Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to editorial commenting on whether antibody tests underestimate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence
An editorial, published in the The BMJ, commented on whether antibody tests underestimate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. Dr Rupert Beale, Group Leader, … read more
expert reaction to reports that Russian opposition leader Alexi Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok
There have been reports from Germany that the Russian opposition leader Alexi Navalny, who is currently hospitalised in Germany, was … read more
expert reaction to a study looking at permanent hair dye and risk of cancers
A study, published in The BMJ, looked at permanent hair dye and potential risk of cancers. Dr Michael Jones, Senior … read more
expert reaction to study from Italy looking at viral clearance and whether retesting weeks after symptom onset is a good idea
A study, published in BMJ Open, looked at viral clearance and whether retesting weeks after symptom onset is a good idea. … read more
expert reaction to two conference abstracts on chemicals present in e-cigarettes and how they combine
Conference abstracts, presented at the meeting of the European Respiratory Society, discuss chemicals present in e-cigarettes and how they combine. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at electronic media use in late childhood and measures of academic performance
Research, published in PLOS ONE, looked at electronic media use in late childhood and measures of academic performance. Prof Kevin … read more
expert reaction to study looking at T cell responses in people who have had COVID-19
A study, published in Nature Immunology, looked at T cell responses in people who have had COVID-19. Prof Eleanor … read more
analysis of seven trials looking at whether corticosteroids reduce risk of death in critically ill COVID-19 patients
A meta-analysis of seven randomised controlled trials which looked at whether corticosteroids are effective in reducing deaths among people most … read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of trials of corticosteroids and death rate in people hospitalised with severe COVID-19
A meta analysis, published in JAMA, looked at seven trials of corticosteroids for the treatment of severe COVID-19 symptoms, and the … read more
expert reaction to the latest ONS figures for weekly deaths in England and Wales
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data for deaths in England and Wales, including deaths from COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to study looking at COVID-19 in pregnancy
Research, published in the BMJ, looked at COVID-19 in pregnancy. Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians … read more
expert reaction to comments made by Prof Karol Sikora on BBC Politics Live about whether the virus has changed/mutated, and whether or not the virus might ‘fizzle out’
Journalists asked for comment on the comments made by Prof Karol Sikora on BBC Politics Live about whether the virus … read more
expert reaction to study looking at mining for materials used for renewable energy production, and biodiversity impacts
A study, published in Nature Communications, looked at mining for materials used for renewable energy production, and biodiversity impacts. Prof … read more
expert reaction to Elon Musk’s Neuralink demonstration involving pigs
Elon Musk has presented his Neuralink brain computer interface in a live demonstration. Dr Tennore Ramesh, Non-Clinical Lecturer in … read more
expert reaction to latest data from the ONS Infection Survey and latest R number and growth rates published by the government
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and government have published the latest data from their infection survey and estimates for the … read more
expert reaction to paper and editorial looking at clinical characteristics and viral RNA detection in children with COVID-19 in South Korea
A study and editorial piece, published in JAMA Pediatrics, looked at clinical characteristics and viral RNA detection in children with … read more
expert reaction to speculation ahead of Elon Musk’s announcement/demonstration due tonight about Neuralink device ‘brain-machine interface’
Elon Musk has trailed the announcement of a Neuralink ‘brain-machine interface’ expected on Friday 28th August 2020. Prof Andrew … read more
expert reaction to government announcement of new measures to support deployment of COVID-19 vaccines
The government have announced new measures to support the deployment if COVID-19 vaccines along side a consultation on amending the … read more
expert reaction to FDA approval of Abbott rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the Abbott rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2. Prof Jonathan Ball, … read more
expert reaction to 1,522 new UK COVID-19 cases announced on Thursday 27 August
The government announced the number of new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday 27th August as 1,522. Prof Rowland Kao, … read more