Author Archives: Science Media Centre

Lyme disease in the UK

Lyme disease is a relatively rare infection in the UK, with about 2,000 to 3,000 cases diagnosed per year. But … read more

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expert reaction to study looking at badger behaviour inside the cull zone

Research, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, reports on the impact of culling on individual badger behaviour.     Lord … read more

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expert reaction to study looking at a compound found in tomatoes and sperm quality

A study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, reports that sperm quality can be improved by a compound found … read more

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Prof Didier Queloz – winner of 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics

Prof Didier Queloz, of Cambridge University, was announced as one of the winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics … read more

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expert reaction to Physics Nobel Prize

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics has been won buy James Peebles (Princeton University, USA), Didier Queloz (University of Geneva, … read more

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is mandatory vaccination of school children the answer?

At the 2019 Tory Party conference, the Health secretary Matt Hancock responded to the figures showing a further decline in … read more

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expert reaction to study on ecig vapour and cancer in mice

Research, published in PNAS, reports that e-cigarette vapour may be carcinogenic in the lungs of mice.  A Before the Headlines … read more

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ecig vapour and cancer in mice

Research, published in PNAS, reports that e-cigarette vapour may be carcinogenic in the lungs of mice.  A Roundup of comments … read more

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Prof David Nutt responds to news of the resignation of an expert from the ACMD

Prof Alex Stevens has resigned from the Home Office’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), citing political interference in … read more

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expert reaction to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2019 being won by Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe of the Francis Crick Institute and the University of Oxford (along with William G. Kaelin Jr. and Gregg L. Semenza from the US)

Prof Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe, of the Francis Crick Institute and the University of Oxford, along with William G. Kaelin … read more

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expert reaction to Tafida Raqeeb ruling from High Court

The High Court has ruled that Tafida Raqueeb’s parents are allowed to take her abroad for treatment for her severe … read more

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expert reaction to study of lung biopsies of patients with lung injury due to vaping

Research, published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), reports that lung injuries from vaping are most likely connected … read more

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expert reaction to press release on microplastics and cell death

Research, presented at the Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam, reports that microplastics may harm human health.   Prof Richard Lampitt, Leader … read more

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expert reaction to paper advising against routine bowel cancer testing for all over 50s

A study, published in The BMJ, reports that the benefits of bowl cancer screening for 50-79 year olds with low … read more

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expert reaction to study on association of antidepressant use with adverse health outcomes

A study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, examined the existing evidence on antidepressants and links to negative health outcomes.    Dr … read more

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expert reaction to conference abstract looking at pregnant women’s exposure to bisphenol A and lung function in children

A presentation, given at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress, reports on links between the exposure of pregnant women … read more

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expert reaction to new papers looking at red and processed meat consumption and health

Five reviews, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyse previously published evidence on the relationship between red and processed … read more

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expert reaction to study looking at alcohol and risk of dementia and cognitive decline

Research, published in JAMA Network Open, reports on a link between a moderate but non-zero consumption of alcohol and reduced … read more

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expert reaction to two conference abstracts looking at air pollution, risk of infant deaths and lung function in children

Two presentations, given at the The European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress, report on links between air pollution and both … read more

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expert reaction to childhood vaccination coverage statistics for England in 2018-19

A report, co-authored by Public Health England (PHE) and NHS Digital, gives the childhood vaccination coverage statistics for 2018-19.   … read more

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