Reading in the news - Fri 7 Feb

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.