Reading in the news - Wed 22 Sep

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) answered listeners' Covid questions on BBC Radio Berkshire this morning (around 9.05am); and is quoted in The Dorset Echo (print) and News and Star - Cumbria (print) on travel testing. 

#PlanetPartners: Reading's global work for a sustainable future

• Reading researchers, led by Dr Christopher O'Reilly (Meteorology), have found that climate models may be underestimating the impact climate change will have on the UK and North America due to a missing element - wind variability. The news is reported by Technology Networks, Watt's Up with That? and AZO CleanTech. Read our news story. 

Healthier bacon: University of Reading scientists have discovered that a Japanese knotweed extract could cut the cancer risk of processed meats, such as bacon and sausages. The research, led by Dr Gunter Kuhnle (Food), is covered by MailOnline, The Grocer, Medical Xpress, Science Daily, World Health.Net and other news outlets around the world. Read our news story. 

CO2 shortage: Professor Laurence Harwood (Chemistry) spoke to Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 (1 hour 33 mins in) about the properties of carbon dioxide and why the current shortage of it can have an impact on some industries. 

Other coverage

• MailOnline covers a study involving Reading researchers which found that fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise can increase levels of happiness. Professor Uma Kambhampati (Politics) is quoted. The story appears on and other international news sites, including MSN. Read our news story.
• Professor Ian Givens (Food) is quoted in MailOnline, commenting on a study which has found that adults who consume a high dairy diet are less likely to develop heart disease. The story also appears on other news aggregation sites.
• Wokingham Today (print) features stories on the Cine Valley launch earlier this month, Shinfield Studios and a heritage event taking place at the Ure Museum this month.
• Professor Jacopo Torriti (Built Environment) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire (approx. 1 hour 12 mins in) about rising gas prices and the impact on consumers.
• TUCO Magazine (print) contains a feature on the University's publicity plans to promote its new sustainable food menus.