OECD’s work in digital health. His goal is to build integrated digital health ecosystems. He provides policy guidance on digital tools, data integration, and responsible ...
A scientist’s opinion: Interview with Dr. Francisca Vargas Lopes about the mental health of young people
A woman sitting on the floor in front of a couchWHO data show that young people aged 18-29 are 30% to 80% more likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety than adults. What are the primary reasons for this, and how have these trends evolved? Francisca Vargas Lopes: I think this is a very ...
A scientist’s opinion: Interview with Hannes Jarke about the mental health of young people
WHO data show that young people aged 18-29 are 30% to 80% more likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety than adults. What are the primary reasons for this, and how have these trends evolved? Hannes Jarke: This is a highly complex issue. The answer depends on which country and what other determinants we're ...
Protecting the mental well-being of European youth: What can be done?
In Europe, the number of young people (aged 18-29) with mental health problems has at least doubled since the beginning of COVID-19. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents aged 15–19 in our continent. In addition, almost two-thirds of young people are at risk of depression. Mental health issues are now ...
How to get more active – interview with Dr. Hidde van der Ploeg
Dr. Hidde van der Ploeg is professor of physical activity and public health at the Department of Public and Occupational Health of Amsterdam UMC (The Netherlands). According to OECD data, almost half (45%) of Europeans report that they never exercise or play sports. Could you please explain the primary reasons behind this lack of physical ...