A summary of the latest media coverage for King's College London and Higher Education including headlines from national and international newspapers, specialist journals, television and radio programmes, with a link to the article where possible.
There is also a searchable Archive going back to 2004.
Please submit any media mentions to the Public Relations Department firstname.lastname@example.org, 020 7848 3202.
Scientists at King's have discovered vitamin D has the potential to significantly cut the symptoms of sufferers. Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz, Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology, said: 'The results are so positive that we are testing this in a clinical trial in steroid resistant asthma patients to further research the possibilities of Vitamin D as a potential treatment.' Also reported by Daily Express, BBC News, Times of India, Business Standard (India) and Zee News (India).
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology, was interviewed about the future of genetic testing, following Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering a predisposition to breast cancer. 'The lesson from our research is that someone could have a blood test every year to look for the epigenetic changes that warn that their disease is developing.'
Army observation posts can achieve little, unless the country backs it up with credible political, diplomatic, and military instruments, all under a prudent leadership, writes Zorawar Daulet Singh, Master student at King's India Institute, in an op-ed.
The Times 18th May 2013
Dr Andrew Kicman, Drug Control Centre, commented on the growing use of protein supplements among teenagers. He raised concerns over their often unintelligible ingredients 'not only because of the risk to their health, but also becuase of the culture of drinking in this country.' He added: 'There could be young men out there fuelled on anabolic steroids who are also drinking alcohol, which can lead to incidence of 'roid rage', this uncontrollable anger which can manifest itself in violence.'
A review of past research finds that fever-reducing drugs have no effect on the speed of children's recovery from an infection, contrary to the fears of some doctors and parents. 'Many many parents are using antipyretics with small children whenever they get a slightly raised temperature. This is madness,' said Professor Alison While, Nursing, senior author of the study. Also reported by Reuters India.
In an article about Europeans fighting the Assad regime in Syria as militant Islamists, there is mention of a report by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King's. The report found that up to 600 individuals from 14 countries including the UK, Austria, Spain, Sweden and Germany had taken part in the conflict since it began more than two years ago.
Developed with the help of experts from the Institute of Psychiatry, Mess is a new play about anorexia, "it is informative and witty and constantly prods away at the strangeness of its subject matter."
Dr David Whetham, Defence Studies, was interviewed about the legacy of the Dambuster aircrafts. Item begins at 12.29.
BBC News 17th May 2013
Dr Jonathan Hill, Defence Studies, was interviewed about the Islamist militants Boko Haram, following the start of a campaign by Nigeria's army against the terrorist group, in the north-east of Nigeria.
The Sun 16th May 2013
An article about how drinking alcohol can reduce the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis mentions research by King's, which found that regular drinkers were 48 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, was interviewed about the relationship between Britain and the EU following the move of 116 Conservative MPs to back an amendment to the Queen's speech. Professor Bogdanor said David Cameron is under pressure from backbenchers to make his promise of an EU referendum 'more credible.'
In a letter to the Evening Standard, Professor Louise Archer, Department of Education & Professional Studies, said the assumption that one is either 'arty' or scientific contributes to reduced levels of and less diverse participation in key subjects at A-level and beyond.
Matias Spektor, Brazil Institute, comments on the contrast in approach to foreign policy of Dilma Rousseff, the current Brazilian President, and her predecessor, Luiz InÃ¡cio Lula da Silva. He said: 'Dilma is less interested in and suited to foreign affairs.'
Professor Chris Saw, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on reports that a US team have managed for the first time to turn human skin cells into embryonic stem cells. He says: "This is an important advance because it is feasible. One embryonic stem cell line was generated from just two eggs." Also reported in the Guardian and Press Association
An obituary of Father Ian Weathrall mentions that he studied Theology at King's before he was ordained at Winchester Cathedral.
Professor Sir Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, led the Schizophrenia Commission and says we are not doing the best in caring for people with mental health disorders. (Begins 19mins12)
Article mentions the recently opened Tagore Centre for Global Thought from the King's India Institute: '(King's).. will also invite scholars from universities in China, Japan and USA where research on Tagore's scientific philosophy is in progress.'
BBC Radio 5 Live 14th May 2013
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the MOD releasing data today on military suicides following the Falklands war.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his collaboration with BGI China to identify genes for IQ. He says: "This is not an attempt to identify genius, but to detect the genes that have small effects across all human intelligence. The great thing about BGI is you can do things you might otherwise not have been able to."
Dr Timothy Hildebrandt, Lau China Institute, has written an opinion piece - together with two other academics - on the war in Syria and the ongoing calls for the world to take stronger actions to stop the growing humanitarian crisis.
Dr Samuel Greene, Russia Institute, commented on the fact that a U.S. diplomat was ordered to leave the country after the Kremlin's security services said he tried to recruit a Russian agent. 'Maybe this is what the CIA has come to, maybe the propaganda folks in the Kremlin think we are this stupid, or maybe both,' he said. Also reported by the Daily Mail and Sky News.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on his collaboration with BGI China, sequencing the genes of 2000 people with high IQs. If enough genes that affect intelligence are found, he thinks that it may be possible to predict someoneâ€™s intelligence from an early age, and to offer help to children who are at risk of learning disabilities.
Dr Reinoud Leenders, War Studies, comments on footage of horrific violence emerging from the conflict in Syria. He said: 'It's the ultimate expression of disrespect and dehumanising your opponent.'
An article about the sexual exploitation of children in the UK mentions research by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King's which found that the English Defence League (EDL) had been attempting to link child sexual exploitation with Muslims.
Research from King's College London has revealed how stress hormones reduce the number of new brain cells - a process linked to depression. The researchers identified a protein responsible for this, and successfully used a drug to block the effect, offering a new avenue for drug discovery & treatment.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes about the Pakistani elections which took place at the weekend. He said: 'They have considerable potential for good and evil, with serious consequences for Britain as well.'
'Candidates will find they are expected to be more independent and adults right away than perhaps back home,' said Chris Payne, head of the North America office of King's in an article about the growing number of American students which decides to study abroad as tuition costs are much lower outside the USA.
Dr Harsh V Pant,Defence Studies, was interviewed on the importance of a strong international relations curriculum in India. He said: 'There are no good Political Science departments in India (...). As India becomes a global power, this deficiency needs to be rectified.'
US suspicion of the Chinese telecoms firm, Huawei, is warranted, according to Tim Stevens, War Studies. However, he also warned that it serves US interests to depict Chinese companies as a threat: 'If Huawei has been installing chips that communicate back to China, that is a major breach of national sovereignty. But we simply donâ€™t know the extent to which it is true. It is very difficult to say where the private company ends and the government begins.'
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, was interviewed about the challenges facing the new prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, including economic recovery and the country's electricity problems. Item begins at 1.44.10. Professor Lieven was also interviewed on BBC Radio 4's The World At One.
'There are trade-offs with the traditional single-subject approach in terms of the number of courses you can take,' said Dr James E. Bjork (History), head of King's liberal arts program, in an article which discusses liberal arts programs in the UK in comparison with the USA.
Dr Colette Hirsh, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on whether cases of anxiety are on the rise. She says 'people might see themselves as â€œworriersâ€ but if itâ€™s really interfering with their lives they might have generalised anxiety disorder.â€™
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for the long-term detrimental effect of stress on cells and successfully used a drug compound to block this effect, offering a potential new avenue for drug discovery. This was reported by Reuters India, India Info Online, Indian Express, Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), India Education Diary, Newstrack India, Health India, Med India, India Infoline News Service and Yahoo! India.
Med India writes that research from King's College London has revealed how stress hormones reduce the number of new brain cells - a process considered to be linked to depression.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, commented on the violence surrounding the elections in Pakistan. He said: 'The problems facing the new government will be immense, and this may be the last chance that the country's existing elites have to solve them.' Professor Lieven's comments were also reported by Reuters India, Hindustan Times, Economic Times (India), Times of India, the Independent (India), NDTV (India), International Business Times (UK), CNBC (USA), NBC (USA), China Daily and the Guardian.
In a letter to the Telegraph, Professors Ann McNeill, John Moxham and John Strang write that they are disappointed that the Government has not acted to stop tobacco companies selling cigarettes in bright alluring packages. They says standardised tobacco packaging has been demonstrated to reduce how appealing packs are to children.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, responds to calls from the British Psychological Society for a new approach to diagnosing mental illness. He says that claims psychiatry is being "taken over by the biologists" are unfounded. Professor Wessely also wrote a comment piece for the Observer on DSM-5. His comments were also reported in the Daily Mail.
A review of 'Cyberwar will not take place', by Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies. It said: 'Thomas Rid...throws a well-timed bucket of cold water over an increasingly alarmist debate.'
Daily Mail 11th May 2013
Researchers at King's have found that anticipation of an illness can be enough to trigger the symptoms of that illness. After participants were shown warnings about the dangers of wifi signals, many reported symptoms of electromagnetic sensitivity, despite having not been exposed to any signals. Also reported by BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group at King's, commented on children's vulnerability to air pollution. He said: 'They have a larger lung-to-body volume ratio, their airway epithelium is more permeable to air pollutants, and the lung defence mechanisms against particulate matter pollution and gaseous pollution are not fully evolved.' He added: 'Breathing the same pollutant concentrations, children may have a two to four-fold higher dose reaching the lung compared with adults.' Professor Kelly's comments were also reported by Press Association.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses military suicides and what estimates from Vietnam and the first Gulf War tell us about the mental health of war veterans.
Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, commented on research which found a link between polluted air and insulin resistance. He said: 'It is of interest that this new study demonstrates that both particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are linked to increased risk of insulin resistance in children. This finding is especially relevant for cities in the UK such as London, which regularly exceeds current EU limit values for nitrogen dioxide.'
Dr Frank Foley, War Studies, commented on Abu Qatada's decision to voluntarily return to Jordan if it ratifies a treaty guaranteeing a fair trial. Dr Foley argues that Britain has a slow deportation process: 'The government does not put people on the plane very quickly...it gives lawyers plenty of time to appeal.'
Professor Sir Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research linking flu in pregnancy to an increased risk of bipolar disorder in offspring. He says we should wait for findings to be replicated and not alarm pregnant women.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes about this weekend's elections in Pakistan. He said: 'The problems facing the new government will be immense, and this may be the last chance that the country's existing elites have to solve them.' He added: 'If the lives of ordinary Pakistanis are not significantly improved over the next five years, a return to authoritarian solutions remains a possibility.'
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, was interviewed about the mental health of full-time soldiers and Territorial Army soldiers when they return from war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that whilst there is no increase in mental health problems for full-time soldiers, there is a doubling of common mental health problems for 'reserves' - Territorial Army soldiers. Interview begins at 13.15.
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology, commented on the islamist riots on Hindu communities in Bangladesh. He said: â€˜The thing with blasphemy is that is that is very easy to manipulate it politically because it deals with religious symbolism. That works as a very strong motivational force to get people onto the street (...).â€™ Dr Kersten also commented on the topics of Muslim radicalisation in a radio panel for the Voice of Russia
BBC Parliament 8th May 2013
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, was interviewed about the State Opening of Parliament, which marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government's agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation. Professor Bogdanor was also interviewed by the BBC News Channel.
A new vaccine being developed by King's and Diabetes UK could reduce or eradicate the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes for thousands of people. Mark Peakman, professor of clinical immunology at King's, said: Looking at where we are now, 10 years is a realistic estimate for us to develop the vaccine; and it will be a two-pronged attacked (sic). If you already have Type 1, there is not a lot we can do for you. But a good vaccine might be able to save a bit of function for those in the early stages and reduce the risk if you have to live with it.'
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, was interviewed about the appointment of a Brazilian as the next head of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 'This is not an award, but recognition of Brazil's diplomatic efforts,' he said.
Research led by Professor Carmine Pariante & Dr Christoph Anacker, Institute of Psychiatry, reveals the detailed mechanism behind how stress hormones reduce the number of new brain cells - a process considered linked to depression. Professor Pariante says: 'With as much as half of all depressed patients failing to improve with currently available medications, developing new, more effective antidepressants is an important priority. In order to do this, we need to understand the abnormal mechanisms that we can target.' Also reported by Reuters
Article about public understanding and trust in statistics, an issue that will be debated at King's College London on 14 May 2013, in collaboration with Ipsos MORI and the Royal Statistical Society.
China is busy these days, busy in provoking its neighbours. It is squabbling with Japan over Senkaku Islands, with the Philippines over Scarborough Shoals, with Vietnam over the Paracel Islands, and even with Malaysia and Brunei, writes Dr Harsh Pant, Defense Studies.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, explains what the DSM-5 means for psychiatry in the UK, ahead of the publication of the new version in May 2013.
Professor Malcolm Lader, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the use of valium, and more generally rising prescriptions of antidepressants. He says: 'This is not one problem. It's part of a general over-reliance on psychotropic medication, particularly for people who are less ill, or who may, in fact, be within normal limits. They are unhappy, haven't got help with things or haven't got social support, and they don't have access to psychological treatments, which are usually very effective for them.'
A profile interview with Professor Arnie Purushotham, King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre (ICC). The Centre has signed a partnership with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. 'Getting new treatments to all patients is a huge challenge and can only really be achieved once the systems for delivering affordable and equitable care are in place,' he said.
Professor John Ellis, Physics, who was speaking at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. 'It's important to share what we know with the public, he said. 'The public has a stake in what we do, not just because they pay for us, but because what we do will affect them.'
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the US National Institute for Mental Health's decision to abandon the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guide for psychiatry, the DSM-5. He says: "It's potentially game-changing, but needs to be based on underlying science that is reliable."
Laura Falvey, a King's medical student, meets the man whose life she saved following a hit-and-run accident. Laura, who performed CPR on the man, said: 'The paramedics said I did the right things and that he wouldn't have lived if I hadn't been there.' Laura was also interviewed by BBC London 94.9 FM.
The counter-terrorism dialogue between China and India finally took a serious turn this year as the two powers discussed the issue of Afghanistan for the first time. The impending departure of Nato forces from Afghanistan and the spectre of looming chaos seem to have persuaded Beijing that it cannot ignore the 'Af-Pak' challenge forever, writes Dr Harsh Pant, Defense Studies.
Professor Peter Neumann, ICSR, was interviewed about his recent study on foreign fighters in Syria, and Western deliberations over arming the rebel forces. 'We're so afraid of funding the wrong people ... but the absence of our funding has actually made that more likely because the only money that comes through right now is this hard-core Islamist money,' he said.
In an article about the British Museum joining the online learning platform Futurelearn, there is mention of King's College London's partnership with the organisation, among 24 other universities.
A piece profiling Vikram Singh Mehta, who stepped down as Shell India chairman last October, and currently heads Brookings India in London as part of an annual fellowship programme run by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and King's India Institute. The article ran in Business Standard (India) and The Economic Times (India).
Dr Barbara Lauriat from The Dickson Poon School of Law discusses the implications of new copyright laws enforced by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, including one that will allow individuals to 'format-shift' their own music from CD to MP3 for personal use, a common act that is technically infringing under current law.
In an article about the growth of university-sponsored academies, there is mention of King's maths school initiative. Alison Wolf, Sir Roy Griffiths professor of public sector management and leader of the initiative, says that schools such as the one being set up by King's are necessary to fill a void. Professor Wolf said: 'Nobody questions the established fact that we have an acute shortage of good maths teachers in English and London schools. My personal view is that the most useful thing universities can do is to provide really good subject-based input at a fairly advanced level.'
Two years on from the death of Osama Bin Laden, Professor Peter Neumann, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, said that Al-Qaeda has 'fundamentally changed'. He said this is due to the Arab Spring rather than Bin Laden's death as he was no longer considered important within the organisation. Item starts at 18.00.
Evening Standard 2nd May 2013
In a letter to the Evening Standard Professor Theo Farrell, War Studies, writes about measures of Western success in Afghanistan. It 'hinges firstly on the transfer of power to the Afghan army and police', said Professor Farrell. He added: 'Second, and much more important, is the political transition to a post-Karzai regime following next year's presidential elections.'
In a programme about the legacy of the MMR autism scare, Professor Declan Murphy, Institute of Psychiatry, says there is no evidence to show a link between the triple vaccine and autism. He explains that the causes of autisms remain unknown but will certainly be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. (Begins 10min 11s)
Following a case of rape in India, Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about what research into sexual molestation of children in other countries has revealed, and his own experiences of working with people with pedophiliac tendencies.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, discussed the 'widespread' problem of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, which, she says, has recently been acknowledged by the government and an anti-domestic violence advertising campaign. Item begins at 1.00.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, said he now feels 'nausea' looking at images of the 'Mission Accomplished' banner which hung as George Bush announced the end to major combat operations in Iraq in 2003. He said: 'Iraq remains a deeply troubled and divided society, at continuous risk of falling into civil war, which has appalling consequences for the whole region.'
Daily Express 30th April 2013
A recommendation for 'Constant Cravings: Does food addiction exist?', a radio programme by Sally Marlow, Addictions, which will discuss the dangers of excessive eating.
Scientists are divided over whether or not addiction could be contributing to rising global obesity. Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses whether food addiction really exists and - if it does - how it can be treated.
Dr Tim Nicholson, Institute of Psychiatry, says that it is well known that certain infections can also have a psychological effect on the brain. He says: "Syphilis is the classic example. It is strongly linked to brain disintegration and dementia."
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the taboo of mental illness in Black and South Asian communities. He says: "Within these communities, adherence to social norms - norms such as doing well academically, being married, having children - is key to achieving and maintaining respect. Mental illness tends to fall outside of these norms."
Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry (IoP), investigates whether food addictions really exist. She speaks to Caitlin O'hara and Professor Ulrike Schmidt from the IoP.
Passengers should stick to puzzles or books during a flight rather than making big decisions as mental tasks are impaired at high altitude, according to David Gradwell, the UK's first substantive Professor of Aerospace Medicine. Future research at King's Centre of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences will assess advice given to passengers before travel and look at whether GPs are providing appropriate guidance. Professor Gradwell's comments were also reported by Press Association, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Sun.
BBC World Service 30th April 2013
Dr Orkideh Behrouzan, Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, was interviewed about her recent article in Foreign Policy, which addressed the psychological impact of the Iraq War on children.
An article about new research from King's which found that regular drinkers were 48 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr Harvey Cohen, Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries, was interviewed about the life and work of jazz musician Duke Ellington. Dr Cohen discussed how, during the 1930s, Duke Ellington and his Orchestra were featured in Hollywood movies earlier and more respectably than any other African American figures during the decade. Interview begins at 14.10.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, was interviewed about her new book, 'The XX Factor', which examines how women are creating a new society. Interview begins at 13.15.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, addressed the threat of cyber attacks on Newsnight. Distinguishing between acts of sabotage, espionage and subversion, Dr Rid said espionage - the stealing of information - is where the main threat lies for the UK. Interview begins at 12.40.
Britain plans to restore a permanent military presence in the Gulf, basing land, air and naval forces in the region, according to a report co-authored by Dr Saul Kelly from the Defence Studies Department. The findings were also reported by BBC News, RT and the Washington Times.
The Sunday Times 28th April 2013
Book review of 'The XX Factor' by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, which examines how working women are creating a new society.
An article about Danish scientists who are fast approaching a cure for HIV mentions King's role in the Collaborative HIV Eradication of Reservoirs UK Biomedical Research Centre group, which is dedicated to finding treatments for the virus.
Book review of 'The XX Factor' by Professor Alison Wolf, Management. The book examines how working women are creating a new society. The Guardian wrote: â€˜Readably written, the book's a mass of facts and surveys, interviews, statistics and comparisons between countries; it could be a crucial bible for anyone wanting to check up on anything about contemporary women.â€™ Professor Wolf was interviewed by BBC Radio 4â€™s Womanâ€™s Hour and the book was reviewed by the Guardian, The Times, The Financial Times, Daily Telegraph and The Spectator.
Professor Dinesh Bhurga, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about how the stigma of mental health problems affect young Asians. Having a diagnosis may seem to bring shame on the family and affect people's chances of marriage for example. (Begins 20mins10s)
Professor Anthony David, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about depersonalisation disorder. His research is looking at why people with depersonalisation disorder report emotional "numbing" â€“ the feeling that the world is somehow alien.
Professor Andrew O'Hagan from the Department of English and curator of 'The Joy of Influence', previews the series of events at King's where six novelists will discuss the inspiration they've drawn from other art forms. Also reported by the Guardian.
Tom Sanders, Professor of Nutrition, told 5 Live Drive that from a nutritional point of view people can live on Â£12 per week and stay healthy. Professor Sanders also commented on the high amount of waste contributed by the food industry where food is often thrown away for purely aesthetic reasons. Interview starts at 27.50.
The new Lung Cancer Alliance is to bring fresh hope to lung cancer patients, aiming to enrol every sufferer in a clinical trial in a bid to beat the disease. King's is one of several leading institutions to join the alliance.
Professor Brian Sutton, Biomedical Sciences, commented on the significance of the discovery of DNA, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. BBC World News also interviewed him on the same topic.
Article on the 60 year anniversary of the DNA discovery which lead to a Nobelprize mentions King's College London: '(Francis Crick and James Watson) acknowledged that their thinking had been 'stimulated' by X-ray diffraction images provided by the laboratory at King's College London.
Article about the BBC Academy's female expert training day. Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry, attended the training day and pitched a radio package about alcohol and addiction to the editor of BBC Radio4's Today Programme. The programme aired last month.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes about the impact of Thatcherism on higher education.
In an article about a legal case between a shop manager and her employer, there is mention of a study led by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt from the Department of Geography at King's, which counted the cost of health and safety rules for companies.
Nikolas Rose, Professor of Sociology and Head of the Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, commented on a new report which investigates the latest brain treatments. Professor Rose raised concerns over a lack of testing, particularly for treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation, which 'involves the implantation of electrodes deep into different areas of the brain and the application of small electrical currents.' Despite proving to be a very effective treatment for motor diseases, says Professor Rose, 'it's rather unproven whether these direct interventions into the brain are effective.'
Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, is one of the scientists involved in the new Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Research Collaborative led by the MRC. His research is investigating the association of raised inflammatory markers, such as C reactive protein, with CFS. He says: â€œIt wasnâ€™t my field. I would have been less likely, definitely, to enter the field of chronic fatigue syndrome if it wasnâ€™t for the MRC highlighting the syndrome.â€
Dr Susan Martin, War Studies, is quoted in an article on the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government against rebel forces: 'In the Middle East, chemical weapons have been seen as a possible counter to Israel's nuclear weapons.'
In an article about 19-year-old Brian de Mulder from Belgium, thought to have joined rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, there is mention of a report by King's International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, which found that up to 600 people from Europe have taken part in the conflict since it began two years ago.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, commented on the news that a young man from Chicago suburbs arraigned on terrorism charges after trying to join al-Qaeda-linked group on FBI website. He said: 'FBI operations like the one that snagged Tounisi have been controversial, because they are essentially picking people at the point where they are simply expression interest.'
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, writes about the rise of the 'super-family': 'It is tight knit, nuclear, husband-wife-and-kids, but with a twist: two successful, two highly educated, two well-paid parents.' Professor Wolf added that the 'super-family' is the 'key reason why the top section of society is drawing away from the rest.'
Press Association 23rd April 2013
Dr Susan Young, Institute of Psychiatry, co-authored an Expert White Paper highlighting the substantial impact Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have on an individual from childhood into adulthood, in addition to the broader impact on families, welfare systems and national budgets. The White Paper was presented to policymakers and key stakeholders in Brussels today.
A study led by Dr Chloe Wong and Prof Jon Mill, Institute of Psychiatry, has identified patterns of change in gene activity involved in autism in a study that shed light on how environmental factors can work to turn certain genes on or off and contribute to the development of the brain disorder. Also reported by Irish Times & Huffington Post
Dr Orkideh Behrouzan, Assistant Professor of Medical Anthropology in the Department of Social Science, Health, and Medicine, writes about the enduring psychological impact of war.
Kerry had been sceptical of the 'pivot' strategy in the past and the nomenclature in Washington has already changed to 'strategic rebalancing' since his taking over the role of America's chief diplomat, writes Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies.
Dr Stephen Till, Department of Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Science, was interviewed about the launch of a new vaccine for hayfever which could be more effective, less invasive for patients and less expensive than currently available vaccines. Dr Till said the new vaccine 'could be used widely throughout the NHS.' Item begins at 49.38.
Ben Bowling, professor of criminology at King's, said reports that stop and searches for black and Asian people has doubled in the past decade shows a 'racial penalty' being exacted by the police on ethnic minorities in Britain. He added: 'It remains an example of what the Lawrence inquiry referred to as institutional racism. In my view, the police use of stop and search is simply not good enough.'
Article about the TEDxKingsCollegeLondon conference 'Beyond the genes - identity, health and culture', organised by Twins UK at King's College London. Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, spoke at the event about his studies of twins, which have shown that identical genes do not mean identical lives. Speaking at the conference he said:'We now know genes are not our destiny.'
In an article about the online learning platform Futurelearn, King's College London's interest in the service is mentioned.
Article mentions research from King's College London which revealed that herbal medicines containing toxic aristolochic acid used for slimming and to treat asthma and arthritis, are exposing people to kidney failure risks.
China seems more willing to co-operate with India over Afghanistan, but New Delhi should step carefully, writes Harsh V Pant, Defense Studies, in an op-ed on the counter-terrorism dialogue between China and India .
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, examines the Chechen roots of the Boston terrorists and suggests that the attacks 'reflect a deep and terrible background in modern Caucasian history.'
In an article about women who prefer to pursue a career to motherhood, a new book by Alison Wolf, professor of public sector management, is discussed. In 'The XX Factor: How Working Women Are Creating a New Society' Professor Wolf argues that is a new group of women â€“ around 15-20 per cent â€“ for whom work is a major source of their identity, self-esteem and pleasure. According to Professor Wolf, the other 85 per cent may find camaraderie and satisfaction in work but principally it is a means to pay the bills: family remains the centre of their lives.
Sky News 20th April 2013
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology and Religious Studies, discussed 'a combination of different factors' that may have led the Chechen brothers to carry out the attack on Boston, including 'self-radicalisation', their Chechen background and alienation from American society. However, Dr Shterin warned: 'None of these stories are fully supported by current evidence.'
Commenting on the recent terrorist attacks at the Boston marathon, Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, said: 'Islamists have influenced many Chechens to become radicalized. His comments also appeared in O Globo Online.
Professor Steven Williams, Institute of Psychiatry, talks to Maureen Lipman about how memories are formed and modified in cases of PTSD in this documentary about memory. (Interview begins at 33mins)
'Russia's relations with the West are again plunging. This time the cause is repression in Russia and the Western reaction to it. Last time it was the invasion of Georgia in 2008, and before that NATO expansion to the east,' writes Denis Corboy, War Studies, in an op-ed.
'The nonproliferation regime is in crisis with North Korea's defiance and Iran's continuation of its nuclear program despite opposition from the international community. Yet while a lot of discussion is happening about what can be done about these two states, no one seems willing to take on the elephant in the room: China', writes Dr Harsh V Pant, Defense Studies. Also taken up by Real Clear World (USA).
Channel 4 News 19th April 2013
Dr Domitilla Sagramoso, War Studies, was interviewed about the possible motivations behind the Boston bombings. She said the Chechen brothers responsible for the attack may have fallen under the influence of radical islamists in Boston and suggested that their Chechen background could also have played a part. Dr Sagramoso was also interviewed by CNN, BBC World News, BBC News 24 and Sky News.
King's role in the discovery of DNA is mentioned, in an article describing it as 'one of the most valuable discoveries in the history of science.'
An interview with Professor David Caron, the new Dean of the Dickson Poon School of Law. The article also discusses the Â£20m donation from Dickson Poon, owner of Harvery Nichols. Professor Caron said: 'Dickson Poon's gift comes at the right time for a global community that seeks new and effective approaches to numerous challenges facing humanity - each of which transcends the borders of any particular state.'
Research by King's is mentioned in an article about how Brighton could become the first city in the UK to provide rooms where people would be able to use illegal drugs safely without the fear of prosecution. Academics at King's are researching administering diamorphine (medical-grade heroin) to addicts to reduce heroin use.
Dr Lucy Wooding, History, reviews 'Being Protestant in Reformation Britain', by Alex Ryrie.
Dr Adam Winstock, Institute of Psychiatry and director of the Global Drugs survey 2013, talks about the findings from the survey. The survey shows that being taken advantage of whilst under the influence of substances was surprisingly common. He says "The results also highlight how drug use within intimate settings can increase your risk of both opportunistic and planned sexual assault."
Professor William Wade, Dental Institute, was interviewed about his work on oral microbiology. The programme examined the microscopic world of mouth bacteria.
On the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and her political ideology, Professor Richard Vinen, History, writes that the 'alliance of beliefs' that formed Thatcherism no longer exist. According to Professor Vinen Thatcherism has reached a stage where it 'can no longer be reversed through politics.'
Dr Eliza Filby, History, was interviewed ahead of Baroness Thatcher's funeral about the former Prime Minister's religious background. Dr Filby discussed the role of Baroness Thatcher's father in her religious upbringing and said her faith 'rooted her politics.' Interview begins at 1.11.10. Dr Filby was also interviewed on BBC World News.
In an article about a new research that revealed that autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia all share several genetic risk factors, Dr Gerome Breen, Institute of Psychiatry, said: "It points out fairly clearly that there is a common genetic effect between these disorders.
Professor Peter Neumann, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, was interviewed about the devices used in the Boston bombings. Professor Neumann said the 'pressure cooker bombs' indicate an 'amateurish operation', possibly of a lone operator. Professor Neumann was also interviewed by BBC London 94.9 FM.
An article about how Norman Lamb, the care services minister, has called for an end to companies avoiding paying care workers the minimum wage. This article mentions research from King's which estimated that there are between 150,000 and 220,000 care workers in this position.
Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, comments on research which found that ozone impacts badly on the lungs by reducing the volume of gases that could be exchanged. Professor Kelly said: 'The real question is whether these events take place in us when we're exposed to elevated ozone concentrations.'
Article about the new research from Dr Jane Howard and Professor Graham Lord, which identified a key mechanism in the immune system involved in the development of obesity-linked type 2 diabetes.
Dr Ruth Adams, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, appeared on Thinking Allowed to discuss her new study which argues that powerful interest groups have championed a 'country house' version of our national past in place of a more complex and diverse history.
Dr Andrew Blick, Institute of Contemporary British History, was interviewed about Margaret Thatcher's funeral, her political significance, and the controversy surrounding both.
Professor Terrie Moffitt, Institute of Psychiatry, is an advisory for the Avielle Foundation, set up following the shooting at Sandy Hook to investigate the origins of violence. She says that science on the origins of violence has been neglected by federal agencies that provide research grants. Also reported by Associated Press and Fox News.
In an article about philanthropic donations to UK universities, the Â£20m gift by Dickson Poon to King's College London is mentioned.
Dr Katherine Sleeman and Professor Irene Higginson, both from the Cicely Saunders Institute at King's, were interviewed about the Liverpool Care Pathway, an end of life plan for dying patients. Dr Sleeman commented on the changing landscape of palliative care, suggesting it has 'improved dramatically' in recent years (interview begins at 11.50). Professor Higginson said that the reluctance to talk about death is a problem for dying patients. Citing research into 'dignity therapy', where patients created a document to leave to their family members, Professor Higginson said that being able to talk about death provided a 'huge boost' for these patients (interview begins at 25.20).
Dr James Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, was interviewed about the bombings in Boston. Whilst warning that it would be wrong to jump to conclusions about who was responsible for the attack, he said there is a 'distinct possibility' that domestic 'right-wing militia' may have been the perpetrators given recent pressures for gun legislation and the fact that the attack took place on Patriot's Day. Dr Boys was also interviewed on Sky News.
The report from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) is mentioned in an article from AFP as Belgian police staged dozens of early morning raids Tuesday on radical Islamists suspected of recruiting volunteers to fight the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
In an article discussing the possibilities of a cyber war, Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies said: 'A cyber 9/11 is not realistic, people exaggerate the threat because they can make money - security companies, contractors and yes, academics.'
Dr Craig Larkin, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, commented on the use of propaganda in Syria. He said: 'With the conflict now more or less at stalemate, it is fast becoming a tit-for-tat war of propaganda over who is committing the most barbaric atrocities - both for the benefit of local and international communities.' Dr Larkin added that such propaganda is an attempt to influence international policy by 'putting questions in countries like Britain's mind over whether they should be supporting such atrocities.'
Talking about whether 'electromagnetic sensitivity' is caused by electromagnetic fields, Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, says 'it is definitely the case that some people experience symptoms that they attribute to electromagnetic frequencies, But is it really these frequencies causing the symptoms? At the moment, we can say that there simply isn't any robust evidence to support that.'
Dr Paolo Deluca, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the Psychonaut project where information about new psychoactive substances from online forums is gathered to inform doctors. He says: â€œI am not endorsing what they do, but there is a market and it is an unknown. Forums are the only way of knowing what is coming up in the world of psychopharmaceutical effects. You must understand that they are not doing us a favour, but it is impossible to Âignore such an accumulation of data.â€
In an article about the conflict in Syria, research by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at King's is mentioned. The researchers estimated that between 2,000 and 5,500 foreigners have joined the rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad since the start of the conflict in mid-2011.
Dr Eliza Filby, Department of History, writes about the religious background of Margaret Thatcher, whose faith, according to Dr Filby, was 'shaped by her father.'
'With six female scientists in a chemistry department of seven, King's College London is bucking the trend of discouraging women scientists', according to The Independent on Sunday. Dr Rivka Isaacson, Department of Chemistry, said: 'I have never felt discriminated against being female and King's is rightly proud of its workforce but there seems to be a big undercurrent of different attitudes around.'
Review of 'The XX Factor: How Working Women are Creating a New Society' by Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management.
In an article about the number of Europeans that have gone to fight in Syria since early 2011, King's International Centre for the Study of Radicalization (ICSR) gets mentioned.
Harsh V Pant, Defence Studies, comments on the China-Pakistan nuclear axis.
Dr Frank Hirth, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses his new research which reveals deep similarities in the brains of insects, and vertebrates. The findings shed new light on how the brain and behaviour evolved and may help us understand the mechanisms behind brain disorders. (Begins at 2:49:39)
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, was interviewed about the ongoing tension between North Korea and the US. Discussing North Korea's nuclear capabilities, Dr Pant said their nuclear missiles will not be able to reach Guam and Alaska but they can reach allies to the US, such as Japan and South Korea. Interview starts at 02.37.18.
Professor Anand Menon, European and International Studies, was interviewed on Newsnight ahead of David Cameron's meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Professor Menon said David Cameron will seek to persuade his partners that Europe needs to be reformed and that treaty change is the way to do this. Interview starts at 04.24.
In an article about philanthropic donations to British universities, Dickson Poon's Â£20 million donation to King's is mentioned.
Dr Andrew Blick, Institute of Contemporary British History, discussed Margaret Thatcher's funeral from a constitutional perspective. He questioned plans for an official ceremony as it means Margaret Thatcher is 'getting something more than most Prime Ministers.' Item starts at 1.45.
Scientists from King's are part of a six-year project to map how nerve connections develop in babies' brains will still in the womb and after birth. Professor David Edwards, director of the Centre for the Developing Brain at King's, who is leading the research, said: 'It is very important to be able to scan babies before they are born, because we can capture a period when an awful lot is changing inside the brain, and it is a time when a great many of the things that might be going wrong do seem to be going wrong.'
Dr Nigel Blackwood, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the decision to study Adam Lanza's DNA. He says, â€œGenes like MAO-A are not crime-promoting genes in themselves but they can create a vulnerability in someone who has already had a deleterious childhood,â€ but adds that even then, you canâ€™t say this person will definitely commit a crime.
'Few biologists have so positively and practically impacted on humankind', said Prof Peter Braude, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King's, following the death of IVF pioneer Prof Sir Robert Edwards. He added: 'Bob's boundless energy, his innovative ideas, and his resilience despite the relentless criticism by naysayers, changed the lives of millions of ordinary people who now rejoice in the gift of their own child.' Prof Braude's comments were also reported by The Times, Guardian, Independent, i, Daily Express, Daily Mail, The Sun, BBC Radio 4, BBC News and Channel 4 News.
Frank Kelly, professor of environmental health at King's, said 'the government needs to take responsibility' for air quality in Britain. According to the government most British regions will achieve the EU standards of air quality by 2020, with London taking five years longer. However, Prof Frank Kelly said: 'It's not good enough to say that we can wait to 2025.'
Obesity is already linked to a higher risk of colon or rectal cancer, but new research suggests this risk is even greater for obese people who have undergone weight-loss surgery. However, Dr Jesper Lagergren, the study's senior author from the Division of Cancer Studies at King's, warned: 'These findings should not be used to guide decisions made by patients or doctors at all until the results are confirmed by other studies.'
While the risk of escalation remains, North Korea's threats are likely to peter out as it realizes their effectiveness is limited, says Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, War Studies.
In a letter to the Guardian, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that an independent Scotland 'would be a sign that the Scots had repudiated their British identity.'
In an interview on legal aid, Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns for the Howard League for Penal Reform, quoted research by King's Department of Management. The research, published in January 2012, found that for every one pound the Ministry of Justice saved in removing criminal negligence claims from legal aid, the NHS could be liable for up to three pounds of additional costs. Item starts at 23.30.
The Tagore Centre for Global Thought was officially inaugurated at King's India Institute, in a ceremony attended by Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Honourable Minister of Culture, Government of India, and Dr Virander K Paul, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK. The launch was reported by The Tribune, Times of India, Press Trust of India, Indian Express, India Education Diary, Net Indian, and Jagran Josh.
King's has celebrated the launch of its 2013 international Summer Schools programme in Mumbai. The story was reported by Hindustan Times, Times of India, Business Standard, Economic Times, Press Trust of India, Careers 360 Study Abroad, India Education Diary, IBN-Live, Deccan Herald (page 2), Zee News, Hindu Business Line, The Pioneer (Avenues), Study Guide India, Indian Education News, Kalvimalar (Mumbai), Jagran Josh, The Telegraph, the Deccan Herald, Education World Magazine, Times of India (Education Times),
Dr Eliza Filby, History, was interviewed by O Globo about Margaret Thatcher and Professor Richard Vinen, History, commented on her death in Folha de Sao Paulo.
In an article about the future of regenerative dental medicine, King's new MSc in Regenerative Dentistry is mentioned.
In an article for The Times, Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes that withholding aid to Pakistan would cause chaos, leading to a flood of refugees heading to Britain.
Based on a study by King's Centre for Military Health Research, Rachael Gribble says Ã¢â‚¬Å“Priority health and welfare services for ex-service personnel were supported by at least 70 per cent of respondents." Also reported by the Sun and the Scotsman
An evaluation of the Time to Change anti-stigma campaign led by the Institute of Psychiatry has found that whilst there has been a reduction in mental health discrimination, there still remain challenges in many areas of people's lives. Dr Claire Henderson (IoP) said: "Our findings suggest that it is easier to influence the way people behave with those they are close to, but much harder to change how people behave in more formal roles or within their professional framework." Also reported in the Guardian
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry into "idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fieldsarticle" is mentioned in this article about how beliefs about the negative effects of wifi can cause symtpoms.
Hundreds of Europeans have travelled to Syria since the start of the civil war to fight against the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, according to a new report by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at King's. Also reported by the Daily Telegraph and BBC Mundo.
Zorawar Daulet Singh, India Institute, summarises the reaction to the 5th BRICS Summit this month. 'A common theme that runs through nearly all [the commentaries] paints the BRICS as a motley of parochial power seekers with little in common.'
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, writes about the current escalation of tensions with North Korea. He suggests that despite provocations, Kim Jong-un does want to reduce the county's dependency on China and South Korea and open up diplomatic reconciliation with Washington.
Report covering the inauguration of the Tagore Centre, based at King's India Institute, on Tuesday night. 'The Centre, housed in the prestigious King's India Institute, has been established to engage audiences with India's intellectual traditions whilst addressing a number of contemporary global questions and dilemmas.' The story was also covered by Press Trust of India, Indian Express and Net Indian.
Professor Stephen Bach, Management, was interviewed about the restructuring of the public sector and the issue of 'deprofessionalisation'. He raised concerns over the state of the public sector, claiming that professionals are suffering a crisis of identity and feel that they are not trusted by the Government. Item starts at 03.30.
Medical information about the risks from taking drugs and driving should be strengthened, according to a panel of experts chaired by Dr Kim Wolff, a reader in addiction science at King's. Also reported by The Independent.
Dr Louise Tillin, India Institute, argues that proposed new states in India may not necessarily be a vehicle for better governance. 'Thus smaller states are not necessarily more homogeneous or better-governed units; the administrative dividends of state creation cannot be taken for granted.'
Professor Christophe Jaffrelot, India Institute, questions whether it is in India's interest to be part of the BRICS coalition, 'where two of the dominant members, China and Russia, display such a shallow commitment to democratic values, while [India] gets closer to the West.' He also argues that India should resist Chinese pressures for merging the India Brazil South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) with the BRICS. 'The former can offer New Delhi a platform that is more effective and more comfortable: after all, the other member countries are democracies too. In the latter, India will only be a junior partner.'
Coverage of the launch of the 2013 India Summer Schools programme, which has expanded in size and scope this year to include courses in Delhi as well as Mumbai, and pre-university level courses. The story was reported by Times of India, Careers 360 Study Abroad, India Education Diary, Press Trust of India, IBN-Live, Deccan Herald (page 2), Business Standard, Zee News, Hindu Business Line, Economic Times and The Pioneer (Avenues).
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, comments on new research, which found that processed meat is a major factor in developing heart disease and cancer in Britain. Professor Sanders argues that processed meat cannot be singled out as other factors such as smoking, diet and lack of exercise could be equally to blame.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, India Institute, writes about the new tribe of 'datasexuals', individuals with logging personal data and making it public. 'But, even as some of us strap on our wrist trackers and our body-mass watchers, we might ask more circumspectly what such data can help us with - and try to identify more clearly those problems that could have solutions, and those activities that are intrinsically unending.'
The Daily Telegraph 30th March 2013
The Rosalind Franklin Lecture on 27 May, to be delivered by Professor Fiona Watt, Director of the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, was previewed in The Daily Telegraph. Professor Watt will address the promise of stem cells to treat human disease.
Professor Alister McGrath, Department of Education & Professional Studies, wrote about what Easter came to mean for the author, C.S. Lewis.
A report co-authored by academics from the Institute of Psychiatry makes recommendations for strengthening academic psychiatry. Professor Sir Simon Wessely said that part of the problem was that psychiatry was not â€œprojected sufficiently well enough.â€
Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King's, said that by failing to arrest Anjem Choudary, the police may risk encouraging extremists.
A worldwide 'Ahelo' exam, which would allow the comparison of graduate quality internationally, could be deeply 'homogenising', said Professor Alison Wolf, director of the International Centre for University Policy Research at Kingâ€™s. She added that 'it would be an incredibly conservative force' and would create conformity in higher education in a manner similar to what has happened in the UK school system.
Dr Neville Bolt, War Studies, reviews 'Image Warfare in the War on Terror', by Nathan Roger.
Professors Louise Howard and Ann McNeill from the Institute of Psychiatry have co-authored a major report, which states that smoking in people with mental health conditions is neglected by the NHS. Louise Howard, professor of women's mental health, said:'Support for people with mental health problems to stop smoking needs to be prioritised urgently to improve not only the health of this vulnerable group but also the next generation,as smoking is the leading preventable cause of fetal and infant morbidity and mortality - pregnant women with mental health problems are motivated to stop smoking but are more likely to be smoking through pregnancy than other women.' Also reported by the Nursing Times
Al Jazeera 27th March 2013
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, was interviewed following a recent cyber attack in South Korea. He explained the difficulty in knowing who is behind such attacks, calling it the 'attribution problem.'
Dr Jatinder Mann, Menzies Centre for Australian Studies, was interviewed about British migration to Australia in the post-Second World War period, or as it was more commonly known: 'The Ten Pound Pom Scheme'.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, History, discusses the constitutional issues thrown up by devolution. He said: 'All of us need to decide not only who we are, but how we are, and how our identity is to be expressed.'
Professor Richard Roberts, History, comments on how there were different ways of rewarding bankers in the 'pre-Big Band era' in comparison with today.
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, was interviewed about the Government's Channel project, aimed at tackling terrorism. He said the plans involve intervening earlier, before people become terrorists, by recognising 'far-right or Jihadi views' at a younger age. Item starts at 1.42.40.
Dr James D Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, talked about President Obama's trip to Israel. He said: 'Travelling in his security bubble, it is likely to be the one opportunity he gets to really see the land and appreciate its precarious position.'
The mystery surrounding the origins of the Celtic people could be unravelled by a new three-year project. The University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies (CAWCS) in Aberystwyth has received Â£690,000. The CAWCS will work in collaboration King's on the 'archaeological background of the emergence of the Celtic languages in western Europe'.
Dr Christoph Anacker, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which has revealed the crystal structure of serotonin receptors. He says: "These receptors are involved in so many conditions, especially depression, and knowing the molecular structures will help to develop more specific drugs and avoid the expression of undesired side effects."
Ian Creagh, Head of Administration at King's, said that plans to offer institutions a 'premium' immigration service 'sticks in the craw.' From July, institutions will be able to pay for the UK Border Agency's extra service, which will include providing institutions with a dedicated account manager.
In a letter to the Guardian, signed by Professor Mark Pelling from the Department of Geography, leading academics have urged the government to give equivalent terms for renewable energy development to small renewable firms as those being given to big electricity companies.
Following reports that Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, will allocate more public health funding to wealthy areas in London, Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health, has described the move as 'clearly unfair and counterproductive.' He added: 'It's post-code public health gone wrong - and the people will be the losers.'
The Government's new national curriculum 'demands too much too young', according to leading professors of education in letters to The Independent and The Daily Telegraph. Signatories including Professor Margaret Brown and Professor Megan Maguire from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, think the proposed curriculum 'will not develop children's ability to think.'
Guy Cook, Professor of Language in Education, analysed the language of food and food politics - from baby food labels to organic marketing. Professor Cook is speaking at King's Feed Your Mind Festival on 22 March 2013.
At a lecture hosted by The Dickson Poon School of Law and the Institute of Psychiatry, Lord Judge, the Lord Chief Justice, said old attitudes that 'children should be seen and not heard' could have led to hundreds of ignored child sex abuse victims. Also reported by the Guardian, Daily Express and Daily Star.
Professor Graham Lord, Medicine, said: 'The reason we wrote this paper is to provide a diagnostic classification for aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) [the type of kidney failure associated with the agent]. For countries that havenâ€™t asked the question of whether this is present, here is diagnostic criteria.'
Interviewed on The World Tonight, Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, said the threat of cyber attacks is often exaggerated 'for political reasons.' Item starts at 38.00.
Research led by Dr Avi Reichenberg, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that men who have children when they are older are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. He says: "For the first time in psychiatry, we show that your father's and grandfather's lifestyle choices can affect you. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't have children if your father was old when he had you, because whilst the risk is increased, it is still small." Also reported by Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror, BBC News, Fox News, Times of India, The Australian, Press Association, Huffington Post, China Post, South China Morning Post, Folha de Sao Paolo, Globo (Brazil), AFP, ANI
Commenting on Rocky Horror Show writer Richard O'Brien thinking of himself as 70% male and 30% female, Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, says: "The distinction has to be made between gender and sex. Gender is very much a social construct, sex is biological. My guess would be that social notions of gender dictate how we behave."
An article about the recent BBC Academy's Expert Women's day mentions Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry, who walked up to the editor of teh Today programme to pitch him an idea about alcohol abuse.
'We do know that preparations containing aristolochic acid (AA) are widely used in India and that this is associated with chronic kidney disease and kidney cancer if a sufficient dose is taken,' said Professor Graham Lord, lead author on a new study about the increased risk of kidney failure and bladder cancer caused by the intake of popular herbal medicines in Asia.
A new national curriculum places an overemphasis on memorising 'endless lists of spelling, facts and rules' and could rob children of the 'ability to think', according to leading professors of education, including Professor Margaret Brown and Professor Megan Maguire from the Department of Education & Professional Studies.
Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about sobriety orders for violent offenders which are used in the US and are to be eventually piloted in the UK. (Begins at 04.22)
Scientists have pulled together previous studies about an ingredient in some herbal medicines that can cause severe kidney disease and cancer. Professor Graham Lord, Medicine, says: 'It causes cancer in areas where it's most concentrated, which probably explains why the cancers are mostly focused around the urinary tract and the kidney.'
Indians may unknowingly be exposing themselves to increased risks of kidney failures and even forms of cancer by using traditionally popular herbal medicines that contain toxic acids, British researchers have warned. Professor Graham Lord, Medicine, said: 'We have found evidence that many millions of people continue to be exposed to significant health risk due to these herbal medicines, widely used in China and India.'
Dr Ian Mudway, Environmental Research Group, said air pollution, especially from diesel engines, is a 'neglected, hidden killer' and that children and old people are especially at risk. He added: 'There's strong evidence that if you live near main roads you will have smaller lungs.'
Sky News 19th March 2013
Dr Thrishantha Nanayakkara, Department of Informatics, was interviewed about the development of virtual personal assistants and the ethical issues surrounding the use of robots.
In an article about the impact of parents having children at older ages, Dr Avi Reichenberg, Institute of Psychiatry, says "Many children born to old fathers or old mothers develop normally, but what the research shows is that the proportion of children of older fathers or mothers who have psychiatric or neurological disorders is higher than in children of parents of average age.â€
Professor Stephen Scott, Institute of Psychiatry, says there lies an evolutionary explanation to why boys are more difficult as children. He says "boys are designed to be muscular and violent and aggressive. That's what they exist for, biologically."
