But Philip Stott, professor of biogeography at the University of London, UK, a longstanding climate change sceptic, sounded a different note.

BBC: Climate roadshow rumbles on

In an accompanying commentary, Dr Gordon Johnson of University College London, UK, says that "ophthalmic surgeons should not be pressured to go for quantity at the expense of quality".

BBC: India cataract policy 'needs review'

The academics come from a range of universities from the UK and elsewhere, including the London School of Economics and Warwick University.

BBC: BA boss Walsh wants to break union, say 95 academics

Apparently in a study done by the Deafness Research UK in conjunction with Dr. Brad Backus of University College London, 14 out of 15 toys tested produced noise levels above the recommended safety limit when held close to the ear. 8 of the 15 were just fine during normal use, but the three worst offenders -- a machine gun, a tommy gun and a cap gun -- are on the "avoid" list.

ENGADGET: Christmas toy noises are/aren't dangerous

Last week, London Metropolitan University became the first university in the UK to be stripped of the right to sponsor overseas students.

BBC: London Metropolitan University

Statistics expert Professor Patrick Wolfe, from University College London, said the absolute risk of Type-2 diabetes is low at about 4% of the adult UK population.

BBC: Diabetes warning over soft drinks