Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to identification of an influenza virus in pigs in China with the potential for pandemic spread in humans
A study, published in PNAS, reports the identification of an influenza virus in pigs in China with the potential for pandemic … read more
expert reaction to statement from RECOVERY trial on lopinavir-ritonavir in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, reporting no clinical benefit
The RECOVERY trial have released a statement on the HIV antiviral drug lopinavir-ritonavir, reporting no clinical benefit hospitalised COVID-19 patients. … read more
expert reaction to SACN rapid review on behalf of PHE on vitamin D and acute respiratory tract infections; NICE rapid evidence summary on vitamin D and COVID-19; and Royal Society preprint review on vitamin D and COVID-19
Three reviews, from Public Health England (PHE), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Royal Society respectively, … read more
expert reaction to study reporting a bioengineered scaffold that repairs the uterus and supports live births in rabbits
A study, published in Nature Biotechnology, looked at a bioengineered scaffold that repairs the uterus and supports live births in … read more
expert reaction to the suggestion Leicester might be considered for a localised lockdown
It has been suggested that Leicester may be put under a localised lock down to combat COVID-19 in the area. … read more
expert reaction to SAGE documents published on Friday 26 June
The government have published* the latest round of documents from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). Prof Keith … read more
expert reaction to ONS data from England and Wales looking at COVID-19 related deaths by occupation
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have published an update to their data set looking COVID-19 related deaths in the … read more
expert reaction to study looking at death rates in hospitalised COVID-19 patients who either were or weren’t taking statins
A study, published in Cell Metabolism, has compared the death rates between hospitalised COVID-19 patients taking statins and those not … read more
expert reaction to BMJ analysis on tracking, testing, and contact tracing for COVID-19
An analysis, published in the BMJ, looked at tracking, testing, and contact tracing for COVID-19. Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in … read more
expert reaction to review of the effects of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and waterpipe use on the body and clinical outcomes
A review, published in the European Heart Journal, looked at he effects of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and waterpipe use on … read more
expert reaction to study looking at a Europe-wide study of children with COVID-19
A study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, looked at children with COVID-19 across Europe. Prof Keith … read more
expert reaction to study looking at brain complications in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19
Research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, looked at brain complications in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19. Dr Musa Sami, … read more
expert reaction to Cochrane Review of antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2
Cochrane have conducted a review into antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2. This Roundup accompanied an SMC Briefing Dr Alexander … read more
new Cochrane Review of antibody tests for COVID-19
Cochrane, a global independent organisation that reviews evidence from research to inform health decision-making, is publishing a review of studies … read more
expert reaction to the latest estimate of R and growth rates
The government have released the latest estimates for the R value in the UK. Prof Keith Neal, Emeritus Professor … read more
expert reaction to latest ONS Infection Survey data
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released their latest Infection Survey results. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of … read more
expert response to comment piece by David Cameron in the Times – We need a new international body to sound the alarm earlier
Former Prime Minister David Cameron wrote an article calling for a new international body to sound the alarm earlier on … read more
expert reaction to latest statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service in England
The government have published the latest figures for the NHS Test ad Trace service in England. Prof Sheila Bird, … read more
how can we make the world less prone to pandemics?
A new study has identified seven routes by which deadly human pandemics could occur and 161 options for reducing the … read more
expert reaction to government review of two metre social distancing guidance
The government have published their review of social distancing guidance. Dr Shaun Fitzgerald FREng, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting … read more