A survey by King's and Ipsos MORI shows that more than half of the British public believes involvement in the Iraq war damaged the country's reputation around the world. However, the findings show that most people still think the UK should intervene abroad when justified. Commenting on the findings, Professor John Gearson, War Studies, said: '[The fact that] over 75 per cent of the public state the UK should intervene when UK interests are directly threatened or human rights are at stake suggests this is still not a country that believes it should be inward-looking and leave the world to sort itself out while the UK concerns itself with home defence.' Also reported by the Sun on Sunday.
In its quest to guard against corruption, India's defence procurement system was now extremely complex, bureaucrats had become risk averse and the military was not getting the equipment it needed, said Harsh Pant, Defence Studies.
Professor Louise Archer, Education & Professional Studies, comments on the lack of female physicists and why so few girls opt to study physics at A-level. She said: 'For girls in particular, physics is seen as being a very masculine subject so the girls who like physics have to work a lot harder to balance it with that notion of normal femininity.'
Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Dr Deirdre MacManus, Institute of Psychiatry, talk about their research which finds that military personnel are at risk of committing violent offences post-deployment, especially if they were deployment in a combat role or witnessed traumatic events. Also reported on BBC Today Programme, BBC News Channel, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 2 and by BBC News Online, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Times, The Guardian, TIME magazine, Reuters, Associated Press, Press Association, Reuters, NBC News, Irish Times.
The Times 14th March 2013
In an article about the growing field of global ethics, Professor Leif Wenar, programme leader for the MA in Global Ethics & Human Values at King's, is interviewed. He said: 'National leaders seem not to be able to solve some of the more challenging problems, such as climate change. As a result, people with a solid understanding of global ethics have a real opportunity to change how things are done.' Stephanie Eldridge, a student on the course at King's, was also interviewed.
Giving evidence on Britain's cyber security strategy to the Public Accounts Committee, Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, voiced fears that the Government does not know how many critical infrastructure control systems are vulnerable to attack.
Professor Madawi al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, commented on Prince Charles' visit to Saudi Arabia with the Duchess of Cornwall. She said: 'Such visits do more damage to the human rights cause because they give recognition to a regime that continues to oppress women and men.'
Times Higher Education 14th March 2013
Dr David Green, senior lecturer in aerospace physiology at King's, reviews Kevin Fong's 'Extremes: Life, Death and the Limits of the Human Body.'
In an article that discusses the health implications of the fact that the new pope only has one lung, Professor Jeremy Ward, Biomedical Sciences, said he was only mildly concerned about the pope's health, unless he gets sick: 'If he gets any sort of infection, it could be much more serious in him than in someone else with two lungs. ... That could make him susceptible to pneumonia, which would be very dangerous for him.'
Al-Qaeda lacks the technical expertise to sabotage Britain's national power and water systems, said Thomas Rid, War Studies, in a Public Accounts Committee briefing. Asked why a cyber-attack had never been launched on such assests, Dr Rid said: 'Al-Qaeda are too stupid and China doesn't want to do it.'
The Daily Telegraph 13th March 2013
In an article about science research, King's is mentioned as a 'centre of excellence' where 'exciting research in the areas of graphene and associated technologies is taking place.'
The English Defence League (EDL) is exploiting concerns surrounding sex-grooming gangs to fuel its anti-Islam agenda, according to a report by King's International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR). Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, ICSR, said: 'The EDL has successfully exploited concerns about the sex grooming gangs in the north of England, turning the issue into one of Islam versus the West.' Also reported by Press Association, Guardian, Huffington Post, Daily Star and BBC London 94.9FM.
Professor Thomas Rid, War Studies, was interviewed on Today about the threat of cyber attacks. Professor Rid said that although we hear about large numbers of attacks, 'bigger attacks that steal intellectual property and create multi-million pound damage are quite rare.' Professor Rid also explained why attacks on larger companies are rarely reported: 'Companies have very little interest in reporting cyber attacks if it damages the trust that consumers have in those companies.'
Hugo Chavez has passed away, leaving Venezuela facing an uncertain future and potential for sharper division as both his movement and his opposition bid for ascendancy, writes Dr Peter Kingstone, International Development Institute.
The Security Minister, James Brokenshire, warned that Britain faces a threat from right-wing extremists, in a speech at King's College London. The speech was part of a conference organised by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), entitled 'What is the new Far Right?' Also reported by the Independent and i.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, writes: 'The White House likes a bit of threat. In his State of the Union address, Barack Obama wanted to nudge Congress yet again into passing meaningful legislation. The president emphasized that America's enemies are 'seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, our financial institutions, and our air traffic control systems.' Dr Rid has recently published a new book 'Cyber War Will Not Take Place'.
Researchers at King's have highlighted a link between lifelong exercise and improved brain function in later life. Dr Alex Dregan, Lecturer in Translational Epidemiology and Public Health, said: 'As exercise represents a key component of lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, public health interventions to promote lifelong exercise have the potential to reduce the personal and social burden associated with these conditions in late adult years.' Also reported by Press Association, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Daily Mail.
Daily Mail 12th March 2013
Preview of an event at King's Festival of Food and Ideas. Dr Michael Escudier, Dental Institute, will be speaking about the importance of saliva for the functioning of the mouth.
A report by researchers at King's and the University of Nottingham has called for tighter regulations on television programmes with 'gratuitous depictions of tobacco.' THe authors said smoking in films is a common cause of children's smoking experimentation and uptake. Also reported by Press Association, Daily Express and Daily Star.
Professor Anne Duggan, History, comments on the achievements of Adrian IV, the last and only English Pope. She said his most important achievement for Catholics generally was establishing the principle that serfs could freely and lawfully marry without the consent of their lords.
Research from King's Centre for Military Health Research suggests reservists are at greater risk of mental health problems post-deployment.
In the Financial Times' World Diary, an event hosted by The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation is mentioned. At the conference, 'What is the new far right?', experts, analysts and policy makers from across Europe will discuss the threat from the so-called 'counter-jihad' movement.
Dr Jonathan Hill, Defence Studies, was interviewed about the killing of a British hostage in Nigeria. Dr Hill talked about the militant group Ansaru, who are thought to be responsible for the killing. Interview begins at 18.00.
BBC World News 11th March 2013
Dr Paul Long, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, was interviewed about the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dr Long supported comments by the Government's Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, who warned that antibiotic resistance should be treated as a major national risk. Dr Long said: 'The message just isn't getting across to the people who prescribe antibiotics.'
Professor Sir Rick Trainor is to step down as principal of King's College London in October 2014 after 10 years of leading the College. The Chairman of the Council, the Marquess of Douro, paid tribute to Professor Trainor: 'Professor Trainor has been a highly distinguished leader of the College. Under his guidance the College's academic strengths have improved substantially over the past eight and half years.'
Article mentions King's College London summer schools in Mumbai: 'Take for instance King's College London, which will send its faculty for summer school programmes to deliver lectures in eight modules this year at HR and Jai Hind College.'
Professor Clare Pettitt, English, was interviewed about the achievements of explorer Dr David Livingstone on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Professor Pettitt praised his 'extraordinary achievements' as 'Africa's publicist' for global trade. Interview begins at 24.30.
Research led by Professor Paul Sharpe, Dental Institute, has developed a method for replacing missing teeth with new bioengineered teeth generated from human gum cells and cells from mice. Also reported by BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Five Live, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Sun, Sky News, Daily Star and Daily Express.
A King's College London team took cells from adult human gum tissue and combined them with another type of cell from mice to grow a tooth. Lead researcher Professor Paul Sharpe, Dental Institute, said: 'Epithelial cells derived from adult human gum tissue are capable of responding to tooth-inducing signals from embryonic tooth mesenchyme in an appropriate way to contribute to tooth crown and root formation and give rise to relevant differentiated cell types, following in-vitro culture.'
An independent panel of experts led by Dr Kim Wolff, Reader in Addiction Science at King's, has made recommendations about which drugs listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) should be included in regulations for the new drug-driving offence. The report, published by the Department for Transport, received coverage in The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mirror, Metro and BBC London 94.9 FM.
Professor Tom Sanders, head of diabetes and nutritional sciences, comments on research which suggests that eating large amounts of processed meat is linked to an increased risk of early death, heart disease and cancer. Professor Sanders believes the study's finding, that those who ate the most processed meat were also the most likely to smoke, means the meat cannot be confidently identified as the main factor. He said: 'Tobacco use is such an enormously potent factor that it contaminates the findings.'
Dr Christina Scharff, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, comments on new research, which suggests that young women are rejecting feminism. She said: 'The term feminism provokes unease and even hostility. Young women want to be treated equally and are aware of gender inequalities. Yet, even in countries that see themselves as being progressive on gender and sexuality, the term is often met with suspicion.' The research was also reported by the Guardian.
Eleni Mantzani, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about UK schemes using cash incentives for health. She says "you have to prove these schemes work otherwise it's just money down the drain." Also reported by Associated Press, NPR, CTV News, CBS News, MSN News,
In an article about the dangers of valium and other benzodiazepines, Professor Malcolm Lader, Institute of Psychiatry, says: 'Doctors have ignored warnings for years, but we need to stop more people going on benzodiazepines.'
Professors Janet Treasure and Ulrike Schmidt, Institute of Psychiatry, comment on a pilot study which found that deep brain stimulation could help treat anorexia nervosa. They say the improvement in mood is key and â€œwill go some way to reassure patients that the technique is not just another treatment designed to fatten them up without making them feel better.â€ Also reported by BBC News, Daily Mail, Sun, CTv (Canada), Huffington Post Canada, AFP, CTV News, Reuters
The Daily Telegraph 7th March 2013
Mention of a report by Professor Alison Wolf, Department of Management, which estimated that 350,000 students between 16-19 years old are being 'poorly served' by courses aimed only at boosting college rankings.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes about 'The Audience', a new West End play based on weekly audiences between the Queen and her prime minister. Professor Bogdanor advised on the script for the play and wrote a note for the programme.
Alan Maryon-Davis, honorary Professor of Public Health, comments on research indicating that Italians have a longer life expectancy than people in the UK. He said that Italy is a more cohesive and less divided society: 'There is a flatter social gradient - less difference between the haves and have-nots in Italy, and that is likely to play a role in health outcomes.'
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, analyses support for the English Defence League (EDL) and what it stands for. He writes: EDL 'rejects racial nationalism and white supremacism, and has denounced the ideologies of traditional European far-right groups.'
Article about Bompas & Parr's 'Whisky Tornado' event, set to feature at King's Feed Your Mind festival. The work of food artists Bompas & Parr focuses on the interrelationship between synaesthesia, performance and setting. The festival, which runs from 7-22 March, also received coverage in Time Out magazine.
'You have to prove these schemes work otherwise it's just money down the drain,' says Eleni Mantzari, Psychology, in an article that discusses the fact that the chance to win or lose $20 a month enticed dieters in a yearlong study to drop an average of 9 pounds - four times more weight than others who were not offered dough to pass up the doughnuts.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, argues that predictions about cyber war are exaggerated. He said: 'I think the scenario of a cyber Pearl Harbor or sometimes even a cyber 9/11 is an overstatement.'
Professor Sunil Khilnani, India Institute, writes: 'Recent revelations about widespread hacking of the internet systems of the US government, media and corporate offices - encompassing, according to the Washington Post, almost all the powerful institutions located in the US capital - should consternate us all.'
Sky News 4th March 2013
Dr Jonathan Hill, Defence Studies, was interviewed about the conflict in Algeria and the reported killing of Islamist militant Mokhtar Belmakhtar.
Research from Professor Gideon Lack, Health, gets mentioned in the article which discuss food allergy, in particular peanut allergy.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes about the implications of the Eastleigh byelection and the issues David Cameron might face in addressing voters' concerns over immigration.
In an article about new policies for China, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, said China could learn from London's catastrophic 1952 smog that killed at least 4,000. Beijing can make laws to curb air pollution, as London did with the Clean Air Act of 1956 that cleared its smogs.
Tumours in melanoma patients deliberately create conditions that knock out the body's premier immune defence and instead attract a weaker immune response unable to kill off the tumour's cancerous cells, according to research at King's. Dr Sophie Karagiannis, Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, said: 'This work bears important implications for future therapies since not only are IgG4 antibodies ineffective in activating immune cells to kill tumours but they also work by blocking antibodies from killing tumour cells.'
An article about the Francis Crick Institute's architecture. Formed from a collaboration of University College, King's College London and Imperial College, London, together with Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust and the NIMR, the Crick is due to be completed in 2015.
An article about the 'Codebreakers: Makers of Modern Genetics' project which launched today. Materials from Â the pioneers of modern genetics, including Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin from Kingâ€™s, have been collected together for the first time and made freely available in a Â£3.9m digitisation project from the Wellcome Library.
Professor Kevin Madders, Law, calls for a Geo-Information Convention. He writes: 'The essential questions are: how do we make geoinformation reliable enough for the particular applications for which it is to be used and what limits should we put on use of its power?'
Sally Marlow, Institute of Psychiatry, investigates the effects of alcohol on the brain and body. She explores the science behind why people drink. She says alcohol has a very complicated relationship between the brain, the mind and the body.
Dr Andrea Ellner, Defence Studies, commented on the news that the USA is lifting its ban on women serving in combat roles in the American army.
In an online video Dr James Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, says the Democrats, Republicans, and ultimately the country, will all lose from politicians' failure to agree a deal to avert the $1.2 trillion collection of spending cuts, known as the 'sequester.' Dr Boys also discussed the US sequester on Sky News.
Dr Zoe Norridge, English, reviews 'S is for Samora' by Sarah LeFanu.
Dr Gerome Breen, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on an international study which revealed that autism, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia share several genetic risk factors. Breen said: 'The study indicates quite clearly that there is a common genetic effect between these disorders.'
According to a study by law firm Speechly Bircham and the Department of Management, a fifth of employers still have a fixed retirement age despite the coalition's abolition of default retirement at the age of 65, putting them at risk of being sued for age discrimination. Stuart Woollard, Management, said that while some findings echoed cautious optimism that economic recovery might be in sight, the survey highlighted a 'deeply unsettling work environment with organisations, made up of lean workforces, pushing their employees even harder.'
Announcement of Professor Karen O'Brien's appointment as new Vice Principal for Education and Professor of English Literature.
Dr Gerome Breen, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which finds that autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia all share several genetic risk factors. He says: 'these studies give a window into the biology of these disorders, that's really valuable.' Also reported by the Times of India and BBC Mundo.
BBC 1 28th February 2013
Professor Andrew Shennan, Women's Health, was interviewed by BBC Breakfast about a new preterm birth clinic at St Thomas' Hospital, which has recently won an NHS Innovation prize for reducing the number of premature births in London. Professor Shennan was interviewed about the clinic, their recent prize and plans to roll out their model nationally. The interview also featured on BBC London News and BBC London 94.9FM. The Times and the Evening Standard also reported on the clinic.
Harsh V Pant, Defence Studies, writes: 'Nuclear ambitions of North Korea have long been evident but with the latest test Pyongyang seems to have finally made a decision to build long-range rockets and miniaturise a nuclear warhead, small and light enough to be carried by a missile.'
LBC Radio 27th February 2013
Following the Mayor of London's recommendation that schoolchildren should be kept inside once a month when air pollution is at its highest, Professor Frank Kelly from the Environmental Research Group commented on the permanent damage that air pollution such as this can cause. He said that 'exposure can be irreversible' for children and could potentially lead to 'underdeveloped lungs.' Professor Kelly was also interviewed by Heart London and Capital London.
Russia faces very real policy problems. Leaving aside short-term tasks, such as having to pull off the Olympics in only a year's time, at a total cost of $50 billion and growing, the Kremlin faces a spate of seemingly intractable mid- and long-run challenges, writes Dr Samuel Greene, Russia Institute.
King's won the award for Outstanding research impact at the Guardian University Awards. The judges felt that the Woundcare for Epidermolysis Bullosa (WEB) project at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery - which aims to understand the care needs of people with Epidermolysis Bullosa - was the most challenging of the entries submitted.
Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, gets quoted in an article on Chinese military powers at sea. He said: 'Support ships will not change the nature of operations in the East China Sea but will have an impact on the ability of the Chinese navy to conduct operations at sea, if the support ships are used to grow its professionalism and seamanship.'
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group was interviewed about the air pollution problem in London in 1952. He said: 'The 1952 smog is thought to have killed between 4 and 12.000 over just four or five days; this was a disaster.'
Professor Eric Taylor, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on whether enough support is given for adults with ADHD. He said 'adult ADHD is a relatively new discovery. It's partly an education and training issue because adult psychiatry needs to take it on board.'
The article cites research from King's Centre for Military Health which found there is an increased risk of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety "partially accounted for by the reduced levels of social integration among the service leavers".
Dr Funmi Olonisakin, African Leadership Centre comments on France's intervention in Mali and she notes that straightforward military intervention alone will not resolve the crisis in the region.
Dr James D Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, examines the political pedigree of John Kerry, the new US Secretary of State, on the day of his first visit to the UK. He described John Kerry as 'admirable and qualified' and 'someone to whom Barack Obama owes a great deal.' Interview starts at 1.45.50.
Dr Christopher Hobbs and Dr Matthew Moran from the Department of War Studies were quoted by former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in an op-ed on the Iranian nuclear crisis. Mr Straw was writing ahead of the latest round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. Mr Straw drew on Dr Hobbs' and Dr Moran's article, 'Looking Beyond a Nuclear-Armed Iran: Is Regional Proliferation Inevitable?', published in the latest edition of The International Spectator.
Interview with Tristan Sharps, artistic director of dreamthinkspeak, on 'In the Beginning was the End' at King's College London and Somerset House.
Giving, especially on a large scale, does not come naturally to Indians, writes Professor Sunil Khilnani, director of the India Institute.
Professor Matias Spektor, Brazil Institute, writes about the growing importance of Brazil's foreign policy on the world stage: 'After all, Brazil's trajectory from colony to economic powerhouse, from stale dictatorship to vibrant democracy, is simply spectacular.'
Dr Vaughan Bell, Institute of Psychiatry, says many Colombians live in areas of conflict, and there is very little information available on the population's mental health and how they are related to the experience of violence and the challenges of being a civilian in armed conflict.
In his bid to trump up business for the UK, Cameron has made all the right noises on issues critical to India, writes Harsh V Pant, Defence Studies.
Dr Avi Reichenberg, Institute of Psychiatry, says "there is now quite a bit of literature showing the relationship between a father having a child at an older age and the risk of the child having negative health and behavioural consequences." He says that people should be aware there are two biological clocks ticking.
Sunil Khilnani, director of King's India Institute, was interviewed in an article about the yet to be opened Tagore Centre. He said: 'We will host short-term Tagore fellows (Gopal Gandhi will be our first). We have two scholarships for young researchers from India to come here and do their PhD on aspects of modern Indian intellectual history. We also offer to host for one term annually two exchange PhD students from India working in this field.'
Dr Ian Patel, Law, tells the story of Talha Ahsan, who was extradited to the US in 2012 after spending six years in high security prisons in the UK. Talha Ahsan has Asperger Syndrome, and is now in a supermax prison in Connecticut.
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, was interviewed about the cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who is thought to have inspired three men in Birmingham found guilty of a suicide bomb plot. Item starts at 9.40. Alexander was also interviewed on BBC Radio 2.
Bobby Duffy, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King's, writes that welfare policy must change in line with shifting generational values. He said 'Politicians and policymakers increasingly need a full generational perspective to make sense of shifting public opinion.'
A series of studies led by some of the world's most eminent cancer experts, including Richard Sullivan, professor of cancer policy and global health at King's and King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, outline some of the biggest challenges to the improvement of cancer care for children and young people. Experts from 19 countries believe further progress is being threatened by increasingly strict research regulations and insufficient development of new drugs.
Evening Standard 20th February 2013
In an article about a health alert issued due to the high levels of air pollution in London, research by the Environmental Research Group at King's is mentioned: 'Statistics released by King's College London showed concentrations of harmful nitrogen dioxide in some boroughs were far above government-set limits.'
Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, gets quoted in an AFP article on the visit from British MP David Cameron to India this week. He said that Britain and India were bound by their history and large British-Indian population, but that New Delhi was destined to remain aloof. "India has never been about close relationships with any country," he said, referring to its embrace of the non-aligned movement. "They will never be the sort of partners that some countries expect them to be or want them to be."
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, discusses the food that counts as part of people's five-a-day. Item starts at 19.30.
In a debate about the Iraq war, Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), argues that those who lived under Saddam Hussein's tyranny may support the Iraq war, whilst acknowledging that he initially opposed the UK's intervention.
Professor John Fabre, Transplantation, Immunology & Muscosal Biology, believes the Welsh government has misled the assembly over its 'opt-out' organ donation bill. He said: 'To pass a bill with such a misleading statement is quite an undemocratic thing to do.'
Simon Tanner, Digital Humanities, helped with the digitisation of ancient manuscripts from Timbuktu following the destruction of Islamist rebels across the city. He said: 'Manuscripts tend to be very robust and live very well as long as they're in a good environment.'
The visits of the French president and the British prime minister to New Delhi should be seen in the context of Europe's ebbing economic power, according to Harsh V Pant, Defence Studies. He writes: "A new dynamic is emerging between Europe and Asia, and India is at the heart of this recalibration."
Professor David Mataix-Cols, Institute of Psychiatry, says a key feature of Hoarding Disorder is a difficult discarding possessions.
Professor Michael Pluess, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses why violent films may be more disturbing to some people. He says that some people are more influenced by their environment than others.
Interview with Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drug Control Centre, on the work being carried out at King's in the fight against drug cheats in sport.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his research with BGI China into the genetics of intelligence. He says that if you can identify kids who are going to have diffciulties learning you can intervene early on in their lvies, through special support.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, reviews 'Six Moments of Crisis: Inside British Foreign Policy by Gill Bennett.'
Davina Quinlivan, Film Studies, explores the charm of offbeat 'alternative romcoms' on Valentine's Day.
If China develops the Gwadar port into a strategic outpost, India's options will be significantly constrained, writes Harsh V. Pant, Defence Studies.
Press Association 14th February 2013
Pupils will sit tougher tests in the basics of mathematics before they leave primary school in an overhaul of the national curriculum. Commenting on the plans, Professor Jeremy Hodgen, Education & Professional Studies, said: 'We need to have a focus on understanding not simply calculation.' Speaking at a Westminster Education Forum on maths, Professor Hodgen said he had a number of concerns about the new curriculum, saying that the content of what pupils should be taught has increased, which will mean less autonomy for schools. Professor Hodgen's comments were also reported by i and the Daily Telegraph.
BBC London News 13th February 2013
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group, believes Boris Johnson's plans for an Ultra Low Emission Zone in London could be too little too late.
A study by scientists at King's has found that a pollution trial backed by Boris Johnson, which involves 'gluing' pollution from vehicles to London's roads, is ineffective at tackling PM10s, tiny particulates that are harmful to human health. Dr Benjamin Barratt, Senior Research Fellow at King's Environmental Research Group, said: 'The bottom line is [the gluing method] is not going to work in many of the sites in London where the problem is purely down to traffic, but there are other locations in London where we have severe PM10 problems relating to industrial activity and it has been shown to have a role in those locations.'
Research carried out by the Environmental Research Group at King's is mentioned in an article about Boris Johnson's plans for an Ultra Low Emission Zone in London: 'Research last year from King's College London, which monitors emissions at 100 sites across the capital, found levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide breached EU limits at most locations near roads. The worst affected areas were Putney and Brixton.'
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, comments on new research which indicates that men who had suffered a heart attack were more likely to die from coronary heart disease when they replaced saturated fats with polyunsaturated fat in margarine. He said: 'Since 1991, UK nutrition guidelines have stated that no more than 10 per cent of our energy should come from polyunsaturates, and our current intake is around 6 per cent.'
Dr Adam Fox, Director of the King's Allergy Academy, discusses several theories behind the UK's position as one of the world's top three countries for allergies.
Sky News 12th February 2013
Professor Wyn Bowen, War Studies, discussed the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
Harsh V. Pant, Defense Studies, gets quoted in an article on Chinese dams in Tibet: "India has very little leverage over China, and this is just one more lever that China is acquiring."
Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about research into electromagnetic sensitivity. He says the symptoms are certainly real, severe in some cases. However research has shown that symptoms are as likely to be caused by real fields, as by sham fields which suggests there is something psychological going on. (Begins at 18.52)
An international team of scientists led by King's has discovered 24 new genes that cause refractive errors and myopia (short-sightedness). Professor Chris Hammond from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology said: 'Clearly the hope is that eventually we will be able to block the genetic pathways that cause short-sightedness.' Also reported by BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC World Service, The Independent, Daily Express and Daily Mail.
Scientists at King's will scan the brains of 500 unborn babies using a powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to map how brain cells connect and grow.
Dr Julia Snell, Department of Education and Professional Studies, reacts to comments from the headteacher of a Teeside primary school, asking parents to correct certain words, phrases and pronunciations associated with Teeside, such as 'gizit ere.' Dr Snell writes: 'Ultimately, it is not the presence or absence of non-standard forms in children's speech that raise educational issues; rather, picking on non-standard voices risks marginalising some children, and may make them less confident at school.'
Review of 'In the beginning Was The End', the dreamthinkspeak theatre production presented by King's Cultural Institute and Somerset House. Paul Taylor of the Independent writes: '...its mix of live performance, witty absurdist videos and haunting "happenings" has its own imaginative integrity and is sustained with terrific logistical aplomb.' The production has also been reviewed by The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Financial Times and Huffington Post.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that the Eastleigh byelection, 'the first since the 1930s in which two governing parties in a coalition will be fighting each other with a realistic chance of winning', will highlight that there is no way of knowing if the public supports the coalition government.
In an article about social media and the rise of online dating among older adults, a study by researchers at King's is mentioned. The study showed that more than 80 per cent of 50 to 90 year olds are sexually active.
Voice of America - French service 8th February 2013
An international team of scientists led by Kingâ€™s has discovered 24 new genes that cause refractive errors and myopia (short-sightedness). Professor Frederic Geissman, Biology, was interviewed by the French service of Voice of America.
In light of yesterday's vote on gay marriage, Dr Qazi Rahman, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses research in the US which shows that legalising gay marriage improves health and reduces healthcare costs.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, commented on the Today programme about Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasir al Saud, who killed one of his servants. She said: 'It is unlikely that he will be put in prison for life or beheaded. It seems the princes in Saudi Arabia are governed by a law of their own making.'
Evening Standard 6th February 2013
Professor Tim Butler, Geography, comments on the recent increase of families buying homes in cheaper locations of London rather than the suburbs. He said: 'Well-designed townhouses do not have to cost a fortune - and they can help to boost regeneration in areas that have fallen out of favour.'
Professor Tony Cleare, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which reports that laser acupuncture may be an effective way to treat depression. He says: "There is little evidence that, in depression, acupuncture to specific areas of the body is any different from acupuncture in random areas. This suggests that if acupuncture is having an effect, it isn't in the way that acupuncturists think."
Professor Tom Sanders, Nutritional Sciences, commented on new research which suggests that margarine may not be healthier than standard butter. He claimed that the study was 'enormously underpowered,'of 'little relevance to diets today' and its findings had been refuted by recent better studies.
Research by the Institute of Psychiatry is mentioned in an article to mark World Cancer Day. Research from the IoP found that cultural factors, such as the British stiff upper lip, may explain why people in the UK don't present early enough with symptoms of cancer.
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry into the link between bullying and self-harm is mentioned in this article about the rise of younger children calling Childline. Also reported in the Daily Mirror
Coverage of a study at King's which demonstrates the ability to deliver a dried live vaccine to the skin without a traditional needle, and has shown for the first time that this technique is powerful enough to enable specialised immune cells in the skin to kick-start the immunising properties of the vaccine. Dr Linda Klavinskis, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, said: 'This work opens up the exciting possibility of being able to deliver live vaccines in a global context, without the need for refrigeration.'
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, writes: 'Barack Obama is probably America's most web-savvy president ever. But when it comes to actually crafting policy for the nation's cyber security, his administration has been consistent in only one aspect: bluster. Obama's major legacy on cyber security, it increasingly seems, will be an infrastructure for waging a non-existent 'cyber war' that's incapable of defending the country from the types of cyber attacks that are actually coming.'
On reports that the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan have set a six month deadline to reach a peace deal with the Taliban, Dr John Bew, War Studies, said: 'There are many reasons to be sceptical that this will work. But if you are going to give this one last try it may help to have a timetable and it will help to have as many of the key players on board as possible - this hasn't been the case before.'
The Academie Francaise has invented a new word for hashtags. For now on a hashtag should be called a 'mot-diese' in French. Dr Craig Moyes, French, who recently published a book on the writer of the first modern French dictionary, feels mot-diese is 'too musical'. Dr Moyes says a lot has changed since the Academie Francaise was asked in the 17th century to put the language on a noble footing alongside ancient Greek and Latin.
Professor Alan Ruston, Adoption Studies, commented on a new study that challenged government plans to make it easier for prospective parents to adopt children from different racial or cultural backgrounds. He said: 'The government needs to take notice of these findings on the significance of ethnicity, so that the wording of the proposed adoption legislation does not seem to downplay its importance.'
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on a piece in Nature claiming that there will be no more revolutionary breakthroughs. He argues this is wrong and talks about the research into mental health.
Tristan Sharps, the artistic director of dreamthinkspeak, walks listeners through the labyrinth of tunnels at Somerset House and King's for 'In the Beginning Was the End', a theatre production presented by King's Cultural Institute and Somerset House.
Tim Stevens, War Studies, was interviewed on Newsnight about the difficulties authorities face in catching the perpetrators of cyber attacks. Item starts at 16.00.
Professor Dominique Moisi, Political Economy, addresses France's intervention in Mali and explores the benefits for Francois Hollande's administration.
Bernadette John, Digital Professionalism Lead at the Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning, advises students on how to clean up their social media profiles and give their job prospects a boost in the process.
Professor John Gearson, War Studies, writes about the implications of Britain's declining defence budget. He said: 'The risk, and it is a considerable risk, is that Britain will no longer be capable of the sort of rapid deployments at anything like the scale seen in the past two decades given difficulties in mobilising reservists and ensuring adequate levels of training in advance of being sent overseas.' Professor Gearson was also interviewed on the subject by the BBC News Channel.
Professor Steve Williams, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on reports that brain scans of Ariel Sharon are showing signs of consciousness. He says: "The technology is still very new and we haven't by any means optimized this kind of work yet."
Dr Lindsay Forbes, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about her latest research which finds that British people are more likely to report being embarassed and not want to waste the doctor's time which may delay them going to the doctor with a symptom of cancer that might be serious. Also reported in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Press Association, Huffington Post, Independent, The Times, METRO, NPR (US), The Week, The Evening Standard. Dr Forbes was interviewed on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 Today programme, SkyNews, BBC News, BBC Radio 5 Live.
Mumbai Mirror 30th January 2013
Professor David Caron has been appointed as the new dean of The Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London. He is due to take up his appointment in mid-2013. Caron currently serves as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on the Rule of Law, is a member of the American Bar Association Section on international law, a member of the US Department of State Advisory Committee on Public International Law and a former Chair of the Institute for Transnational Arbitration. (Page 14, no link available)
Do unions have a shot in the 21st century? Workers have obviously chafed at these job-shrinking strategies, writes Adam Davidson. Matt Vidal, a labor sociologist at King's College London, is mentioned in the article, saying that Lean actually works best for everyone (executives, employees, customers) when managers work with unions to preserve jobs and foster worker support.
BBC World News 30th January 2013
A court in the Netherlands has rejected most of the allegations against the oil giant Shell relating to oil spills in Nigeria. Professor Cees van Dam, Law, commented: 'The farmers are happy that they won one, because so far Western courts have not convicted multi-national companies for environmental damage.'
Dr Andrew Kicman, head of research and development at King's Drug Control Centre, was an expert witness at the case of Claire Squires, who collapsed and died during the London marathon. Dr Kicman analysed a blood sample from Squires and said that DMAA had been present, but emphasised that she was unlikely to have known of its amphetamine-like properties. Dr Kicman's comments were also reported by the Daily Mail, The Times, and the Independent.
Ben Bowling, professor of criminology at King's, comments on the lack of top ranking black police officers. He said: 'There needs to be a strategic view. What are the blockages? What has been successful? Why was the foot taken off the gas?'
Dr Claire Haworth, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about why the region of Bokum, in Ghana has produced so many world class boxers. She says there are two things happening: "One is that there is something special genetically about this population and the other possibility is that the culture and environment that these people are in just draws out the genetic potential."
Bernadette John, Digital Professionalism and Social Media Lead at King's, writes about the need for internal social networks at universities and why King's has launched its own - KINSHIP.
Professor Myra Hunter, Institute of Psychiatry, says that CBT can help men experiencing hot flushes as a result of prostate cancer treatment. She says CBT doesn't stop the hot flushes, but it helps patients to not panic or feel frustrated by them.
Interview with the maker of 'In the beginning was the end', the dreamthinkspeak theatre production presented by King's Cultural Institute and Somerset House. Also reported by Time Out magazine.
Dr Jonathan Hill, Defence Studies, was interviewed on Newsnight about military intervention in Mali by other countries in Africa. Dr Hill questioned whether Nigeria can afford to send forces to Mali given the number of troops already committed to Somali and Sudan. Interview begins at 05.05. Dr Hill was also interviewed by the BBC News Channel about the rise of extremism in Africa.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that Labour should support an EU referendum and 'bring it [the EU] back to the people.'
Dr Gareth Owen, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on his study which found that people with schizophrenia may be more logical than the rest of us. He says: "I think for many people in psychology and psychiatry, the results are rather surprising, because they have gotten used to thinking of delusions as an impairment of logical thought. This study runs against that trend."
Senator John Kerry is likely to be confirmed as the next U.S. secretary of state this week, and American foreign-policy hawks aren't the only ones wary. The Indian establishment was listening closely to Mr. Kerry's confirmation hearings, especially when he talked about Pakistan. New Delhi fears he is too dovish toward Islamabad's military-jihad complex, writes Harsh V. Pant, Defence Studies.
Dr Lara Feigel, English, was interviewed about her new book 'The Love Charm of Bombs', a wartime biography of five writers, amongst them Graham Greene, Elizabeth Bowen and Rose Macaulay who volunteered as ambulance drivers and ARP wardens.
In an article that analyses the influence of the Italian elections on the eurzone, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, History, said: 'Once you take economic policy out of the hands of voters, what is left?'
The Sunday Times 27th January 2013
Drawing on lessons learned from the 1975 referendum on the Common Market, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that 'Today the Establishment remains in Europe but the people are distinctly sceptical.' He adds: 'That is the case for a further referendum.'
Deborah Bull, Executive Director of King's Cultural Institute, reviews Zero Dark Thirty, a film about the capture of Osama Bin Laden. Item begins at 2.20.
Dr Patricia Conrod, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on her study which found that targeted mental health interventions reduced teenage alcohol use. She says: "Not only does the intervention have a significant effect on the teenagers most at risk of developing problematic drinking behaviour, there was also a significant positive effect on those who did not receive the intervention, but who attended schools where interventions were delivered to high-risk students." Dr Conrod was also interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live.
In a profile piece on eating disorders research at King's, Professors Ulrike Schmidt and Janet Treasure, Institute of Psychiatry, talk about the history of the unit and the future of eating disorders research.
As Egyptians mark the second anniversary of their revolution, Voice of America asked experts to assess the actual impact of the Arab Spring. Dr Stacy Gutkowski, MEMS, said: 'The word 'revolution' is a very romantic term. It conjures up images of something dramatic like the Berlin Wall falling. That isn't what has happened in the region. These are rumblings, long-term rumblings. But not yet radical change.'
Professor Andrew Shennan, Division of Women's Health, comments on reports that nearly half of all babies are now born to women aged thirty or older. Professor Shennan discussed some of the issues that older mothers might face during pregnancy. Interview begins at 15.00.
The International Centre for University Policy Research, launched by King's, will tackle an 'amazing' lack of empirical research into higher education. Directed by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, the Centre will compare different national university systems and write policy papers to inform debate in the UK.
Opposers to Marijuana legalisation in the USA cite evidence from a study from the Institute of Psychiatry which found that cannabis use in adolescence is linked to a decline in IQ. Also reported by Reuters UK and the Huffington Post.
Sky News 24th January 2013
Paul Schulte, War Studies, said he is 'encouraged' by efforts to reexamine the legal frameworks of drone attacks but said that drones are 'morally no different' from bombs.
BBC World News 24th January 2013
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, was interviewed about the Gozi computer virus, a virtual crow-bar to break into private bank accounts. US authorities have recently foiled an international cyber-crime ring that compromised many accounts across the globe.
Dr Ian Mudway from the Environmental Research Group comments on plans to build a new tunnel under the Thames, linking east and south London. Pointing out that Tower Hamlets is already in noncompliance with EU air quality standards, he said, of the tunnel: 'It feels criminal to me, unjust, to consider delivering this extra burden of pollution.'
Mention of research by the Centre for Public Policy Research at King's, showing that 18 per cent of British black children are interested in a career in science. 'That's significantly higher than the 13 per cent of British white children. However, the black children don't get to follow through on their aspirations', reports the New Statesman.
In an article about 'flexitarianism' - vegetarians who sometimes eat meat - Tom Sanders, professor of nutrition and dietectics, comments on red meat consumption. He said: 'Eating red meat once a week is plenty. Vegetarian meals tend to be healthier and lower in calories.'
BBC World News 22nd January 2013
Dr Tim Jordan, Acting Head of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, believes the gaming industry is changing its approach by becoming more inclusive of older generations. He said: 'In the main the gaming population is ageing as games get older.'
Sky News 21st January 2013
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, discussed the Algerian hostage conflict and the counter-terrorism tactics that might be used to address the crisis. He said: 'The Arab spring has injected a great deal of uncertainty across North Africa.' He added that drones could potentially be used by the US.
Professor Dominique Moisi, Political Economy, writes about France's intervention in Mali. He said: 'The benefits have become more dubious, while the costs and risks have grown increasingly evident.' Professor Moisi's article also featured in The Australian Financial Review.
Professor Paul Gilroy, English, discussed neo-liberalism on 'Thinking Allowed.'
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on rising rates of depression during the recession. She says that people 'get into a vicious cycle of low self-esteem and with less money they can't afford to do the things that would improve their mental well-being.'
Frank Kelly, professor of environmental health, comments on 'particulate pollution' caused mainly by diesel engines, where the particles are so small that they penetrate the lungs and blood vessels, causing inflammation. According to Professor Kelly particulate pollution now kills 30,000 people a year. He said: 'The particles are tiny balls of carbon laden with toxic chemicals and reactive metals. In the body they attack your lungs and blood vessels. Over years they are lethal.'
Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management was interviewed about a specialist maths school planned by King's College London and set to open in September 2014. She explained that the school is seeking applications from pupils who 'may not have a string of A* at GCSE but will have done well at maths and maybe physics. We're looking for mathematical talent and everything else is secondary.'
Genes are not the sole cause of rheumatoid arthritis and other common diseases, according to Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology. For example, although identical twins have identical DNA, they do not always get the same diseases. Also reported by The Straits Times.
Dr Claire Haworth, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the influence of nature and nurture, or genes and environment, on why Bokum in Accra (Ghana) has produced so many world-class boxers.
Susan Bewley, Professor of Complex Obstetrics, explains why she would never have a screening mammogram. She said: 'Down the microscope, doctors can't always tell the difference between "dangerous" and "OK to leave alone". So it is possible to find things "too early" that are not really life-threatening cancer.'
Article reports that King's has increased its intake of students by 12%. Also reported by the Financial Times.
Professor SIR Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, was awarded a knighhood in this year's New Years Honours.
The US Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, spoke at King's, where he said there must be a fundamental change in the transatlantic alliance, as the west faces challenging global threats. Comments from Secretary Panetta's speech at King's were also reported by Financial Times, Channel 4 News, ITV News, Daily Mail, Reuters, Press Association, MSN UK, Yahoo News UK, New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg, Agence France Press (AFP), Associated Press (AP), CBS News (USA), ABC News (USA), USA Today, Press Trust of India (PTI) and Zee News (India), among numerous other outlets.
Nick Butler, King's Policy Institute, talked about the hostage situation in Algeria on the Today programme. He said: 'A lot of people in both BP, Statoil and the other companies will know one or more of the individuals affected here. There is uncertainty as to whether this situation is finished or if it is a continuing conflict.'
Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), writes about the hostage situation in Algeria and its relation to the growing jihadist movement in Mali. He said: 'The hostage crisis that broke out in Algeria ostensibly has its roots in Mali, Algeria's neighbour to the southwest.'
Ahead of David Cameron's speech on the UK's future in the European Union, Professor Simon May, Philosophy, writes that despite being 'the noblest of postwar political projects', the UK must ultimately leave the EU. He said: 'It is irresponsible to ask a country to renew vows to a marriage it cannot abide.'
Child autism expert Professor Tony Charman has been appointed to the Institute of Psychiatry's Department of Psychology.
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group (ERG), warns that not enough is being done to tackle air pollution in view of the magnitude of the problem.
Dr Stuart Hogarth, Social Science, Health & Medicine, commented on government plans to collect the DNA of 100,000 people with rare diseases and cancer. He said: The 'grand bargain' that the government is offering us is that if we give them our DNA then they are going to revolutionise healthcare. Well it's not clear in fact that we need so much genomic data to understand the genetic basis of health and disease.'
Dr Jonathan Hill, Defence Studies, spoke about the Algerian military strategy in their fight against the Islamist hostage-takers on the Newsdrive programme. He said: 'The Algerian armed forces have been waging a two decade long campaign against various Islamist terrorist groups. They've really taken a hard stance when launching military operations. Dr Hill also spoke to Channel 4 News and BBC World News.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, took part in a discussion on the PM show which questioned the need for politicians to make big public speeches. He said: 'There is a case when there's an issue of fundamental concern, which obviously the European Union is, for a politician to lay out his views upon it.'
An article about the need to pre-position emergency aid in vulnerable areas argues that the science behind pre-positioning is not been adequately transmitted. Emma Visman, Humanitarian Futures Programme, said: 'There have been limited opportunities for the direct engagement of scientists in humanitarian and development work on a regular basis. There's a lot of interest in it, but people haven't necessarily recognised that it requires sustained investment.'
A new book by Dr Elisabeth Kelan, Management, argues that both women and men of the millenial generation will no longer accept endless working hours and are instead choosing more flexible options such as starting their own businesses. This was also reported by Reuters India, Reuters Brasil, Globo (Brazil), Terra (Brazil), Yahoo! (Brazil), Business Times (Singapore) and Global Post (USA).
BBC Radio 4 17th January 2013
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, discussed historic political speeches of years gone by.
As air pollution has reached a new record high in Beijing, Professor Frank Kelly and Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, were interviewed by China Daily, Shanghai Morning Post, Chengdu Economic Daily and Oriental Morning Post, on comparisons with London air pollution and in particular the Great Smog of 1952. Beijing suffers from both London's old problem (coal-fired power stations) and London's new pollution problem (traffic), said Professor Kelly. 'To improve air quality, the Chinese authorities will need to tackle both of these problems.' The story was also reported by Xinhua, Sina.com (China), Sina.com (Hong Kong), QQ.com (China) and Changjiang Daily.
Monocle24 Radio 16th January 2013
Dr Natasha Kuhrt, War Studies, was interviewed on the the economic development of the Russian Far East.
The solution to England's poor participation rate in post-16 mathematics education could lie in a new qualification, according to researchers at King's. Professor Jeremy Hodgen, Department of Education & Professional Studies, said: 'Our study shows the importance of a consensual approach to policy development and implementation. Higher education and employers will need to be involved in the development of a new qualification if they are to value it and to make it an entry requirement.' Also reported by Press Association, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Huffington Post, MSN UK and LBC Radio.
Professor David Caron has been appointed as the new Dean of The Dickson Poon School of Law. Prof Caron will join the College from the University of California, Berkeley. Also reported by Global Legal Post, Lawyer 2B and Young Lawyer.
The Dickson Poon School of Law at King's welcomed Joaquin Almunia, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Competition, and Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, for a debate on the modernisation of state aid policy. The visit was also reported by the Wall Street Journal, El Economista (Spain), Fox Business, Capital (Greece) and Beurs (Netherlands).
Mention of a speech by Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, at King's. In his speech he made it clear that the Liberal Democrats would resist any attempt to renegotiate Britain's membership of the EU.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology, writes about the study of epigenetics and why the field is gaining traction. He said: 'More than 50 years on, genes remain crucial to understanding complex diseases especially given scientists ever-improving ability to alter them. The age of the gene is far from over; it has simply progressed into the age of epigenetics.'
Dr Helen Yallop, History, writes about the misconceptions of headhunting as being costly, manipulative and secretive. She writes: 'Headhunters are trained to make things easy and pleasant.'
An article about unexpected symptoms of menopause mentions research by King's Institute of Psychiatry which found that cognitive behavioural therapy can help to reduce several of these symptoms such as hot flushes.
BBC London News 10th January 2013
Dr David Green, Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences (CHAPS), demonstrated a gravity loading skin suit, designed to combat the absence of gravity in space.
BBC Radio Ulster 9th January 2013
Professor Louise Archer, Education and Professional Studies, was interviewed about children and their aspirations to work in science. Drawing on findings from the ASPIRES research project, Professor Archer pointed out that 'liking science is not enough' - research shows that even though the majority of children find science interesting and enjoyable, few continue with it beyond the age of 16 or aspire to be a scientist.
Robert Blackburn, professor of constitutional law, believes Prince Charles' intervention over the law changing the rules of succession may cause problems in the passage of the legislation. According to Professor Blackburn, Prince Charles' intervention has made the 'inherent difficulties' and 'scope for disagreement' surrounding the reform more public.
Alexander Melegrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), wrote an article about militant activity in Kenya. He said: 'Until recently, experts assumed that al-Shabaab's recruitment in Kenya was limited to the country's Somali minority, which numbers roughly a million people. But recent attacks have forced a reassessment; as ex-members testify, now Kenyans are joining up as well.'
Professor Irene Higginson, Health & Social Care Research, was interviewed about the challenges surrounding palliative care and the use of the Liverpool Care Pathway. She said: 'What people are trying to do with the Liverpool Care Pathway is to take the principles that have worked very well in hospice care and put them into hospitals. I think that's a very good and important and laudable goal.' Professor Higginson's comments were also reported by The Independent and i.
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a drink for Alzheimer's sufferers that, they claim, helps maintain synapses - the connections in the brain that are gradually lost by sufferers of the disease. However, Clive Ballard, professor of old age psychiatry, advises caution: 'People shouldn't get excited that an off-the-shelf drink is going to transform the lives of people with dementia. While it showed some memory benefits, there's no evidence it has any effect on other symptoms such as activities of daily living.'
Preview of dreamthinkspeak's immersive theatre production 'In the Beginning was the End', presented by King's Cultural Institute and Somerset House.
Dr Joe Chilcot, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the UK's first hand transplant. He says it's important for patients' mental health to be monitored before and after the procedure.
Professor Tom Sanders, Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, commented in a report which analysed of the guidance that everyone should eat 5 pieces of fruit or vegetables a day.
Professor Michael Lynskey, Institute of Psychiatry, was recently appointed to the IoP's Addictions Department. He says he sees his role "as trying to provide a fairly neutral evaluation of the effects of drug use and the potential approaches to limiting harms associated with drug use."
The Times 2nd January 2013
An article about research led by Professor Louise Archer, Education & Professional Studies, which found that most children are not aspiring to scientific careers and that children from poor homes are even less likely to do so.
Research by Oxford University and King's challenges the popular assumption that smoking relieves stress, and argues that it only relieves the anxiety caused by nicotine withdrawal. Also reported by the Daily Telegraph, BBC News online and the Times of India. Dr Mairtin McDermott, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, lead author of the research was interviewed by BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discussed the political implications of the fiscal cliff vote in the US. He believes the outcome demonstrates the inability of the Democrats and Republicans to work together in addressing the US Budget. Dr Boys was also interviewed about the fiscal cliff by BBC News Channel, BBC Radio Wales, LBC Radio, Al Jazeera and Monocle Radio 24.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, has criticised a new British citizenship test. He said: 'How many of the indigenous British population would be able to answer these questions? I don't think people coming into the country should be singled out.'
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, reviews 'Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan by William Dalrymple.'
An article about the importance of diet in sustaining a productive workforce mentions research led by Professor Genevra Richardson, Law, which found that human enhancements may come into action in the near future.
BBC History Magazine 1st January 2013
Professor Robert Holland, Hellenic Studies, and Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, offer a guide to exploring the historical attractions of Cyprus and Venice respectively.
Sky News 31st December 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, commented on Hillary Clinton's recent health scare and the questions which are being raised about her age. Dr Boys was also interviewed by the BBC News Channel.
Tony Thorne, English Language Centre, took part in Melvyn's Bragg's 'The Value of Culture'.
Dr Vaughan Bell, Institute of Psychiatry, argues that there are numerous benefits to playing action computer games as they improve how well we pay attention, how quickly we react, how sensitive we are to images and how accurately we sort information.
An article about how historical analogy should not be used to explain current events mentions the King's of War blog by the Department of War Studies.It says: 'The reality is that the Middle East is not the Balkans of the 1990s, nor is Egypt revolutionary Iran.'
In an article which debates whether the Queen of England should abdicate in the manner of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Professor Robert Blackburn, Law, said: 'The fact that the Netherlands now has a tradition of abdication, which they created, does raise the question of whether it's a better system than our own.'
