Author Archives: Science Media Centre
State of the Global Climate 2024
The State of the Global Climate 2024 report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) shows that key climate change indicators … read more
expert reaction to Starmer scrapping NHS England
Scientists comment on the PM’s decision to abolish NHS England. Prof Azeem Majeed FMedSci, Head of the Department of … read more
expert reaction to WHO report on measles cases in Europe in 2024
Scientists comment on a WHO report on the number of measles cases in Europe in 2024. Prof Helen Bedford, … read more
expert reaction to study of self-reported antidepressant response outcomes in the UK Biobank
A study published in Psychological Medicine looks at self-reported experiences with antidepressants. Prof Sarah Bailey, Professor of Neuropharmacology and Engagement, … read more
expert reaction to report on UK demand for 36 materials critical to decarbonisation technologies
A report published by the British Geological Survey looks at the UK’s demand for critical minerals. Prof Joan Cordiner … read more
expert reaction to prescriptions for ADHD in England from April 2019 to March 2024
A study published in BMJ Mental Health looks at the change in rates of ADHD prescriptions from April 2019-March 2024. … read more
expert reaction to a lab study of microplastics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology looks at the possibility of microplastics contributing to AMR. Prof Shilpa Chokshi, … read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of microplastic pollution and photosynthesis
A study published in PNAS looks at the potential relationship between microplastic pollution and photosynthesis activity. Prof Richard Lampitt, Research … read more
expert reaction to collision between cargo vessel and oil tanker in the North Sea
Scientists comment on the collision between a cargo vessel and an oil tanker in the North Sea. Simon Bray, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at butter or vegetable oils and mortality
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine looks at butter and plant based oils intake and mortality. Prof Sarah Berry, … read more
expert reaction to Copernicus data reporting that global sea ice cover at a record low and February 2025 was third warmest on record
Scientists comment on Copernicus data reporting global sea ice cover is at a record low, and that February was the third warmest … read more
expert reaction to observational study of severity of menopause symptoms and cognition and behavioural impairment later in life
An observational study published in PLOS One looks at menopause symptom severity and late-life cognitive function and behavioural impairment. … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting Aspirin may enhance the immune response against cancer metastasis in mice
A study published in Nature suggests that Asprin enhances the immune response against cancer metastasis in mice. Dr Harvey Roweth, a … read more
expert reaction to a cohort study looking at the association between vaping and rates of smoking cessation and tobacco abstinence
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between vaping and smoking cessation rates. Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, … read more
if the Royal Society expels Musk, it could harm trust in science (external op-ed)
This article was first published in Research Professional News: https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-views-of-the-uk-2025-february-if-the-royal-society-expels-musk-it-could-harm-trust-in-science The call to revoke Elon Musk’s fellowship of the Royal … read more
expert reaction to unpublished preprint on inducing loss of function of genes in mice to produce woolly mammoth- like hair phenotypes
An unpublished preprint uploaded to BioRXiv looks at gene editing in mice to create woolly mammoth-like hair phenotypes. Dr … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA warning of potential second norovirus wave
Scientists comment on the potential of a second norovirus wave. Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda … read more
expert reaction to a modelling study suggesting that AMOC may be resilient to future warming
A modelling study published in Nature suggests that Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may withstand climate extremes. Dr Alessandro Silvano, Oceanographer, … read more
Future research on Cystic Fibrosis in the UK
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an incurable, life-limiting condition, affecting over 11,300 people in the UK costing the NHS millions in … read more
expert reaction to new research that found a bat-infecting coronavirus that can enter human cells similarly to COVID-19
New research published in Cell found a bat-infecting coronavirus can enter human cells in a similar way to COVID-19. Dr … read more