Reading in the news - Thu 8 Aug

UK riots: Deutsche Welle, MSN, CTV News and Radio Television Suisse continues to feature insights from Professor Rosa Freedman (Law), discussing how far-right actors exploited misinformation about the Southport killings to influence riots across the UK.

Health and wellbeing:

• Sci. News reports on a study by Professor Julie Lovegrove (Food and Nutritional Sciences) that found switching from a diet high in saturated animal fats to one rich in plant-based unsaturated fats positively reduces long-term disease risk. Read our news story.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Newsweek quotes Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) who emphasises the need to reduce dependence on air travel in a story about the climate impact of aircraft contrails.
• Advance HE nominates the University of Reading’s Climate and Sustainability Education in Initial Teacher Education program for its Collaborative Award in Teaching Excellence.
• Newsweek quotes Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography and Environmental Science) who explains that the current megadrought in Texas is notable for its long duration. Covered by The News Observer, The Sun News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The News Tribune, The Olympian, Centre Daily Times and more.

Food and farming:

• Sierra Club reports on a study by Dr James Ryalls (Agriculture) explaining the importance of odour maps for pollinators.

Heritage and Culture:

• The Conversation features an article by Anja Rekeszus (Languages and Culture) discussing three women who wrote fairytales that challenged the gender norms established by the Brothers Grimm.
• BBC Radio 4 features Dr Jeremy Burchardt (History) who discusses his research on field boundaries and the historical significance of fences, hedges, and walls.

Business and society:

• Dr Holly Andrews (Henley Business School) writes for Personnel Today on the productivity and financial benefits companies get from a four-day workweek.
• Energy Voice highlights a paper from Henley Business School, detailing Norway's strategic energy policies.
• Times Higher Education reports on concerns that excessive reliance on AI might devalue higher education. The article references a study by Dr Peter Scarfe on the difficulties of detecting AI-written exam answers. Read our news story.

Alumni:

• Jornal de Leiria reports that Paulo Bártolo, who holds a PhD in Polymer Physics, has been awarded the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities.