Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
expert reaction to study looking at adolescent memory and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (e.g. from mobile phones),
A prospective cohort study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, examines the association between mobile phone radiation and memory performance in adolescents.
expert reaction to study on consumption of nitrated meat products and manic episodes
A new study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, investigates consumption of nitrated meat products and manic episodes. read more
expert reaction to research on alcohol intake and male fertility
Scientists publishing in Andrology examine the association between moderate alcohol intake and higher semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count.
expert reaction to Cochrane review on omega-3 fatty acids and risk of heart disease, stroke and death
A new review, published in the Cochrane Library, looks at omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. read more
expert reaction to association of digital media use and ADHD symptoms among teenagers
A new study, published in JAMA, investigates whether the frequency of using digital media among 15-16 year olds without significant ADHD symptoms is associated with subsequent occurrence of ADHD symptoms during a 24-month follow-up. read more
the preprint dilemma: good for science, bad for the public? A discussion paper for the scientific community
By Fiona Fox This blog contains the thoughts of the author rather than representing the work or policy of the … read more
Meet the Government Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) is responsible for: Providing scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of cabinet … read more
expert reaction to Nuffield Council on Bioethics new report into genome editing in human reproduction
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published a new report, ‘Genome editing and human reproduction: social and ethical issues’. read more
Genome editing in human reproduction – Findings of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics inquiry
Genome editing techniques such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system raise the possibility of editing the genome of a human embryo, sperm or egg cell in order to influence the genetic characteristics of the future person. The use of genome editing in embryos for assisted reproduction in humans is currently prohibited by law, but is permitted in some research involving human embryos. read more