Reading in the news - Wed 4 Jun

Erupting volcano: The Independent and Chronicle Live include expert comment from Dr Stuart Black (Geography and Environmental Science), warning that Mount Etna’s powerful eruption may disrupt air traffic as volcanic material reaches typical flight altitudes. Republished by MSN and Natural News.

Friendly bacteria: Dr Gemma Walton (Food and Nutritional Sciences) was interviewed by BBC Radio Berkshire about the science behind friendly bacteria and the important job they do. She also mentioned a new guide she is working on looking at the effectiveness of probiotic products, which can help gut bacteria.

Cinema longevity: BBC Radio Berkshire spoke to Professor Peter Miskell (International Business and Media History), who highlighted the century-long resilience of cinema since its major boom in the early 1900s.

Health and wellbeing:

• Startitup features Professor Alejandra Perotti (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology), who explains how mites on our faces become active at night, causing skin issues when overpopulated.
• TVP mentions a 2021 study by the University showing that 20–30 minutes of daily cycling reduces stress and improves concentration, especially for desk-based workers.
• Science Media Centre features Professor Stella Chan (Psychology) commenting on a study linking low-calorie diets to depressive symptoms.

Business and society:

• Dr Alexander Gilder (Law) spoke to Heart Berkshire about the threat of cyber warfare following the UK government’s announcement of its strategic defence review.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) is quoted by Daily Mail calling for urgent climate action as the UK records its hottest spring.
• Assam Tribune features Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology), commenting on the complexity of forecasting monsoon patterns in flood-hit northeastern states in India.
• The University's Brightspark project, which received £2 million to modify cloud droplets as a potential climate intervention was mentioned in this Conversation article. Republished by Yahoo News, Phys.org and INKL.
• Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) has written a blog for RMetS on what a future meteorologist might write about their journey into the field.
• Water Online republishes a Conversation article written by Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) discussing broader solutions beyond reservoirs to address England’s water crisis.
• Dr Jacob Gardner (Biological Sciences) spoke to That’s Thames Valley TV about new research revealing that birds nested in the arctic alongside dinosaurs 73 millions years ago.
• RDG.today and Safer Highways report that the town of Reading has earned an A grade in the Carbon Disclosure Project for the fourth year, and mentions the University’s sustainability achievements.

Other Coverage:

• Dr Chloë Houston (English Literature) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about her new novel, The Book Game, co-written with Adam Smyth.
• HEPI and Highways Industry reports the University is among the first to pilot new university-led energy advice centres backed by the UPP Foundation.
• Scientias features Professor Manuela González-Suárez (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology), highlighting her involvement in a study that found a universal rule determines species distribution around the world.
• Cronista features Henley Business School as one of the top 30 global business schools, with campuses in the UK, South Africa, and Finland.
• RDG.Today reports that Readipop Fiesta will return this September, taking place at Reading Students’ Union.
• Life Up North highlights artist Terry Frost’s academic career, noting he was formerly Artist in Residence and Professor of Painting at the University.
• Authur Paul Wood spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about his now book Tree Hunting and some of the local trees featured in it, including a large cypress oak tree found in the Harris Garden on the University’s campus.

Alumni:

• SA Business Integrator profiles Kabelo Ncholo, founder and CEO of Y-Brand, who holds a Business degree from the University.
• Insurance Business Asia features Al Fardan, newly appointed non-executive chairman of Burns & Wilcox MENA.
• Irish Examiner features Hegarty Lovett, who completed a PhD at Reading on staging Samuel Beckett’s prose.
• Western Telegraph publishes the obituary of Paul Knight Lucas, who earned a degree in Estate Management from the University in 1975.