Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to news reports that ‘surge testing’ is to be rolled out in areas of the UK after cases of the ‘South African variant’ were found with no known links to travel or previous cases
Media reports state that urgent COVID-19 testing is to be rolled out in parts of England after several people with … read more
expert reaction to media reports of comments made by President Macron about the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
President Macron reportedly said earlier today of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine “We’re waiting for the EMA results, but today everything points … read more
expert reaction to document published by SAGE entitled ‘Direct and Indirect Impacts of COVID-19 on Excess Deaths and Morbidity: December 2020 Update – Executive Summary’
A new document was published today as part of the SAGE evidence publication, entitled ‘Direct and Indirect Impacts of COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to the latest COVID-19 Nowcast and Forecast, by the MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge
The MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge have released their latest nowcast and forecast of COVID-19. Prof … read more
expert reaction to EMA recommending the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for authorisation in the EU
The European Medicine Agency (EMA) has recommended the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for authorisation in the EU for use in people … read more
results of the Phase III trial for single-shot Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate
This afternoon, Johnson & Johnson announced top line results from the Company’s global Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial designed to evaluate … read more
expert reaction to Johnson & Johnson announcing that the single-shot Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate met primary endpoints in the interim analysis of its phase 3 ENSEMBLE Trial
Johnson & Johnson have announced topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase III ENSEMBLE clinical trial for their single-shot … 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
meet the PI on the UK arm of the Novavax vaccine trial
Last night, Novavax announced the results of Phase III trials on its protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate showing 89.3% efficacy. The … read more
expert reaction to study looking at COVID-19 and male reproductive function
A prospective, longitudinal cohort study published in Reproduction looks at male fertility and COVID-19. Dr Alison Campbell, Director of … read more
expert reaction to press release from Novavax announcing Phase III results for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate which demonstrated an 89.3% efficacy
Novavax have announced that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has completed Phase III trials in the UK where it demonstrated an … read more
expert comment about how the UK reports on 1st & 2nd doses of mRNA vaccine in the four nations
A comment from Professor Sheila Bird on how the UK reports on first and second doses of mRNA vaccine in … read more
expert reaction to study looking at how vitamins, steroids and potential antivirals might affect SARS-CoV-2
A study published in Angewandte Chemie suggests that some vitamins, steroids and antivirals could bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, … read more
expert reaction to reports that guidance from STIKO in Germany has recommended the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine only for under 65s
There have been media reports suggesting that the independent commission that advises the German government on vaccination policy has recommended … read more
expert reaction to study looking at omega-3 fatty acids and asthma in children
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal looks at asthma in children and omega-3 dietary intake. Dr Prasad … read more
updated latest results from the REACT-1 study on COVID-19 prevalence across England
We recently heard from the REACT-1 scientists with interim results from round 8 of their study looking at virus prevalence … read more
expert reaction to preprint giving the final results from round 8 of the REACT-1 study on COVID-19 spread across England
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, reports on the latest data from the REACT-1 study on COVID-19 spread across … read more
expert reaction to COVID and schizophrenia
A study as published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at Psychiatric Disorders and mortality among COVID-19 patients. Prof James MacCabe, … read more
expert reaction to changes in COVID symptoms associated with the UK variant as indicated in the ONS Infection Survey
A different symptom profile is suggested for new variant cases in the latest release from the ONS (Office for National … read more
expert reaction to the UK having over 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 within 28 days of positive test
The total number of deaths in the UK within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test has now passed 100,000. … read more