Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Prof Mel Greaves – why do children get leukaemia?
We’ve heard from scientists that childhood leukaemia may be a rare response to a common infection. Others have aired their theories that things like electromagnetic radiation, power lines, and pollution may be responsible. But what does the evidence show? Do we know why some children get leukaemia and others don’t? read more
expert reaction to review looking at possible causes and triggers of acute lymphoblastic childhood leukaemia
A new analysis, published in Nature Reviews Cancer, shows the likely causes of most cases of childhood leukaemia. read more
expert reaction to the Prime Minister’s upcoming speech on science and health
In a speech on the 21st May, the Prime Minister will highlight plans to transform outcomes for people with chronic diseases.
expert reaction to unpublished poster presentation on diabetes and fasting as presented at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018
Researchers presenting at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018, discuss research that investigates intermittent fasting and insulin resistance in rats. read more
Expert reaction to conference abstract (unpublished work) on exposure to chemicals and obesity
Researchers presented a conference abstract at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting on exposure to chemicals in the environment and obesity. read more
expert reaction to effects of exercise on dementia in old people
A study published in the BMJ investigates the effects of moderate to high-intensity exercise on cognitive impairment and other outcomes in people with mild to moderate dementia. read more
expert reaction to research on CFCs
A new study exploring chlorofluorocarbons is published in Nature. read more
expert reaction to study of wealth and dementia
A new study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, aims to examine the relationship of education, wealth, and area-based deprivation with the incidence of dementia over the last decade in England and investigate differences between people born in different periods. read more
expert reaction to systematic review and meta-analysis on workplace physical activity and risk of early death
A new systematic review with meta-analysis, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, investigates whether highly physically active workers die early. read more
expert reaction to lab study looking at a molecule targeting a human protein involved in the common cold
Researchers report a lab-tested a molecule that can combat the common cold virus by preventing it from hijacking human cells, in a new study, published in Nature Chemistry. read more
there will be another Alfie Evans. Experts need to engage
This is a guest post by Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the SMC. In July 2017 the story of … read more
expert reaction to study looking at presence of third hand smoke indoors
New research, published in Science Advances, suggests that thirdhand smoke persists and spreads indoors with help from aerosol particles.
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expert reaction to Cochrane review on the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention in girls and women
A new review, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, evaluates the harms and protection of the human papilloma virus (HPV) in adolescent girls and women. read more
Cochrane review on the HPV vaccine
Recent media stories have aired the argument that teenage boys should be given the HPV vaccine as well as girls. And some campaign groups believe the HPV vaccine has damaged some teenage girls. But what does the evidence say about how well the vaccine works at preventing cervical cancer in women? read more
brain tumours and lifestyle factors
Researchers publishing in the Journal of Environment and Public Health investigate the association between risk of brain tumour and lifestyle … read more
expert reaction to paper looking at brain tumour incidence and lifestyle factors
Researchers publishing in the Journal of Environment and Public Health investigate the association between risk of brain tumour and lifestyle factors e.g. mobile phones.
expert reaction to study reporting the development of embryo-like structures derived from mouse stem cells
A new study, published in Nature, reports the development of embryo-like structures -“blastoids” – derived from mouse stem cells. read more
expert reaction to news that approximately 450,000 women missed breast cancer screening invitations due to IT failure
About 450,000 women in England missed an invitation for routine breast cancer screening due to NHS errors. read more
expert reaction to study looking at MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD
Reporters present a study that tests MDMA in a clinical setting, alongside intensive psychotherapy, for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, as published in The Lancet Psychiatry. read more
expert reaction to new WHO global air pollution data
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new figures on air pollution. read more