| When science dominates the news agenda, it's our job to pass as much information to the journalists covering the story as quickly as possible. One of the most useful services we provide is a 'round up' of reaction – a series of quotes from scientists that represent viewpoints within mainstream science. This reaction to a breaking story can be invaluable as: · a source of quotes · a gauge of what the scientific community thinks about a new development · a list of potential interviewees for print or broadcast Sometimes it's more appropriate to send journalists a list of contact details for scientists and press officers that are available to provide comments immediately. We call these our rapid reaction emails. This year's press releases are listed below:
23 January 2012 A paper published in The Lancet established the safety of a stem cell treatment for macular degeneration after a phase 1 clinical trial. 20 January 2012 A letter from leading scientists agreeing to a 60-day pause in controversial flu virus research was published in Nature and Science. 19 January 2012 Announcement by the Wellcome Trust of funding for research into mitochondrial DNA transfer at Newcastle University. 18 January 2012 New research announced testing of a new vaccine for meningitis B. 18 January 2012 The Cochrane review looked at the efficacy of the two leading flu vaccinations. 18 January 2012 A new paper examined genetic influences on lengthened lifespan. 12 January 2012 Researchers measured the concentrations of parabens, which have been indirectly linked with breast cancer, in breast tissue. 12 January 2012 The UK bioscience firm Oxitec implemented a programme to test GM mosquitoes as a means of combating dengue fever in developing world countries. 11 January 2012 This study used neuroimaging to compare normal brains with the brains of people suffering from internet addiction, and identified physical differences between them, 10 January 2012 The NHS Future Forum, the body tasked with providing feedback and advice to the government on reforms to the NHS, published its second report on the proposed reforms and highlighting areas where they could be clarified or improved. 09 January 2012 US researchers found that nicotine patches could have a small effect against the onset of Alzheimer's - although experts cautioned that this did not mean that smoking could have beneficial health effects. 09 January 2012 A new study connected the length of telomeres (lengths of DNA at the ends of chromosomes) with lifespan in zebra finches. 07 January 2012 This study on the association between foetal growth and miscarriage was presented as a conference abstract at the 2012 British Fertility Society annual meeting in Leeds. 05 January 2012 New research demonstrated the possibility of generating chimeric monkeys. 04 January 2012 Science Minister David Willetts gave a speech to launch the Research Council Impact Reports, detailing how science and research have contributed to the UK economy and society. 04 January 2012 Researchers from Torino and Manchester looked at current methods of measuring personality differences between the sexes.
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