UCL in the media
Rigid approach has sucked the joy out of learning to read, experts say
Professor Dominic Wyse’s (IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society) new book ‘The Balancing Act’ argues that by focusing on synthetic phonics at the expense of understanding and enjoying real whole texts means children miss out on the joy of reading.
Eternal flames
Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) answers the listener question ‘what affect nuclear bombs would have on our planet and, ultimately, our climate?’.
Listen: BBC World Service ‘Unexpected Elements’ (from 37 min, 15 sec)
Why doesn't everyone clear up?
Professor Nichola Raihani (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explains how our psychology affects the cleanliness of a shared space. She explains free riders, cheaters and public goods, and how evolutionary scientists view cooperation challenges.
Listen: BBC Radio 4 ‘Why Do We Do That?’ (from 6 min, 2 sec)
Trump found guilty on all counts in criminal trial
Dr Brian Klaas (UCL European & International Social & Political Studies) reflects on Donald Trump being found guilty of hush-money plot to influence the 2016 Presidential election.
Listen: BBC Radio 4 ‘The World Tonight’ (from 40 min, 6 sec); More: BBC Radio 2 ‘News Bulletin’ (from 1 hr, 29 min,22 sec); BBC 5 Live ‘Nicky Campbell’ (from 5 min, 44 sec)
No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero
Existing fossil fuel projects are sufficient to meet projected energy demands in a global transition to net zero emissions, finds a study by Dr Fergus Green (UCL Political Science), Dr Steve Pye (UCL Energy Institute) & the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Researchers test robotic third thumb that can be controlled by the toes
A study involving researchers from UCL sought to investigate how easily people can adapt to using the device, trying to find a diverse range of participants from young children to older adults.
Trump conviction, FGM ban at risk in Gambia, TV’s Queen of Books
Dr Julie Norman (UCL Political Science) explore the potential impact his guilty verdict could have on Donald Trump’s core base. She said: “His supporters will see this as extra ammunition, extra reason to double down”.
Why do we sleep?
Professor Andrea Sella (UCL Chemistry) explains the discovery of one of the rarest elements in the world, promethium.
Thousands of autistic people living with undiagnosed mental illness
Lead researcher, Dr Elizabeth O'Nions (UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences) said: “Autistic adults, particularly those with a learning disability, often find it hard to communicate with GPs about how they are feeling”.
Inside Labour’s plans to run the four great offices of state
Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose) has been rumoured to be in the frame to join a potential Labour government’s policy team.