Reading in the news - Thu 16 Jul

Green Flag no. 16: Lucy Jellis, Head of Grounds Maintenance was quoted by Thames Gazette and Reading Today about the University’s 16th Green Flag Award. From our story: University of Reading campus receives 16th Green Flag

Universal Voices: Dr Rebecca Berkley (Education) was quoted by The Reading Chronicle about children’s choir Universal Voices performing climate themed songs at a recent Department for Education event. From our story: Children’s choir sing climate songs for government reception

Health and wellbeing:

• The Microbiologist reported on research which found a new effective way to treat UTIs. From our story: Rapid urine test could select UTI antibiotics within hours

Food and farming:

• A study involving Dr Charlotte Mills (Food and Nutritional Sciences) found that sugary gum and beetroot lower blood pressure, reports MSNBC, SSBCrack News and WDC News.
• BioUK reported on Food Science students Benjamin Leroy, Kam Bautista, Xintong Qiao and Charlie Reavell who won the Ecotrophelia 2026 competition. From our story: Leftover hazelnut pulp becomes prize winning chocolate treat
• Farming Life (republished by MSN) mentioned Reading research into how cattle use energy from their diets.
• Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences) was quoted by The Independent (republished by Yahoo News), The Sun, Science Media Centre and UK Times, responding to a study about the negative impact of ultra-processed food.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Regius Professor Hannah Cloke (Meteorology, pictured) spoke to The Associated Press about tools used on campus to forecast heatwaves.
• Professor Cloke was also quoted by Daily Mail (republished by MSN) about upcoming high temperatures in Spain and Portugal.
• Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) was quoted by National Herald India about how news coverage of heatwaves have failed to mention the role of climate change.
• Stimburg Zeitung mentioned climate stripes developed by Professor Hawkins.
• Fakt reported on a study by Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) into turbulence and climate change.
• A study by Dr Alba Fuertes (Built Environment) about dangers facing construction workers during heatwaves was featured by Build News. From our story: Construction sites are not ready for extreme heat
• Startups mentioned research by Dr Rob Thompson (Meteorology) about the impact of how weather forecasts use symbols.
• Eurek Alert, Phys.org, Life Technology and Scienmag (republished by EcoTropical) highlighted a study linking pollution and India’s monsoon season, quoting lead author PhD student Ankit Bhandekar (Meteorology). From our story: India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner
• Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) was quoted by SBS on the impact of an ongoing El Niño event.
• Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) was quoted by Asian Voice on the physical impact of Britian’s most recent heatwave. Further comments from Dr Deoras on India’s monsoon season were highlighted by FirstPost.

Business and society:

• Kompas mentioned a sports results model created by Professor James Reade (Economics) which predicts match outcomes. From our story: Argentina favourites for glory, says simulation
• Dr Faye Woods (Film, Theatre and Television) was quoted by The Guardian (republished by Yahoo News, Inkl and AOL) about the social influence of Fleabag.

Heritage and culture:

• Europe Says republished an article written by Professor Helen Parish (History) for RTE about the legend of St Swithin.
• A 5,000-year-old artificial island discovered by Professor Duncan Garrow (Archaeology) was highlighted by Express (republished by MSN, TezzBuzz and BritBrief).

Alumni:

• Reading graduate Michelle Hildyard has been appointed General Manager at Teledyne, reports Go Photonics.