Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Genome engineering for species conservation
Much has been made of the potential of genome engineering to bring back extinct species. But what about its potential … read more
expert reaction to two papers on the use of mitochondrial donation and preimplantation genetic testing for mitochondrial disease, as published in NEJM
Two papers published in NEJM look at the use of mitochondrial donation an preimplantation genetic testing for mitochondrial disease. Dr David … read more
First report on babies born following pioneering licensed IVF technique to reduce the risk of mitochondrial diseases
The first published research findings from the Newcastle team on the children born following pioneering licensed IVF technique to reduce … read more
expert reaction to government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan
Scientists comment on the Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan. Prof Mark Stevens FRSB, Chair of Microbial Pathogenesis & Deputy … read more
expert reaction to study looking at obesity drugs in people with diabetes and obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and all-cause mortality
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between people with obesity and diabetes taking weight loss drugs, … read more
expert reaction to scoping review of over-the-counter herbal products and dietary supplements used for depression
A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology looks at over-the-counter herbal products and dietary supplements used for depression. Prof Stella Chan, … read more
UK Biobank’s whole body imaging project scans 100,000 volunteers
UK Biobank has reached its target of scanning 100,000 volunteers as part of a landmark project to provide for scientific … read more
expert reaction to NICE final draft guidance and NHS rollout of Alyftrek for children and adults with some forms of cystic fibrosis
Scientists comment on NICE final draft guidance and the NHS rollout of Alyftrek for Cystic Fibrosis. Prof David Sheppard, … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting vapes are more effective for quitting smoking than gum or lozenges including in disadvantaged groups
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine looks at vapes for smoking cessation in disadvantaged groups. Prof Leonie Brose, Professor … read more
State of the UK Climate 2024
The State of the UK Climate 2024 report provides the latest comprehensive review of the UK’s changing climate. It examines … read more
expert reaction to media reports that a child has died after contracting measles
Scientists comment on reports that a child has died in a Liverpool hospital after contracting measles. Prof Elizabeth Whittaker, … read more
expert reaction to observational study of gabapentin and risk of dementia and cognitive impairments
An observational study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine looks at gabapentin prescription for chronic pain and the risk of … read more
expert reaction to study of projections of heat deaths in England and Wales under difference climate scenarios
A study in PLOS Climate looks at projections of future heat deaths in England and Wales given different climate scenarios. … read more
expert reaction to the latest heatwave
Scientists react to the latest heatwave in the UK. On adaptation: Dr Tim Fox, Fellow of the Institution of … read more
expert reaction to systematic review and meta-analysis on antidepressant withdrawal symptoms
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Dr Susannah Murphy, Associate Professor, Department … read more
expert reaction to cohort study looking at the use of antibiotics to treat UTIs in the first trimester and risk of birth defects
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at antibiotic use for UTIs during pregnancy (first trimester) and the risk of … read more
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms – what are they and how common are they? A systematic review and meta-analysis
There has been long-standing public and clinical debate over the frequency and severity of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Some reviews have … read more
expert reaction to ‘rapid heat death attribution study’ as released by Imperial’s Grantham Institute
Scientists comment on a heat-related death attribution study released by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London. Dr Akshay … read more
expert reaction to study looking at underlying mechanisms of the known, rare side effect, vaccine-induced immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT), associated with adenoviral Covid vaccines
A study published in the NIHR’s Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation journal looks at the mechanisms of a known rare side … read more
expert reaction to Texas floods
Scientists comment on the flooding in Texas. Dr Leslie Mabon, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Systems, The Open University, said: … read more