Latest news with #Landward
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
Glasgow's new peregrine falcon chicks named after iconic Still Game characters
The chicks hatched on April 27 in a nest high above University of Glasgow's iconic Gilbert Scott Building Two peregrine falcon chicks born atop the University of Glasgow's iconic Gilbert Scott Building have been given names that pay tribute to one of Scotland's best-loved comedy duos, Jack and Victor. The fluffy newcomers hatched on April 27 in a nest high up in the tower that dominates the skyline above Kelvingrove Park and can be seen from as far as Dumbarton Road in Partick, Glasgow Live reports. Their proud parents, affectionately named Bonnie and Clyde, return to the Gothic building each spring since 2022 and have become favourites among local birdwatchers. On 21 May, members of the Glasgow Peregrine Project scaled the tower to ring the chicks, weigh them, take DNA samples, and install a new nest camera. During the check-up, they also retrieved an unhatched egg, which they believe was accidentally pierced by a parent's talon. Sharing the chosen names on social media, the University of Glasgow wrote: 'Say hello to Jack and Victor, the new additions to the UofG Falcon family. Bonnie and Clyde, a pair of peregrine falcons who return to nest atop the Gilbert Scott Building each spring, have welcomed their new chicks. 'Last week, the chicks were ringed, weighed, and DNA swabbed, and officially named Jack and Victor in true Glasgow style. The chicks will feature on Landward on BBC Scotland on 12 June.' Bonnie and Clyde themselves were named in 2024 after the university invited staff and students to suggest names for the breeding pair. Over 300 suggestions poured in, with 'Bonnie' chosen as a nod to 'Bonnie Scotland', and 'Clyde' referencing the River Clyde. Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour as they dive to catch prey. Found across much of the world, they typically grow up to two feet tall with a wingspan approaching four feet. The Glasgow Peregrine Project has been closely monitoring the birds and has even held public watches in recent years, giving people the chance to witness the remarkable creatures up close. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The RSPB, the University of Glasgow, and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club are spearheading the project, with support from several other groups. Clarke Elsby, building surveyor at the University of Glasgow, told the BBC: "We're keen that Bonnie and Clyde, and now Jack and Victor, are kept in the best possible condition while sharing their stories with our Glasgow community. "Thanks to this project, we're not only preserving these remarkable residents, we're also inspiring a new generation of wildlife enthusiasts across the city." John Simpson, Clyde area bird recorder, added: "We're delighted to be able to contribute to the work of the Glasgow Peregrine Project, and today's work was vital in following the stories of Bonnie and Clyde."
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Science
- Perth Now
Scientists searching for traces of extraterrestrial life in Scotland
Aliens Credit: BANG - Entertainment News BANG - Entertainment News Bang Showbiz Scientists are scouring Scotland for traces of extraterrestrial life. A team from the University of St. Andrews has been testing cameras in the Scottish Highlands township, Lower Diabaig, for a new robot rover by the European Space Agency that is set to be sent to space in 2028. And as part of their research, they are using tech to find biology in billion-year-old rocks, such as mudstone, that have not metamorphosed. Doctor Claire Cousins said on the BBC programme 'Landward': "The rocks haven't metamorphosed right. They haven't been cooked and squeezed and crushed. "These are perfect for showing us there was once liquid water - a habitable environment for life."
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poll: Unlike many Americans, Utahns are generally happy with how their colleges are doing
Utah's Commissioner of Higher Education, Geoffrey Landward, recently participated in a gathering to discuss research that reaffirmed the benefits of higher education — ranging from increased career earnings to better health and community involvement. The data, collected by the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, revealed that colleges and universities are graduating students who avoid poverty and report 'happiness' and 'career confidence' at levels significantly higher than their neighbors who did not pursue post-secondary education. Landward was asked at the gathering why many Americans seem leery of higher education — despite clear research confirming its value to individuals and communities. 'The perceptions around the value of higher education are misaligned with the realities of the value,' agreed Landward. That's a challenging paradox, he added, suggesting 'that the conversations around higher education are conversations focusing on the wrong thing.' The commissioner's concern that the positive messages surrounding higher education are being distorted appears correct. A 2024 Gallup poll revealed that an increasing proportion of U.S. adults say they have little or no confidence in higher education. 'As a result, Americans are now nearly equally divided among those who have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence (36%), some confidence (32%), or little or no confidence (32%) in higher education,' the report noted. 'When Gallup first measured confidence in higher education in 2015, 57% had a great deal or quite a lot of confidence and 10% had little or none.' So how are Utahns — living in a state where over 60% of adults have attained some form of postsecondary education — feeling about higher education these days? A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll suggests almost two-thirds of Utahns approve of the job Utah colleges and universities are doing. But they are far less approving of the performance of colleges and universities nationwide. The poll, conducted last month by HarrisX among 805 registered voters, found that 17% of Utahns 'strongly approve' of the job Utah's higher education institutions are doing. Almost half (48%) said they 'somewhat approve.' Meanwhile, 16% said they 'somewhat disapprove' — while 4% 'strongly disapprove.' Utahns are far more critical of the nation's colleges and universities. Less than half of those polled offered a thumbs-up to the job colleges and universities are doing across the country. Only 12% said they 'strongly approve' of colleges nationwide — while 35% 'somewhat approve.' A quarter of respondents said they 'somewhat disapprove,' with the 'strongly disapprove' group climbing into the double-digits (10%). The Deseret News/Hinckley poll also asked what Utah colleges and universities should prioritize to best serve their students. Preparing students for successful careers and keeping tuition affordable were noted by 70% or more of the respondents. Of less importance — but still notable, according to the poll, was 'offering a well-rounded education' and 'expanding opportunities for internships and professional development'. 'Supporting opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups' and 'Providing a vibrant campus life' were not considered top priorities by a large number of respondents. Aligning Utah's college students with industry needs was a high priority for lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session. The state's eight degree-granting institutions are now required, over the next three years, to reallocate state funds to programs that best prepare graduates for optimal success. Landward identifies a possible reason why some still look askance at higher education — while suggesting a couple of remedies. Americans' conversations about higher education are often focused on social concern issues, he said. So perceptions about what's happening on college campuses have become increasingly politicized. As a result, a small percentage of what happens on college campuses often becomes the entire conversation. 'That undermines people's trust in what's happening at higher education — and I think they conflate their concerns around that trust with value,' said Landward. The commissioner noted that educators and proponents of higher education can do a couple of things to refocus the conversations: First, become more responsive to the public's political and social concerns about what's happening on college campuses. Don't ignore concerns — and try harder to understand them. But it's also essential, he added, to simultaneously communicate to people 'that those concerns represent a very small percentage of the activities that happen on our campuses.' And second, said Landward, higher education proponents must 'make the compelling case as to the value proposition itself.' Acknowledging challenging perceptions and issues, he added, 'helps restore trust in our institutions of higher education — and when trust is restored, the conversation around value can change.'
