University of Leicester in the News, 25 January - 14 February 2012

Medicine and Biological Sciences

The University enjoyed extensive media coverage of a new study that showed coronary artery disease (CAD) can be genetically transmitted from father to son via the Y chromosome. The research was led by Dr Maciej Tomaszewski of our Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, in collaboration with scientists in our Department of Genetics. BBC News, the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Independent, the Mirror, The New York Times, Scientific American, Zee News, Newstrack India, MSN Health, International Business Times Australia, Fox News, Adelaide Now, The Leicester Mercury, Express India, Times of India and The Indian Express all reported the story, along with specialist outlets such as Science Daily, Doctors Lounge, Medical News Today and US News Health. (University Press Release)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Researchers in our Department of Health Sciences studied the effectiveness of anti-obesity drugs and a modified lifestyle in helping people lose weight. The team, led by Dr Laura Gray, found that certain drugs can assist in weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. The findings were widely reported in the medical press, and the story appeared in Medical Xpress, News Medical, Net Doctor, Medical News Today as well as internationally in Zee News, Times of India and Newstrack India. (University Press Release)

A study led by Dr Terry Brugha of our Department of Health Sciences has found

Dr Terry Brugha

many adults with undiagnosed autism living in the community. These 'invisible' autistic patients often live at home and are cared for by close family. The findings were reported widely in the medical and health press, including by Medical Xpress, News Medical, Outcome Magazine, Psych Central; and by other news outlets such as Science Daily, UPI, Dalje.com, Barchester News, the Leicester Mercury, Business Ghana and Vancouver Sun. (University Press Release)

A special online issue of Cancer Genomics featured research by scientists working in our Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine. Dr Jacqueline Shaw and her team studied circulating free DNA in breast cancer patients, and found that analysis of the cfDNA could reveal clues to cancer diagnosis and risk of relapse. The story was covered by medical news outlets such as News Medical, PhysOrg and Health Canal. (University Press Release)

Physics and Astronomy

Sagittarius A*

Scientists from our Department of Physics and Astronomy have analysed data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory that indicate the Milky Way's supermassive black hole is vaporising asteroids. Kastytis Zubovas and Dr Sergei Nayakshin led on the study, which was published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The story was covered by the Mail on Sunday, CBBC Newsround, Huffington Post, Voice of America, Hindustan Times, Express India, International Business Times Australia and Live Science. (University Press Release)

Management and Business

Professor Steven Wood of our School of Management has studied worker productivity, job satisfaction and happiness to try and find the best management method for an efficient, satisfied workplace. He found employees were happier and less stressed when management focused closely on their core job roles and did not expect them to get involved in wider workplace management and decision making. The story was covered by News Track India, Truth Dive, Health Canal, and Hindustan Times. (University Press Release)

Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Robert Burgess won a lifetime achievement

Suleman Sacranie

award at the recent Midlands Business Awards (MBAs) for his contribution to the success of the University and the local community. The Leicester Mercury ran an article and interview with the Vice-Chancellor. The University celebrated another success at the awards: former Leicester student Suleman Sacranie won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award after setting up his own online business, and was also featured in the Mercury. (University Press Release)

Society and People

The BBC ran a feature on the Honorary Graduates receiving degrees at the University in January. Biddy Baxter and Nigel Henbest were both awarded honorary degrees, and the BBC marked Ms Baxter's great success in producing and editing the children's television show Blue Peter for many years. (Read the University's press release about the honorary graduates here.)

University of Leicester law graduate and Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb was appointed the new minister for employment relations and postal affairs. Several news outlets ran a profile on Mr Lamb, including the Telegraph and 7^th Space News.

A study by Dr Simon Weaver of our Department of Health Sciences looked at the way comedians use "racist" humour to challenge and undermine racial stereotypes. His new book looks at the power of comedy as a form of rhetoric. Health Canal and Asian Image both featured the story. (University Press Release)

Poetry and English

Poems written by local children were read out at the University of Leicester's Holocaust Memorial Day. The children wrote the poems after poet and performance artist Leah Thorn visited local schools as part of a Speak Up Speak Out campaign encouraging young people to speak out against discrimination and violence. The Leicester Mercury reported on the event and spoke to the children involved about their experiences. (University Press Release)

Leicester graduate Lisa Parhad is also enjoying success as a poet after returning to her native Huddersfield. Local paper The Yorkshire Post featured an article about Lisa, who has set up a performance poetry club in her home town and published a book of her poetry, some of which was inspired by her university experiences.

Local

A First Person piece in the Leicester Mercury by Dr Paul Reilly looked at the etiquette of Twitter and other social networks. Dr Reilly of our Department of Media and Communication has researched the use of social networking sites and discussed ways to use such sites to shine a light on anti-social behaviour.

Two giant engines that will help provide sustainable energy and heating to thousands of local homes were installed in the University's boiler room at the end of January. The Leicester Mercury reported on the installation and the positive impact of the engines, including a picture of the machinery being delivered.

A group of our students came to the rescue of stranded motorists during the recent snow in Leicester, prompting one member of the public to write to the Leicester Mercury in praise of their actions. The students had helped push many cars free of mounting snow on London Road, to the relief of many drivers. Read more on the University's newsblog.

Sir Terry Wogan with Danielle Brown

Sir Terry Wogan joined alumni in London's Mandarin Oriental Hotel for the University's annual Alumni Dinner on Thursday 9 February, where he presented the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award to Olympic archer Danielle Brown. The Leicester Mercury ran an article about the dinner, and Sir Terry later mentioned the event on his Weekend Wogan show on BBC Radio 2 (at around 1hr 5mins). Read more about the dinner on the alumni webpage. (University Press Release)

• Online media coverage January 2012
• Online media coverage February 2012
• Previous weeks' coverage
• Summary of Print Coverage, January 2012 (PDF)
• Summary of Print Coverage, 1 - 14 February 2012 (PDF)