Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study attempting to create better bioengineered lungs in pigs
A new study, published in Science Transnational Medicine, demonstrates the production and transplantation of a bioengineered lunch into a large-animal model. read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of treatment options to reduce cholesterol in those with already low cholesterol
Researchers evaluate the efficacy and safety of further lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patient populations presenting with very low levels of cholesterol, in a new study, in JAMA Cardiology. read more
expert reaction to roundtable report from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee about coffee, caffeine, mortality and life expectancy
A new report, published by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, investigates the association between coffee, caffeine, mortality and life expectancy. read more
Expert reaction to study looking at using cannabinoids alongside chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer in mice
Scientists publishing in Oncogene examine – using mice – whether a substance in cannabis plants might boost treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. read more
expert reaction to study looking at exposure to PBDEs in the womb and risk of hypospadias
Researchers publishing in JAMA Pediatrics investigate the association between in utero polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure as measured in maternal hair and increased risk for hypospadias – a congenital condition in males in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. read more
expert reaction to conference talk on tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and exposure to carcinogens, being presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference
Scientists present an abstract that discusses e-cigarettes and tobacco product use linked to increased risk of oral cancer at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). read more
expert reaction to announcement that medicinal cannabis products are to be legalised
The home secretary has written to the chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about scheduling of cannabis-derived medicinal products. read more
expert reaction to Court of Justice of the European Union ruling that GMO rules should cover plant genome editing techniques
The European Court of Justice has ruled that organisms obtained by mutagenesis – a set of techniques which make it possible to alter the genome of a living species without the insertion of foreign DNA – are GMOs and are, in principle, subject to the obligations laid down by the GMO directive. read more
expert reaction to media reports that a Dutch drug trial of Viagra in pregnant women was stopped last week
A Dutch drug trial of viagra was stopped last week after more babies than expected were born with lung problems, and 11 have since died.
expert reaction to heatwaves and climate change
Extreme heat has been seen in the northern hemisphere. read more
expert reaction to the news that the government has announced that adolescent boys in England will be offered the HPV vaccine
The government has announced that adolescent boys in England will be offered the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.
expert reaction to case study looking at potential flare-up of Ebola infection a year after initial infection
Researchers publishing in Lancet Infectious Diseases present an outbreak report documenting the persistence of the Ebola virus after the end of widespread transmission in Liberia. read more
expert reaction to study trying to achieve gastrulation in artificial mouse embryo-like structure created from mouse stem cells
A new study, published in Nature Cell Biology, highlights how scientists – using mouse stem cells – have managed to produce artificial embryo-like structures of ‘gastrulation’.
Mental health in young people – the importance of early intervention
There has never been a greater focus on mental illness in young people, from the apparent rise in the numbers of young people suffering from mental health conditions to the efficacy of various pharmacological and psychological treatments. read more
expert reaction to ACMD letter to the Home Office setting out its short-term advice on the scheduling of Cannabis-derived medicinal products
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has written to the Home Office detailing their short-term advice on the scheduling of cannabis-derived medicinal products.
expert reaction to review of plant breeding technologies for fruits and vegetables
A new review, published in Trends in Plant Science, examines the use of different plant breeding techniques to potentially enhance colour, texture and taste of the produce, as well to inform conventional breeding programs.
Annual Home Office statistics on animal research
The Home Office has published its 2017 statistics on animals used in scientific procedures.
expert reaction to JCVI statement on whether to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys in the UK
The JCVI has made a statement about whether to extend the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys.
expert reaction to trial looking at adrenaline for cardiac arrests
Scientists publishing in the NEJM report that using adrenaline in cardiac arrests results in less than 1% more people leaving hospital alive – but nearly doubles the survivors’ risk of severe brain damage. read more
Adrenaline for cardiac arrests – helpful or harmful (or both)?
When someone’s heart stops and paramedics arrive, they are given CPR and shocks from a defibrillator. If they are still not responding, adrenaline is given as a last resort to increase blood flow to the heart. read more