The Science Media Centre is not restricted to reacting to the headlines, and has helped scientists to more proactively set the agenda by bringing new science or evidence to journalists. This comes from our regular briefings, which take a variety of forms and cover a wide range of topics. Many are background briefings introducing journalists to the best experts and science on controversial issues like nuclear waste, nanotechnology, emerging diseases, or animal research, for example. They may also be news briefings where the SMC works with scientists to give the national media a new story on developments within science, whether it’s a report on climate change, a paper on stem cells being published in a leading journal, or science funding cuts in the latest budget. In addition, the SMC encourages leading experts to ‘speak out’ to the media about developments they believe may pose a threat to scientific research – not something science has been renowned for.
A roundup accompanied this briefing. Research has shown that students who attend selective schools, such as grammar or private … read more
The development and use of biologic drugs – such as Herceptin and Mabthera – has revolutionised the treatment of many cancers, and biological medicines now make up the largest spending area in the NHS medicines budget. read more
The UK has a proud maritime history, but how is our relationship with the sea changing, and what are the … read more
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 500,000 people in the UK and research into potential treatments is seen as highly critical by … read more
Cybersecurity is one of the defining challenges of our age. Malicious access to connected devices and systems threatens our safety … read more
Three neuroscientists working at UK universities and one working at a German institution will be awarded the world’s most valuable … read more
Plenty of attention has been given female infertility over the years, leading to a variety of interventions for women with reproductive difficulties. However historically there has been much less recognition that male fertility may be equally as important to reproductive success, and subsequently comparatively little research in the field. read more
Antidepressants are one of the most common yet controversial treatments being used today, with public concern both about how effective the drugs are and what side-effects they have. read more
In October last year Theresa May announced plans to bring in opt-out organ donation to address the shortage of organs … read more
Healthcare is increasingly dependent on computers: in the management of hospital systems, monitoring of patient health, diagnostics, and in medical devices and implants themselves. read more
Roundup comments accompanied this briefing. Climate scenarios which keep global warming within Paris Agreement limits rely on large-scale application … read more
Roundup comments accompanied this briefing. Anencephaly and spina bifida (collectively referred to as neural tube defects) are serious and … read more
For years the media interest on pesticides has focused almost exclusively on whether neonicotinoids are implicated in bee decline. Now … read more
Professor of complementary medicine Edzard Ernst and bioethicist Dr Kevin Smith have together written a new book on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and those who provide and recommend these practices. read more
In his December 2017 address to the Nuclear Industry Association’s Annual Conference in London, Energy Minister Richard Harrington set out the next steps for the Government’s plans to support Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. read more
The British Fertility Society has produced a new policy and practice guideline for fertility preservation in women and girls for … read more
Since the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was first described, it has taken the world by storm. read more
Gene drive is a powerful technique for ensuring that a particular genetic trait is inherited by all descendants. read more
We’ve previously heard conflicting views about whether metabolically-healthy obesity exists – i.e. whether we can be fat but fit. A … read more
Human genome editing, 3D-printed replacement organs and artificial photosynthesis – the field of bioengineering offers great promise for tackling the … read more
