Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to latest ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey data
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor … read more
expert reaction to the UK Government’s Spending Review for 2020, as announced today by Rishi Sunak
In a speech today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the UK Government’s Spending Review for 2020. Venki Ramakrishnan, President, … read more
more expert comment on lifting of restrictions over Christmas
A lot of journalists were asking for scientists’ responses to the Christmas plans, so here are a few more. … read more
expert comment on next steps for a COVID-19 vaccine
A comment piece from Dr Penny Ward laying out the next stages that need to happen for a successful COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to study looking at convalescent plasma in people with COVID-19 severe pneumonia
A paper published in NEJM looks at the clinical outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with convalescent plasma, … read more
expert reaction to government announcing that three households can meet indoors during a five-day Christmas period of 23-27 December
The government have announced that three households are allowed to meet indoors during a five day Christmas period from 23-27 … read more
expert reaction to the ONS release on deaths registered in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 13 November 2020
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 press release reporting the second interim analysis of the efficacy of the Sputnik V vaccine
A new press release reports on the second interim analysis of clinical trial data for the Sputnik V vaccine against … read more
expert reaction to the Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government have released a COVID-19 Winter Plan. Dr Julian Tang, Honorary Associate Professor/ Clinical Virologist, Respiratory Sciences, University … read more
AstraZeneca and University of Oxford media briefing
Journalists from around the world were invited to join a media briefing webinar on the positive high-level results from an … read more
expert reaction to phase 3 interim analysis of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Experts commented on the phase 3 interim analysis of the Oxford / AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine read more
AstraZeneca Antibody Study
We have heard a lot about vaccines for the elderly. But there are also prophylactic drugs being tested that could … read more
expert reaction to preprint looking at COVID-19 antibodies and protection against reinfection
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, posted on medRxiv looks at antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and protection against reinfection. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at MMR antibodies and COVID-19 disease severity
A study published in mBio looks at Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) antibodies and COVID-19 disease severity. Dr Penny Ward, Visiting Professor … read more
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rate estimates published by the government
The government have released the latest estimates for the COVID-19 growth rate and R value. Prof Oliver Johnson, Professor … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Dr Simon Clarke, Associate … read more
expert comments about COVID-19 and Christmas
A few journalists have asked us what COVID-19 means for Christmas this year, so here a few general comments from … read more
expert reaction to WHO Guideline Development Group advising against use of remdesivir for COVID-19
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have released an updated guideline on drugs for COVID-19, published in the BMJ, in which … read more
expert reaction to a preprint on responsive T cell numbers and associated protection from COVID-19, as referred to in the PHE ‘Evaluating detection of SARS-CoV-2: AntiBodies at Home study’ report which was updated yesterday
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, posted on MedRxiv looks at responsive T cell numbers and associated protection from … read more