· 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 - details are listed below for releases so far in 2006 and 2007:

**Please note, this part of the site is undergoing redevelopment and we do not have the latest details. For more information, contact us at smc@sciencemediacentre.org

18 May 2007
Scientists discuss Wi-Fi and its proposed adverse health effects, in advance of BBC's Panorama programme to be screened on Monday 21 May 2007

17 May 2007
Scientists respond to study that reports the regeneration of new hair, as published in the journal Nature

17 May 2007
Scientists react to Department of Health: Human Tissues and Embryos (Draft) Bill

10 May 2007
Scientists react to a BMJ letter from a US doctor warning of the risks of overexposure to CT scans

4 May 2007
Scientists and engineers react to the IPCC: Working Group III report, "Mitigation of Climate Change"

3 May 2007
Scientists react to new research published in the journal Human Reproduction that suggests men with diabetes have sperm with DNA damage

3 May 2007
Scientists react to new research showing a genetic link to heart disease as published in the journal Science

1 May 2007
Scientists react to news of trials for gene therapy cure for childhood blindness

1 May 2007
UK scientists welcome news of police crackdown on animal rights extremism across the EU

28 April 2007
Scientists react to news of an earthquake in Kent, England

25 April 2007
Scientists respond to the question of volcanoes triggering an ancient warming event as published in Science

20 April 2007
Scientists respond to news of baby formula that "fights fat"

19 April 2007
Experts react to Science minister Malcolm Wickes proposal for electronic tagging of elderly people

13 April 2007
Engineers react to news of a capsized tug in North-East Scotland

13 April 2007
Scientists react to the paper "Creating sperm precursors from bone marrow" as published in the journal Reproduction

12 April 2007
Scientists respond to research into a gene for obesity as published in the journal Science

10 April 2007
Scientists and ethicists comment in advance of the European Court of Human Rights judgment on Natallie Evans' case

6 April 2007
Scientists and engineers react to the IPCC: Working Group II report, "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability"

3 April 2007
Engineers react to new railway-speed record of 357.2 mph, achieved today in France

3 April 2007
Scientists respond to the Science & Technology Committee report: "Government proposals for the regulation of hybrid and chimera embryos"

3 April 2007
Fertility experts respond to launch of HFEA consultation on multiple births

2 April 2007
Scientists respond to news of a Tsunami in the Solomon Islands

28 March 2007
Scientists react to research published in the journal Human Reproduction on beef consumption during pregnancy

26 March 2007
Scientists respond to Scottish funding for biomass projects and hydrogen energy programme

21 March 2007
Scientists and engineers react to carbon capture announcement in the 2007 Budget

21 March 2007
Scientists and Engineers react to announcements made in the 2007 Budget

19 March 2007
Scientist's reaction to molecular psychiatry paper on the genetics of Schizophrenia, as published in Nature

13 March 2007
Scientists and engineers react to plans for new coal fired power stations

12 March 2007
Scientists and engineers react to the UK government's draft Climate Change Bill

1 March 2007
Expert comments on research into mild IVF treatment, as published in The Lancet

1 March 2007
Scientific experts give their opinion on suspected petrol fuel contamination story

28 February 2007
Scientists comment on HRH Prince Charles' call for a ban on McDonald's

24 February 2007
Engineers react to the news of a Virgin Trains Pendolino crash on the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria

23 February 2007
Scientists react to opposition of genetic modification of human embryos for research by the Human Genetics Alert campaign group

