Reading in the news - Wed 30 Oct

Do you believe in vampires? Professor Anne Lawrence-Mathers (Medieval History) explores medieval supernatural beliefs, from elves to vampires, in her article for The Conversation.

Health and wellbeing:

• HealthDay features research by Dr David Field (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) on the role of vitamin B6 supporting brain function.

Food and farming:

• The Bump Tag project, in collaboration with Mimica, aims to reduce food waste, reports TUCO (in print). Dr Rachel McCloy (Psychology) is quoted. From our news story: Revolutionary Bump Tag to combat food waste.

Heritage and culture:

• Dr Dimitra Tzanidaki-Kreps (Languages and culture) presents "History in Pictures" at the "Cyprus 1974-2024" event, reports Topontiki.
• Farm Contractor Magazine revisits the history of Bullock Creeping Grip tractors highlighting The Museum of English Rural Life at the University.

Business and society:

• Professor Billy Wong (Education) tells Worcestershire & West Midlands Living, Oxfordshire living, Wiltshire living and Dorset living (in print) that stereotypes about "nerdy" computer science students are outdated. From our story: Redefining the Computer Whiz.
• BBC Radio Berkshire features insights from Professor Derek Bolton (Philosophy & Psychopathology) on the key candidates for the upcoming US presidential election.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• BBC 1 South East, BBC 1 Scotland, BBC News 24, and BBC 1 Wales highlight the famous climate stripes, created by Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology), illustrating rising average temperatures in York. From our stroy: Climate stripes ‘off the scale’ for hot 2023.

Other coverage:

• Architecture Today highlights barriers to the transition to regenerative architecture, featuring the Gardens at Campus Reading International designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman.

Alumni:

• e27 highlights measurable energy's smart socket technology, co-founded by PhD graduate Dan Williams and robotics expert Josh Eadie.
• IZMU features Kevin Aron, Principal Officer of Medshield Medical Scheme, discussing the company’s initiatives to maintain affordable medical aid in 2025.