Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Prof Jim Smith on the 40th anniversary of Chernobyl
26 April 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Jim Smith has worked for more than 30 years … read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on consumption of whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains and incidence of lung cancer in non-smoking Americans under the age of 50
A conference abstract from the American Association for Cancer Research looks at fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption and lung … read more
expert reaction to 3 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Dorset and antibiotics and MenB vaccination being offered to young people
Scientists comment on 3 cases of meningococcal disease in Dorset. Prof Martin Maiden, Professor of Molecular Epidemiology, University of … read more
expert reaction to a new report commissioned by Wellcome on public trust in science
Experts comment on a new report published by More in Common and commissioned by Wellcome Trust into public trust in … read more
New Cochrane review on anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs
Over the past few years we’ve heard evidence from clinical trials of the amyloid beta-targeting monoclonal antibodies, like aducanumab, lecanemab … read more
expert reaction to Cochrane review of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer’s Disease
A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at the use of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer’s Disease. … read more
expert reaction to study on the association between UPF consumption and overweight or obesity in adolescents
A systematic review published in PLOS One looks at an association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and overweight or obesity in … read more
expert reaction to an RCT on chronotype-aligned exercise timing in middle-aged adults at cardiometabolic risk
An RCT published in Open Heart looks at the timing of exercise and cardiometabolic risk in middle-aged adults. Dr Jeffrey … read more
expert reaction to Phase 1 of the public inquiry into the Southport stabbings and the finding that Rudakubana’s conduct was wrongly attributed to his autism spectrum disorder
Scientists comment on findings of the Southport stabbings inquiry that finds Rudakubana’s conduct was wrongly attributed to autism. Dr … read more
expert reaction to study of deep brain stimulation for self-harm in autism
A study published in Science Advances looks at deep brain simulation for the regulation of autism related self-injurious behaviour. Prof Geoff … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the sweeteners sucralose and stevia in mice and measures of gut microbiome, glucose oral tolerance and gene expression
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition looks at sweeteners in mice and measures of gut microbiome, glucose tolerance and gene expression. … read more
expert reaction to a cohort study in Ronneby looking at prenatal exposure to PFAS and incidence of asthma and wheeze in childhood
A cohort study published in PLOS Medicine looks at prenatal exposure to PFAS and the incidence of asthma and wheeze in children. … read more
expert reaction to analysis of UK government pesticide usage data by the Pesticide Action Network
Scientists comment on an analysis of UK pesticide usage data. Dr Wayne Carter, Associate Professor at the University of … read more
expert reaction to paper about genetic predictors of GLP1 receptor agonist weight loss and side effects
A study published in Nature looks at genetic predictors of GLP-1 medication weight loss and side effects. Dr Marie Spreckley, Research … read more
expert comments on bipolar disorder
Scientists comment on Bipolar Disorder following news about Kanye West. Dr Tamara Russell, a chartered member of the British … read more
expert reaction to US-UK pharmaceutical partnership
The government announced details of the UK-US pharmaceutical partnership. read more
submission to the BBC Charter Review consultation
As part of the BBC’s Charter Review, there was a public consultation (December 2025 – March 2026). Much of the … read more
expert reaction to interim report on rise in conditions such as ADHD and Autism as commissioned by Wes Streeting
Experts comment on an interim report commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting into the rise in ADHD and Autism, as … read more
expert reaction to paper about circulatory dietary and gut-derived metabolites predicting early cognitive decline
A study published in Gut Microbes looks at dietary and gut-derived metabolites predicting early cognitive decline. Prof Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy … read more
expert reaction to NICE draft guidance recommending semaglutide to prevent heart attacks and strokes in adults who’ve previously had a heart attack, a stroke or peripheral arterial disease, and who have a BMI of at least 27
Experts comment on draft NICE guidance that recommends semaglutide to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Prof … read more