Reading in the news - Mon 11 Nov

COP29 begins: Professor Benoit Mayer (Law) told Sky News that the COP process is still needed to drive global action on climate change.  Greatest Hits Radio reported that researchers from the Walker Institute will be at the summit in Baku. From our news story: Climate science excellence set for global stage at COP29 

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• highlights Reading's climate action, including the University’s work on sustainability, in a column from council leader Cllr Liz Terry. 

Health and wellbeing

• quotes Dr Hisham Al-Obaidi (Pharmacy) on how phenylephrine in cold medications is less effective when taken orally than in a nasal spray. Republished by , , , and . 
• , , , and quote Professor Netta Weinstein (Psychology) discussing the mental health benefits of solitude. From our story: Alone but not lonely: how solitude boosts wellbeing 
• features research led by Abigail Newlands (Psychology) highlighting how coping skills play a role in managing recurrent urinary tract infections. 
• features Professor Ciara McCabe (Psychology), explaining dopamine's role in creating pleasure from enjoyable experiences. 

Food and farming:

• and highlight the University’s "Raising the Pulse" campaign, promoting the benefits of climate-friendly pulses. From our story: Raise the pulse together - Join the campus food revolution. 
• highlights a 色狗导航 study showing that orange juice can improve alertness and restfulness, offering a healthier alternative to coffee. 
• BBC Radio Berkshire interviewed Professor Ian Givens (Agriculture) on how vitamin D supplements are advisable during the dark winter months. 

Heritage and culture:

• , , , , and report on recent findings at neolithic monument on Bodmin Moor by researchers including Dr Rob Batchelor (Archaeology) . 
• , , and highlight historical inaccuracies in the Gladiator II trailer. Professor Eleanor Dickey (Classics) notes that Romans likely had multiple accents in the third century CE.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment  

• Professor Chris Hilson (Law) comments on the impact of an upcoming Trump US presidency in Mexico Business, El Mostrador (Chile), and Telegrafi (Kosovo). From our expert comment: Trump may not totally ignore climate change 
• quotes Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) on the impact of warmer temperatures in Germany. 
• features Dr Jess Neumann (Geography and Environmental Sciences) highlighting the increased chaos in weather patterns worldwide. Republished by . Read our expert comments: Spain flash floods: expert comments. 
• features Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) highlights the role of AI in weather forecasting. 
• A new University study, reported by and , reveals five key factors driving the unique evolution of cacti beyond just heat and dryness adaptations. 
• BBC Radio Berkshire features a warning from Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) about the risk of winter river floods. 
• checks the facts of claims that an Arctic blast is about to hit the UK with the help of Dr Rob Thompson (Meteorology). Spoiler: it isn’t. 

Business and society:

• features comment by visiting fellow Richard Upton (Real Estate and Planning) about the risks of large-scale flat developments. Republished by and . 
• features Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa) discussing the importance of agility and effectiveness in mastering change amid global disruptions. 
• reported that Henley Business School sponsored the Low Carbon Project of the Year at the Royal Berkshire Property Awards 2024, awarded to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. 

Other coverage:

• namechecks Reading in a column questioning if anyone really cares who becomes the new Chancellor of Oxford University. Republished , , and . 
• reports that the University has increased patrols on Christchurch Road, following recurring graffiti with political slogans. 
• reports that Bellway Homes and the 色狗导航 have applied to build 191 homes in Shinfield.
• , and reports that a public discussion on assisted dying in Witney will feature panellists including Professor David Oderberg (Philosophy). 
• and report spiders at the 色狗导航’s Whiteknights campus contributed to a unique seasonal display. 
• , , and report that a special Sue Ryder event will be held at the University’s London Road Campus on December 4. 
• BBC Radio Berkshire reported that the Great Hall is hosting a concert celebrating iconic film soundtracks. 

Alumni:

• Recorder reports that Centuri Holdings has appointed Henley MBA holder Christian Brown as President and CEO.