21 February 2007
Leading scientists react to the news that DTI is cutting funding for the UK Research Councils

21 February 2007
Scientists comment on pending HFEA decision on altruistic egg donation for research

20 February 2007
Pharmacologists react to OFT report recommending reform to UK drug pricing scheme

16 February 2007
Scientists comment on research into the genetic basis of autism, as published in the journal Nature

15 February 2007
Expert comments on research suggesting that eating watercress helps combat cancer

15 February 2007
Experts respond to the High Court ruling on Nuclear New Build in the UK

14 February 2007
Scientists comment on "Programmed for Obesity" paper, published in the journal Science

14 February 2007
Scientists comment on 'Neurogenesis' paper, published in the journal Science

13 February 2007
Scientist comments on the link between recent avian flu outbreaks in Hungary and the UK

10 February 2007
Scientists respond to the news of a possible product recall of Bernard Matthews turkey products

9 February 2007
Scientists comment on the risk of contracting H5N1 avian flu from eating meat

9 February 2007
Scientists comment on Richard Branson's £13million prize to save the world from global warming

7 February 2007
Expert responds to police announcement that London letter bombs contained 'pyrotechnic charge'

5 February 2007
Expert responds to reports of a letter bomb explosion in London

4 February 2007
Scientists respond to the continuing news story of turkeys infected with H5N1 avian flu in Suffolk

3 February 2007
Scientists respond to the news that turkeys at a farm in Suffolk are infected with H5N1 avian flu

3 February 2007
Scientists respond to the news that turkeys at a farm in Suffolk are infected with H5 avian flu

2 February 2007
Expert response to the news of poultry deaths from 'mystery illness' at Suffolk turkey farm

2 February 2007
Scientist’s react to announcement that BP biosciences institute will go to USA

1 February 2007
Scientists respond to Richard Branson setting up the Virgin Stem Cell Bank

1 February 2007
Scientists and engineers react to the IPCC 4th Assessment report

25 January 2007
Scientists react to news of subset of patients with brain damage who give up smoking with ease, to be published in Science

22 January 2007
Scientists and Engineers react to MSC Napoli beaching and oil spill

18 January 2007
Scientists react to new development in the understanding of Pneumonia caused by PVL secreting community acquired MRSA as published in Science

15 January 2007
Scientists react to research on 1918 Flu Virus as published in Nature

12 January 2007
Scientists respond to the suggested link between statins and Parkinson's Disease

11 January 2007
Scientists react to HFEA announcement on human-animal hybrid embryo research

10 January 2007
Scientists react to Nature paper on nuclear waste storage

10 January 2007
Scientists react to leaked Department of Health document on superbugs

7 January 2007
Scientists and Engineers condemn Tony Blair on air travel

4 January 2007
Scientists react to Hexamethylene diamine leak at a BASF nylon intermediates plant

18 December 2006
Experts react to approval of two major offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary
The government has given permission for two wind farms in the Thames Estury; one between Margate in Kent and Clacton in Essex with 341 turbines and another at North Foreland in Kent with 100 turbines.

13 December 2006
Scientists respond to the DH review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act
The Government has published a command paper detailing proposals for revision of the law on assisted reproduction and embryo research, including the proposed Regulatory Authority for Tissue and Embryos (RATE), which will replace existing regulatory bodies: the HFEA and the HTA.

12 December 2006
Scientists react to the findings of the Weatherall report into the use of non-human primates in research
A report published today by the Academy of Medical Sciences documents the scientific basis for recent, current and future use of non-human primates in biological and medical research.

8 December 2006
Scientists respond to criticism of the late Sir Richard Doll
The Guardian and Today programme ran stories today criticising the late Sir Richard Doll for allegedly receiving industry bribes for favourable research outcomes.

7 December 2006
Scientists react to the final report from the Expert Group on Phase One Clinical Trials
Final report of the Expert Scientific Group (ESG), chaired by Professor Gordon Duff, which was set up following the very serious adverse reactions that occurred in the first-in-man clinical trial of TGN412 in March 2006.

6 December 2006
Scientist's reaction to evidence showing that 'dual infection with HIV and malaria fuels the spread of both diseases' to be published in Science
Kenyan scienists report a study this week that links the spread of malaria and HIV as observed in the sub-Saharan African city of Kismu.

6 December 2006
Scientists respond to Gordon Brown's Pre-Budget Report
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown presented his Pre-Budget Report and statement to the House of Commons today.

6 December 2006
UK Scientist responds to Danish research showing no link between mobile phone use and brain tumour occurance
A Danish study of over 420,000 mobile phone users published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found no evidence of a link to an increased risk of tumours in the head or neck.

6 December 2006
Scientists respond to Cooksey reform of medical research report
Sir David Cooksey today published his independent review of the institutional arrangements for the public funding of health research in the UK.

1 December 2006
Scientists react to the announcement that GM potato trials will begin in the UK
The biotechnology company BASF Plant Science has been granted permission by defra (UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to trial a breed of potato genetically modified to be resistant to blight.

24 November 2006
Scientists respond to news that Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko may have been poisoned with Polonium-210

21 November 2006
Scientists respond to the news that Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko might have been poisoned with radioactive Thallium

21 November 2006
Scientists comment on NICE and SCIE guidance on Alzheimer's treatment
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) issued joint guidance on the treatment and care of people with dementia in health and social care.

21 November 2006
Scientists react to ITER international nuclear fusion project agreement
Ministers from China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US have signed an agreement to establish the international organisation that will implement the Iter (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) fusion energy project.

15 November 2006
Scientists react to the Queen's speech
The 2006 Queen's Speech sets the government's target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% a legal requirement and outlines the establishment of a "Carbon Committee" to monitor the effort.

