UCL in the media
Ukraine is winning the war with Russia, but it won’t be over by Christmas
Professor Mark Galeotti (UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies) argues that Western weapons mean the Russians are outgunned and Putin is dithering, but Zelensky’s counteroffensive remains grindingly slow.
Read: The Sunday Times (£); More: The Herald; Listen: Times Radio (from 9 min, 20 sec)
New evidence that brain and body health influence mental wellbeing
Multiple biological pathways involving organs and the brain play a key part in physical and mental health, according to a new study from Professor James Cole (UCL Computer Science), the University of Melbourne and the University of Cambridge.
Kamala Harris winning over white voters from Trump, polling suggests
Dr Thomas Gift (UCL Political Science) said Harris' ratings "seem to be rising with nearly all demographics, white voters included".
How Arsenal have set the pace for integration and ‘natural multiculturalism’
‘Black Arsenal’, the new book co-edited by Dr Clive Nwonka (UCL Institute for Advanced Studies) that explores how Arsenal Football Club became “a gamechanger for inclusion & Black culture in defiance of ingrained prejudices”, is profiled in The Guardian.
Is smoking making a comeback?
Research by Dr Sarah Jackson (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) suggests declines in smoking since 2021 have been greater among younger adults than older age groups.
Read: The Guardian; Listen: BBC Radio 4 ‘Inside Health’ (from 7 min, 58 sec)
TikTok push alerts include fake news and weeks-old tsunami warning
Dr Kaitlyn Regehr (UCL Information Studies) said: “The way in which those alerts are positioned, it can feel like the platform is speaking directly to [users] and not just a poster”.
‘Origami’ implant which unfolds in brain could help epilepsy patients
Professor Ley Sander (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) said this new approach to brain surgery was exciting but in its infancy. He said: “Anything that reduces the invasive nature of brain surgery and the risk of infection has to be welcomed”
The 7 best exercises to keep your bones strong
Dr Nicky Keay (UCL Medicine) said: “Any ball sports, including rugby, football and netball, are a great way to achieve this and they also include load-bearing jumps which help to build strong bones”.
The 9 tropical diseases you can catch in Europe this summer
Professor Francois Balloux (UCL Genetics Institute) warns we're likely to see more infections in parts of Europe as the climate becomes "more suitable". He said: "Many of these insect species prefer warm and humid weather".
The role of Black entertainers in the German Empire
Dr Jeff Bowersox (UCL School of European Languages, Culture and Society) is interviewed on German radio for a project about Black entertainers during the years of the German Empire.
Listen: WDR 5 Scalla 'Background Culture' (from 1 min 15 secs)