Reading in the news - Tue 3 Mar

Iran conflict: Professor Rosa Freedman (Law, pictured) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire and Fox News about the ongoing Iran conflict, with further comments in DW News, ITV News, Punch, Newswav, Naija on Point, Naija News, AFP, Nigerian Eye (republished by MSN, Yahoo News, and My Press Today) and various outlets. From our expert comment: Iran strikes: ‘Diplomatic resolution farther away than ever’ 

Professor Marko Milanovic (Law) was quoted by AP, Daily Mail, and My Northwest (republished by Yahoo News, Newsday, Houston Chronicle, News Advocate, Biz AM, and various global outlets) on the legality of the attacks. Professor Michael Schmitt (Law) was quoted by DNYUZ, World Today News, Archynetys,   Archynewsy, Mingooland, and other outlets about the death of Iran’s supreme leader. From our expert comment: Iran strikes: 'US cannot rely on self-defence claims' 

Food and farming:

• Vitamin Rush quoted Dr Katie Barfoot (Psychology) on her research into the benefits of flavanol-rich foods. A study by Dr Daniel Lamport (Psychology) on the benefits of orange juice is also mentioned.  

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• PhD researcher Karan Ruparell (Meteorology, pictured) was quoted by BBC News and SSBCrack News (republished by Yahoo News) about on the impact of climate change on recent rainy weather, and also appeared on BBC South East Today (from 12:00). Dr Jess Neumann (Geography and Environmental Science) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire on the effects on water reservoirs. BBC Radio Berkshire also mentioned the rainfall recorded on campus. From our expert comment: Rain for 31 days straight breaks records as flood risks grow. 
• WiredGov republished a Met Office article on a comment co-authored by Professor Tom Oliver (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and Professor Rowan Sutton (Meteorology) on the need for updated climate change risk assessments. From our story: ‘Update climate change risks list to avoid worst impacts’ 
• Comments from Professor Maria Shahgedanova (Geography and Environmental Science) on glacial melting in Central Asia were featured by The Astana Times. 

Business and society:

• Emeritus Professor Derek Clements-Croome (Construction Management and Engineering) was quoted by Facilitate Magazine about biophilic architectural design. 
• WinFuture and Telepolis (republished by MSN) quoted Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi (Biomedical Engineering) about a neuron-powered computer chip learning to play videogames. 
• Dr Melissa Carr (Henley Business School) was quoted by People Management about the cost of working unpaid overtime. 

Heritage and culture:

• Mature Times and BBC Radio Norfolk reported on the University-funded production Glitch. 

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• The University is backing Reading's bid for City of Culture, reports Southern Gazette, quoting Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor. From our story: University backs Reading’s City of Culture bid 

Other coverage:

• Balik Papan TV mentioned a study into the cause of damaged household items when moving. 
• University of Reading chefs Hadi Roumanos, Lucy Stokes, Nick Trela, and Christos Mavrozoumis are finalists in various categories for annual The University Caterers Organisation Competitions event, reports Public Sector Catering. 

Alumni:

• Animal Science graduate Jeremy Kerswell, Plumpton College Principle, was quoted by South East Farmer about agricultural education. 
• Richard Robinson, Teacher and Music graduate, was interviewed by XpatLoop.  
• Twst interviewed Reading graduate and CEO of Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Jon Pilcher.