Rapid Reactions: responding to breaking news. The demands of the 24-hour media machine mean that news journalists often don’t have the luxury of time to track down the best scientists when a science story lands on their desks, so availability can sometimes win out over expertise. This is where the Science Media Centre steps in. When a story breaks – whether it’s the latest flu epidemic, health scare or a potential nuclear crisis – the SMC persuades leading experts to drop everything and engage with the story, then contacts journalists at all the major news outlets to offer those experts for interviews or immediate comment.
Roundups: putting new research into context. One of the other ways the SMC ensures that the media have easy access to scientists and their views is by offering journalists a variety of comments from scientists reacting to the latest research. This service differs from our ‘Rapid Reactions’ as scientists have time to react before new research is announced, rather than in response to breaking news.
With access to embargoed journals before publication, we can pick stories of most interest to journalists, asking third party experts to provide comments and information to put research into context before it appears in the media. The SMC’s unique Roundups help busy journalists critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of new research, and highlight when studies are very preliminary or display a correlation that should not be read as causation. Equally, when leading scientists are excited about a significant study this can reassure journalists that the study should feature strongly in their coverage.
Scientists comment on reports that debris from a Chinese rocket (Zhuque-3) is coming to earth and may crash into Britain. … read more
A study published in Nature looks at genetic determinants of persistent Epstein-Barr virus DNA and associations with chronic conditions. Prof Lawrence … read more
A study published in Nature looks at Google Deepmind’s AI AlphaGenome tool for predicting function from DNA sequences. Professor Kristian Helin, … read more
Scientists comment on a Nipah virus outbreak in India. Prof Piero Olliaro, Professor of Poverty Related Infectious Diseases, University … read more
A study published in Psychological Medicine looks at associations between menopause and HRT use and mental health. Prof Ciara McCabe, Professor … read more
Scientists comment on news that the UK has lost its measles elimination status. Prof Andrew Pollard, Director of the … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between Generative AI use and depressive symptoms among US adults. … read more
A study published in Nature investigates atmospheric microplastics emissions from land and water. Dr Soroush Abolfathi, Reader in Water and Environmental … read more
A research letter published in Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology looks feasibility of UK paediatric type 1 diabetes screening. Prof Shareen Forbes, … read more
Two cohort studies published in BMJ Medicine looks at types of physical activity and mortality. Prof Tom Yates, Professor of Physical … read more
Scientists comment on a UN report: “Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era” Prof … read more
A study published in JAMA Neurology looks at exposure to air pollution and the risk of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). … read more
A re-analysis of an ultra-processed food clinical trial looks at food choice, energy and nutrient intake on an unprocessed diet. … read more
Scientists comment on the ‘Public Attitudes to Science 2025‘ report. Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director of the Campaign for … read more
Scientists comment on the launch of a trial by LifeArc to test whether a finger prick test could be used … read more
A study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health looks at paracetamol use during pregnancy and the risk of … read more
Scientists comment on the evidence around the benefits and harms of social media and social media bans on young people. … read more
Scientists comment on Copernicus data that shows 2025 was the third hottest year on record. Prof Richard Allan, climate … read more
A study published in The Lancet looks at small changes in physical activity and mortality risk. Dr Richard Godfrey, Senior Lecturer … read more
A study published in eClinical Medicine looks at improvements in sleep, physical activity and diet being linked to a longer life. … read more
