Researchers on the radio – a summer round-up

Research by several Newnham members featured on the radio over summer 2020 – here is a round-up for all those wanting to hear about their colleagues’ research while we can’t be together in person. 

Archaeology – the Lion of al-Lat

Archaeologist Dr Augusta McMahon discusses the symbolism of the Syrian Lion of al-Lat on BBC Radio 4’s The Museum of Lost Objects.

The Museum of Lost Objects traces the histories of 10 antiquities or cultural sites that have been destroyed or looted in Iraq and Syria. The Lion of al-Lat was a protective spirit, the consort of a Mesopotamian goddess. This 2,000 year old statue was one of the first things the so-called Islamic State destroyed when they took Palmyra in 2015.

BBC Radio 4 – Museum of Lost Objects (Starts 4m 57s)

Global studies – Bolivia’s lithium resources

The BBC World Service explored Bolivia’s lithium resources, with the Margaret Anstee Centre’s Dr Daniela Sanchez-Lopez.

Daniela explains how the exploding demand for lithium batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage means that many powerful nations have their eyes on the salt flat.

Listen to the programme 

Education – how socioeconomic status relates to boys’ cognitive skills

Research co-led by Newnham’s Prof Claire Hughes and Dr Michelle Ellefson (Faculty of Education/Gonville and Caius) suggests a link between socioeconomic status and cognitive skills among British boys. What could be causing the impact on boys’ advanced skills – and can we address the problem?

Their research was thoughtfully discussed on Dotun Adebayo’s programme on BBC Radio 5 (at 3hr 36 mins)

Music in performance

Alumna and harpist Anne Denholm performed from her kitchen on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune (at 1hr 26mins)

History of Science

Student Eva Higginbotham interviewed Rosalind Franklin’s sister, Jenifer Glynn about Rosalind’s time at Newnham and beyond, for the Naked Scientists Podcast.