Press cuttings

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. Please submit any media mentions to the Public Relations Department pr@kcl.ac.uk 0207 848 3202. There is also a searchable Archive (see left) going back to 2004.

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An ever-deeper democratic deficit

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.'

Can bullying be beaten

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.

Rugby League's great drug cover up

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.

How brand Windsor bounced back in time for diamond jubilee

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.'

Business as it has always been or a new educational era for law?

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'.

Levels of dementia underestimated in China and other developing nations

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 and Health News Network.

Willetts to make funding announcements in industrial strategy speech

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.

New unit opens for recovering addicts

The National Rehabilitation Centre in United Arab Emirates has partnered with King's and UAE University to offer certified training in addiction treatment.

Met Office: How to count pollen

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'.

Somalia's private sector can help rather than hinder development

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'.

Cambridge tops Guardian University Guide league table again

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.'

How London 2012 will beat the drug cheats

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.'

Strategic U.S.-China-India balancing act

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.'

Overuse of drugs causing Aussie dementia deaths

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)

Musical Therapy

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.

Classical releases

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.'

Yes... yes... whatever

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.'

Nato fears split over Afghan withdrawal will fuel bloodshed

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.

Closing libraries is like denying oxygen

Alumnus Michael Morpurgo talks about enriching childhood with literature, in the run up to his Library Lecture at the Telegraph Hay Festival.

There's no more vicious rivalry than between sisters - and I should know, I've got five

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.

Coffee-powered cannabis cars and bambara breakfasts on Plants Day

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.

You and Yours

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.

Why cupcakes are the new cocaine

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.'

Betting against markets of Spain threatens to deepen the crisis

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.

Stevie's tragic last flight

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'.

Experts Try to Chart Path for Exit From Currency

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).

Fertile past unearthed from sands of Arabia

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.

The World Tonight

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.

The most important photo ever taken?

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
helix.'

Today Programme

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.

Teenage girls face sexting threat from friends

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.

Could you cope in Copenhagen?

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.'

Exceptional ordinariness

Dr Christopher Tribble, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes why the unusual may not be so different, and what makes something newsworthy.

Making History

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.

Things Ain't What They Used To Be

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.’

The curtain rises on the capital's brave new world

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'.

Tories and Lib Dems - beware the grassroots

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'.

Between Embodiment and Identity

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.'

Banned junk food on sale in nine out of 10 academies, research finds

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).

New treatment for brain cancer could extend life by two years

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.

So you want to be the new Brian Cox? … How to become a celebrity academic

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.'

Pakistan's Money Woes Delay Weapon Programs

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.

Beyond India's second-strike ability

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.'

'Skinheads made my life hell. So I joined them'

British actor and King's alumni Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, is making a film of his 'extraordinary' life story.

For a huge number of people, contemporary classical music is just closed. It's a very peripheral activity within our society, I fear

George Benjamin, Henry Purcell Professor of Composition, comments on his progression as a composer.

Mind & Matter: How Dickensian Childhoods Leave Genetic Scars

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.

Off and running, Olympic torch is lit and bound for Britain

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.

How Dickensian Childhoods Leave Genetic Scars

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.

Al Qaeda's Most Dangerous Franchise

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.

China Town

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.

Off and running, Olympic torch is lit and bound for...

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.

Experts unconvinced by changes to psychiatric guide

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

Africa's clothes curse

In response to an article on the global secondhand clothing trade Dr Andrew Brooks, Department of Geography, says the scale of trade is underestimated.

Training and support for world-class educators

In a feature about teaching careers, Lisa Sayers, a King's alumna, is featured as a case study.

Scholar's paper doesn't add up

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'.

World's Scariest...Weather

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.'

The King and the Playwright

Professor Gordon McMullan, English, speaks about Shakespeare and early modern theatre and culture.

India's diplomatic balancing act

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.'

Scientists seek twins to see how pollution makes us ill

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.

Lords reform

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.

Decrease in student places poses 'significant risk' to care standards

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.

US bomb plot

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.

Study finds psychopaths have distinct brain structure

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).

Mental Health Stigma Changing with Time

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

Injection offers Alzheimer's hope

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).

Social attitudes towards single parents

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.

'Antipsychotic drugs made me want to kill myself'

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

Are most deaths from pre-eclampsia avoidable?

A piece by Professor Andrew Shennan, Women's Health, and colleagues following a recent report into maternal deaths.

Desperate Sarkozy in pitch for fascist vote

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.

Greece: who are the neo-Nazi party's "Golden Dawn"?

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.'

My space: George Benjamin (Composer)

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.

The Dark Lady of DNA

A review of a new book about Rosalind Franklin, whose work on DNA was carried out while she was at King's.

How to export the principals of the peace process

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.

Rumors of BRICS' recent rise are exaggerated

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.'

Body Pods podcast: The Eye

Dr Dominic ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry and Silvia Mercuriali collaborated on this unique podcast about the eye available as a Guardian Culture Podcast.

Brazil pledges investment fund for Africa

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.

Power to the people

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'.

PM

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'.

Boulton & Co

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'.

A viable plan for making Afghanistan safe from terror

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.'

How bad is London's air quality? Find out using this interactive tool

The Guardian has featured an interactive map, created by the Environmental Research Group at King's, where pollution levels across London are mapped.

Successful "electronic eye" offers hope for the blind

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.'

Five big questions of The British Empire: What impact did the American Revolutionary War have on the British Empire?

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.

Cut back on regulations that prevent job creation

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.

Sion's library

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.

First London, then UK?

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.

Breathing easy in the big smoke

Dr Ian Mudway, Environmental Research Group, says that joggers should avoid busy roads and areas with lots of traffic to avoid air pollution.

Are you thinking yourself sick?

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.

When Washington burned

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'.

Bin Laden's death hurt al-Qaeda...but now it hunts with lone wolves

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'.

Can't get a decent night's rest? Call the Sleep Squad

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'.

Holding back the hands of time

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.

Good Morning Scotland

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'.

Linear-collider teams join in rivalry

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.

The Crick: Bringing innovation to UK health

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.

Flares of brilliance

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'.

Doubling of maternal death rate blamed on shortage of midwives

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.

UKIP is giving Englishness the voice it craves

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes that it is unsurprising that the Lib Dems have plummeted in the polls.

Scotland would become like Greece after independence, says academic

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).

Killers of beheaded Briton in Pakistan 'to release video'

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.'

What part should universities play in fostering academic talent?

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.

Drug use linked to nerve circuits

Professor Gunter Schuman, Institute of Psychiatry, leads the IMAGEN consortium which found that drug use is linked to specific nerve circuits in the brain.

Mary Beard Classicist with the common touch

Professor Mary Beard, a Cambridge academic and presenter of new BBC2 series, Meet the Romans, lectured in classics at King's.

Agni-V missile test moves India past its old rivalries

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'.

Epigenetic changes linked with ageing

Academics within the School of Medicine have discovered that 490 genes linked with ageing showed signs of epigenetic change.

Return of the startechies

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.

Experts: Mass killer Breivik likely not insane

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.

Bullied Children 'Three Times More Likely' To Self-Harm

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.

Creative industries link up at Cr8net

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.

Don't give up yet

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute of Contemporary British History, writes on Labour's electoral chances.

Autobiographer

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.

Google backs online forum for ex-terrorists

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'.

How Zoellick beat World Bank hoodoo

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.

'Overreacting' managers take impact too far, debate hears

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.

It can spy and also do a hundred humdrum things

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.

Rogue DNA could trip the heart

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.

Research into childhood diabetes cure

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'.

I have located the G-spot but it's very very small, claims US gynaecologist

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.

Disclosure puts 'quasi-judicial' role in spotlight

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.'

London election: Mayors' air pollution records compared

Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, collated a graph contrasting London air quality between Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson's times as Mayor.

Why Shakespeare is … Italian

Dr Sonia Massai, English, writes about Shakespeare's mutual love affair with Italy.

List of University Rankings

King's is positioned at number 18 in the 2013 Complete University Guide.

What does thinking feel like?

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.'

UK team develops Trek 'Tricorder'

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.

Time to ‘re-imagine’ a relationship

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.

The World Tonight

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'.

Boris Johnson's Record In Office - HuffPost Gives An End-Of-Term Report

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'.

Go-it-alone Scotland 'would need a governor'

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.'

India’s nuclear choices

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.

London Olympic laboratory declared ready to test athletes by World Anti-Doping Agency

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).

Bang Goes the Theory

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).

Start the Week

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.

Vaughan Bell: the truth about lie detectors

Dr Vaughan Bell, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the fallibility of lie detectors

Traffic fumes stunt growth of children's lungs

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'.

D-Day for Sarkozy: French president facing defeat as voters go to the polls in first-round ballot

Axelle Lemaire, chair of the French Socialist Party in London, is a graduate of King's.

The dad who suffered postnatal depression

Professor Carmine Pariante, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the risk factors for new father becoming depressed.

