Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study looking at blood pressure measurement method and predicting risk of heart disease
Researchers assessed 63,000 doctors’ patients, and found that measuring blood pressure using an ABPM device was 50% more accurate than the traditional way blood pressure is measured in the clinic, this study is published in the New England Journal Medicine. read more
expert reaction to enzyme to digest plastic
Researchers publishing in PNAS have engineered an enzyme which can digest some of our most commonly polluting plastics. read more
expert reaction to study looking at effects of paracetamol and ibuprofen on tissue samples of human foetal testes and ovaries, and in mice
A study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, investigates the side-effects of taking painkillers during pregnancy, specifically examining whether it affects the fertility of future generations. read more
expert reaction to study looking at drinking alcohol, life expectancy and alcohol limits
A new analysis of data, published in The Lancet, reports that recommended alcohol limits in many countries should be lowered to around 100g/week for men and women.
expert reaction to OPCW confirming that Novichok was the chemical used in the Salisbury spy poisoning
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has completed its independent analysis of the chemical substance used in the Salisbury attack and has confirmed it was from the novichok family of nerve agents. read more
expert reaction to increased volcanic activity as a result of climate change
Researchers, presenting at the European Geosciences Union conference, investigate whether glacial retreat-related landslides trigger volcanic eruptions. read more
expert reaction to study on traumatic brain injury and risk of dementia
A new study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, examines the association between sustaining a traumatic brain injury and increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
expert reaction to study looking at epigenetics in mice and the influence of exercise on the cognitive abilities of offspring
A new study, published in Cell Reports, examines whether exercise, through epigentic effects, can have a cognitive benefit on the health of future offspring of adult male mice. read more
expert reaction to Yulia Skripal having been discharged from hospital following poisoning with Novichok nerve agent
Yulia Skipral, poisoned by a nerve agent – Novichok – alongside her father Sergei Skripal, has been discharged from hospital.
expert reaction to study investigating sleep deprivation and amyloid build up
Researchers examine potential links between sleep deprivation and beta-amyloid build up in the human brain, in a new study, published in PNAS. read more
expert reaction to study investigating the association between brain structure in infants and exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy
Researchers publishing in JAMA Pediatrics examine the association between prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure and brain development using structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). read more
expert reaction to reports that Sergei Skripal is no longer in a critical condition after being poisoned by a nerve agent, and is improving rapidly in hospital
The media is reporting that Sergei Skripal, the Russian ex-spy who was poisoned – alongside his daughter – by the nerve agent, Novichok, is no longer in a critical condition.
read more
expert reaction to recent reports that Alfie Evans can respond to touch
Some media outlets are reporting that Alfie Evans is responding to touch. read more
expert reaction to reports that Yulia Skripal is no longer in a critical condition and is improving rapidly in hospital
The media is reporting that Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned with a nerve agent along with her father, is no longer in a critical condition.
expert reaction to weight loss supplement to mimic calorie restriction
Researchers publishing in Nature Communications examine chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation in health middle-aged and older adults. read more
expert reaction to police reporting that the Skripals probably came into contact with the nerve agent at their home, and that the highest concentration of the agent was on their front door
Police are reporting that Sergei and Yulia Skripal most likely came into contact with the nerve agent, Novichok, at their home, and that the highest concentration of the agent was on their front door. read more
expert reaction to research on toxicity of e-cigarette ingredients
A new study, published in PLoS Biology, examines the toxicity of e-cigarette ingredients.
expert reaction to study looking at dopamine-firing cells and signs of cognitive decline
Researchers examine dopamine-firing cells and whether they could reveal the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease in a new study, published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. read more
expert reaction to review paper looking at ibuprofen and Alzheimer’s disease
New research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, examines the association between daily ibuprofen use and potential prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. read more
expert reaction to ecigs and smoking cessation
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicines attempts to determine whether e-cigarette use after hospital discharge is associated with subsequent tobacco abstinence among smokers who plan to quit and are advised to use evidence-based treatment.
read more