Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to Ofgem launching investigation into power cuts, and initial report from the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO)
Ofgem has launched an investigation into the national grid power outage in early August 2019. James Robottom, Energy Lead, … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract looking at extracting hydrogen from oil sands
An abstract, being presented at the Goldschmidt geochemistry conference, reports that Scientists have developed a method for extracting hydrogen gas from … read more
expert reaction to Boris Johnson on measles and vaccine uptake
Reaction to the Prime Minister’s statement on measles and vaccine uptake. Dr David Elliman, Consultant in Community Child Health, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at maternal exposure to fluoride and IQ in children
Research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reports that maternal exposure to fluoride in pregnancy can lead to lower IQ scores in … read more
expert reaction to study looking at climate change and local plant diversity
Research, published in Current Biology, reports that faster rates of climate change could be increasing the diversity of plant species … read more
expert comments about carbon monoxide, after it was reported Emiliano Sala was exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide prior to the fatal plane crash in the English Channel
It has been reported* by the Governments Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) that the cabin of the plane carrying Emiliano … read more
expert reaction to microplastics found in snow
Research, published in Science Advances, reports on the quantities of micro plastic found in Arctic snow, and snow found in … read more
expert encounter: Prof Seena Fazel – mental illness and violence
There was no news story or study pegged to this briefing, but it was an opportunity for journalists to hear … read more
expert reaction to paper questioning whether US fracking could be a cause of the global methane spike
Research, published in Biogeosciences, reports that shale gas extraction through fracking may be responsible for increases in methane gas in … read more
social media and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
The majority of young people in the UK use social media and there are concerns around the potential harms to … read more
expert reaction to study on social media use and the role of cyberbullying, sleep and physical activity in the wellbeing in young people
Research, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, reports on the relationship between wellbeing and social media use, cyberbullying, physical … read more
expert reaction to study looking at method of separating X and Y sperm in mice
Research, published in PLOS Biology, reports on a new technique to separate X-bearing sperm from Y-bearing sperm, allowing alteration of the … read more
expert reaction to study looking at air pollution in people with emphysema, and making comparisons with smoking
Research, published JAMA, reports a connection between the level of air pollution where a person lives, and their risk of developing emphysema. … read more
expert reaction to two studies looking at blood pressure and dementia
Research, published in two separate papers in JAMA, reports on the connection between high blood pressure and dementia risk. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at gluten intake in childhood and risk of coeliac disease in children with a genetic risk
A study, published in JAMA, reports an association between eating gluten in early life and an increased risk of coeliac disease … read more
expert reaction to study looking at ADHD medication and brain development in children
Research, published in the journal Radiology, reports that a drug, Methylphenidate (MHP), used in the treatment of ADHD may impact the … read more
expert reaction to study looking at e-cigarette use and marijuana use in young people
Research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reports that adolescents who have a history of using e-cigarettes are more likely to use … read more
expert reaction to taking aspirin before diagnosis and breast cancer outcomes
Research, published in Cancer, reports on the possible connection between taking aspirin before a breast cancer diagnosis, and the potential outcomes. … read more
expert reaction to the major UK power failure
On Friday 9th August the UK experienced major electrical power failures effecting transport and infrastructure across the country. Prof … read more
expert reaction to Boris Johnson’s plan to ‘cement the UK as a science superpower’, including proposals for a new fast-track visa route to attract the best researchers
Boris Johnson has announced plans to ‘cement the UK as a science superpower’, including proposals for a new fast-track visa … read more