Author Archives: Science Media Centre
updated Cochrane review on accuracy of rapid tests (including lateral flow tests and molecular tests) for detecting COVID-19
Cochrane has published an updated systematic review of studies assessing rapid tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The review … read more
post-hospitalisation COVID-19 (PHOSP-COVID) study: a national consortium to understand and improve long-term health outcomes
The impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health, functional status and employment following hospitalisation is poorly understood. This briefing … read more
expert reaction to New York variant B.1.526 having been sequenced three times in the UK, according to PANGO lineages
It has been reported that three cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in New York have been found in … read more
expert reaction to latest ONS data on deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 12 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
expert reaction to NIAID statement on the DSMB expressing concern about information released by AstraZeneca on initial data from its COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial in the US
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has released a statement that the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) … read more
the COVID decade: What are the long-term societal impacts of COVID-19?
The British Academy was asked by the Government Office for Science to produce an independent review on the long-term societal … read more
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