#university college london

[sitting-on-me-bum]

NASA’s James Webb Telescope Captures the Fiery Remains of a Dying Star in Unprecedented Detail

Images courtesy of ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, M. Barlow (University College London), N. Cox (ACRI-ST), R. Wesson (Cardiff University)

[nando161mando]

▶️"UCL, shame, shame, stop investing in our name"

Pro-Palestine students at University College London (UCL) gather for a final rally before their Gaza solidarity encampment is removed.

#FreePalestine

[royalchildreneurope]

New : Princess Alexia of The Netherlands will start her study Science and Engineering for Social Change at the Faculty of Engineering at University College London in England at the end of September 2024 -August 9th 2024.

[theinconvenientlifestyle]

[thepastisalreadywritten]

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Discovery of new ice may change our understanding of water

Researchers at UCL and the University of Cambridge have discovered a new type of ice that more closely resembles liquid water than any other known ices and that may rewrite our understanding of water and its many anomalies.

The newly discovered ice is amorphous—that is, its molecules are in a disorganized form, not neatly ordered as they are in ordinary, crystalline ice. Amorphous ice, although rare on Earth, is the main type of ice found in space. That is because in the colder environment of space, ice does not have enough thermal energy to form crystals.

For the study, published in the journal Science, the research team used a process called ball milling, vigorously shaking ordinary ice together with steel balls in a jar cooled to -200 degrees Celsius.

They found that, rather than ending up with small bits of ordinary ice, the process yielded a novel amorphous form of ice that, unlike all other known ices, had the same density as liquid water and whose state resembled water in solid form. They named the new ice "medium-density amorphous ice" (MDA).

Read more.

[coochiequeens]

Feminists hold a conference and not only does a TRA assault a woman but one of the protesters is a violent ex-con TIM, yet TRAs claim to the victims of hateful ideology.

A conference held in support of women’s sex-based rights was protested by trans activists yesterday. Among them was a violent convict known for having been England’s longest-serving transgender inmate.

University College London hosted a one-day conference yesterday centered around panel discussions on education and women’s rights. The sold-out event was organized by the UCL Women’s Liberation special interest group and Women’s Place UK, with support from Southall Black Sisters and FiLiA. 

Among the event’s participants were many known for their vocal critiques of gender ideology, including Sex Matters’ executive director Maya Forstater, journalist Helen Joyce, and writer Julie Bindel. 

Shortly after the conference began, reports emerged that protesters had gathered outside of the UCL lecture hall where the event was taking place.

A crowd of approximately 20 trans activists began banging on the windows and screaming expletives in an effort to interrupt the women inside. Counter-protestors similarly gathered to support the event, recording the trans activist rage at the conference continuing.

“You try to deny our existence, well — f*ck you!” One activist screamed into an amplified microphone. “Literally f*ck you. This is our university. This is our space. You are not welcome here. We will make sure you will never ever be here again!” 

As the conference began, two lecturers who co-direct qUCL, a campus research group focused on queer theory, released a statement comparing it to “eugenics.”

Hours into the event, women’s rights advocate Katy Worley, also known on social media as DJ Lippy, was assaulted by a trans activist who aggressively wrangled her phone from her as she had been filming the protestors. Worley was interviewed by police on the incident, who reportedly left her feeling “blamed” for her own assault.

“The police were pretty useless, actually,” Worley told Reduxx. “The guy attacked me as I was out of the main college [campus]. I was actually just about to go home. He tried to get my phone off of me… he threw it over a wall, and I just grabbed ahold of him by his rucksack because I didn’t want him to leave. I told him ‘you can’t do this, it’s unacceptable.’ I started screaming for security.”

Worley says police arrived about one hour after the incident, and began questioning her on the attacker’s motivations.

“They asked me ‘why do you think he did that?’ It’s like they wanted me to prove motivation. And it’s not really a victim’s job to provide motivation to the police.” Worley says she tried to tell the police about the protest, but became emotional as she interacted with them due to their apparent lack of concern for her. But as she continued with them, a group of women who had hosted a workshop at the conference came to her aid. 

Kate Coleman, director of Keep Prisons Single Sex, as well as another woman who was a former police chief superintendent, butted in to help Worley in her conversation with police. No arrests were made, and Worley doesn’t believe anything more is being done with her report.

“I doubt anything will be done. They didn’t even take a description of the assailant until I prompted them.”

According to social media updates provided by her significant other, Worley was left with dark bruising on her arm and swelling in her hand from the attack.

This is not Worley’s first time being assaulted at such an event. In November of 2022, a similar incident occurred during which Worley was manhandled by a trans activist who attempted to stop her from recording with her phone camera. Worley was interviewed by police, and the assailant was taken into custody.

