Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rates estimates, published by the government
The government have published the latest estimates for the COVID-19 R number and growth rates. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof James Naismith, Director of … read more
expert reaction to study describing two cases of human-to-cat SARS-CoV-2 transmission
A study published in Vet Record looks at two cases of human-to-cat SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the UK. Prof James … read more
Infection Survey data on infections and antibodies after one dose of either AZ or Pfizer vaccine, and after two doses of Pfizer
Data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey (run by the University of Oxford and the ONS) has looked at the impact … read more
expert reaction to the ONS monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales: March 2021
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released their monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales in March 2021. Prof Kevin … read more
expert reaction to latest weekly summary of Yellow Card reporting on COVID-19 vaccines published by the MHRA, including updated numbers of CVST and other thrombosis events with low platelets
The latest weekly summary of Yellow Card reporting has been published by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and … read more
expert reaction to high number of cases and reported new variant in India
Amid a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, there have been reports that a new “triple mutant” variant of SARS-CoV-2 has … read more
expert reaction to study looking at foods associated with cardiovascular disease and death in middle age
An observational study published in BMC Medicine looks at the dietary patterns of British adults, and the incidence of cardiovascular … read more
expert reaction to review of climate tipping points
A review published in Nature looks at overshooting tipping point thresholds in a changing climate. Prof Grant Allen, Professor … read more
expert reaction to rat study looking at antioxidant treatment in pregnant rats and memory in adult rat offspring
A study published in FASEB J looks at maternal antioxidant treatment during pregnancy and memory function in adult rat offspring. … read more
expert reaction to announcement of an Antivirals Taskforce
The government has announced the launch of a COVID-19 Antivirals Taskforce that will aim to identify treatments for patients who … read more
expert reaction to the EMA finding a possible link between the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a press release stating it finds a possible link between the Janssen COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to observational study looking at sleep duration in middle age and dementia risk
An observational study published in Nature Communications looks at sleep duration in middle and old age and incidence of dementia. … read more
expert reaction to ONS stats on deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 9 April 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
expert reaction to study looking at supplements and the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2
An observational study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health looks at the effects of dietary supplements on the risk … read more
expert reaction to the World Meteorological Organization’s report on the State of the Global Climate 2020
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its report on the State of the Global Climate 2020. Dr Samantha … read more
expert reaction to study looking at preconception alcohol consumption in men and incidence of birth defects
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics looks at paternal drinking before pregnancy and fetal birth defect risk. Prof Rod … read more
expert reaction to cases of variant B.1.617 (the ‘Indian variant’) being investigated in the UK
Several cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617 have now been detected in the UK. Prof Sharon Peacock, Director of … read more
expert reaction to the announcement of Prof Lucy Chappell FMedSci as the new CSA for the DHSC
Professor Lucy Chappell has been announced as the new Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) … read more
launch of human challenge trial to study immune response in people who have already had COVID-19 infection
Researchers at the University of Oxford are launching a human challenge trial to look at what kind of immune response … read more