Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Genomic epidemiology study of spread of sexually transmissible drug-resistant shigellosis in England
Shigella is a bacterium that causes shigellosis, bloody or prolonged diarrhoea that can lead to severe dehydration. It has historically … read more
expert reaction to review of obesity drugs and quality of life / heart health
A review published in The BMJ looks at obesity drugs and quality of life and heart health. Dr Hamid Merchant, … read more
expert reaction to an RCT of the meningococcal B vaccine to prevent gonorrhoea infection in men who have sex with men (MSM)
A randomised controlled trial published in NEJM looks at the meningococcal B vaccine for preventing gonorrhoea in men who have sex with … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract from ESHRE exposure to air pollution mixtures during spermatogenesis and sperm DNA methylation in men seeking infertility treatment
An unpublished conference abstract presented at ESHRE looks at air pollution, spermatogenesis and DNA methylation. Prof Richard Lea, Professor … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract from ESHRE on geographical differences in sperm parameters and influence of male lifestyle
A conference abstract presented at ESHRE looks at male lifestyle and geographical differences in sperm quality. Prof Allan Pacey, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at global levels of infertility in older women (35-49)
A study published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health looks at levels of infertility in women aged 35-49. … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract from ESHRE on advanced maternal age independently affecting live birth and increasing miscarriage risk in donor oocyte cycles
A conference abstract presented at ESHRE looks at maternal age, live birth and miscarriage risk in donor oocyte cycles. … read more
expert reaction to European survey on fertility care, embryo research and genome editing
Scientists comment on a European survey commissioned by Progress Educational Trust (PET) and supported by ESHRE looks at attitudes towards … read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of interventions for treating antenatal depression
A meta-analysis published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health looks at interventions to treat antenatal depression. Prof Asma Khalil, Professor … read more
expert reaction to study looking at prolonged sedentary behaviour and cancer risk
A study published in PLOS Medicine looks at sedentary behaviour and cancer incidence and mortality. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of … read more
expert reaction to study looking at contraceptive progestogens and meningioma brain tumours
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at contraceptive progesterone and the incidence of meningioma brain tumours. Prof Melanie Davies, … read more
In praise of Research Fortnight
I was saddened to discover yesterday that Research Professional News, an independent publication that reports on research policy and funding … read more
expert reaction to study looking at blood pressure and cholesterol levels in adults with obesity versus in adults with normal BMI
A study published in The Lancet looks at blood pressure and cholesterol in adults with obesity compared to adults with normal BMI. … read more
Metabolic traits in obesity versus normal BMI – do people with obesity always have worse cardiovascular health?
We know from previous evidence that obesity generally increases the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and stroke. … read more
expert reaction to a case-control study looking at the probability of a timely vocal response in mother-infant interaction and later psychiatric diagnosis
A case-control study published in PLOS One looks at timely vocal responses in mother-infant interactions and later psychiatric diagnoses. Dr Catalina … read more
expert reaction to a population-wide study looking at trends in primary care utilisation for mental health problems
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health looks at primary care utilisation for mental health problems. … read more
expert reaction to the Met Office issuing amber and red extreme heat warnings
Scientists comment on the extreme amber and red heat warnings issued by the Met Office for the week beginning 22nd … read more
Base Editing & Human Embryo Development
A genome editing technique called CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct genes in children and adults with conditions like Sickle … read more
expert reaction to base editing revealing role of master gene (NANOG) in embryo development
A study published in Nature looks at base editing and the role of a key gene in embryo development. Dr Helen … read more
expert reaction to earthquake in Venezuela
Scientists comment on a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Venezuela. Dr Raffaele De Risi, Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, University … read more