UCL in the media
Sat-nav industry adjusts algorithms to move traffic back to main roads
Professor David Metz (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering) highlights that satnavs slow motorway traffic by redirecting motorists onto the motorway for one or two junctions on short journeys, "to the disadvantage of longer-distance users".
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Campaigners claim the sugar tax is not working and should be scrapped
"The sugar tax has unintentionally increased the amount of artificial sweeteners that children consume, because drinks made with them are cheaper," commented Dr Chris van Tulleken (UCL Infection & Immunity) who highlights that artificial sweeteners can make you want to eat more.
'Cough medicine may be the unexpected treatment Parkinson's patients need'
A team of UCL researchers, led by Professor Anthony Schapira (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) are expected to launch a phase 3 clinical trial with the active ingredient of cough remedies, ambroxol, to assess its effectiveness in hundreds of people with Parkinson’s.
Government efforts to digitise NHS rated ‘inadequate’ by expert panel
“The aspirations to transform the NHS, supported by the right digital foundations, are to be applauded, however our report finds evidence mainly of opportunities missed,” commented Professor Dame Jane Dacre (UCL Medical School) who was the chair of the expert panel.
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Regulators must be far tougher on water companies
Professor Peter Hammond (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) highlights a huge spillage of one billion litres of untreated sewage in a day from Thames Water's Mogden sewage works which directly impacted the cleanliness of rivers.
UK warned aid sent to Syria could be stolen for al-Assad to score 'political gain'
"Aid workers including with the UN are trapped in a difficult-to-gain situation regarding post-earthquake aid for Syria," said Professor Ilan Kelman (UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction) who warned that aid could easily be diverted or misused by any group.
How Nato weapons in the Baltic are sinking Russia’s military ambitions
“If you’re constantly living with a sword hanging over your head, you kind of get used to it being there," said Dr Mart Kuldkepp (UCL School of European Languages, Culture and Society) who described the impending sense of threat felt in the Baltic region.
What the flying spiral spotted over Hawaii actually means
Dr Eloise Marais (UCL Geography) explains how leftover fuel from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket created a 'flying whirlpool' and warns that space tourism has damaging impacts to the environment such as its contribution to depleting the ozone layer.
Turkey counts massive cost of rebuilding shattered towns and cities
“The cost is going to be really enormous," warned Professor Tiziana Rossetto (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering) who says the quicker buildings damaged by the earthquake are assessed, the easier it will be to rehome people and begin plans for rebuilding.
Why die-hard climate change sceptics are unlikely to change their minds
"Climate change and global environmental issues are directly opposed to extreme neoliberalism," says Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) who explains that extreme libertarians will never be convinced by the regulation needed for global issues such as pollution or CO2.