Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to publishing of part 1 of the cannabis scheduling review and commissioning of part 2
Prof Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK government, has reviewed evidence for the therapeutic benefit of cannabis-based medicinal products. read more
expert reaction to working hours and diabetes
Researchers examine working hours and diabetes risk, in a new study, published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. read more
expert reaction to antidepressant exposure and autism-like behaviour in mice
A new study, published in eNeuro, assesses antidepressant exposure during pregnancy and autism-like behaviour in mouse pups. read more
expert reaction to low-dose aspirin and amyloid plaques
A new study, published in JNeurosci, investigates if a low-dose aspirin regimen may represent a new avenue for reducing Alzheimer’s disease pathology. read more
expert reaction to research association between coffee and lower risk of death
Researchers publishing in JAMA Internal Medicine attempted to evaluate associations of coffee drinking with mortality by genetic caffeine metabolism score.
Pre- ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) conference briefing
The annual meeting for the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) will take place in Barcelona from 1 – 4 July 2018. This briefing will offer an opportunity for journalists who plan to cover the key stories from the meeting the chance to hear from four leading fertility experts who will be familiar with the abstracts and can answer your questions on the studies, as well as offer comments on the significance or otherwise of the research, the strengths and limitations, and wider context and implications. read more
expert reaction to conference abstract about developing an artificial ovary for fertility preservation, being presented at the ESHRE conference (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology)
Researchers presenting at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) demonstrate how they -for the first time – isolated and grew human follicles to a point of “biofunctionality” on a bioengineered ovarian scaffold made of “decellurised” ovarian tissue. read more
expert reaction to the ongoing CO2 shortage
It has been reported that there is an ongoing CO2 shortage across Europe. read more
expert reaction to impact of seeing the same doctor on each
In a systematic review, published in BMJ Open, researchers investigate continuity of care with doctors.
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expert reaction to the Manchester moorland fires
A blaze on Saddleworth Moor, which measures 3.7 miles, has been raging since Sunday night. read more
expert reaction to Swansea tidal lagoon decision
Plans to build the world’s first tidal power lagoon have been rejected by the UK government.
Genome editing and animal research
Many scientists have predicted that genome editing will revolutionise the way we do biological science in coming years as more and more scientists use the technique as a research tool and potential treatment. read more
expert reaction to study looking at caffeine and heart cell health in mice and in cells
A new study, published in PLOS Biology, investigates the association between caffeine and protection of cardiovascular cells.
expert reaction to investigation of metals in the brain, amyloid plaques and Alzheimer’s disease
A new study, published in Nanoscale, examines metals in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease.
expert reaction to study looking at herpes virus and Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists publishing in Neuron examine the relationship between human herpesviruses and Alzheimer’s. read more
expert reaction to study looking at hot baths and heart health
A new study, published in Scientific Reports, presents findings that state regularly bathing in hot water reduces atherosclerosis and cardiac loading. read more
Screen time: what does the science say?
Although they’re an intrinsic part of modern life, a lot of concerns have been raised about the widespread use of screens, particularly among children and teenagers, with claims about their impact on mental health, behaviour, and neurodevelopment being made. read more
Cannabis products: the future for epilepsy and other conditions
The case of Billy Caldwell has grabbed the attention of the country as debates have raged around whether cannabis should be legalised, if cannabis products should be available on the NHS, who should have the final say on medical matters and whether the UK has the right approach to illegal drugs. A lot of this debate assumes that cannabis and its products have an important role in modern medicine, and epilepsy in particular, but the science is not that straightforward.
expert reaction to study looking at the BCG vaccine and blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes
A study published in npj Vaccines investigated the BCG vaccine and blood glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes. read more
expert reaction to genome-edited pigs for viral resistance
A new study, published in the Journal of Virology, demonstrates how scientists genome edited pigs so that they became resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. read more