A very long endgame in Afghanistan

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.

What we leave for the future

Professor Sunil Khilnani, India Institute, writes that archiving and understanding the past is essential in a democracy.

Army major's despair at our 'pointless war': Senior officer's damning emails reveal plummeting morale at heart of Afghan campaign that has cost 409 British lives

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.

Breakthrough in ageing genes study

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.

Will Hill's top 10 vampires

Alumni Will Hill picks his favourite bloodsuckers in fiction and popular culture.

Takeda and AMAG gain positive CHMP opinion for ferumoxytol approval

Dr Iain Macdougall, Consultant Nephrologist King’s College Hospital, says that 'iron deficiency anaemia can be a debilitating condition for chronic kidney disease patients'.

London Law school receives massive $38 million donation

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.

Timeline milestones in the study of human genetics

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.

Fifty years at the cutting edge of technical progress

The anti-doping facility for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games will be run by GlaxoSmithKline and King's.

We can't let those who care for us be paid so little

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).

Now a Tory minister tells university chiefs: Give us more social engineering

At King's, entry requirements are lowered for students from deprived local areas who show potential. Also reported by Mail Online UK.

India tests long-range missile; capable of reaching China

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.

News

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.'

In Our Time

Professor Peter Adamson, Philosophy, comments on Neoplatonism; describing the life of Plotinus, a major philosopher of the ancient world.

The secret archives of Britain's colonial rulers

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.

Air pollution is killing Londoners and Boris is ignoring it, warns Jenny Jones

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 US President who nearly never was

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.

Drug cheats are history

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.'

Away with the jerry cans! Oil's bubble is bursting

Nick Butler, Social Science & Public Policy, writes: 'one of the great pleasures in life for economists is watching bubbles burst.'

5 Live Breakfast

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.

Severe abuse in childhood may treble risk of schizophrenia

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.

Transplanted cells allow mice with night blindness to see in dark

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.

Pakistans descent into chaos

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: admit students on 'potential' rather than grades

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

Canon Reginald Askew, Dean of King's College London from 1988 to 1993, has died aged 83.

Do sleeping pills increase your risk of dying young?

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.

I knew my husband had Alzheimer's - but for three years doctors insisted it was just stress

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.

On legal aid, MPs should vote to protect vulnerable women and children

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.

Best evidence yet that a single gene can affect IQ

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.

GPs missing early signs of Parkinson's

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.

Measured steps

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.

Bang Goes the Theory

Dr James Rubin, Institute of Psychiatry, discussed electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the research he has done on the topic.

For dementia sufferers, music unlocks door for real personality to shine

Professor Robert Howard, Institute of Psychiatry, says that music, arts and drama can play an important role in the life of dementia sufferers.

Titanic Folklore Exposed

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.

The Big Questions

Professor Robert Wintemute, The Dickson Poon School of Law, comments in a debate about human rights in Europe.

Morpurgo: fame & fortune

Alumnus Michael Morpurgo writes about his childhood and rise to fame.

Horizons

Michael Douek, from Guy's Hospital, featured in a series about the burgeoning science of nanotechnology.

Hackers step up war on security services

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.

The future is not looking so 'Bright' for Atheism

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.

Today

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).

Breast cancer drug that prolongs life is available on NHS

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).

New battle to cure dementia

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.

Só vale jogo limpo

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’.

Cyril Domb

Theoretical physicist Cyril (Yechiel) Domb was appointed professor of theoretical physics at King's in 1954.

Puritanical Darwinism and sacred laughter

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.

Surplus value

Figures from Hefce show that King’s has a surplus of nearly £27.5 million.

Hi-tech tests to catch Olympics drug cheats at London 2012

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.

Tax changes would stunt the growth of philanthropic giving to universities

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.

London 2012: Katherine Grainger on turning silver into gold

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.

Nuclear talks: high stakes but low expectations

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.

Sentence over London Riots

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.

Boulton & Co

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.

Searching for an answer to the Arab Spring

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.

Why earthquake off Sumatra did not trigger a devastating tsunami

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.

Will more diplomacy save Syria?

James Denselow, Geography, said that Kofi Annan’s peace plan will not stop the violence in Syria and is unlikely to work.

King's College opens its first summer school in Mumbai

King’s has launched its first summer school programme for Indian students in Mumbai. Also reported in Education Times.

Why economic matters

Dr Chris Tribble, Education and Professional Studies, said that analysis of the words used to describe the economy can enlighten teaching of business.

The Globalist

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.

World Diary

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’.

Broadcasting House

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.

Hopes that insurers' deal marks a turning point for older drivers

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.

Sunday

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).

‘This idea of ‘was God a girl?’ has got out. People are getting hot under the collar’

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).

Shifting the innovation track

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.

Saturday Review

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).

Myanmar at the crossroads of global politics

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.

Eggheads

‘All the King’s Men’, a male a’capella group formed of students from King’s, challenged the ‘Eggheads’.

Five Titanic myths spread by films

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.

One foot in the rave: middle-age drug use rising

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

Crossing Antarctica with the Tricolour in hand

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 College London and Cornell University join forces to launch International HR management academy

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 New Year's resolution? Let's stop paying less than the minimum wage to those who care for the elderly and vulnerable

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.

Unreliable Evidence

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).

News

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.

Workers who did badly at school 'more likely to take long-term sick leave as adults'

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

The Forgotten Fallen? More trauma cases expected

Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, talks about the prevalence of PTSD and mental health disorders in the military.

India's Gen. V.K. Singh alleges massive bribery scheme

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.

The Kingdom of God, today

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.

The sovereignty dispute from a British point of view

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.

Call for police search receipts to curb racism

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.

Researchers set out to build adaptable AUVs

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.

Lofstedt: risk assessor

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.

Manufacturing growth

Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says that training people in new skills does not necessarily create growth or innovation in the economy.

Good for Britain - in the end

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, says that having elected mayors across England has the potential to regenerate cities and restore civic pride.

Bridge of Spies: a true story of the Cold War

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’.

On my radar

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.

Rhyming slang is brown bread? Don't you Adam and Eve it...

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.

Falklands War was 'nearly a disaster'

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.

The Andrew Marr Show

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).

Legislatures worldwide grapple with the right to die

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.

Rising maternal deaths in the UK

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.

'In moments of crisis people are extremely organised'

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)

Let a dental student loose on your teeth... and save thousands

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.

An end to illusion

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.

Policing the world?

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.

University places drop

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.

Dealers drink up Whitbread

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.

Degree of Investment

Computer Science graduate Pamela Yeung said that 'based on the past five years, computer science graduates come out top'.

Gary McKinnon is mentally fit for extradition, report says

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.

China's Boom Unsettles the BRICS

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.

Improving Care for Older People

Professor Jill Maben explains how nurse staffing levels, training and overall well-being can help to improve care for older people.

Taking the next step: security sector reform in Libya

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.

The virtual and real worlds collide at FACT in Liverpool

Michael Takeo Magruder, Digital Humanities, is exhibiting his work on virtual worlds in the Robots and Avatars exhibition at FACT in Liverpool.

An interview with the Principal of the UK’s King’s College London

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.

Feeling the temperature at King's College London

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.

Five News

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.

Prize fighters

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, Institute for Contemporary History, reviews a book which examines the impact on public life of All Souls College, Oxford.

Law and Oar-der as Grainger bids to close case for gold

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.

Funding for dementia research to be doubled

£66m is to be given for dementia research. Professor Sube Banerjee, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about dementia.

Cyber War: what is it good for...

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.

Talk point: how would the younger generation run big business differently?

Jack Tang, a student from Management and founder of thestudentjob.com, says that traditional business practices are uninspiring for the younger, tech-savvy generation.

Eating your way to happiness in the Philippines

Dr Sandrine Thuret, Institute of Psychiatry, explains the impact of certain foods on neurogenesis and the relationship between food and mood.

Let's not play politics with murder

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.

Von der Ursuppe zum Tiger

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.

Conflict resolution

Dominic Sandbrook reviews Professor Andrew Lambert’s, War Studies, new book, The Challenge.

Nuke-free NZ is poster child

Professor Wyn Bowen, War Studies, says that a nuclear terrorist event would have political and economic repercussions for the whole world.

Getting off the fence

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 art of medicine

Jenifer Glynn recalls her memories of her sister Rosalind Franklin, who discovered the structure of DNA when working at King’s in the 1950s.

Poon boon for law faculty

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.

The UK firms who tackle Somali pirates

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.

World at One

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.

‘Mujtahidd’ Tweets Shake Things Up In Saudi Arabia

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.

British links to Toulouse terrorist

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.

London air pollution soars to record high

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.

Competition law

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.

Student to Morris dance at marathon

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.

Sunrise

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.

The design manifesto

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.

A different class

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.

Analysts Assess Motives in French Shootings

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.

British nurses 'burnt-out' study finds

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.