Research by Professor Richard Roberts, History, was mentioned in an article about the time of Charles Duguid as City Editor of the Daily Mail.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has said that he feels addicted to chillis due to the chemical capsaicin. Dr Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, commented: 'There is no evidence that capsaicin regulates mood or behaviour, or induces addiction, when ingested as part of our food consumption.'
The Independent 29th December 2012
A review of new book by Professor Joan Taylor, Theology, entitled The Essenes, the Scrolls and the Dead Sea. It says: 'Her prose is fully measured and her proposition, that the Essenes were not a sect but one of the leading legal schools of Judaism, sounds plausible.'
King's alumnus Professor Peter Higgs, after whom the Higgs boson particle is named, has been recognised in the New Year Honours.
King's alumna Aiysha Hart is named as one to watch in 2013. An English Literature graduate, Aiysha is due to feature in Richard Curtis' new rom-com 'About Time' later this year.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry and Director of the King's Centre for Military Health Research, has been knighted in the New Year's Honours. Professor Wessely said he was "genuinely surprised and incredibly honoured" by the award. Also reported in Times Higher Education
King's alumnus and renowned physicist Professor Peter Higgs argued that Professor Richard Dawkins has caricatured religious believers as extremists and ignored those who try to reconcile their beliefs with science.
The findings of Chiara Nosarti, IoP, were celebrated by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation which has highlighted ten significant findings of 2012. Chiara Nosarti's research found that babies born prematurely were more likely to suffer from mental illness later in life.
A new Dutch study argues that psychosis in adolescents may be linked to later use of marijuana. Dr Marta Di Forti, Institute of Psychiatry, commented: 'We can say for some people that cannabis comes first and psychosis comes second, but for some people they have some (undiagnosed) psychosis (and) perhaps cannabis makes them feel better.' Also reported by Fox News, Reuters India and Reuters UK
Olympic gold-medalist Katherine Grainer, a PhD student in the School of Law, commented on the most successful year of her career. She said: 'When the moment arrived, there was a nice symmetry to it - waking up on the morning knowing we could do it, believing it was going to happen from the first stroke and finally crossing the line with that ultimate sensation of fulfillment.'
Dr Adrian Pearce, History and Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies, has commented on the ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on Friday 21 December. Dr Pearce said: 'Some speak of apocalypse, of the end of the world. But others have a more positive interpretation, and speak rather of a transition from one great cycle of human time and experience, to a new cycle which will be more positive for human kind and for the planet.' His comments were featured on BBC News at 10, BBC Breakfast, and many Chinese news sources.
In an article about the power exercised by monarchs at Cabinet meetings through history, Dr Andrew Blick, History, said: 'All sorts of people had the right to turn up to Cabinet in the early 18th century. The trouble was that some of the aristocrats were not up to the job.'
Times Higher Education 20th December 2012
A round-up of main news from across UK universities mentions the move of the The Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine from Imperial College London to King's Department of history in August 2013.
Dr Tim Hildebrandt, Lau China Institute, spoke to Al Jazeera following news that China had arrested hundreds of people from a doomsday cult. He said the crackdown might be a reflection of a larger concern by Chinese authorities because it happened in Qinghai, where there are large Muslim and Tibetan populations. The story was also reported by Yahoo News (Middle East).
A team of scientists led by Dr Frances Williams, Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, has identified a particular set of genes that interact with one another to regulate pain in humans, and found that differences in these genes may influence peopleâ€™s sensitivity to pain.
Dr Carolyn Johnston, Medical Education Division, has commented on the case of Neon Roberts, a seven year-old boy suffering from a brain tumour, whose mother Sally Roberts wishes to prevent him undergoing radiotherapy. Dr Johnston said: 'The role of the judge is to consider the child's welfare. Although he will be listening to the parents' concerns, he will be looking at the medical evidence as well.' Dr Johnston's comments were featured on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC News at Six and BBC News at 10.
Evening Standard 19th December 2012
Professor Keith Ewing, Dickson Poon School of Law, comments on new legislation that means employers must only consult for 45 days before the redundancy of over 100 workers - as opposed to the former 90 days. He said: 'This will not only make it easier to sack staff â€” it also makes it easier to reduce their terms and conditions by giving 45 rather than 90 daysâ€™ notice.'
In an article about the problems faced by mentally ill patients who use drugs to achieve 'legal highs', Professor David Taylor, Psychopharmacology, said: 'It's like going into a chemistry lab and helping themselves to jars on the shelf. Anyone with severe psychotic illness should avoid legal highs like the plague.'
Anne-Marie Canning, Head of Widening Participation, and Paul Teulon, Head of Admissions, are taking part in a discussion with potential students about the advantages of studying at a Russell Group university.
Dr Christopher Hobbs and Matthew Moran, War Studies, wrote a guest blog for the Guardian about a new analysis which questions the assumption that if Iran gets nuclear weapons, its neighbours would follow suit. It says: 'The flawed logic of 'proliferation begets proliferation' is clearly demonstrated in North East Asia where North Korea's nuclear weapons have not provoked Japan or South Korea to follow suit despite a long history of regional conflict and volatile relations.'
A set of wax hands displaying numerous diseases are being exhibited at the Museum of London. The hands are usually displayed at the Gordon Museum of Pathology at King's.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, comments on the Queen's attendance at a Cabinet meeting. He believes that the last sovereign to attend Cabinet was George III in 1784.
Dr Nigel Blackwood, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the structural differences found in the brains of psychopaths compared to non-psychopaths.
Kevin Burnand, Emeritus Professor of Vascular Surgery, comments on plans to introduce data on the performance of surgeons. He said the plans worry him for two reasons: 'Firstly, groups of patients who look bad will be turned down for surgery and secondly, surgeons who are performing difficult procedures or who have a run of bad luck with poor outcomes will appear to be poor surgeons when that isn't necessarily the case.' Professor Burnand's interview on Today begins at 2.10.58. He was also interviewed by the Daily Mail.
ITV News 17th December 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, believes the recent school shooting in Connecticut will not prompt a change in gun legislation due to the 'cultural, historical and political block' of the Second Amendment, which allows American's to bear arms. He added: 'It is very difficult to see how gun legislation will get through with a Republican-controlled Congress.' Dr Boys also discussed gun control on Sky News and Channel 5 News.
Dr David Green from the Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) describes some of the health risks of space travel, including suborbital flights. He said: 'It's highly likely you will feel sick or be sick and that's a real concern. Going back to Earth, everything will feel heavier. You could knock yourself unconscious.'
Prof Jonathan Brostoff, Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, comments on the health problems caused by Christmas trees for people with asthma. He said: 'The spores and moulds you find on trees can set off people's asthma. It's like them having late summer hay fever but in December because of the Christmas tree. It's a problem for people who already have respiratory conditions.'
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, says that some parents who lost children in the Sandy Hook shooting may never recover from the pain of their death. Also reported in the Daily Express and Press Association.
Professor Robert Wintemute, comments on government plans to let same-sex couples get married. He said: 'Thereâ€™s no way you can stop a couple going to the European Court of Human Rights and arguing that the fact British law does not oblige religious organisations to marry them is a violation of their rights.'
King's academics feature among The Times' top 100 paediatric specialists in Britain.
Following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the US, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, believes it will not galvanise politicians into ending gun possession. Referring to President Obama, Dr Boys said: 'He has not made gun legislation of any sort a political priority.' Interview appears at 08.10 in the video entitled 'America's worst school shooting - details of gunman emerge.'
In a letter to The Times, Professor Simon Wessely, Dr Nicola Fear and Professor Christopher Dandeker, King's Centre for Military Health Research, say the national census should gather more data on veterans.
King's is planning a specialist sixth-form school for talented young mathematicians. In an interview with the Evening Standard, Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management said: 'There are some really talented young mathematicians who are not getting the inspiring teaching they need. The school will be able to attract really talented teachers who want to work with these children.' Also reported by The Independent and Times Higher Education.
King's has signalled its interest in joining the Futurelearn online higher education initiative led by The Open University, with the aim of providing students from the UK and around the world with free access to some of the country's top universities. Also reported by the Daily Telegraph, Press Association, Guardian, The Independent, Financial Times, ITV News (Online) and MSN UK.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of King's Brazil Institute, believes the 'pacification' programme in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at driving out criminal gangs, has been 'largely positive.' He said: 'I would just hope the government keeps an eye on possible unintended consequences. You can see it making these communities desirable for people who haven't been living in them, young people, the more adventurous. I don't know of any studies yet, but it could lead to gentrification and rents going up.'
Professor John Strang, Institute of Psychiatry, joins Jeremy Paxman to discuss whether the UK needs a new approach to drugs' policy. He says that scientific evidence needs to be taken into account in any policy decision. (Begins at 06.40.00)
BBC World News 14th December 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, was interviewed about the decision of US Ambassador Susan Rice to withdraw her name from consideration to succeed Hillary Clinton as US secretary of state.
An analysis by King's for Macmillan Cancer Support is mentioned in an article about lung cancer. It found that within 30 years the number of women living with lung cancer will treble.
A study at King's is mentioned in an article about lung cancer.
A new study which suggests that chemicals in water are linked to the rise in food allergies has several flaws, including the use of a blood test that is only 50 per cent reliable, according to Prof Jonathan Brostoff, Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, explains why America doesn't want to 'break up', despite moves for independence in many other Western countries. He said: 'First of all, they had a rather big secession and that cost more lives than all the other American wars put together. The 1860s sent a pretty ferocious message about what would happen if you tried to secede.'
Robert Hill, Department of Education and Professional Studies, participated in a panel session at the Guardian's 'Innovation in Education' conference. Commenting on competition and collaboration between schools, Robert Hill argued that aligning the two can drive innovation. He said: "Some teachers would say 'I collaborate so I can compete.'"
Interview with King's PhD student and Olympic gold medallist, Katherine Grainger.
Dr Stuart Hogarth, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, was interviewed about government plans to store the genetic code of up to 100,000 patients in the UK. Despite acknowledging that there is 'a great deal to be welcomed' in the plans, Dr Hogarth pointed out that there is still much to learn about genomic medicine: 'We have been trying to unravel the genetics of common, complex diseases for many years and what we know so far isn't worth putting into clinical practice.' Interview begins at 04.20 in the video entitled 'DNA genetic mapping unveiled.'
On plans to build a database that would be capable of storing every British citizen's DNA records, Dr Stuart Hogarth from the Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, pointed out that the UK already has a DNA database, which has more than half a million records. He added: 'The reality is that much of the data won't be useful.'
Research carried out at King's is mentioned in an article about mathematics education in the UK. The study showed that in 1976, 54 per cent of 14 year-olds knew how to calculate how far a car could travel on 8.1 gallons of petrol if it did 41.8 miles per gallon. In 2009 just 33 per cent knew how to perform that calculation.
Responding to a report by The Sutton Trust, which claims that university personal statements 'further disadvantage' low-and-middle-income pupils, Anne-Marie Canning, Head of Widening Participation at King's, has spoken of their value in assessing applications. Whilst stressing that they are just one part of the application process, Anne-Marie Canning pointed out that students 'value the chance to put their voice across, offering an opportunity to say why they want to study a particular subject and why they're passionate about it.' Item starts at 19.32. Anne-Marie Canning's comments were also featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 6 Music.
Professor Richard Sorabji, Philosophy, has completed the editing and translating of 100 volumes of ancient commentaries on Aristotle, a project that has been running for the past 27 years.
Professor Anne Redston, Law, writes about the UK's deficit problem and the need to 'stop creating new weaknesses' in the tax system. She said: 'Trying to solve the UK's deficit without tackling tax evasion and artificial tax avoidance is like trying to run a bath with the plug out.'
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, discussed naval history with comedian John Bishop, who was exploring the life of his great great grandfather.
BBC World News 5th December 2012
Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, believes the air pollution in developing world 'mega cities' such as Dhaka 'isn't terribly dissimilar to the situation we saw in London during the 1952 smog.' He added that initiatives in London such as the Low Emission Zone only offer small benefits that are 'not large enough to tackle some of the issues we face.'
New research led by Professor Gunter Schumann, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that a particular gene is associated with alcohol abuse. He says: "This appears to be one gene that regulates how rewarding alcohol is for some people. People seek out situations which fulfil their sense of reward and make them happy, so if your brain is wired to find alcohol rewarding, you will seek it out." Also reported in the METRO, Daily Express, Reuters, Evening Standard, Chicago Tribune, Independent, MSN UK, Press Association, Daily Mail, Times of India, Huffington Post, Deccan Herald (India), CBS News
Professor Keith Ewing, Law, comments on the 'blacklisting' scandal (when workers are forced into unemployment for trade union activity). He calls it the 'worst human rights abuse in relation to workers' in Britain in half a century.
John Deathridge, King Edward Professor of Music, writes about Glyndebourne's 2007 production of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.
Barbara Lauriat, Law, writes about the copyright laws surrounding unpublished works by literary scholars such as Jane Austen.
Dr Felicity Callard, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the possibility of screening young children for future mental health problems. She warns that growing up with the knowledge "that you are 'at high risk' of future mental health problems can affect the very way in which you grow up - and thereby ... embed a sense that you are mentally vulnerable, with potentially untoward consequences." Also reported by Yahoo News, Daily Mail
Professor Emily Simonoff, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which finds living near busy roads increases the risk of childhood autism. Prof Simonoff said the research does not take into account factors such as father's age and family history of autism and that 'pregnant women should continue to look after their health during pregnancy but should not be unduly concerned.' *Also reported in the METRO, Press Association, MSN UK, Channel 4 News
Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute, discusses the legacy of mathematical genius, Alan Turing.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, commented on recent violence in Sao Paulo, saying that it would probably put people off visiting Brazil in general or investing in the country. He said: 'We have an organised criminal gang that is challenging the state, and doing it in a sophisticated way. It raises question marks about the capacity of the state to maintain order.'
Professor Sir Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry (IoP), explains the link between cannabis and schizophrenia. He says: "if the risk of schizophrenia for the general population is about one per cent, the evidence is that, if you take ordinary cannabis, it is two per cent; if you smoke regularly you might push it up to four per cent; and if you smoke 'skunk' every day you push it up to eight per cent". Dr Zerrin Atakan and Dr Paul Morrisson, also from the IoP, talk about their research.
Researchers at King's have identified several cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking and high blood pressure, which may be associated with the accelerated decline of memory, learning, attention and reasoning in older adults. Dr Alex Dregan, Lecturer in Translational Epidemiology and Public Health, said: 'We have identified a number of risk factors which could be associated with accelerated cognitive decline, all of which, could be modifiable. The findings were reported by Press Association, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio London, Daily Express (front page), ITV News (Online), Sky News (Online), Metro, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror, Huffington Post, CNN, Voice of Russia, Times of India, BBC Mundo and CBS News (USA).
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about whether PTSD is overdiagnosed, he says "despite the formal criteria, there is a confusion sometimes about the normal emotional responses to war â€” my father still has nightmares about his World War II service in Royal Navy and he is 87, but he doesn't have PTSD."
Professor David Mataix-Cols, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a secretive condition which affects one in 100 people and has a high rate of suicide. The Institute of Psychiatry is running the first trial to test the efficacy of BDD-tailored CBT.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, comments on Israel's use of propaganda and the role of social media in the Gaza-Israel conflict. He said: 'Rockets and bullets matter more than tweets and badges. War is when you get a leg blown off, not when you read a tweet on your iPhone.'
In an article about human enhancements for the workforce, Professor Genevra Richardson, Law, who chaired a report on the subject, is quoted. She said: 'We are not talking science-fiction here. There are a range of technologies in development and in some cases already in use that have the potential to transform our workplaces - for better or for worse.'
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the BBC's decision to remove the iplayer recording of Jimmy Saville on Desert Island Discs. She discusses how removing triggers might help victims to deal with the trauma, and helps them believe they are being taken seriously.
In an article about standards within schools, reference is made to a report by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, which said that 400,000 teenagers took vocational qualifications that were worthless or could even damage their chances of getting a job.
On figures from the Sutton Trust, showing that around two thirds of elite lawyers were educated at independent schools, Edward Fennell describes the Dickson Poon law scholarships as 'good news'.
Professor Philip Asherson, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which finds that treating ADHD reduces the risk of criminality. He says that 'the Â£300 a month cost of each treatment would be vastly outweighed by the savings from falling crime.' Also reported by Reuters, ABC News, Associated Press, Press Association, CTV News (Canada), Daily Mail, BMJ, Huffington Post
Dr Niall McCrae, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on latest research into the link between the lunar cycle and madness. He says it's highly unlikely that there is a strong link, but that more research is needed to identify if some people are more susceptible to the effect of the moon.
Dr Richard Killick and Professor Simon Lovestone, Institute of Psychiatry, comment on their recent research which offers the most detailed picture yet of the chain reaction of events that causes brain cells to die because of Alzheimer's. Also reported in the Daily Express
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research reporting the benefits of MDMA assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Also reported in Nature
'Soft' subjects are to be stripped out of college league tables following a review of vocational education by Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management, who warned that thousands of pupils were taking courses that did little to improve their job prospects.
Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Honorary Professor of Theology at King's, described the vote against women Bishops as 'deeply dispiriting' and 'highly damaging' for the Church of England. Lord Harries also paid tribute to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams (begins at 01.37.50).
On the news that a memorial to C S Lewis will be placed in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey, Alister McGrath, Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education, argues that Lewis 'certainly merits inclusion among these greats of English literature.'
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about writer's block being a form of social anxiety. She said: 'When there is pressure to perform, people suffering from social anxiety become convinced that if what they are doing is not excellent they might as well do nothing.'
Kypros Nicolaides, Professor of Fetal Medicine says that while Vasa Praevia is still thought of as a rare condition, it is more common than Down's syndrome, which accounts for one in 600 pregnancies. Vasa Praevia is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels from the placenta or umbilical cord block the birth canal and rupture as the waters break.
A study carried out by 21 international centres, including King's, has found that radiation therapy for patients with macular degeneration reduces the need for regular injections.
In an article about success at school and university, Alison Wolf's book 'Does Education Matter?' is mentioned. Professor Wolf, Management, wrote in her book: 'If you look at obituaries in the Nineties, what was so interesting was how many people hadn't gone to university.'
Lord Harries of Pentregarth, honorary professor of theology at King's, writes about the contribution of Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Christianity. He said: 'The imagination of our culture may not yet have been recaptured for the Christian faith, but if in the future it is, historians will point to the archbishopric of Rowan Williams as the cusp on which it began to turn.'
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry in collaboration with Arthritis UK is helping to understand the link between arthritis, pain and sleep deprivation.
Professor Stephen Scott, Institute of Psychiatry, dispels the myth that long term effects of neglect and abuse early in life mean that children are unable to form bonds with carers such as foster parents (Begins at 00.10.00)
Mention of a report by The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at Kingâ€™s on militant group al-Shabaabâ€™s Western media strategy, which will highlight a recent series of terrorist recruitment videos.
Professor Guglielmo Verdirame, War Studies, writes about the legal position of Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Crisis. He writes: 'Israel argues that its Operation Pillar of Defence is justified under the right of self-defence. This position has in principle been supported by various countries, including the US and EU member states.'
A poll by King's and Ipsos MORI has revealed that Prince William is the most popular royal in recent history and 9 out of 10 people think the Queen is doing a good job as Monarch. Professor Richard Mortimore, Institute of Contemporary British History and Director of Political Analysis, said:' After a rocky period in the Nineties, public support for the monarchy and the Queen now looks as strong as it has been for many years.' Also reported by Daily Express, Daily Mail, The Sun, MSN UK and Daily Star.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, examines the use of social media during the conflict between Gaza and Israel. He said the perspective of the viewer tends to 'reinforce what they already think' when looking at social media.
The Sunday Times (Scotland) 18th November 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, believes it is possible The Queen would appoint a governor-general as her representative for weekly meetings with Alex Salmond, in an independent Scotland.
Kypros Nicolaides, Professor of Fetal Medicine, commented on research into a blood test for babies in the womb that will not cause miscarriages. Professor Nicolaides said: 'This is a major breakthrough which will save the lives of babies and spare women the painful decision of whether to have an invasive test or risk miscarriage.'
In a letter to the Sunday Times, Professors John Strang and Colin Drummond, Institute of Psychiatry, highlight the dangers of alcohol for young people and say that they support the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol.
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group at King's, commented on the finding that high pollution levels age the brains of people aged over 50 by up to three years. He said: 'The research shows that living somewhere with clean air means you will retain your brain power for a longer period of time than if you live in an urban area.'
On the role of the monarchy for an independent Scotland, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, said he is 'sure the Queen would agree to be head of state in Scotland as she is in Canada or Australia.'
Dr Marta Di Forti, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses her latest research which suggests that people carrying a specific gene may be more at risk of developing mental health problems from smoking cannabis. She says 'Our findings help to explain why one cannabis user develops psychosis while his friends continue smoking without problems.'
Ahead of the Ibero-American Summit in Cadiz, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, Department of European & International Studies, commented on the changing relationship between Spain and Portugal, which he says is now 'much more about the economy, about necessity.'
Thanks to a donation of Ã‚Â£20 million from Dickson Poon, the owner of Harvey Nichols, The Dickson Poon School of Law is offering 80 scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dickson Poon commented: 'The scholarships will help to enable exemplary students with academic agility to develop into global leaders.' The news was reported by the Guardian, The Independent and the South China Morning Post, and Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice-Principal at King's, was interviewed about the scholarships on BBC Radio London.
Professor Ann McNeill has joined the Institute of Psychiatry as Professor of Addictions. She said she looked forward to developing new collaborations within the institute "The relationship between smoking and mental health is another interest of mine: smoking rates remain very high across those who have mental health problems."
Commenting on a new book of poems about mental illness by Bill McKnight, Professor Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, says "Others have written about depression, but it is very unusual to speak about stigma in poetic terms, and, so far as I am aware, Bill's work is something quite new."
The Schizophrenia Commission chaired by Professor Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, claims that switching funds from secure care to early intervention would prevent illness and save money. Professor Murray said: 'The system is pervaded by pressure to avoid risk rather than by the need to provide care.' Also reported by Reuters, BBC News, Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4 Today programme, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 Live.
An article about whether flexible working hours would work in the City mentions research by King's which found that 50 per cent of female solicitors who use flexi-time believed that they were not perceived as being serious about their careers.
Dr Chris Tribble, Education & Professional Studies, writes about the different words used to describe beginning and endings in different situations. He said: 'Finish is also less conflict-related, occurring most often with sporting topics such as photo, sprint, podium, thrilling, big, dramatic, closest, podium and tense.'
Dr Lucy Wooding, History, reviews Kate Narveson's new book about the impact of the King James Bible in early modern England, particularly with regards to women.
Fresh data from the LHC suggests that the new particle discovered earlier this year is just the simplest variety of Higgs boson. Professor John Ellis, Physics, said: 'The Standard Model still rules OK, but the main test will come when the gamma rates are updated.'
Tom Sanders, professor of nutrition and dietetics, writes that, despite their popularity, he is sceptical about the health benefits of fish-oil supplements.
Dr Andrea Danese, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research linking childhood maltreatment to disease later in life. He says that the findings are based on retrospective reports of maltreatment, and warns that 'the claims may therefore be biased or overstated, because ill people may be more likely to report unhappy childhood.' * Also reported in the Daily Mirror, Press Association
An article about the original discover of DNA mentions the roles of John Randall and Maurice Wilkins, both former scientists at King's.
BBC News Channel 13th November 2012
Professor Penney Lewis, The Dickson Poon School of Law, discussed how information from fMRI scans on patients diagnosed in vegetative or minimally conscious states might in future be used to inform decisions about their care made in their best interests, or even to allow them to refuse particular treatments.
This weekâ€™s episode of The Long View compared the controversy over airport expansion now with the 19th century battle of the sea ports. Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, participated in a debate about the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport.
An analysis by King's for Macmillan Cancer Support has found that the number of people living with lung cancer in the UK is set to rise significantly faster for women than men over the next 30 years. Also reported by The Times, i and Daily Mail.
Dr Max Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about how doctors face feeling of shame of failure when faced with mental health problems. He says that doctors often fail to look for help as many feel that main stream health services are not confidential, and fear that their colleagues might find out (Begins 27.00 mins)
Nick Butler, Chair of King's Policy Institute, writes about the consequences of the conflict between Gazprom and the European Union for the gas industry.
Laura Mackenzie, Head of Careers & Employability at King's, participated in a live Q&A webchat which addressed the question - 'Will a postgrad [degree] boost my job prospects?'
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that a report by MPs into the UK's apprenticeship scheme has failed to tackle the core problem. She said:'They don't get to the heart of the current system, which is that providers - who are only rarely employers themselves - are paid for the number of apprentices they "deliver."'
Professor Jeremy Hodgen, Mathematics, says that mathematics teaching at A-level 'tends to be very narrow and procedural and this is the case across the state and independent sectors.' He added: 'A handful of schools go well beyond the syllabus and they are the ones dominating the Oxbridge entries.' Academics at King's are being funded by the Department for Education to develop more challenging materials for use in mathematics sixth-form classes.
Research from King's Centre for Military Health Research found that nearly 7 per cent of regular solders who have seen combat will fall victim to PTSD.
Rachael Gribble, King's Centre for Military Health Research, writes about recent research into public attitudes to the Armed Forces which found that the British public support the Armed Forces, even though many oppose the war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Professor Neil Greenberg, King's Centre for Military Health Research, discusses research into post-traumatic stress disorder, and how PTSD is managed and treated in the UK. He discusses the normalisation process that takes place when soldiers return from combat. (Begins 31.06 mins)
In a report about the increasing number of Chinese students at King's, Al Jazeera interviewed Maxine Taylor, Director of External Relations at King's.
In an article about the use of calculators in children's maths tests mentions research led by a team at King's, which found that the amount of 11- 14 year olds with a poor grasp of basic maths has doubled in the last 30 years. Also reported in The Sun.
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Public Health, commented on the news that a Whitehall ministerial committee set up by the coalition as it pledged to tackle major health problems has been scrapped, prompting a furious response from senior doctors. He said: â€˜This looks like a major U-turn, and a real downgrading of this government's commitment to public health.â€™
Dr Susan Bewley, Women's Health, comments on pregnancy risks for older women. She said:'I'm very worried about the increasing health risks to mothers and babies, and I've been around long enough to have seen all the complications associated with advanced age, including maternal and baby death and disability.'
Britain is pushing for greater international involvement in the ongoing crisis in Syria. Professor Michael Kerr, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said that forming a united political front may be the only chance to bring peace to Syria,
Dr Julie Keeble, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, says there is 'much to find out' about the treatment of pain, including the quest to find a better pain-killer. Item starts at 23.55.
Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, says the decision to cancel an amphibious landing with Marines and Japanese ground troops was politically smart. 'With no amphibious exercise, no one in China can claim that the U.S. and Japan are showing an aggressive behavior and that prevents the more conservative voices in China from gaining points.'
Professor Genevra Richardson, Law, led a report which concluded that although human enhancement technologies might aid society, their use would raise serious ethical issues. She said: 'We're not talking science fiction here, we're talking about advances that could impact significantly on the way we work...in the near future.' Also reported by the Independent, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, BBC News, Daily Mail, CNBC, Today (Singapore), Press Association and Yahoo! and Professor Richardson was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
An article about the outsourcing of policy makers in the current government mentions research from Dr Ruth Levitt and William Solesbury, Political Economy, which documented the large number of external policy reviewers.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, spoke to Channel 4 News prior to the US election results and predicted that it would be a 'long night ahead.' He added: 'I think that the Republican vote is probably being underreported and what you are seeing - that there is a tie going into this - is remarkable for Romney because he was 10 points behind in a lot of states two months ago.'
In an article about the European reaction to President Obamaâ€™s re-election, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, War Studies, said that there is a recognition in Europe that â€˜we're not the theaterâ€™ of American foreign policy.
The Times 6th November 2012
A recent directive on 'orphan works' could make it easier for public museums, libraries, schools and archives to digitise their collections legally, writes Barbara Lauriat from the Dickson Poon School of Law.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, has been awarded the John Maddox Prize, an award that recognises exceptional courage and bravery in science.He received death threats and professional smears for offering people with chronic fatigue syndrome a psychiatric treatment at a time when a mouse leukaemia virus had been implicated as the cause. The virus link has since been discredited. Also reported in New Scientist
Press Association 6th November 2012
Liam Holder, Visiting Practioner in the School of Law, has joined Navigant's Global Construction Practice as Managing Director. He said: 'Becoming an integral part of Navigantâ€™s highly-regarded international construction practice is a tremendous opportunity.' Also reported by CNBC and Yahoo!.
Dr James D Boys, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Studies, recorded a video report for the Telegraph which stated that despite predictions, the swing states were too close to call during the final night of the election.
Nathanial Matthews, Geography, was interviewed about the building of the Xayaburi dam in Laos. He said: 'This is the opening of Pandoraâ€™s box. Unless there is real pushback in the next six months, I see Laos moving ahead quite quickly with the rest of the dams.'
King's College London is one of the university partners involved in establishing the first 'Brain Health Centreâ€™ - a scheme designed to promote early diagnosis of dementia.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Brazil Institute, commented on the Brazilian economy. As the economy in Brazil is moving towards a more than three per cent economic growth in 2013, Pereira noted that 'the negative forecast of the Brazilian economic growth was somewhat exaggerated.'
Academics at King's and Cambridge University have been funded by the Department of Education to develop more challenging material for maths A-level teaching in state schools.
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences at King's, comments on the consumption of saturated fat. He said: 'If you like a marbled steak, fine - saturated fat from the source is not evil - but trim the fat off your meat and give it to the cat.'
New technology which could substantially reduce the time it takes to diagnose dementia has been developed by researchers at King's in partnership with the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and Imperial College London.
Dr Max Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his research which showed that medics who do fall ill fear being perceived as "weak" or "a failure" by colleagues. He says, "there is a feeling among doctors, that illness shouldn't happen to them Ã¢â‚¬â€œ that they should somehow be invincible."
The Times (Saturday Review) 3rd November 2012
Edith Hall, Professor of Classics and judge of The Times Stephen Spender Prize for poetry translation, says this year's entries 'have been united by their striking diversity.' She said: 'More poets, more languages and more far-flung lands were represented than I can remember.'
Mention of a government review on health and safety regulations, conducted by Professor Ragnar LÃ¶fstedt from the Department of Geography.
Jasper Humphfreys, War Studies, discusses the visa problems faced by conservationists across the world and the â€˜dire repercussions for conservation organisations.â€™
Francess Fornah, who is based at King's Health Partners as part of a three-month placement, writes about the issue of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. Francess says that future frameworks aimed at tackling maternal mortality must be shaped by midwives.
In an article about the absence of impact of the Green Party in US politics, Dr James D. Boys, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Studies, said: â€˜If youâ€™re a small group like the Greens, then youâ€™ve got a real challenge just getting into the game.â€™
Professor David Carpenter, Medieval History, appeared on BBC Radio 4â€™s In our time programme discussing the civil war that took place in mid-twelfth century England.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, explains that genes make only explain about 1% of differences in IQ between people.
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on erasing Jimmy Saville's name from memorial plaques and whether this will help victims. She says it is one of the substitutes, "Another is the change in public opinion. The fact they are going to be believed."
Professor Louise Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, says women are naturally concerned about taking medication, including anti-depressants, while pregnant or breastfeeding but there are risks of not taking them.
Professor Louise Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses what women should do if they think they are suffering from post-natal depression.
Professor Louise Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about post-natal depression. She says that any woman suffering from severe post-natal depression should discuss the risks and benefits of anti-depressants and the risks of the illness (Begins at 1.55.00). Professor Howard was also interviewed on BBC1 News, BBC News 24, Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London.
Medications used to treat hypertension, diabetes and skin conditions could also treat dementia, according to new research by King's. The report's lead author, Professor Clive Ballard, Wolfson Centre for Age-related Diseases at King's, said: 'Developing new drugs to treat the condition is incredibly important, but comes with a huge price tag and, for those affected by dementia, an unimaginable wait.' Also reported by Huffington Post, Press Association, Daily Express, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Yahoo!.
Professor Mark Pelling, Geography, talked about how the weather conditions in the USA may affect the US Presidential candidatesâ€™ campaigns. He said: So long as they roll up their shirt-sleeves and are seen to be personally involved in the reconstruction, it will normally be very good for [a politician's] popularity.â€™
Dr Peter Lee, Defence Studies, and Paul Schulte, War Studies, participated in a debate about the morality of drone strikes. Dr Lee said there is tension between international law and the moral arguments involved in the use of drones. Referring to 'pitfalls in international law', Dr Lee said he is 'weary of the UK carrying out extra-judicial killings' in countries where it has no legal mandate to intervene. Dr Lee's contribution starts at 19.40. Paul Schulte, whose contribution begins at 26.52, said that, whether we like it or not, drone attacks are 'inevitable'.
Guardian 30th October 2012
In an article about the popularity of Greek tragedies with modern audiences, Professor Edith Hall, Classics, commented that more Greek tragedies have been staged in the past 50 years than at any time since the ancient Greeks were watching them.
The Times 30th October 2012
In an article about new findings which suggest that children born now are at risk of asthma due to the smoking habits of their grandparents, Professor Tim Spector, Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, said another possibility was that the effects on the second generation were a consequence of direct toxic influences on the first generation's reproductive organs.
A new report has found that an NHS breast cancer screening programme has 'over-diagnosed' 4,000 women leading to unnecessary treatments. Dr Susan Bewley, Women's Health, wrote an open letter to the National Cancer Director asking for women to be informed of the 'genuine doubts' about the programme. Also reported in the Daily Telegraph.
Professor Clive Coen, Medicine, comments on the recent trial in which six scientists have been sentenced to six years imprisonment for underestimating the risks of the L'Aquila earthquake in 2009. He said: 'On the matters in question, the variables will always be too great for certainty. There are costs and dangers associated with knowledge and ignorance.'
Professor Stephen Bach, Employment Relations, is one of several academics who argued that there is no convincing evidence to support the Chancellorâ€™s recent inference that regionally or locally determined pay could boost the economic performance of regional economies.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, writes about how connections between Pakistan and Russia are growing stronger and how this is a development with great significance for the South Asian region.
Professor Jeremy Hodgen, Education & Professional Studies, comments on findings that there is a large gap between the success of state and independent-school applicants for maths at Cambridge. He said: 'A handful of schools go well beyond the syllabus and they are the ones dominating the Oxbridge entries.' Also reported in the Daily Telegraph.
Dr John Pearce, Classics, comments on the discovery of a piece of erotic art by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. He said: 'One theory is that those scenes that show sexual activity have an apotropaic power, because they make you laugh so that wards off the evil eye.'
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, reviews Anne Applebaum's new book: 'Iron Curtain: The crushing of Eastern Europe.' He said: 'Applebaum's book has a political as well as a scholarly purpose.'
Times Higher Education 26th October 2012
An article about a study by Laurie Smith, Education and Professional Studies, which predicted that the switch from modular to linear GCSE exams will lead to a steep drop in grades.
Professor Michael Singer, Law, writes about the UK's refusal to extradite hacker Gary McKinnon on the grounds of fears regarding his welfare. Professor Singer said: 'The US government might be better advised to employ Mr McKinnon than to prosecute him for his embarrassing exposure of its security flaws.'
Because 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, Professor Louise Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, says that women of child-bearing age need to weigh up the benefits and risks of taking anti-depressants against the risks of the illness. Also reported in the Daily Mail
Coverage of the Study India programme, co-sponsored by King's, in which 165 undergraduates from 12 UK universities spent time at an Indian university and took part in a week-long internship. THE reports that staff from King's will take part in two further Indian summer schools later this year.
Report on the expansion of King's partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which will build on existing joint projects and allow for more collaboration in science, health and medicine.
An animation of a small boy breathing, created by artist Dryden Goodwin in collaboration with Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King's, aims to highlight the fragility of children living in polluted cities and the dangers of pollution.
An article about new website Marblar, co-founded by King's student Mehmet Fidanboylu, on which researchers can suggest commercial uses for scientific findings. Michael Hill-King, Business & Innovation, said: 'Marblar is trying to open up questions about what you do with inventions.'
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Health & Social Care Research, describes the introduction of a food labelling system next year as 'welcome news'. He added: 'The Food Standards Agency recommended this scheme years ago - but a few big retailers succeeded in blocking it until now. This is a triumph for public health and common sense - but just goes to show how the voluntary approach can be so much slower than government regulation.'
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry in collaboration with Tel Aviv University found that autism spectrum disorders share a root cause with psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Dr Finola Kerrigan, Management, delivered a lecture at the Museum of Brands entitled 'Branding James Bond'. Dr Kerrigan and a colleague at the University of Sheffield discussed the success of the James Bond brand and demonstrated how numerous brands co-exist within individual films.
Commenting on research into a controversial new IVF treatment, Peter Braude, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said: 'It is exactly the sort of science that the HFEA expert committee recommended needed doing, and demonstrates further the feasibility of this technique. However it is still a long way off ready for human use.' Professor Braude's comments were also reported by Agence France Presse (AFP).
Professor Matthew Hotopf, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new figures reporting an increase in the number of detentions under the Mental Health Act.
Dr Dominic ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry, reviews Dr Oliver Sachs' new book 'Hallucinations'
Dr Bruce Malamud, Geography, was interviewed about earthquake forecasting and the potential implications of the L'Aquila earthquake trial, where seven scientists have been convicted of manslaughter.
Professor Tim Spector, Department of Twin Studies & Genetic Epidemiology, speaks to Today about the science of epidemiology and new research which has identified a gene involved in the development of breast cancer. Professor Spector says this gene could be switched on or off epigenetically. Item starts at 1.42.23.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes about the third and final US presidential debate. He said: 'Early polling appeared to give Obama an edge, but Romney was still standing at the end of the night as the president's equal and clearly eager to take his argument to the country in the 13 days that remain until Election Day.' Dr Boys also previewed the third presidential debate on Monocle Radio 24 and Radio FM4 (Austria), as well as appearing on Sky News following the debate, where he analysed the performance of both candidates.
Coverage of the Epitwin Project, led by Professor Tim Spector from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology. Professor Spector said: 'We used to think the most interesting thing about identical twins was in the similarities... but it's the differences, the discordance, that tells you more.' The article also refers to the first in a series of research papers, co-authored by Professor Spector, which has identified one particular gene that, when stuck in the 'on' position, appears to increase an individual's risk of developing breast cancer.
Dr Michael Craig, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research which finds that the brains of teenage girls with behavioural disorders are different to those of their peers. He says "to date there has been an absence of research looking at females, so this work is an important first step."
Camila Batmanghelidjh talks about the prime Minister's approach to young offenders. Her collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry, showed that children who were assessed at Kids Company presented not only with shocking life adversities but also had neurophysiological damage secondary to the maltreatment.
Robert Hill, senior visiting research fellow in the Department of Education & Professional Studies, says that future school reform will increase the focus on learning. He said: 'The focus in education policy will switch away from structural reforms such as academies and free schools (though diversity in the school system will stay and grow) to what goes on in the classroom.'
Dr Christine Cheng, War Studies, writes about Mitt Romney's 'binders of women' comment at the second US presidential debate. She said: 'Romney should be applauded, not lambasted, for actively seeking out qualified women to staff his cabinet.'
Nick Butler, Visiting Fellow and Chair of King's Policy Institute, writes about Vladimir Putin's role in the energy business: 'Mr Putinâ€™s understanding of global energy issues is unmatched by most other world leaders.' He adds that, by sanctioning the expansion of Rosneft, he is 'creating a major centre of power and source of revenue for the state.'
A study led by Dr Max Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that the stigma felt by doctors who are signed off sick for long periods is a major obstacle to them returning to work.
Professor Loretta Lees, Geography, comments on declining use of the word 'estate' to describe new housing. She said: 'The word 'estate' has become synonymous with the term 'ghetto'. It's become a dirty word.' Professor Lees added that in the 1920s and 1930s it 'didn't carry the same stigma.'
BBC World News 19th October 2012
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, discussed the threat of cyber warfare, drawing on a number of recent incidents.
On the 70th anniversary of The Battle of El Alamein, Dr Niall Barr, Defence Studies, said the battle is seen as the 'greatest British victory since Waterloo.' He added: 'For the British people, who had experienced a run of defeats and suffering really from 1940 onwards, the final battle of El Alamein was a crucial sign that final victory was possible.'
Professor Alexander TÃ¼rk, from The Dickson Poon School of Law, spoke to The Atlantic about Scotland and their membership in the E.U. They reported: 'The Scottish Government believes that its membership can continue unbroken, yet both Professor Alexander TÃ¼rk of King's College London and Professor Martin Trybus of the University of Birmingham indicated to me that as a new state, Scotland would have to leave the E.U. and reapply through the usual channels.'
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, describes different types of cyber attacks and warns of overstating the significance of these by using 'war metaphors'.
Chris Wiscarson, the Chief Executive of Equitable Life, discusses findings from a report by Professor Richard Roberts, Institute of Contemporary British History, which highlighted the problem of boardroom hubris in the collapse of Equitable Life. Chris said: ‘Hubris is when you have a lot of power and when you misuse it in an organisation. It is a psychological condition people develop. It is dangerous because typically, in a big organisation, you cannot see the consequences for months or years.’
Professor Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his latest research which finds that over three quarters of people with depression report discrimination (begins at 02.40.00). Prof Thornicroft was also interviewed by LBC Radio.
New research published in the Lancet finds that over three quarters of people with depression experience some form of discrimination. Professor Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, and lead author says "we have a major problem here. Non-disclosure is an extra barrier – it means people don't seek treatment and don't get help." Also reported in the Asian Age.
Sky News 17th October 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, analysed the second US presidential debate, saying that it was a draw between the two candidates. Dr Boys commented that the 'combative nature' of the town hall setting contributed to a number of 'pointed moments' between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, including a dispute over pension plans.
Dr Andrea Danese, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research linking chidlhood adversity to brain function in later life. He says the studies address important questions in the understanding of how childhood experiences shape adult lives, but warns that due to the nature of these studies, it is challenging to confidently point to the effects of one specific experience without its active manipulation.
Professor Steve McMahon, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, comments on the finding that social interaction could help patients recover more quickly from pain linked to nerve damage. He said it was 'well recognised' that pain in humans could be strongly modulated by mood, expectation and attitude. Professor McMahon added that it was more surprising that the degree of inflammatory response to nerve injury could be affected by levels of social interaction.
Professor Steve Harridge, Director of King's Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, comments on the White Mars project, which aims to gather data from polar expeditions that could be useful for space exploration. He said: 'We are very excited to be part of this incredibly challenging expedition, which is going to push the boundaries of human physical and mental endurance.' Professor Harridge added: 'Hopefully, important information will be obtained which will increase our understanding of the limits of human performance, and in particular those which may be relevant for future trips to Mars.'
Dr Dominic fftyche, Institute of Psychiatry, is interviewed by Geoff Watts in this programme about visual hallucinations. The presenter undergoes a stroboscopic experiment designed to induce hallucinations in subjects whilst their brains are being scanned.
A new study from King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool found that mothers who stroke their baby's body in the first few weeks after birth may change the effects that stress during pregnancy can have on an infant's early-life development.
1.68 million women will be living with breast cancer by 2040, according to researchers at King's College London. Of these, 1.2 million will be aged over 65. The findings were also reported by Press Association, The Times, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, the Guardian, the Daily Express, ITV News, BBC London News and Sky News (Online).
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, discusses the wider impact of giving the vote to 16-year olds in Scotland. He said the arrangements in Scotland would 'set a precedent' for the rest of the UK.
Dr Andrea Danese, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research linking early home environment to developmental changes in the brain of adolescents. He says that this kind of research highlights the "tremendous role" that parents and carers had to play in enabling children to develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills by providing safe, predictable, stimulating, and responsive personal interactions with children.
Medication for children with ADHD helps them control their behaviour and make decisions, according to a report published by researchers at King's. Children living with ADHD tended to feel that they benefited from medication and that it did not turn them into 'robots', said the report. The findings were also reported by the Guardian, The Telegraph, The Washington Post and The Jakarta Post (Indonesia).
Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's, offers tips on healthy living.
An article about the Francis Crick Institute, due to open in 2015, which brings together King's College London, University College London and Imperial College London.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, explains why he is in favour of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the Scottish independence referendum. He said: 'Lowering the voting age could re-ignite the interest of the young in politics.'
The Washington Post 14th October 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, comments on the relationship between the United States and India. He said: 'You can see frustration in Washington because people are not entirely clear what India wants'. He added that India wants friendly relations with everybody, which 'means you are not ready to make choices.'
Book review by Dr Zoe Norridge from the Department of English.
Commenting on the news that 16-year-olds in Scotland will be given the right to vote in the Scottish independence referendum, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, described the move as 'very significant potentially' for the constitution and said the issue should be considered by Westminster. Professor Bogdanor's comments were also reported in i, The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail (Scotland).
Sky News 12th October 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, analysed the performance of Joe Biden and Paul Ryan in last night's Vice-Presidential debate, on the Sunrise programme.
Drawing parallels between the Equitable Life crisis and the collapsed merger between BAE Systems and EADS, this article references a paper by Professor Richard Roberts, Institute of Contemporary British History, which highlighted the problem of boardroom hubris.
Professor Terrie Moffitt, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research suggesting that women respond differently to stress than men. She says "How do women manage to neutralise the effects of stress on their cardiovascular systems? An answer to that question would improve health for all of us." Also in the Daily Mail, Evening Standard, CBS News, Globo, BBC Brazil and Press Association
In an article about near-death experiences, Dr Peter Fenwick, Institute of Psychiatry, says there are deep problems in interpreting first-person memories of experiences that are supposed to have happened when the brain was out of action.
Dr Christine Cheng, Lecturer in International Relations from the Department of War Studies, comments on the influence of parenting site 'Mumsnet'. Dr Cheng's comments were also reported by Star (Malaysia).
With Scotland set to introduce voting for 16 and 17 year olds in the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, Professor Vernon Bogdanor of the Institute of Contemporary British History told the Today programme that 'there has been very little considered analysis of whether the voting age should be lowered… it's an unusual way of altering the constitution.' He added: 'I am strongly in favour of votes at 16… but I'm not sure that this is the way to introduce it.'
In a letter to the Financial Times, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary History, writes that ministers must take some responsibility for the West Coast rail fiasco.
Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the importance of the discovery of molecular sensors called G-protein-coupled receptors for psychiatry. The scientists who made the discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. (Begins at 15.05 - in Italian)
Dr Melanie Abas, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses a project led by King's and the University of Zimbabwe called the Friendship Bench - a low cost intervention led by community health workers in Zimbabwe shown to be effective in helping treat mental illness. (1700 GMT Edition - begins at 45.00 mins)
Mitt Romney 'busted this race wide open' with his performance during the first US presidential debate, writes Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies. He adds: 'A poor performance for Romney last week would have been enough to seal the deal for an Obama victory. Instead, the president is on the ropes and Romney is surging.'
Mention of the Modern Language Centre (MLC) at King's. In the article, Dr Joseph Marques, Brazil Institute, claims that if Brazil wants to play a bigger role on political and business forums, it needs to invest more in promoting its language and culture.
Dr Louise Arsenault, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on reports claiming television is harmful for young children. She warns it is important to keep the findings in context and highlights that screen media could be a marker of a more generally unhealthy lifestyle.
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, analyses extremist groups in Cardiff.
Peter Braude, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, explains the research behind the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Following the award of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Dr Dusko Ilic, Women's Health, comments on the use of iPS cells in stem cell research.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary British History, looks back on David Cameron's leadership of the Conservative Party and assesses the challenges he faces in guiding a Government that has 'lost its sense of direction'. Interview starts at 10.20.
Sunday Express 7th October 2012
Commenting on the recent death of Sergeant Michael Pederson, Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes reports a recent study by Dr Deirdre MacManus, Institute of Psychiatry which found that 13% of Armed Forces personel were violent on their return home.
Professor Griffith Edwards, psychiatrist and expert on drug addiction who founded the National Addiction Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry died September 13, 2012. Professor John Strang, current head of the NAC says: “Around the world there is a cadre of clinicians and researchers and people in the policy field who've been profoundly influenced by Griff at critical points in their careers.”
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that ministers are responsible for the rail franchise fiasco. He says: 'The constitutional principle is clear. Ministers take the credit when things go right and accept the blame when things go wrong. The trouble is that most ministers are prepared to accept only the first part of this principle.'
In an article about the inconsistencies in urban population data, Dr Deborah Potts, Geography, said that UN data is frequently wrong.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, previews the US presidential election debates.
In an article discussing advances in healthcare and whether these will help or cripple the NHS, Professor Simon Lovestone, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his team's research into Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. He says "We nearly have biomarkers now and they will improve steadily over the next five to ten years." A debate on this topic was held at King's College London on Wednesday 3rd October.
Professor Griffith Edwards, CBE, expert on alcohol and drug addiction and founder of the National Addiction Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, died on September 13, 2012. The obiruary in the Times payes tribute to an internationally respected psychiatrist whose pioneering research yielded a humane new understanding of drug and alcohol addiction.
BBC History Magazine 1st October 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, War Studies, tells the story of how, 60 years ago, Britain detonated 'the most destructive weapon known to man.'
International Herald Tribune 1st October 2012
For decades, research into the digital humanities 'percolated along' said Professor Willard McCarty from the Department of Digital Humanities, in an interview with the International Herald Tribune. He added: 'Then when the Web was invented in the early 1990s, people starting putting all sorts of material online. And suddenly you could get access to manuscripts and images you used to have to traipse all over Europe to look at.'