While many of the trans activists at yesterday’s protest claimed to be students at UCL, there were outsiders within the crowd. Among them was a notorious convict known for being England’s longest-serving transgender inmate.

Sarah Jane Baker, born Alan Baker, spent 30 years in prison for multiple violent crimes. Baker was initially sentenced for kidnapping and torturing his stepmother’s brother, but received additional time after attempting to murder a cellmate.

While incarcerated, Baker became vocal on the issue of trans-identified males in prison, often claiming to be the victim of systemic mistreatment for being kept in the male prison estate. 

In 2013, Baker made headlines when he first began identifying as “Sarah,” billing taxpayers £10,000 for what media referred to as his “sex change.” Baker once boasted that he never wanted to be freed, describing himself as a “professional prisoner.”

During a 2009 hearing, he claimed to be quite pleased with his time in custody, stating: “I am happy to be locked away. Doing bird is the one thing I excel at. I have no responsibility, free food, laundry, healthcare, a job and my Open ­University course costs me nothing.”

Baker was released in 2019, after which he began to brand himself as both a trans rights activist and a prison abolitionist. Baker has turned up at multiple protests intended to denigrate women who oppose gender ideology. In June of 2021, Baker was photographed at London’s Pride Parade holding signs which read, “Be Trans, Do Crime.” Another sign in an identical style which read “Kill JK Rowling” was placed on the Bomber Command Memorial, prompting speculation that Baker was responsible for the death threat.

During Saturday’s protest at UCL, Baker was seen wearing his characteristic red beret and hurling abuse at the women’s rights advocates.

“Trying to make us scared? You f*cking c*nts!” Baker was filmed yelling. “Trying to make us afraid? To walk on our own streets?”

Baker has stated his intention to be “the next transgender member of parliament” for the Richmond Park district in London, and will be putting his name forward in upcoming elections.

By Anna Slatz Anna is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Reduxx, with a journalistic focus on covering crime, child predators, and women's rights. She lives in Canada, enjoys Opera, and kvetches in her spare time.

[calicojack1718]

The Rich Inner World of Autism, Its Gift to the World

Autistic people are obsessed with our weird obsessions. Endless hours are spent imagining them. What if, we could harness all of that imagining and make it some productive in the work place or classroom?

April Fools! It’s Autism What? Month, Week, Day… I stumbled during the month of April and didn’t post a weekly article concerning autism. While it is frustrating to me personally, it is not surprising. Many things can derail my plans, the tiniest weakest breeze, a small drop of water, a whiff of faint soap. Really, just about anything. A hair that catches my attention. Anywho, considering I’m a…

[abroadstudy635]

Unlocking Opportunities at UCL - A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students

Introduction

As one of the esteemed institutions in the United Kingdom, UCL University College London has established itself as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. This article serves as a guide for aspiring students, covering various aspects such as fees, courses, rankings, study abroad opportunities, and its position among other London colleges and universities.

UCL University College London: A Prestigious Institution UCL, founded in 1826, holds a distinguished reputation as a leading research university globally. Its commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching has propelled it to the upper echelons of higher education. With a diverse student body and renowned faculty members, UCL offers a stimulating environment for intellectual growth and academic exploration.

University College London Fees: Investing in Your Future

While pursuing education at UCL is undoubtedly a valuable investment, the university is dedicated to ensuring that financial considerations do not hinder deserving students. Through a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages, UCL strives to make its programs accessible to a wide spectrum of students, fostering diversity and inclusivity within its community.

University College London Courses: A Path to Excellence

University College London courses are of a comprehensive range across various disciplines, catering to the diverse academic interests of its student body. From cutting-edge research programs to hands-on practical courses, UCL provides a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

University College London Ranking: A Testament to Academic Excellence

Consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, UCL's commitment to quality education and research is evident in its prestigious rankings. By prioritizing innovation, critical thinking, and global engagement, UCL continues to set the standard for academic excellence, attracting top-tier students and faculty members from around the world.

London Colleges and Universities: Embracing a Cultural Hub

Situated in the vibrant city of London, University College London offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and academic resources. As part of a city renowned for its historical significance and modern innovations, studying at UCL provides students with unparalleled access to a diverse range of industries, cultural events, and networking opportunities.

Study Abroad Opportunities: Broadening Horizons

UCL emphasizes the importance of global perspectives and cultural exchange through its comprehensive study abroad programs. By participating in international exchanges, internships, and research collaborations, UCL students have the chance to broaden their horizons, gain valuable insights into different cultures, and develop a global mindset that enhances their academic and professional journey.