15 November 2006
Scientists react to Nuffield Council on Bioethics report on critical care decisions in foetal and neonatal medicine
A report from the UK's leading bioethics body has recommended that babies born at or before 22 weeks should not be resuscitated or given intensive care and that those born at 23 weeks should be treated giving consideration to the parents.

15 November 2006
Scientists react to news of the Neanderthal Genome Sequence to be published in Nature
American scientists have today published the results of a study conducted on DNA extracted from the thigh bone of a Neanderthal man who lived 38,000 years ago.

15 November 2006
Scientists react to potential stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy as published in Nature
A joint Italian/French team of scientists have published a study using stem cells to treat a disease in dogs that is similar to muscular dystrophy in humans.

15 November 2006
Scientists react to Nature paper on heart repair mechanism
Scientists at University College London (UCL) have published a study showing how 'progenitor cells' from the outer layers of the heart can migrate inside to repair tissue following a hear attack.

15 November 2006
Scientist reacts to Japanese tsunami warning
Following an earthquake off the east coast of Japan, a 2m tsunami was predicted by country's meteorological agency, however the resultant wave was only 40cm.

10 November 2006
Leading scientists pay tribute to Lord Sainsbury
The UK Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury of Turville has resigned today "to return to his charitable work".

10 November 2006
Scientists react to a new global analysis on Carbon Dioxide emissions
A new global analysis was commissioned by UNESCO and will be presented at the COP12 climate talks in Nairobi this week.

8 November 2006
Scientist comments on Nature paper on retinal transplants in mice
Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists have published a report showing how they 'cured blindness' in mice using retinal stem cells implanted into their eyes

7 November 2006
Scientists react to Lancet paper on industrial chemicals and brain development
A joint US / Danish report published in the medical journal, The Lancet, has warned of a potential pandemic of juvenile brain disorders brought on by industrial chemicals.

3 November 2006
Scientists react to news of application to transfer human nuclei into animal eggs
Today groups in Newcastle and London will be submitting a joint application to carry out stem cell work using animal eggs. The groups hope to transfer human nuclei into host animal eggs using nuclear transfer/therapeutic cloning.

3 November 2006
Scientists react to Tony Blair's speech on science
In a speech at the University of Oxford, Prime Minister Tony Blair has stressed the importance of young people learning science to "change the world" and keep Britain at the forefront of innovation.

31 October 2006
Stem cell scientists react to news of 'minature liver grown in lab'
University of Newcastle scientists have reported growing functioning liver tissue using stem cells extracted from umbilical cord blood.

30 October 2006
Reactions to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change
Sir Nicholas Stern's independent report on the impact of climate change for the Chancellor of the Exchequer demands that the world acts now or faces devastating economic consequences.

25 October 2006
Reactions to the announcement of NHS ethics board's approval for face transplantation to be carried out by a team at the Royal Free Hospital, London

18 October 2006
Scientists react to the report from the Expert Group on Multiple Births after IVF'
A Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) expert group has reported today that single-embryo transfer is the best prognosis for UK IVF patients.

16 October 2006
Toxicologists and chemists react to WWF report on chemicals in our food
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) report claims that chemicals such as pesticides, PCBs, flame retardants and other endochrine-disruptors have been found in food consumed throughout Europe.

12 October 2006
Experts react to NICE decision on Alzheimer's therapy
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has taken a decision to reject an appeal for more drugs to be made available on the NHS for the treatment of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

11 October 2006
Psychiatrists comment on proposed removal of schizophrenia label
On the eve of World Mental Health Day, a group of leading mental health experts are calling for the scrapping of the term 'schizophrenia' as a coverall term for classifying patients with psychosis.

5 October 2006
Reaction to a paper in the journal Science on a gene that may be related to mood and anxiety disorders common in human populations.

4 October 2006
Scientists react to the announcement of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, 2006
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2006 has gone to Roger D. Kornberg Stanford University for his studies of the molecular basis of eukaryotic transcription.

3 October 2006
Scientists react to the announcement of the Nobel Prize for Physics, 2006
The Nobel Prize for Physics 2006 has gone to John C Mather and George F Smoot for their discovery of the blackbody form and fluctuations of cosmic microwave background radiation.

2 October 2006
Scientists react to the announcement of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, 2006
The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2006 has gone to Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello for their discovery of RNA interference (RNAi).

22 September 2006
Engineer reacts to Maglev train crash in Germany
At least 23 people have died today when an elevated magnetic train crashed on a test track near Lathen in north-western Germany.

22 September 2006
Scientists respond to DEFRA's nanotechnology voluntary reporting scheme
Defra has today launched a new initiative to work towards addressing any potential risks posed by the products of nanotechnologies.

