Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Antidepressants: how well do they actually work?
Antidepressants are one of the most common yet controversial treatments being used today, with public concern both about how effective the drugs are and what side-effects they have. read more
expert reaction to study looking at red wine polyphenols and bacteria that stick to teeth and gums
A new study investigates the effects of polyphenols found in red wine on pathogenic bacteria that sticks to teeth and gums and cause dental plaque and cavities. The findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
expert reaction to study looking at alcohol use disorders and dementia risk
A new study, published in The Lancet Public Health, investigates the association between chronic heavy drinking and dementia. read more
expert reaction to the court ruling on Alfie Evans
A court has ruled that Alfie Evans, a 21 month-old baby, who has been been in a coma for a year can have ventilation treatment withdrawn.
expert reaction to study looking at open fireplaces and living room air quality
Researchers publishing in Science of the Total Environment examine the impact of wood combustion in an open fireplace on the air quality of a living room.
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expert reaction to Michael Gove’s address to the National Farmers’ Union Conference 2018
The environment secretary, Michael Gove has addressed the National Farmers’ Union 2018 conference about the future of farming post-Brexit. read more
expert reaction to WHO figures on measles cases in Europe in 2017
The World Health Organization has announced that there were more than 21,000 measles cases in Europe in 2017.
expert reaction to blood and urine biomarkers for autism
Researchers publishing in Molecular Autism investigate possible blood and urine biomarkers for autism.
expert reaction to a conference abstract by Gang Bao on sickle cell research and genome editing
In a conference talk, at the AAAS annual conference, a researcher will discuss using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for sickle cell disease. read more
expert reaction to Defra announcing review of bovine TB strategy
The government has announced a review of it’s 25 year bovine TB strategy. read more
expert reaction to study looking at rapid air pollution increases and heart attacks
A new paper, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, suggests that rapid increases in pollution may be as harmful to the heart as sustained high levels. read more
expert reaction to a study looking at the source of urban organic emissions
Volatile chemical products are emerging as the largest petrochemical source of urban air pollution, suggests new research published in Science. read more
expert reaction to study looking at a stem cell vaccine for cancer in mice
Researchers publishing in Cell report that injecting mice with inactivated induced pluripotent stem cells launched an immune response against breast, lung, and skin cancers. read more
expert reaction to Defra’s new stats on emissions of air pollutants
DEFRA has published their annual publication covering the emissions of some important air pollutants.
expert reaction to amyloid beta might have been transmitted by neurosurgical instruments
Researchers examine the medical records of people who had brain bleeds caused by amyloid beta build-up in the blood vessels of the brain to investigate whether the build-up could have been transmitted by contaminated neurosurgical instruments, in a study, published in Acta Neuropathologica. read more
expert reaction to study looking at asthma, preventer and reliever inhalers, and fertility
Women with asthma who only use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than other women, reports new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. read more
expert reaction to study on association between blood thinners and increased stroke risk in over-65s with kidney disease
New research published in the BMJ investigates whether blood thinners may raise stroke risk in over-65s with kidney disease. read more
expert reaction to study looking at highly processed foods and cancer
A study, published in the BMJ, reports a possible association between intake of highly processed food in the diet and cancer.
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Opt-out organ donation – will it work?
In October last year Theresa May announced plans to bring in opt-out organ donation to address the shortage of organs … read more
expert reaction to European Chemicals Agency project report on phthalates in toys and asbestos in second-hand products
The European Chemicals Agency has published a report about phthalates in toys and asbestos in second-hand products.