Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to systematic review and meta-analysis of antidepressant use before and during pregnancy and risk of autism and ADHD in children
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet looks at antidepressant use in pregnancy and the risk of autism and … read more
expert reaction to un-published ECO 2026 abstract on rapid versus gradual weight loss for reducing risk of obesity-related complications
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2026 looked at rapid versus gradual weight loss and … read more
expert reaction to latest hantavirus update from the UKHSA, including that six individuals from Arrowe Park are returning home or to other accommodation to complete their 45 day isolation period
Scientists comment on the latest hantavirus update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on individuals returning home to complete … read more
expert reaction to King’s speech
Scientists comment on the King’s speech for the opening of parliament. Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the … read more
expert reaction to an analysis of global obesity trends
A study in Nature looks at global obesity trends in developed and developing nations. Dr Marie Spreckley, Research Programme Manager, University … read more
New analysis of global obesity trends
There’s a current perception that we’re facing a ‘global obesity epidemic’ of rising rates of obesity in young people and … read more
expert reaction to observational study on mothers’ jobs and autism diagnoses in children
An observational study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine looks at associations between maternal occupation and autism diagnoses in children. … read more
expert reaction to an RCT on the use of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT for weight loss maintenance after an 8-week low-energy diet
A randomised controlled trial published in Nature Medicine looks at pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT for weight loss maintenance in people with overweight … read more
expert reaction to an RCT on using orforglipron for maintenance of body weight reduction after weight loss using injectable tirzepatide or semaglutide
A randomised controlled trial published in Nature Medicine looks at the use of Orforflipron for maintenance of body weight reduction. … read more
expert reaction to study of PFAS in London tap water
A study published in Environmental Sciences: Advances looks at the occurrence of PFAS in London drinking water. Prof Oliver Jones, Professor … read more
PFAS – what does the science say?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large class of chemicals, sometimes dubbed ‘forever chemicals’. They are used widely in … read more
expert reaction to a European Congress on Obesity unpublished conference abstract on association between higher dietary polyphenol intake and lower risk of short telomeres
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the European Congress on Obesity looks at an association between polyphenol intake and a … read more
expert reaction to study on association between GLP-1 use and breast cancer survival and recurrence
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at an association between GLP-1 use and breast cancer survival and recurrence. Dr Mangesh … read more
expert reaction to media reports that a French and an American MV Hondius passenger have developed symptoms and/or tested positive for hantavirus since being transported back to their home countries
Scientists comment on reports that a French and American passenger have developed symptoms and tested positive for Hantavirus. Dr … read more
expert reaction to study looking at association between mothers having endometriosis and children born with congenital abnormalities
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal looks at an association between endometriosis in mothers and children born with congenital … read more
expert reaction to current hantavirus situation as passengers on the MV Hondius are taken off in stages and taken onwards to their countries of origin
Scientists gave their comments as the MV Hondius arrived in the Canary Islands and passengers were due to be taken … read more
expert reaction to first complete sequence of the hantavirus from the current cluster from MV Hondius (from the Swiss patient with confirmed Andes strain) uploaded to the Virological.org platform by the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Geneva University Hospitals and the Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich
Scientists gave comments on the first complete sequence of the hantavirus from the current cluster related to the MV Hondius … read more
expert reaction to statement from the UKHSA, DHSC and FCDO re hantavirus, including transport arrangements and isolation for British passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius
Scientists comment on a statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on hantavirus, travel arrangements and isolation for British … read more
expert reaction to hantavirus update from the UKHSA, including that two people had returned to the UK having been on board the MV Hondius, are not currently reporting symptoms and are self-isolating
Scientists comment on a hantavirus update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that two people from the UK are … read more
expert reaction to clinical consensus statement on ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular diseases
A clinical consensus statement published in the European Heart Journal looks at UPFs and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Oonagh Markey, Senior Lecturer … read more