In a letter to the Guardian, Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, and colleagues, highlight the influence of genes on intelligence, and say that all too often genetic differences are not taken into account in education
Professor Neil Greenberg, Institute of Psychiatry, says that the Danny Fitzsimons case highlights the need for more research into the mental health of security contractors to help private security companies better detect and prevent conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder amongst their people.
In a letter to the Guardian, a group of researchers including Robert Plomin, Professor of Behavioural Genetics, argue that phonics tests should be used as a teacher's tool, rather than a 'high-stakes test'.
Professor Paul Ellis, from the Division of Cancer Studies, comments on a new drug which prolonged the lives of patients with breast cancer by 30.9 months, compared with 25.1 months on standard therapy. Professor Ellis said: ‘These results are truly outstanding and will positively alter the outlook and outcomes for patients.' He added that the drug, T-DM1, is possibly the biggest advance since Herceptin was licensed for use in 2000. Professor Ellis' comments were also reported by Press Association, the Daily Telegraph, CNBC and The Daily Mirror.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary British History, presents 15 key dates in British history that we all should know.
Profile piece on the work of the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR).
Times Educational Supplement 28th September 2012
Pooky Knightsmith, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about her new book "Eating disorders pocktetbook" intended to help teachers deal with suspected eating disorders among their pupils. She says that teachers are particularly well placed to detect the early signs of eating disorders.
Researchers from the Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology have identified a key factor responsible for the decline in muscle repair during ageing, and discovered how to halt the process in mice with a common drug. Also reported by Press Association, Daily Mail, Huffington Post UK, O Globo (Brazil), Xinhua (China), Fox News (USA) and many more.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the King's Brazil Institute, comments on relations between the UK and Brazil, as well as David Cameron's visit to Rio De Janeiro.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of King's Brazil Institute, discusses the growing bilateral economic relations between the UK and Brazil, as David Cameron visits the country this week. He notes that the initiatives have both economic and political motives, as the UK races to catch up with competitors in Brazil such as Spain, Germany and France. He said: 'The British are investing in relations with developing countries, and in this group, Brazil is identified as having values that are closest to Britain - is a market economy with a Western culture.'
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary British History, writes about the history of the Labour Party and examines why so much of its existence has been spent in opposition.
Drawing parallels between the US campaign in Afghanistan and the Vietnam War, Professor Anatol Lieven from the Department of War Studies writes that America must offer the Taliban a ceasefire.
Commenting on the decline of historical buildings in Saudi Arabia, Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, said: "This historical focus undermines two important dimensions: first the contribution of many people in Saudi Arabia towards this state project, and also the role of conquest in it.'
Dr James MacCabe, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses how mental health services have changed over the past 30 years. He says there are now too few mental health beds available for patients. (Begins at 21.07) Professor Matthew Hotopf, Institute of Psychiatry, also featured on the programme
Dr Harsh Pant, India Institute, examines China's confrontations in the South China Sea and East China Sea from India's point of view. He said: 'New Delhi is nervous about Beijing's threat to the freedom of navigation, and this is one reason it is strengthening ties with island nations in the Indian Ocean.'
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the use of virtual reality in treating soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She says the technology could not replace face to face contact with a therapist, but could be useful in bringing soldiers back to the site of the traumatic experience.
Griffith Edwards, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Psychiatry has died aged 83. Professor Edwards was an expert on alcohol and drug addiction who pioneered new forms of treatment, he was the first professor of addiction behaviour in the UK, establishing a the National Addiction Centre at the IoP. The New York Times also carried an obituary.
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology and Religious Studies, discusses the implications of a law on blasphemy, as put forward by the Indonesian President in response to an anti-Islam film.
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology and Religious Studies, was interviewed by Sabah about Islamism and secularism in Turkey.
In an interview with the Metro, Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's, explains the science behind 'Nutrigenetics'. He said:‘Chemicals produced by our body or diet can switch our genes on and off, like a dimmer switch on a light...’ Professor Spector says food, exercise, stress and our emotions can all switch genes on or off.
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, discusses the historical origins of the word 'pleb', allegedly used by Conservative chief whip Andrew Mitchell in an argument with Downing Street police officers. Professor Hall's comments also featured in The Times.
Maths performance in secondary schools is similar to 30 years ago, despite exam results being more than twice as good. Dr Jeremy Hodgen, Education and Professional Studies, who led the research, said: 'Our results highlight a serious problem in maths education. There are far fewer changes in mathematical attainment over the past 30 years than might be expected, or which have been claimed.' Also reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Mention of the 2011 Wolf Report written by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, which highlighted the importance of apprenticeships.
A study into Amazon fire emissions is being carried out by researchers at King's, led by Professor Martin Wooster from the Department of Geography.
In a five-part series, Deborah Bull, Executive Director of King's Cultural Institute, presents a social history of dance in the UK.
Professor Richard Vinen, History, writes about a British society haunted by its Imperial past.
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry linking teenage cannabis use and a decline in IQ is mentioned in this article about legalising cannabis in parts of the US. *Also reported by Reuters India
King's was represented at the Nordic Study Abroad conference, which saw 250 young Scandinavians attend for advice on studying abroad.
BBC Focus 21st September 2012
Preview of the Radio 4 programme where Geoff Watts speaks to scientists including Dr Dominic Ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry, about his research into visual hallucinations
Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, writes about the issues surrounding the East China Sea. According to Dr Patalano the dispatch of Chinese vessels to waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands 'does not mean that war is imminent, but only that maritime issues are certain to remain on the agenda.'
Researchers at King's have identified a gene linked to lower back pain. Dr Frances Williams, Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, said: 'The impact of hereditary factors on LDD is remarkably high. In the 70s and 80s the Scandinavians spent millions looking for all the occupations which caused back pain, but they couldn’t find them.' Also reported by BBC News (Online) and The Huffington Post.
Dr Louise Tillin, India Institute, believes India's resistance to Western supermarkets comes out of a 'compound of opportunism and ideology' in a democracy that tolerates dissent and political fixes.
To raise awareness of our water footprint from food and drink, Professor Tony Allan, Geography, audited a menu at a pop up café in London, before creating a new version with the virtual water footprint of every offering beside it. Dr Naho Mirumachi, also from the Department of Geography, said: 'This is all very skeletal form now. The issue is extremely complex, and we are only beginning to make progress and really understand it. There really is no consumer guidance, but as our understanding develops it will come.'
Review of a book by Dr John Bew, War Studies, entitled 'Castlereagh: A Life'.
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology and Religious Studies, suggests there may be a political angle to the protests that have broken out across the Muslim world in response to an anti-Islam film.
Sky News 20th September 2012
Dr Louise Tillin, India Institute, discusses the news that international supermarkets such as Tesco will open stores in India for the first time. She said the move demonstrates a show of 'determined leadership' by the Indian Prime Minister in response to serious concern about the state of the Indian economy. Dr Tillin was also interviewed by the Guardian.
25 Business leaders and economists, including Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management, have launched a campaign backing George Osborne to end national pay bargaining in the public sector. Professor Wolf said: 'The public sector should be free to respond to local circumstances and local skill shortages. Individually negotiated contracts would improve services, create more jobs and encourage sustainable private sector-led economic growth.' Also reported in The Times and The Financial Times.
Professor Alison Wolf from the Department of Management, one of 25 signatories of a letter urging the government to abandon national wage settlements in the public sector, appeared on Today. She said: 'Local areas should be able to decide their own pay rates, and that means they can respond to scarcity, whether or not they are a low or high unemployment area.' Item starts at 01:15:35. Professor Wolf was also interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland.
New research led by Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, has identified biomarkers which could help identify which patients will respond well to antidepressants. He says: "If a patient had high levels of inflammation, they could immediately begin with a more intensive treatment program, such as combining antidepressants or stepping up the doses." *Also reported in NBCNews, the Chicago Tribune and Straits Times (Singapore).
Dr James D Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discusses the implications of a secret video clip in which Mitt Romney says the Palestinians are committed to Israel's destruction. Dr Boys was also interviewed by LBC Radio about the video.
The Coalition is appointing policy tsars at a rate which is double that of the previous Labour administration, according to research carried out at King's. Researchers also found that, of the 240 tsars under both governments, 84 per cent have been men and 83 per cent are over the age of 50. Dr Ruth Levitt from the Department of Political Economy and lead author of the report, said: 'The lack of diversity was very striking. While being white and middle-aged and male is no bad thing in itself, it does suggest a similarity of life experience and may compromise the range and scope of advice that ministers are receiving.' Also reported in i and The Telegraph.
According to a forthcoming study by researchers at King's, the Coalition government has already appointed 80 policy tsars compared with the 130 appointed by Labour between 2005 and 2010.
Article mentions a study carried out at King's, which found that ME is not caused by viruses in the blood of sufferers.
Dr Peter Lee, Defence Studies, says that NATO's decision to reduce joint operations in Afghanistan could be damaging for morale. According to Dr Lee, a perceived change in tactic could give the impression that the enemy is gaining an advantage. Interview starts at 02.21.00.
The blog post looks at ME and the possible Mental Health causes behind it. Institute of Psychiatry's Professor Simon Wessely's research on the benefits of CBT and physical activity mentioned.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, writes about the 'all-pervading sense of gloom in India'. He says 'there is a persistent sense of chaos domestically, with the government unable to take any decisions and lacking the force of will to implement any it could make.'
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, commented on the news that Brazil will recognise overtime pay for workers contacted by their managers after regular hours by email or telephone. He said the decision is fair but could create unintended consequences as employers may be encouraged to route all after-hours communication to managers, who would not be covered by this ruling.
In an interview with the Rosbalt News Agency, Dr Carool Kersten from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies discusses the consequences of two films about Islam, which have sparked protests across the Muslim world.
Clive Ballard, professor of age-related diseases, comments on reports that there are not enough care homes to cater for the growing number of people with dementia in the UK. He said that if the current system remains unchanged, 'we will be accepting a model of neglect, because that's the only one possible. If we start planning for numbers in 10 years' time, it will probably be too late. It's like an ostrich keeping its head in the sand.'
Dr Ruth Levitt, Political Economy, speaks to The Westminster Hour about the increasing presence of tsars in government policy-making. She explains that tsars are experts from outside government who are appointed by a minister to advise on some aspect of policy or practice. According to Dr Levitt there are now 'more than 260 tsars' and this rate continues to grow with each successive government. Item starts at 35.00.
The Times 15th September 2012
Alister McGrath, Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education at King's, pays tribute to Rowan Williams, who will stand down as Archbishop of Canterbury later this year.
People from deprived backgrounds and ethnic minorities are more likely to have their NHS operations cancelled, according to study by researchers at King's. However, lead author of the report, Dr Graham Cookson from the Department of Management, said it was 'unlikely' that doctors were simply discriminating against poorer patients.
Dr Joop Gäken, Cancer Studies, discusses the challenges involved in finding a balance between being a Professor and an Entrepreneur.
New research on menopause symptom relief using breathing techniques has not found it effective, a link previously supported by Institute of Psychiatry's Professor Myra Hunter, who suggested that the different findings could be due to different cognitive therapies used in the participating women groups.
"It is possible that adding cognitive strategies strengthened the effect. Further research is needed to unpack these specific elements of these interventions," Professor Hunter said.
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology and Religious Studies, comments on the Channel 4 documentary 'Islam: The Untold Truth'. He said the documentary was 'an oversimplified hypothesis which touches raw nerves'. He added: 'It is a complicated story of course and if you don't explain it well then you can expect accusations from within the Muslim community.' Dr Kersten's comments were also reported in i.
In an article about the study of conflict, King's Department of War Studies is mentioned: 'In the years after the Second World War, academic centres focused specifically on the study of conflict began to lead the scholarly agenda in that field. King's College London's Department of War Studies, formally established in 1962, was already a flourishing and influential hub.'
Monocle24 Radio 13th September 2012
Dr James D. Boys discussed the killing of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and whether Mitt Romney's reaction could prove detrimental to the Republican campaign.
Ghanem Nuseibeh, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, explains why the Palestinians and Israelis must push for economic liberation.
LBC Radio 13th September 2012
The US is investigating whether the attack in Libya that killed the US ambassador, among others, was planned in advance. Speaking on LBC Radio, James Denselow, Middle East Security Analyst in the Department of Geography, said the US response is likely to be 'subtle and sharp-edged'.
Dr Stephen Till, Senior Lecturer at King's, describes the findings of a hayfever vaccine study carried out by researchers at Imperial College London and King's. He suggests that the PollenLITE clinical trial, launched yesterday, could lead to a much more widely available treatment for the millions of hayfever sufferers in the UK.
Hospital admissions due to stress on the increase. Article refers to Institute of Psychiatry research identifying most stressful jobs of people in their 30s. * also in i (the paper for today)
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, reviews the diaries of Financial Times columnist and author, Sam Brittan.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, suggests that we're seeing a role reversal in the US presidential election of an accepted political maxim, where the Democrats are becoming the 'Daddy' and Republicans the 'Mummy'.
Peter Zimmerman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, comments on the development of electromagnetic weapons in the US. 'There's lots of smoke and mirrors.' He added that although future research may yield scientific progress, 'I cannot see they will build a useful, deployable weapon.'
Professor Mark Richardson, Institute of Psychiatry, briefly comments on the investigation into the effectiveness of CBDV – one of around 100 non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis – as an anti-convulsant.
New research identifies anti-convulsant properties of the cannabis plant. Institute of Psychiatry's Professor Mark Richardson comments on the findings.
Research from the Institute of Psychiatry which found that finger length may be a clue to motor neurone disease is mentioned in this article.
A study by researchers at King's has raised hopes for a new hayfever treatment. The vaccine could bring 'swift and lasting relief to sufferers' says The Telegraph. Dr Stephen Till from King's, one of the researchers behind the study, said: 'This new vaccine is potentially applicable to far larger numbers than the existing one.' Dr Till added that, although up to one in eight people experience moderate or severe hayfever symptoms, the number who benefit from vaccination is 'just a drop in the ocean.' The findings were also reported by the Daily Mail, BBC News (Online), BBC Mundo, ITV News (Online) and Sky News.
Dr Stephen Till, Senior Lecturer at King's, spoke to the BBC about a new hayfever vaccine developed by researchers at Imperial College London and King's. He said: 'It is a totally different route. The injections are very, very superficial almost flat against the skin.' Dr Till added: 'If this approach proves to be effective it would define a new scientific and clinical principle that could also be applied to other allergic diseases such as asthma and food allergies.'
Ray Chaudhuri, Consultant Neurologist and Professor in Neurology/Movement Disorders, was interviewed by the Daily Mail about Restless Legs Syndrome.
King's College London is ranked 26th in the annual QS World University Rankings. This places King's at 6th in the UK. Also reported by the Evening Standard and The Daily Telegraph.
According to a report by the OECD, about half of young people in Brazil have not completed secondary school and graduates can command wages two-and-a-half times that of school leavers. Dr Alvaro Comin, Brazil Institute, commented on the findings: 'The overall level of inequality in Brazil is very high, but declining. The distances between black and white, men and women are declining. So it’s natural that the graduate premium is declining too.'
In a blog for The Telegraph, Judith Potts writes about the anonymous donation in July 2012 of £10 million to the Francis Crick Institute for Medical Research, a consortium of six organisations, including King's.
According to a new report, co-authored by Professor Anatol Lieven, Professor Theo Farrell and Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, from the Department of War Studies, the Taliban are open to a ceasefire and willing to accept a US military presence in Afghanistan. On World at One Professor Farrell said the key question was: 'To what extent on both sides is there space to move from focusing on a military campaign to negotiating a settlement?' He added that, by representing the views of more moderate elements of the Taliban, the report might provide a basis for ceasefire negotiations going forward. Item starts at 0:20:23. Professor Farrell was also interviewed by BBC World Service and Radio 1 Dubai.
Dr Rudra Chaudhuri spoke to the Telegraph about a new report co-authored with colleagues from the War Studies Department - Professor Anatol Lieven and Professor Theo Farrell - which found that the Taliban are open to a ceasefire and willing to accept a US presence in Afghanistan. He said: 'It will obviously be difficult for David Cameron to sell a deal with the Taliban when British troops are dying in Helmand. It will be equally difficult for the Taliban to sell negotiating with the so-called infidels. But a narrative is needed that is acceptable to both sides.' The findings were also reported by the Guardian, Sky News, Hindustan Times and The China Post.
Professor Theo Farrell, War Studies, was interviewed by BBC News at Ten about a study carried out by researchers at King's. He said the study shows that the Taliban are 'prepared to break with Al-Qa’ida and renounce international terrorism.' Professor Farrell also appeared on the BBC News Channel.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, told Channel 4 News that a new report, co-authored with colleagues at King's, reflects 'widespread patterns of opinion within the Taliban.' The report found that the Taliban are open to a ceasefire and willing to accept a US presence in Afghanistan.
Four-star review of the John Berger exhibition at Somerset House East Wing, King's. 'With press cuttings, photographs, scribbled notes, and a fan letter from Tom Waits, Art and Property Now is a lightning tour through a unique career', reports The Independent. The exhibition was also reviewed by the Guardian, The Arts Desk and The Spectator.
Dr Petra Dolata, Political Economy, discusses the political situation in Quebec following a fatal shooting during the victory speech of Pauline Marois, the first woman to be elected Premier of Quebec. Item starts at 0:25:10.
Sky News 8th September 2012
Following the respective Republican and Democratic National Conventions, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discussed the race for the White House and the forthcoming challenges for both candidates.
The Independent 7th September 2012
In an article about conversion in London, Professor Chris Hamnett, Geography, commented: 'In central and inner London, anything that can be converted, gets converted, including public lavatories.'
In an article about recent failed trials of Alzheimer's drugs, Professor Clive Ballard, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, said: 'People get demoralised about failure, but there hasn't been enough volume. We need a hundred times more trials in order to be confident.'
According to a new report by Richard Roberts, Professor of Contemporary History, the severity of the banking crisis might have been lessened by learning lessons from the Equitable Life collapse in the late nineties. Speaking to Sky News, he said: 'The foremost finding of the research is the absence of learning by bankers or bank regulators of lessons from the Equitable crisis. Clearly, with the new financial regulatory framework currently being developed in the UK, now is the time to get this wired into the new regulators' modus operandi.' Professor Robert's findings were also reported by The Sunday Telegraph, The Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail, The Times, Yahoo UK and Money Marketing.
Discussing why the Haqqani network is feared by the US, Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, said the group has been responsible for some of the most savage attacks on US troops in Afghanistan. He added: 'The US regards them as being closer to al-Qaeda than the Taliban. Item starts at 0:28:10.
The Times 6th September 2012
In an article about the importance science education more engaging, Professor Tim Spector, Twin Studies, commented on the genetics involved in the Harry Potter series.
Sky News 6th September 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discusses Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention last night. Dr Boys was also interviewed by Voice of Russia.
Professor Ludmilla Jordanova, History, urges her doctoral students to regard writing and editing as artisanal activities, reports THE. She said: 'Think of it as being a potter or a woodworker or whatever; pay attention to the way things are put together. Do adjectives work well here? Am I using the right kind of verb?'
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, writes for The Commentator about America's 'whistle-blower culture'. He said: 'No doubt there have been occasions when revealing state secrets to the press was in the public interest and germane to investigative reporting.' However, he added that 'all to often it emerges that the whistle-blower has more than a slight axe to grind.'
King's has been shortlisted for the 'Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers' award.
Dr Felicity Callard, Institute of Psychiatry and her research team looked into whether ‘gene talk’ helped alleviate parents’ self-blame,in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Professor Chris Hamnett, Geography, comments on the conversion boom in London. He said: 'In central and inner London, almost anything that can be converted gets converted, including public lavatories. If the raw material is there and planning permission can be obtained, conversions are still very profitable. The boom has pushed outwards into east and south London, though many of the best-located buildings have been done.'
In an article about how chemical switches which control genes could revolutionise genetics, drug development and even the nature-versus-nurture question, Professor Tim Spector, Twin Studies, commented: 'What makes us tick is how we switch our genes on and off.'
A new and painless blood test is offering improved Down's detection rates - without the risk of miscarriage. Professor Kypros Nicolaides, Foetal Medicine, said: 'We have now learnt that firstly we can now identify more than 99 percent of the pregnancies with a problem and we only need to do an invasive test in one in a thousand pregnancies, which is a big difference from what we are currently doing which is 50 in a thousand.'
Research by the Institute of Psychiatry into 'electro-magnetic sensitivity' is mentioned in this article.
Professor Peter Braude, Women's Health, describes the results of a study by researchers at The University of Aberdeen, which found that frozen embryos may increase fertility success, as counter-intuitive. Professor Braude said 'second-best' embryos are usually frozen, with the best transferred immediately. Professor Braude's comments also featured in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail and i.
Article about individuals who suffer from food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) - two of whom were diagnosed separately by specialists at King's - Dr Stephen Till, Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology, and Professor Jonathan Brostoff, Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences. Professor Brostoff also offers advice on how to deal with an attack of anaphylaxis.
On The Globalist, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discusses state secrets and what should or shouldn't be revealed. He said that the rush to publish political memoirs makes it harder to be in government and politics. Dr Boys added that there needs to be some degree of confidentiality.
In the Letters section, Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, highlights the internalised racism often seen in a large number of individuals no matter how liberal they may claim to be.
Professor Penney Lewis from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics joins a debate on assisted dying and the case of Tony Nicklinson.
BBC History Magazine 1st September 2012
Dr Tim Benbow, Defence Studies, describes the political and military factors involved in Britain's invasion of Madagascar in 1942.
A report by Dr Harsh Pant, India Institute, is mentioned in an article about the takeover of a port in Pakistan. Also reported by The Khaleej Times.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, says English votes for English laws could have a separatist effect on the UK.
Professor Max Saunders, English, discusses the life and works of Ford Madox Ford on The Culture Show. The interview starts at 09.03.
Professor Michael Luck, Head of the Department of Informatics, featured in a profile article about his research at King's.
A study by academics at Sweden's Karolinska Institute has found that being active and living a healthy lifestyle into your seventies can extend your life expectancy. Commenting on the findings, Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Public Health, said: 'These results should put an extra spring in the step of everyone in later life. They provide good evidence that even in your seventies it's not too late to gain an extra few years to enjoy life by keeping active, living healthily and being involved in family and community.'
Research on the ammonia production of seabird colonies, led by Stuart Riddick, Geography, reports that Macaroni penguins account for a quarter of all seabird-produced ammonia.
The rush of foreign investments in African farmland could end in economic disaster, warn researchers at King's. In a new book on the financial and ecological implications of major foreign direct investments (FDI) in African farmlands, Professor Tony Allan and Martin Keulertz, from the Geography Department, argue that the present 'land-grabbing' phenomenon should really be called 'water-grabbing'. In an interview with the Guardian, Professor Allan said: 'The world is not land scarce. But it is short of land with water.'
Monocle24 Radio 31st August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, spoke to Monocle 24 about the Republication National Convention, Mitt Romney's speech and the impact the Convention will have on the US presidential election.
LBC Radio 30th August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, previews Mitt Romney's speech in Tampa tonight, in which he will accept the Republican presidential nomination.
Commenting on innovative measures to help control antisocial behaviour, Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, says that many don't address the problem, and explains that "the difficulty that youth has is a lack of social belonging."
Research by the Institute of Psychiatry into the effect of cannabis on teenagers is mentionned in this Comment piece in the Evening Standard.
Research by the Institute of Psychiatry which found that aggressiveness and criminal behavior in boys is linked to low levels of a chemical in the brain called MAO-A, is mentionned in this article about neuroscience and the law. Also reported by NBC News, Yahoo! Canada, Fox News,
On Woman's Hour, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discusses the appearance of Ann Romney at the Republican National Convention and the Republican party's perceived problem with women. 'If the Republican party could appeal successfully to female voters on a wider basis, they would have a lock on the White House', said Dr Boys. Item starts at 00:35:55.
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Public Health, comments on figures which show that men in the UK expect to live in good health for two years more than they did half a decade ago. However, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, men's healthy life expectancy has declined. Professor Maryon-Davis said there were: 'markedly more smoking, bad diets and drinking in Scotland and Northern Ireland … that will affect how much healthcare people need.'
Coverage of 'spray-on' teeth, developed by scientists at King's and Imperial College London. 'The spray contains a type of calcium and helps repair damage to the tough outer coating of teeth — the enamel — and may help repair any exposed dentin'. Also reported by Times of India.
Professor Terrie Moffitt, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses her latest findings that cannabis is linked to a decline in IQ. *Also reported by BBC Radio Scotland, BBC 1 Breakfast as well as in the Guardian, BBC News Online, The Daily Telegraph, CNBC, Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Star, The Independent, ITV, Reuters, Folha de Sao Paolo, Yahoo!News, MSN, Le Monde, Le Figaro, El Pais, New Zealand Herald and the Huffington Post.
On the Good Morning Wales programme, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, profiles US presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and previews the Republican National Convention in Florida.
Dr Zerrin Atakan, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on how cannabis can affect the brain, she argues that heavy cannabis use during adolescence may result in teenagers not wanting to do anything, and could mean that the experiences that shape the mind are lost.
Professor Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on resarch linking teenage cannabis use to a decline in IQ. He says the findings might explain why cannabis users tend to achieve less. His comments were also reported by Nature News, Channel 4 News, BBC News, the Guardian amongst others.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, presents a preview of the Republican National Convention, which has been delayed due to the threat of a tropical storm heading to Florida. Dr Boys said the delayed Republican convention was helping to keep up interest in the elections and the Republicans: 'By truncating the events slightly, it's probably done the Republicans some good'.
Sky News 24th August 2012
Dr Nigel Blackwood, Institute of Psychiatry, spoke to SkyNews about the decision by the Norwegian court to declare Anders Breivik sane.
Dr Mark Mulligan, Geography, and Louis Reymondin, a King’s PhD student, were interviewed about the latest developments to the deforestation system.
Report on the 'Magic Circle' charity project, in which children with disabilities are urged to take up magic. The project is funded by Guy's and St. Thomas'.
Isra Black, a PhD student from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, spoke to BBC Radio Wiltshire about the death of Tony Nicklinson and insisted that, with caution, it might be possible in the future to implement sufficient safeguards for assisted dying. Item starts at 0:14:05.
Professor John Ellis FRS, Natural and Mathematical Sciences, discusses the discovery of the 'Higgs boson' particle.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses the influence of author and philosopher, Ayn Rand, on American conservatism. Item starts at 00.11.15.
Voice of Russia 23rd August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, addressed the role of religion in public life.
Sky News 23rd August 2012
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, War Studies, was interviewed about the possibility of military intervention in Syria, following a telephone discussion between David Cameron and Barack Obama, in which they agreed to 'revisit their approach' if President Bashar al-Assad makes any moves towards using chemical weapons. Professor Jasani was also interviewed by Channel 5 News.
Obituary for Professor Robert McMinn, a leading human anatomist, who was Professor of Anatomy at King's in the 1960s.
Radio FM4 (Austria) 22nd August 2012
In an interview with Radio FM4, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, addressed the recent comments of Senator Todd Akin, which claimed that victims of 'legitimate rape' were unlikely to become pregnant. He also discussed the impact these comments would have on the Republican Party's hopes for winning control of Congress.
Professor Penney Lewis, from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, told The Independent that, despite Tony Nicklinson's death, his plight will continue to raise questions about a change in law. Professor Lewis added: 'He was directly challenging the law. I think he has quite a significant role in the history of legal challenges in this context.' Also reported by Press Association, The Evening Standard, the Mail Online and The Telegraph.
Professor Penney Lewis, from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, was interviewed about the death of Tony Nicklinson on the Six and Ten O'Clock News programmes. She said that Mr Nicklinson's personality had shone through, forcing people to ask 'What would it be like if that happened to me?' Professor Lewis added that the case had 'focused attention on very difficult end-of-life issues'. Professor Lewis' interview starts at 03.50.00.
Professor Penney Lewis, from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, was interviewed on the Drive programme. She said that Tony Nicklinson had 'galvanised' the debate on assisted suicide. Professor Lewis also discussed the possibility of a change in law and whether this is the responsibility of the judiciary or parliament. Item starts at 02:05:41. Professor Lewis was also interviewed by BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Ulster.
ITV News 22nd August 2012
Professor Jayne Lawrence, Pharmaceutical Science, explained the dangers of buying illegal prescription drugs on the internet, on the ITV 6.30pm News programme.
ITV News 22nd August 2012
On the ITV News at Ten programme, Professor Penney Lewis, from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, commented on the case of Tony Nicklinson and how it differs from other end-of-life cases.
Professor Penney Lewis, from the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, told The Associated Press that previous deaths of euthanasia advocates didn't have any effect on changing laws to allow the practice: 'The evidence seems to be that parliaments are not galvanized into action by the deaths of those who have been fighting for legalisation'. Professor Lewis' comments were picked up by NDTV (India), Bloomberg Business Week, Fox News, The Huffington Post and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Adrian Williams, professor of sleep medicine at King's, discusses the possibility that insomnia could be genetic: 'Doctors used to dismiss insomnia because they couldn’t help people, but now neuroscience, which has given us the ability to detect and measure brain activity, is producing answers which show genetic traits'.
Researchers at King's have succeeded in mapping how light behaves in iridescent butterfly wings, which could lead to more efficient phone displays and TVs, says the Daily Mail. Dr Riccardo Sapienza, Physics, said: 'We were thrilled in the lab to observe the finer details of the photonic crystals that were simply inaccessible before. This is very important as it allows scientists to test optical theories to a new level of accuracy, fully characterise new optical materials and test new optical devices.'
Report on plans to merge three leading NHS foundation trusts - Guy's and St Thomas', King's College hospital and South London and Maudsley - to create a single academic healthcare organisation.
Professor Henrik Møller, Health & Social Care Research, led a study by researchers at King's, which found that the number of people over 65 with cancer will treble by 2040. Also reported by Press Association, BBC News, ITV News, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Five Live, The Telegraph, The Daily Mirror, MSN UK, the Daily Mail, the Daily Star, The Independent, the Gulf Times (Qatar) and i.
Article about the rising number of pupils on 'Mickey Mouse' courses at school and the accreditation of vocational courses in official school league tables. Mention of a report by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, which claimed that the league table system created 'perverse incentives' for schools, with pupils being pushed towards qualifications to boost official rankings.
Professor David Mataix-Cols, Institute of Psychiatry, suggests that hoarding disorder (HD) may be a problem of modern times, and explains that people with HD have an emotional attachment to objects and a perception that they will be useful one day.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses a new book entitled 'Britannia Unchained', which suggests that British workers should adopt a similar work ethic to workers in the Far East. Dr Boys discussed the role of government in striking a balance between providing services such as welfare and benefit payments, whilst retaining a social responsibility to seek employment.
Isra Black, a PhD student and visiting tutor at the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, writes that, in relation to the Tony Nicklinson case, the judiciary should seek to change the law on assisted dying: 'The judiciary would do well to stop looking to Parliament for legal change on assisted dying, and consider whether they can effect it themselves'.
The Sunday Times 19th August 2012
Article about Ryan Koay, who is about to start his second year at King's.
In a letter to the editor, Baroness Rawlings, Chairman of King's College London Council between 1998 and 2007, adds the founding of King's to the legacy of King George IV.
Women now dominate Britain’s universities, to such an extent that the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has launched a campaign to recruit more 'white males', says The Telegraph. Reports that 67 percent of students at King's are female.
King's College London among universities not taking part in Clearing. Also reported in i.
BBC News Channel 17th August 2012
Tony Nicklinson, who suffers from ‘locked-in syndrome’, lost his High Court battle for the right to end his life. In a studio interview, Professor Penney Lewis from The Dickson Poon School of Law and the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, discussed the wider legal repercussions of the ruling.
In a podcast with The Commentator, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, addresses US vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, the events surrounding Julian Assange and the verdict of the Pussy Riot trial.
Professor Robert Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new research revealing the existence of a network that rids the brain of unwanted fluids, including amyloid-beta - a peptide which accumulates in patients with Alzheimer's disease. He says "It is uncertain whether treatments effective in clearing amyloid-beta in humans do anything to slow the progression of dementia," and warns "assuming a failure to clear amyloid-beta is at the root of Alzheimer's disease is likely to be an oversimplification."
The Times 16th August 2012
Professor Tim Spector, Genetics & Molecular Medicine, commented on the genetic implications of 'muggle-born' witches and wizards and 'squibs' in the Harry Potter series.
Monocle 16th August 2012
Dr John Bew, War Studies, discusses military strategy since 2005.
BBC London 16th August 2012
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of King's Brazil Institute, gives a studio interview.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, spoke to the Today programme about how al-Qaeda are taking advantage of the situation in Syria.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, explains the attraction for al-Qaeda in Syria and the battle against President Assad. Also reported by BBC Radio 4, i, Metro, The Independent, The Daily Express, Daily Star and MSN UK.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, addresses the selection of Paul Ryan as Republican vice presidential candidate. Dr Boys writes that 'the selection of Ryan has energised an otherwise dull campaign. The degree to which this is maintained will be fascinating to see'.
Laura Lea, a former student, spoke about how students in London need part-time jobs while studying.
Dr Matthew Moran, War Studies, writes about the violence in Amiens, northern France, between police and local youths. He says: 'If the president and his government make an effort to engage with the issues underlying the riots, not least the matter of policing, the process of reducing the gap that separates the banlieues from mainstream society can finally begin'.
BBC 2 Scotland 15th August 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor discusses the Scottish Affairs Committee's independence referendum.
Monocle24 Radio 14th August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses the choice of Paul Ryan as vice-presidential candidate and the implications this will have for the US presidential election.
Dr Andy Dowson, Director of Headache Services at King's, explains the cause of 'double-sided' headaches: 'What seems to happen is that pain receptors, which are blocked on a regular basis by medication, become over-sensitive to pain stimuli. If you stop taking the medicine, the headache comes back with a vengeance.’
Denis Corboy, War Studies, writes that Russia's overuse of veto rights has reduced the country's international standing and contributed to its growing isolation. The article, co-authored by Corboy, concludes: 'In the international climate of the 21st century, even the greatest powers can achieve their goals only by attracting allies and partners. Russia is no exception'.
Andy Parkinson, Chief Executive of UK Anti-Doping, writes that 'zero tolerance prevented dopers from reaching the podium' at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also praises King's for its involvement - the anti-doping laboratory was operated by King's scientists. Andy said: 'We are extremely fortunate in the UK to have had the support of government, Locog, GlaxoSmithKline and King's College London, who have all contributed in ensuring every athlete understood that doping would not be tolerated at these Games'.
Dr Robert Bradnock, Social Science & Public Policy, discusses the relationship between America and Pakistan, which he says is 'marred by distrust on both sides'. Item starts at 02:48:19.
In an interview with Voice of America, Shiraz Maher, War Studies, says there is ample online and video evidence that the Syrian uprising is being exploited by Jihadist groups.
King's scientists discover technique for growing new blood vessels inside the body, reports the Mail Online. The research, led by Professor Qingbo Xu, Cardiology, found that cells derived from skin could be moulded into the shape of a small blood vessel when injected into the body, thus improving blood supply. Professor Xu hopes that the same cells could be injected into the heart to heal damage done by heart attacks.
Coverage of the London 2012 anti-doping facilities, operated by King's scientists.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses the selection of Congressman Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney's Vice Presidential Candidate.
Dr Thalia Eley, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the effect family financial problems can have on children, she says 'when it comes to money problems, it's important to protect them and remember they are less well-equipped than adults to deal with and identify how severe those problems might be.'
Katherine Grainger, Olympic gold medallist and King's PhD student, writes about her perfect weekend and how she'll be filling the Olympic void.
Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about his research into whether electromagnetic hypersensitivity is caused by electromagnetic fields. He says he found no evidence linking fields to symptoms and explains it's likely patients either have other medical conditions, or are experiencing the 'nocebo' effect.
Guardian 11th August 2012
King's College London is one of 13 universities that do not expect to have places in clearing, reports the Guardian, based on a survey of 38 universities. Also reported by the Press Association and The Times.
The Times 9th August 2012
In an article about the family justice system and the importance of access to it, research for the Law Society by King's is mentioned. The research estimates a 50 percent rise in costs where lawyers are not involved - a figure of £273.50 per person.
Professor Tim Spector, Genetic Epidemiology, comments on the success of siblings at the Olympic Games and whether this success is down to genes or training: 'Some believe you can take anybody and train them from an early age to make them an athlete if they have the basic anatomy. But if you have an older brother training in an elite environment then the younger sibling may also have the chance to train in that environment.'
In this special edition of Health Check about Julian Rotter's Social Learning Theory, Professor John Weinman, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about people's perceptions of control over their lifestyle and health. (Begins at 10mins32ses)
Professor David Mataix-Cols, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on new neuro-imaging research into hoarding disorder (HD). He says 'the results are very timely given the current deliberations to include a new diagnostic category in DSM-5 and further delineate the differences between HD and OCD' and explains that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind HD.
Dr Tony Rao, Institute of Psychiatry, warns about the gap in services for older people with drinking problems. He explains that the IoP is working with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to train staff.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, raises the possibility that the Taliban could now be ready to accept a role in the Afghan government.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the King's Brazil Institute, talks to Globo Radio in the run up to the mayoral elections in Sao Paulo, reflecting that in the recent London mayoral elections it became more about personalities than focusing on daily problems.
Review of Professor Tim Spector's book 'Identically Different: Why You Can Change Your Genes'.
Emma Jackson, Geography, speaks to Thinking Allowed about the developing attitudes of the 'gentrifiers' in Peckham and Brixton. Item starts at 00:18:05.
Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, examines the London riots of August 2011 from a psychosocial point of view, and says that improving social belonging is key to avoiding a repeat of these events.
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the King's Environmental Research Group (ERG), discusses the effects of diesel emissions on our health. According to Professor Kelly, diesel vehicles emit roughly '10-20 times' more particles than the equivalent petrol car (item starts at 0:05:10). In the same programme, Dr Gary Fuller, also from the King's ERG, gives BBC Radio 4 presenter, Julian O'Halloran, a tour of a pollution laboratory operated by King's College London (item starts at 0:09:45).
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the complex societal issues raised by the death of Shafilea Ahmed, in the Guardian's Letters and emails section. Professor Bhugra says: 'Education about cultural values and the role that cultural assimilation can play is critical if future tragedies such as this are to be avoided.'
Express Editorial refers to King's study, which found that nurses are expected to look after up to 15 patients on night shifts and 11 patients during the day. Also reported in The Daily Mirror and The Telegraph.
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group (ERG)/ Pharmaceutical Science, advises joggers, cyclists and walkers to 'be a bit smarter and think about where they are doing their exercise. If you are out taking exercise in an urban area, then it's sensible to think about the risks around you. You should think about minimising your exposure to air pollution.' The article also mentions Dr Fuller and colleagues' app, which allows people in London to check real-time air pollution levels.
Update on Olympic drug-testing, with mention of the anti-doping facilities operated by scientists from King's. Also reported in the Star (Malaysia).
The Daily Telegraph 4th August 2012
Anita Anand, King's alumna and BBC Radio/TV presenter, describes her perfect weekend.
The Independent 4th August 2012
Olympic gold medalist, Katherine Grainger, speaks about her PhD with King's: 'It is fascinating and takes me out of my comfort zone. I don't want to imply that top sports people are in some way connected to elite criminals as you might say. I see them as very separate topics. But you are looking at human beings at the extreme end of a subject.' She adds: 'As Olympic athletes, we are at the extreme end of anyone who plays in sport. The people I am looking at are at the very extreme end of violent crime.'
An investigation into the science behind sprinting and why Usain Bolt is faster than his rivals. Professor Steve Harridge, Human & Applied Physiology, comments that 'To be a great sprinter you need leg muscles that are dominated by fast-twitch muscle fibres because they shorten the muscle quickly and generate power.' He adds: 'Marathon runners have more slow-twitch fibres, which is one of the reasons why you are never going to turn Paula Radcliffe into a great sprinter, or Usain Bolt into a good long-distance runner.' Also reported in Science and Technology Daily (China) and Sina Technology (China).
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses how nature and nurture affect human hehaviour.
In the letters and emails section, Professor Justin Dillon, Education & Professional Studies, argues that boosting the quality of education for students by bringing top-grade graduates into schools is 'wishful thinking'. He explains: 'Good teachers improve their subject knowledge as well as their pedagogic skills throughout their careers. I only developed a real understanding of some science concepts through having to teach them.'
Article on Katherine Grainger's gold medal at London 2012, with mention of her connection to King's. Grainger 'is now, when not training, immersing herself in a PhD at King's College London, which involves a 100,000-word thesis on notorious killers, such as the Yorkshire Ripper', reports the Guardian. Grainger's victory, and her connection to King's, was also reported in The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, the Daily Mail and the Evening Standard.
Almost 150 journalists from around the world attended a Rio 2016 press conference at Somerset House, King's College London.
In an interview with New Scientist, Professor Bhupendra Jasani, War Studies, discussed the Iran Space Agency's (ISA) intention to launch a live Rhesus monkey into space. He said: 'This launch would be a major milestone in a military sense. Iran, like many other spacefaring nations, is developing a space programme not only for the sake of prestige but also for national security reasons'.
Anatol Lieven, War Studies, discusses the progress of Syria's civil war and the likelihood of the Taliban in Afghanistan coming to an agreement with coalition forces.
Research led by Professor Paul McCrone, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded excercise therapy (GET) are cost-effective treatments for CFS/ME. He says 'there is now a strong case for the NHS to invest in these therapies'. Also reported by Press Association, Huffington Post, MSN UK and Yahoo!UK
An international survey of the arts, theatre and cultural offerings by Professor Andy Pratt, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, in collaboration with BOP Consulting, has found that the UK capital is almost top with regard to numbers of museums and art galleries. The story was also reported in The Independent.
Davina Quinlivan, Film Studies, on 'The Genius of Hitchcock' season at the British Film Institute, which runs until October.
Financial Times 1st August 2012
An article about the anti-doping labs headed by Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, and the future of the labs as a medical research facility looking at the impact of genes and the environment on human metabolism.
In an article about the controversy surrounding gold medallist Ye Shiwen, the experts from King's involved in the anti-doping process are mentioned.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, comments on the work being done by computer security companies to combat cyber-crime.
Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drug Control Centre at King's, explains the science behind the London 2012 anti-doping laboratory. Also reported by Sohu.com (China), China Network and Hunan Daily (China).
In article about graduate employment, Paul Teulon, Head of Admissions at King's, said: 'Half of the graduate jobs available do not demand a particular degree.'
The London 2012 anti-doping facility will become a Phenome Centre after the Olympics. 'King’s will be one of a number of academic and commercial partners in the Phenome Centre, which will be led by Imperial College London.'
BBC 1 (East) 1st August 2012
BBC 1 (East)'s Look East programme reports that London 2012's anti-doping facility will be turned into a Phenome Centre after the Olympic Games, with scientists provided by King's.
Radio interview with Dr Andrew Brooks, Social Science & Public Policy, on the trade of used Japanese cars to Mozambique.
Dr Brooke Rogers, Social Science & Public Policy, discusses the effect of the economic downturn on terrorism. She says: 'The majority of studies conclude that socio-economic factors are poor indicators of terrorism. Yet factors such as poverty and education continue to be portrayed as fundamental drivers of terrorist violence.'
Prime Minister, David Cameron, announces that the London 2012 anti-doping facilities, operated by King's scientists, will be developed after the Olympic and Paralympic Games into a Phenome Centre.
Dr Jamie Horder, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the difficulty in studying the effectiveness of polygraph technology: "The problem is that the stakes are so small... in real life the stakes are much higher. And because the whole thing is based on emotion and stress, that's really important."
Dr Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, and research student Jasmin Wertz, find that stress during pregnancy induces biological changes in the unborn child that render it susceptible to the development of illness in later life. Also reported in the Daily Telegraph and TODAYonline.
Professor Anthony David, Institute of Psychiatry, says that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can make a great difference to managing symptoms of Parkinson's. He adds: ‘No one had tried CBT before for these issues and we felt results in this area were particularly significant in terms of improvement.'
In an article about athletes' use of tape in the London 2012 Olympics, Professor Steve Harridge, Centre of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences, said: 'It may be a fashion accessory, and it may be just one of those fads that come along from time to time, but to my knowledge there's no firm scientific evidence to suggest it will enhance muscle performance.'Also reported by CNBC and Globo (Brazil).
Anorexia is one of the deadliest psychiatric illnesses. Professor Janet Treasure, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the effects of the illness on the brain and the importance of early intervention(Programme begins at 17mins30s).
In light of the doping row surrounding Olympic athlete Ye Shiwen at London 2012, Professor Tim Spector, from the Department of Twin Studies, discusses the manipulation of genes to enhance performance (06.56). In the same piece, Professor Steve Harridge, Human & Applied Physiology, explores the possibility of testing for 'gene-doping' (08.17).
Article on anti-doping, with a mention of the London 2012 anti-doping laboratory provided by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and operated by King’s.
In an article about the anti-doping process at London 2012, the anti-doping laboratory, led by scientists from King's, is mentioned.
Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group (ERG)/ Pharmaceutical Science, suggests that air pollution in London could affect athletes' performances at the Olympic Games.
Professor David Carpenter, Chair in Medieval History, draws parallels between the Leveson Inquiry and the 1215 King John Inquiry, on The Long View. Item starts 00:00:10.
Evening Standard 30th July 2012
PhD student Katherine Grainger and team-mate Anna Watkins beat Olympic rowing record by almost five seconds, ensuring their place in the women's double sculls final.
Research by Dr Nigel Blackwood, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that psychopathy is linked to structural changes in the brain. Also reported by Globo TV (Brazil).
A mention for Sunil Khilnani from the India Institute and an initiative to set up a new type of university in India.
ITalkFM (Spain) 30th July 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses the recent visit of US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney to London and Israel.
The Sunday Times 29th July 2012
Hysen Pulaku, a 20 year-old Albanian weightlifter, is the first competitor to be excluded from the London 2012 Olympics, after testing positive for stanozolol at the Drug Control Centre at King's.
China Post 28th July 2012
This article reports that the poor air quality in London may cause problems for athletes attempting to break world records at the London 2012 Olympics. Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the King's Environmental Research Group, said: 'They won't be able to get enough oxygen in the body to perform at the highest level.'
Reuters reports on the Drug Control Centre led by Professor David Cowan.
Interview with PhD Law student Katherine Grainger about her quest for gold at the London 2012 Olympics. Also featured in i.
Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, discusses tensions in the South China Sea.
Hugo Rosemont, War Studies PhD student, comments on the security company G4S, its role at the London 2012 Olympics and the privatization of security services in the UK.
Scientists say that air pollution in London could affect athletes' performances at the Olympic Games.
Report on air pollution monitoring by King's scientists.
Chris Mourant, an English PhD student at King's, speaks about his discovery of four previously unseen stories by Katherine Mansfield, the prolific modernist writer. Item starts at 48.00 minutes.
Monocle24 Radio 26th July 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses Mitt Romney's visit to London, his £50,000 ticket reception in Mayfair tonight, Barclay's fundraising efforts on his behalf, Republican concerns over David Cameron's closeness with Barack Obama, and finally, the flying of the South Korean flag at the North Korean Olympic football match last night.
King's is named 3rd in The Telegraph's Top 10 universities for job prospects, with an employment rate of 95.2%. King's is also the only London university to feature.
Discussing the effects of London's high summer smog levels, Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group (ERG)/ Pharmaceutical Science, says athletes are especially vulnerable as they breath in very high volumes of air. He adds: "It's something that might affect their performance on the day."
Professor Anatol Lieven from the War Studies Department, speaks of his conversations with senior figures close to the Taliban on the possibility of a peace settlement in Afghanistan, as well as the Taliban's willingness to break from al-Qaeda. Item starts at 00:40:36.
Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King's, says athletes will not be breaking world records under the current weather conditions as they "won't be able to get enough oxygen in the body to perform at the highest level."
This article reports on the London visit of Brazil's president Dilma Rousseff, and comments on Casa Brasil at Somerset House, and the new Brazil Institute led by Professor Anthony Pereira.
The Daily Telegraph 25th July 2012
A Survey by King's and Southampton University found that patients were put at risk on wards with fewer nurses. Also reported in The Independent and Daily Express.
Article about Katherine Grainger MBE, a King's PhD Law student, who will be competing in the Women's Double Sculls at the Olympics.
Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group (ERG)/ Pharmaceutical Science, suggests that air pollution in London could affect the performance of athletes at the Olympics.
An article about the London 2012 Olympic anti-doping laboratory. Professor David Cowan from the Drug Control Centre at King's will lead the team of scientists.
A new air pollution app, developed by Environmental science experts at King's will allow athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games to access real-time information about air pollution levels.
"Sport is about integrity, health and honesty", says Professor David Cowan, Director of King's College London's Drug Control Centre, in an interview with Newsnight. In the same feature, Professor Tim Spector from the Department of Twin Studies, offers his expertise on the science of epigenetics and the possibility that, one day, athletes could take a tablet to enhance certain genes. Endurance genes, for instance, could be "turned on" by taking a tablet that increases lung power, says Professor Spector.
Item starts at 34.32 minutes.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes about how Vince Cable exposes conflict within Liberal Democrats.
Daily Mirror 24th July 2012
An article about a study at King's which found that grandparents are younger, more likely to be working and have more grandchildren than
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, offers a guide to pollution-free fitness. Also reported in i.
Study led by Dr Deirdre MacManus, at the King's Centre for Military Health Research, found association between soldiers' experience of war and violent behaviour at home following deployment.
* The research was also featured on BBC Radio4 File on Four; The Independent; Daily Mail; The Scotsman; Press Association; The Metro; BBC One - Breakfast; BBC Radio Five Live; BBC Radio Scotland; BBC Radio 2 - Jeremy Vine Show
Coverage of research into Brazilian music culture by Dr Frederick Moehn from the Department of Music.