Toulouse gunman killed

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.

Catching Olympic drug cheats

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.

Where they should take the torch

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.

News

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.

Analysis: Budget 2012 is not so simple a plan

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.

No Saudi Spring

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.

Saudi Arabia and Syria: logic of dictators

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.

Horizon

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).

“Gender Fatigue” Ailing Corporate America

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.

Geopolitical jostling with China is reshaping the strategic order in South and Southeast Asia

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.

Law school receives £20m donation

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.

Surge in demand for law degrees despite tuition fee hike

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.

Our leaders need to rediscover the art of statecraft

Dr Jon Wilson, History, says politicians now believe the only way to fix a problem is by making laws or spending or cutting money.

A clearing in the woods

Nick O’Donnell, Director of Estates and Facilities, says that large organisations often hope to transfer risk by outsourcing their work.

Like to daydream? It's a good thing!

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

Lessons of history are not taught

Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, says that Irish bias against Israel can be defined as an 'unthinking, visceral attachment to Palestinian suffering'.

Empire

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)

O gambito chileno

Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, compares the Truth Commission in Brazil with similar projects in other Latin American countries.

Amid a Surging Economy and Currency, Brazil Still Fighting ‘Resource Curse’

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.

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey

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).

'Hate vid' cleric rap

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.

Search is on to find archbishop’s successor

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.

Going Dark

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)

How God Made the English

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).

Counter-terror strategy faces university opposition

Representatives from KCLSU have co-authored a London-wide manifesto calling for the ‘Prevent’ counter-terrorism strategy to be reviewed.

Top Universities by Reputation 2012

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.

Britain's anti-doping reputation 'will deter London 2012 drug cheats'

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.

Campus round-up

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.

Shape a peaceful Afghan exit

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.

Pursue your passion, as well as your ambition

The School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences is holding an open day on 23 March.

Cash to promote work opportunities for young

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.

Mums-to-be warned exposing babies in the womb to mobile phones 'could give them behaviour problems', report

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

London air pollution at record high

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.

Architecture: paradise lost

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.

University scheme for high-fliers

King’s is taking part in the ‘Dux’ award scheme, which will see high-achieving pupils in secondary schools visiting Russell Group universities.

The One Show

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).

Popup Britse historicus over de aanval van Michiel de Ruyter

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.

Should we rewrite the autism rule book?

Professor Francesca Happe, Institute of Psychiatry, discusses the proposed new redefinition of autism spectrum disorder, arguing that change is needed

Study links womb environment to childhood obesity

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.

Health Explained: Epigenetics

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.

When dying becomes a question of necessity

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.

Experiments with scientific language

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.

Taliban fire on Afghan officials at attack site

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).

News Channel

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.

Our Afghanistan mission makes us safer? That's a lie

Dr John Mackinlay, War Studies, says that the war in Afghanistan is a major recruiting tool for extremists in the UK.

The World at One

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.

Outlook

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).

Four universities join elite Russell Group

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.

BBC Newsnight Scotland

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).

Document

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)

Dentists warn: five a day will eat your teeth away

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).

A good Muslim's better life cut short by extremists

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.

Find your true calling at school

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.

Saudi women slowly advance cultural change

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.

When local meets global

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.

Growing organs from scratch isn't science fiction, but it's a long way off

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.

Inside the books of the charity behind viral 'Kony 2012' video

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.

Today - Alzheimer's drug benefit 'significant'

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)

Satisfaction and its discontents

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.

To catch a warlord, first get the word out on Twitter

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.

'Brain candy' is hard to swallow

Dr Lucy Wooding, History, reviews a book on how the Reformation inadvertently caused a more secular society.

'It is important that we don't compromise our liberties'

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.

Balloons to fill sky for Erasmus

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.

Uni design as pivotal point

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.

Ken: Tory and Cross-Bench Peers are Leading Legal Aid Revolt, Not Labour

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’.

Olympics: doping lab to hold Games tests for eight years

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).

Cameron's teacher backs extra query on referendum

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.

What humanitarians can learn from the Oscars

Dr Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, says the humanitarin sector should use film to highlight the women's issues.

Select Committee

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.

What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy

Professor Simon Wessely, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the prevalence of mass psychogenic illnesses in the United States

Somerset House East Wing reopens after upgrades

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.

Brain donation hampered by red tape

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.

Companies are not paying enough attention to staff health and wellbeing

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.

Bahamian law student, Griffin moots for and meets Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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.

UK faces 'growing threat from cyber weapons'

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.

Former Paralympian leads last-ditch campaign against controversial legal aid cuts

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).

Jeremy Vine Show

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).

Today

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).

‘My God, we’ve done it, and no more young men will die’

Major-General Julian Thompson, Visiting Professor, War Studies, recounts his experience of leading 5,500 troops during the Falklands War.

Ripple effect from India's biggest defence deal

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.

Banks eye ways to lay off CVA

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.

More children self-harming

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.

Rich French shudder at 75% tax plan

French Presidential candidate Francois Hollande spoke at King’s last week during a campaign visit to London.

Sunday Politics Scotland

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.

Can the scientists keep up?

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.

What makes radicals turn violent?

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.

It doesn't equate: the great gender debate

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.

Denyat Zapochva s Kultura

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).

Chronic fatigue syndrome: Web therapy 'can help'

A new Dutch study looks at a web-based therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Professor Trudie Chalder, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the research.

Building a bionic body: the eye

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.

Why 'putting the lunatics in charge of the asylum' can work

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

'Not just another NHS merger'

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.

Alister McGrath

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.

States of past unions

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.

Cool but cruel: creative industries' toxic fallout

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.

India cannot dismiss possibility of Chinese military offensives

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.

News at Ten

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.

Queen opens new Somerset House East Wing

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).

Today

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).

Most elderly Indians die from stroke

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.

New tensions in India-China border dispute raise concerns

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.

Olympic war on drug cheats

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.

Sleeping pills 'linked to increased death risk'

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

Sleeping pills 'linked to increased death risk'

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.

Eye disease that's struck Judi Dench made me hallucinate

Dr Dominic Ffytche, Institute of Psychiatry, explains why hallucinations sometimes happen as a result of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The dilemma for Syria's neighbours

Visiting Professor George Joffe, Geography, says that the Assad regime in Syria appears to still have the support of minority communities in the country.

Prospects of resizing India's States

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.

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show

Riazat Butt, Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Guardian, announced she was leaving the paper to study at the Department of War Studies.

WikiLeaks, Anonymous and the 'shadow CIA'

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.

The virtual and real worlds collide at FACT in Liverpool

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

The Army failed my soldier son over breakdown

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.

My hols

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.

The loneliness of the long distance rower

Alumnus Katherine Grainger comments on her training routine for the Olympics and the consequences her busy schedule has on her personal life.

Award for Higgs - now search continues for Boson

Alumnus Professor Peter Higgs talks about the theoretical physics he studied at King's and comments on the first evidence of the Higgs boson.

The European Union's Counterproductive Iran Sanctions: The Case for Pulling Back

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.

GPs 'slow to refer 1/4 of cancer patients'

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.

Bibi Said What?

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.

PM plans to toughen up community sentences

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.

Events

Professor Xinzhong, Director of the China Institute, shall be a speaker at a seminar programme organised by SOAS.

Campus round-up

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.

London's Globe Theatre celebrates first two PhDs

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.

World at One

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).

The European Union's Counterproductive Iran Sanctions

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.

PM

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).

Workplace stress on rise amid slowdown

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.

We went blind within months of each other

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.

Palestinians learning lessons

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.

Law in Action

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).

Inside Health

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)

Tests prove Alan Turing's 60-year-old 'tiger stripe' theory in his centenary year

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.

Social engineering

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.

The One Show

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).

World Have Your Say

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).

Kids on pills

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.

Incinerator study finally starts

The Environmental Research Group at King's shall lead the first major study into the impact of emissions from municipal waste incinerators.

Breakthrough in ageing genes study

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.

Breakthrough in ageing genes study

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.

Expert hopeful about positive change in Pakistan

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.

Organ transplants: Life after death

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.

High diabetic risk among young people in SL

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.

High court tuition fee ruling due

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.

Five birth defects in same street

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.

Why did Israel's socialist credentials disappear?

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.

Hot flushes therapy helps breast cancer patients

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.

British Council to conduct exhibition

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.

A tale of two doctors

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.

Of incontinence pads and private equity

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.

Lau China Institute

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).

Culture club seeks new members

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.

London 'second to Paris in best student cities'

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.

La suerte del Euro

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).

A new terror threatens Syria

Professor Sir David Omand, Visiting Professor in War Studies, says Al –Qaeda is attempting to jump on the bandwagon by supporting the Syrian revolution.

China could teach India about power politics as Western pressure impacts trade with Iran

Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says the West is increasingly looking towards China and India to provide answers concerning problems in the Middle East.

Going all out for Higgs

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.

