Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
expert reaction to latest data on antibodies from the ONS Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to some European countries pausing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine over fears of blood clotting
A series of European countries have paused their roll out of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Dr Pauline Paterson, Assistant … read more
expert reaction to news that Germany has halted vaccinations with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
It has been reported that Germany have now halted the administration of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following reports of adverse … read more
expert reaction to a report from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee about Government data transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic
The House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee have published a report calling for improved data transparency in … read more
expert reaction to reports that Ireland has suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
There have been reports that the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been suspended in the Republic of Ireland … read more
expert reaction to observational study on transmission of COVID-19 in households of vaccinated healthcare workers
Public Health Scotland (PHS) have published an observational study on the transmission of COVID-19 in households of vaccinated healthcare workers. … read more
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rates estimates, as 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 Kevin McConway, … read more
expert reaction to Novavax announcement that their vaccine has high efficacy
Novavax have published a press release stating that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown high levels of efficacy against original … read more
expert reaction to reported Italy pause of a batch of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution after two deaths in Sicily
It has been reported that Italy has paused vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a precaution following the deaths … read more
expert reaction to four more cases of the P.1 Brazilian Variant of Concern being found in England, plus a new Variant Under Investigation (VUI) designated in the UK
Public Health England (PHE) have released a statement that four more cases of the P.1 variant have been identified in … read more
expert reaction to press release from Pfizer on real-world data from Israel including data on asymptomatic infection, symptomatic disease, severe disease and death
Pfizer have published a press release stating that real-world evidence confirms high effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Dr … read more
expert reaction to the EMA recommending the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for authorisation in the EU
It has been announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the single-dose Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine for authorisation in … read more
expert reaction to reports that Denmark has paused vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution after some reports of blood clots
There have been reports that vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is suspended until further notice in Denmark after reports … read more