Chris Mourant, a PhD student at King's, has discovered new material by Katherine Mansfield more than a century after it was written. Also reported in i and the Guardian.
BBC Radio 4 23rd July 2012
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, talks about the first fictional tom-boy Atalanta.
Dr Paul Long, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, discusses the sun protection compunds in coral.
Le Monde (France) 23rd July 2012
Professor Thomas Rid, War Studies, on warfare in the 'information age'.
Three vetoes of a UN Secury Council resolution have lef the major powers ready to bury Kofi Annan's peace plan. Professor Mats Berdal, War Studies, commented: 'The Russians and the Chinese feel that sancctions was a code for regime change and to some extent they were right.' Also reported in Ceylon Daily News, Agence France Presse, and Emirates 247.
Sunday Telegraph 22nd July 2012
James Denselow, Department of Geography, writes about the political chaos in Syria. He says: While a post-Assad Syria is almost guaranteed a period of instability after more than 40 years of one-family rule, its demise would force a significant recalibration of the balance of
power across the region.
An urgent inquiry has been launched after The Mail on Sunday discovered dentists are being offered cash incentives to remove healthy milk teeth from children to harvest stem cells. Professor Paul Sharpe, Dental Institute, a world expert on the use of dental stem cells, said: ‘No dentist would ever or should ever remove a tooth solely so they can bank a stem cell, certainly not from a child.’
In an article about how the government in Sri Lanka may be moving towards a dictatorship, Professor Harsh pant, Defence Studies, commented: 'The Sri Lanka government have the wind in their sails, and they want to define the future of their country on their own terms.'
In an article about the future of biomedical sciences, the Francis Crick Institute is cited, which will be home to around 1,400 scientists and 120 research groups and is a partnership between six organisations: Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's.
The anti-doping lab, headed by Professor David Cowan of the Drug Control Center at King's is reported to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and test up to 400 samples a day for more than 240 banned substances.
Denis Corboy, War Studies, writes about the role of Europe and the US in the East, specifically the twelve countries of the former Soviet Union.
In an article about the growth of a protest movement against the center-right Spanish government, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented: 'It has gone beyond an ideological issue... and it's moved beyond the traditional groups that demonstrate. We have seen even the military threatening a demonstration.' Also reported on CNBC, Yahoo UK/Ireland, Mexico and India, and El Economista (Spain).
In an article about the pressure on the Government to use the London 2012 Olympics to win investment for British firms, Professor Pervez Ghauri, Management, said: 'British firms should be able to achieve this target easily.'
Professor Tom Fahy, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the case of Anders Breivik, and whether fanaticism is a form of insanity, ahead of the Maudsley Debate on 19th July 2012. Professor Fahy also wrote a piece for the BMJ on the subject.
chairs a special debate on whether fanaticism is a form of madness.
Guardian 17th July 2012
In an article about the increasing dominance of Pearson, the world's largest education firm, the work of Professor Becky Francis, Education & Professional Studies, as the head of 'Pearson Think Tank' is cited.
It is reported that Mehmet Fidanboylu, PhD student at King's, has co-founded Marblar, a new website designed to open up the research and innovation process on a global level. The company has a achieved a £371,000 investment from the IP group. Also reported on Yahoo.
The news that half of all athletes in the Olympics will be tested for drugs, in the biggest anti-doping operation in the history of the Games, was reported widely this week in UK and international media. The team of 150 scientists, led by Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, will be working round the clock to analyse more than 6,000 samples between now and the end of the Paralympic Games. The story was reported by the Guardian, The Times, The Evening Standard, Daily Express, The Daily Star, ITV.com, China Daily, Gansu Daily (China), Terra (Brazil), Times of India, Zee News (India), Asian Age (India), Deccan Chronicle Asia News International (ANI), ABC (USA), The Australian, and in Reuters (France).
In an article about potential progression into dictatorship in Sri Lanka, Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, said: 'The Sri Lanka government have the wind in their sails, and they want to define the future of their country on their
The Times 17th July 2012
King's is placed in the top ten universities for Business Studies, Communication and Media Studies and History.
Al Jazeera 17th July 2012
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, War Studies, was interviewed by Al Jazeera News on the state of chemical weapons in Syria. Professor Jasani expressed his concern that, should the Assad regime collapse, the chemical weapons could fall into the hands of terrorist groups. Professor Jasani was also interviewed by Sky News on the same topic.
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, took part in ‘The Globalist’ - Monocle’s take on the day from a team of editors and studio guests, plus reports from around the world and news.
Professor Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, said admissions by celebrities and public personalities that they suffered from mental disorders could play a key role in diminishing stigma and discrimination associated with these disorders.
In an article about the donation given to research into GM Crops by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Michael Antoniou, Medicine, said that the money would have been better spent on schemes that have the potential to meet global food needs.
In an article about the potentially harmful effects of air pollution on athletes in London during the Olympics, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, said: 'I only anticipate a problem if the weather turns very warm and we have still conditions.'
In an article about possible Supreme Court action faced by the government over air pollution, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Sciences, said: 'Medical evidence suggests that where pollution is higher, the health statistics are worse.'
The Observer 15th July 2012
In an article about the difficulties facing young people entering into the labour market, Professor Chris Winch, Education & Professional Studies, said: 'Botched entry into the labour market can have long-term effects on young people.'
The low-FODMAP diet is reported to have been successfully adapted by researchers at King’s and implemented at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, argues that despite recent initiatives by India and Pakistan to revive their ties that were ruptured after the Mumbai terror attacks of November 2008, there has been little substantive movement on the ground. Also reported in the Washington Post and Japan Times.
A report on how Professor Emma Sky, War Studies, went from anti-war academic to governor of Kirkuk, one of Iraq's most volatile regions
The Times (magazine) 14th July 2012
An interview with King's alumnus Rory Bremner.
Article on autism and gender bias in diagnosing in girls. Dr Michael Craig, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about the current research he is involved with in the field of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The Times 13th July 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, History, responds to an article by Daniel Finklestein about Lords reform.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, History, discusses the role of UK policy in the shooting of 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica 17 years ago today.
Times Educational Supplement 13th July 2012
In an article about the implementation of the Assessment for Learning (AfL) strategy, Professor Paul Black, Education & Professional Studies, said that the strategy was not being used in 'a very large number of classrooms'.
An investigation on an 1980 incident of a school jazz marching band being taken ill due to unidentifiable causes. Professor Simon Wessely of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about mass hysteria.(4' 01'')
Olympic chiefs have warned that cheating athletes at London 2012 will definitely be caught, due to the anti-doping lab at King's.
Press Association 12th July 2012
More than £1 million has been shared between 25 charities which work across medical research, and £60,000 will be used for a research project at King's on Type 1 diabetes.
Dr Brooke Rogers, Social Science & Public Policy, discusses the psychology of terrorist groups.
The Guardian 11th July 2012
Professor Jane Sandall, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, took part in a debate at the Guardian about the best birthing methods open to women in the UK.
Weekly Telegraph 11th July 2012
This article reports on Peter Higgs' discovery, and comments on his education at King's.
Elselijn Kingma appeared on Reclaiming the Sceptic, in which Professor Philip Stott explores how scientists use scepticism and doubt in their work and how the proper application of these tools helps produce reliable and valuable information.
The Independent 10th July 2012
Professor Raymond Levy discusses the difference between a parlimentary and a judiciary enquiry.
The Guardian 10th July 2012
In an article about the increasing difficulty to gain research grants, Professor Robert Lechler, Vice Principal (Health), comments: 'The process has become incredibly competitive at a time of financial stringency.'
Press Association 10th July 2012
In an interview with two-time Paralympic gold medallist Graham Edmunds, the importance of Professor David Cowan and his anti-doping laboratory is mentioned.
In an article about the new and stringent language tests faced by non-EU migrants, Melanie Cooke, Department of Education & Professional Studies, commented that the new language requirements will affect those applying for indefinite leave to remain or for citizenship, but who cannot reach the necessary level of
Financial Times 9th July 2012
Nick Butler, Visiting Fellow and Chair of King's Policy Institute, writes about how the corporate sector needs to speak up in the eurozone debate.
The Independent has updated its university profiles online.
Daily Telegraph 9th July 2012
In an article about the decrease in university applications following the fee rise, it is reported that King's suffered between 8 and 11 percent decrease.
The Guardian (Weekend Magazine) 7th July 2012
Dr Peter Houghton, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, comments on the plant Buddleia which has been the subject of his study for 30 years. He says: 'Buddleia loves well-drained soil and is good at conserving water.'
Professor Gisli Gudjonsson, Institute of Psychiatry, says statements that resulted in a 17-year-old boy being convicted of rape and murder are fundamentally flawed and unsafe.
In an article discussing the length of time needed for testing after the Olympics to ensure that Athletes did not take drugs, Dr David Cowan, Medicine, said the Harlow anti-doping laboratory would put samples through a process of 'total data capture'.
The Spectator 6th July 2012
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, discusses the relevance of Classics today, and questions why the subject is granted higher importance abroad than in the UK.
An alumnus and Fellow of King's, Professor Peter Higgs is reported to have created the theory which founded the discovery of new particle Higgs boson, which it is thought will offer explanation for the creation of the universe. Also reported by Press Association, The Times, The Independent and various other media outlets.
The findings of scientists from King's are reported. Their study monitored 100 sites around the capital measuring levels of nitrogen oxide.
In an article about how spin-off groups of al-Qaeda are focussing more on loval enemies than the war with the West, Peter Neumann, War Studies, said that understanding the increasing variety of militant groups and their local conflicts was vital to fashioning a more nuanced counter-terrorism response.
In an article about building a new and reformed British army, Andrew Dorman, Defence Studies said that the initial plans are coherent, although they reflect the perennial tension of having to plan for two very different types of war-a high-intensity conflict and the messier kind that is more likely these days.
Dr Simone Reinders, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about Dissociative Identity Disorder, in New Scientist article on identity, mental illness and crime.
The Times 3rd July 2012
In an article about the 30th anniversary of the Terrence Higgins Trust and how the lives of HIV sufferes have changed, Dr Barry Peters, Head of HIV research unit at Kings, said: 'From having a fight that was measured in weeks or months, we halted the disease and it could be many years.'
In an article about Michael Gove's warnings about vocation courses, the recent review of such qualifications by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, is used in support.
Research by Dr Chiara Nosarti, Institute of Psychiatry, finds that premature birth is linked to an increase in mental health problems, but adds that “despite these findings, the majority of people born preterm have no psychiatric problems, and the number of people hospitalized with psychiatric disease is very low.”
In an article which argues that babies born at 37 weeks should be classed as premature, the findings of a study from King's are used in support. The study found that babies born at 36 weeks gestation or earlier had double the chance of being admitted to hospital for mental disorders as those born on term.
In an article about the imminent discovery of a particle, known as the Higgs boson, which it is thought will answer fundamental questions about the universe, Professor Sir John Ellis, Physics, commented: 'We've discovered something consistent with being a Higgs.' Also reported in The Mirror, The Wall Street Journal, and various other international outlets.
Chiara Nosarti, Institute of Psychiatry (IoP), commented that while the increase in relative risk of mental illness is substantial in babies born prematurely, the absolute increase is not. 'The majority of people born preterm
have no psychiatric problems,' she commented. *also in The Observer (17/07/2012)
The Times 3rd July 2012
In article about the failure of hospitals to facilitate dignified deaths for terminal patients, Professor Irene Higginson, Medicine, commented: 'There are still
medical schools in this country where there’s very limited training on end of life care. Hospital palliative care teams are often not very supported.'
In a report about the increasing number of the population reaching 100 years old, Professor Tim Spector, Medicine, commented: 'we still don't really understand what makes a centenarian because all of them are unique.'
In an article about the thousands of 'Mickey Mouse' courses being cut from schools and colleges, a review by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, is cited due to its findings that many young students are taking 'dead-end' courses. Her review also received coverage in The Guardian.
Research by Dr Kathryn Lester, Institute of Psychiatry, is one of the first papers examining the field of 'therapygenetics' - looking at whether a person's genetic profile can determine their response to psychological treatment.
Researchers from the King's Centre for Military Health Research at King's wrote to the paper highlighting their research into how service personnel perceive public support
Financial Times 30th June 2012
Dr Oliver Davis, Institute of Psychiatry, says his nature-nurture maps reveal how much the balance of nature vs nurture depends on where we live.
The Telegraph 30th June 2012
The King's Centre for Military Health Research reported that there is still some to way to go in improving relations between society and the Armed Forces.
This article detailed the flows of prosperity through London in recent years. Jamiesha Majevadia, an MA student at King’s, whose family came from India via east Africa and moved to Ilford 17 years ago, said: 'It was an up-and-coming area with a good primary school. We were one of the very few Asian families there. It was a bit of a shock to the neighbours.'
Plans for new primary school grammar tests in England will hold a "gun to the head" of teachers, experts say. Dr Simon Gibbon, chairman of the association and expert in English education at King's, warns that such an approach will turn pupils off the subject. He says that teachers have been "presented with a reductive primary curriculum dominated by phonics, spelling, grammar and standard English."
Professor Joseph Loconte, History, writes about how the passion of American ministers for political freedom in 1776 reflected their belief in religious toleration..
Time Out 28th June 2012
In an article about the risk to archived artefacts from the female suffrage movement, Professor Pat Thane, History, commented that further research into this area would be much harder to do if the sources were scattered in different places.
Dr Jonathan Brewer writes about the significance of Iran’s signing of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty when comparing Iran and Pakistan.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor discusses the final phase of the eurozone crisis, possible ways to solve it, and the political consequences. He says: ‘No one can predict what convulsions the eurozone crisis will cause. But is political ramifications are likely to prove both massive and fundamental.’
The findings of researchers at King’s are cited in an article about how grandparents in England and Wales are relied upon more heavily for child care than in the rest of Europe.
Professor Loretta Lees, Geography, commented on the gentrification of formerly working class streets in London: ‘As well as all these various rent acts and housing acts that impacted gentrification, it was also the fact that a new group of people, a new middle class emerged in society in the 1950s.’
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, writes about the praise the Taliban gave India for its lack of involvement with Afghanistan. He comments: ‘If there was ever a signal that India would do a world of good in the region, this is it.’
Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Institute of Psychiatry says that children who experience stress are more resilient in the long-term.
In an article about how health can be told through features of the body, research from King’s is cited. The study found that those with over 100 moles have tougher bones.
The Times 24th June 2012
Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, condemns the Government’s Big Society concept in a new book adapted from a lecture he delivered at King’s in 2011.
In an article about how reforms in education funding could lead to pupils from state schools being restricted to sitting only three A-levels, Professor Alison Wolf, Management, commented that the current system supplied incentive for poor quality courses that have high costs but require minimal teaching time.
On the topic of the rise of far right party Golden Dawn in Greece, Dr. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented that it was ‘wishful thinking that they will go away.’
The Times 22nd June 2012
Education Secretary Michael Gove has commissioned and embraced the recommendations of a review into vocational education by Professor Alison Wolf, Management.
The Times Higher Education Supplement 22nd June 2012
Alice Onion, Visiting Research Fellow, writes about the differences between men and women with regard to Olympic events.
The Times 21st June 2012
King's, together with Imperial College and University College, is establishing the Francis Crick Institute. It 'may be the world's biggest biomedical laboratory'.
In an article about about dealing with pollution in London before the Games, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental research Group, commented that: 'Levels of small particle pollution are high in London, but no worse than in many other European cities.'
Researchers at King's have highlighted that teenagers' maths skills have declined sharply in a generation.
In a BBC video, Dr Dusko Ilic, Medicine, explains how stem cells for research are generated from spare embryos donated by couples.
Guardian 20th June 2012
A move to more community-based care and specialist hubs means that the role of hospitals is changing. Vice Principal Professor Robert Lechler, Executive Director of King's Health Partners, commented: 'Academic hubs will have a ripple effect on neighbouring DGH trusts. Neighbours should have the opportunity to take part in clinical trials and initiatives to drive up standards.'
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes about how the west needs to seek compromise with Putin's Russia, if they are to achieve international co-operation.
A system developed by an international team including researchers from King's, will monitor deforestation across Latin America in real-time via satellite.
New study claims that a repeat of the fight against acid rain in the 1980s is required to combat nitrogen and ozone levels. Professor Martin Williams, Environmental Research Group, commented: 'Ozone will only be mitigated effectively through hemispheric scale controls, which are now an urgent priority.'
The Times 19th June 2012
In an article about the scale of steroid abuse reaching a tipping point, King's is mentioned as hosting the anti-doping laboratories for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dr Michael Antoniou, Medicine, comments on a report that claims that genetically modified crops are 'potentially dangerous'. He said: 'Research studies show that GM crops have harmful effects on laboratory animals in feeding trials.'
Professor Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, joined a phone in to discuss mental health, stigma and the NHS following this week's publication of the "How mental illness loses out in the NHS" report which he co-authored.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments on Beijing using its 'diplomatic muscle' to withdraw it's pre-Olympic training camp in Leeds if that city does not put pressure to stop the Dalai Lama speaking. He said: 'It is important to understand domestic politics in China to comprehend the pressure that Chinese officials are facing.'
BBC 1 19th June 2012
A paralysed man who wants a doctor to be able to lawfully end his life has taken his case to the high court. Professor Penney Lewis, The Dickson Poon School of Law, commented: 'His lawyers will be arguing it's a big change but not one that would apply to a large class of people.'
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, says it is right to do a risk assessment on children everytime a psychiatrist sees a patients.
Dr Chris Tribble, English, writes about how the unbalanced portrayal of the history of EU Member States leads to inaccurate depictions of current realities.
James Denselow, Geography, argues that the recently reported Russian decision to send two warships to Syria has more strategic importance than any possible deal regarding attack helicopters. He commented: 'The fact that the Russians, I think more importantly, are sending two boats from their navy down to Tartus, and a squadron of marines as well, reflects their sort of more strategic concern. I think they're defending their interests in Syria.'
Dr Ian Patel, The Dickson Poon School of Law, writes about the worldwide viral phenomenon Kony 2012, that 'brought the workings of international criminal justice to public attention like never before.'
'Japan's defence industry was never a profitable field due to legal restrictions on exports' explained Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies.
The Sunday Times 17th June 2012
Professor Tim Spector, Medicine, comments that identical twins are not identical and out genes are not our destiny. He commented: 'Until three years ago, I was one of many scientists who took the gene-centic view of the universe for granted, but I had a nagging doubt that we were missing something.'
Nine years ago, King's developed the drug Proximagen and now the US company Upsher-Smith Laboratories is paying a 320p share in cash.
Vice Principal Professor Robert Lechler has been awarded a knighthood and Professor Tak Lee, Medicine, has been honoured with a CBE for his research into asthma and allergies. Also reported by BBC (Web), The Independent Online, The Telegraph Online, The Times Higher Education Supplement and Guardian Online.
Professor Jonathan Ellis FRS, Physics, and Professor Alison Wolf, Management, have both been awarded a CBE.
In an article about why the human body ages over time, Professor Tim Spector, Medicine, comments: 'We are always finding ways to encourage our genes to stay healthy.'
The director of the anti-stigma campaign Time to Change discusses the difficulties politicians face in disclosing mental health problems and refers to recent evaluation work led by Dr Claire Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, which found there had been a reduction in mental health discrimination. Also reported on politics.co.uk
In an article about the replacement for GCSE coursework, Dr Bethan Marshall argued that the abolition 'fundamentally' changed English teaching.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes that the relations between China and the United States are on a course that may one day lead to war. He says: 'Neither the United States nor China would 'win' the resulting war outright, but they would certainly inflict catastrophic damage on each other and on the world economy.' Also reported in The Pak Banker.
Professor Margaret Brown, Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments that the new British maths curriculum 'encourages the rote teaching of disparate skills and discourages the buildup of understanding, problem-solving and enjoyment of maths.' The people drawing up the reforms 'ignored all advice from the maths community' adding that the reforms 'will be guaranteed to create failure, not to reduce it.'
Dr Harsh Pant, War Studies, writes that even though the US made exemptions for the EU states and Japan, it has decided to exempt seven more countries, including India, from a law that penalises foreign financial institutions for transactions with Iran's central bank.
An ambitious free festival exploring everything from the iconic London Underground map to brain scans of cab drivers and novelist Will Self will take place at UCL later this week. Dr Hope Wolf, English, will present the Strandlines project, which explores the past, present and future of the Strand.
Cells from a patient's own brain tumour will be used to develop a personalised vaccine to extend patient survival. The first UK trial of its kind, experts at King's are working with clinicians at King's College Hospital to bring this novel treatment to UK patients.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, writes that relations between the United States and China are on a course that may one day lead to war and that a ‘concert of powers’ in Asia may be the best way to avert a looming showdown.
The Times 13th June 2012
In a letter to The Times, Stephen Gilmore, Law, joined a group of academics from across the country to express his concern over the Government’s proposals to change the law to strengthen relationships between parents and children after separation or divorce. He warns changes could risk shifting the priority from children’s well-being to parents’ rights.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, is interviewed in a piece about equine-assisted therapy for PTSD, saying that professional medical treatment should still be the priority 'You need to see the people who treat this and know what they're doing.' He says the results seen may be more to do with the placebo effect.
Daily Mirror 12th June 2012
Hundreds of construction workers have been blacklisted by the Carillion group for being union members, according to a GMB report. Professor Keith Ewing, The Dickson Poon School of Law, said it is the 'worst human rights abuse in relation to workers in 50 years.'
A new type of fertility treatment that could prevent a woman from passing a rare class of genetic disease to her children should be approved by the government, according to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, provided research shows the techniques to be safe and effective. Dr Frances Flinter, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Genetics at King's said: 'It's been estimated that 1 in 6,500 children develops a serious form of mitochondrial disease, that's about 2,000 children affected in the UK. There are currently no cures for mitochondrial disorders because the mutations that cause them are present in every cell of the body and cannot be fixed.' Dr Flinter was also interviewed by BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme.
Dr Elena Antonova, Institute of Psychiatry, leads new research into the neuroscience of meditation and its impact on improving mental health. *Also reported by Press Association
The balance of nature and nurture in influencing how a child grows up varies depending on where they live, according to a new study by Dr Oliver Davis, Institute of Psychiatry, who has produced a series of maps to reveal environmental and genetic hotspots for certain traits. *Also reported in The Times and Dr Oliver Davis appeared on BBC London 94.9 FM Drive time
The Times 11th June 2012
A report on efforts being made to entice the brightest students to universities, with deluxe open days and VIP packages being offered. At King's offer holders are invited to a night out at the student union to experience performances and up-and-coming acts, according to the article.
i (The paper for today) 11th June 2012
A report on efforts being made to boost morale of recovering soldiers and their families; which mentions a recent study from King's which found that post-traumatic distress affects more soldiers than previously thought.
CNN International 11th June 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented on continued economic crisis in Spain, and lack of control over regional governments, saying: 'The central government distributes funds but it has no say how it's to be spent.' Dr Pacheco Pardo was interviewed for 'Quest Means Business' and 'World Business Today' programmes.
An experimental drug in development by GlaxoSmithKline could be a lifesaver for patients with severe anaemia – a pill to boost their production of red blood cells, according to the article. But it could also be a race winner for athletes desperate to perform better. Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drug Control Centre at King's, who is running the London 2012 anti-doping labs said: 'We can now prove growth hormone administration. That was not possible [at the Beijing Olympics but] since that time people cheating by using growth hormone have been caught and banned.' The piece also features a video interview with Professor Cowan and footage filmed at the labs.
An article on the benefits of regular doses of sunshine. Professor John Hawk, St John's Institute of Dermatology, has published research which reveals that small amounts of sunlight may protect against a number of skin conditions, including such allergic reactions as prickly heat, psoriasis, and skin allergies to cosmetics, metals, perfumes and even garden flowers. 'There is also some new evidence suggesting sunlight may boost the immune system to help resist bacterial infections,' he said.
The story of one of the most heroic veterans from the Falklands War is to be made into a West End play, according to the article. The piece mentions recent research from King's which found that more soldiers than previously thought are suffering from PTSD.
Sunday Times 10th June 2012
Studies of identical siblings have helped reveal how minor events can alter anyone's genes, shaping health and behaviour. The piece profiles some recent research by Professor Tim Spector, Genetics & Molecular Medicine, which looks at how and why external events can affect genetic activity without changing the underlying DNA.
New Scientist 9th June 2012
Dr Claire Marris and Professor Nikolas Rose, Social Science, Health & Medicine, write about the ambitions of the emerging field of synthetic biology, commenting that: 'utopias and dystopias seem to be the only possible scenarios.'
The Daily Telegraph 8th June 2012
Alumnus Katherine Grainger, an Olympic rower, will carry the Olympics torch through her childhood town Glasgow.
Dentists are not being vigilant when carrying out implant surgery and are failing to inform patients about the risks of nerve damage, according to a study led by Professor Tara Renton, Dental Institute. 'It is vital that patients understand the risks of this type of surgery, and clinicians must improve their systems and procedures,' she said. 'In our study of a collection of implant patients with injuries we discovered that pre-operative consent, planning and follow-up after surgery was inadequate. Clinicians must be vigilant about potential nerve damage when carrying out these surgical procedures.'
Professor Stephen Scott of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about detecting problem behaviours in young children which may by associated with later psychopathy.
Simon Tanner, Digital Humanities, talks about sock puppets having an impact on academic discourse.
Daily Mail (Scotland) 7th June 2012
Professor Dame Janet Nelson, History, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate by Glasgow University.
Recent research suggests that combining exercise with conventional treatments for depression does not improve recovery. However Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, Medicine, comments that: 'an active body helps to produce a healthy mind.'
Nature 7th June 2012
Studying the mouth, including the diagnostic potential of saliva, is offering opportunities to explore overall health. Professor Gordon Proctor, Dental Institute, says that although Europe lags behind the US in this area of research, grants are available from funding bodies that cover specific diseases.
Shakespeare experts have hailed the 'thrilling' discovery of remains of the predecessor to The Globe theatre, known as The Curtain Theatre. Sonia Massai, English, said of the audiences that would have attended The Curtain: 'There would have been a mix - but they would have been citizens, rather than gentlemen,who would have gone to indoor theatres. There was a real cross-section of society.'
CNN 6th June 2012
Speaking about Spain's banking crisis, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments: 'The problem with the Spanish banks, is that we don't know how bad they are. The situation is much worse than expected, but it's not as bad as Greece or Ireland for example.'
Financial Times 5th June 2012
In a letter to the editor, Dr Julian Lewis, Defence Studies, writes about global nuclear deterrents.
BBC 1 5th June 2012
The London Fire Brigade has specialist officers who have been working with organisations, such as King's, to improve management of fire alarms.
Denis Corboy, War Studies, writes: 'Terrorism and insurgency are spreading as Putin's efforts to increase the Kremlin's influence heighten strains. Also reported by International Herald Tribune.
The Sunday Express 3rd June 2012
Professor John Hawk, Dermatology Skin Sciences, advises against the use of benzophenone as there 'are more modern and more reliable' treatments available. Also reported by The Times of India.
Sunday Mirror 3rd June 2012
Scientists say that they have invented a new chocolate that is 20 times better for you, however Dr Carrie Ruxton, Nutrition, has stated that more evidence is needed.
New Scientist 2nd June 2012
In an article about Alan Turing, it is highlighted that King's research showed that two chemicals, acting as Turing predicted, control the formation of ridge patterns inside a mouse's mouth.
In a feature article about the award-winning journalist Katherine Boo, it is highlighted that she is married to Sunil Khilnani, Director of King's India Institute.
Premature babies are twice as likely to suffer from mental conditions and illnesses in adulthood as those born on schedule, according to new research led by Dr Chiara Nosarti from the Institute of Psychiatry. (01:05:25)
Premature babies are twice as likely to suffer from mental conditions and illnesses in adulthood as those born on schedule, according to new research led by Dr Chiara Nosarti from the Institute of Psychiatry. (00:10:40)
BBC History Magazine 1st June 2012
Professor David Carpenter, Chair in Medieval History, reveals why medieval kings from Richard I sought to enhance the glory of monarchy by dating documents with the 'regnal year'.
Speaking about plans for Britain and Japan to collaborate on defence projects, Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, comments that additional factors that may complicate the process. 'The key factors to keep an eye on concern the regulations for export of the jointly developed equipment to third parties, the standards in the production of the equipment itself, and the political commitment to support the project in all its phases', he said.
Paralysed patients have been given hope after scientists enabled rats with spinal injuries to run again. Dr Elizabeth Bradbury, School of Biomedical Sciences, commented: 'This is ground-breaking research and offers great hope for the future of restoring function to spinal-injured patients, however some questions remain before we know how useful this approach may be in humans.' Also reported by The Daily Telegraph, The Times, BBC News, ITV News, Daily Mail, CNBC, Daily Mirror, Reuters India, Times of India and Washington Post.
New research has demonstrated that genes can change, identical twins with the same genetic inheritance can turn out completely different and the impact of environmental influences can be passed down the generations. Professor Tim Spector, Medicine, commented: 'Up to a few years ago I believed genes were the key to the universe. But over the last three years, I have changed my mind. We and our genes are more flexible than we thought.' Also reported by i.
The Daily Telegraph 1st June 2012
Premature babies are twice as likely to suffer from mental conditions and illnesses in adulthood as those born on schedule, according to new research led by Dr Chiara Nosarti from the Institute of Psychiatry. *also on BBC News, ITV,The Independent, Huffington Post, Press Association, MSNBC, Yahoo! Uk and Ireland, Times of India amongst others.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor writes that Britain is as profoundly monarchical as Ireland is profoundly republican.
Financial Times 31st May 2012
Commenting on the eurozone predicament, Professor Robert Picciotto, War Studies, writes that: 'Unfortunately, only the International Monetary Fund has been asked for help in tackling the unprecedented challenges of the troubled peripheral European economies.
Professor Michael Shattock, Medicine, explains how rapid submersion in cold water, combined with holding your breath, automatically activates two powerful responses in the body which may interact and cause conflict for the heart. Also reported by The Independent, i and Kuwait Times.
Professor Tak Lee, Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology, comments: 'The number of allergy sufferers worldwide has 'surged' in the past decade and demand for treatment in Hong Kong has never been higher.'
Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on the two rebel groups that took over northern Mali earlier this year, who had agreed to form an alliance and create an Islamic state. Maher said: 'There is every chance that at the grassroots people will rebel against the leadership. So the prospects for conflict still remain very high.' Also reported by The Sunday Telegraph and The Daily Telegraph.
The Syrian government and the rebels agreed in April to a truce, but the fighting has continued with each side accusing the other of violating the deal of cease-fire. James Denselow, Geography, said: 'I think the Free Syrian Army would be falling into a trap if they were to be the ones who unilaterally declared the cease-fire over, because that would allow Assad and the regime to say 'well, they broke it, we still believe in it,' despite the fact that they haven't really been properly observing it.'
Professor Vernon Bogdanor writes: ‘The Queen is a constitutional monarch who reigns but does not rule. Constitutional monarchy is, I think, a Jewish invention.’
Former Labour minister Alan Milburn, highlighted work done by King's teaching hospitals, which offer students with lower A-level grades extra foundation years to level the playing field.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, speaks about the virus attacking computers in the Middle East and how it potentially is threatening the oil industry.
New study led by the Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Sian Oram, said much more research is needed on men and children who’ve been victims of human trafficking, in terms of identifying and getting suitable medical and psychological care. *also in MedIndia and MediLexicon.
King’s has achieved a First Class Honours Award and has been ranked 45 in the People & Planet Green League 2012.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, speaks about Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's appearance before the Leveson Enquiry and the allegations made about his relationship with Rupert Murdoch's media empire. He comments that Hunt is 'guilty of gross incompetence'. Professor Bogdanor also featured on Boulton & Co, Sky News.
Professor Keith Ewing, The Dickson Poon School of Law, writes whether the conditions imposed by the troika abide by EU law.
Professor Fiona Watt, Stem Cells Research, comments on 'scanning probe lithography', a newly devised process that uses chemicals to direct the fate of stem cells. She said: 'The three-dimensional aspect is very interesting, and mimics aspects of the environment in a highly stylised way.'
Commenting on the Met Police's strategy for their 'Total War on Crime', Professor Ben Bowling, The Dickson Poon School of Law, says that: 'Clearly there is a public relations element to this. The police have taken a battering in the recent months with allegations of corruption, racism scandals and being too close to the media. I think that part of this is to make the police look good again.'
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, comments: 'The Americans projecting power around the globe and they see the aircraft carrier as the best equipment for their global role.' Also reported by BBC Mundo.
Professor Sir Robin Murray of the Institute of Psychiatry is interviewed by Edi Stark about his life and scientific work on schizophrenia.
In India, the government has recognised the need for people to be proficient in the English language. Dr Christopher Tribble, Education & Professional Studies, comments: 'English is a global language. In India, it is a special case because the country has so many languages and English along with Hindi provides a convenient bridge for different communities to communicate. But there is still a danger that English will be a language of the elite.'
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, comments that odes were originally written in ancient Greece to celebrate Olympic athletes. She explains that winners of athletic competitions received a wreath of leaves, a statue of themselves and an ode.
Press Association 27th May 2012
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, comments on photographs sourced from a young sailor involved in the sinking of German battleship the Bismarck. He said: 'These are some great pictures, but it's not clear enough to show anything significant. If the Victorious had sunk the Bismarck it would rewrite the entire history of the Second World War'. Also reported by Sky News (web), ITV.com, Sunday Express (Scotland) and MSN UK.
The Sunday Express 27th May 2012
Geography student Michael Smith, and his twin brother Dan, were diagnosed with the rare condition Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, causing their sight to deteriorate rapidly.
In an article about potential solutions resolving the euro crisis, Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, comments that he would 'elect the entire commission on a Europe-wide basis' as it is 'time to move towards federalism with a new democratic input'. He argues that 'the euro zone is at a similar stage to the embryonic United States in the early 1780s. A moment when Alexander Hamilton took the big step of federalising the states’ debts.'
Professor Pat Thane, Institute of Contemporary British History, argues that there has never been such a thing as the ideal British family unit, but instead a 'whole raft of diverse arrangements'.
Professor in women's mental health Louise Howard speaks about Post-Natal Depression (PND)and helpful steps to take, for new mothers who may experience PND.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, comments that India is neither alarmed nor disadvantaged by the hints that Pakistan has a sea-based second nuclear strike capability. He said: 'India had factored this reality into its force posture much before this acknowledgement. I do not see this changing the ground reality, insofar [as the] India-Pakistan nuclear posture is concerned. Despite what outsiders might think, nuclear deterrence in South Asia remains robust.'
In discussing the US documentary 'Bully' the article mentions research by Dr Helen Fisher, Institute of Psychiatry, which found that children who are bullied are three times more likely to self-harm.
Last year Martin Gleeson, an English professional rugby league footballer, was penalised in the Super League; because his drug test sample was found to contain MHA, a prohibited stimulant. The sample was analysed and the anti-doping experts at King's.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, believes the main change the Queen has overseen during her reign is the transformation 'from a rather magical monarchy to a public service monarchy'. He added: 'In 1952, apparently one third of people thought The Queen had been chosen by God. The monarchy was a distant and remote institution. Now it is a much more utilitarian institution, to be judged by what it contributes to public service and community feeling.' Also reported by Star (Malaysia).
In an article about 'Generation Y', Management student Jack Tang explains his social network recruitment platform helping young people to find casual work while in education.
The Times 24th May 2012
This article explains that the School of Law at King's has changed it's name to The Dickson Poon School of Law, after a generous donation; explaining that 'such changes may seem odd to some at the time they occur; but history can alter social perception'.
Professor Martin Prince, Institute of Psychiatry, says new research shows that levels of dementia in China and other developing nations could be twice as high as previously thought. He adds that 'early life influences, education and learning to read and write, may be particularly important for reducing the risk of dementia in later life.' Also reported by China Daily, Economic Daily, Sohu.com, Hainan Daily, Globe and Mail, Health News Network, Voice of America and The Huffington Post.
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts announced that King’s will share a grant of £5million to establish platform technology for the emerging field of synthetic biology.
The National Rehabilitation Centre in United Arab Emirates has partnered with King's and UAE University to offer certified training in addiction treatment.
On the roof and in the laboratories of King's College London, Patrick Sachon, Health Business Manager at the Met Office, explains how samples of pollen are studied and analysed. Video featured in top ten 'Most watched/listened'.
Samuel Carpenter, programme officer with the Humanitarian Futures Programme, writes that: ' aid agencies have failed to engage systematically the Somali private sector and disapora in their work'.
Brian Oldham, Finance and Planning Directorate, comments on the National Student Survey, explaining: 'Students at a university that generally has a high reputation may be more demanding in the quality of teaching they expect. On the other hand, students that are at a university that it is lower down in the pecking order may receive teaching that exceeds their prior expectations and give marks higher than would be achieved under any objective measure.'
Professor David Cowan, Director at the Drug Control Centre, explains: 'Though we will be looking for 200 designated substances whose use is prohibited, our total data capture will allow us to do a 'data-mining’ approach for otherwise unknown substances.'
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, argues against U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's assertions that 'the China-U.S. relationship is stronger than it's ever been'. He comments: 'Confident of its economic prowess, Beijing views the U.S. as a declining power.'
Professor Sube Banerjee, Institute of Psychiatry, warns that hundreds of Australian dementia sufferers are dying unnecessarily each year because of the overuse of antipsychotic drugs. Also reported by the Australian Associated Press (AAP)
Dr Thomas Kabir, Institute of Psychiatry, says that more and more people are experiencing mental health problems, and that performances such as 'Epidemic' at the Old Vic could have a big role to play in making people address their problems.
The new CD of Allegri Motets and Masses performed by the King's College London Chapel Choir was released on Tuesday 8 May; and the Guardian review states: 'David Trendell's fine choir glows with warmth and commitment.'
Dr Andrea Burri, Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, writes about the recent claims of a G-spot discovery, and how it might 'lead to better understanding and improvement of the female sexual function.'
Professor Andrew Dorman, Defense Studies, warned of a 'domino effect' among other Nato allies if France decides to go ahead with an early withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Daily Telegraph 19th May 2012
Alumnus Michael Morpurgo talks about enriching childhood with literature, in the run up to his Library Lecture at the Telegraph Hay Festival.
Professor Judy Dunn, Institute of Psychiatry, found that from the age of 18 months, children know how to comfort and hurt each other, and how to exacerbate each other’s pain. She says that children are far more socially sophisticated than we ever imagined.
Fascination of Plants Day is a chance to celebrate plant scientists working to feed the world, improve health and develop sustainable energy supplies. Dr Paul Long, Biomedicine, is mentioned for his discovery that coral-dwelling algae synthesise their own sunscreen and are able to transport that sunscreen to their coral host.
UCAS has noted that an increasing amount of students' personal statements are being plagiarised; King's College London does not have a policy to deal with it, but leaves it to an administrations manager.
In a debate about sugar being a drug, Mike Gossop, Emeritus Professor of Addiction, comments that refined sugar is implicated in damaging the liver and kidneys and is the main cause of the worldwide spread of Type 2 diabetes. He said: 'If these results were obtained in experiments with any illegal drug, they would certainly be used to justify the most severe form of retribution against those unfortunate enough to be caught in possession of such a dangerous substance.'
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments: 'With the deepening crisis in Greece, the markets are speculating about which country would be the next to collapse. The problems of the Spanish banking system have turned the country into an easy target.' Also reported by Folha de Sao Paulo.
Daily Mail 17th May 2012
Professor Jonathan Brostoff, Founder of the Allergy Research Foundation, answers the question: 'Do allergies have a biological purpose?' Explaining that 'without it, we would be overwhelmed by bacteria, viruses and parasites'.
In an article about Greece returning to a national currency after more than a decade of using the euro, Professor Alexander Türk, Dickson Poon School of Law, comments that some European legal experts have 'cited a fundamental breach of the euro's basic criteria like debt and deficit levels. The euro zone could engineer a 'reversed entry' into the currency union, turning Greece into a member state with a derogation.' Also reported by Valor Econômico (Brazil) and Mint (India).
The National 17th May 2012
The Arabian Peninsular may hold the key to understanding how humans travelled out of Africa to populate the rest of the world. Dr Nick Drake, Geography, has been playing his part in the research; identifying historic and prehistoric water sources - rivers and lake basins - by studying NASA images. Along with other researchers, he will reconsider sites which have already been excavated, that may hold previously undiscovered evidence.
In a special edition of The World Tonight hosted at King's College London, Ritula Shah leads a debate about the future of higher education in England. The panellists for the debate included: MP David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science; Baroness Susan Greenfield, Professor of Pharmacology Oxford University and Carl Lygo, Principal of BPP. Ritula Shah comments: 'The Government says that it wants universities to be both privately and publically funded, and drivers of our economic prosperity. Whatever happened to learning for learning sake? Is it inevitable that the English university system will follow its American counterpart?' Item starts at 07.36.
Geoff Browell, Senior Archives Services Manager, comments on Photo 51; an X-ray diffraction image of DNA and he says that 'it has claim to be the most important image ever taken.' It helped to 'understand that DNA was a double
A vast array of documents tracing the history of genetics will become available online for scholars and the general public. Geoff Browell, Senior Archives Services Manager talks about Photo 51; a photograph that reveals the structure of DNA. He comments: 'It is arguably the most important photograph ever taken'.
They look at crucial phtoographs of DNA, revealing the structure. Looks at Photo 51.
A report commissioned by the NSPCC, conducted in collaboration with King’s College London, reveals the level that ‘sexting’ has reached among teenagers, with schoolgirls facing increasing pressure to provide sexually explicit pictures of themselves, a threat that appears to come from friends and peers rather than strangers. Also reported by Daily Mail and Times of India.
In an article about studying abroad, Professor Timothy Macklem, Dicksoon Poon School of Law, says that 'Students not getting training contracts or pupillages need something to do in the one or even two years they are increasingly having to wait to secure positions post-graduation.'
Dr Christopher Tribble, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes why the unusual may not be so different, and what makes something newsworthy.
Andrew Lambert,War Studies, talks about the activities of what were effectively freelance ships which were used by both sides in The forgotten war of 1812, but more predominantly by the Americans to raid British convoys.
In a programme examining the persistent popularity of 'declinism', the idea that individuals and society are not as good as they used to be, Professor of Classics Edith Hall explains that declinism has been part of society since the Ancient Greeks. She also commented: ‘We start off in Golden Age and decline into the dreaded Iron age, where we have disease, depravity and no moral fibre at all.’
David Lan, artistic director of the Young Vic, explains that a core group of eight London theatres have formulated and King's has joined that group, with the theme of 'London in the world, the world in London'.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History,writes that 'previous coalitions have been undone from below', and that our current government may encounter 'the same fate'.
In a review of the exhibition in Somerset House East Wing, MK Palomar writes: 'The exhibition illustrates the value of science art relationships and leaves us hoping there will be more such engaging cross-disciplinary works to support us in our confused contemporary condition of sensing ourselves.'
Nine out of 10 academies are selling pupils junk food such as crisps, chocolate and cereal bars that are banned in maintained schools to protect children's health, research has revealed. Dr Michael Nelson, Nutritional Sciences Division, said: 'Although many academies have said that they are committed to the standards, in practice
89 out of the 100 in our survey chose not to follow them.' Also reported by Gulf Times (Qatar).
A brain cancer trial that uses a patient’s tumour to develop their own personalised vaccine is being piloted for the first time in the UK by King’s College London and King’s College Hospital.
Dr Bettany Hughes, Classics, comments on how academics can get in on media action, saying: 'Expect to work hard; I've never done a radio or TV programme that's involved less than a 12 to 14 hour day. The mental gymnastics needed to condense your thinking are really testing.'
Defense News 14th May 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, comments that Pakistan's economic downturn, in relation to India's conventional modernisaiton, is increasing Pakistan's sense of vulnerability.
Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, writes that 'there is a bigger story behind India's nuclear missile test that needs to be recognized. The test was psychologically important for India, boosting its confidence to deal with China as an equal.'
The Observer 13th May 2012
British actor and King's alumni Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, is making a film of his 'extraordinary' life story.
George Benjamin, Henry Purcell Professor of Composition, comments on his progression as a composer.
Scientists from King's and Duke University (USA)looked at a sequence of chromosomes to determine if genes can acquire marks of experience during life.
Dr Uta Balbier, Institute of North American Studies, commented on the history and symbolism behind the Olympic torch as it was lit yesterday in Greece. She said: 'The ancient Greeks used a flame during their Games but this was more in celebration of the gods than to do with the event, although there is nevertheless definitely still a link to ancient Greece.' She also commented on the fact the torch relay was actually invented during the 1936 Berlin Games, and used by the Nazis. *Also reported by the Daily Express.
Professor Terrie Moffitt, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about ongoing research into the lasting effect of childhood maltreatment and says that the next step in research is to assess the effect on things like memory changes, inflammation, immune function and even tooth decay.
Professor Peter Neumann and Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, write about the determination of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular (AQAP) to strike against the West.
Evening Standard 11th May 2012
A profile on Dickson Poon is featured in an article about 'London's Chinese Power Players', explaining that he donated £20 million to the School of Law.
In an article about the Olympic torch, Dr Uta Balbier, Institute of Contemporary British History, comments that the torch is a modern aspect of the Games with links to the Nazi regime, as it was first used during the 1936 Berlin Games.
Professor Sir Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, says he was relieved to see changes to the most recent draft of the new diagnostic manual for psychiatry (DSM-5) particularly to the attenuated psychosis diagnosis.
*Also reported by CNBC and The Huffington Post
In response to an article on the global secondhand clothing trade Dr Andrew Brooks, Department of Geography, says the scale of trade is underestimated.
In a feature about teaching careers, Lisa Sayers, a King's alumna, is featured as a case study.
Professor Peter Saunders, Mathematics, commented on the story that an Indian mathematician haas had a journal article retracted, and wondered whether it was a spoof. It also reminded him of being asked to referee a paper whose author 'clearly didn't understand the subject'.
Professor Martin Wooster, Geography, comments: 'Individual fires spread very rapidly through areas of forest and peatland. Fire can behave in quite unpredictable ways, moving rapidly across the ground.'
Professor Gordon McMullan, English, speaks about Shakespeare and early modern theatre and culture.
A piece following Hillary Clinton's visit to India on the challenges of Indian diplomacy - maintaining good relations with the Obama administration, while at the same time importing much-needed oil from Iran. Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, said: 'India is clearly making an effort to reduce its dependence on Iran, and this is recognized by the U.S. But domestically, the Indian government cannot be seen to be buckling under any sort of U.S. pressure. So there is a lot of talk of expanding trade ties with Iran.'
Researchers from the Department of Twin Research, led by Professor Tim Spector, are recruiting twins to take part in a major study into the impact of pollution on health. The team will examine how pollutants can alter the body's defence systems by switching genes on or off.
BBC News Channel 9th May 2012
Commenting on the proposed House of Lords reform featured in the Queen's speech, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, warned it would be enormously complicated. He said as it is a constitutional issue it has to be taken on the floor of the House of Commons, and that gives great scope for backbenchers from both major parties to oppose it.
Nursing Standard, p5 9th May 2012
Dr Jill Maben, Director of the National Nursing Research Unit, commented on worrying figures revealing cuts to adult nursing courses, with 1,046 fewer places on courses this year compared to last year.
BBC Six O'Clock News 8th May 2012
In a report on the latest foiled attempt to bomb a plane heading for the US, Professor Peter Neumann, International Centre for Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), spoke about the group involved in the plot. He said: 'Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has some of the most sophisticated bomb-making equipment, with the most advanced capabilities of any Al Qaeda affiliates anywhere in the world.' *The interview was also used on the BBC News at Ten.
Research shows that psychopathy is linked to distinct structural abnormalities in the brain, and is a sub-group of antisocial personality disorder. Dr Nigel Blackwood, Institute of Psychiatry, who led the study, said the ability to use brain scans to identify and diagnose this sub-group of violent criminals has important implications for treatment.
*Also reported by The Daily Mail, Metro, CNBC, Reuters America Latina, Reuters India, MSNBC, Chicago Tribune, Zee News (India), Dawn (Pakistan), Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, and ABC News (Australia).
New research from King's shows there have been improvements in behaviour towards people with mental health problems in England. Dr Claire Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, says these are very promising early findings
Hopes have been raised for new Alzheimer's treatments after scientists found an injection could stop the body from killing brain cells by 'cutting off' their protein supply. Professor Roger Morris, Biomedical Sciences, commented on the news, describing the findings as a 'major breakthrough'and said there were 'good reasons' for thinking it could also apply to Alzheimer's. *Also reported by Reuters, Daily Mail and Indo-Asian News Service (IANS).
BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour 7th May 2012
As part of Single Parents Week, Professor Pat Thane, Institute of Contemporary British History, spoke about the changing social attitudes to single mothers since the 1950s.
Dr Oliver Howes, Institute of Psychiatry, says that newer atypical antipsychotic drugs show fewer physical side effects, but notes that doctors have no way of knowing before administering what effect it will have on an individual patient
The Lancet 5th May 2012
A piece by Professor Andrew Shennan, Women's Health, and colleagues following a recent report into maternal deaths.
Socialist Worker 5th May 2012
Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, writes a piece on President Sarkozy's attempts to gain support from the far-right in France, following the success of the Front National in the first round of the elections.
A piece on the rise of neo-Nazis in Greece following elections on Sunday. Dr Stathis Kouvelakis, Reader in Political Economy, said: 'Golden Dawn is organized into squads that specialize in physical attacks immigrants and leftists.'