Childhood abuse may stunt growth of part of brain involved in emotions

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.

Today

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.

Equality for women in print is not a pretty sight

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’.

Afghanistan shows up shaky grounds for intervention

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.

Website is just the job for students with cash worries

Jack Tang, a student at King’s, has set up a new website, thestudentjob.com, to help students find work during their studies.

Twins blinded by rare defect vow: this won't hold us back

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.

ICT lessons need an expert touch

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.

Pakistan likely to respond to Indian SSBN threat

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.

Patients kept alive solely to harvest organs

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.

Glory and greed of the last royal Diamond Jubilee

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.

Thrown out!

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.

The psychology behind war-time entertainers

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.

Systemic gaps in government authority in Turkey

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.

‘Early action approach to legal issues best’

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.

Crossing the finish line

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.

Politics Show East Midlands

Professor Alison Wolf, Management, says certain qualifications should be axed from school league tables as they are of no use in the job market.

Wales Tonight

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.

Warwick VC to chair new commission on future of sector

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.

Afghanistan: The Best Way to Peace

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.

Do not throw that IB pearl away, richer than the impoverished A level

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.

Shyness in a child and depression after bereavement could be classed as mental illness in controversial new reforms

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.

News

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.

"She values self-sacrifice'

Professor Richard Vinen, History, says the Queen continues to believe in self-sacrifice and avoids expressing her opinions in public.

Case in Britain echoes dilemma at Guantanamo

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.

Looking in the mirror DOES make you more anxious about your looks

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.

Making the Olympics a laboratory for new ways to sell a global brand

King’s is running the anti-doping lab at the London 2012 Olympics, with the facilities being provided by GlaxoSmithKline.

I speak code

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.

Moral Maze

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).

Will the 'girl effect' really help to combat poverty?

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.

Pakistan much more important than Afghanistan: US expert

Professor Anatol Lieven, War Studies, says that Pakistan is much more important than Afghanistan in the context of the ‘war on terror’.

The Life Scientific

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.

A tale of one city: Dickensian London

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.

Formal launch of new India Institute

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.

British lawmakers urge ISPs to tackle extremist websites

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.

By Dickens! Admirers mark bicentenary

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.

Welcome to the university of the future

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.

Learning from China on Iran

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.

A quick smack works wonders on bad children

The article presents different opinions on discipline and parenting, amongst them Dr Carmine Pariante's, Institute of Psychiatry.

The real north-south divide crippling Britain

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.

One minute with... Lisa Appignansei

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.

Toll of sex infections in over-45s is soaring

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.

'Israeli gas must first supply local market'

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.

Anxiety therapy doesn't work as well in elderly: study

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.

Why Pakistan supports its Taliban brothers

Professor Anatol Lieven explains why Pakistan is sheltering the Afghan Taliban whilst helping with the fight against international terrorism.

Bad behaviour that's all in a good cause

RAG, the fundraising scheme at King's, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and many students go to great lengths to raise money.

An infectious addiction

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.

No more stalling - both gay and straight couples deserve equality now

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.

'Goldilocks' gene used to find drug treatment that is 'just right' for TB patients

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.

Appointments

King’s has appointed Professor Julia Crick as Professor of Palaeography and Manuscript Studies in the School of Arts and Humanities.

Paracetamol's pain-killing technique revealed at last

Professor Stuart Bevan, from the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, has conducted research which discovered the principal mechanism for how paracetamol relives pain.

Löfstedt: The EU, risk and evidence

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.

The intelligence war for German scientists

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.

Changing times

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.

To what extent did the people of Britain and the empire see themselves as being part of a single British people?

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.

Corfu 1864

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.

Number of UK apprentices hits record high

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.

China Looks Both Ways on Iranian Oil

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.

New dean for King's

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.

Experts say cyber fight 'won't replace shooting war'

Dr David Betz, War Studies, says that cyber warfare will never replace conventional military operations but will increasingly be used to support deployments.

Reports and Research

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.

Cuts claims challenged

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.

That cross to Rooney was literally on a plate

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.

Deadline for public to have say on organ donation law

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.

London Fire Brigade saves £9m as false alarm call-outs drop

King’s has achieved one of the biggest drops in the number of false fire alarms, with a reduction of 44% since 2007.

Supportive mothers could boost children's brain power

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.

UAE can learn how a little goes a long way

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.

World Update

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).

Spending cuts at the Ministry of Justice

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.

UK university applications down as fees rise

Applications to study at university are down 8.7 per cent according to figures from UCAS.

Can NATO force weather France's faster exit?

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).

Iran-India relations weighted in favour of Gulf Arab states

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.

League tables to drop 'dead-end' qualifications

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

News at Ten

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.

The World this Weekend

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 Orchid Children

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.

More than just a Scottish question

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.

'Jaw replacement surgery ended my unbearable pain'

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.

London 2012 Image of the Week

King’s and GlaxoSmithKline unveiled the anti-doping lab which will be operated during the London 2012 Games.

Legal aid reforms under scrutiny as peers criticise proposed cutbacks

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.

William Hague welcomes Indian students to UK

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.

Testing times ahead

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.

Der bose Geist des Bankenviertels

Professor Clare Pettitt, English, spoke to the German magazine about the bicentenary of the birth of author Charles Dickens.

Blacklisted by job spies

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.

NHS urged to create DNA database

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.

Universities 'dropping science in favour of media studies'

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.

The tantrum conundrum: Is it ever right to intervene when another parent has lost control?

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.

Salmond spells out questions for referendum

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.

Working long hours doubles depression risk

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.

Humanitarian sector needs a radical rethink

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.

Slate revolution changes the global gas markets

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.

How to join a science summer school

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.

Are women biased towards women in the workplace?

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.

Stem cell first in treating eye disease

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).

Blast of gas that could replace dentist's drill

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.

America reorders its defence for Asia-Pacific

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.

UK sets sights on gene therapy in eggs

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’.

Study Russia in London

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’’.

Future for Olympics drug lab 'as a firm'

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.

London's Chinese mark new year

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.

Inside Out

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).

Today in Parliament

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).

Attack of the T-cells

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.

'I wanted to join the circus'

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.

Costa Concordia: 'insulting' cruise offer to survivors

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.

Aerodynamics

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.

French tolerance dwindles over Afghan 'insider threat'

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.

Where drug cheats fear to tread

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.

Is Pakistan heading for a coup?

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.

The One Show

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).

Behind every breakthrough lies first-class infrastructure

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.

We can tell if you will live past 100, says scientists

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.

Generosity of examiners blamed for rise in A-level results

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.

More than an academic exercise

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.

Russian 'spy rock' was genuine, former chief of staff admits

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.

More people choosing to die in their own homes

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.

Intelligence change is linked to genes

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.

5 Live Breakfast

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.

Egg nucleus swaps get funding and regulatory boost in the UK

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.

Pakistan's culture of honourable corruption

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.

Murders unlikely to slow Iran's nuclear efforts

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.

Only judges, not MPs, will defend human rights

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.

The oil hawks are living in cloud cuckoo land

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.

Ofsted to get tougher with failing schools

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.

Expert criticises opt-out donor system as 'madness'

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.

Solicitor reinstated after tribunal accepts sleeping tablets appeal

Professor Malcolm Lader, Institute of Psychiatry, gave evidence in a tribunal on the harmful side-effects of Dalmane, a tranquiliser.

King's College report highlights £139m cost of legal aid cuts

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.

Scorned cruise ship captain not alone in history

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.

Questions, questions

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).

Bringing science to life

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.

2012 athletes at risk from air pollution

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.

Research provides diabetes hope

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.

Say what?

Tony Thorne, English Language Centre, says that the trend towards abbreviating words goes hand in hand with our accelerated lifestyle.

For the common good

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.

Leading universities to demand A star grades

King’s is asking for A* grades for a number of courses for 2012 entry, including War Studies, History and Liberal Arts.

My Mesopotamian Getaway

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.

Checking a city's local #airquality, one tweet at a time

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 healthometer

Research by the Dental Institute found that apples can be worse for teeth than fizzy drinks, due to high acid and sugar content.

Web addicts have brain changes, research suggests

Professor Gunter Schumann, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on research showing that white matter changes in the brains of people addicted to the internet.

Today Programme - Can you be 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.

Casting light on the shadows

Dr Davina Quinlivan, Department of Film Studies, reviews 'Tatsumi', a Japanese film adapted from the memoir of illustrator Yoshihiro Tatsumi.

The Monocle Daily

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.

Call to promote science careers

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.

News at Ten

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.

'False' savings from legal aid cuts

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.

About time for India and Japan to grow bolder

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.

Fighting fit for Scotland

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.

All in this together?

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.

House of Lords

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.

UK curbs fail to keep overseas nurses at home

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.

Alcoholic man aged 26 needs liver transplant

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.

Breakfast

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).

Illuminations: The Private Lives of Medieval Kings

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).

