Reading in the news = Wed 18 Sep
18 September 2024

Cyclone Boris: , , , , , , and , quote Professor Hannah Cloke (Meterology and Geography) on the current flood situation in Europe explaining that river levels have peaked in many smaller upland rivers of eastern Europe. Professor Cloke and Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) are also quoted in Agence France Presse. features Scott Duncan (Meteorology) on the same topic, in an article republished by .
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- covers recent research showing that we are facing more extreme weather events over the next 20 years, due to climate change. Also covered by . Read our news story.
- A and article highlights a study co-authored by Professor Nicolas Bellouin (Meteorology), which found that rerouting flights to avoid contrails could reduce aviation's climate impact. Republished by , . Read our news story.
- Huffington Post highlights Rosie Mammatt's (Meteorology) led comparison of popular weather apps, revealing that the effectiveness of an app can vary depending on the specific weather conditions users are checking. The findings were also republished by .
- highlights its Traceable Renewable Supply trial featuring Dan Fernbank (Energy & Sustainability Director) expressing the university's support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for half-hourly matching to drive progress towards genuine carbon neutrality.
Health and wellbeing
- An article by the features Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences) emphasising that while studies suggest a link between ultra-processed foods and health issues, the evidence is not as conclusive as headlines may suggest.
- features insights from Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Science) notes that the AZ/Oxford vaccine allows for a second dose to be administered up to 12 weeks after the first, with initial protection beginning from 22 days.
- reports on Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences), who is sceptical about a new weight loss pill endorsed by a Kardashian sister. Republished by .
- highlights the involvement of the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé in international research projects on Alzheimer's, led by Dr Francesco Tamagnini (Psychology), on the 31st anniversary of World Alzheimer's Day.
- Professor Tom Oliver (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) explains in the that the hormone oxytocin, which fosters affection within familiar groups, also heightens rejection and aggression towards strangers.
Heritage and Culture
- The Dorset Echo (in print) highlights an upcoming conference on the Cerne Abbas Giant where experts will explore the folklore and historical significance of the giant including Professor Martin Bell (Archaeology)
- highlights a study from the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé on the puberty experiences of Ice Age adolescents utilising a technique developed by Professor Mary Lewis (Archaeology). Republished by , , , , , , , , and . Read our news story.
- An article by reports on new findings regarding the Denisovans and Geoff Smith (Archaeology) co-author of the study, commented, “We are only just beginning to understand the behaviour of this extraordinary human species.” Read our news story.
Food and farming:
- The references a paper from the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé that questions the validity of using "regenerative farming" as a term and a standard to evaluate farming systems, highlighting ongoing debates about its definition and implementation.
- discusses a bizarre trend where people are consuming dust and chalk for purported health benefits and Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences) comments on this trend.
- highlights a recent academic paper led by Dr Tom Staton (Agri-Food Economics and Marketing) advocating for clearer definitions of sustainable farming practices.
- , , , , and report on a study by Chris Wyver (Agriculture, Policy and Development) revealing that Bramley apples in the UK are blooming earlier due to warmer springs and increased rainfall.
- highlights a technical visit to Reading Scientific Services Limited (RSSL) located on the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé’s Whiteknights campus.
- featured Dr Philip Jones (Agriculture, Policy and Development) discussing ongoing dairy research. The focus is on reducing methane emissions from dairy cattle through various methods, including nutritional and genetic approaches.
Business and society:
- highlights new research from Henley Business School, led by Professor Nada Kakabadse and Dr Nadeem Khan, investigating the impact of Brexit on UK businesses.
- features Professor Rajneesh Narula (International Business Regulation) discussing research that reveals the UK is falling behind in attracting skilled foreign workers.
- reports The Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, participated in a trial involving 162GWh of half-hourly matching for FY23/24 of the Traceable Renewable Supply initiative.
Higher Education:
- discusses the role of the Chancellor, mentioning that our current Chancellor, appointed in 2022, aims to distinguish himself from previous predecessors.
- BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire featured Professor Robert van der Noord, Vice-Chancellor of the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, discussing the need for higher tuition fees.
Alumni:
- reports on Polaris Bank's new board appointments, including Mr Chris Ofikulu, who has received Leadership and Corporate Governance training from Henley Business School.
- Romanian reports on Envisia's efforts to promote responsible corporate governance. Gabriela HârÈ›escu highlighted their collaboration with international educational partners, including Henley Business School to equip companies and boards with governance principles aligned with OECD standards.