A piece on the daily life of George Benjamin, Henry Purcell Professor of Composition, in the Department of Music, in advance of his involvement in the London 2012 Festival at the Southbank Centre.
A review of a new book about Rosalind Franklin, whose work on DNA was carried out while she was at King's.
Professor Rory Miller, Director of the Centre for Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes on whether the Northern Ireland model can be exported to help resolve divisions elsewhere.
'My experience tells me that the real lesson of the Northern Ireland model for the Middle East is that regional and external actors have an important role to play as intermediaries and guarantors but only if they are willing to abandon self-interested motives and harness their resources and political capital in the interests of peace,' he says.
In an article about the rise of emerging economies, Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, wrote: 'It is difficult to see a productive future for BRICS together. The rise of BRICS is as exaggerated as the decline of the U.S. The tectonic plates of global politics are certainly shifting, but they may not be shifting in predictable ways, at least not yet.'
Dr Dominic ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry and Silvia Mercuriali collaborated on this unique podcast about the eye available as a Guardian Culture Podcast.
BBC World Service 4th May 2012
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, commented on recent news that Brazil has pledged major investment and technology transfer to Africa on Thursday to repay a 'solidarity debt' from a country with a huge black population to the poorest but resource-rich continent. He said that while Brazil does have cultural and historical ties with Africa, the deal is more about establishing trading and commercial interests.
In an article about Argentina expropriating its oil from speculators, Richard Drayton, Rhodes Professor of Imperial History, writes 'a democratic government can stop predatory financiers while not scaring away new investors'.
Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, provided an analysis of the French presidential debate, noting: 'Sarkozy was calling for businesses to remain competitive, and Hollande says there is a need for austerity and growth. These are familiar left and right arguments that we see in other European countries'.
Sky News 3rd May 2012
Commenting on the hostile debate between the two remaining candidates for the French presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, said: 'On the one hand there is clear animosity between the candidates, but it demonstrates how high the stakes are'.
Dr Julian Lewis, Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies, questions the military 'solution' in Afghanistan, commenting: 'Western policy should not be characterised by an all-or-nothing approach. The threat from international terrorism is unpredictable and it needs to be counteracted by flexible means.'
The Guardian has featured an interactive map, created by the Environmental Research Group at King's, where pollution levels across London are mapped.
Two blind people were able to see light and distinguish shapes after the first test of an 'electronic eye' -a microchip that is implanted in the retina. Professor Tim Jackson, Senior Clinical Lecturer at King’s and eye surgeon at King’s College Hospital, said: 'This pioneering treatment is still in its early stages of development.'
BBC Knowledge 2nd May 2012
Emeritus Professor of Imperial History, Peter Marshall, talks about identity within the British Empire; and Dr Sarah Stockwell, Senior Lecturer in Imperial & Commonwealth History, comments on decolonisation.
Daily Express (Scotland) 2nd May 2012
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, Geography, has pointed out that too many health and safety regulations are 'applied too widely and disproportionately', and employment minister, Chris Grayling, goes on to say that this is destroying employment opportunities.
The Times 2nd May 2012
Robert Hall, Director of Library Services, wrote a letter to the editor at The Times, explaining that following the closure of Sion's library, the post-1850 collections are kept at King's, and other manuscripts are housed by Lambeth Palace Library.
On the day of the mayoral elections, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, commented that 'If Boris Johnson was to win the London mayoral election, even though the Conservatives are so far behind in national opinion polls, he would be seen as a potential party leader'. Also reported by Huffington Post, NPR, Washington Post, Fox, CBS, ABC and RealClearPolitics.
Women's Running 1st May 2012
Dr Ian Mudway, Environmental Research Group, says that joggers should avoid busy roads and areas with lots of traffic to avoid air pollution.
Easy Living 1st May 2012
Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, explains that researchers do not know why 30 per cent of women participating in drug trials have an adverse reaction.
BBC History Magazine 1st May 2012
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, holds a five page feature proclaiming that the British had a greater reason to rejoice after the War of 1812, a military conflict between the United States of America and the British Empire. He comments that maybe now is the time to 'reconsider who really won the War of 1812'.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, questions if the world is really a safer place, one year since the death of Osama Bin Laden. He comments: 'If anything, the threat from al-Qaeda is less predictable today than it was a decade ago'.
Dr Adrian Williams, founding member of the British Sleep Foundation, said that 'we live in stressful times, and that means we don't pay enough attention to getting quality sleep. We also drink too much caffeine'.
In an article about the chances of living forever, research by scientists at King's has been highlighted - explaining that they found genes that help determine how fast we age.
Dr Robert Bradnock, Geography, said that al-Qaeda has become less effective after Osama Bin Laden's death, however other terrorist groups around the world have replaced them. He commented: 'The springs of terrorism go much wider than al-Qaeda'.
An article following the development of rival designs for an international linear collider, which will be the successor to CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Professor John Ellis, Physics, said that it would make sense for the competing teams to work together to solve design and engineering problems.
Quality World 1st May 2012
A piece profiling the development of The Francis Crick Institute, in which King's is involved, along with Cancer Research UK, Imperial, Medical Research Council (MRC) and UCL.
New Statesman 30th April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, reviews Dominic Sandbrook's book -Seasons in the Sun: the Battle for Britain - and comments 'Sandbrook bids fair to put other historians out of business; however quality has been sacrificed in the search for speed'.
Dr Susan Bewley, Medicine, said that the number of maternal deaths was small relative to the numbe rof births, but maternal mortality was a sensitive measure of healthcare quality.
The Times 30th April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that it is unsurprising that the Lib Dems have plummeted in the polls.
The Times (Scotland) 30th April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, commented that an independent Scotland would have the same relationship with the Bank of England as Greece has with the European Central Bank. London would continue to exert considerable control over Scotland's finances even after independence. Also featured by the Daily Mail (Scotland).
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, comments that kidnapping in the region Baluchistan, Pakistan, has been happening for a while, but killing westerners is rare. He said: 'There are bandit groups, but in the past, they were careful not to kill westerners, although this could be bungled on their part.'
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, has suggested that more universities should follow the example of the medical school at King's, that holds an extended medical degree programme.
Professor Gunter Schuman, Institute of Psychiatry, leads the IMAGEN consortium which found that drug use is linked to specific nerve circuits in the brain.
Professor Mary Beard, a Cambridge academic and presenter of new BBC2 series, Meet the Romans, lectured in classics at King's.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, saus that 'the real problem in India-Pakistan ties today is not Pakistan's nuclear capability but the reluctance of the Pakistani security establishment to unequivocally renounce terrorism as an instrument of state policy'.
Academics within the School of Medicine have discovered that 490 genes linked with ageing showed signs of epigenetic change.
Dr Paul Lewis, Management, who has researched the role of university technicians, comments that 'technicians contribute their own intellectual insight' when working with scientists or engineers on an experiment or new piece of equipment.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the misconceptions of mental illness in the context of the Anders Breivik trial following the mass shooting in Norway, September 2011.
*also in BBC News, Time, Fox News, ABC News, Arab Times (Kuwait), Associated Press, Sky News, CBS News, amongst others.
The article looks at the recent Institute of Psychiatry study on children being bullied and their three fold likelihood to self-harm, published today on bmj.com led by Dr Helen Fisher, Institute of Psychiatry.
*also featured on SkyNews, SkyNews Radio, ITV News, Medical Observer, International Business Times, The Sun, The Daily Mirror, Metro, Hindustan Times, Times of India, amongst others.
At the Cr8net conference, Professor Andy C Pratt, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, was quoted 'Failure is great. Without failures you don't have successes' - which many of the speakers echoed.
London Review of Books 26th April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes on Labour's electoral chances.
Autobiographer, a new play at Toynbee Studios, London, draws the audience into the mind of the central character, Flora. Voiced by multiple performers, Flora reveals a curious and evocative portrait of a life refracted through the lens of dementia, and the show has been researched by Professor Sube Banerjee, Institute of Psychiatry.
The search engine Google, has backed a project to put reformed terrorists and ex-violent radicals in touch online in an effort to combat extremism worldwide. Tim Stevens, a PhD student in War Studies, comments Google is under pressure from governments and private lobbies and warns 'Google will need to be careful about being drawn into such a highly politicised area'.
Daily Mail 26th April 2012
Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, is currently considering an offer from King's to help establish a new school that seeks to link security and economic issues.
The overreaction of university managers to the impact agenda is narrowing the kinds of research scholars feel able to carry out, academics have warned. Professor Ann Thompson, English, commented managers' injunction to academics to pursue
'the kind of research that brings in money' meant 'you can't let your best staff go off and do what they want' because they might not generate enough case studies.
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, War Studies, remarked that a radar satellite is 'a very powerful instrument' for detecting naval movements; and that they could even pick up the wake of submarines moving below the surface.
DNA from the heart's own cells may unwittingly activate the body's immune system, tripping the heart, according to a study by scientists from King's and Osaka University Medical School in Japan. Also reported by Asian Age.
Mark Peakman, Professor of Clinical Immunology, believes that the problem with Type One Diabetes lies in the immune system. He also added: 'In 90 per cent of cases, Diabetes comes out of the blue and is a shock to the system for families'.
Two years ago, researchers at King’s concluded that the G-spot was a myth - however an American doctor claims to have proved the G-spot really does exist. Also reported by The Times, Huffington Post UK, Daily Express and Daily Mirror.
In an article about the advance notice to News Corporation about the BSkyB deal, Professor Margaret Bloom, The Dickson Poon School of Law, comments that the rules around the ministerial decisions were not clear. She said: 'It may not be good practice but I question whether it is actually legal.'
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, collated a graph contrasting London air quality between Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson's times as Mayor.
Dr Sonia Massai, English, writes about Shakespeare's mutual love affair with Italy.
Press Association 24th April 2012
King's is positioned at number 18 in the 2013 Complete University Guide.
In a review of the exhibition 'Between: Embodiment and Identity' at the Inigo Rooms, Somerset House East Wing, the journalist comments: 'A provocative exhibition of well-chosen films, prints and curios, Between left me thinking just what it means to be human in an increasingly medicalised world.'
Press Association 24th April 2012
Synthectic biology is being hailed the 'new GM' and is causing some alarm about meddling with nature as genetic modification. Professor Nikolas Rose, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, believes technology needs to be controlled and regulated to win public trust.
To strengthen the UK-India relationship, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and The King’s India Institute are working together on a project called ReImagine. They will share recommendations and a plan for the future.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, comments in a debate about gender issues in the Arab world. A female Arab writer claims that the Arab world 'hates women', however Professor Al-Rasheed comments that 'the word hate is an over reaction'.
Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, comments that 'sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide levels have fallen significantly in London over recent years', however in some London boroughs, nitrogen dioxide has increased, 'due to the popularity of diesel vehicles'.
Daily Mail (Scotland) 23rd April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, said 'Scotland would almost certainly need a governor general (someone who acts as the Queen's representatives) if it became independent.'
Frank O'Donnell, a PhD student in the Department of War Studies, writes that India's missile test could throw challenging questions about which direction the country's nuclear weapons programme will take.
The Olympics anti-doping laboratory, led by Professor David Cowan, has been declared ready by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Also reported by Reuters, Yahoo!, BBC News, ESPN, China Daily, ABC News, Arab Times (Kuwait), Reuters Brasil, Record (Brazil), Exame (Brazil) and Terra Noticias (Brazil).
Professor Stephanie Amiel, School of Medicine, spoke about insulin and its effects on energy levels. Explaining that insulin is released after eating, and its this hormone that makes sure excess blood sugar is stored away in our muscles and liver (item starts 5:40).
Professor George Benjamin, Music, says he lives in an imaginary world of the music he knows and loves, and that’s where he draws his inspiration from. He talks about his work and the influences on it and the years he spent in Paris under the tutelage of Messiaen, years that were the most profound and revelatory of his life. There is a short excerpt from his opera Into the Little Hill – a re-working of the Pied Piper story.
Dr Vaughan Bell, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the fallibility of lie detectors
In an article about traffic pollution stunting the growth of children's lungs, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group said: 'in the inner city each cubic centimetre of air on a main road has around 150,000 particles in it, meaning that people inhale 60m particles with each breath'.
Axelle Lemaire, chair of the French Socialist Party in London, is a graduate of King's.
Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the risk factors for new father becoming depressed.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, points out the Afghan state fostered by the Soviets fought on with surprising resilience, actually outlasting the Soviet Union itself.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, India Institute, writes that archiving and understanding the past is essential in a democracy.
Dr Peter Lee, Defence Studies Department, writes that the British Government is keen to withhold from the British public the extent to which the war in Afghanistan is going badly, in areas away from the main bases and the eyes and ears of embedded media.
Researchers at King’s, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, have identified a group of ‘ageing’ genes that are switched on and off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors, influencing the rate of healthy ageing and potential longevity. Also reported by The Independent, Daily Mail, Huffington Post and MSN UK.
Alumni Will Hill picks his favourite bloodsuckers in fiction and popular culture.
Press Association 20th April 2012
Dr Iain Macdougall, Consultant Nephrologist King’s College Hospital, says that 'iron deficiency anaemia can be a debilitating condition for chronic kidney disease patients'.
Law News 20th April 2012
The School of Law received the biggest ever donation from an individual in the university's history, and the largest ever to any British or European law faculty.
The Independent 19th April 2012
In 1953, Maurice Wilkins, amongst others, unravelled the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule and opened the doors to the age of modern genetics.
The anti-doping facility for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games will be run by GlaxoSmithKline and King's.
Dr Shereen Hussein, Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine, estimates that there are between 150,000 and 220,000 care workers who are receiving less than the minimum wage. Also reported by the Mirror (online).
At King's, entry requirements are lowered for students from deprived local areas who show potential. Also reported by Mail Online UK.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, commented on India test-firing a long range missile capable of reaching deep into China and Europe on Thursday, saying: 'It is one of the ways of signaling India's arrival on the global stage, that India deserves to be sitting at the high table.' Also reported by CNBC (Web), the Guardian, Al Jazeera, Gulf News and the Hindustan Times.
Al Jazeera UK 19th April 2012
Professor Richard Drayton, Rhodes Professor of Imperial History, comments on British colonial archives recently released, saying: 'it is interesting that the Malayan material is relatively thin.'
Professor Peter Adamson, Philosophy, comments on Neoplatonism; describing the life of Plotinus, a major philosopher of the ancient world.
Professor Richard Drayton notes that the FCO's claim that the Migrated Archives contains no British Guiana material is implausible. Also reported by The Guardian.
The Green party has made a six minute film to highlight the threat to people's health from poor air quality, drawing on the expertise of air quality expert, Professor Frank Kelly, School of Biomedical Sciences.
The Times 18th April 2012
Professor Richard Drayton, Rhodes Professor of Imperial History, comments on British colonial archives recently released, saying that historians are increasingly sceptical about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's claim to have released all the material it holds.
As part of the Olympic countdown, the Daily Star featured a profile of the anti-doping centre. Professor David Cowan, School of Biomedical Sciences, commented: 'These facilities are the most high-tech labs in the history of the Games.'
Financial Times 18th April 2012
Nick Butler, Social Science & Public Policy, writes: 'one of the great pleasures in life for economists is watching bubbles burst.'
Professor Peter Neumann, Department of War Studies, comments that the general public doesn't comprehend Anders Breivik's motivations, as we don't understand or empathise with his actions.
Dr Andrea Danese and Dr Louise Arsenault, Institute of Psychiatry, say that new research adds to current evidence on the link between childhood trauma and severe mental health disorders later in life.
Dr Dusko Ilic, Senior Lecturer in Stem Cell Science, comments on a study by scientists improving the eyesight of mice born with night blindness, by injecting healthy light-sensitive cells into their retinas.
Shiraz Maher, Senior Fellow at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, writes that: 'few countries elicit as much bewilderment as Pakistan — unstable and unreliable, it is simultaneously a friend and foe.'
David Willetts the Universities Minister praised a scheme run by King's that gives bright students with poor A-levels a foundation year to prepare them for the demands of a full-time medicine degree course.
Canon Reginald Askew, Dean of King's College London from 1988 to 1993, has died aged 83.
It is recommended that patients should take sleeping pills for a maximum for four weeks, however King's researchers found that around one in five prescriptions were for a duration longer than eight weeks.
Professor Robert Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, says that 'patients are better able to remember, understand, communicate and perform daily tasks' when taking the medication Aricept.
The government aims to save £350m annually on the budget for legal aid by implementing a series of cuts but research by King's found the cuts would cost at least £139m in unintended consequences.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the finding that a single gene may be associated with IQ, but adds that the effect is likely to be very small.
Professor Ray Chaudhuri, Consultant Neurologist and Professor in Neurology/Movement Disorders, commented that most GPs will only see a few people with Parkinson's disease during their career.
Prabhash Ranjan, a research scholar in The Dickson Poon School of Law, writes that the state of India is oblivious to its international obligations to foreign investors.
Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, discussed electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the research he has done on the topic.
Professor Robert Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, says that music, arts and drama can play an important role in the life of dementia sufferers.
Dr Richard Howells, from the Culture, Media and Creative Industries Department, says the reality of the event has become distorted. Also reported by BBC Magazine and Folha de Sao Paulo.
Professor Robert Wintemute, The Dickson Poon School of Law, comments in a debate about human rights in Europe.
Alumnus Michael Morpurgo writes about his childhood and rise to fame.
Michael Douek, from Guy's Hospital, featured in a series about the burgeoning science of nanotechnology.
The Independent 13th April 2012
Dr Richard Overill, Informatics, said that it was appalling that hackers managed to listen in on conversations taking place over Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorism hotline. Also reported in i.
Professor Alister McGrath, Education and Professional Studies, said that the ‘New Atheism’ movement is losing its appeal and has become predictable in its denunciations of religion.
Professor Sir Rick Trainor, Principal of King’s, said that a proposed cap on charitable donations could threaten university fundraising, which could have an impact on medical research (item starts 1:05:57).
Evening Standard 13th April 2012
Professor Paul Ellis, Department of Cancer Studies, said that he welcomed women to use Avastin, as it is 'one of the few treatments available to give them valuable extra time without their disease worsening'. Also reported by the Gulf Times (Qatar).
Research from Professor Martin Prince, Institute of Psychiatry, informed the recent WHO Report which highlighted the devastating impact that increasing cases of dementia may have worldwide.
Diários Associados 13th April 2012
Brazilian outlet Diários Associados presents a special feature about the anti-doping centre, and Professor David Cowan is quoted saying: ‘We have developed extremely fast and sensitive technologies, capable of detecting banned substances. Our role is to ensure the effective operation of the laboratory to deliver robust results’.
Jewish Chronicle 13th April 2012
Theoretical physicist Cyril (Yechiel) Domb was appointed professor of theoretical physics at King's in 1954.
Dr Luke Bretherton, Education and Professional Studies, said that satire is a way of being faithful to the gospels which themselves don’t treat the world too seriously.
Figures from Hefce show that King’s has a surplus of nearly £27.5 million.
Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drugs Control Centre which is running the anti-doping laboratory for the London 2012 Olympics, said that the facilities are the most high-tech in the history of the Games and will analyse more samples than ever before.
As an example of the changing nature of fundraising in Higher Education, King’s has merged university and associated hospital fundraising to create a new structure to increase the flow of donations to academics and clinicians.
Katherine Grainger, who is competing in the London 2012 Olympics in the double sculls, said that it is difficult to balance her training and her PhD in Law at King’s.
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said that talks between Iran and the West in Istanbul will have achieved a lot even if they only manage to ease tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.
LBC Radio 11th April 2012
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the psychology behind the arsonist who set fire to a shop in Croydon during the riots, as well as the potential treatments available to offenders.
Sky News 11th April 2012
Following an earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, Dr Bob Bradnock, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Geography, said that the Indian Ocean is nowhere near as prone to earthquakes as the Pacific region.
Spectator 11th April 2012
Alexander Melegrou-Hitchens, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, said that reviews a book by Tariq Ramadan on the Arab Spring and says the author comes close to making unreferenced claims that come close to conspiracy theories.
Dr Bruce Malamud, Geography, said that aftershocks can be expected in the coming weeks and months following an earthquake off the coast of northern Sumatra in Indonesia. Dr Malamud also spoke to the New Zealand Herald and his comments were reported by the Shanghai Morning Post.
James Denselow, Geography, said that Kofi Annan’s peace plan will not stop the violence in Syria and is unlikely to work.
King’s has launched its first summer school programme for Indian students in Mumbai. Also reported in Education Times.
Dr Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies, said that analysis of the words used to describe the economy can enlighten teaching of business.
Dr Alessio Patalano, War Studies, said that David Cameron's trip to Japan will focus on a commercial agenda (item starts 39:28). He also spoke to BBC World News.
Financial Times 9th April 2012
Major General Julian Thompson, Visiting Professor, War Studies, is speaking at the Royal United Services Institute on Thursday 12 April on the topic ‘reflections on the Falklands War’.
Dr Richard Howells, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, said that it is unquestionable that a ‘women and children’ first policy was enacted during the sinking of the Titanic (item starts 26:26). Dr Howells also discussed myths surrounding the Titanic in the Public Domain Review.
Dr Debora Price, Institute of Gerontology, said that driving is an essential element of older people’s wellbeing and without access to a car, their risk of isolation would be a lot greater.
Professor Alistair McGrath, Education and Professional Studies, said that the resurrection of Jesus is not part of a human need for immortality (item starts 31:12).
Bettany Hughes, Research Fellow, Classics, is hosting a new television series on women who have wielded power through religion. The series was also reported by The Huffington Post (UK).
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, said that innovation is rarely the result of spontaneous ‘Eureka’ moments but is the product of a long-term vision and investment in research and society.
Deborah Bull, Director of King’s Cultural Partners, discusses the week's cultural highlights including a production of Uncle Vanya, the new Sky Arts Playhouse season and an exhibition of Damien Hirst's work in Tate Modern (item starts 02:35).
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, said that China will fight hard to retain influence over Myanmar even as it works towards democracy and re-engages with the West. Also reported by The Japan Times.
‘All the King’s Men’, a male a’capella group formed of students from King’s, challenged the ‘Eggheads’.
Dr Richard Howells, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, said that the assertion that the Titanic was ‘unsinkable’ is the biggest myth surrounding the sinking of the shop and that it is simply told in retrospect as it makes for a better story.
Professor Robert Stewart, Institute of Psychiatry, explains that illicit drug use is on the rise amongst older people and warns we know very little about the effect of drugs in this age group. The story was also reported in the Daily Mail, the Sun and the Daily Telegraph
Dr. Alexander Kumar, a King's alumnus, is set to become the first foreigner of Indian origin to walk across Antarctica carrying the Indian flag.
King's and Cornell University have launched an international HR (human resources) academy which is designed to be a forum for sharing cutting edge academic research, and new knowledge and ideas with HR leaders.
A report by Dr Shereen Hussein, Social Care Workforce Research Unit, has shown that at least 150,000 care workers are being paid less than the legal minimum.
Professor Jeremy Horder, Law, said that the law of joint enterprise, under which a person can be convicted of a murder even if they did not physically participate in the attack, can definitely be seen as fair even if the individual did not intend to kill (item starts 7:28).
BBC News Channel 3rd April 2012
Dr Eliza Filby, History, said that as a result of the Falklands War, Margaret Thatcher’s popularity went up hugely and her subsequent election win allowed her to embark on radical domestic reforms.
Research published in BMJ Open looks at the association between childhood bad performance at school and sick leave taken as adult workers. Dr Max Henderson, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the research.
*Also reported by Press Association, the Daily Telegraph and Yahoo! UK
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the prevalence of PTSD and mental health disorders in the military.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that despite talk of India being a rising military power, much of its armed forces is in need of modernisation and upgrading.
Rev Professor Richard Burridge, Dean of King’s, discusses the meaning of Palm Sunday and what Jesus meant went he spoke about the ‘Kingdom of God’. Professor Burridge says that it is important to challenge societies which use scripture to justify oppressing other peoples.
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice Principal (Strategy and Development) says that rather than focus on the issue of sovereignty, Argentina and Britain should focus on matters regarding the Falklands which they can agree and work together on.
Professor Ben Bowling, Law, says that Australian police should hand out receipts to people which explain why they have been stopped and searched to avoid allegations of racism, as already happens in the UK.
The Engineer 2nd April 2012
Professor Maria Fox and Professor Derek Long, Informatics, are to build a truly intelligent autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) which can learn from its mistakes and adapt to changing circumstances.
Health & Safety at Work 1st April 2012
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, Centre for Risk Management, says he was honoured to be asked to undertake a review of the UK’s health and safety laws for the Government.
Prospect 1st April 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that training people in new skills does not necessarily create growth or innovation in the economy.
Prospect 1st April 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says that having elected mayors across England has the potential to regenerate cities and restore civic pride.
BBC History Magazine 1st April 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, War Studies, reviews a book on Cold War spies, saying that their world is ‘so fantastic you could not make it up’.
The Observer 1st April 2012
Poet and playwright Inua Ellam says he is looking forward to reading ‘The Spider King’s Daughter’ by King’s College London student Chibundu Onuzo.
Tony Thorne, English Language Teaching Centre, says that although traditional Cockney rhyming slang is dying out among Londoners, it is being replaced by new linguistic expressions from a younger generation.
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice Principal (Strategy and Development), says that if certain supply ships had not been sunk during the Falklands War, then the re-taking of the islands by the British might have been easier.
Deborah Bull, Director of King’s Cultural Partners, reviews the Sunday papers with Andrew Marr and says that there is too much attention on ‘spin’ in politics and not enough focus on finding solutions to real problems (item starts 07:13).
Professor Penney Lewis, Law, says that the Director of Public Prosecutions’ policy on assisted suicide should include a reference to the patient’s condition and focus on the motives of the patient rather than the suspect who helped them to die.
The Lancet 31st March 2012
Professor Susan Bewley, Women's Health Divison, says that new thinking and more innovative public health measures might be required to reduce the number of maternal deaths.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the psychology behind people's behaviour in response to petrol shortages and how the government can help manage the situation. (Begins 01.31)
Professor Stephen Dunne, Dental Institute, says that the number of patients being treated by dental students is increasing rapidly as more NHS dentists refer cases to them.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that an ignorance of the complexity of tribal relationships at a local level in Afghanistan is one of the reasons for the failure of the West to form a coherent political plan for the country.
Bangla Mirror 30th March 2012
Professor Chris Kinsey, Defence Studies, says that British security firms are increasingly involved in the lucrative business of providing armed guards on ships sailing off the coast of Somali, to protect them from pirates.
The Times 29th March 2012
King's, along with other universities including UCL, Warwick and Exeter, will not lose undergraduate places unlike other universities, following changes to the sector by the Government.
Proteome Sciences jumped 2.62p to 34.38p after the company, along with King's, announced the successful completion of the biomarker study in Alzheimer's Disease. Also reported on the Daily Mail online.
Daily Mail 29th March 2012
Computer Science graduate Pamela Yeung said that 'based on the past five years, computer science graduates come out top'.
Gary McKinnon is almost certain to be extradited to the US, after psychologist Professor Declan Murphy declared him fit to be sent abroad. Saying that he is a 'moderate' threat to his own life. Also reported by The Independent, Independent online and the Guardian online.
Dr Harsh Pant writes that 'even if the BRICs get their economic act together', they won't transfer that strength into a unified political force.
Professor Jill Maben explains how nurse staffing levels, training and overall well-being can help to improve care for older people.
Jelena Petrovic, a PhD student in War Studies, says that the lessons learned from building up a viable security sector in the Balkans could be useful for the emerging Libyan government.
Michael Takeo Magruder, Digital Humanities, is exhibiting his work on virtual worlds in the Robots and Avatars exhibition at FACT in Liverpool.
Professor Sir Rick Trainor, Principal of King’s, says that two of the main driving forces behind recruiting Chinese students to study at King’s is their academic calibre and the opportunity to increase the cultural diversity of the university, which is of benefit to all students.
A feature on the history and growth of King’s, including interviews with Professor Sir Rick Trainor, Principal of King’s and Professor Xinzhong Yao, Director of the China Institute.
Channel 5 27th March 2012
Professor Thomas Sanders, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Division, says that eating chocolate frequently might provide you with a small amount of a chemical called epicatechin, which may increase the rate at which you burn off energy.
New Statesman 26th March 2012
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, reviews a book which examines the impact on public life of All Souls College, Oxford.
Katherine Grainger, a PhD student in the School of Law who is representing Britain in the rowing at the London 2012 Olympics, says she relishes juggling her studies and training.
BBC News (TV Broadcast) 26th March 2012
£66m is to be given for dementia research. Professor Sube Banerjee, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about dementia.
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, says that although the threat of cyberwar is real, it is nowhere near as serious as it is often made out to be. Dr Rid says that only two countries, the USA and Israel, have the capability to execute a cyber war effectively.
Jack Tang, a student from Management and founder of thestudentjob.com, says that traditional business practices are uninspiring for the younger, tech-savvy generation.
Dr Sandrine Thuret, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the impact of certain foods on neurogenesis and the relationship between food and mood.
Shiraz Maher, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, says that an Islamic extremist from Birmingham attempted to terrify Muslims who identified themselves as British or served in the British Army.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany) 25th March 2012
Professor Jeremy Green, Craniofacial Development, talks about his research which has provided the first experimental evidence confirming Alan Turing's theory of how biological patterns such as tiger stripes or leopard spots are formed.
The Sunday Times 25th March 2012
Dominic Sandbrook reviews Professor Andrew Lambert’s, War Studies, new book, The Challenge.
Professor Wyn Bowen, War Studies, says that a nuclear terrorist event would have political and economic repercussions for the whole world.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that India will have to learn to make difficult choices in global politics, such as whether to cut its energy ties with Iran in the face of pressure from the West.
The Lancet 24th March 2012
Jenifer Glynn recalls her memories of her sister Rosalind Franklin, who discovered the structure of DNA when working at King’s in the 1950s.
Law Society Gazette 24th March 2012
Hong Kong businessman Dickson Poon has given £20m to the School of Law at King’s, which will now be named the Dickson Poon School of Law.
Professor Chris Kinsey, Defence Studies, says that the recent discovery of oil off the coast of Somalia will lead to more work for British private security firms currently providing protection for ships off the Horn of Africa.
Professor Cliff Eisen, Music, says that it is quite plausible that a newly discovered piece of music, which has been performed for the first time, was composed by a young Mozart (item starts 29:52). Professor Eisen also spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, says that an anonymous activist using Twitter is exposing corruption from inside the ruling family in Saudi Arabia.
A study by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation found that the Forsane Alizza group in France has between 30 and 100 official members. Mohamed Merah, who was killed by French security forces following a series of fatal shootings, was reportedly a member of the organisation.
Guardian Weekly 23rd March 2012
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, says that record levels of air pollution in London last week were partly caused by the lack of wind, which meant fumes from vehicles were not being blown away.
Law students from King’s won the Oxford French Law Moot competition and can now look forward to placements at French law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel.
Press Association 22nd March 2012
Ben Moss, a student studying Maths and Philosophy at King’s, will be running the London Marathon as a Morris dancer to raise funds for a deaf-blind charity.
Sky News 22nd March 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that the suspect in a series of shootings in France, who is under siege by French police, will want to be seen as a martyr who died for his cause.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, says that India should focus on a concept of design which is not linked to a consumer lifestyle.
The Stage 22nd March 2012
The Department of Education and Professional Studies has teamed up with the Southbank Centre to deliver an MA in Education in Arts and Cultural Settings, the first course of its kind.
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology and Religious Studies, says that the theory that right-wing extremism had been the motivation behind the recent shootings in France should not have been so prominent in the public discourse, as people with right-wing views in the country have legitimate means through which to circulate their views.
Research by Professor Anne Marie Rafferty, Nursing, found that 42 per cent of nurses in England were assessed as being ‘burnt out’. Professor Rafferty said that it was clear nurses are working in highly pressurised environments resulting in lower levels of job satisfaction. The study, which was conducted in 13 countries, was covered by the Daily Mail and the Press Association.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that since 9/11 France has seen relatively little terrorist incidents but that the recent shootings are significant as they are the first example of home-grown terrorism in the country. Professor Neumann also spoke to BBC Radio Wales.
Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, which will be running the anti-doping laboratory at the London 2012 Olympics, says that the laboratory will be able to turn around drug tests in one working day during the Games.
The Times says that as King's is running the Drug Control Centre for the London 2012 Olympics, the Olympic Torch should be taken past the College.
CBC 21st March 2012
Dr John Gearson, War Studies, says the increased incidence of 'lone wolf' attacks, such as the recent shootings in France, demonstrates how the threat from Al Qaeda has changed.
Professor Anne Redston, Law, says that government plans to tell the public exactly how their taxes are spent, a measure announced in the Budget, are likely to lead to more calls for lower taxes at the next election.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, says that if the Arab Spring spreads to Saudi Arabia it will likely be in the form of violent revolution rather than nonviolent protests.
Open Democracy 20th March 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, says Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syria uprising is in stark contrast to its reaction to protests in Tunisia, Egypt and Bahrain.
Professor Tim Spector, Twin Research, says that twins are the best means of identifying what proportion of traits or diseases are due to our genes or our environment (item starts 24:38).
Dr Elisabeth Kelan, Management, says that both men and women express contradictions in claiming they work in a gender neutral environment but by then giving examples of how they had experienced gender discrimination in the workplace.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that managing China’s rising defence expenditure and maritime sovereignty claims will be one of the biggest diplomatic challenges facing the region.
King’s School of Law has been given a £20m donation from Dickson Poon, a Hong Kong-based philanthropist, in what is understood to be the biggest ever to a British or European law faculty. The donation was reported by BBC London 94.9, LBC, BBC News, Evening Standard, Press Association, Times Higher Education, MSN UK, Law Society Gazette, Lawyer 2B, Hong Kong Standard, South China Morning Post, Gulf Times (Qatar), Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Education in America, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and University World News.
There has been a rise in sixth form pupils taking the national law entrance exams, which is sat by students who wish to study law at nine top universities including King’s.
Dr Jon Wilson, History, says politicians now believe the only way to fix a problem is by making laws or spending or cutting money.
The Sunday Telegraph 18th March 2012
Nick O’Donnell, Director of Estates and Facilities, says that large organisations often hope to transfer risk by outsourcing their work.
Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Jennifer Wild speaks about her research on daydreaming and findings that it can help increase memory capacity.
Also on BBC News
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, says that Irish bias against Israel can be defined as an 'unthinking, visceral attachment to Palestinian suffering'.
Professor Ashley Jackson, Defence Studies, says that books written for school children during the height of the British Empire are representative of the excitement society felt about bringing ‘enlightenment’ to other parts of the world. (item starts 37:42)
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, compares the Truth Commission in Brazil with similar projects in other Latin American countries.
Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, says that if Brazil uses its resources wisely and invests in the long-term, the prospects for higher revenues will be good.
Dr Nick Drake, Geography, shows Kate Humble how the ancient African monsoon created a landscape of rivers and lakes in what is now the Sahara Desert (item starts 47:10).
The Sun 17th March 2012
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that cleric Anjem Choudary is capitalising on religious tensions in India by producing videos calling for Muslims in the country to enforce Sharia law.
Professor Alister McGrath, Education and Professional Studies, says that Archbishop Rowan Williams, who has announced his resignation, was a peacemaker in the Church of England who held different factions together.
Dr Dominic Ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about visual hallucinations linked to vision loss. He provided scientific advice for the 'Giong Dark' play currently on stage at the Young Vic theatre in London. (starts at 00:43:00)
Professor Richard Drayton, History, says that when Britain began ‘policing’ the ocean by stopping slavery in the early nineteenth century, it was technically breaking international law by boarding vessels and taking cargo (item starts 42:30).
Representatives from KCLSU have co-authored a London-wide manifesto calling for the ‘Prevent’ counter-terrorism strategy to be reviewed.
King’s is in the 61-70 group of the Times Higher Education’s 2012 World Reputation Rankings. The rankings were reported by BBC News, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.
Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, says that Britain’s strong reputation for catching athletes using performance enhancing drugs will deter potential cheats at the London 2012 Olympics.
The Queen has opened Somerset House East Wing, following a £16.7 million revamp of the building. The move fulfils a 180-year ambition of King’s to acquire the premises.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that a rushed departure by NATO forces from Afghanistan would give the Taliban a sense of victory. Professor Lieven's comments were also printed by the Star (Malaysia), Qatar Tribune and The Khaleej Times.
The Independent 15th March 2012
The School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences is holding an open day on 23 March.
The Government has announced a pilot scheme where businesses will be awarded money for providing work experience to young people, a move which stems from recommendations made by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, in a report on reforming vocational education and training.
Professors Eric Taylor and Katya Rubia, Institute of Psychiatry, both urge caution in extrapolating findings from animal models to humans. Prof Rubia says the links the researchers make between mobile phone radiation and human ADHD are 'alarmist and unjustified'. Their comments were also reported by The Sun and the Daily Telegraph
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, says that yesterday’s air pollution in London, which was the worst since 2008, was due to still conditions and dirty air from France and the north of England. Dr Fuller's comments were also reported by the Evening Standard.
Emeritus Professor Alice Coleman, Geography, who was commissioned to redesign the Mozart estate in Westminster in the 1980s, says that she could have continued testing her theories if Margaret Thatcher had stayed in power.
Press Association 15th March 2012
King’s is taking part in the ‘Dux’ award scheme, which will see high-achieving pupils in secondary schools visiting Russell Group universities.
Professor Paul Sharpe talks to Larry Lamb about experimenting with stem cell bio-engineering technology to stimulate the growth of new human teeth (item starts 0:23:20).
Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, says Michiel de Ruyter's raid on the English navy at Medway in 1667 was a humiliation for the country. His interview also appeared on Dutch Broadcasting Corporation Radio.
Professor Francesca Happe, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the proposed new redefinition of autism spectrum disorder, arguing that change is needed
Professor Tim Spector, Twin Research, says that new research which shows possible links between the environment in the womb and increased body weight in later life represent an exciting new way of looking at the causes of obesity.
Professor Tim Spector, Twin Research, says that although genes can explain a lot about people, environmental factors can also result in changes at the molecular level in all of us.
Professor Penney Lewis, Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, says that if Tony Nicklinson is successful in changing the law which would allow himself to die with the assistance of others, as he is not capable of committing suicide himself, it would be a seismic shift in social policy regarding euthanasia. Professor Lewis spoke to Sky News and the Associated Press and her comments were reported by Huffington Post (USA), ABC News (USA), Brisbane Times, Sydney Morning Herald, New Zealand Herald, Kuwait Times and the Boston Globe.
Dr Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies, says words which used to be the preserve of science such as ‘observations’, ‘experiments’ and ‘findings’ are now used much more frequently in everyday contexts.
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, War Studies, says that the killing of Afghan civilians by a US soldier was unlikely to change plans for the withdrawal of troops, but this could change if riots break out in major cities. Professor Chalmers comments to AP were reported by a number of international media outlets including The National (UAE).
BBC News 13th March 2012
Professor Theo Farrell, War Studies, said it is important the UK government received clarity from America as to any acceleration in withdrawing from Afghanistan, as this would create additional pressure on UK forces.
Dr John Mackinlay, War Studies, says that the war in Afghanistan is a major recruiting tool for extremists in the UK.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says there are very grave doubts about NATO’s ability to hand security over to the Afghan army and police, especially in the wake of heightened tensions following the killing of Afghan civilians by a US solider (item starts 10:06). Professor Lieven also spoke to the BBC News Channel.
Michael Smith, a student from the Department of Geography and who along with his twin brother Dan has lost his sight due to a rare genetic condition, said he is enjoying studying geography, having switched from Medicine and has now been called up to the national blind football squad (item starts 0:16:29).
The universities of Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary and York are to join King's College London as members of the Russell Group of leading universities. The news was reported by the Guardian, Independent, Times, Evening Standard, Press Association and The Australian.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, said it would be rather odd not to include a question on ‘devo-max’ on a referendum for Scottish independence as the intention was to discover the opinion of the Scottish people (item starts 16:25).
Dr Peter Busch, War Studies, says that new documents which reveal the role of the Indonesian government in the assassinations of British officials would not have been brought to light at the time to avoid stirring up more conflict in the region. (item starts 0:21:59)
Professor David Bartlett, Dental Institute, says that teeth erosion is ‘the disease of the middle class and educated’ as it is caused by constantly cleaning your teeth and eating healthy, but acidic, foods. Research by Professor Bartlett on the damage caused to teeth by acidic food was featured by the Daily Mail and Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka).
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says it is very difficult to get justice for crimes committed against Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan. His comments were also reported by the Canberra Times.
A report by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, said that many vocational qualifications were not worth having in the current job market and that the focus should be on core subjects such as English and maths.
Voice of America 10th March 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, says that recent minor protests for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia are not representative of a revolution in gender equality in the country.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, says that India will not be able to maintain a separation between domestic politics and foreign policy in the future as its success is increasingly tied to effective management of the international arena. His comments were also reported by The Economic Times.
Dr Dusko Ilic, Women’s Health Division, says that the prospect of organs grown using the patient's own stem cells is a much closer prospect now than a few years ago.
Jack McDonald, a PhD student, War Studies, says that the 'Kony 2012' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the crimes of warlord Joseph Kony, should make it clear that force will need to be used to apprehend him.
Professor Rob Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about his recent findings that donepezil, a drug commonly prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease is also effective in treating more severe forms of the disease. The research could open up treatment for twice as many Alzheimer's sufferers worldwide.
*The research was also covered by The Huffington Post, Agence France Presse, Reuters, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Le Monde, BBC News, The Guardian, The Independent, CNBC, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Yahoo News and Sky News. Professor Howard was also interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV News at 10 (07/03/12)
Duna Sabri, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Education and Professional Studies, says that the National Student Survey is a poor indicator of quality and has gained a disproportionate amount of influence in Higher Education.
Jack McDonald, a PhD student in War Studies, says that the 'Stop Kony' campaign, which aims at bringing warlord Joseph Kony to justice, is dangerous as it gives the impression that popular opinion and viral marketing can induce foreign military intervention. His comments were also reported by ABC (Australia) and the International Business Times.
Dr Lucy Wooding, History, reviews a book on how the Reformation inadvertently caused a more secular society.
David Anderson QC, Visiting Professor, Law and the new independent reviewer of terrorism legislation says a ‘grown-up’ approach is needed to anti-terror laws in the UK.
Press Association 8th March 2012
Students from the Erasmus Student Network at King's are releasing multicoloured balloons over London to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the student exchange programme.
Architects' Journal 8th March 2012
Ian Caldwell, Director of Estates and Facilities, says that competitions for designing new university building could be the way forward for institutions wishing to give their facilities an extra edge.
Conservative Peer Lord Newton said in the House of Lords that the report produced by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, which showed that the government would not save as much as it claimed by reforming legal aid, was one of the reasons that many people believed the savings were ‘illusionary’.
AFP 7th March 2012
Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, which will be running the anti-doping laboratory at the 2012 London Olympics, says that if athletes believe there is a strong chance they will be caught, they won’t take drugs. The news was also reported by TIME, Live Mint (India),Bangkok Post, MSN, France 24 and ABC (Australia).
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says that a second question on transferring more powers to Scotland should be included in the referendum on independence. Professor Boddanor's comments were also reported by Huffington Post (UK) Herald Scotland.
Dr Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, says the humanitarin sector should use film to highlight the women's issues.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, gave evidence to the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee. Professor Bogdanor said any referendum on independence would follow the convention of other recent votes, such as that on the Alternative Vote and would be binding.
Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the prevalence of mass psychogenic illnesses in the United States
World Interior Design Network 6th March 2012
King’s has opened Somerset House East Wing following renovation of the Grade One listed structure, with design by BDP and Wates serving as the main contractor. The refurbishment was also reported by World Architecture News.
The article looks at brain donation for medical research. The Brain Bank for Neurodegenerative Diseases based at the Institute of Psychiatry is mentioned. Dr Claire Troakes speaks about her work there.
Stuart Woollard, Director of King's HRM (Human Resource Management) Learning Board, says that companies need to ensure the physical and mental health of their workforce is being looked after to give them a competitive advantage in the long-term.
Barry Griffin, a student from the School of Law, took part in a moot court during The Queen’s visit to open Somerset House East Wing and met Her Majesty afterwards.
Yahoo News 6th March 2012
Dr Thomas Rid, War Studies, and Professor Peter McBurney, Informatics, say that the threat of a significant attack using cyber weapons remains low for the moment and that all known forms of cyber attack have far less ‘firepower’ than is assumed.
Research by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, suggests that proposed cuts to the legal aid budget will lead to at least £139m in unintended costs to other government departments. The campaign against the legal aid cuts was also reported by the Huffington Post (UK).
Dr Jonathan Fennell, Defence Studies, says that the North African campaign during World War II was very difficult for the soldiers fighting in the desert (item starts 1:35:31).
Research by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, has found that proposed cuts to the legal aid budget would shift the costs onto other parts of the public purse, such as the NHS and would therefore wipe out nearly 60 per cent of the claimed savings. The report was covered by The Independent and the New Statesman (item starts 1:50:11).
Major-General Julian Thompson, Visiting Professor, War Studies, recounts his experience of leading 5,500 troops during the Falklands War.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that major defence purchases, such as India buying the French Rafale fighter, are not an end in themselves but should help a nation achieve its strategic objectives. The article was also printed by the Pakistan Observer.
Reuters UK 5th March 2012
Professor Damiano Brigo, Mathematics, says banks are increasingly looking for ways to reduce the risk of using credit valuation adjustment (CVA) due to the volatile nature of such measurements.
Recent research shows an increase in the number of children self-harming. Dr Paul Moran, Institute of Psychiatry speaks of recent research he led that identifies that up to 10 per cent of teenagers may self-harm.
The Sunday Times 4th March 2012
French Presidential candidate Francois Hollande spoke at King’s last week during a campaign visit to London.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says the debate on Scottish independence is not a question of economics but of identity (item starts 1:04:39). Professor Bogdanor also spoke to BBC Radio Scotland.
Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre, says the development of an immunoassay test for anti-doping, which allowed miniscule quantities of steroids to be detected in urine, was a breakthrough in drug testing.
The Tablet 3rd March 2012
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology and Religious Studies, says that if governments treat emerging peaceful movements with the wrong approach then such groups can turn to violence.
The Daily Telegraph 3rd March 2012
Professor Alice Rogers, Mathematics, says that when she went to university there was roughly one female undergraduate studying maths for every 10 males and she continues to be concerned that women who are good at maths don’t continue with the subject.
Simon Anglim, War Studies, says that British artists attempted to mobilise public opinion against the Russian-Turkish War through their paintings (item starts 1:05).
A new Dutch study looks at a web-based therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Professor Trudie Chalder, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the research.
Dr Tim Jackson, Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, is leading a trial of the first eye implant in the UK, in which a light-sensitive chip will hopefully allow a patient to see.
Dr Mike Slade, Institute of Psychiatry writes in The Guardian's Comment is Free about the value of peer support workers in mental health services
National Health Executive 2nd March 2012
King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is preparing a business case for merging Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trusts and King’s College London.
Woman Alive 1st March 2012
Professor Alister McGrath, Theology and Religious Studies, says leaders in Christianity need to think how they present themselves and the wider faith to the general public in a positive way.
Financial World 1st March 2012
Professor Richard Roberts, Institute for Contemporary History, says that the historical message for the EU, seen by looking back at previous attempts at monetary union, is that they either split entirely or fuse much more closely together.
Professor Rosalind Gill, Culture Media and Creative Industries, says society needs to look beyond the traditional images of creative workers as ‘cool’ or ‘unconventional’ and recognise that the sector consists of poorly paid work and long hours.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, co-authored a report which says India should not discount the possibility of China using military force to claim territory. The conclusions of the report were also covered by the Gulf Times.
François Hollande, the French Presidential candidate for the Socialist Party, came to King’s on Wednesday as part of his campaign visit to London. He addressed a packed Great Hall where supporters, students and a buzzing media pack heard his vision for the future of Europe during a day-long trip to the UK. His speech received widespread national and international media coverage including BBC News at Ten (item starts 19:25), The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, i, Huffington Post (UK) and Evening Standard. French and international media coverage included AFP, TF1, France TV, Le Monde, Figaro, France 24, The Australian, Global Post (USA) and CNN.
The Queen officially opened Somerset House East Wing at King’s on Wednesday. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by hundreds of staff and students in the Quad, before being escorted through the refurbished building by Lord Douro, Chairman of King’s College Council, and Professor Sir Rick Trainor, the College Principal. The Queen’s visit was reported by The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Press Association, AP, Reuters, Huffington Post (USA), USA Today and Straits Times (Singapore).
Professor Helen McCutcheon, Head of the School of Nursing, says that the School ensures potential students have a good attitude to treating patients. Professor McCutcheon also said that nurses should be required to have degrees to give them a deeper understanding of their work (item starts 2:55:36).
Stroke is the leading cause of death amongst elderly people in India, Latin America and China. Professor Martin Prince explains why the global health agenda should not ignore mortality of over 65s.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that although China is India’s biggest trading partner, this does not preclude the possibility of a minor skirmish on their border.
Chemistry and Industry 1st March 2012
Professor David Cowan, Drug Control Centre who is leading the anti-doping laboratory for the London 2012 Olympics, says the labs are the most high-tech in the history of the Games.
A study in American journal BMJ explores the links between taking sleeping pills and 'increased death risk'. Professor Malcolm Lade, Institute of Psychiatry, advises that despite these findings, patients should discuss stopping any medication with their doctors first and not stop taking them without medical consultation.