Summer school for science stars

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.

Sunday Feature

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.

Tussle over treasure island

Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies Department, warns that growing Chinese influence in the Maldives presents real difficulty for India.

Before you begin

Dr Elena Antonova, Institute of Psychiatry, comments on how the brain learns a new skill such as exercise.

Military reveals revolutionary pilotless cargo drone that can deliver supplies to terrirotires plagued by roadside bombs

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.

Britain needs to forgive and forget the Iron Lady

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).

Beyond Narnia, the imaginative appeal of faith

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.

Reading Myanmar's reforms

Dr Harsh Pant, Defence Studies, says the West is following India’s lead by engaging with Myanmar’s military government rather than isolating it.

China faces ongoing tension in restive Xinjiang

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.

In brief: religion

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

Ten Popes who shook the world

Dr Lucy Wooding, Department of History, reviews a book on the lives of ten popes.

Stephen Hawking to Turn 70, Defying Disease

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

Sick people need help to live, not help to die

Professor Matthew Hotopf, Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about assisted suicide.

5 Live Drive

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).

The need for new physics

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.

Pot smoking not tied to middle-age mental decline

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.

Taliban strike deal with Qatar on office there

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.

Meditation on Mindfulness

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.

5 Live Breakfast

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.

'Catalytic Clothing' aims to purify air

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.

Chinese military bases are about more than just naval supplies and protecting trade routes

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 College opens faiths programme

King’s is to launch a new programme on the Abrahamic faiths, with Dr Adam Silverstein as the first Director of the new courses.

A new year and a new dawn

King’s is opening a new chemistry department, with a focus on developing chemists for biomedicine. The news is also reported by Chemistry & Industry.

My first academic post

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.

Lightlake Therapeutics Inc. to Discuss with King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry on the Development of a New Opiate Overdose Treatment

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.

Is Britain a Christian nation?

Dr Luke Bretherton, Department of Education & Professional Studies, writes that David Cameron is wrong to say Britain is a ‘Christian Nation’.

Forever young

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.

You ain't seen nothing yet: welcome the year of the firework

Research by the Environmental Research Group showed that fireworks can cause breathing difficulties by releasing tiny pollution particles into the air.

Today

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).

Government accepts recommendations of Lofstedt review

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.

John Ellis on the symbiosis between particle physics & astrophysics

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.

Health alert on post-conflict areas

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.

New authors for 2012

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’.

It's time to turn silver into gold

Katherine Grainger, who is currently studying law at King’s, is competing in the Olympics in the double sculls rowing event this year.

Days of violence

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.

Operation Garbo

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’.

Do trauma survivors miss out on valuable treatment?

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.

Elected Lords 'deadlock' warning

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.

Thatcher made hunger-strike concessions - papers

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.

GPs ‘unprepared’ for veterans’ mental health problems

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.

World Business Today

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.

Choral Evensong

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.

Britons of the year

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.

Iraq on the edge

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.

Discourage kids' picky eating habit

Professor Gideon Lack, Head of the Department of Paediatric Allergy, is researching the best way of protecting children against harmful allergic reactions to food.

Scientist who sketched the face of God

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.

Cradle of Western civilisation or a stick to beat Muslims?

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.

Science is about explanation. Religion is about meaning

Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, discusses the difference between science and religion.

The World Tonight

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).

Shelagh Fogerty programme

Dr Jennifer Wild from the Institute of Psychiatry joins Shelagh Fogerty and guests to discuss how to deal with missing your children at Christmas.

Covert wars: Hezbollah's outsmarting of the CIA

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.

Cancer fears as fatty diets trigger surge in acid reflux

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.

Appointments

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.

Dynasty or Die-Nasty: Korea's Kims

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).

Journal retracts study linking a virus to ME

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

The scandal of low-paid care workers

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.

The World Tonight

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).

Am I really free?

Dr Gareth Owen from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's discusses the concept of patient choice with regard to mental health capacity.

Booktalk: The political books of 2011

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.

PM

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).

Lunga vita al nuovo re

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).

The greatest mystery

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.

Road map for Afghanistan as contested as ever

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.

Copyright is unfit for purpose

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.

Meeting the China Challenge

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.

Japan F-X announcement due within hours

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.

The FX competition and the dilemma of Japanese defense policy

Dr Alessio Patalano, from the Department of War Studies, discusses the options for the Japanese military in upgrading its aircraft.

Profile

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.

Westminster Hour

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).

From Leningrad to Helmand

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, chooses his favourite books on military subjects from the past year.

Professor Peter Higgs awaits news of his boson

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 to leave ROH for King's College

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.

What is the purpose of higher education? Live chat

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.

Call to revise drug dose guidelines as children get heavier

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.

Who, What, Why: Why are Indians dying from alcohol poisoning?

Dr Bob Patton of the Addictions Department at the Institute of Psychiatry commented on the effects of alcohol poisoning.

90% of maternal deaths due to Pre-Eclampsia in UK are a result of substandard care

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.

China goes to Seychelles

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.

Unfinished business

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.

Africans must adapt to drought in warming world: report

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.

Five News

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’.

Small scale, massive impact: live nanotechnology Q&A

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.

Film review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Dr Davina Quinlivan, Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Film Studies, reviews the latest Sherlock Holmes film.

Odds and quads

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.

Higgs boson: the particle of faith

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.

Who, What, Why: Why are Indians dying from alcohol poisoning?

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.

Delivering better maternity care

Professor Jane Sandall, from the Women's Health Academic Centre, took part in a roundtable discussion on the future of obstetric care.

No decision on Afghan troop withdrawal in 2013

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.

Canada's exit from Kyoto, 'a recognition of reality'

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.

Post Mortem

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.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is 'major' cause of school absence: research

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).

Age of criminal responsibility is too low, say brain scientists

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).

God particle: why Cern scientists have been using the Large Hadron Collider to look for it

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.

Focus on people and not processes to create a truly sustainable workforce

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.

Newsnight

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 to leave Royal Opera House

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.

Good books for this life - and the next

Revd Professor Alister McGrath, from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, recommends his best spiritual and theological books of 2011.

Page-turners

‘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.

The Muff March against 'designer vagina' surgery

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.

'Intelligent Pakistani generals recognise India's strength'

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the attitude of the Pakistani military towards India.

Why does the euro mean so much to Germany?

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.

Pro-democracy protests put Putin, Russia at turning point

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.

Surfdom

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.

Higgs boson 'to be found' at Cern

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.

Today

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)

5 live Drive

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).

Bring the Iron Lady back

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.

World's slowest race: winner streaked over finish line at 0.000000193mph

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.

Can extra judicial killing ever be just?

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.

Greenpeace stunt at French nuclear plant sparks debate

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.

'Gold standard' stem cells by British scientists

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.

Schools that fail to improve could face 'three strikes' threat

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.

Vanessa Feltz

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).

Britain's top doctors: Mental health

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.

PM Programme

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)

Israel on the Islamist surge in Egypt: told you so

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.

5 live Drive

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).

Verdi and/or Wagner: Two Men, Two Worlds, Two Centuries

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, reviews a book comparing composers Wagner and Verdi.

Big Pharma's demise is nothing to celebrate - our health is in their hands

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.

Cancer protection same as allergies

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.

Will there be Arab democracy?

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.

12 questions on the outlook for 2012 and 12 answers.

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.

Risk or hazard?

Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, from the Centre for Risk Management, discusses different methods for regulating chemicals, and argues for risk-based regulations.

Why no one need fear the dentist

Professor Avijit Banerjee of the Dental Institute says dental practices should no longer be referred to as surgeries because this promotes negative images.

The same pay for the 'same' job isn't fair

Alison Wolf, Professor of Public Sector Management comments that national rates sound 'attractively simple', but regional inequalities aren't recognised.

Lessons for the UAE from sleeping tiger's hidden capabilities

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.

DNA portrait a world first

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.

Probiotic drinks that tame irritable bowels

Dr Ingvar Bjarnason, from the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Internal Medicine, has conducted a study on the positive impacts of probiotic drinks on health.

We don't actually salivate at the thought of food

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.'

Norwegian mass killer Anders Breivik declared 'insane'

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

Firms to be freed from health and safety red tape

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.

Australia's change of tack on uranium exports will help to refashion Asia-Pacific strategy

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.

How Gaddafi toppled a Roman emperor

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.

Israelis soak up high cost of desalination

Michael Gilmont, a PhD Researcher from the Department of Geography, comments on water management in Israel.

Morning Reports

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.

Things We Forgot to Remember

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).

Welfare caps in London provide richest pickings for Conservatives

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.

King's College London: Indian sum

A piece about the new Avantha Chair at the India Institute, mentioning Professor Sunil Khilnani who will be the first holder of the Chair.

Children who are picky eaters 'more likely to have allergies'

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.

Hospitality, not tolerance: civil society and inter-faith relations

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.

