Reading in the news - Mon 28 Apr

Plant flowers on farms: The Observer exclusively reports (in print) on a new study by Dr Charlotte Howard (Agriculture) that found farmers could save money by planting flower strips on their farms. From our story: Flower strips could save apple farmers pest control costs

Food and farming:

• (audio in article) highlights new research taking place at the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre. Dr Katie Sampeck (Archaeology) and Dr Andrew Daymond (Crop Science) are interviewed. Republished by .
• A investigation about baby food features the University’s Pilot Plant. The documentary will air on BBC One tonight.
• highlights a study comparing milk yields from various cow herds.
• highlights University research showing that wild meadows support a far greater diversity of insects compared to conventional lawns.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• , and mentions Professor Paul Williams’ (Meteorology research) showing severe turbulence has increased by 55% over the past 40 years.
• HEFMA Pulse (in print) highlights research showing that poorly maintained building systems lead to higher energy consumption and emissions.
• Dr Rob Thompson (Meteorology) spoke to (skip to 1.54) about meteorological spring.
• features comments from Professor James O'Donoghue (Meteorology) on Juno probe findings showing rare solar wind impacts on Jupiter. From our story: Solar wave squeezed Jupiter’s bubble to unleash heat.

Heritage and culture:

• Dr Sue Walsh (English Literature) writes for on the Moomin books on the 80th anniversary of the first Moomin story.  
• , , and feature insights from Professor Rebecca Rist (History) about who could succeed Pope Francis. Republished by . From our story: What Pope Francis’s funeral will look like

Health and wellbeing:

• Psychologies (in print) highlight research showing that walnuts' nutrient makeup may enhance cognitive performance over several hours. From our story: Eating walnuts for breakfast may boost your brain function
• (and in print) features comments from Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences) on ultra-processed food consumption.

Business and society:

• mentions a project involving Dr Tharindu Liyanagunawardena (Digital Accessibility Officer) to  integrate digitalisation into the handloom sector

Other coverage:

• Professor Julia Waters (Languages and Cultures) spoke to , and Sky News about Ofsted’s reform plans.
• features three 桃色视频 students, Olga Toušová, Charlotte Bridger, and David Barnett, set to represent Reading in a German half marathon.
• highlights Park House Bar on the University’s campus among the town’s top pubs with beer gardens for summer.
• reports on comments made by Planning Inspectors about Loddon Garden Village.
• mentions that the University will host the Pint of Science Festival next month. From our story: Reading scientists bring their research to the community

Alumni:

• highlights Marko Vu膷i膰, who credited his improved academic results to Theorem and mentioned that he went on to study at Henley Business School.
• highlights Jamie, a University law graduate, who joined BIFA in 2023 and is now part of their reorganised policy and compliance team.