Reading in the news - Thu 7 Jan

Warming winters: Dr Roger Brugge (Meteorology) tells the and that climate change means even the coldest nights are becoming warmer in Berkshire. Meanwhile, Greatest Hits Radio reports analysis from Simon Lee (Meteorology) about a possible new 鈥楤east from the East' cold snap in the UK.

COVID-19: expert comment on the coronavirus pandemic      

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) spoke to TalkRadio about when lockdown restrictions might be lifted; provides comment on the full/half dose discussion for vaccine efficacy in and the Daily Telegraph (print); on the South African variant in (US) and (Malaysia); and on nurseries staying open while primary schools are shut in (NZ).
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted on coronavirus vaccines by , reprinted globally including in the (Singapore), (US), (India); and debunks social media claims that the Pfizer vaccine is linked to infertility on , quoting a report.

Other coverage: 

• Dr Mark Shanahan (Politics) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the Senate elections and Trump-led rally in Washington.
• A blog written by Dr Mark Dallas (Pharmacy) on Alzheimer's risk factors, first published in , is published in French by
• Reading's research into gut health is mentioned in an interview on BBC Ulster.
• Henley coaching alumnus Reinhard Leiter writes about persuasive communication for Germany's .
• reports on a new CACHE study on poor quality housing, co-authored by Prof Flora Samuel (SBE)
• (Portugal) highlights research by Prof Philippa Darbre on cancer risk and parabens.
• reports on research showing mammals with big brains fare worse in evolutionary terms than their small-brained cousins.