Be honest, EVERY parent has a favourite child

Article looking into parent favouritism. Professor Stephen Scott of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about identical twin studies.

German foreign policy positions leave Canada bemused

Dr Petra Dolata, from the Department of Political Economy, comments on criticism from Canada of Germany’s stance on NATO.

Secrets of paracetamol unlocked

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.

David Starkey is wrong to call Britain a white monoculture

Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, writes about the increasingly diverse ethnic backgrounds of pupils in the UK’s schools.

Home is where the school, office, barracks or police station used to be

Professor Chris Hamnett, from the Department of Geography, comments on the variety of buildings being converted into homes in London.

Women who choose Caesareans have babies who grow up fat, scientists say

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.

Should you stop eating bread?

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.

Why India is at a crucial crossroads

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.

Ancient Chinese cures translate into modern Western medicines

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.

King's College London to establish dedicated Russia Institute in 2013

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.

Young people want to work

Dr Deborah Potts from the Department of Geography comments on youth unemployment in Zambia.

Hormone 'can determine obesity risk before birth'

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.

One Planet

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).

Improvement in Indian-Pakistani trade ties bodes well for resolving conflict in South Asia

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.

Grim job prospects for young Britons

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.

David Willetts: 'Many more will go to university than in my generation - we must not reverse that'

An interview with David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, who speaks about the Government's policy on tuition fees.

Chinese send children outside to prevent a rise in blindness

Professor Christopher Hammond said there was a strong link between short-sightedness and greater levels of urbanisation and education.

London 'glues' pollution to roads

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.

The lessons of fallen giants

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.

Spain poised to undergo Europe's next leadership shake-up

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.

Self-harm practised by one in 12 adolescents, study reveals

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

Thoughts turn to protecting Libya's antiquities

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.

Fears grow of a lost generation of jobless

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.

Ethnic minority pupils increase by 57% in a decade

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 India Institute gets 3.5 million from Avantha Group

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.

Frontiers

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.

King of Jordan calls on Syrian leader to step down

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.

Magic blanket helps my boy sleep at night

Professor Eric Taylor, from the Institute of Psychiatry, speaks about ADHD in children.

Stem cell research: win some, lose some

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.

How a breath of air is toxic

Frank Kelly comments on urban air pollution.

Stressed? Go for a jog...

Dr Adam Perkins from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks about the effect of exercise on mental health.

At the scene of the crime

Dr Leon Barron, from the Pharmaceutical Science Division, comments on employment opportunities for students graduating from forensic science courses.

Video: Affairs of the heart

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.

Libyan looting highlights illicit trade

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.

When the stiff upper lip could be deadly: A third of Britons put off going to the doctor

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.

The Takeaway

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)

Third of clubbers who take mephedrone may be addicted, survey finds

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

Time Team - Brunel's Last Launch

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).

New Generation Thinker: Laurence Scott

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.

Europe Struggles to Restore Confidence in Troubled Economies

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.

A struggle for power

Geographer Mark Mulligan points out the Amazon as an area of untapped potential, with the world's greatest river system.

Tantrum Tamer: New Ways Parents Can Stop Bad Behaviour

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

Rosalind Franklin: my favourite scientist

A profile of Rosalind Franklin, who co-discovered the structure of DNA when working at King’s in the 1950s.

Pragmatism wins the day as Pakistan reaches out to India

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on improving relations between India and Pakistan.

Iran IAEA nuclear report 'to detail capability'

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.

The truth about secrets

Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes about the different meanings and grammatical forms of the word ‘secret’.

A conspiracy of optimism

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.

Analysis

Professor Pat Thane, from the Institute of Contemporary History, discusses collectivism and individualism as explanations for progress in history (item starts 20:15).

The World

Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, talks about how NATO avoided damage to Roman ruins in Libya during the conflict.

Brain analysis can help predict psychosis

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

On the brink of a mental health revolution

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)

Ability to listen and write the Observatory was born on treatment

Professor Brian Hurwitz, from the Department of English, speaks about the importance of narrative in medicine.

Teach Jane Austen, state schools to be told

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.

The Forum

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).

One Planet

Jemilah Mahmood, from the Humanitarian Futures Programme, talks about why Asia is so vulnerable to natural disasters (item starts 01:41).

Building a Library

Professor John Deathridge, from the Department of Music, considers the available recordings of Beethoven’s sixth symphony, the ‘Pastoral’ (item starts 00:36).

Weather eye

Research by King’s and Birmingham University found that fireworks can break EU safety limits for air pollution.

After the world holds it breath, the East Sea remains peaceful

Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Till, from the Defence Studies Department, comments on tensions between China and its neighbours in the East Sea.

Expert: NATO raids spared Libyan antiquities

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.

Energetic meet points out post-Fukushima second thoughts

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.

Meet the researchers

Helen King, a research student working under Dr Claire Wells in the Division of Cancer, talks about her work on pancreatic cancer.

Libya treasures survive revolution

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.

Greek PM calls emergency meeting amid crisis

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.

News at Ten

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).

Solutions to European problems

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.

With a friend like this

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.

Fight the future: the battle of St Pauls Cathedral

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.

Do more to limit 'chemical cosh' dementia drugs that 'rob patients of their dignity', GPs told

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.

India's look east policy in top gear

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes on the close ties India is pursing with Vietnam and Myanmar.

First time's a charm

Professor Sunilk Khilnani, from the King’s India Institute, argues for a single six-year term for the US presidency.

Today - Schizophrenia treatments 'have lagged behind'

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

Today - Schizophrenia 'costs NHS more than cancer'

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.

Andy Hamilton's Search for Satan

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).

Should the UN sanction action against Syria?

Professor Mats Berdal, from the Department of War Studies, comments on what pressure can be exerted by the international community on the Syrian government.

Law in Action- Boosting detection rates and Scottish sectarianism

Professor Gudjonsson of the Institute of Psychiatry speaks about false confessions on the radio programme.

Absent in Arab Spring: Intellectual hero

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.

Population 7 billion: a time for the right questions?

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.

The One Show

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).

Click On

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).

World have your say

Sun Jiabao, a student at the King’s China Institute, comments on the one child policy in China (item starts 30:15)

Huge gold heist in Libya

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.

Drug hallucinations look real in the brain

Institute of Psychiatry's Professor Michael Brammer speaks of a study that looks at drug hallucinations and neuroimaging.

IVF doubles risk of non-fatal ovarian cancer

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.

Breast cancer screening review launched amid fears risk may outweigh benefits

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.

Killing al-Qaeda's middle managers may be key to its destruction

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.

Cyber war and the expanding definition of war

Dr Thomas Rid, from the Department of War Studies, comments that we are unlikely to see a ‘cyber-war’ in the near future.

Could a £299 electric earring help control chronic pain?

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.

All in the Mind - Conversion disorder

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)

The US departure from Iraq is an illusion

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.

Diwali at the world’s top universities

A piece about Diwali celebrations at British and US universities, mentioning a joint event organized by King's and LSE.

All in the Mind - Carers and mental health research

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

Personality bypass

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.

Scotland: Referendum on independence to be held within four years

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).

5 Live Investigates

Professor Thomas Sanders, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on whether saturated fat causes heart attacks (item starts 0:56:20).

Work accident compensation may be cut to reduce red tape

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.

Aiming for the golden ring

Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the King’s India Institute, writes a column on the nature of prizes in public life.

Something completely magical

Professor Roger Park, head of the Department of Music, comments on the interior of opera houses.

Libya War's End Is Rare Victory for NATO

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.

UNESCO warns over risk to Libya heritage sites

Hafed Walda, from the Department of Digital Humanities, comments that many Libyans protected heritage sites during the conflict. His comments were reported by AFP.

With starring NATO role in Libya, French and British boost Europe's military image

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.

FiveLive

Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Jennifer Wild looking at the psychological impact of long-term unemployment (item starts 1:01:16).

Russia and Europe: Time to bury the hatchet and embrace the market

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.

Dentists failing to offer patients essential checks and treatments

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.

Not as close as lips and teeth

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, argues that for India, Vietnam offers a point through which to ‘penetrate China’s periphery’.

Women suffer hot flushes and night sweats for up to 10 YEARS after reaching the menopause

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.

A glass of wine a day may keep osteoporosis at bay

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 might never happen

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).

As Brain Changes, So Can IQ

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

Online test that could help patients manage their moods

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.

Skills and yet more skills - is this what Britain needs today?

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the relationship between education and a better-skilled workforce.

Me and my operation

Dr Jonathan Hill, from the Department of Cardiology, comments on a new procedure for unblocking arteries around the heart.

Today

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).

What can Occupy Wall Street learn from London?

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.

The Crisis of Capitalism

Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the King’s India Institute, writes a column on capitalism and the political left.

We're facing the prospect of a lost generation of young people

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on the prospects for unemployed young people.

Spit test to spot cancer

Professor William Wade, from the Dental Institute, comments on a new test for pancreatic cancer which analyses mouth bacteria.

