Reading in the news - Thu 28 Nov

Brain evolution: IFLScience, Mirage News, EurekAlert!, Health Medicine Network, My Science and PHYS reports on a study involving Professor Chris Venditti (Ecology) which found modern humans and Neanderthals evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species. From our story: Brains grew faster as humans evolved, study shows

Health and wellbeing:

• The Telegraph highlights advice from Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) on how to get rid of a cold quickly. Republished by MSN.
• The British Pharmacological Society announced student Rachel Harris as one of the winners of the 2024 Undergraduate Pharmacology Prize.

Food and farming:

• Farming UK and Farmers Weekly quotes Dr Tom Breeze (Agriculture) on a new guide that identifies 33 tree species to help farmers meet environmental goals. From our story: Tree species guide unlocks benefits for UK farmers.

Business and society:

• Solicitors Journal highlights a Henley Business School study showing that a four-day workweek can reduce burnout and stress while boosting job satisfaction.
• Contact Centres and Call Centre Helper quotes Professor Moira Clark (Henley Business School) Chair of the Judges following the announcement of the winners at the Greatest Customer Contacts Awards.
• BBC Parliament airs a speech from Yuan Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, who spoke about the challenge of securing jobs for young people in Berkshire.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• BBC Asian Network interviewed Ramandeep Najar a third-year zoology student about her experiences with climate change and environmental work.
• The Irish Times highlights research by Professor Keith Shine (Meteorology) on the climate effects of carbon dioxide.

Other coverage:

• Full Fact quotes Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre & Television), who confirms that an audio clip claiming President Joe Biden is fake and generated using a voice clone.
• BBC Radio 4’s The Conflict interviewed Dr Dina Rezk (History) on the history of conflict in the Middle East.
• The Critic highlights an open letter signed by 118 academics, including Professor Rebecca Rist, (History) opposing the bill on assisted dying.
• Sky News mentions that politician Theresa May is a patron of the University of Reading.
• The Reading Chronicle reports that over 11,000 students at the University will benefit from a minimum wage increase.

Alumni:

• Imille reports that Tommy Nielsen has been appointed CEO of Mobilex A/S.
• Bizjournals features Henry Bott, President of Swire Properties USA, discussing upcoming Miami-Dade projects.
• The Cable features Nigerian rapper Falz, who discussed his challenge of balancing his music career with practicing law.
• Towpath Talk (in print) reports on Gerry Heward's career journey, noting that in 1987, he left Murrells to pursue an MBA at Henley Business School.