Reading in the news - Fri 7 Feb
07 February 2025

Life in alien oceans? , , , , , , , , , and reported on a new study led by Flynn Ames (Meteorology) that found different physics in alien oceans could prevent signs of deep-sea life from reaching detectable areas. Flynn Ames also spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire and . From our story: Alien ocean could hide signs of life from spacecraft.
Health and wellbeing:
- featured research by Dr Philippa Darbre (Biological Sciences) on the potential risks of aluminium in deodorants.
- and quote Professor Philip Beaman (Psychology) on how songs become "earworms.”
Business and society:
- Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) spoke to (skip to 7.28) about the next steps for Palestinians living in Gaza.
- and highlighted Anupam Nanda (formerly Henley Business School) on the environmental and wellbeing impacts of a four-day workweek.
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- , , and quote Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) on record temperatures recorded last month.
- quotes Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) on a new study about the impact aerosols have had on cooling Earth.
- reported on research from Professor Chris Merchant (Meteorology) about the rate ocean temperatures have increased since in the 1980s.
- quotes Dr Saeed Bagheri (Law) on the impact on nature in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- quotes Professor Bill Collins (Meteorology) on a new study about whether reducing atmospheric sulphur stimulates more methane emissions from wetlands.
Other coverage:
- reports that Reading University Boat Club received a Commendation for Environmental Sustainability at the 2024 British Rowing Awards.
- highlights a former heating business near the University, set to become a café, which has remained vacant for 19 years.
- BBC Radio Berkshire previews upcoming events in Reading, including a performance of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra at the University’s Great Hall, and the 2025 Wolfenden Lecture will take place at Henley Business School.
Alumni:
- reports that Pierre-Alexandre Clément, with an MSc in Real Estate Finance from Henley Business School, has joined Optigestion.