UCL in the media
House of Lords launches report on forensic science in the UK
The House of Lords’ Science and Technology Committee’s report on forensic science, which Professor Ruth Morgan (UCL Security & Crime Science) was the Specialist Adviser for, has found that forensic science in the UK is in a state of crisis.
Opera suppressed by Nazis is revived
A suppressed Kurt Weill opera that “posed a puzzle for modern musicians” is to be performed in a new translation thanks to a collaboration between Professor Michael Berkowitz (UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies) and director Leo Doulton as part of the UCL Culture Performance Lab series.
Why the date of Easter changes each year
Professor Sacha Stern (UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies) explains how the date of Easter is calculated each year.
Scientists develop "test" for chronic fatigue syndrome
Professor John Martin (UCL Medicine) expresses scepticism about a blood test which scientists claim can detect chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting it is likely to be picking up the symptoms but not a specific disease.
Losing sense of smell can be fatal sign
A new study suggests that losing sense of smell could be a warning sign of early death. Professor Rob Howard (UCL Psychiatry) says the study raises the interesting possibility that loss of smell may be a marker of generalised ageing and should be taken seriously.
Gender stereotypes worry 6 in 10 parents
New research into gender stereotypes of children shows "feminine" males face more stigma than girls who are tomboys. A new Commission on Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood will be headed up by Professor Becky Francis (UCL Institute of Education) and Labour MP David Lammy.
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Tech ‘cuts off young people from adults’
Professor Peter Fonagy (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) suggests that digital technology is reducing face-to-face time between the generations. In a separate profile interview, he describes how therapy helped him to overcome severe depression as a teenager.
The cultural meaning of bread
Dr Kaori O’Connor (UCL Anthropology) explains that throughout history, bread has been a symbol of civilisation and divine favour, and describes its significance in Mesopotamia.
Listen: BBC World Service’s ‘Business Daily’ (from 1 min 12 secs)
Obesity in middle age raises risk of early death by 50%
People who are severely obese in middle age are 50 per cent more likely to die early, according to a large study of UK data involving Honorary Professor Nick Finer (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science).
The true value of economics
Professor Imran Rasul (UCL Economics), who was jointly awarded the Yrjo Jahnsson award this month, is praised along with Professor Oriana Bandiera for his research into work incentives and how they affect productivity.