Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert comments on whether antidepressants can lead people to become a murderer, as is being reported in advance of the upcoming Panorama programme ‘A Prescription for Murder?’
Ahead of a BBC Panorama documentary about whether antidepressants can lead to people becoming violent and potentially homicidal, there have been a number of news articles exploring antidepressants and their side effects. read more
expert reaction to the Government’s Air Quality Plan for nitrogen dioxide
New diesel and petrol vans and cars will be banned in the UK from 2040 in a bit to tackle the effect of poor air quality on people’s health, the government has announced. read more
expert reaction to latest findings in GM Camelina study
As part of a large field study, publishing in Scientific Reports, researchers investigate how they can optimise omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid accumulation in transgenic GM Camelina. read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of sperm count among men in Western countries
In a meta-analysis, scientists publishing in Human Reproduction Update, report that sperm concentration has declined by more than 50% in less than 40 years among men from North America, Europe and Oceania. read more
expert reaction to modelling study looking at climate warming, ozone precursor emissions, and ozone pollution
Publishing in Nature Communications scientists present a new modelling study that suggests a 3°C global RCP8.5 – a representative concentration pathway that shows emissions continuing to rise throughout the 21st century – emission trajectory cancels benefits of European emission on air quality, because the higher temperature might enhance ozone pollution. read more
expert reaction to study showing gene therapy for muscular dystrophy symptoms in a dog model
In a new study published in Nature Communications scientists report gene therapy improving dystrophic symptoms, for over two years, in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. read more
expert reaction to the Charlie Gard case
The parents of terminally-ill baby Charlie Gard have ended their legal challenge to take him to the US for experimental treatment.
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Mapping the state of alien species across the globe
Invasive alien species cost the world billions of dollars every year, threatening native species and biodiversity as well as human health and the way ecosystems work. read more
expert reaction to Met Office study modelling risk of unprecedented rainfall in the current climate
A new modelling study published in Nature Communications reports that there is a 1 in 3 chance of a new monthly rainfall record in at least one region each winter (Oct-Mar). read more
expert reaction to NHS England draft guideline on reducing wasteful and ineffective drug prescription, which includes that homeopathy should generally not be prescribed
NHS England has published it’s draft guidelines on items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care, the list states that homeopathy should generally not be prescribed.
expert reaction to study looking at sugary drinks with meals and energy and fat metabolism
Publishing in BMC Nutrition scientists examine the effects sugar-sweetened drinks – when combined with a meal – have on energy balance and fat metabolism.
expert reaction to study reporting an association between antidepressants in pregnancy and autism in children
New research published in the BMJ studies the association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and autism. read more
antidepressants during pregnancy and autism in offspring
New research published in the BMJ studies the association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and autism. read more
expert reaction to JCVI interim recommendation not to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys, according to cost-effectiveness analyses
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation published the minutes of their discussion which included their interim recommendation not to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys, according to cost-effectiveness analysis. read more
expert reaction to study looking at antibiotics in pregnancy and risk of birth defects
Publishing in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology researchers examined links between certain antibiotics during pregnancy and major congenital malformations in newborns. read more
Pre- AAIC (Alzheimer’s Association International Conference) briefing
The annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, the largest international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science, will take place in London from 16th – 20th July. read more
expert reaction to study looking at working hours and atrial fibrillation
Publishing in the European Heart Journal scientists report that people who work long hours have an increased risk of developing an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. read more
Biofuels: waste, waffle or worth it?
If the UK is to hit its goal of 80% carbon reduction by 2050, all possible low-carbon technologies and fuels will be needed. read more
expert reaction to new report on statins and the cholesterol hypothesis
A new report published in The Pharmaceutical Journal claims that the lipid hypothesis – the link between blood cholesterol levels and occurrence of heart disease – is based on ‘cherry-picked science’ and that is has misguided doctors in the prevention of heart disease. read more
expert reaction to ‘successful test’ of Hyperloop One rail transit system
The Hyperloop One rail transit system has had it’s first successful test.