Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to pharmaceutical company Merck (MSD) pulling out of its £1bn London research centre
Scientists comment on Merck (known as MSD in Europe) withdrawing from its planned £1bn London research centre. Richard Torbett, … read more
expert reaction to study comparing use of two-part MRI scan to three-part MRI scans in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
A study published in JAMA compares the use of biparametric vs multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis. Prof Freddie Hamdy, Nuffield … read more
Launch of the ADAPT trial – evaluating a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease
The Blood Biomarker Challenge is a multi-million-pound programme supported by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and the People’s Postcode Lottery … read more
expert reaction to study of polar geoengineering techniques
A study published in Frontiers in Science looks at different polar geoengineering techniques. Prof Matthew Watson, Professor of Volcanoes and Climate, … read more
Polar geoengineering – an assessment of several concepts
Geoengineering has been discussed as a way of cooling the planet if we don’t reduce emissions fast enough. The polar … read more
expert reaction to cohort study looking at CT scans before pregnancy and risk of birth defects and miscarriage
A cohort study published in Annals of Internal Medicine looks at CT scans before pregnancy and birth defects and miscarriage risk. … read more
expert reaction to claims in speech made by Dr Aseem Malhotra at the Reform Party Conference
Scientists comment on claims made about mRNA vaccines by Dr Aseem Malhotra at the Reform Party Conference. Prof Anne … read more
expert reaction to news that the Alan Turing Institute CEO, Dr Jean Innes, is stepping down as the Institute completes the current transformation programme
Scientists comment on the Alan Turing Institute announcing that their CEO, Dr Jean Innes is stepping down. Prof Harin … read more
Launch of bovine TB strategy review update
Bovine TB is recognised as a problem which devastates animals and farms. Badgers can carry the disease, and culling has … read more
expert reaction to study of limits to underground carbon storage
A study published in Nature looks at planetary limit for geologic carbon storage. Prof Stuart Haszeldine, Professor of Carbon Capture and … read more
expert reaction to Government proposal to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 years old
Scientists comment on a Government (Department of Health and Social Care) proposal to ban energy drink sales for under 16s. … read more
real things on the ground – when we’re communicating science, we need to talk normal
This is a guest post by Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the SMC. If you want to be good … read more
expert reaction to study looking at Fastball EEG memory test and measuring recognition memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment
A study published in Brain Communications looks at a brainwave test to measure memory decline years before Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Prof Vladimir … read more
expert reaction to Met Office confirming 2025 was the UK’s warmest summer on record
Scientists comment on the Met Office confirming that 2025 was the UKs warmest summer on record. Prof Tim Palmer, … read more
expert reaction to earthquake in Afghanistan
Scientists comment on a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan. Dr Brian Baptie, Seismologist at British Geological Survey, said: “The … read more
expert reaction to phase III trial of baxdrostat in uncontrolled or treatment resistant high blood pressure
A phase III trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025, and published in The New England … read more
expert reaction to DH press release saying the free chickenpox vaccination is to be offered to children across England from January 2026
Scientists comment on a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that says the chickenpox vaccination … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA annual uptake data on childhood vaccines (April 2024-March 2025)
Scientists comment on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data on childhood vaccine uptake between April 2024 to March 2025. … read more
expert reaction to two studies on cannabis: one looking at reasons for first use cannabis and association with subsequent THC intake and symptoms of paranoia, anxiety or depression and one looking at childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis use
Two studies published in BMJ Mental Health and Psychological Medicine looks at first use cannabis and mental health outcomes, childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis … read more
Why do people first use cannabis and does that influence later health outcomes?
People start using cannabis for a variety of reasons, such as self-medicating for physical or mental discomfort, because friends and … read more