Conclusion

UCL University College London stands as a bastion of academic excellence, offering students a transformative educational experience within a vibrant and dynamic setting. With its esteemed reputation, a wide array of courses, commitment to inclusivity, and global outlook, University College London presents an unparalleled opportunity for students to unlock their full potential and embark on a journey of personal and academic growth. For those seeking a truly enriching university experience with a global perspective, UCL is indeed a distinguished choice among London colleges and universities.

[tjeromebaker]

‘He had a sarcastic turn of phrase’: Discovery of 1509 book sheds new light on Jeremy Bentham | ‘The Father of Utilitarianism’

Jeremy Bentham’s skeleton and wax head on display in London. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Observer Source: The Guardian Unearthed notes owned by the renowned philosopher Jeremy Bentham reveals the roots of his influential ethics One of the dangerous “fools” caricatured in a medieval printed satire called Ship of Fools is the Foolish Reader. He is shown in an illustration surrounded by his many…

[fitzrovianews]

Have-a-go at virtual surgery and learn about the latest research shaping the future of healthcare

Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street. Photo: Fitzrovia News. Children on their school holidays who have an interest in medicine and surgery may like to go along to an event at Foley Street on Friday for some hands-on experience. “You are warmly invited to come and join in the fun (and learning) at the Wellcome / EPSRC Centre For Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS),” says University…

[admitx]

University College London India Excellence Scholarship Shaping Future Innovators

The University College London India Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to recognize and support outstanding Indian students pursuing higher education at UCL. This scholarship is a testament to UCL's commitment to fostering global diversity and academic excellence within its student body.

The recipients of the UCL India Excellence Scholarship not only receive financial support for their tuition and living expenses but also gain access to a network of like-minded peers and mentors, creating a conducive environment for personal and academic growth.

UCL, as a renowned institution, recognizes the importance of fostering international collaborations and perspectives. The India Excellence Scholarship aligns with UCL's vision of creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment, enriching the university experience for both students and faculty.

In conclusion, the UCL India Excellence Scholarship stands as a beacon for Indian students aspiring to pursue advanced studies at one of the world's leading universities.

[freejobalertpop]

UCL announces scholarship scheme for Indian students to study in the UK | Education

The University College London (UCL) has announced a new scholarship scheme to enable 100 of India’s brightest students to study in the UK at one of the world’s leading universities. This scholarship will support Indian students with an outstanding academic record to pursue full-time Master’s degree studies at UCL. UCL announces scholarship scheme for Indian students to study in the UK UCL…

[thepastisalreadywritten]

(CNN) — It’s late summer 2,850 years ago. A fire engulfs a stilt village perched above a boggy, slow-moving river that weaves though the wetlands of eastern England.

The tightly packed roundhouses, built from wood, straw, turf, and clay just nine months earlier, go up in flames.

The inhabitants flee, leaving behind all their belongings, including a wooden spoon in a bowl of half-eaten porridge.

There is no time to rescue the fattened lambs, which are trapped and burnt alive.

The scene is a vivid and poignant snapshot, captured by archaeologists, of a once thriving community in late Bronze Age Britain known as Must Farm, near what’s now the town of Peterborough.

The research team published a two-volume monograph on Wednesday that describes their painstaking $1.4 million (£1.1 million) excavation and analysis of the site in the county of Cambridgeshire.

Described by the experts involved as an “archaeological nirvana,” the site is the only one in Britain that lives up to the “Pompeii premise,” they say, referencing the city forever frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that has yielded unparalleled information about ancient Rome.

“In a typical Bronze Age site, if you’ve got a house, you’ve probably got maybe a dozen post holes in the ground and they’re just dark shadows of where it once stood.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll get a couple of shards of pottery, maybe a pit with a bunch of animal bones.

This was the complete opposite of that process. It was just incredible,” said Chris Wakefield of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit at the University of Cambridge, an archaeologist and member of the 55-person team that excavated the site in 2016.

"All the axe marks had been used to shape and sculpt the wood. All of those looked fresh, like they could have been done last week by someone,” Wakefield added.

The remarkably preserved condition of the site and its contents enabled the archaeological team to draw comprehensive new insights into Bronze Age society — findings that could overturn the current understanding of what everyday life was like in Britain during the ninth century BC.

Must Farm domesticity — and a mystery

The site, which dates to eight centuries before Romans arrived in Britain, revealed four roundhouses and a square entranceway structure, which stood approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) above the riverbed and were surrounded by a 6.5-foot (2-meter) fence of sharpened posts.

The archaeologists believe the settlement was likely twice as big. However, quarrying in the 20th century destroyed any other remains.

