Author Archives: Science Media Centre
fifty-year-old science challenge solved with AI
Proteins form the machinery that keep all animals, plants and bacteria alive and well. Inside each of the cells that … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting SARS-CoV-2 may enter central nervous system via the nose
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may enter the nervous system by crossing the nasal epithelium. … read more
expert reaction to announcement by Moderna that they have concluded the primary efficacy analysis for the Phase 3 study of their COVID-19 vaccine candidate
Moderna have announced that they have concluded the primary efficacy analysis for the Phase 3 study of their COVID-19 vaccine … read more
latest interim results from the REACT-1 study on COVID-19 prevalence across England
This briefing covered the latest interim data from the largest community coronavirus testing programme, REACT. This batch of data is … read more
expert reaction to preprint giving the interim results from round 7 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A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, reports on the latest data from the REACT-1 study on COVID-19 spread across … read more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 systematic review and meta-analysis on setting-specific transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2
A systematic review and meta-analysis from the Imperial College London COVID-19 Response Team, in collaboration with multiple partners, looks at … read more
expert comments on vaccine safety and monitoring
With a lot of recent focus on vaccines, here are some general comments from Dr Craig Hartford and Dr Penny … read more
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rates for the UK
The government have released the latest estimates for the COVID-19 growth rate and R value. Prof Mark Woolhouse, Professor … read more
expert reaction to announcement of a new NHS pilot on a blood test for more than 50 cancers
The NHS has announced a new pilot using the Garelli blood test to detect multiple different types of early stage … read more
expert reaction to media report reporting AstraZeneca may run an additional study as part of the COVID-19 vaccine trial
It has been reported in the media that AstraZeneca could run an additional study as part of the COVID-19 vaccine … read more
expert reaction to study looking at SARS-CoV-2 and the cell’s internal cholesterol mechanisms
A study published in Nature Metabolism looks at how the cell’s internal cholesterol mechanisms facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry. Professor David … read more
expert comment on COVID-19 deaths in Scotland and in England & Wales in the first and second waves
A comment from Professor Sheila Bird on COVID-mention deaths registered in Scotland and in England & Wales during the first … read more
expert reaction to England’s regional tiers, as described by Matt Hancock in the Commons
Details of England’s regional tiers has been published today, as described by Matt Hancock in the Commons. Comment on … read more
expert reaction to media reports about the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine phase 3 trial, about dose and subgroups
Recent media reports have discussed dose and subgroups in the Oxford and AstraZeneca phase 3 vaccine trial. Prof David … read more
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