Reading in the news - Tue 28 Jan
28 January 2025

Rapid ocean warming: , , (and in print), , , , , , , , , and report on a new study led by Professor Chris Merchant (Meteorology) on the rapid rate of ocean warming over the past four decades. From our story: Ocean-surface warming four times faster now than late-1980s
Health and wellbeing:
- highlighted research from Professor Netta Weinstein (Psychology) showing the benefits of solitude.
- quoted Professor Sakthivel Vaiyapuri (Pharmacy) on the impacts on hospitals amid India’s snakebite crisis.
- featured Professor Ciara McCabe’s (Psychology) research on the impact of volunteering to help combat depression. From our story: Volunteering could help you feel less depressed.
Business and society:
- highlighted research from Henley Business School, which found that businesses with a four-day week saw a 78% increase in staff happiness and a 62% reduction in sick days.
- BBC Radio Berkshire interviewed Professor Steve Musson (Geography and Environmental Science) about the strength of Reading’s economy.
- quoted Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre and Television) discussing the limitations of deepfake technology.
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- Professor Suzanne Gray (Meteorology) is quoted in the and discussing UK storm.
- features comments from Professor Chris Hilson (Law) on President Trump's climate and energy policies.
Heritage and culture:
- , , , , and quote Dr Brian Pickles (Ecology) on a rare pterosaur fossil showing a crocodilian bite. From our story: Rare pterosaur fossil reveals crocodilian bite 76m years ago.
- Greatest Hits Radio highlighted a study led by Dr Juliette Waterman (Archaeology) which examined the skeletons of birds of prey, including red kites, to understand their diet. From our story: Ancient birds of prey lived off menu of medieval waste
Other coverage:
- outlines how to apply for the Felix Scholarship.
- reported that the University has opened nominations for its Celebration of Volunteering Awards. From our story: University volunteer awards open for nominations
Alumni:
- highlights Danica Crewing appointing Dmitrisa Liolios as the new representative in Athens. Ms Crewing has an MBA from Henley Business School.