Reading in the news - Thu 20 Feb

THE World Reputation Rankings: ad Greatest Hits Radio highlight the University's placement in the top 150 of the latest Times Higher Education rankings. From our story: Reading in top 150 of THE World Reputation Rankings.

Which? weather apps: Which? Travel worked with the meteorologists Rosie Mammatt and Dr Rob Thompson (both Meteorology) to measure the accuracy of some of the most popular weather forecast apps. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• reports on a new study led by Paul-Arthur Monerie (Meteorology) which predicts that hurricanes will hit the Atlantic harder and more often over the next decade. From our story: Hurricanes to hit Atlantic harder and more often, study says.
• Dr Alex Arnall (Geography) is quoted by on the risks facing coastal communities in the UK.
• , , , , , , , , and other German outlets quote Dr James O’Donoghue (Meteorology) on the potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting earth.
• , , and report on a new research project looking at climate tipping points. Dr Reinhard Schiemann (Meteorology), leading the project, is quoted. From our story: Climate tipping points risks to be tested by next-gen models.
• and feature a study by the 色狗导航, which analysed the impact of the Ukraine war on increased carbon emissions, due to flight detours. From our story: Ukraine war forces planes to take longer routes, raising CO2.
• reports researchers from the University are working alongside other institutions to study how climate change is causing more persistent heavy rainfall.
• BBC Radio Jersey discusses the climate stripes, developed by Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology), and how they are used to spark conversations about climate change.
• and highlight the launch of SENSE, a Smart Energy Data Service to address Net Zero challenges. The University is one of a number of academic institutions involved in delivering the project.

Health and wellbeing:

• features a study led by Dr AlexBye (Pharmacy) which suggests a new blood test could help prevent heart attacks and strokes. From our story: Blood test paves the way for better heart attack prevention.
• features an initiative seeking opinions on ultra-processed foods, with Professor Julie Lovegrove (Food and Nutritional Sciences) as a member.

Food and farming:

• highlights a new dual-breed poultry project, in collaboration with Dr Elizabeth Rowe (Agri-Food Economics and Marketing).

Heritage and culture:

• An article in looks at Benjamin Franklin’s printing career and mentions a series of events and exhibitions taking place in London to commemorate his work. On display will be a replica of a common printing press that Franklin would have used, on loan from the 色狗导航.

Business and society:

• Dr Kenton White (Politics) was quoted by discussing the talks between the US and Russia, regarding the war in Ukraine.
• Dr Florence Phua (Built Environment) shared her research with on designing better dementia-care facilities.
• mentions Dr Peter Scarfe (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) who tested AI detection in classrooms addressing concerns over cheating in education.
• Professor Chris Hilson (Law) is quoted in , discussing the Office for Environmental Protection's role in the post-Brexit landscape.

Other coverage:

• , , and highlight the University's plans to refurbish the Grade II-listed URS building, with proposals submitted to Wokingham Borough Council. From our story:Plans submitted to upgrade iconic campus building.
• mentions that Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Parveen Yaqoob OBE will be a keynote speaker at the Mayor of Reading’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

Alumni:

• features Richard Robinson, a University graduate with a BA in Music.
• writes that Philip Mayes, who holds an MSc in Horticulture, has joined ICL as Technical Area Sales Manager.