Forging shining paths

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes on Indian foreign policy towards Southeast Asia.

Insider tips for whizz-kids

King’s is one of the institutions working with Infosys to enable undergraduates to take part in placements in India.

How the tooth fairy is helping academics to raise awareness about stem cell research

Professor Paul Sharpe, from the Dental Institute, talks about his research using stem cells from human teeth.

Education reforms risk 'mass failure', says exam chief

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.

Revolting people

Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the language used to describe protestors and revolutionaries.

City roads exceed pollution level

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.

The revisionist history of Sari Nusseibeh

Professor Efraim Karsh, from Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes a column refuting arguments against Israel as a Jewish state.

An apple is worse for your teeth than a fizzy drink

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.

Crime and punishment: what are prisons for?

Dr Piers Benn, from the School of Law, discusses what prisons are for.

Police warned about risk of false confessions

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

Fate of Eurozone bailout rests on Slovak politician Richard Sulik

Dr Christoph Meyer, from the Department of War Studies, comments that the proposed Eurozone bailout is driving nations apart.

The best places to get a degree

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.

New sunbed alert: UV rays penetrate far deeper into the skin than previously thought

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).

Should we sound the bell on single-sex schools?

Professor Robert Plomin from the Institue of Psychiatry at King's comments on the impact of children's educational environment in single-sex schools.

Thinking Allowed

Dr Hayley Davies from the Department of Education & Professional Studies, discusses the importance children give to surnames (item starts 01:38).

Humanism and atheism as civil religions

Dr Luke Bretherton, from the Department of Educational and Professional Studies, writes about the nature of modern humanism and atheism.

All in the Mind - Special Report

Professor Sir Michael Rutter from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's talks to Claudia Hammond about his English Romanian Adoptees Study.

150,000 social care workers 'paid below legal minimum'

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.

Why Awlaki mattered

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.

Olympics: Intelligence key to anti-doping in 2012

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.

King's College lines up Calcutta visit

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.

The great apprentice jobs racket

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, expresses concern over whether the rise in apprenticeships is tackling youth employment.

Afghan success difficult to measure

Professor Malcolm Chalmers, from the Department of War Studies, comments on how success in the Afghanistan campaign will be measured.

The death of Anwar al-Awlaki

Shiraz Maher, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, discusses the impact of the death of Anwar al-Awlaki.

Discipline and loyalty drawn from a tough life growing up followed by the world of the KGB

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a profile of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

King's College London to launch alumni branch in Mumbai

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.

Epigenetic clue to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

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

Can doping in sport ever be stopped?

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.

China space exploration

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.

Gold can make glass more transparent

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).

Dying patients given 'futile' cancer drugs

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).

High blood pressure linked to cancer risk

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.

Today

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).

Crisis in Greece

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).

Is Democracy thwarting India's nuclear power ambitions?

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.

Ditching water-sharing deal, India fumbles historic opportunity to reshape neighbourhood

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on the relationship between India and Bangladesh.

Socialists seen as underdogs as Spain kicks off election campaign

Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from European and International Studies, comments on the potential outcome of the Spanish election in November.

Newshour

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).

Health leaders attack the Government's winter flu plan

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 week in books

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.

Whose politics is it anyway

Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes a column on the historical context of recent protests and mobilisations in India.

U.S firm wins UK embryonic stem cell trial go-ahead

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.

Woman's Hour

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).

The India-Vietnam Axis

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.

Natural heartburn remedies

Dr Rebecca Moazzez, from the Department of Restorative Dentistry, has conducted research which suggests heartburn symptoms can be relieved by chewing gum after eating.

What western eyes fail to see as the real Somalia

Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, writes a column discussing whether Somalia is more sophisticated than it appears.

Have your say

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).

What's Causing 'Mass Faintings' at Cambodian Factories?

Prof Simon Wessely from the Institute of Psychiatry discusses recent episodes at Cambodian factories in the context of mass sociogenic illness.

America's Planned War on Britain

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).

Europe’s Palestine Problem

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.

India and China in deep water over sovereignty

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.

Is this how wars start? India and China now feud over the South China Sea

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, comments on tensions between China and India.

Weather eye

Dr Gary Fuller, from the Environmental Research Group, reveals that air pollution levels soared during the riots in London last month.

Nature v Nurture

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.

Eat yourself happy

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.

Ireland’s historic role in Palestinian statehood bid

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.

Reasons to be cheerful: 20 things that are Great about Britain

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.'

Newshour

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).

In Business

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, is interviewed about the growth of apprenticeships in Britain (item starts 03:10).

Nightwaves

Dr Laurence Scott, from Comparative Literature and English, discusses what role irony has in the modern world (item starts 12:05).

Caring is still key in nursing's new age

Daniel Cullen, a nursing student at King’s, talks about his route into mental health nursing and his experience of the degree.

6 in 10 living with dementia go undiagnosed

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.

More is less in peace development

Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the state of relations between India and Pakistan.

Criminal investigations

Dr Chris Tribble, from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, writes a column on the linguistics behind describing crime.

Authorities doubt riots will affect Olympics

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.

2012 Games 'toughest for cheats'

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.

Number of clueless maths pupils soars

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.

Most top universities to demand A* students

King’s is among institutions asking for A* grades for entry to some courses for 2012 entry.

Materials of the future

Philip Howes, from the Institute of Making at King’s, explores the latest building technology including electrochromic glass and self-healing concrete.

The modern age 1910-1970s

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.

Worldview

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the impact of 9/11.

Was this really the day that changed the world for ever?

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.

As organised terror wanes, focus turns to the enemies within

Professor Peter Neumann, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, comments on America’s counter-radicalisation policy.

Learning English

Prospective international students from China talk about improving their English language skills at King’s.

Analysis: with us or against us? A decade on, Pakistan wavering

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, comments on the feeling in Pakistan that Islam was ‘under attack’ from the USA.

Woman's Hour

Professor Gideon Lack, Head of the Department of Paediatric Allergy, talks about approaches to childhood allergies (item starts 26:26).

India government cast as 'clueless' in latest blow

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.

Our air necessities

Professor Frank Kelly, Head of the Environmental Research Group, is backing the Healthy Air Campaign, which is lobbying for better air pollution controls.

Physiotherapy

Dr Isaac Sorinola, from the Department of Physiotherapy, describes why prospective students might want to study the subject.

How to watch your figure at McDonald's

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.

Islamist videos, populists stir German worries

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.

Head to Head

Dr Michael Kerr, from Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, takes part in a programme looking at broadcast debates from the archives concerning Northern Ireland.

Will someone take away the pain at last?

Professor Stephen McMahon, Director of the London Pain Consortium, talks about the latest research into chronic pain.

Rise in legal highs makes UK ban policy 'ridiculous'

Dr Paolo Deluca, from the Addictions Department at the Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the UK policy on legal highs.

Explaining 9/11: a question of scale

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, discusses the global consequences of the 9/11 attacks.

Europe's Palestine problem

Professor Rory Miller, Director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Programme, writes an article on the European policy towards the Israeli/Palestine conflict.

A troubling victory

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice-Principal (Strategy and Development), comments that America should be pleased by the outcome of the NATO campaign in Libya.

Iraq suicide bomb toll revealed

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.

Cuts 'will drive 80,000 from capital'

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.

Spotting autism's unique shape in the brain

Dr Christine Ecker, from the Institute of Psychiatry, comments on the use of brain scans in diagnosing autism.

Woman's Hour

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).

Syrian official defects after 'witnessing killings'

James Denselow, from the Department of Geography, comments on the defection of a Syrian Attorney General to the opposition movement.

Coral could hold key to sunscreen pill

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.

PM Programme

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)

Libya: what now?

George Joffe, Visiting Professor in the Department of Geography, writes a column on the dangers ahead for the new Libyan government.

Chocolate is good for you, declares study (well, sort of)

Professor Tom Sanders, Head of the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on research which suggests chocolate consumption could be good for you.

China the quiet winner in war on terror

Professor Anatol Lieven, from the Department of War Studies, writes a column on the ascension of China following the war on terror.

Wonderstuff

Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, demonstrates how antiperspirants work (item starts 21:18).

A season of struggle

Professor Sunil Khilnani, Director of the India Institute, writes a column on protests and riots taking place across the world, and their significance.

5 Live Drive

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.

Researchers get record £423m to fight cancer and dementia

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.

Too Much, Too Young: Children of the Middle Ages

Dr Stephen Baxter, from the Department of History, presents a programme on what it was like to be a child in the Middle Ages.

Breastfed babies 'are not protected against eczema'

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.

'Epidemic of excuses' by health and safety brigade

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.

Survey: 'Costs' and 'fun' dominate views of university

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’.

Should historians comment on current affairs?

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.

Jews in a whisper

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.

How Labour let a generation down with easy GCSEs

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.

NATO says it won't curtail Libya air campaign as rebels sweep into Tripoli

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.

