Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to two studies looking at antibiotics in young children and while in the womb, and childhood obesity
Two studies, published in JAMA Network Open, report on the impact of antibiotics on the relationship between antibiotic exposure in … read more
expert reaction to World Health Organisation Q&A on electronic cigarettes
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have run a Q&A via their website on electronic cigarettes. Dr Nick Hopkinson, Reader … read more
Wuhan coronavirus outbreak
With increasing numbers of confirmed cases of this new coronavirus virus both in China as well as other nearby countries, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine
Analysis, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, reports that the HPV vaccine may be less effective … read more
expert reaction to study of plant uptake of lead from solar panels
Research, published in Nature Communications, reports that lead from some solar cells is more likely to be absorbed by plants … read more
expert reaction to study looking at sunscreen ingredients and absorption into the blood
A study, published in JAMA, reports on the absorption of chemicals found in sunscreen into the users blood. Dr Jérôme … read more
expert reaction to study looking at low-carb and low-fat diets and risk of death in a US cohort
Research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reports on the connection between low-fat and low-carb diets and risk of death. … read more
expert reaction to study on a new method to produce vaccines
A study, published in BMC Biotechnology, reports on a new vaccine production method which may make storage and transport easier. … read more
expert reaction to analysis recommending sperm donation to strangers after death should be allowed in the UK
An analysis, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, argues that sperm donation after death, to a stranger, should be allowed … read more
expert reaction to study looking at a new immune cell and cancer in mice and cells
Research, published in Nature Immunology, reports the discovery of a new type of T-cell in mice, which could theoretically be … read more
expert reaction to the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak
continued reaction to the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. This reaction was accompanied by an SMC Briefing. Thursday … read more
expert reaction to perspective on vaping and EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) in young people in the US
A perspective piece, published in the New England Journal of Medicene (NEJM), comments on the EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product … read more
expert reaction to study looking at fish oil supplements and testicular function in healthy young men
Research, published in JAMA Network Open, reports that fish oil supplements may have a positive impact on young men’s testicular function. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at low doses of radiation in medical imaging and mutations in cell cultures
Research, published in PLOS Genetics, reports that low doses of radiation used in medical imaging may lead to mutations in cell cultures. … read more
David Nutt: Drugs Without the Hot Air – launch of second edition
The dangers of illegal drugs are well known and rarely disputed, but how harmful are alcohol and tobacco by comparison? … read more
expert reaction to 2019 confirmed as 2nd hottest year on record
Research, published by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), reports on global temperature trends. Dr Colin Morice of the Met Office … read more
expert reaction to Rapid Response Review on wildfires and climate change
A literature review, published on ScienceBrief.org by UEA and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, considers all peer-reviewed studies … read more
wildfires and climate change – a new rapid response literature review
Do we know how much climate change affects the likelihood or frequency of wildfires like those currently happening in Australia? … read more
expert reaction to announcement that a new heart disease drug, inclisiran, will be available for NHS patients pending approval
It has been announced that a collaboration between the NHS and the company Novartis will see the drug inclisiran will … read more
expert reaction to phthalates and egg production in nematodes
Research, published in PLOS Genetics, report that some phthalates can negatively affect and egg production in nematodes. Dr Oliver Jones, … read more