UCL in the media
Gene mutation could protect against diabetes
An ancient gene mutation helps nearly one in two people cope with modern diets by keeping blood sugar low, according to a study by Professor Frances Brodsky (UCL Structural & Molecular Biology) and Professor Mark Thomas (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment).
Sure Start had a positive effect on health of children in poorest areas
A study led by Dr Gabrielle Conti (UCL Economics) has found that the Sure Start government funded childcare scheme brought ‘major health benefits’ to children, particularly those in deprived areas and saved the NHS millions by reducing hospitalisations of five to 11-year-olds.
Read: Guardian, More: Times (£), Independent, The Conversation, ITV News, UCL News
The effect of colour and age-blind casting on Shakespeare plays
In a letter to the editor, Professor John Sutherland (UCL English Language & Literature) says that while colour and age-blind casting in Shakespeare productions are meant to challenge audiences’ preconceptions of race and age, they do inevitably change the meaning of some lines.
How Mavis Batey contributed to the success of D-Day
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Dr Elizabeth Dearnley (UCL School of European Languages, Culture & Society) discusses the code-breaker Mavis Batey and how her work to crack the Italian and German enigma codes helped the Allies to victory.
Warning on dangers of altering human genetic code
Commenting on the possibility that twins in China ‘genetically edited’ to resist the HIV virus are now at risk of an early death, Professor David Curtis (UCL Biosciences) cautions against modifying human genetic code because the consequences are so unpredictable.
May urged to confront Trump over climate change
Twenty-one UCL academics are among 250 UK scientists to have signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging her to confront President Donald Trump over his position on climate change.
Why doctors give combined vaccines to young children
As many parents opt for single vaccinations instead of the MMR, Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) explained that combination vaccines are given to young children to provide “as much protection as possible, as young as possible”.
Putting ‘colour blindness correcting’ glasses to the test
Professor Andrew Stockman (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology) conducts a series of tests on a boy with colour blindness and finds that a pair of glasses designed to improve certain cases of colour deficiency are effective because they “change the appearance of coloured light.”
Is democracy still fit for purpose?
In a series exploring democracy in the age of Brexit, Professor Meg Russell (UCL Constitution Unit) explains what makes representative democracy different from other forms of democracy and talks about the expectations placed on politicians.
Listen: BBC Radio 4’s ‘Rethinking Representation’ (from 2 mins 54 secs) (from 3 mins 16 secs)
How are humans evolving now?
Professor Steve Jones (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment) explains that Europeans’ skin colour has changed in just a few hundred generations, and explores whether the unusual tallness of people in the Netherlands is a result of evolution.
Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘CrowdScience’ (from 10 mins 22 secs)