Evolving the ability to walk on tiptoes helped mammals become the chunkiest animals on the planet, according to new research by evolutionary biologist Dr Manabu Sakamoto. But could it also…Read More >
Environment
Space Blitz: discovering the hidden impacts of WWII bombing raids
The controversial British bombing raids on Dresden – known as ‘Operation Thunderclap’ – took place 73 years ago this month. During the raids, British bombers dropped thousands of tons of…Read More >
1.5 degree limit won’t save the earth’s ‘third pole’
Even if we limit global warming to 1.5 degrees it will not be enough to prevent melting of the world’s third largest store of ice, in the Himalayas – and…Read More >
Retreating glaciers: the science behind the story
Professor Maria Shaghedenova’s research looks at the shrinkage of glaciers due to climate change, and the effect of this on rivers and lakes. Her work recently featured in a visually…Read More >
We revealed the value of Zambia’s wild yam. Why it matters
Lusala is a wild yam that grows in the forests of Zambia. Research has highlighted that this tasty tuber is part of the staple diet of 96% of rural households…Read More >
Our most popular papers of 2018
Which Reading research publications got the most attention across the globe in 2018? We’ve scoured Altmetric data to bring you the top eight most talked about Reading-authored papers of the…Read More >
Smoother and safer flying
Aviation turbulence can now be predicted up to 18 hours ahead, resulting in smoother flights for billions of passengers and helping to cut carbon dioxide emissions – all thanks to…Read More >
Sydney’s orange sky reminds us how unpredictable dust storms can be
Last week, a dust storm turned the Sydney skies orange and badly affected local air quality. Dr Claire Ryder explains why such phenomena occur and why more research is needed…Read More >
Smooth ride: air turbulence research shortlisted for NERC Impact Award
Climate change is increasing in-flight air turbulence: bad news for nervous flyers. But Dr Paul Williams has developed an algorithm to predict turbulence up to 18 hours ahead, resulting in…Read More >
What’s the weather like in space?
On 23 November we’re welcoming NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson to campus to tell his stories about life in space. Here at Reading, Dr Clare Watt’s research looks at space weather…Read More >