When science hits the news agenda, it’s our job to pass on to journalists as much accurate information as we can, as quickly as possible. In order to do this we send out quotes from experts, statistical analyses of scientific studies and Factsheets, in addition to running regular press briefings on the latest hot topic. Find our most recent Roundups and Rapid Reactions, briefings, Factsheets and ‘Before the Headlines’ analyses below, or use the icons on the right.
As well as working with experienced specialist reporters, we also provide support to new reporters, editors and generalists through a series of publications, including ‘Briefing Notes’ on controversial topics, and guidelines on science and health reporting, and by working with the National Coordinator for Science Training for Journalists.
see publications for journalists
Need an expert to interview? The SMC’s database is not quite like any other. Those on it are selected not just for their proven expertise, but also for their willingness and ability to engage with the media when their area of work hits the headlines. The quality of our experts is important to us. The SMC recruits scientists, engineers and others who work for respected institutions, publish in peer-reviewed journals and have a track record of quality research in their specialist field.
The SMC was established to provide assistance to the national news media when covering controversial science stories or breaking news. As such the SMC’s priority remains to support new reporters at UK national news media outlets. We prioritise working with science, health and environment specialists on controversial news pieces, but also provide support for journalists pursuing original and long-form pieces by advising on the best experts to approach and helping to set up visits to institutions.
You can get in touch with using the details below. Please be aware though, if your enquiry does not fit our remit we may not be able to help or may refer you on to external scientific institutions.
t: +44 (0)20 7611 8300
In new research published in Tobacco Control scientists assess whether adolescent e-cigarette use was associated prospectively with initiation or escalation of cigarette use. read more
In a new study published in Science, researchers report on a technique designed to remove one of the extra sex chromosomes in mice with a specific (trisomy) genetic cause of infertility. These mice were then able to produce offspring.
A number of countries in Europe have received eggs contaminated with the insecticide fipronil.
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Researchers publishing in The Journal of Immunology report that air pollution nanoparticles can affect peptides in the immune system and they suggest they could potentially lead to an increased susceptibility to infection.
More than 200 patients in England have been contaminated or infected with a drug-resistant fungus first found in Japan, health officials have confirmed. read more
Publishing in European Heart Journal, researchers looked at the ‘metabolically healthy obesity’ hypothesis in a large European prospective study. They reported that irrespective of BMI, those classed as ‘metabolically unhealthy’ had a higher risk of coronary heart disease. They also reported that those who were overweight and obese had a higher risk of coronary heart disease, irrespective of their metabolic health. read more
Publishing in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers looked at the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam and its impact on bumblebee colonies. They reported that exposure to thiamethoxam resulted in a reduction in the proportion of queen bees laying eggs and from this modelled possible effects on population dynamics. read more
A study published in the journal Science looks at the use of gene-editing to inactivate endogenous retroviruses in pigs. read more
A new study published in the journal Science looks at climate change and river flooding in Europe. read more
Experts react to the developing news story that some eggs contaminated with fipronil reached the UK earlier this year. read more
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) investigated vitamin B3 supplements and genetic birth defects in mice. read more
Publishing in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, researchers looked at the effect of marijuana on cardiovascular
and cerebrovascular mortality and reported that longer duration of marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of death from hypotension. read more
Experts react to the news story that a small number of eggs contaminated with fipronil reached the UK earlier this year. read more
A BBC investigation looks at how countries are measuring levels greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the issues that arise from trying to record this data. read more
Publishing in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers have looked at the plasticity of the hippocampus in those who play video games. They report that different types of games, depending on the type of navigational strategy are associated with different effects on the hippocampal system.
Publishing in the Lancet Planetary Health scientists report that weather-related disasters could affect about two-thirds of the European population annually by the year 2100.
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Publishing in The American Journal of Human Genetics, 11 organisations issued a joint policy statement on human germline genome editing.
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In a new BMJ editorial an expert argues that much of the public discussion about the Charlie Gard case has been distinctly unbalanced.
A genetic mutation implicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a common heritable heart condition – has been corrected in preimplantation human embryos using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique, scientists publishing in Nature report. read more
The National Crime Agency reported that at least 60 people have died in the UK in the last eight months after taking the strong painkiller fentanyl.
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