20 September 2006
Scientists react to discovery of fossil remains discovery as published in Nature
The discovery of a fossilised juvenile Australopithecus afarensis in Ethiopia was reported in Nature today, it is believed to be from the same species as the key specimen, named 'Lucy', found in 1974.

18 September 2006
Scientists respond to new research on acne drug and depression
In response to a Science Media Centre press briefing on the findings of research into the link between a commonly used acne drug and depression.

7 September 2006
Scientists react to 'Brain activity in a vegative state' paper to be published in Science
A group of collaborating UK and Belgian scientists have reported a study showing that a woman in a 'vegetative state' following severe head trauma can successfully understand spoken words.

7 September 2006
Scientists react to launch of HFEA consultation on egg donation for fertility research
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has announced it will be seeking public opinion on plans to allow women to donate their eggs in return for fertility treatment.

23 August 2006
Scientists react to Nature paper describing a new technique for producing Human Embryonic Stem Cells
US scientists report creating 'ethical' human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory, a technique that could bypass the need for embryos to be destroyed.

22 August 2006
Leading UK scientific bodies defend science education
In advance of the GCSE results tomorrow, the scientific community reacts to recent stories on low-uptake of science and shortage of science and engineering graduates.

16 August 2006
Scientists react to anthrax death in Scotland
A 50 year-old man is believed to have died today in Scotland from the UK's first case of Anthrax bacteria infection in almost 20 years.

10 August 2006
Scientists comment on liquid explosives terrorism threat
Following news of an alleged threat to detonate liquid explosives on UK domestic flights, scientists give their comment on the feasability of such a plot.

31 July 2006
Scientists react to CORWM report on the management of nuclear waste
The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CORWM) released its long awaited report today with suggestions as to what should be done with the UK's nuclear waste stockpile. The report, launched at the Science Media Centre, suggested that the best course of action is that the waste should be entombed in deep underground silos.

27 July 2006
Scientists react to HFEA announcement of licence for 'egg sharing' for research
The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) has announced a scheme, to pilot in the Newcastle NHS Fertility Centre, that will allow women to donate eggs for medical research in return for IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) treatment.

26 July 2006
Scientists react to an announcement from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on the production of a vaccine against H5N1 Influenza

25 July 2006
Scientists comment on Duff Report into Phase 1 clinical trials
In March this year, a Department of Health Expert Scientific Group chaired by Professor Gordon Duff was set up to investigate the serious adverse reaction suffered by six volunteers after they took the novel drug TGN1412 in a clinical trial at Northwick Park Hospital. Today, scientists commented on the release of a preliminary report from the committee, which presents 22 recommendations to tighten regulations on clinical trials.

24 July 2006
Scientist responds to European Union’s announcement on the funding of Stem Cell research
Following speculation that the EU regulations might change to disallow research using Human Embryonic Stem cells, Professor Robin Lovell-Badge commented on what this could mean for the future of work on incurable disease.

24 July 2006
Scientists react to the Home Office statistics on Animal Research for 2005
Following the publication of the annual national statistics for the number of animals used in scientific research, the Science Media Centre gathered the opinions of scientists on the changes since last year and comments on the importance of this work to the future of medical research.

20 July 2006
Scientists respond to DEFRA GM-coexistence consultation
Defra has proposed detailed measures to ensure that any growing of genetically modified crops in England will not disadvantage other farmers. Amongst the consultation proposals is the enforcement of strict separation distances between GM crops and their conventional counterparts.

19 July 2006
Experts attack Bush's plan to veto stem cell bill
In the USA, President George Bush is expected to use his veto to block a Senate bill expanding federal funds for embryonic stem cell research.

18 July 2006
Scientists respond to DEFRA Pesticides report
Defra has published its response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP)'s report Crop spraying and the health of residents and bystanders, and has chosen to accept 25 out of 35 recommendations from the report.

11 July 2006
Scientists react to computer brain interface papers as published in Nature
Nature published several papers on new research relaying movement-related brain signals via an implanted microchip to a user interface on a computer. The researchers hope that one day these advances could help to enhance the prospect of clinically viable brain-machine interfaces.

10 July 2006
Scientists react to sperm grown from stem cells research paper
Scientists have shown for the first time that sperm grown from embryonic stem cells can be used to produce offspring. The experiment was carried out using mice and produced seven babies, six of which lived to adulthood.

10 July 2006
Experts react to the DTI Energy Review
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) today released its report on the Energy Review, aiming to examine the UK's progress against the medium and long-term 2003 Energy White Paper goals and consider options for further steps to achieve them. The work commits the UK to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to tackle climate change and to securing clean energy at affordable prices.

