Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study looking at ‘immune signatures’ and long COVID
A study published in Nature Communications looks at ‘immune signatures’ and risk of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Dr Claire Steves, … read more
expert reaction to BA.2 sub-lineage
A comment from Professor Francois Balloux on the Omicron variant sub-lineage, BA.2, which was designated a Variant Under Investigation by … read more
Introducing Protas: a smarter approach to clinical trials, building on the success of the RECOVERY trial
Whilst global life-expectancy levels have improved in recent decades, the burden of common conditions on populations around the world continues … read more
Mixed vaccine schedules in people vaccinated with CoronaVac (SinoVac)
A study looking at immune responses after a booster vaccine in people whose first two doses were the CoronaVac (SinoVac) … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor … read more
expert reaction to genetic study looking at peanut oral immunotherapy in peanut-allergic children
A study published in The Lancet looks at the efficacy and safety of oral immunotherapy in children aged 1 to … read more
expert reaction to press release from Valneva about three doses of their COVID-19 vaccine and serum antibody levels measured in the lab
The press release from Valneva suggests their inactivated COVID-19 vaccine candidate was shown to neutralize the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. … read more
Trees: from a changing climate to increased pests and diseases – what does the science say?
In partnership with the Forestry Commission and Kew Gardens, we invited journalists to a Science Media Centre briefing on Thursday … read more
expert reaction to genetic study looking at alcohol and cancer
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer looks at alcohol metabolism genes and risks of site-specific cancers in … read more
expert reaction to new legislation for genome editing in plants, as announced by Defra
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced new legislation to cut red tape for gene editing plant … read more
expert reaction to concerns around 5G and aviation in the US
There have been several reports discussing the possible disruption of US aviation once mobile networks AT&T and Verizon deploy new … read more
expert comment on COVID-mention deaths in UK
A comment from Professor Sheila Bird on COVID-mention deaths in the UK in case useful. Prof Sheila Bird, Formerly … read more
expert reaction to study looking at inhaled heparin as a possible treatment for COVID-19
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looks at the use of inhaled heparin for the treatment of … read more
expert reaction to latest COVID-19 Infection Survey headline results, UK: 19 January 2022
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest headline results from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to Boris Johnson statement in the House of Commons on review of Plan B measures and easing of restrictions in England next week
The Prime Minister has announced the easing of England’s Plan B restrictions from next week. Dr Simon Williams, Senior … read more
expert reaction to study looking at measures of attention and memory in people who have recovered from mild COVID-19
A study published in Brain Communications looks at cognitive ability in survivors of mild COVID-19. Dr Stephen Burgess, statistician, … read more
Online scientific misinformation
A new Royal Society report explores how the internet is transforming the way we share and consume information and the … read more
expert comment on COVID-mention deaths in England and Wales
A comment from Professor Sheila Bird on COVID-mention deaths in England and Wales in case useful. Prof Sheila Bird, … read more
expert reaction to media reports that some hamsters will be culled in Hong Kong after a pet shop employee, a customer and some hamsters reportedly tested positive for SARS-CoV-2
There have been reports that thousands of hamsters will be culled and about 150 pet store visitors sent to government quarantine … read more
expert reaction to latest ONS stats on deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 7 January 2022
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the … read more