Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Expert Encounter with Professor Sir Ian Chapman
Professor Sir Ian Chapman is the new chief executive of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI). As is our way with … read more
Changing food systems could ease climate and health crises – Expert Reaction
An international report finds that global food systems contribute to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, while almost half the world’s … read more
expert reaction to study on strengthening biosecurity screening for genes that encode proteins of concern
A study published in Science looks at screening for genes that encode proteins of concern to strengthen biosecurity. Prof Natalio Krasnogor, … read more
expert reaction to Conservatives saying they’ll repeal the Climate Change Act 2008
Scientists comment on the Conservative Party saying they will repeal the 2008 Climate Change Act. Prof Pete Smith FRS, … read more
expert reaction to study of genetic and developmental profiles of autism spectrum disorder
A study published in Nature looks at genetic and developmental profiles of autism. Dr Michael Absoud, Adjunct Reader in Paediatric Neurodisability, … read more
expert reaction to randomised clinical trial of memantine for social impairment in young people with autism spectrum disorder
Results from a randomised clinical trial (RCT) look at the use of Memantine to treat social impairment in young people … read more
expert reaction to a paper describing the creation of functional egg cells from human skin cells through cell reprogramming
A study published in Nature Communications looks at reprogramming human skin cells to create functional egg cells. Prof Roger Sturmey, Professor … read more
expert reaction to phase 3 trial of cannabis extract VER-01 for chronic low back pain
Results from a phase 3 randomised controlled trial looks at the use of cannabis extract VER-01 for chronic lower back … read more
What’s the drought situation in the UK?
This summer was the warmest on record, with dry weather across the UK leading to water restrictions in parts of … read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract looking at the associated protective effect of eating fruit on the impact of air pollution on lung function
A conference abstract presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress (ERSC) looks at the effect of eating fruit on the … read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract looking at the effect of dog ownership on the development of asthma
A conference abstract presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress (ERSC) suggests that owning a dog as a child might protect … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the correlation between menstruation, the moon and artificial light
A study published in Science Advances looks at the impact of the moon and LED light on menstruation cycles. This comment … read more
expert reaction to study on association between soft drink consumption and depression mediated by gut microbiome
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at an association between soft drink consumption and depression mediated by gut microbiome changes. … read more
expert reaction to announcement by uniQure of topline results from a phase I/II study of a gene therapy to slow Huntington’s disease progression
Scientists comment on top line results from a phase I/II trial of a gene therapy to slow the progression of … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the association between any amount of alcohol consumption and risk of dementia
A study published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine looks at the association between alcohol consumption and dementia risk. Prof Sir … read more
expert reaction to Trump saying climate change is the ”greatest con job ever perpetrated in the world” and that climate change predictions ”were wrong” and made by ”stupid people”
Climate scientists comment on comments made by President Trump about climate change at the UN conference. Prof Corinne Le … read more
expert reaction to the Trump administration linking autism to paracetamol use in pregnancy
US President Donald Trump claimed that pregnant women’s use of paracetamol is linked to a risk of babies developing autism. … read more
The science of mRNA – a new frontier in medicine?
mRNA technology became public knowledge during the pandemic with the welcome arrival of Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. More … read more
expert reaction to media reports that the Trump administration will link paracetamol to autism
Scientists comment on reports that the Trump Administration will link paracetamol (Tylenol) use to autism in children. Dr Jeffrey … read more
expert reaction to reported cyber-attack at Heathrow and other European airports
Scientists comment on a reporter cyber-attack at European airports including Heathrow. Rimesh Patel, former Chair of Institution of Engineering … read more