Reading in the news - Fri 25 Oct

Latest hurricane threat: Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) gives insights to Newsweek on Hurricane Kristy which reached Category 4 status in the Pacific Ocean (now strengthened to Category 5). Republished by Miami Herald, Kansas.com, Idaho Statesman, San Luis Obispo, and Myrtle Beach Online.

Health and wellbeing:

• A study conducted by the University of Reading explored the psychological responses to house plants, contributing to the growing trend of "green therapy" aimed at boosting mental health. Reported by Business Report, IOL Newsletters, Motoring ,IOL News ,IOL Lifestyle and Personal Finance. The Citizen highlights the upcoming Houghton Bonsai, Succulent, and Plant Show at Killarney Mall, also mentioning this research.
• Knowridge Science highlights research on prebiotic supplements that may benefit people with metabolic syndrome by lowering inflammation and improving mental well-being. Research by Dr Piril Hepsomali (Psychology). From our story: Beyond gut health – prebiotics promise mental wellness.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Air101 reports on a University of Reading study that found severe clear-air turbulence increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020 on a typical North Atlantic route. From our story: Aviation turbulence strengthened as the world warmed – study.
• CNN reports on a study forecasting that the northern part of the Caspian Sea may disappear by 2100 due to global warming co-authored by Professor Joy Singarayer (Meteorology). This study is also mentioned by TVN24 and Polish News.
• Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) and Benoit Mayer (Law) highlight the influence of climate change on political boundaries in an interview with TRT World.
• The Cool Down reports – with comment from Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) on the ongoing severe drought affecting the Amistad Reservoir, a massive U.S. water source. Republished by MSN.
• Professor Tom Oliver (Ecology) issued a stark warning about global biodiversity loss on Time News.

Business and society:

• BBC News reports research by the University of Reading involved submitting AI-generated answers from 33 fake students to examiners. And BBC Radio Berkshire interviews Dr Peter Scarfe (Psychology) on the use of AI by students. From our story: AI generated exam answers undetected in real world test.
• Yahoo News UK reports on Labour’s plans for a four-day working week, citing a 2021 study from Henley Business School. Republished by Aik Invest.
• The Martlet reports on new research co-led by Professor Mary Lewis (Archaeology), studying puberty in Upper Paleolithic adolescents. From our story: Research reveals reality of Ice Age teen puberty.
• Middle East Eye quotes professor Alexander Gilder (international law), who emphasises that Israel cannot request the withdrawal of UN forces as per Resolution 1701.

Other Coverage:

• Times Now reports on a delegation visit to Bennett University (India), which included Mr Andy Howman (Head of Global Recruitment), and Mr Ashish Jaiswar,  who leads the University of Reading’s operations in India.
• Daily Mail reports a girl suffered second-degree burns with nail glue containing Cyanoacrylate adhesives, which can cause serious skin reactions. This is according to the National Centre for Biotechnology Education at the University of Reading.  Republished by WhatsNew2Day and Mahalsa.
• Reading Chronicle and Reading Today reports that Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre and Television) will be delivering a public on artificial intelligence in film and media. From our story: Public lectures return to Reading on campus and online.

Alumni:

• Wokingham Today and Reading Today reports on the appointment of Ben Stephenson as the new Deputy Head at Queen Anne’s School.
• GlobeNewswire features Russell Shackleton, an Executive MBA graduate from Henley Business School, who will be speaking at a training event on the new EU directive on corporate sustainability.
• Es de Latino features an edited version of the winning entry from the FT's 12th annual essay competition, organised with the 30% Club and Henley Business School.
• Thames Valley Chamber features tax associate Ellie Warwick, who studied accounting and management at the University of Reading. Also reported by Reading Chronicle.
• James Smith, a first-generation farmer at Ludington Farm in Linton, Kent, has been recognised for his innovative practices. Mentioned by Greatest Hits Radio (Surrey & East Hampshire) and other local radio stations.
• CIO South Africa highlights Gerhard Muller's promotion to Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) at TransUnion.