Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to new temporary COVID-19 measures in education settings
The new temporary measures put in place to “buy more time” for our scientists to understand the situation were announced … read more
expert reaction to six cases of the Omicron variant being detected in Scotland
Scottish health officials have confirmed that six cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the Scotland. Prof … read more
expert reaction to Omicron detected in 13 people who arrived in Amsterdam on flights from South Africa
The Omicron variant has been detected in samples from 13 people that arrived in the Netherlands from South Africa. … read more
expert reaction to two cases of the Omicron variant being detected in the UK, and new measures being introduced in response
The UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, has confirmed that two cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the … read more
B.1.1.529 variant Q&A
We asked some variant experts to make themselves available today to answer journalist questions at a Q&A about what we … read more
expert reaction to B.1.1.529 variant situation in South Africa; and UK travel restrictions in response
There are reports of the emerging B.1.1.529 variant, predominantly in southern Africa, which have prompted new infection control measures from … read more
expert comments about two SARS-CoV-2 variants, one in Botswana (B.1.1529) and one in the US (B.1.628)
There are reports of two emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, one in Botswana (B.1.1529)* and one in the US (B.1.628)¥ On … read more
expert reaction to study looking at household mixing during lockdowns in England
A study published in Scientific Reports looks at household visitation during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Prof Robert Dingwall, Professor of … read more
expert reaction to announcement from the EMA that they are recommending approval of use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in children aged 5 to 11 years old
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) have recommended the approval of the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children aged … read more
expert reaction to study looking at COVID infection risk as time increases after second Pfizer vaccine dose in Israel
A study published in The BMJ looks at time since receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at social media use and depression in adults
A study published in Jama Network Open looks at Social Media Use and Self-reported Symptoms of Depression in US adults. … read more
expert reaction to Today Programme Interview with Pascal Soriot and comments made about T-cell immunity generated from the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine compared to mRNA vaccines and the impact on risk of hospitalisation
A few journalists have asked us about comments made by Pascal Soriot, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of … read more
expert reaction to government proposal for a ban on single-use plastics
The government have announced plans to ban problematic plastics such as single-use cutlery and plates in England as part of … read more
expert reaction to perspective looking at the early cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan
A perspective piece published in Science investigates the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof James Wood, Head of Department … 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 study looking at the theoretical possibility of unborn babies contracting COVID-19 from the mother
A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology looks at COVID-19 and whether transmission could occur … read more
expert reaction to Austria announcing a national lockdown and mandatory vaccination from February and the general COVID-19 situation in Europe
It has been reported that Austria is to enter a full national lockdown from Monday amid a surge of COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to single case study of a man with migraines who started eating more dark green leafy vegetables
A case study published in BMJ Case Reports follows a man with chronic migraines who adopted a plant based diet … read more
Seqirus on pandemic preparedness – what does it mean to be ready?
Seqirus, a leading manufacturer that specialises in flu vaccines, put together a panel of their experts who were available to … read more
expert reaction to press release from AstraZeneca announcing new analyses of two AZD7442 COVID-19 Phase III trials in high-risk populations confirm robust efficacy and long-term prevention
The press release from AstraZeneca suggests six-month follow-up of their prevention trial showed 83% reduced risk of symptomatic COVID-19 and … read more