Reading in the news - Thu 15 Jul

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• Dr Al Edwards (Pharmacy) is quoted in a article on winter viruses and testing; he also spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the same topic.
• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) is quoted in this article on the Balearic islands being upgraded to amber list countries. The article also appears on , and other news aggregation sites.
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted in a article about the AstraZeneca vaccine being weaker than others;
• Professor Gary Stephens (Pharmacology) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about how llamas are helping scientists develop Covid-fighting antibodies. The story is also featured on their news bulletins and by Heart Berkshire and . Read our news story.

#PlanetPartners: Reading's global work for a sustainable future

• quotes PhD student Akshay Deoras on current monsoon forecasts in Delhi; and for a separate article on current conditions in Mumbai.

TV studio approved: Plans, submitted by the University, for a new TV studio at the Thames Valley Science Park were approved by Wokingham Borough Council yesterday evening. The plans are part of the University's ambitious Cine Valley project, to create a hub for film and TV production at the site. The news is covered by . Read our news story.

Other Coverage:

• Dr Tara Pirie (Biological Sciences) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire as part of their coffee club series.
• Professor Helen Parish (History) has written a blog for on myths of ancient weather forecasting.
• BBC Radio Berkshire spoke to Professor Hella Eckardt (Archaeology) about a new online course studying remains from Roman Britain. Read our news story.
• reports on a month-long excavation taking place in Lewis to find ancient Neolithic artefacts that give us more information about the history of the site. The dig is co-led by Professor Duncan Garrow (Archaeology).
• A Forbes article by Professor Ben Laker (Henley Business School) is syndicated on .