Reading in the news - Thu 7 Jan

Warming winters: Dr Roger Brugge (Meteorology) tells the Windsor Express and Maidenhead Advertiser that climate change means even the coldest nights are becoming warmer in Berkshire. Meanwhile, Greatest Hits Radio reports analysis from Simon Lee (Meteorology) about a possible new ‘Beast from the East' cold snap in the UK. Read our news story.

COVID-19: expert comment on the coronavirus pandemic      

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) spoke to TalkRadio about when lockdown restrictions might be lifted; provides comment on the full/half dose discussion for vaccine efficacy in Yahoo News India and the Daily Telegraph (print); on the South African variant in Yahoo (US) and ERA (Malaysia); and on nurseries staying open while primary schools are shut in Foreign Affairs (NZ).
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted on coronavirus vaccines by Reuters, reprinted globally including in the Straits Times (Singapore), Medscape (US), Economic Times (India); and debunks social media claims that the Pfizer vaccine is linked to infertility on Made For Mums, quoting a Full Fact report.

Other coverage: 

• Dr Mark Shanahan (Politics) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the Senate elections and Trump-led rally in Washington.
• A blog written by Dr Mark Dallas (Pharmacy) on Alzheimer's risk factors, first published in The Conversation, is published in French by Ca m'intresse
• Reading's research into gut health is mentioned in an interview on BBC Ulster.
• Henley coaching alumnus Reinhard Leiter writes about persuasive communication for Germany's Fair News.
• IHBC reports on a new CACHE study on poor quality housing, co-authored by Prof Flora Samuel (SBE)
• Mood (Portugal) highlights research by Prof Philippa Darbre on cancer risk and parabens.
• Archaeology News Network reports on research showing mammals with big brains fare worse in evolutionary terms than their small-brained cousins. Read our news story.