Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to Government proposal to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 years old
Scientists comment on a Government (Department of Health and Social Care) proposal to ban energy drink sales for under 16s. … read more
real things on the ground – when we’re communicating science, we need to talk normal
This is a guest post by Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the SMC. If you want to be good … read more
expert reaction to study looking at Fastball EEG memory test and measuring recognition memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment
A study published in Brain Communications looks at a brainwave test to measure memory decline years before Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Prof Vladimir … read more
expert reaction to Met Office confirming 2025 was the UK’s warmest summer on record
Scientists comment on the Met Office confirming that 2025 was the UKs warmest summer on record. Prof Tim Palmer, … read more
expert reaction to earthquake in Afghanistan
Scientists comment on a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan. Dr Brian Baptie, Seismologist at British Geological Survey, said: “The … read more
expert reaction to phase III trial of baxdrostat in uncontrolled or treatment resistant high blood pressure
A phase III trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025, and published in The New England … read more
expert reaction to DH press release saying the free chickenpox vaccination is to be offered to children across England from January 2026
Scientists comment on a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that says the chickenpox vaccination … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA annual uptake data on childhood vaccines (April 2024-March 2025)
Scientists comment on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data on childhood vaccine uptake between April 2024 to March 2025. … read more
expert reaction to two studies on cannabis: one looking at reasons for first use cannabis and association with subsequent THC intake and symptoms of paranoia, anxiety or depression and one looking at childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis use
Two studies published in BMJ Mental Health and Psychological Medicine looks at first use cannabis and mental health outcomes, childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis … read more
Why do people first use cannabis and does that influence later health outcomes?
People start using cannabis for a variety of reasons, such as self-medicating for physical or mental discomfort, because friends and … read more
expert reaction to study on first pig-to-human lung transplantation into a brain dead recipient
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at the first pig-to-human lung transplant into a brain dead recipient. Comments gathered … read more
expert reaction to two papers and preprint assessing the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt and sugar (HFSS) products in England
Scientists comment on two papers and a preprint that assess the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt … read more
expert reaction to observational study looking at GLP-1 receptor agonists and associated cancer risk in adults with obesity
An observational study published in JAMA Oncology looks at GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer risk in adults with obesity. Prof Paul … read more
expert reaction to study identifying potential drug target for chronic pain
A study published in Nature identifies a potential drug target (a neuronal polyamine transporter) for chronic pain. Dr Franziska Denk, Senior … read more
expert reaction to modelling study looking at the rate of Arctic sea ice melt over the last 20 years
A modelling study published in Geophysical Research Letters looks at Arctic sea ice loss in the last 20 years. Dr … read more
expert reaction to umbrella review looking at youth vaping and its links to smoking, marijuana use, alcohol use, and other health outcomes
An umbrella review published in Tobacco Control looks at teen vaping and the risk of smoking and other health outcomes. Prof … read more
expert reaction to news of no treaty agreement at the end of the UN plastics pollution meeting
Scientists comment on no treaty agreement being reached at the end of the UN plastics pollution meeting. Prof Aldina … read more
expert reaction to survey of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) recipients and what information they recall being given
A survey published in the Journal of Medical Ethics looks at electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and what information recipients recall being given. … read more
ADHD medications and risk of adverse outcomes at a population level – A target trial emulation study
While we have good Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) data on how ADHD medications impact core symptoms, there remain gaps in … read more
expert reaction to target trial emulation study of ADHD medication and risk of adverse outcomes
A target trial emulation study published in The BMJ looks at ADHD drug treatment and the risk of adverse outcomes. Prof … read more