Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert comment on how R and growth rates are calculated and why different models’ results may look different
A few journalists have asked about why some data sets seem to say different things when it comes to estimates … read more
expert reaction to latest R number and growth rates, published by the government
The government have released the latest estimates for the COVID-19 R value and growth rates. Comment also on other … read more
expert reaction to 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
meet the scientists involved in the new national consortium to study effects of emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2
Much is still unknown about how mutations in the virus affect key outcomes such as how transmissible it is, the … read more
expert reaction to a preprint from the SIREN study looking at SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in antibody positive healthcare workers
A preprint, unpublished non-peer reviewed work, from the SIREN (Sarscov2 Immunity & REinfection EvaluatioN) study compares SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in antibody … read more
results from the SIREN study
PHE’s ‘SIREN’ (SARS-CoV-2 Immunity & REinfection EvaluatioN) study has studied volunteer health workers from across the NHS in order to … read more
expert reaction to study looking at convalescent plasma antibody levels and risk of death from COVID-19
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) looks at convalescent plasma antibody levels and the risk of death … read more
expert reaction to preprint looking at intensive care occupancy and risk of death in intensive care patients with COVID-19 in the first wave
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, looks at availability of mechanical ventilators and mortality risk in intensive care patients … read more
expert reaction to latest COVID-19 cases and deaths, including the reporting today of 1,564 deaths
The governments latest stats on COVID-19 cases and deaths have been been released today. Commenting on deaths: Dr Michael … read more
expert comments about what we do and don’t know about the Brazilian variant of SARS-CoV-2
We’ve had a few questions from journalists about the Brazilian variant after it was mentioned by Boris Johnson when answering … read more
expert reaction to comments reportedly made yesterday by Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO suggesting increases in COVID-19 cases in Ireland has been mainly due to increased social mixing rather than the new variant
The World Health Organisation’s Dr Mike Ryan told reporters yesterday the increase in COVID-19 cases in Ireland was not due … read more
expert reaction to Scotland tightening COVID-19 restrictions around takeaway and click and collect services
Tightening of Scottish lockdown rules around takeaway and click and collect services have been announced, and will come into force … read more
expert reaction to reported results of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine from a trial by the Butantan Institute in Brazil
A trial by the Butantan Institute in Brazil reported an efficacy of 50.38% for China’s COVID-19 Vaccine, Sinovac. Prof … read more
expert reaction to ONS stats on deaths registered in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 1 January 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 observational study on gut bacteria and body’s response to COVID-19
An observational study, published in Gut, looks at gut microbiota composition, COVID-19 severity and immune response. Prof Daniel M … read more
expert comment on SARS-CoV-2 transmission within supermarkets
A comment from Professor Ashley Woodcock on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in supermarkets. Prof Ashley Woodcock, Professor of Respiratory Medicine … read more
expert comment about latest NHS COVID-19 vaccination stats in England
A comment from Professor Sheila Bird on the latest NHS COVID-19 vaccination statistics in England, for the week ending Sunday … read more
expert reaction to REMAP-CAP recruitment of severely ill COVID-19 patients into convalescent plasma trial being paused after initial analysis suggested it did not improve outcomes
It has been announced that the international trial of SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma, REMAP-CAP, has paused enrollment of critically ill COVID-19 … read more
expert comments about outdoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and use of face masks outdoors
Following Chris Whitty’s interview this morning on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, we’ve had a few questions from journalists about … read more