Though charred from the fire, the remaining buildings and their contents were extremely well preserved by the oxygen-starved conditions of the fens, or wetlands, and included many wooden and textile items that rarely survive in the archaeological record.

Together, traces of the settlement paint a picture of cozy domesticity and relative plenty.

The researchers unearthed 128 ceramic artifacts — jars, bowls, cups and cookware — and were able to deduce that 64 pots were in use at the time of fire.

The team found some stored pots neatly nested.

Textiles found at the site made from flax linen had a soft, velvety feel with neat seams and hems, although it wasn’t possible to identify individual pieces of clothing.

Wooden artifacts included boxes and bowls carved from willow, alder and maple, 40 bobbins, many with threads still attached, various tools, and 15 wooden buckets.

“One of those buckets … on the bottom of it were loads and loads of cut marks, so we know that people living in that Bronze Age kitchen when they needed an impromptu chopping board, were just flipping that bucket upside down and using that as a chopping surface,” Wakefield said.

“It’s those little moments that build together to give a richer, fuller picture of what was going on.”

The circumstances of the event that brought it all to a halt are still a bit of a mystery.

The researchers believe the fire took place in late summer or early autumn because skeletal remains of the lambs kept by one household showed the animals, typically born in spring, were three months to six months old.

However, what exactly caused the devastating fire remains unclear. The blaze could have been accidental or deliberately started.

The researchers uncovered a stack of spears with shafts over 10 feet (3 meters) long at the site, and many experts think that warfare was common in the time period.

The team worked with a forensic fire investigator but ultimately couldn’t identify a specific “smoking gun” clue pointing to the cause.

“An archaeological site is a lot like a jigsaw puzzle. At a typical site you have 10 or 20 pieces out of 500,” Wakefield said.

“Here, we had 250 or 300 pieces and we still couldn’t get the complete picture on how this big fire broke out.”

Mike Parker Pearson, a professor of British later prehistory at the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, described both the report and the site “as exceptional.” He wasn’t involved in the research.

“The fire may have been disastrous for the inhabitants but it is a blessing for archaeologists, a unique snapshot of life in the Bronze Age,” he said via email.

Upending ideas about Bronze Age society

The contents across the four preserved houses were “remarkably consistent."

Each one had a tool kit that included sickles, axes, gouges, and handheld razors used to cut hair or cloth.

With almost 538 square feet (50 square meters) of floor space in the largest, each of the dwellings appeared to have distinct activity zones comparable to rooms in a modern home.

“By plotting the positions of all these finds — pots, loomweights, tools, and even sheep droppings, the archaeological team have reconstructed the houses’ internal use of space,” Parker Pearson noted.

“The kitchen area was in the east, the storage and weaving area in the south and southeast with the penning area for lambs, and the sleeping area in the northwest, though we don’t know where the doorway was for each house.”

Not all the items were of practical use, such as 49 glass beads plus others made of amber.

Archaeologists also unearthed a woman’s skull, smooth from touch, possibly a keepsake of a lost loved one.

Some of the items the researchers found will go on display starting April 27 in an exhibition titled “Introducing Must Farm: A Bronze Age Settlement” at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery.

Lab analysis of biological remains revealed the types of food the community once consumed.

A pottery bowl imprinted with the finger marks of its maker held a final meal — a wheat grain porridge mixed with animal fat.

Chemical analyses of the bowls and jars showed traces of honey along with deer, suggesting the people who used the dishes might have enjoyed honey-glazed venison.

Ancient excrement found in waste piles below where the houses would have stood showed that the community kept dogs that fed on scraps from their owners’ meals.

And human fossilized poop, or coprolites, showed that at least some inhabitants suffered from intestinal worms.

The waste piles, or middens, were one line of evidence that showed how long the site was occupied, with a thin layer of refuse suggesting the settlement was built nine months to a year before it went up in flames.

"Two other factors supported that line of reasoning," Wakefield said.

“The second was that a lot of the wood that was used in the construction was unseasoned, it was still effectively green, it hadn’t been long in position,” he said.

“The third one is that we have a lack of the kind of insects and animals that are associated with human habitation."

"It wouldn’t be long before beetles would worm (in) … but there’s no evidence of any of that in any of the 18,000 plus timbers.”

The fact that the site, with its rich and varied contents, was in use for only a year upended the team’s preconceived “visions of everyday life” in the ninth century BC.

It may suggest that Bronze Age societies were perhaps less hierarchical than traditionally thought, according to the 1,608-page report.

“We are seeing here not the accumulation of a lifetime, but just a year’s worth of materials,” the authors noted in the report.

“It suggests that artefacts such as bronze tools and glass beads were more common than we often imagine and that their availability may not in fact have been restricted.”