*also in The Huffington Post, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph,Evening Standard, Press Association and MSN UK amongst others
A study in BMJ Open explores the links between taking sleeping pills and 'increased death risk'. Professor Malcolm Lader, Institute of Psychiatry, advises that despite these findings, patients should not stop taking them without medical consultation.
*also in The Huffington Post, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Evening Standard, Press Association and MSN UK. Prof Lader was also interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast and BBC Radio 2.
Dr Dominic Ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry, explains why hallucinations sometimes happen as a result of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Visiting Professor George Joffe, Geography, says that the Assad regime in Syria appears to still have the support of minority communities in the country.
Dr Louise Tillin, India Institute, says that the prospect of revising the numbers and boundaries of India’s states should be part of the democratic process, even if it doesn’t end up with a result that satisfies pro-Stateshood movements.
BBC Radio 2 28th February 2012
Riazat Butt, Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Guardian, announced she was leaving the paper to study at the Department of War Studies.
Dr Tim Jordan, Digital Humanities, says that there is a battle within the hacking group Anonymous between those who believe in releasing all material they acquire straight away with no editing and those who believe in a more targeted approach of certain information in order to make it more politically effective.
Michael Takeo Magruder, Digital Humanities,launched his work 'Visions of our Communal Dreams' at the Robots and Avatars exhibition. He is looking at new ways of creating virtual worlds
Research produced by the Centre for Military Health Research found that 40 out of 1,000 service personnel were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Professor John Ellis, Physics, says that although his travels around the world often involve work he always finds time to look around the country he is in. He speaks about his travels to America, Pakistan and South Africa.
Alumnus Katherine Grainger comments on her training routine for the Olympics and the consequences her busy schedule has on her personal life.
The Times (Scotland) 25th February 2012
Alumnus Professor Peter Higgs talks about the theoretical physics he studied at King's and comments on the first evidence of the Higgs boson.
Rory Miller, Professor in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, comments that Brussel's new found hawkishness will squander its influence with Tehran and its credibility with the rest of the international community; saying that it will have negative consequences for Europe and even worse for the chances of a peaceful resolution to the Iran impasse.
Up to a quarter of cancer patients see their GP three times before they are referred to a specialist. Martin Gulliford, Professor of Public Health poses some interesting questions.
Elhanan Miller in the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation comments on the chain of events that have recently occurred in the Middle East and the role that social media has played.
Analysis by King's researchers find that savings from restricting the availability of legal aid will be significantly less than half of what is predicted.
China Daily European Weekly 24th February 2012
Professor Xinzhong, Director of the China Institute, shall be a speaker at a seminar programme organised by SOAS.
Paul Spence, Senior Lecturer, Digital Humanities, is working with the University of Winchester to digitise inquisitions post mortem, the single most important source for the study of landed society in later medieval England.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has awarded its first doctoral degree in collaboration with King’s to Sarah Dustagheer, a PhD student in English who researched the relationship between theatre space and playwriting.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says that when other countries intervene in Somali, it mobilises people of Somali descent across the world to fight against the intervention (item starts 26:18).
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies Programme, says the EU will squander all of its influence over Iran if it continues a strategy of more sanctions against the country.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that regional pay contracts should be introduced along the lines of reforms in Sweden, by allowing managers in schools or hospitals to decide where to allocate additional staffing funds (item starts: 28:55).
A survey of the Human Resources industry, the result of a collaboration between law firm Speechly Bircham and Stuart Woollard, Director of the King’s Human Resource Management Learning Board, has found that the economic slowdown is leading to more stress among employees and an increase in staff grievances.
Michael Smith, a Geography student who along with his twin brother has lost most of his sight due to a rare genetic condition, is determined to complete a 570km charity bike ride and finish his studies.
Tareq Baconi, a PhD student in the Department of Geography, says both Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas must be open to discussing a future Palestinian government which involves them both.
Dr Graham Cookson, Management, says the Government will only save about 40 per cent of the money it hopes by reforming legal aid, due to costs being transferred to other parts of the state (item starts 18:05).
Professor Theresa Marteau, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about her research into providing financial incentives for pregnant women to stop smoking. (Starts 00:01:44 ends 00:07:08)
Research by Dr Jeremy Green, Department of Craniofacial Development, has proved a theory first put forward by mathematician Alan Turing that animals get their stripes or spots from a pair of chemicals known as morphogens. The study was reported by The Daily Telegraph, Asian Age, Huffington Post (USA), The Scientist, Times of India, CBS News and the Irish Sun.
Professor Nikolas Rose, Head of the Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, says that organising a collaboration between engineers and social scientists is not always easy, due to a lack of understanding between the two disciplines.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says the Government is right not to include certain vocational qualifications in school league tables as they are not perceived to be as worthy as GCSE’s by employers (item starts: 12:14).
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that with India getting 12 per cent of its energy from Iran, it is difficult for the relationship between the two countries to change dramatically in the near future (item starts: 01:34).
The Big Issue 20th February 2012
What are the reasons medicating children for issues such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Professor Til Wykes, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about the proposals for the new diagnostic tool DSM5 regarding this.
The Environmental Research Group at King's shall lead the first major study into the impact of emissions from municipal waste incinerators.
Researchers at King’s, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, have identified a group of ‘ageing’ genes that are switched on and off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors, influencing the rate of healthy ageing and potential longevity. Also reported by The Independent, Daily Mail, Huffington Post and MSN UK.
Researchers at King’s, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, have identified a group of ‘ageing’ genes that are switched on and off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors, influencing the rate of healthy ageing and potential longevity. Reported by Press Association, The Independent, Daily Mail, Huffington Post and MSN UK.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that the people of Pakistan do have a real desire for change, as shown by the rise in popularity of the Tehrik-i-Insasf party.
Professor John Fabre, Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, says he is sceptical that an ‘opt-out’ system in Britain for organ donations would increase the overall number of donations.
Research by Dr Janaka Karalliedde, Cardiovascular Division, has found that risk factors for type-2 diabetes are high among the young urban population in Sri Lanka.
Press Association 17th February 2012
Professor Aileen McColgan, Law, has given legal advice to two 17-year olds who are challenging the Government’s proposed increase in tuition fees in the High Court. The Press Association copy was reported by the Evening Standard.
Mothers from the same street in Kent all of whose babies have been born with the same rare birth defect, gastroschisis, are taking advice from academics at King’s as to the potential cause. Also reported by The Independent.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, reviews a book on Israel and the European Left and says it is a pity there is so little attention given to the liberal Left in Britain and their views on Israel.
Research by Professor Myra Hunter, Institute of Psychiatry, suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be used to treat symptoms of the menopause, such as night sweats and hot flushes. Also reported in The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, MSN News, ABC News (USA) and the Nursing Times.
King’s is working in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the Open University on an exhibition depicting South Asian contributions to British culture from 1870 to 1950. Opening on Friday 17 February, the exhibition will tour Indian cites.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has awarded its first doctoral degree in collaboration with King’s to Sarah Dustagheer, a PhD student in English who researched the relationship between theatre space and playwriting.
Dr Gerhard Schnyder, Management, says that recent revelations in the private health and elderly care sectors in Sweden show that privatising such services is mainly about transferring public money to private individuals.
King’s has received a gift of £6 million from a Hong Kong-based alumnus, the largest donation of its kind in the university’s history, which will be invested in the King’s China Institute. The Institute will be re-named the Lau China Institute in gratitude to the family of Dr Lau Ming-Wai, who have a long association with the College. The gift announcement has received coverage in Chinese media, with pieces in Xinhua, South China Morning Post, Standard (Hong Kong) and Headline (Hong Kong).
The Times 15th February 2012
As part of a growing trend to expand the reach of arts education, the Southbank Centre has developed a master’s course in education in arts and cultural settings with the Department of Education and Professional Studies at King’s.
The reputation and quality of universities in London, including King’s, has led to the capital being ranked as the second best city for students in the world. The survey, by QS Best Student Cities, also looked at affordability and quality of life and was reported by The Guardian and The Times.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, said that the young people are who leaving Southern Europe to look for work should be staying to improve the economies of their own countries in the longer term, in an interview on the latest developments with the European economic crisis (Spainish).
Professor Sir David Omand, Visiting Professor in War Studies, says Al –Qaeda is attempting to jump on the bandwagon by supporting the Syrian revolution.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says the West is increasingly looking towards China and India to provide answers concerning problems in the Middle East.
Professor John Ellis, Physics, says the research taking place at CERN will throw light on the origin of matter, anti-matter, dark matter and plasma.
Dr Andrea Danese, Institute of Psychiatry, says new research took scientists a step closer to understanding the relationship between childhood maltreatment and brain development. Dr Carmine Pariante, also Institute of Psychiatry, commented on the study in the New Scientist.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says it is difficult to see how Abu Qatada, who has been released from prison, will be dangerous given the severe restrictions on his movement (item starts 1:19:51). Professor Neumann was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC London, BBC Radio Scotland, 'World Today' on BBC World Service and the News at One on BBC One.
Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies Department, analysed the words used to describe both genders in The Guardian and found that men tend to be referred to as ‘armed', 'big', 'brave’ or ‘hard’ whereas women are more likely to be called ‘beautiful', 'educated', 'local’ or ‘modern’.
Professor Jack Spence, War Studies, says that following sectarian violence in Afghanistan days after the reduction in NATO troops, the West will be more reluctant to intervene in failing states in the future.
Jack Tang, a student at King’s, has set up a new website, thestudentjob.com, to help students find work during their studies.
Michael Smith, a Geography student who along with his twin brother has lost most of his sight due to a rare genetic condition, is determined to complete a 570km charity bike ride and is hoping to compete in the Paralympic Games. Michael's story was reported by the Press Association and subsequently by the Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph and Daily Express. Michael was interviewed on BBC Breakfast.
Evening Standard 13th February 2012
Dr Mary Webb, Education and Professional Studies, says the next generation of ICT and computing teachers should have degrees in computing, information technology or information systems.
Defence News 13th February 2012
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says India’s ambitions for ballistic missile submarines are aimed at China, not Pakistan, and so will not upend the precarious state of affairs between the two countries.
Professor Nigel Heaton, Director of the Liver Transplant Unit, says there is still some hesitation from the public to allow ‘elective ventilation’, a technique where patients diagnosed as ‘dead’ are kept alive to enable retrieval of their organs for transplant.
Mike Humphries, Visiting Research Associate in History, says landlords and business made significant amounts of money by letting their premises in London during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Mail on Sunday 12th February 2012
Sam Grammar, a competitor in the Highland Games, has been banned from competing after a urine test analysed at the Drug Control Centre at King’s identified three banned substances. Also reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Professor Edgar Jones, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on his new research into the impact of entertainment on the morale and psychological wellbeing of the UK's armed forces.
Francesco Milan, a PhD student from War Studies, says a recent air strike which accidentally killed Kurdish smugglers in Turkey highlights the lack of civilian oversight of military operations in the country.
Lord McNally, Justice Minister in the House of Lords, defends the Government plans to cut the budget for legal aid despite a report by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, which showed that other sections of the Government would incur more costs as a result.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, says India has an inability to translate good intentions regarding law and resources into tangible outcomes that improve the lives of individuals.
BBC One 11th February 2012
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says certain qualifications should be axed from school league tables as they are of no use in the job market.
ITV 10th February 2012
Alexander Hitchens, a Fellow of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, says that through the Government’s Prevent programme theologians explain to young men at risk of radicalisation why their actions are wrong.
Professor Sir Rick Trainor, Principal of King’s, has been appointed to the Commission on the Future of Higher Education in England. The body will examine how higher education should address the challenges it faces over the next two decades.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, reviews several recent books on Afghanistan and concludes that the West has a chance of doing a better job than the Soviet Union in the country. He says the West could save Afghanistan from a future of civil war.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, told Parliament’s Education Committee that the drive to make school exams more transparent had narrowed learning and made the process more banal.
Professor Simon Wessely and Dr Felicity Callard, Institute of Psychiatry, urged caution over categorising shyness or depression following a bereavement as mental disorders. Their analysis was also reported by Reuters, Yahoo! Health, MSNBC and Fox News.
Al Jazeera (English) 9th February 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European and International Studies, comments on news that Baltasar Garzon, one of Spain's best known judges, has been convicted for wiretapping.
Professor Richard Vinen, History, says the Queen continues to believe in self-sacrifice and avoids expressing her opinions in public.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says Abu Qatada was one of the key theologians within al-Qaeda and provided religious justification for committing acts of terrorism in the West.
Research by academics at the Institute of Psychiatry concluded that looking in the mirror for long periods of time increased anxiety. The study was featured by The Sun, The Daily Mirror and The Daily Telegraph.
King’s is running the anti-doping lab at the London 2012 Olympics, with the facilities being provided by GlaxoSmithKline.
Star (Malaysia) 8th February 2012
Niki Cheong, a Cultural, Media and Creative Industries student, says that learning coding has given her a better understanding of how computers and the Internet work.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says the case for constitutional monarchy is very strong as only someone with no political ties can represent the monarch as a whole (item starts 27:32).
Dr Ofra Koffman, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, says that the drive to focus on adolescent girls as a means to tackle poverty in developing countries may not work, as there does not seem to be a strong connection between early childbearing and a country’s economic standing.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that Pakistan is much more important than Afghanistan in the context of the ‘war on terror’.
Jim al-Khalili talks to psychiatrist, Professor Sir Robin Murray, Institute of Psychiatry, about his life's work trying to understand why some people have schizophrenia and others don't.
Professor Clare Pettitt, English, says there are very few buildings left in modern London which feature in the novels of Charles Dickens. Her analysis also featured in another CNN article and was covered by CNN Mexico. The CNN story was also syndicated to local US news websites. Professor Pettitt was interviewed by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
The new India Institute at King’s was officially opened by Foreign Secretary William Hague on India’s Republic Day last month. The Institute is aiming to become the world's leading centre for the study of contemporary India. The launch was reported by Asian Voice, Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye.
Professor Peter Neumann, War Studies, says political pressure could force Internet companies to remove extremist material from websites. The report from AFP was also featured by Dow Jones, Arab Times and Business Recorder.
Jo Robinson, an English graduate from King's, said that the quality of the author’s writing was one of the reasons people still relate to his work. Her comments were reported by AP and The Guardian and featured widely in international media include New Zealand Herald, Herald Sun, Times Union, The Portland Press Herald and CBS News.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says she is sceptical of calls by Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary, for a greater emphasis on high-tech teaching methods in universities. She says that people still tend to learn from others, especially when they receive individual feedback.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that India should learn how to balance its diplomatic relationships between Iran and other nations in the same way China does.
The Mail on Sunday 5th February 2012
The article presents different opinions on discipline and parenting, amongst them Dr Carmine Pariante's, Institute of Psychiatry.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, calls for the scrapping of national wage bargaining in the public sector, which she says is a barrier to much needed reform.
Lisa Appignansei, Honorary Professor in Literature and Medical Humanities at King’s, says she is currently reading multiple novels as she is judging the Orange prize and that her broadcasting commitments are one of the distractions she has from writing.
Rachel Von Stimson, a medical student at King’s, has found an increase in sexually transmitted diseases among people aged 45 to 64 in the last ten years, following failures to heed warnings about safe-sex. The research was reported by ABC News (USA), Times of India, International Business Times, CBS News, Huffington Post (USA), National Post (Canada), the Daily Express, Irish Times and the Scotsman.
Nick Butler, Chair of the King’s Policy Institutes, says that Israel must use natural gas to supply its own market before exporting it abroad and that revenues from gas won’t begin to stream in until 2020.
The article looks at cognitive behavioural therapy to treat anxiety in the elderly. Dr R Gould, Institute of Psychiatry speaks about the research, which was published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society.
Professor Anatol Lieven explains why Pakistan is sheltering the Afghan Taliban whilst helping with the fight against international terrorism.
RAG, the fundraising scheme at King's, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and many students go to great lengths to raise money.
Davina Quinlivan, visiting lecturer in the Department of Film Studies, says the film ‘A Dangerous Method’ demonstrates the impact Freud has had on film narratives, in particular in melodramas.
Professor Robert Wintemute, Law, drafted an application to the European Court of Human Rights which argued that bans on same-sex civil marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships in the UK amounted to illegal discrimination.
Research by Dr Guy Thwaites, Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, has identified a ‘goldilocks’ gene which determines when an immune response is ‘just right’, which may in the future provide for personalised tuberculosis treatments. The study was also reported by the Press Association.
King’s has appointed Professor Julia Crick as Professor of Palaeography and Manuscript Studies in the School of Arts and Humanities.
BBC Focus 1st February 2012
Professor Stuart Bevan, from the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, has conducted research which discovered the principal mechanism for how paracetamol relives pain.
Safety Management Magazine 1st February 2012
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, Centre for Risk Management, said he agreed to undertake a review of health and safety regulation on the grounds that it was apolitical, evidence based and there was a chapter on Europe.
BBC History Magazine 1st February 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, War Studies, says that the British hatched a number of operations towards the end of World War II to persuade German scientists to work for them, rather than defect to the Russians.
BBC History Magazine 1st February 2012
Professor Richard Roberts, Institute of Contemporary British History, says that political ambitions always lie behind the decision by a country to be involved in a monetary union.
BBC History Magazine 1st February 2012
Emeritus Professor Peter Marshall, History, says that although a strong sense of common British identity among people in Australia, Canada and New Zealand continued into the twentieth century, it did not stop these places developing distinctive identities of their own.
BBC History Magazine 1st February 2012
Professor Robert Holland, Hellenic Studies, offers a guide to visiting Corfu in 1864 and recommends avoiding arguments with the locals, the spicy cuisine and to visit before the British hand over control to Greece.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, recommended that businesses are offered incentives to employ under 19-year olds, proposals which have now been taken up by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says that China is not yet ready to side with the West over Iran’s nuclear policy, as it still needs Iranian oil supplies.
The Dentist 1st February 2012
Professor Dianne Rekow, Dean of the Dental Institute, says the Institute has a great entrepreneurial spirit and she is confident that King’s will remain among the strongest in the world for dentistry.
Jane's Defence Weekly 1st February 2012
Dr David Betz, War Studies, says that cyber warfare will never replace conventional military operations but will increasingly be used to support deployments.
Magistrate 1st February 2012
Research by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, found that the Government will save less than half of the £270 million it predicts through proposed reforms to legal aid due to a shift of the burden to different areas of the public purse.
Legal Action 1st February 2012
A report by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, claims that the government will save less than half of its intended savings from cuts to legal aid.
Tony Thorne, English Language Centre, says that the word ‘literally’ has become one of the most misused words in the English language, and has now lost its true meaning.
Professor John Fabre, Transplantation Immunology & Muscosal Biology, says there is no evidence that changing the law in Wales to allow for presumed consent organ donation will work.
King’s has achieved one of the biggest drops in the number of false fire alarms, with a reduction of 44% since 2007.
Dr Andrea Danese, Institute of Psychiatry, suggests that supportive parents may help children's psychological development but warns that further research is needed to understand any associated changes in childrens' brains.
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, says that small and medium-sized enterprises can help develop the UAE economy, providing more private sector jobs and reducing the size of the public sector.
Dr Harvey Cohen, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, says the musical archive of John Lomax, who recorded songs and oral histories from the 1930s to the 1960s in America, is a gift to the world (item starts 44:05).
Research by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, found that cutting legal aid in clinical negligence cases will cause knock-on costs to the NHS of £28.5m. The study was also reported by Counsel.
Applications to study at university are down 8.7 per cent according to figures from UCAS.
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, War Studies, says that the promise by the USA to pull out of Afghanistan by 2014 has appeased immediate public demand. His comments were also reported by the Huffington Post (UK).
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, says that countries in the Middle East are beginning to engage with India more, as it is a means by which they can preserve the balance of power in the region.
Certain vocational qualifications are to be axed from school league tables by the Government, in a move implementing recommendations made in a report by Professor Alison Wolf, Management, that many qualifications were effectively ‘dead end’ and of no use in the job market. The news was reported widely in the UK national media, with coverage in The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Daily Mail, Financial Times, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Independent, Metro, Channel 4 News, Huffington Post and BBC News (Online). The story also had significant coverage in regional media via the Press Association. Professor Wolf wrote a piece commenting on the changes in The Guardian, and was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and BBC Radio 5 Live
Dr Chris Hobbs, War Studies, says that a three-day visit by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to Iran is unlikely to achieve very much, unless negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme re-start (item starts 11:53). He also spoke to ABC News.
Professor Jeremy Horder, Law, says that until recently there was relatively little protection given to jurors against outside influences which might sway their judgement on a particular case (item starts 20:11).
The article explores how genetics and environment can impact the development of children's personalities. The article looks at research conducted by Professors Caspi and Moffitt, Institute of Psychiatry.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says that the main question Scottish people are asking themselves with regards to independence is whether or not they will be better off financially, which has not been the primary consideration in the past.
Shaun Matthews, a Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Dental Institute, has fitted a new jaw using titanium joint replacements to patient Lauren Reed, allowing her to eat and smile normally and removing her constant pain.
King’s and GlaxoSmithKline unveiled the anti-doping lab which will be operated during the London 2012 Games.
The Government’s proposed legal aid reforms are facing further criticism in the House of Lords, following a report by Dr Graham Cookson, Management, which found that the plans would save less than half the money predicted by the Government. The report was also covered by The Legal Executive Journal.
The King's India Institute was formally launched this week with an inauguration ceremony attended by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague MP, and the Acting Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Rajesh Prasad. Mr Hague said that the launch could not have come at a better time given the Government’s efforts to raise the level of British-India relations. The launch received widespread coverage in India, including from the Press Trust of India (PTI), Economic Times, Business Standard, Outlook, IBN, Deccan Herald, among other online outlets.
The Times Educational Supplement 27th January 2012
Research by Professor Louise Archer, Education and Professional Studies, showed that fewer than one in six 10 and 11 year olds aspire to a science career, despite having a positive view of the subject. The study was also reported by the New Scientist.
Suddeutsche Zeitung Magazin 27th January 2012
Professor Clare Pettitt, English, spoke to the German magazine about the bicentenary of the birth of author Charles Dickens.
Professor Keith Ewing, School of Law, says that blacklisting trade union members and banning them from working is one of the worst human rights abuses in relation to employment in the UK over the past 50 years.
Dr Stuart Hogarth, Political Economy, says that a report which calls for an NHS database of DNA in order to provide personalised medicine exaggerates the current means of testing for the risk of common diseases.
A spokesman for the Royal Society of Chemistry says that King’s is one of the institutions providing new courses in chemistry, despite an apparent decline in the number of courses nationally.
Professor Judy Dunn, Institute of Psychiatry, explains that her research has led her to consider the complexity of other people's situations when deciding whether to intervene in situations where parents appear to have lost control.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says it is not for England to decide what options should be on the referendum for Scottish independence.
Professor Anthony Cleare, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on recent research linking long work hours to depression and says that working long hours should be considered a potential risk factor for depression in some people.
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, says that countries are increasingly taking charge of their own humanitarian relief efforts and are reluctant to allow traditional non-government agencies to operate outside of their control.
Professor Friedbert Pflüger and Dr Frank Umbach, European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS), say that the increased use of shale gas will have a big impact on the global gas market.
Westminster School will be working with King’s to run a summer school for Year 11 pupils from state schools across London, with a major practical science assignment being a key part of the curriculum.
Dr Elisabeth Kelan, Management, says that women find it difficult to connect to women’s networks in the work place, as they are seen as something from a previous generation.
Dr Dusko Ilic, Women’s Health Division, warns against high expectations following the announcement of a possible new treatment for blindness using stem cells, saying there is a risk of patients being disappointed. He was also interviewed by BBC World News. His comments were reported by Reuters, BBC News, BBC Mundo, Daily Star, International Business Times and O Globo (Brazil).
Professor David Bartlett, Dental Institute, says that a new device which generates high pressure gas and liquid particles to clean out rotten teeth cavities could be a big step forward in dentistry but that it is a more expensive option that the traditional drill.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, says that America’s new focus on the Pacific region signals a new strategy aimed at tackling the emerging threat from China’s military build-up.
Professor Peter Braude, Women’s Health, praises a public consultation on gene therapy in eggs, saying that along with looking at the science and the bioethics, it is how ‘regulation should be done’.
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology & Religious Studies, who is involved in setting up the Russia Institute at King’s, says that the Institute will be engaged in a range of research, educational and public activities and will run Masters and Doctoral programmes. His interview also appeared in ‘Study India and Russia in London’’.
GlaxoSmithKiline, which is providing the drug-testing lab for the 2012 Olympics which is being run by the Drug Control Centre at King’s, is hoping to turn the facility into a long-term sustainable business.
Lin Zing, who is studying business management at King’s, says that although she will miss her family over the Chinese New Year period, she will celebrate with her friends in London.
Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, explains how they monitor air pollution in London at the monitoring station on Marylebone Road and links the rise in concentrations of certain particles in urban areas to a rise in hospital admissions (item starts 21:05).
A review of health and safety legislation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, from the Centre for Risk Management, which recommends the axing of a number of regulations to reduce red tape, is discussed by MPs in the House of Commons (item starts 25:58).
The Observer 22nd January 2012
Professor Mark Peakman, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, has found that killer T-cells, which protect the body from disease, also destroy insulin-producing cells, giving an insight into diabetes.
Katherine Grainger, who is studying for a PhD in the School of Law at King’s and is competing in the Olympics in rowing, talks about her childhood and current life.
Dr Jennifer Wild, Institute of Psychiatry, says that the behaviour of the owners of Costa Concordia breaches guidelines on treating people after disasters and that repeatedly asking victims if they were having nightmares might trigger PTSD.
Mint 21st January 2012
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, says that India is currently seeing a renaissance of its airport industry and that their high visibility and claims of success stories should be scrutinised.
Antonio Giustozzi, a Visiting Professor in War Studies, says that if France decides to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, other countries are likely to follow.
This week the GSK anti-doping laboratory, which will operate during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was unveiled. Led by Professor David Cowan from the Drug Control Centre, the team of scientists will analyse more samples than ever before in the most high-tech labs in the history of the Games. The launch received widespread national and international coverage, including BBC News, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Metro, Evening Standard, Financial Times, Reuters, Press Association, AFP, The Australian, Chicago Tribune, Global Post (Canada) and China Daily. Professor Cowan was also interviewed by BBC Breakfast, ITN, Channel 4 and Sky News.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, concludes that current political turmoil in Pakistan could push the military to act, especially as they regard the current government as a threat.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that the education system shouldn’t pretend vocational qualifications are worth as much to employers as GCSE’s are (item starts: 14:27).
The Independent 19th January 2012
Previously unseen handwritten manuscripts by Jane Austen were recently made available online, using technology developed at the Centre for Computing in the Humanities at King's.
Professor Tim Spector, Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, says that new research suggests genes are more important in deciding if you live to 100 or beyond than if you live to 85, and that hundreds of genes appear to be responsible for ageing.
Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that university departments are being forced to run classes for students to bring them up to speed on key concepts in maths.
Financial Times 19th January 2012
Dr Helen Yallop, History, discusses whether headhunting has a role in Higher Education, and suggests that academics are well qualified to conduct their own headhunting.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that although Russia is often accused of not changing its attitude since the Cold War, the same could be said of MI6, following revelations that a ‘spy rock’ was used by British agents in Moscow to download sensitive information.
Professor Irene Higginson and Barbara Gomes, Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, have conducted a study which found that more than one in five people are dying in their own homes, the highest figure for ten years. The study was covered by the Daily Express, Evening Standard, Daily Star, MSN UK, Huffington Post and the Press Association. Professor Higginson spoke to BBC Radio 4, and Barbara Gomes spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Bristol.
Professor Robert Plomin, Institute of Psychiatry, highlights the importance of recent research which finds that genetic differences account for 24% of the variation in a person's intelligence between adolescence and old age.
The anti-doping laboratory which will operate during the London 2012 Olympics, and is being run by King’s and GlaxoSmithKline, has been unveiled. Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drug Control Centre at King’s, said the team had superfast and super-sensitive techniques to detect drugs, and had developed a quick processing system (item starts 0:38:57). Professor Cowan also spoke to BBC Breakfast, BBC News and local BBC stations.
Professor Peter Braude, Division of Women’s Health, says that at some point researchers will have to test experimental reproductive procedures on humans and say they are ‘safe enough’ to begin testing.
Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that it looks doubtful that the Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, will be able to hold onto power for much longer as he faces up to charges of corruption.
Emeritus Professor Peter Zimmerman, War Studies, says that the assassination of key personnel in Iran could delay a nuclear programme in the right circumstances, but that none of those killed so far have been significant enough to make a difference.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary History, says that we should see judges, rather than Parliament, as the guardians of fundamental rights, even for unpopular minorities.
Nick Butler, Chair of the King’s Policy Institutes, says that there is a general perception that oil prices will begin to fall, due to changing supply and demand and the potential easing of political tensions between Iran and the West.
Professor Becky Francis, Department of Education & Professional Studies and Director of the Royal Society of Arts, conducted a report last month which found that ‘satisfactory’ schools were disproportionately in poorer areas and more likely to have disadvantaged pupils.
Professor John Fabre, Transplantation Immunology & Muscosal Biology, says that presumed consent for organ donation is not the way forward and implementing such a system would cost the NHS a considerable amount of money. He also spoke to BBC Radio Wales.
Professor Malcolm Lader, Institute of Psychiatry, gave evidence in a tribunal on the harmful side-effects of Dalmane, a tranquiliser.
Solicitors Journal 17th January 2012
Dr Graham Cookson, from the Department of Management, has found in a report commissioned by The Law Society that plans to reform legal aid would save less than half the money predicted by the Government. The report was also covered by the New Law Journal.
As the Captain of the Costa Concordia is accused of abandoning ship, Professor Andrew Lambert, War Studies, says that throughout history, captains have often abandoned their vessels. His comments were also reported by Discovery News and the International Business Times.
Dr Katherine Foxhall, Department of History, said Victorian medical professionals often prescribed beer to patients, believing it to be nutritious and safer than drinking water due to the fermentation process (item starts at 25:27).
New Statesman 16th January 2012
King’s is one of the partners in the Francis Crick Institute, which will be the largest medical institute under one roof when it opens in 2015.
Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, says that if air pollution in London during the Olympics is especially bad, athletes could feel the impact on their performance and health. His comments were also reported by ITV News, LBC News, East London Lines, The Australian Times and MSN New Zealand.
Professor Mark Peakman, Immunobiology, has found new evidence of human T-cells attacking other cells which produce insulin, a discovery which could help diagnose and prevent type 1 diabetes. The research was also featured by the Japan Herald.
Tony Thorne, English Language Centre, says that the trend towards abbreviating words goes hand in hand with our accelerated lifestyle.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, says there is a lack of trust in modern politics in India but warns that a focus on social movements or the private sector cannot solve the nation's problems.
King’s is asking for A* grades for a number of courses for 2012 entry, including War Studies, History and Liberal Arts.
Emma Sky, Visiting Professor at the Department of War Studies, following a visit to Iraq over the New Year says it is too early to tell how history will judge the American era in the country.
A twitter account, @BreathingLondon, uses data from the Environmental Research Group at King’s to post sporadic tweets updating users as to the quality of air in different parts of the capital.
The Sun 12th January 2012
Research by the Dental Institute found that apples can be worse for teeth than fizzy drinks, due to high acid and sugar content.
Professor Gunter Schumann, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on research showing that white matter changes in the brains of people addicted to the internet.
Professor Colin Drummond, Institute of Psychiatry, says the Internet itself might not be fundamentally addictive, but that certain individuals might be drawn to it.
Dr Davina Quinlivan, Department of Film Studies, reviews 'Tatsumi', a Japanese film adapted from the memoir of illustrator Yoshihiro Tatsumi.
Monocle Radio 12th January 2012
Professor Guglielmo Verdirame, Department of War Studies, discusses how Interpol works and what powers it has, in the context of an Egyptian official wanted for war crimes appearing in London.
Professor Louise Archer, Education and Professional Studies Department, has conducted research which found fewer than one in five children aged 10-11 aspire to a career in science. The study was covered by The Scotsman and by BBC Radio Kent.
Professor Wyn Bowen, Department of War Studies, says the assassination of an Iranian scientist killed in Tehran is part of a wider effort to slow down their nuclear programme (item starts 16:50). His interview was also broadcast on the BBC News Channel.
Dr Graham Cookson, from the Department of Management, has found in a report commissioned by The Law Society that plans to reform legal aid would save less than half the money predicted by the Government. The findings were also reported by The Daily Telegraph, I, Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, Evening Standard, Daily Mirror, Morning Star, Politics.co.uk, New Law Journal, The Gulf Times and the Press Association.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, discusses growing ties between India and Japan and says they need to realise the full potential of their bilateral relationship.
Dr Peter Lee, Defence Studies Department, explores how Scotland might defend itself if it became independent and says Scotland would need a small, integrated, affordable defence force.
Dr Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies Department, comments on which people and topics received the most mentions in The Guardian in 2011, which included protestors, Libya and debt.
A report by Dr Graham Cookson, Department of Management, which claimed that reforms to legal aid would save less than half the money the Government had hoped, is discussed in the House of Lords.
Nursing Times 10th January 2012
Research from the School of Nursing has found that tightening immigration restrictions for nurses coming to the work in the UK from outside the EU has not benefited their home countries.
Dr Varuna Aluvihare, from the Transplantation Immunology & Muscosal Biology Division, will be operating on a 26 year-old patient who requires a liver transplant following alcohol abuse. The news was also reported by the Daily Mail and the Metro.
BBC Radio West Midlands 9th January 2012
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, from the Health & Social Care Research Division, comments on recommendations by MPs that people should avoid alcohol for at least two days a week. He also spoke to BBC Radio Wales and BBC South (Oxford).
Professor David Carpenter, Department of History, says that Matthew Paris, a chronicler of the thirteenth century, was unique in history given his close relationship with Henry III and that it was a curious partnership given that Paris was very critical in his writings about the King (item starts 48:12).
Times Higher Education 9th January 2012
Applications have opened for a summer school programme, in2ScienceUK, for sixth-form students which will allow them to spend two weeks working alongside scientists at King's.
Professor Ben Quash, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, explores what we mean by beauty and suggests it is a concept which we now hesitate to use.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, warns that growing Chinese influence in the Maldives presents real difficulty for India.
Dr Elena Antonova, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on how the brain learns a new skill such as exercise.
Professor Theo Farrell, Department of War Studies, says that unmanned helicopter drones could reduce the need for armed escorts to accompany supplies being delivered in Afghanistan. His comments, reported by AP, were also in The Seattle Times and by ABC News.
Professor Richard Vinen, Department of History, calls for an end to the demonisation of Margaret Thatcher by the political left in Britain. The article also appeared in the National Post (Canada).
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, Department of Education & Professional Studies, looks at the comeback of the works of C.S. Lewis and says they continue to have immense spiritual and intellectual power.
Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says the West is following India’s lead by engaging with Myanmar’s military government rather than isolating it.
Raffaelloa Pantucci, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, says he does not see an overall trend towards terrorism among the Uighur population in China, following tensions in the Xinjiang region.
The Times Literary Supplement 6th January 2012
A review of a book by Professor Markus Vinzent, Department of Theology & Religious Studies, on the importance of Christ’s resurrection in early Christian thought and worship
Dr Lucy Wooding, Department of History, reviews a book on the lives of ten popes.
Professor Al-Chalabi, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the 70th birthday of Stephen Hawking and Lou Gehrig's disease. His comments were also reported in the Times of India, New Zealand Herald, Gulf News, Shanghai Daily, MSNBC and the Huffington Post
Professor Matthew Hotopf, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about assisted suicide.
Professor Anatol Lieven, Department of War Studies, comments on the decision by the USA to reduce defence spending and suggests that America will rely more on special forces in the future (item starts 2:54:42).
Nature 5th January 2012
Professor John Ellis, Department of Physics, says that the standard model of physics is incomplete, regardless of whether or not the detection of the Higgs Boson is confirmed.
Dr Alex Dregan, from the Health and Social Care Research Division, has conducted research which has found that occasional use of cannabis or other drugs does not appear to impact on mental decline in middle age. The study was also reported by the Daily Mail, Fox News, CNBC, Sydney Morning Herald, Yahoo News India and the Indian Express.
Professor Theo Farrell, Department of War Studies, comments that the Taliban may want to increase their options ahead of NATO withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2014, following news that they are to open an office in Qatar. His comments, given to the Associated Press, were also reported by the Huffington Post, Homeland Security and Military.com.
Dr Elena Antonova, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about how Mindfulness Meditation can help reduce perception of stress and pain in patients. Her comments were also reported by BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Regional.
Professor Ben Bowling, School of Law, comments on the outcome of the Stephen Lawrence trial and discusses how the relationship between the black and Asian communities and the police has changed since the murder (item starts 1:12:20). Professor Bowling also appeared on the BBC News Channel, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC London and BBC Radio Wales.
Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, who is an adviser to the ‘catalytic clothing’ project which aims to produce clothes which purify the air around them, comments that it could be one possible solution to dealing with air pollution in cities.
Dr Harsh Pant, Department of Defence Studies, states that Chinese naval expansion, including a base in the Seychelles, shows that it intends to assert its growing power in the Indian Ocean.
King’s is to launch a new programme on the Abrahamic faiths, with Dr Adam Silverstein as the first Director of the new courses.
King’s is opening a new chemistry department, with a focus on developing chemists for biomedicine. The news is also reported by Chemistry & Industry.
Dr Sarah-Louise Quinnell, from the Researcher Development Unit, writes about her experience of her first academic post at King’s, having previously been a research student.
Press Release featuring research by Professor John Strang, Institute of Psychiatry, on Naloxone, an Overdose Treatment Drugs for Heroin. It was reported by CNBC, 4-Traders, Yahoo! Finance.
Dr Luke Bretherton, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes that David Cameron is wrong to say Britain is a ‘Christian Nation’.
BBC Knowledge 2nd January 2012
Professor Tim Spector, Department of Twin Research, comments on the nature of ageing and states that it is a gradual failing of mechanisms undermining the ability of the body to repair itself.
Research by the Environmental Research Group showed that fireworks can cause breathing difficulties by releasing tiny pollution particles into the air.
Dr Randolph Kent, Humanitarian Futures Programme, predicts a ‘new humanitarian world order’, where developing countries have the capacity to respond themselves to natural disasters (item starts 53:51).
Safety Express 2nd January 2012
The government has accepted recommended changes to health and safety rules, put forward in a review by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt from the Centre for Risk Management.
Professor John Ellis, Department of Physics, is interviewed about his research on supersymmetry, the field within which his work has been more cited than any other academic over the past decade.
Dr Preeti Patel, Department of War Studies, co-authored a report that found that countries recovering from war and widespread illness are at risk of exploitation by alcohol, tobacco and food companies.
Chibundu Onuzo, a final year student in the Department of History at King’s, is currently promoting her debut novel, ‘The Spider King’s Daughter’.
The Mail on Sunday 1st January 2012
Katherine Grainger, who is currently studying law at King’s, is competing in the Olympics in the double sculls rowing event this year.
BBC History Magazine 1st January 2012
A review of a book by Dr Nick Lloyd, Defence Studies Department, on the Amritsar Massacre, one of the worst atrocities committed by British soldiers in India.
BBC History Magazine 1st January 2012
Dr Michael Goodman, Department of War Studies, reviews a book on the story of Juan Pujol Garcia, a spy in the Second World War known as ‘Garbo’.
Dr Jennifer Wild from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London writes about people lacking the help they need to treat post traumatic stress disorder.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute for Contemporary History, has stated that stand-offs between an elected Lords and the House of Commons could make Britain more difficult to govern. Professor Bogdanor also spoke to BBC Radio 4 about the potential difficulties.
Dr John Bew, War Studies, analyses government papers released under the 30-year rule concerning the 1981 hunger strike at the Maze Prison, which show that Margaret Thatcher personally sanctioned concessions aimed at ending the strike.
Professor Simon Wessely from the King's Centre for Military Health Research comments on the prevalence of mental health issues amongst war veterans. The research was also reported in the Daily Mail.
CNN 28th December 2011
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European & International Studies, comments on the decision by banks in the Eurozone to deposit a record amount of money with the European Central Bank.
The King's Chapel Choir were featured on Choral Evensong for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, featuring music by Victoria, Ribera and JS Bach.
The service, which was recorded at St John’s Church Upper Norwood on Friday 25 November, was led by the College Chaplain, the Reverend Tim Ditchfield, and the Choir were conducted by College Organist David Trendell.
Professor John Ellis, from the Department of Physics, was named as one of the ‘Britons of the Year’ by the Daily Telegraph for his work on particle physics.
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on whether a stable Iraq is possible, in the wake of recent bomb attacks and cracks in the power-sharing government (item starts 08:59). He also spoke to Voice of America regarding instability in the country.
Professor Gideon Lack, Head of the Department of Paediatric Allergy, is researching the best way of protecting children against harmful allergic reactions to food.
Daily Mail 24th December 2011
A profile of Professor Peter Higgs, who studied at King’s and proposed the existence of the Higgs Boson, which was potentially glimpsed for the first time recently.
King’s is launching a programme in Abrahamic faiths, news highlighted in a discussion on the use of the term ‘Abrahamic’ over ‘Judeo-Christian’ in society and public life.
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, discusses the difference between science and religion.
A broadcast of a debate held at King’s on emerging superpowers, as part of the World Questions, King’s Answers series, featuring academics from the Chinese, Brazilian and Indian Institutes (item starts 0:22:19).
Dr Jennifer Wild from the Institute of Psychiatry joins Shelagh Fogerty and guests to discuss how to deal with missing your children at Christmas.
Mohammad Aslam, a PhD student from the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Department, writes a column on attempts by the CIA to spy on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Research by Professor Jesper Lagergren, from the Division of Cancer Studies, has found that obesity could be driving a 50 per cent rise in acid reflux over the last decade, a condition which can trigger oesophageal cancer. The study was also reported by the Press Association, Huffington Post UK, MSN UK and Yahoo News.
Deborah Bull has been appointed the first director of King’s Cultural Partners at King’s College London, where she will work to develop links for teaching and research across the cultural and creative industries.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European & International Studies, discusses the death of Kim Jong il and the succession of his son, and comments that it is unlikely there will be any drastic change in North Korea’s direction (item starts 04:19).
Professor Simon Wessely from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's comments on the withdrawal of a study linking Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to a virus. Also reported by Channel 4 News
Research by Dr Shereen Hussein, from the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, has shown that at least 150,000 care workers are being paid less than the minimum wage.
Emma Sky, Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies, comments on recent bombings in Iraq, and states that such incidents don’t necessarily mean a descent into a spiral of violence (item starts 09:43).
Dr Gareth Owen from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's discusses the concept of patient choice with regard to mental health capacity.
A book by Dr John Bew, War Studies, on Lord Castlereagh was included in a list of political books of the year by BBC parliamentary correspondent Mark D’Arcy. It was also included in a list of 'The Best Books of 2011' by Total Politics.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute for Contemporary History, discusses the constitutional issues surrounding who would take over in Government if the Prime Minister were to die (item starts 46:01).
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European & International Studies, comments on the state of the regime in North Korea following the death of Kim Jung-il, and what the consequences might be for the nation’s citizens, both in the capital Pyongyang and the rest of the country (in Italian). He also spoke to the Dutch version of the Metro, and Protagonistas radio (Spanish).
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes on the potential discovery of the Higgs Boson and the implications for scientific method and how we view the world around us.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, states that a recent conference on Afghanistan failed to achieve anything substantial, and major stakeholders continue to hold differing views on its future.
The Times 19th December 2011
Barbara Lauriat, from the School of Law, argues that copyright law in the UK needs to be reformed, and that it is crucial to economic growth.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, assess a recent meeting of the USA, India and Japan which likely focused on China’s growing influence in Asia, and says that by building up its own military and making territorial claims, China has brought on such a response.
Dr Alessio Patalano, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the purchase of F-35 planes by Japan, and warns that due to high costs and concerns over stealth capabilities, it is a risky decision.
Dr Alessio Patalano, from the Department of War Studies, discusses the options for the Japanese military in upgrading its aircraft.
Professor Michael Fisher, a King’s alumnus, talks about being a student with Professor Peter Higgs, who predicted the existence of the Higgs Boson (item starts 02:40). A profile of Peter Higgs was also featured on the BBC website.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute for Contemporary History, comments on the West Lothian question and how the issue first arose when home rule was proposed for Ireland (item starts 38:43).
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, chooses his favourite books on military subjects from the past year.
A profile of Professor Peter Higgs, who studied at King’s College London in the 1950s and first theorised the Higgs Boson particle, which was glimpsed for the first time this year following experiments at CERN.
Deborah Bull has been appointed Director of King’s Cultural Partners, leaving her previous role at the Royal Opera House. The news was also reported by The Stage.
Simon Tanner, Director of Digital Consultancy (KDCS) at the Department of Digital Humanities, is on the panel for an online Q&A on the purpose of Higher Education.
Senior Lecturer in Pharmacognosy Dr Paul Long and a team of researchers have suggested that penicillin doses for children should be reviewed as the guidelines have not been altered for 50 years. Some children may not be receiving effective doses, which could potentially lead to failed treatment and contribute to antibiotic resistance, as the guidelines have not taken into account the increase in the average weight of children over recent years. Also reported by BBC, Press Association, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, the Huffington Post, The Independent, Technorati, Indian Express and Gulf News. Covered by BBC Breakfast, ITV's Daybreak and Radio Five Live.
Dr Bob Patton of the Addictions Department at the Institute of Psychiatry commented on the effects of alcohol poisoning.
Press Association 16th December 2011
Professor Andrew Shennan, from the Division of Women’s Health, co-authored an editorial on the fact that many maternal deaths in the UK are associated with substandard care, and are potentially preventable.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the Chinese decision to build a naval base in the Seychelles, its first such base abroad, and the implications for India.
The Times Educational Supplement 16th December 2011
Dr Bethan Marshall, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments that teachers tended to teach the same books even before the national curriculum came into being.
Dr Mark Mulligan, from the Department of Geography who led a report on climate change and changing rainwater levels in Africa, comments on the need for the continent to adapt to flexible farming methods in order to retain water.
Channel 5 16th December 2011
Dr Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, comments on the jailing of Carlos the Jackal in France for life, and refers to him as a ‘celebrity terrorist’.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, answered questions on how safe nanotechnology is and what impact it is already having in our everyday lives, in an online Q&A session.
Dr Davina Quinlivan, Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Film Studies, reviews the latest Sherlock Holmes film.
A brass desk set embellished with ammunition shells which belonged to Lieutenant General George Francis Milne, and which was donated to the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives at King’s in 1980, is featured in a series on peculiar objects owned by universities.
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments that there are parallels between the search for the Higgs Boson and the search for God.
The article looks at the recent deaths from alcohol poisoning in India. The Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Bob Patton speaks on the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol.
Professor Jane Sandall, from the Women's Health Academic Centre, took part in a roundtable discussion on the future of obstetric care.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, gave expert advice at a special meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), which reaffirmed plans for UK combat forces to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Dr Petra Dolata, from the Department of Political Economy, comments that the Canadian government is set on a unilateral approach to climate change policy, following its withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol.
Professor Sebastian Lucas, Head of the Department of Histopathology, performs a post mortem and discusses their decline, and why they continue to be important to medicine.
Prof Matthew Hotopf and Prof Trudie Chalder, both from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's, comment on BMJ research into school children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Also reported by Press Association, BBC News Online and BBS Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Independent (Ireland).
Professor Roger Brownsword, from the School of Law, has said that neuroscience should be of the debate around the question of the age of criminal responsibility, as part of a report on the issue by the Royal Society. His comments were reported by Reuters and was featured in the Daily Star (Lebanon).
Dr Malcolm Fairbairn, from the Department of Physics, says that finding the Higgs Boson would explain why other particles have mass, but that any discovery won’t have any immediate implications for a few thousand years. The video was filmed by AP and was also featured by ITV News and MSN UK.
Stuart Woollard, Director of King’s Management Learning Board, comments on the need for firms to focus on creating a sustainable workforce with long-term viability.
Professor John Ellis, from the Department of Physics, talks about the significance of the Higgs Boson, which is being searched for at CERN, and how it fits within the ‘standard model’ of physics (item starts 22:27).
His comments on the findings at CERN announced this week appeared in the Science (USA) and CBS News (USA) and he was interviewed by Al Jazeera.
Deborah Bull is joining King’s as Director of King’s Cultural Partners in March next year, stepping down from her role as creative director of the Royal Opera House.
Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, recommends his best spiritual and theological books of 2011.
‘Pakistan: a hard country’, by Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, is chosen as one of the Economist’s ‘Books of the Year’ in the politics and current affairs section.
Professor Linda Cardozo, from the Women’s Health Division, comments on the risks of cosmetic vagina surgery. Her comments were also reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Morning Star.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the attitude of the Pakistani military towards India.
Dr Alex Clarkson, from the Department of German, comments that Germany used to be seen as the ‘sick man of Europe’. In the same article Dr Christoph Meyer from the Department of War Studies, states that the German economy is still vulnerable.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, predicts that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will survive current protests against his rule. His comments were also reported by the Irish Sun.
Research from the Department of Digital Humanities is the focus of a feature on the direction and purpose of the discipline. Professor Andrew Prescott, Paul Vetch and Professor Mark Turner from the Department of English are interviewed.
Professor John Ellis, from the Department of Physics, spoke to BBC Newsnight about the search for the Higgs Boson at CERN, and said he expects the first glimpse to be revealed next week.
Professor Peter Braude, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King’s, speaks about the submission of the first clinical grade human embryonic stem cells by a team at King’s (item starts at 2:46:54)
Professor Peter Braude, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King’s, speaks about the submission of the first clinical grade human embryonic stem cells by a team at King’s (item starts 2:23:10).
