UCL in the media
From Darwin to Mars: Why life's origins are disputedflan
The evolution of simple cell-like vesicles, lacking genes, could have happened relatively quickly, but the evolution of cells containing DNA genetic code, likely took hundreds of millions of years, says Professor Nick Lane (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment).
Scientists baffled by discovery of '2000-year-old computer'
“Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.” Dr Adam Wojcik (UCL Mechanical Engineering) on previous research on ancient astronomical calculator.
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How we age—and how scientists are working to turn back the clock
Professor David Gems (UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, UCL Biosciences) says that scientists have identified hallmarks of ageing which can describe some of what happens during ageing, but researchers have not yet fully explained why these changes occur.
Why scientists are delving into the virtual world
Dr Stephen Hilton (UCL School of Pharmacy) runs a 'virtual lab' alongside his real synthetic chemistry laboratory, enabling students to practice experiments, even from home, while also hosting visits from school groups and collaborators abroad including in the global south.
NHS warned it risks another Lucy Letby unless it takes whistleblowers seriously
Visiting Professor Narinder Kapur (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said the Lucy Letby case “has highlighted issues that have been there for years, such as the persecution of whistleblowers, and the fact that managers are not regulated”.
Grammar schools do not work: The UK's brightest pupils have better chances of getting top GCSE results in comprehensives, study finds
Dr Xin Shao (IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education & Society) says expanding the selective system would 'not be a wise decision', adding: "Our study adds to the evidence that the expansion of grammar schools and the selective system is unlikely to raise national academic standards."
UN report on Climate Change
Professor Sir Michael Marmot (UCL Institute of Health Equity) comments on the new UN climate report calling for governments around the world to act urgently to protect children from climate change, noting: "It's a failure of our democracies if children's interests are not heard."
Tag surgery patients with barcode to prevent medical blunders, experts say
Professor Sir Terence Stephenson (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) has called for every hospital patient to be given a barcode and scanned before surgery to prevent medical blunders: "Getting people out quickly is good for patients, but it’s also very good for the NHS."
Shoplifting is out of control. Forget the police – stores need to up their game
“Literally all crime over the last 30 years has dropped significantly,” says Emeritus Professor Gloria Laycock (UCL Security and Crime Science). “This includes shop theft, which is now increasing but from a low base.”
Wave of ill-health coming from ultra-processed food, experts warn
“Importantly the studies indicate that, whilst the salt, fat and sugar content of ultra-processed foods is one way they harm the body, the ultra-processing itself is the main problem," says Dr Chris Van Tulleken (UCL Infection & Immunity).