Reading in the news - Tue 14 Jan

‘PPI 2.0’: Derek Whayman (Law) writes for The Conversation on a potential banking scandal dubbed ‘PPI 2.0’ – in which car dealers took secret fees for recommending finance. Republished by National Tribune.

Health:

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) appeared on Sky News to discuss the resumption of the Covid-19 inquiry.
• Professor Darius Widera (Pharmacy) is involved in a clinical trial into the cannabis compound CBD, BBC Radio Berkshire mentions. Professor Widera explained how the compound could be used to treat various ailments.

Environment and climate:

• BusinessGreen and GreenPeace republish an article on The Conversation written by Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) about new data showing 2024 was the warmest year on record. BBC Radio Berkshire mentions that Professor Ed Hawkins’ climate stripes have been updated to include the latest temperature data. From our story: Climate stripes show how 2024 reached 1.5°C warming
• Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) is quoted by The Guardian and Inkl on the water needed to keep data centres running.  
• Marta O’Brien (Geography) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about air pollution in Reading after Reading Borough Council announced plans to base parking charges on a car’s emissions.

Heritage and culture:

• BBC Radio Berkshire spoke to Professor Michael Fulford (Archaeology) about an Iron Age brooch banned from being sold at auction.

Business and society:

• Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre and TV) spoke to Heart Radio Berkshire about government plans to invest in new AI infrastructure. Read our expert comment:

AI Action Plan: ‘Govt proposals sideline creative sector’

• Darryl Erasmus, who is studying a postgraduate diploma in Business Studies at Henley Business School, has joined South Africa Tourism, atqnews reports.

Other coverage:

• Louisiana Weekly mentions Professor Kevin Warwick’s robotics work at the University of Reading.