UCL in the media
Climate damage from rocket launches
Dr Eloise Marais (UCL Geography) explains why it's wrong to compare the amount of emissions from rockets with aircraft, as rockets release pollutants all the way from the surface of the Earth to the mesosphere - with pollution lasting longer when released into these upper layers.
Around 25 million children missed routine vaccinations because of COVID-19
"This is particularly tragic as tremendous progress was made in the two decades before the COVID pandemic to improve childhood vaccination rates globally," said Professor Helen Bedford (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health).
Disposable vapes made of enough lithium to power 1,200 electric cars
"We can't be throwing these materials away, it really is madness in a climate emergency. This is the material that we are absolutely relying on to shift away from fossil fuels and address climate issues,” said Professor Mark Miodownik (UCL Mechanical Engineering).
3.5m Britons had Covid last week as cases rose by another third
“I try to socialise outdoors as much as possible, sitting outside in pubs or restaurants, and I’m as vaccinated as I can be. I’m also testing if I’m seeing lots of people or anyone at risk or if I have any cold and flu symptoms,” said Professor Christina Pagel (UCL Mathematics).
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Why woodpeckers don’t mind hitting trees with their faces
Dr Ryan Felice (UCL Cell & Developmental Biology) comments on a study into why woodpeckers don't get concussions when hammering at trees, saying that there is much more complexity beyond just bones and muscles.
James Webb Telescope more detailed than Hubble
"The first thing that everyone did was compare with Hubble, and you could see instantly so much more detail. It was absolutely mind-boggling," said Dr Aayush Saxena (UCL Physics & Astronomy).
WHO recommends booster vaccinations
Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) discusses the WHO’s recommendation that everyone should get a booster vaccination for Covid as infection numbers increase around the world.
Tips to stay cool while working
To beat the heat, Dr Anna Mavrogianni (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) urges people to switch off unused electrical equipment and open windows to improve airflow, but work away from direct sunlight.
New Covid variants more resistant to vaccines
As Covid infections rise, Professor Karl Friston (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) said that new Omicron variants are proving to be better at evading a body’s immunity, but vaccination continues to prevent against most serious illness and death.
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Reflective rooftops could lower city temperatures
“Cool roofs can be really simple. Think of Mediterranean countries, where the houses are painted white. The more reflective the rooftop, the lower the surrounding air temperature will be,” said Dr Clare Heaviside (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources).
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