Professor Richard Vinen, from the Department of History, calls for a resumption of Margaret Thatcher’s political style in modern British politics. His comments were also reported in the Daily Mail.
Rumena Begum, PhD student in the Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics, took part in the first ever World Cell Race which involved growing cells as fast a possible in a petri dish.
Dr Piers Benn, Visiting Lecturer in the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, comments on the extra-judicial killings in the context of the deaths of Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and Anwar al-Awlaki.
Dr Matthew Moran and Dr Chris Hobbs, both from the Department of War Studies, comment on a debate concerning nuclear power in France following a break in by Greenpeace activists at a nuclear facility.
King’s have submitted to the UK Stem Cell Bank their first clinical grade human embryonic stem cell lines that are free from animal-derived products. The news was reported by BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, Channel 4 News, The Times, Financial Times, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Sun, Morning Star, Evening Standard, Reuters, Press Association, Irish Sun, Nature, New Scientist, BMJ, Virgin Media, Arab Times, South China Morning Post and Scientific American.
The Times 5th December 2011
Visiting Professor Becky Francis, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, conducted a study which recommends that schools which fail to improve should face a ‘three strikes’ threat.
Professor Jill Manthorpe, Director of the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, speaks about the services available to elderly people who are suffering abuse and the idea of a new phone service, ‘Silverline’ (item starts 1:43:20).
The Times 5th December 2011
Colin Drummond, Professor of Addiction Psychiatry, Professor Janet Treasure, Director of the Eating Disorders Unit and Sir Michael Rutter, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London were listed as 3 of Britain's top doctors for mental health.
Professor Simon Lovestone at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about how patients' brain scans can be used to diagnose dementia in light of the government's comments on translational research. (begins 17:40:09 ends 17:45:33)
Professor Efraim Karsh, from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, comments that democratic structures and values are unlikely to emerge in the Arab world due to the history of Islamic identity in the region.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the decision by Pakistan to boycott a conference on Afghanistan following an airstrike by NATO (item starts 11:02).
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, reviews a book comparing composers Wagner and Verdi.
Research by Dr David Andersson and Professor Stuart Bevan, from the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases into how paracetamol works is featured in a column on the importance of pharmaceutical companies.
Scientists from Cancer Research UK and King's have found the body protects itself from cancer in the same way it responds to allergies. The researchers have looked at the effect of potential causes of cancer such as tobacco smoke and ultraviolet light on the skin cells of mice. The research was also reported by the Kuwait News Agency and the Arab Times.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute for Contemporary History, asks whether democracy will succeed in the Middle East, and how Israel should react to the Arab Spring.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, says that Russia and its neighbours are likely to remain relatively stable in 2012, unless world energy prices collapse.
The Chemical Engineer 2nd December 2011
Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, from the Centre for Risk Management, discusses different methods for regulating chemicals, and argues for risk-based regulations.
Daily Express 1st December 2011
Professor Avijit Banerjee of the Dental Institute says dental practices should no longer be referred to as surgeries because this promotes negative images.
Alison Wolf, Professor of Public Sector Management comments that national rates sound 'attractively simple', but regional inequalities aren't recognised.
Professor Rory Miller, from the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Programme, co-authors an article on the lessons the UAE can learn regarding economic development and diversification from Ireland.
An Australian schoolgirl has created a portrait of scientist Rosalind Franklin in a petri dish out of fibrous salmon DNA, which is now on display in the Franklin-Wilkins library at King’s.
Dr Ingvar Bjarnason, from the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Internal Medicine, has conducted a study on the positive impacts of probiotic drinks on health.
Dr Guy Carpenter, from the Dental Institute, describes the results of an experiment into whether a mouthwatering sensation exists in humans at the suggestion of food. 'This study reinforces the idea that merely thinking of food doesn't cause a faster rate of saliva into the mouth,' he said. Carpenter proposes the mouthwatering sensation 'is due to small squirts of saliva entering the mouth when facial muscles squeeze on dilated salivary ducts.'
Professor Tom Fahy in the Department for Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London comments on Anders Breivik being declared insane
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King’s Centre for Risk Management, has conducted a review of health and safety measures which has proposed cutting and simplifying existing rules. The review was reported by BBC News, The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, Financial Times, The Sun, City A.M, Morning Star and Daily Star, and copy from the Press Association by Huffington Post UK, MSN UK and Virgin Media.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on the relationships between states in the Asia-Pacific following Australia’s decision to resume uranium exports to India.
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, spoke about the statue of Roman emperor Septimius Severus in Libya, which was removed by the former Gaddafi government.
Michael Gilmont, a PhD Researcher from the Department of Geography, comments on water management in Israel.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the significance of an attack on a Pakistani army post by NATO (item starts 04:51). Professor Lieven also spoke to 5 Live Breakfast.
Professor Ginette Vincendeau, from the Department of Film Studies, speaks to Michael Portillo about the French Resistance in culture and cinema following World War II (item starts 08:58).
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, spoke at the Great London Authority Intelligence event on the government’s welfare reforms and their impact on London.
A piece about the new Avantha Chair at the India Institute, mentioning Professor Sunil Khilnani who will be the first holder of the Chair.
Professor Gideon Lack, Head of the Department of Paediatric Allergy, is researching the best way of protecting children against harmful reactions to food. The story was also reported by the Times of India.
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes about the importance of encounter and dialogue in society being generated as a result of civic action.
Article looking into parent favouritism. Professor Stephen Scott of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about identical twin studies.
Dr Petra Dolata, from the Department of Political Economy, comments on criticism from Canada of Germany’s stance on NATO.
Dr David Andersson and Professor Stuart Bevan, from the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, have discovered how paracetamol works, paving the way for less harmful pain medication. The research was reported by the Press Association and BBC News, The Daily Telegraph, the I, Evening Standard, Daily Mirror, Daily Star and MSN UK.
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, writes about the increasingly diverse ethnic backgrounds of pupils in the UK’s schools.
Evening Standard 23rd November 2011
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, comments on the variety of buildings being converted into homes in London.
The Times 22nd November 2011
Professor Susan Bewley, from the Division of Women’s Health, comments on research which suggests that babies delivered by Caesarean sections are more likely to become over-weight as adults.
Professor Jonathan Brostoff, from the Division of Nutritional Studies, comments on whether producing bread in a different way could make it less likely to cause irritation to some people.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the King’s India Institute, wrote a piece on contemporary India for the launch of the new BBC India page. He said that India was 'at a crossroads' and needs new political imagination and judgement in order to take the tough policy choices that the country needs to move forward.
Dr David Barlow, from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, and Professor Peter Hylands, Head of the Department of Pharmacy, were interviewed about their database of chemicals found in Chinese medicines. *The piece also ran in US and French editions of China Daily.
A piece on the plans for a Russia Institute at King's to complement the existing Global Institutes with expertise in Brazil, India and China. Dr Marat Shterin, from the Department of Theology & Religious Studies, spoke to the Guardian about the news, as well as Russian language media. Also reported by Ria Novosti and BBC Russian.
The Guardian 21st November 2011
Dr Deborah Potts from the Department of Geography comments on youth unemployment in Zambia.
The Daily Telegraph 21st November 2011
Researchers at the College believe that if too much of the hormone leptin is present in a pregnant mother it may affect her child's ability to control weight in later life.
Professor Frank Kelly, from the Environmental Research Group, discusses what causes air pollution in London and what can be done to clean the air up (item starts 01:47).
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes about improving trade relations between India and Pakistan, after a recent summit held by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, from the Department of Public Health Sciences commented for a piece about young people in the UK not in education, employment or training ('neets') and how it might affect their lifestyles. 'Neets are more likely to smoke, drink and have poor diets. They also have more chance of getting caught up in violent situations,' he said.
An interview with David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, who speaks about the Government's policy on tuition fees.
Professor Christopher Hammond said there was a strong link between short-sightedness and greater levels of urbanisation and education.
Professor Frank Kelly, from the Environmental Research Group, commented on a new system to clean air pollution in London by using a solution to 'stick' pollution to the roads. The technique is a 'waste of public money' he said.
Putin would do well to study the fates of Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Shevardnadze writes Denis Corboy, Director of the Caucasus Policy Institute in the Department of War Studies. The opinion piece, in the run up to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union, also also ran in the International Herald Tribune and the Malaysia Star.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo commented for the LA Times in the aftermath of the Spanish general elections. He commented on the hope in Spain that the new Prime Minister will be able to solve Spain's economic problems. 'There's a memory that's still very strong in Spain that the Popular Party is better at managing the economy. If you look at Spanish economic growth between 1996 and 2004, that's when the Popular Party was in power. There was basically an economic boom,' he said. *The piece also ran in The Seattle Times.
One in 12 adolescents self-harm but most will stop in early adulthood, according to a study led by Dr Paul Moran at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's. *Also reported by The Daily Telegraph, Associated Press, Reuters, BBC News (Online), The Guardian, BBC One London News, The Times of India, Yahoo News. Dr Moran was also interviewed by the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast
Hafed Walda, a Research Fellow in the Department of Digital Humanities spoke to BBC Radio 4 as he returned from leading a fact-finding assessment of antiquities in Libya. He found locals were aware of, and engaged with their cultural heritage despite 42 years of suppression. His comments on the looting of priceless coins, statues and jewellery were also reported by CNN.
A piece in the Financial Times on new unemployment figures, which mentions a review carried out earlier this year on apprenticeships by Professor Alison Wolf in the Department of Management.
The study by Chris Hamnett looked at the changing demographics of schools between 1999 and 2009. Also featured in Daily Express, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Evening Standard.
King’s has received a £3.5 million gift from India's Avantha Group to endow a Chair that accompanies the Directorship of the India Institute. The new Avantha Chair will be responsible for advancing the India Institute’s goal to become the leading international centre for the study of contemporary India. The first holder of this prestigious new position at King’s will be India Institute Director Professor Sunil Khilnani. The story was reported by Press Trust of India (PTI), which ran in the Hindustan Times among other outlets.
Professor Lucilla Poston, from the Women’s Health division, was interviewed as part of a feature about the hormone Leptin and its role in regulating weight. She talks about her research into leptin produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and findings that leptin levels increase in the offspring of obese mice and rats in the first days of post-natal life, which could have an impact on the way the brain develops.
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on the call from the King of Jordan for the Syrian leader to step down. 'I don't think it will have an impact, so long as the Iranians are still with them and Russia and China are not actively working against them. Syria had already descended into civil war,' he said.
Professor Eric Taylor, from the Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about ADHD in children.
Dr Dusko Ilic, from the Division of Women's Health, comments on the news that U.S. biotech company Geron is to quit embryonic stem cell research. Dr Ilic also did an interview on the subject for BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, saying that investment is still needed in the field despite difficult economic times.
The Sunday Times 13th November 2011
Frank Kelly comments on urban air pollution.
The Mail on Sunday 13th November 2011
Dr Adam Perkins from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about the effect of exercise on mental health.
Dr Leon Barron, from the Pharmaceutical Science Division, comments on employment opportunities for students graduating from forensic science courses.
Professor Michael Shattock, from the Cardiovascular Division at the School of Medicine, explains how the heartbeat begins the process of pumping blood all around the body.
Dr Hafed Walda, a Libyan-born archaeologist and research fellow at King's comments on the looting of a large collection of priceless coins, statues and jewellery.
Professor Amanda Ramirez from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London talks about her research into why people in the UK delay seeing their GP with symptoms of cancer.
Professor Peter Heather, from the Department of History, discusses the history of the European Union and the nation state, in the light of the continuing economic crisis in the Eurozone (item starts 02:04)
The article looks at the high addiction potential of drug mephedrone, recently classified as Class B. The Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Adam Winstock speaks of the research he led. *also reported in The Telegraph
Professor Andrew Lambert, from the Department of War Studies, explains how Brunel planned to build the biggest ship the world have ever seen, the SS Great Eastern, to reach Australia (item starts 04:45).
Dr Laurence Scott, from the Department of Comparative Literature and English, gives a talk on the figure on the gothic heroine, as part of the Free Thinking Festival. Dr Scott is on of BBC Radio 3’s ‘New Generation Thinkers, a scheme to find the brightest minds in academia and turn their ideas into broadcasts.
Dr Leila Talani, from the Department of European and International Studies, comments to VOA about the level of Italian debt. Her comments were picked up by India Gazette.
Nature 10th November 2011
Geographer Mark Mulligan points out the Amazon as an area of untapped potential, with the world's greatest river system.
Professor Stephen Scott from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London comments on parenting research. *This was also reported by FoxNews online and DowJones
A profile of Rosalind Franklin, who co-discovered the structure of DNA when working at King’s in the 1950s.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on improving relations between India and Pakistan.
Professor Wyn Bowen, from the Department of War Studies, comments that Iran may have not yet taken the final decision over whether to build a nuclear weapon. His comments were also reported by the Huffington Post.
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes about the different meanings and grammatical forms of the word ‘secret’.
New Statesman 7th November 2011
Professor Theo Farrell, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the conflict in Afghanistan has, for the British Army, been a succession of six month campaigns.
Professor Pat Thane, from the Institute of Contemporary History, discusses collectivism and individualism as explanations for progress in history (item starts 20:15).
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, talks about how NATO avoided damage to Roman ruins in Libya during the conflict.
Using computer algorithms to analyze MRI brain scans can predict a patient's outcome in psychosis treatment. The Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Paola Dazzan comments on her research. *Also reported by MSNBC, Fox News, International Business Times, China Post, South China Morning Post and the Arab Times
Newsnight speak to Dr Paola Dazzan and Professor Shitij Kapur from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's about how developments in neuroimaging are changing treatments for mental health. (Begins at 32:32:00)
Professor Brian Hurwitz, from the Department of English, speaks about the importance of narrative in medicine.
Bethan Marshall, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, says that proposals to teach classic English novels at an early age could be a mistake.
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, takes part in a debate on the flaws in democracy, both in the Middle East and the West (item starts 00:45).
Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, talks about why Asia is so vulnerable to natural disasters (item starts 01:41).
Professor John Deathridge, from the Department of Music, considers the available recordings of Beethoven’s sixth symphony, the ‘Pastoral’ (item starts 00:36).
The Times 4th November 2011
Research by King’s and Birmingham University found that fireworks can break EU safety limits for air pollution.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur 4th November 2011
Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Till, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on tensions between China and its neighbours in the East Sea.
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, has said many of Libya’s ancient Roman sites were left undamaged during the recent conflict. The AP copy was reported by the New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Times and Sify (India), and Hafed also appeared on BBC Breakfast.
Professor Friedbert Pfluger, Director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS), spoke in Madras at an energy conference about the various options for Indian energy security.
The Times 3rd November 2011
Helen King, a research student working under Dr Claire Wells in the Division of Cancer, talks about her work on pancreatic cancer.
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, comments on that most of Libya’s heritage survived the conflict, despite a theft from a bank vault in Benghazi.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European and International Studies, commented on the ongoing crisis with Greece and the eurozone. 'Legally there is no way they can make Greece leave. It's just politics. They can put pressure on Greece, but it's up to Greece to do what it wants,' he said.
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, comments on the loss of the ‘treasure of Benghazi’, which was stolen during the conflict (item starts 18:08).
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European and International Studies gives an analysis of the current European financial crisis to CNN En Espanol.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, says that the US should start treating Pakistan as an enemy, rather than an ally, in the conflict in Afghanistan.
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, comments on the occupation outside St Pauls Cathedral. His column also appeared in the Huffington Post.
Prescribing antipsychotics for Alzheimer's patients might be unnecessary. Research by the Institute of Psychiatry, has shown that ordinary painkillers can be just as effective.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes on the close ties India is pursing with Vietnam and Myanmar.
Professor Sunilk Khilnani, from the King’s India Institute, argues for a single six-year term for the US presidency.
Professor Shitij Kapur and Professor David Collier from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talk to Tom Fielden about the difficulties in understanding and treating schizophrenia. The programme aired at 07.30am
Prof Sir Robin Murray from the Institute of Psychiatry talks about a new enquiry led by Rethink Mental Illness into how schizophrenia can be treated more effectively.
Dr Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe, from the Department of Classics, talks to Andy Hamilton about descriptions of the devil in the Bible (item starts 23:43).
Professor Mats Berdal, from the Department of War Studies, comments on what pressure can be exerted by the international community on the Syrian government.
Professor Gudjonsson of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about false confessions on the radio programme.
International Herald Tribune 31st October 2011
Dr Carool Kersten, from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, comments on the legacy of Egyptian scholar Hassan Hanafi, in an article on the side-lined role of intellectuals in the Arab Spring.
Dr Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, comments on the rising human population, and argues that equity will be a more important issue than the overall number of individuals.
Professor Johh Deathridge, from the Department of Music, explains the history of the ‘devil’s chord’ throughout music, using the organ in the College Chapel to demonstrate (item starts 15:45).
Dr Tim Jordan, from the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, talks about ‘hacktivism’, Wikileaks and movements including the Arab Spring and the global occupy movement (item starts 04:12).
Sun Jiabao, a student at the King’s China Institute, comments on the one child policy in China (item starts 30:15)
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanites, comments that the theft of ancient treasure from the National Commercial Bank of Benghazi could have been an inside job. His comments were also reported by the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Sun.
Institute of Psychiatry's Professor Michael Brammer speaks of a study that looks at drug hallucinations and neuroimaging.
Professor Peter Braude, from the Division of Women's Health, comments on a study which found that women who had undergone IVF treatment were more likely to develop ovarian cancer. His comments were reported by Reuters, Press Association, Daily Express, Fox News, The Globe and Mail (Canada) and CNBC.
Susan Bewley, Professor of complex obstetrics from the Division of Women’s Health, has written an open letter raising concerns about the national breast cancer screening programme, which is now the subject of an independent investigation. Her comments were reported by The Times, The Independent, BBC News, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Star, AFP, Sky News, Channel 4, ITV and Huffington Post.
A report by Professor Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) has recommended the targeting of middle mangers in al-Qaeda to undermine the organisation. The report was also covered by the Miami Herald.
Dr Thomas Rid, from the Department of War Studies, comments that we are unlikely to see a ‘cyber-war’ in the near future.
Dr Ernest Choy, from the Department of Rheumatology, says that more research is needed to find out how to maximise the benefit of an electrical therapy device for patients suffering from a chronic pain condition.
Dr Richard Kanaan from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about conversion disorder - a condition where patients have symptoms like paralysis, fits or loss of vision which can't be explained neurologically. (begins 00:02:47 ends 00:14:38)
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments that the US will continue to exert influence in Iraq despite withdrawings all its troops by the end of the year.
A piece about Diwali celebrations at British and US universities, mentioning a joint event organized by King's and LSE.
Professor George Szmukler from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about the importance of involving carers in mental health research and meets carers at the Mental Health Research Network. *Begins at 00:21:57
New Statesman 24th October 2011
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, writes a column on the need for a sense of purpose and a winning slogan in politics.
Dr Liza Filby, from the Department of History, comments on the potential referendum for Scottish independence, and the background issues in England and Scotland shaping the current political debate (in Catalan).
Professor Thomas Sanders, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on whether saturated fat causes heart attacks (item starts 0:56:20).
A review led by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King’s Centre for Risk Management, is expected to recommend scrapping some health and safety regulation.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the King’s India Institute, writes a column on the nature of prizes in public life.
Professor Roger Park, head of the Department of Music, comments on the interior of opera houses.
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments that NATO wanted to avoid sending in ground troops during the Libya campaign, which is why the conflict took longer than expected. His comments were reported by AP and the International Herald Tribune along with other global media.
Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, comments that many Libyans protected heritage sites during the conflict. His comments were reported by AFP.
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the NATO mission in Libya shows both France and Britain retaining significant diplomatic clout. Professor Chalmer's comments were reported by the Associated Press, and were reported by the New York Times and Houston Chronicle.
Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Jennifer Wild looking at the psychological impact of long-term unemployment (item starts 1:01:16).
Strong energy ties between Russia and Europe could be beneficial to both sides. But an intensive energy relationship can only work if it is based on equality, argues Professor Dr. Friedbert Pflüger, Director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King's.
Professor Stephen Dunne, from the Dental Institute, comments on undercover research which has shown poor quality care in public and private dental practices. Also reported in the I.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, argues that for India, Vietnam offers a point through which to ‘penetrate China’s periphery’.
Research from Institute of Psychiatry, led by Professor Myra Hunter, shows that women can experience menopause symptoms for up to ten years after the start of menopause.
Researchers from King’s have found that moderate wine-drinking appears to boost spinal bone density, potentially protecting against osteoporosis. The research was also reported in The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mirror.
Cyber war, long considered by many experts within the defence establishment to be a significant threat, if not an ongoing one, may never take place according to Dr Thomas Rid in the Department of War Studies. *Also reported by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS).
Professor Robert Plomin, from the Institute of Psychiatry comments on recent research into how teenage IQ can fluctuate according to brain development. *Also reported by MSNBC
Dr Emese Csipke from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's comments on recent research into Moodscope, a website that turns a standard mental health test into a card game.
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the relationship between education and a better-skilled workforce.
Dr Jonathan Hill, from the Department of Cardiology, comments on a new procedure for unblocking arteries around the heart.
Dr John Bew, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the legacy of Lord Castlereagh, who was Foreign Secretary in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (item starts 2:54:43).
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes a column on a group called London Citizens who have started a campaign on responsibility in financial institutions.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the King’s India Institute, writes a column on capitalism and the political left.
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the prospects for unemployed young people.
Professor William Wade, from the Dental Institute, comments on a new test for pancreatic cancer which analyses mouth bacteria.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes on Indian foreign policy towards Southeast Asia.
The Daily Telegraph 12th October 2011
King’s is one of the institutions working with Infosys to enable undergraduates to take part in placements in India.
Professor Paul Sharpe, from the Dental Institute, talks about his research using stem cells from human teeth.
A report by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, estimated that between a quarter and a third of teenagers were in vocational courses of little use to their future career.
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the language used to describe protestors and revolutionaries.
Dr Frank Kelly, from the Environmental Research Group, comments on findings that air pollution levels in areas of Bristol and Bath are exceeding EU limits. Dr Kelly also spoke to BBC Radio Bristol about the findings.
Professor Efraim Karsh, from Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes a column refuting arguments against Israel as a Jewish state.
Professor David Bartlett, from the Dental Institute, has led a study which found that eating food high in acid, such as apples, can be more damaging to teeth than carbonated drinks. The research was also reported by the Times of India and The Sun.
Dr Piers Benn, from the School of Law, discusses what prisons are for.
Professor Gisli Gudjonsson from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's comments on new research revealing a rising risk in people making false confession. *also in Independent Ireland
Dr Christoph Meyer, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the proposed Eurozone bailout is driving nations apart.
Metro 6th October 2011
King’s College London has been ranked 56 in the Times Higher Education world university rankings 2011-2012. The rankings were also reported by the Press Association.
Professor Anthony Young, from the St John’s Institute of Dermatology, has conducted research that has found UVA rays from sunbeds could be more dangerous than previously thought. The research was also reported in the Huffington Post, CBS News, Herald Sun (Australia) and Daily Telegraph (Australia).
Professor Robert Plomin from the Institue of Psychiatry at King's comments on the impact of children's educational environment in single-sex schools.
Dr Hayley Davies from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, discusses the importance children give to surnames (item starts 01:38).
Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Educational and Professional Studies, writes about the nature of modern humanism and atheism.
Professor Sir Michael Rutter from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks to Claudia Hammond about his English Romanian Adoptees Study.
Research by Dr Shereen Hussein, from the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, has found that 150,000 workers in the social care sector may be getting paid less than the minimum wage. * The research was also be reported by the Daily Mirror, Morning Star, BBC News, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 1.
Alexander Melegrou-Hitchens, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, writes a column on the significance of Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in Yemen on Friday. His comments were also reported by the Daily Telegraph and the Washington Post, and he discussed Awlaki's death on ITV News at Ten.
Professor David Cowan, head of the Drug Control Centre at King’s which will run the drug-testing facilities at the Olympics in a laboratory provided by GlaxoSmithKline, spoke at the Science and Ethics in Sport Symposium yesterday. The story, sourced from Reuters, was also reported by City AM, New York Times, Folha de Sao Paulo (Brazil), Reuters India, Toronto Sun, Daily India, The Straits Times, Sydney Morning Herald, Yahoo India.
Professor Keith Hoggart, Vice-Principal (Arts and Sciences) was interviewed about his visit to India, for the launch of a new alumni branch in Mumbai. News of the trip was also featured on Yahoo India and MSN India.
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, expresses concern over whether the rise in apprenticeships is tackling youth employment.
Press Association 2nd October 2011
Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments on how success in the Afghanistan campaign will be measured.
Shiraz Maher, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, discusses the impact of the death of Anwar al-Awlaki.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a profile of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
King's is due to launch its first alumni branch in Mumbai this week, to celebrate its growing connections with one of India's most dynamic cities. Professor Keith Hoggart, Vice-Principal (Arts & Sciences), will officially open the new branch on October 2. *Also reported by Deccan Herald, Yahoo India, MSN India.
Jonathan Mill at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about his recently published research on epigenetic changes associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Professor David Cowan, Director of the Drugs Control Centre, is taking part in the Science and Ethics in Sport symposium, hosted by The Times and on the subject of doping in sport.
Al Jazeera (English) 29th September 2011
Professor Bhupendra Jasani, from the Department of War Studies, was interviewed by Al Jazeera on the launch of the Chinese space station module, and how the Chinese programme compares with those of the USA and Russia.
A team at King’s, led by Professor Anatoly Zayats from the Physics department, has discovered a means of making glass more transparent - by coating it in a thin layer of gold. *The research was also reported in the Engineer, PhysOrg and the Post Chronicle (USA).
Cancer experts led by Dr Richard Sullivan, from the King’s Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, have written a report on the global cost of cancer care and called for a radical shift in cancer policy. *The study as also reported by BBC Radio 4, BBC News, Channel 4 News, Daily Express, The Independent, i, Daily Star, Press Association, Reuters, CBC (Canada), TIME Magazine, Huffington Post (USA), Bloomberg, The China Post and CBS (USA), The Indian Post, EFE (Spain), Folha de Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Globo (Brazil).
Dr Mieke Van Hemelrijck, from the Cancer Epidemiology Group, has presented research that suggests high blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. The study was also reported by ITV Daybreak, Metro, I, Press Association, Huffington Post, Irish Independent, Arab Herald and Times of India.
Professor Richard Sullivan, from the King’s Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, talks about the report he has led looking at the global cancer burden (item starts 1:08:58).
CNN International 27th September 2011
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from the Department of European and International Studies, was interviewed about the ongoing crisis in the eurozone and the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, comments on protests against nuclear power in India, and the other barriers the government faces to developing the technology.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from European and International Studies, comments on the potential outcome of the Spanish election in November.
Dr Samira Osalin, from the Salivary Research Unit, who is also Chairwoman of the Saudi Women’s Association in London, talks about the decision to allow participation for women in some elements of the political process in Saudi Arabia (item starts 16:05).
Professor Alan Maryon Davis, from the Department of Public Health Sciences, comments that changes to the NHS must not disrupt or delay flu vaccine supplies.
The Guardian 24th September 2011
Professor Max Saunders, from the Department of English, writes about ‘Parade’s End’ by Ford Madox Ford, a TV adaptation of which is being produced.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes a column on the historical context of recent protests and mobilisations in India.
Dr Dusko Ilic, from the Women’s Health Division, comments on the approval of the first European trial to conduct research of human embryonic stem cells.
Dr Jeremy Hodgen, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, talks about research he has conducted looking at the understanding of maths by teenagers (item starts 01:23).
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on India’s warming relations with Vietnam, in the context of competition with China.
Dr Rebecca Moazzez, from the Department of Restorative Dentistry, has conducted research which suggests heartburn symptoms can be relieved by chewing gum after eating.
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, writes a column discussing whether Somalia is more sophisticated than it appears.
Dr Harvey Cohen, from the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, comments on President Obama’s speech to the UN on Israel and Palestine (item starts 2:27).
Prof Simon Wessely from the Institute of Psychiatry discusses recent episodes at Cambodian factories in the context of mass sociogenic illness.
Professor Greg Kennedy, from the Department of Defence Studies, explains how a hypothetical war between Britain and the USA might have unfolded (item starts 31:32).
Professor Rory Miller, from the Department of Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, argues that European leaders are not up to the task of solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even though they feel they have a duty to be involved. He concludes that Europe should focus instead on what it does best: helping the Palestinians build a state.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies comments on the growing tensions between the Indian and Chinese navies in the South China Sea. *Comments also reported in TIME Magazine.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, comments on tensions between China and India.
Dr Gary Fuller, from the Environmental Research Group, reveals that air pollution levels soared during the riots in London last month.
Mother & Baby 18th September 2011
A feature that investigates how much impact parenting styles have on a baby's personality later in life. Professor Robert Plomin's research at the Institute of Psychiatry, into differences in traits of siblings is discussed.
Doris Stangl, a final year PhD student from the Nutrition, Neurogenesis and Mental Health Research laboratory led by Dr. Thuret from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London explains how her research has revealed a direct link between diet, the generation of new brain cells and their impact on mood.
Rory Miller, Director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies department, comments on the role Ireland has played in relations between Palestine and Israel, as Ireland was the first EEC country to use the word ‘state’ in relation to Palestinian rights, 31 years ago.
King's research is mentioned in a piece listing 20 reasons to be cheerful in the UK:
8 'The government has recently given £800m, the largest ever investment in early stage health research, to fund advances in the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Research into Alzheimer's disease is also among the best in the world, as seen, for instance, in the labours of a team of scientists at King's College London working on early diagnosis and intervention.'
Dr John Bew, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on the possibility of Martin McGuiness becoming President of Ireland (item starts 30:41).
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, is interviewed about the growth of apprenticeships in Britain (item starts 03:10).
Dr Laurence Scott, from Comparative Literature and English, discusses what role irony has in the modern world (item starts 12:05).
The Times 13th September 2011
Daniel Cullen, a nursing student at King’s, talks about his route into mental health nursing and his experience of the degree.
The World Alzheimer's Report is published today by Alzheimer's Disease International. The report was led by Prof Martin Prince from the Institute of Psychiatry. *The story was also reported by ABC News Australia, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Sun, Yahoo UK, MSN UK, The Daily Mirror, CNBC, Khaleej Times, Associated Press and Reuters.
Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the state of relations between India and Pakistan.
Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the linguistics behind describing crime.
Dr John Bew, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments that terrorism is a more likely threat to the Olympics than riots.
Professor David Cowan, Head of the Drug Control Centre, has warned that the 2012 Olympic Games will be the toughest yet for drug cheats. Professor Cowan's comments were also covered by the Press Association, Sky News, Vancouver Sun, The Independent, I, The Guardian, The Times, The Week, Associated Press, Washington Post and New York Times.
Dr Jeremy Hodgen, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, has presented research stating that there has been no improvement in the standard of maths education.
King’s is among institutions asking for A* grades for entry to some courses for 2012 entry.
Philip Howes, from the Institute of Making at King’s, explores the latest building technology including electrochromic glass and self-healing concrete.
The Observer 11th September 2011
Dr Lara Feigel, from the Department of English, writes a profile of the modern era of architecture, as part of the Observer Guide to Architecture.
WBEZ 11th September 2011
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the impact of 9/11.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on whether the Bush administration would have tried to invade Iraq even if 9/11 had not taken place.
Professor Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on America’s counter-radicalisation policy.
Prospective international students from China talk about improving their English language skills at King’s.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the feeling in Pakistan that Islam was ‘under attack’ from the USA.
Professor Gideon Lack, Head of the Department of Paediatric Allergy, talks about approaches to childhood allergies (item starts 26:26).
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the governance problems impacting on the Indian government. His comments were also reported in the New York Times and Arab News.
Professor Frank Kelly, Head of the Environmental Research Group, is backing the Healthy Air Campaign, which is lobbying for better air pollution controls.
Dr Isaac Sorinola, from the Department of Physiotherapy, describes why prospective students might want to study the subject.
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on whether McDonald’s labeling their food by calorie content will make any difference to customers.
Professor Peter Neumann, from the Department of War Studies, comments on German-language Islamist propaganda from central Asia, which is concerning security services. The Reuters copy was also reported in the New York Times and Kuwait Times.
Dr Michael Kerr, from Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, takes part in a programme looking at broadcast debates from the archives concerning Northern Ireland.
Professor Stephen McMahon, Director of the London Pain Consortium, talks about the latest research into chronic pain.
Dr Paolo Deluca, from the Addictions Department at the Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the UK policy on legal highs.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, discusses the global consequences of the 9/11 attacks.
Professor Rory Miller, Director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Programme, writes an article on the European policy towards the Israeli/Palestine conflict.
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice-Principal (Strategy and Development), comments that America should be pleased by the outcome of the NATO campaign in Libya.
New findings on military and civilian suicide bomb casualties in Iraq are released by the Institute of Psychiatry’s Madelyn Hicks and colleagues .The study found that there have been 1003 suicide attacks on Iraqi targets, which resulted in an estimated 12,284 deaths and 79 suicide attacks on coalition forces which caused about 200 deaths. Reported in The Guardian, CNN News, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, has conducted research which shows that 80,000 of London’s poorest residents could be driven out of the capital by welfare cuts.
Dr Christine Ecker, from the Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the use of brain scans in diagnosing autism.
Dr Bethan Marshall, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, talks about the impact of the reduction in funding for gifted and talented children (item starts 13:06).
James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on the defection of a Syrian Attorney General to the opposition movement.
Dr Paul Long, from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, has led research which has found how coral produces natural sunscreen compounds, which could be used to develop a new type of sunscreen for humans.
The research was featured in The Guardian, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Metro, BBC Radio 4 'Today', BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland, Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Press Association, AFP, ABC News, France 24, Canada.com, Sky News Australia, Daily India, Herald Sun, SBS (Australia), Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian and Times of India.
Professor John Strang, from the National Addiction Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust speaks about the Centre's N-Alive study, a randomised trial of take-home Naloxone to prevent heroin overdose deaths post-prison release. (begins at 0:40:43)
George Joffe, Visiting Professor in the Department of Geography, writes a column on the dangers ahead for the new Libyan government.
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on research which suggests chocolate consumption could be good for you.
Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the ascension of China following the war on terror.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, demonstrates how antiperspirants work (item starts 21:18).
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes a column on protests and riots taking place across the world, and their significance.
Dr Jonathan Hill, from the Defence Studies Department, commented on the bombing of a UN building in Nigeria (item starts 1:08:06) The interview was also broadcast on the BBC World Service.
The Department of Health announced that it will pledge over £112m of funding to two National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), and a new Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at King’s. * The story was also reported in the Gulf Times.
Dr Stephen Baxter, from the Department of History, presents a programme on what it was like to be a child in the Middle Ages.
Researchers led by Dr Carsten Flohr, from the Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology Division, have found that breastfeeding for four months or longer does not protect against childhood eczema. * The research was also featured in Times of India and the New York Times.
Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, from the King's Centre for Risk Management, has been appointed to review health and safety laws and report back with proposals to simplify them.
A survey has found that ‘expensive’ ‘fees’ and ‘cost’ dominate the words UK residents most associate with universities, but over half thought the main reason people went to university was ‘fun’.
Professor Pat Thane, from the Institute of Contemporary History, writes a column discussing whether historians should comment on current affairs, following the reaction to David Starkey’s comments on the riots.
A reference by Professor Maleiha Malik, from the School of Law, regarding how the Jewish community in London were referred to in the early twentieth century is included in a column.
A review by Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, into the value of courses taken after the age of 16 is mentioned in an article.
Professor Mats Berdal, from the Department of War Studies, commented that NATO would be relieved that the campaign in Libya appears to be ending, as they would not be able to sustain operations.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, explains what a polymer is, and how they are made (item starts 10:42).
Professor Simon Wessely, from the Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the threats he has faced from activists as a result of his research into chronic fatigue syndrome.
The Sunday Times 21st August 2011
James Thackeray, who is studying biomedical science at King’s in September, talks about re-sitting his A-levels.
Professor Andrew Lambert, from the Department of War Studies, reviews a book on the Royal Navy in World War II.
Rekha Rogers, who achieved A grades in French, Maths, Chemistry and Physics is studying medicine at King’s in September.
Coverage of the grades achieved by students beginning their studies at King’s appeared across the mainstream press including in the The Guardian, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and the Metro.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, writes a column opposing plans to reform the House of Lords.
Two National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), and a new Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at King’s College London, will receive over £112m of funding over the next five years from the Department of Health.
Baby monkeys have been found to grow up anxious and anti-social after the stress of separation from their mothers. The study, co-authored by Andrea Danese of King's College London, suggests changes to the brains of infant monkeys may be irreversible and could be a model for humans.
Nick Butler, chair of the King's Policy Institute, co-authors an article on the importance and development of the UK's water industry.
Professor Tim Butler, Head of the Department of Geography, comments on the aftermath of the rioting in England and the impact of gentrification (item starts 2:51:10).
Professor Lucilla Poston, from the Department of Reproduction and Endocrinology, comments on the trend for overweight women to have larger babies, and the problems associated with this (item starts 17:37).
Researchers at Institute of Psychiatry have found that people with a history of abuse or maltreatment during childhood are twice as likely to have recurrent episodes of depression. Also reported by BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, BBC Radio Five Live, BBC World Service, The Times, i, Reuters, BBC News Online, Channel 4 News, The Scotsman, Guardian Weekly, Fox News (USA), CBS (USA), Asian News International (India), Zee News (India), China Daily, Xinhua (China) and Shanghai Daily (China).
Dr David Mataix-Cols from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's comments on the causes and treatment of hoarding.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute at King's, writes a comment piece on the expansion and growth of the Indian economy. He notes that just as India benefited from globalization over the last 20 years, likewise the country cannot stay completely insulated now during times of crisis and instability abroad.
Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy, from the Women’s Health Division, has warned that a rising number of women are dying in childbirth in the UK because of underlying medical problems. * Professor Nelson-Piercy’s comments were also reported in The Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Mail, The Sun, The Mirror, Evening Standard, Morning Star, Gulf Times, AFP and the Press Association.
Professor Robert Plomin, from the MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, comments on research that has shown the importance of genetic factors in determining intelligence. *The story was also reported by Associated Press and ABC News
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, comments on the London riots and the motivations behind those taking part. *Also covered in The National (UAE), CBC (Canada), Live Mint (India), and Correio Braziliense (Brazil).
Emma Jackson, a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Geography, writes an article about the fundraising and marketing techniques used by breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, comments on the possible reasons behind the riots in London. * Professor Hamnett's comments were also featured in The National (UAE).
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, comments on the capabilities of the organisations tackling the famine in the Horn of Africa.
Professor Tom Sanders, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on the importance of weight management and exercise in controlling Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, explains how batteries work, and what they made of (item starts 19:02).
Dr Matthew Moran, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the possible causes of the riots in London, and whether they can be compared to the Paris riots in 2005.
Professor Rory Miller, Director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Department, comments on the Israeli bid to restart peace talks with the Palestinians.
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, a research fellow from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, writes a column on anti-Muslim political movements in Europe and their relation to the attacks in Norway.
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on salaries at the top levels of quangos.
Professor Simon Wessely, from the Institute of Psychiatry, is interviewed about the threats he has received during his study of ME, or chronic fatique syndrome (CFS).
Dr Stuart Hogarth, from the Centre for Biomedicine & Society, comments on infringement of patents by public sector laboratories. * Dr Hogarth's comments were originally reported by the Press Association.
James Denselow, a PhD student from the Department of Geography, discusses the response of the international community to the situation in Syria, and comparisons with Libya.
Professor Efraim Karsh, and Asaf Romirowsky, a doctoral student, both from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, write a column on the principle of ‘land for peace’ in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Professor Keith Ewing, from the School of Law, comments on use of social media during elections and whether it should be regulated.
Dr Bruce Malamud, from the Department of Geography, comments on whether we can predict natural hazards and how reinsurance companies can minimise risk from natural disasters.
Professor Jeremy Horder, from the School of Law, comments on the complexity of murder trials, and the possible implications if the death penalty was reinstated (item starts 18:38).
Research at the Institute of Psychiatry highlights the risks to fertility associated with eating disorders. Abigail Easter comments. * The story was also reported in The Times of India, the Independent, The Daily Mirror, Yahoo News UK, Sky News and the Press Association.
Sally Brearley, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the National Nursing Research Unit, comments on HealthWatch, a new body to champion the views of patients within the NHS.
Research by Dr Robert Francis and Dr Michael Chadwick, both from the Department of Geography, into ‘synurbic’ animal species, which are those particularly associated with humans and human habitation, is discussed in a column.
Dr Jennifer Wild, from the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, who trains staff in Norway to treat post traumatic stress disorder, talks about the approach being taken to victims of the attacks last month (item starts 1:50).
The pressures placed on women in their twenties, such as finding a relationship and achieving a career, are explored. These can cause women to binge drink, as research from the Intitute of Psychiatry showed.
Comments by Professor Simon Wessely, from the Institute of Psychiatry, on intimidation he has suffered as a result of his research into chronic fatigue syndrome, are mentioned in an article.
King's is in a list of institutions which has the highest percentage of undergraduates who achieve AAB or higher at A-level.
Dr Julia Snell, from the Education and Professional Studies Department, spoke to Stephen Fry about whether we judge each other by accents and language (item starts 04:38). * Dr Snell's comments were also reported by BBC Radio Humberside, The Daily Telegraph, Scottish Sun and the Daily Mail.
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, talks about the start of Ramadan and the impact it might have on fighting in Afghanistan and Libya (item starts 1:56:51).
Professor James Gow, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the success of the Yugoslavia war crimes tribunal. * Professor Gow's comments were also featured in the Vancouver Sun.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, demonstrates how you can make a degreasing agent from oranges (item starts 21:04).
Research from King's which identified the demographics of the most poorly performing GPs was published last month.
Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes a column about our attitude towards, and expectations of, democracy. * Professor Khilnani's comments were also reported by BBC News.
Professor Simon Wessely, Head of the Department of Psychological Medicine and Vice Dean of Academic Psychiatry, talks about receiving threats and intimidation from activists due to his research into ME or chronic fatigue syndrome (item starts: 2:10:04). * His comments were also reported on the BBC News website, by AFP, The Economist and the Daily Mail.
Professor Roger Morris, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, spoke about the need for animal research in some cases (item starts 34:40).
Dr Peter Neumann, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, comments on the precedent set by negotiating with terrorists.
Professor Malcolm Lader, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Psychiatry comments on addictions to prescription drugs.
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, comments on how there has been little criticism of the Norwegian police following the attacks there.
Research by King's into the length of time prescriptions for drugs are issued for is mentioned in an article.
Dr Denis Corboy, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies, co-authored an article stating that Europe is best placed to foster change in the Arab World.
Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, demonstrates how to make soap, as part of a programe looking at the science behind everyday objects (item starts 02:30).
Dr Jennifer Wild, from the Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the difficulty some survivors of the attacks in Norway might have with survivors' guilt. * The cop was reported in the New York Times, the Sydney Morning Herald, The China Post, Times of Oman, MSNBC and Yahoo World.
Gary Horrocks, Director of Student Experience Support, discusses the performance of Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall in 1961.
Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, comments on the response of the international community to the famine in the Horn of Africa (item starts 04:26).
New Statesman 25th July 2011
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, reviews the memoirs of former Times editor William Rees-Mogg.
Professor Jeremy Ward, Head of the Department of Physiology, comments on a breathing device which claims to help you lose weight.
Dr John Bew, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, comments that there has been a lack of research on far-right extremism, following the attacks in Norway.
Sky News 25th July 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, talks about the security threat to the UK following the attacks in Norway.
Breakfast 24th July 2011
Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the possible motives behind the attacks in Norway. * Dr Gearson's comments also appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes a column on the relationship between India and the USA.
Jonathan Paris, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on who could have carried out the attacks in Norway. * His comments were also reported in the New York Times.
Dr Huw Davies, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on the relatively small size of the British army during the 19th Century, in comparison to proposed reductions in troop levels of the modern army.
Professor Tim Spector, Director of the Department of Twin Research, comments on whether genetics plays a role in success in life, with reference to the Freud family.
Reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have a more difficult time returning to their previous lives than full-time soldiers. These are the findings of a report led by Dr Samuel Harvey from the Institute of Psychiatry. * This story was also reported by Fox News.
Professor Christopher Shaw from the Institute of Psychiatry, was part of a panel which has launched a report detailing that better regulation is needed to govern rapidly expanding research in animals containing human tissue or genes. *The story has been published in Reuters, Sunday Times, SBS Australia and Financial Times (worldwide).
A study by Dr Samuel Harvey, from the Institute of Psychiatry and Professor Christopher Dandeker, from the Centre for Military Health Research, has found that Reservists have more problems adjusting to civilian life than regular soldiers do.
Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on proposals to remove certain school subjects from league tables.
Maxine Taylor has been appointed Director of External Relations at King's.
Professor Roger Morris, Head of the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, comments on the need for animal experiments in some research (item starts 12:55).
Dr Mahbub Gani, from the Department of Electronic Engineering, comments on a programme encouraging young people to join the microchip industry in the UAE.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, comments that Prime Minister's Questions doesn't have much of an impact on the public perception of politics.
Research by King's into a gel which can be rubbed on teeth and gums to prevent decay is featured in an article on recent scientific breakthroughs.
Dr Belén Vidal , from the Department of Film Studies, comments on the appeal of historical TV dramas.
Professor David Cowan, head of the Drug Control Centre, explains how the drug testing facilities at the Olympics, in a laboratory provided by GlaxoSmithKline, will work. * Reuters copy was provided in China Post, New York Times and Gulf Times (Qatar).
This article draws on research by Professor Sube Banerjee from the Institute of Psychiatry and published in The Lancet. The paper concluded that drugs sertraline and mirtazapine, commonly prescribed to dementia patients, "provided no benefit yet increased side effects in these patients". The story was also featured in The Daily Express, Daily Mail, MSN and CNN.
Dr Hannah Crawforth, from the Department of English, discusses the Elizabethan play 'A Woman Killed with Kindness' (item starts 14:26).
Professor Justin Dillon, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, reports on the Science Teacher Journal Club, a network of science teachers who discuss new ideas.
A mother's stress can spread to her baby in the womb and may cause a lasting effect, Dr Carmine Pariante, an expert in the psychology of stress at the Institute of Psychiatry, said: "This paper confirms that the early foundation years start at minus nine months." *Also featured in The Telegraph.
Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on efforts by India and China to build close ties with Myanmar.
Professor Clive Ballard, from the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, has found that dementia patients can be treated for agitation with painkillers. * Also reported on Channel 4 News, Daily Mail and the Times of India.
Martin Keulertz, a PhD researcher from the Department of Geography, warns about the cost of a project in Saudi Arabia to create a desert in the sand.
Robert Fox, from the Centre for Defence Studies, comments on a report by the Commons Defence Committee that pulling British troops from Afghanistan could be dangerous. * Robert Fox's also commented on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Researchers from King's were involved in a study which has found that mephedrone is now more popular in the UK than other illegal drugs.
Professor Catherine Shanahan, from the Department of Cardiology, has led research into a protein which increases in heart vessels with age, a study relevant to a rare childhood condition called progeria.
Research by King's College London, which suggested that the age of a father can have an affect on the deficits in behaviour of their offspring, is mentioned in an article.
The Government has welcomed calls from academics and one of the world's biggest research charities for the results of research to be made available as widely as possible in the public domain.
Government plans to let some universities decide the content of A-level courses have been met with a mixed reaction from academics and teachers.
The Government has announced a £100m fund to boost university research in the UK through private sector involvement.
Students at universities across the country, including King’s, took part in a national day of action to protest against changes to higher education. The demonstrations were covered by The Guardian, Daily Express and the Press Association.
The Guardian 7th March 2012
More than 10,000 undergraduate student places have been awarded to further education colleges.
Universities UK has warned that tightening student visa rules is undermining the drive to raise income from overseas students.
The Government has scrapped plans to impose penalties on students who pay university loans back early.
Business Secretary Vince Cable is resisting attempts by Conservative MPs to block his choice of Les Ebdon as the new head of the Office of Fair Access (Offa).
There was a 4 per cent rise in the number of female professors at UK universities last year, according to new figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, but they are still heavily outnumbered by men.
Figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that the proportion of undergraduates receiving first-class degrees has risen to 15.5% in 2010-2011 from 12.6% in 2006-2007.
Payday loan company Wonga has removed pages from its website after protests branding it irresponsible for targeting students.
The government has announced plans for a privately-funded science and technology graduate university.
A summary of the debates and issues surrounding higher education policy over the past year, and a look towards 2012.
25 universities have revised their tuition fee packages, and had them approved by the Office for Fair Access.
A protest in London against university fee increases passed off peacefully.
Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has found that children born in August are less likely to attend top universities.
University applications for 2012 are running at 9% lower than the same point last year, says the Ucas admissions service.
As many as 28 universities are considering lowering the fees they will charge next year.
The number of pupils being given the top A* grade at A-Level could be limited in the future.
Universities UK has warned that a drive for a market in Higher Education could damage social mobility.
UCAS has privately proposed that from 2016 pupils should apply to university only after they have received their A-level grades.
At least 12 universities are said to be reconsidering their decision to charge £9,000 fees, according to the Office for Fair Access.
A survey has suggested that 28% of 2007 UK graduates were not in full-time employment three years later.
A-level results have shown a growth in popularity of maths and science, with some universities warning that not enough state school pupils are taking these subjects.
A survey has shown that students beginning their courses in 2012 could have a debt of nearly £60,000 once they graduate.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Simon Hughes has called for scholarships to university to be offered to 15-year-olds from low-income households.