Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to lab study looking at respiratory cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence or absence of rhinovirus infection
A lab study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that infection with human rhinovirus, the virus that causes … read more
expert reaction to estimate of lives saved in the UK and globally by dexamethasone, from NHS England
NHS England have published a press release stating that, since its discovery as an effective treatment for COVID-19, dexamethasone has … read more
expert reaction to comments reported in the media from Boris Johnson about a third wave in Europe
Discussing the effects of a third wave in Europe, the Prime Minister told reporters that “…previous experience has taught us that … read more
expert reaction to press release from AstraZeneca announcing interim data on safety and efficacy from the US trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
AstraZeneca has published a press release announcing that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine US Phase III trial met primary efficacy endpoint … read more
expert reaction to analysis for meat consumption and dementia
A cohort study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looks at meat consumption and risk of incident dementia. … read more
expert comment on news that half UK adults have reportedly received their first vaccine dose
A comment from Dr Jeremy Farrar on news that half of the adult population in the UK have received their … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS Infection Survey and the latest R number and growth rates published by the government
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey, and the government have released the … read more
expert reaction to ONS comparisons of all-cause mortality between European countries and regions in 2020
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have published an article looking at all-cause mortality in different European countries in 2020 … read more
expert reaction to Scotland study on living with children and COVID-19 risk in adults
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood led by the University of Glasgow, in partnership with Public … read more
OpenSAFELY updated data on living with children and COVID-19 outcomes in adults
OpenSAFELY is a platform which analyses existing NHS electronic health records to look for patterns in patients who are hospitalised … read more
expert reaction to study from the OpenSAFELY platform looking at risks of COVID-19 infection and outcomes in adults who do and don’t live with children
A study from the OpenSAFELY platform published in the BMJ looks at COVID-19 risk for adults living with and without … read more
expert reaction to announcement from EMA on Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) have concluded that the benefits of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine still outweigh the risks despite … read more
expert comment on psychology of response to vaccine news
A comment from Professor Stephan Lewandowsky on the psychology of decisions to suspend vaccinations. Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair in … read more
expert reaction to MHRA statement on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots
The UK regulator has released a statement following suspensions of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by some countries over suspected blood … read more
expert reaction to statistics for rapid asymptomatic testing in schools in England between 4 March to 10 March 2021
The first set of statistics on lateral flow device (LFD) testing conducted in education settings in England have been published … read more
expert reaction to observational study on electronic media use in 5 year olds and psychosocial symptoms
An observational study published in BMJ Open looks at extensive electronic media use in five-year-olds and risk of emotional and … read more
expert reaction to NHS reporting reduced vaccine supply in April
In a letter to local health organisations the NHS has warned of a significant reduction in COVID-19 vaccine supply in … read more
expert reaction to creating human blastocyst-like structures in a dish
Two studies published in Nature report two different methods to produce human blastocyst-like structures in the lab. Dr Teresa … read more
expert reaction to a study looking at cryptorchidism in France and the local geographical environment
A study, published in Human Reproduction, looked at cryptorchidism in France and the local geographical environment. Prof Ieuan Hughes, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to latest ONS data on deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 5 March 2021
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the … read more