Wonderstuff

Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, explains what a polymer is, and how they are made (item starts 10:42).

Scientists face stream of ME death threats

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.

Taking different roads to success

James Thackeray, who is studying biomedical science at King’s in September, talks about re-sitting his A-levels.

This was the Navy's finest hour

Professor Andrew Lambert, from the Department of War Studies, reviews a book on the Royal Navy in World War II.

A-level stars show the true face of our young

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.

100 years on, the Lords is doing fine as it is

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, writes a column opposing plans to reform the House of Lords.

Medical researchers get £800m boost

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.

Infant stress in monkeys has life-long consequences

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.

The water industry must take on the world

Nick Butler, chair of the King's Policy Institute, co-authors an article on the importance and development of the UK's water industry.

Today

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).

The First 1000 Days: A Legacy for Life

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).

Abused children twice as prone to depression

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).

My mother is a hoardaholic

Dr David Mataix-Cols from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's comments on the causes and treatment of hoarding.

After 20 years, we can’t go it alone

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.

Existing diseases killing more pregnant women

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.

Scientists make better sense of the classic intelligence puzzle

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

Riots blamed on cuts, hooligans

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).

The Mammogram and the Pink Cancer

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.

Experts cite underlying causes for UK riots

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).

Hunger pains: famine in the Horn of Africa

Dr Randolph Kent, Director of the Humanitarian Futures Programme, comments on the capabilities of the organisations tackling the famine in the Horn of Africa.

Could the Atkins diet help you kee diabetes at bay?

Professor Tom Sanders, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Division, comments on the importance of weight management and exercise in controlling Type 2 diabetes.

Wonderstuff

Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, explains how batteries work, and what they made of (item starts 19:02).

Britain's burning: what's behind the riots?

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.

Palestinians see ulterior motive behind Israeli bid to restart peace talks

Professor Rory Miller, Director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Department, comments on the Israeli bid to restart peace talks with the Palestinians.

Breivik's debt is to anti-Muslim bigots

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.

You're hired! Quangos scoff at freeze on jobs

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on salaries at the top levels of quangos.

Doctor's hate mail is sent by the people he tried to cure

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).

NHS braced for DNA patents fight

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.

Inside Story

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.

Land for War

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.

The curious case of Newt Gingrich and the spambots

Professor Keith Ewing, from the School of Law, comments on use of social media during elections and whether it should be regulated.

Reinsurance firms leaders in emerging risk analysis

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.

Six O'Clock News

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).

Eating disorders delay pregnancy

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.

Andrew Lansley condemned over HealthWatch scheme

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.

Welcome to synurbia

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.

Health Check

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).

Your 20s are the hardest decade of your life

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.

Disease of the brain, not the mind, has no stigma

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.

Top-flight universities may form their own Ivy League to lure best students

King's is in a list of institutions which has the highest percentage of undergraduates who achieve AAB or higher at A-level.

Fry's English Delight

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.

Today

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).

Yugoslavia war court sets wider precedents

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.

Wonderstuff

Dr Mark Miodownik, from the Department of Physics, demonstrates how you can make a degreasing agent from oranges (item starts 21:04).

Alarming rise in GP negligence claims revealed

Research from King's which identified the demographics of the most poorly performing GPs was published last month.

The dream of democracy

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.

Today

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.

Newsnight

Professor Roger Morris, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, spoke about the need for animal research in some cases (item starts 34:40).

Negotiating with terrorists

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.

Life addicted to prescription drugs

Professor Malcolm Lader, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Psychiatry comments on addictions to prescription drugs.

Culture shields sluggish Norway police from critics

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.

'Legal' drug addict

Research by King's into the length of time prescriptions for drugs are issued for is mentioned in an article.

Russian Winter and Arab Spring

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.

Wonderstuff

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).

Watch and wait before treating Norway trauma victims

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.

Dear Judy

Gary Horrocks, Director of Student Experience Support, discusses the performance of Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall in 1961.

Newsdrive

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).

Only a lame leg to stand on

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, from the Institute of Contemporary History, reviews the memoirs of former Times editor William Rees-Mogg.

Lose weight by breathing? Fat chance

Professor Jeremy Ward, Head of the Department of Physiology, comments on a breathing device which claims to help you lose weight.

Norway counts its dead

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.

Boulton and Co

Dr John Gearson, from the Department of War Studies, talks about the security threat to the UK following the attacks in Norway.

BBC One

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.

The chasm between India and China

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Defence Studies Department, writes a column on the relationship between India and the USA.

Analysts' view - bomb and shooting in Norway

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.

The time when the British army was really stretched

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.

Lucian Freud: what has made his family so successful?

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.

After tour, Reservists' mental health may suffer

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.

Animal testing 'requires tighter regulation'

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).

After tour, Reservists' mental health may suffer

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.

'Bonfire of the Mickey Mouse school courses'

Professor Alison Wolf, from the Department of Management, comments on proposals to remove certain school subjects from league tables.

Appointments

Maxine Taylor has been appointed Director of External Relations at King's.

Material World

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).

Summer school inspires students to a future in microchip industry

Dr Mahbub Gani, from the Department of Electronic Engineering, comments on a programme encouraging young people to join the microchip industry in the UAE.

Prime Ministers vs. Parliament: Winners and Losers

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.

Tomorrow's medicine brought to you today

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.

Past imperfect

Dr Belén Vidal , from the Department of Film Studies, comments on the appeal of historical TV dramas.

Olympics-testers gear up for sophisticated dopers

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).

Healthier lifestyles could cut Alzheimer's cases by 30,000

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.

Woman's Hour

Dr Hannah Crawforth, from the Department of English, discusses the Elizabethan play 'A Woman Killed with Kindness' (item starts 14:26).

It's club night for science teachers

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.

Mum's stress is passed to baby in the womb

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.

India trying to woo Myanmar from China

Dr Harsh Pant, from the Department of Defence Studies, writes a column on efforts by India and China to build close ties with Myanmar.

Painkillers 'may ease agitation' in dementia patients

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.

Scheme aims to create forest in the sands

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.

Warning over early Afghan pull-out by British forces

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.

Mephedrone is more popular than ecstasy among UK clubbers despite being banned

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.

The children who grow old before they grow up

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.

Age adds to risks of fatherhood

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.

Higher education stories

Government backs calls for research data to be made freely available

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.

University A-level plan challenged

Government plans to let some universities decide the content of A-level courses have been met with a mixed reaction from academics and teachers.

Budget: £100m university research pledge for UK

The Government has announced a £100m fund to boost university research in the UK through private sector involvement.

Students' day of action over university changes

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.

Further education colleges awarded 10,000 degree student places

More than 10,000 undergraduate student places have been awarded to further education colleges.

Universities warn on overseas students income loss

Universities UK has warned that tightening student visa rules is undermining the drive to raise income from overseas students.

No 10 scraps plan to penalise early student loan repayments

The Government has scrapped plans to impose penalties on students who pay university loans back early.

Vince Cable in row on choice of university access tsar

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).

More women became UK professors, Hesa figures show

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.

Is the number of first-class degrees cause for concern?

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.

Wonga stops targeting loans at students after protests

Payday loan company Wonga has removed pages from its website after protests branding it irresponsible for targeting students.

Privately-funded science university plan

The government has announced plans for a privately-funded science and technology graduate university.

Higher education policy: what should we expect in 2012?

A summary of the debates and issues surrounding higher education policy over the past year, and a look towards 2012.

University tuition fees: last-minute changes approved

25 universities have revised their tuition fee packages, and had them approved by the Office for Fair Access.

Student tuition fees protest passes off peacefully

A protest in London against university fee increases passed off peacefully.

August babies are less likely to go on to top universities, says study

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 down 9%

University applications for 2012 are running at 9% lower than the same point last year, says the Ucas admissions service.

Tuition fees at up to 28 universities could be lowered

As many as 28 universities are considering lowering the fees they will charge next year.

Number of top A-Level grades could be limited

The number of pupils being given the top A* grade at A-Level could be limited in the future.

University leaders' social mobility warning

Universities UK has warned that a drive for a market in Higher Education could damage social mobility.

Earlier A-level exams proposed in university applications shakeup

UCAS has privately proposed that from 2016 pupils should apply to university only after they have received their A-level grades.

Universities consider cutting fees

At least 12 universities are said to be reconsidering their decision to charge £9,000 fees, according to the Office for Fair Access.

Increase in unemployed graduates, survey suggests

A survey has suggested that 28% of 2007 UK graduates were not in full-time employment three years later.

A-level results: top universities anxious about state pupils' choice of subjects

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.

Student debt nears £60,000 for 2012 university freshers, survey predicts

A survey has shown that students beginning their courses in 2012 could have a debt of nearly £60,000 once they graduate.

Offer university scholarships via every school in England, says Simon Hughes

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Simon Hughes has called for scholarships to university to be offered to 15-year-olds from low-income households.