7 July 2006
Leading stem cell scientists condemn Vatican threat of excommunication
On the day before Catholic Church leaders gather in Spain for the Church's fifth world meeting of Families, a statement from a leading Vatican cardinal to a catholic magazine has condemned scientists who carry out embryonic stem cell research. World leading experts in the field have condemned the statement, in which the cardinal called for their excommunication.

5 July 2006
Nuclear scientist responds to reports of reactor cracks
An article in The Guardian newspaper reported inspectors' safety fears over cracks found in British Energy's advanced gas-cooled nuclear reactor cores (AGRs). This was widely reported in other areas of the media.

3 July 2006
Space scientists comment on the delayed launch of the Discovery space shuttle

24 June 2006
Scientists give comment on Cadbury's Dairy Milk product recall over Salmonella fears

9 June 2006
Scientists comment on NICE's draft guidance on Herceptin for early-stage breast cancer
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has published draft guidance on Herceptin, just two weeks after the drug was licensed by the EU regulatory authorities for use in early breast cancer. The draft guidance recommends the drug for women with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer, except where there are concerns about the woman's cardiac function.

26 May 2006
Scientists react to University of Oxford protest injunction
Oxford University has been granted an extension to its existing injunction against animal rights activists.

25 May 2006
Scientists respond to the MHRA report on Investigations into adverse incidents during clinical trials of TGN1412

13 May 2006
Scientific community give warm welcome to Blair's support for animal research
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his support for animal research and his intention to sign the People's Petition, a pro-animal research petition started by the Coalition for Medical Progress.

9 May 2006
Environmental experts comment on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report into the Buncefield oil depot explosion
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)and Environment Agency released the results of their investigation into the causes and the environmental impact of the explosions at the Buncefield oil depot in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

8 May 2006
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for hereditary cancer: Scientists respond to a paper for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) open meeting in Belfast
HFEA members meet to discuss a range of issues relating to assisted reproduction, embryo research and our role as a regulator. Topics include: women donating eggs for research; embryo screening for breast cancer and similar conditions; inspection programme and incident monitoring.

8 May 2006
Scientific community react angrily to threats made to GlaxoSmithKline shareholders
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) seeks an emergency injunction against animal rights extremists who sent threatening letters to the drug group's investors and threatened to publish personal details of their investors on the internet.

28 April 2006
Scientists comment on the H7 avian flu outbreak at a Norfolk poultry farm and the news that a farm worker has shown symptoms of H7 flu
Chickens at a poultry farm in Norfolk are culled after dead birds tested positive for the H7 strain of bird flu and a poultry worker at the site is being treated for conjunctivitis caused by the H7 flu.

27 April 2006
Energy experts react to the CoRWM draft recommendations on how to deal with UK nuclear waste
CoRWM considers geological disposal to be the best available approach for the long-term management of waste material compared with the risks associated with other management methods.

11 April 2006
Experts react to the news of the identification of the Cellardyke swan as a Whooper Swan

6 April 2006
Experts react to the news of a swan infected with H5N1 found in Cellardyke, Scotland

5 April 2006
Scientists react to latest findings from MHRA on suspended clinical trial
The MHRA released its interim report into the adverse incidents which occurred on 13 March 2006 during the clinical trials of TGN1412.

5 April 2006
Scientists comment on early tetrapod fossil find published in Nature
Fossils of a 375 million year old new species of ancient fish, named Tiktaalik roseae, found north of the Arctic Circle fill an evolutionary gap in the transition between water and land animals.

28 March 2006
Experts react to government announcement on climate change
The government's Climate Change Programme report says that the UK is unlikely to meet its target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010.

24 March 2006
Scientists react to testicular stem cells paper published in Nature
Researchers report that they have isolated stem cells from the adult mouse testis that exhibit properties similar to embryonic stem (ES) cells and could in the future be used for growing genetically matched therapeutic cells.

22 March 2006
UK scientific community responds to Gordon Brown's budget

15 March 2006
Scientist react to Parexcel drug trial tragedy
Two men are critically ill and another four are seriously ill in the intensive care unit of Northwick Park hospital after taking an anti-inflammatory drug as part of a drug trial.

7 March 2006
Experts react to Natallie Evans case ruling
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled to not allow a UK woman to use frozen embryos without the consent of her former partner.

8 February 2006
Scientists react to Government announcement on pneumococcal vaccine
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced the addition of a vaccine protecting against a disease that causes blood poisoning, meningitis and pneumonia to the UK child immunisation programme.

10 January 2006
Scientists react to "Hwang Investigation" findings