Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study looking at parental age and genetic mutations in children
There is a higher incidence of new genetic mutations in the offspring of older parents, especially fathers, report scientists in a new study in Nature. read more
expert reaction to first UK results of genome editing in human embryos
A team of scientists from the Francis Crick Institute has just published the first UK results of research using genome editing techniques on human embryos. The proof of principle study uses the CRISPR-CaS9 genome editing technique to study the role of the Oct4 gene in early human embryo development. read more
expert reaction to NHS Digital Childhood Vaccination Coverage Statistics for 2016-17
NHS Digital has published their 2016-17 childhood vaccination coverage statistics. read more
expert reaction to Mexico earthquake
An earthquake that measured 7.1 on the richter scale has struck central Mexico. read more
expert reaction to study looking at playing American football before age 12 and measures of mood, behaviour and cognition in later life
In a new cohort study, researchers publishing in Translational Psychiatry report that playing American football before the age of 12 may have long-term consequences for players’ moods and behaviours. read more
end of the global warming slowdown and prospects of limiting warming to 1.5C
Scientists from the Met Office presented their latest data on global temperatures – including evidence which suggests the ‘slowdown’ in global surface temperatures has come to an end, and that temperature rise has recently accelerated again. read more
expert reaction to blast on the London underground
This morning on the London Underground 22 people were injured after an “improvised explosive device” was detonated on a District Line train. read more
expert reaction to a potential method for a multi-dose vaccine
Researchers publishing in Science have created a new 3-D fabrication method that can generate a novel type of drug-carrying particle that could allow multiple doses of a drug or vaccine to be delivered over an extended time period with just one injection. read more
expert reaction to Cassini grand finale
The Cassini space probe’s 20-year journey has come to an end. read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on artificial sweeteners and type 2 diabetes, as presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference
Researchers presented an unpublished abstract on the association between artificial sweeteners and type 2 diabetes at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. read more
low-dose ionising radiation – how safe is it?
People have always been exposed to ionising radiation, and more so in modern life thanks to its uses in medicine, industry and the military. The health risks from medium- and high-level radiation are relatively well-understood, but the risks at low levels are debated, and mixed messages about safety from different sources are confusing for both the public and for policy makers. read more
expert reaction to study reporting that HRT is not associated with long-term mortality
In a new study, published in JAMA, scientists report that among postmenopausal women, hormone therapy was not associated with risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, or cancer mortality during a cumulative follow-up of 18 years.
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HRT use and long-term mortality
In a new study, published in JAMA, scientists report that among postmenopausal women, hormone therapy was not associated with risk of … read more
expert reaction to study investigating exposure to phthalates and epigenetic changes in sperm
A study published in Human Reproduction suggested that exposure to phthalates – compounds found in plastics and personal care products – was associated with epigenetic changes to sperm DNA. read more
expert reaction to study looking at potential harms of light drinking in pregnancy
Researchers publishing in BMJ Open report that the evidence of the effects of drinking <32g/week in pregnancy is sparse. Pregnancy outcomes such as birth weight and features of fetal alcohol syndrome were examined. read more
expert reaction to a conference papers on e-cigarettes during pregnancy and asthma
Experts comment on conference papers that were presented presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress, that looked at the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy and asthma. read more
sedentary behaviour and mortality
Publishing in Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at sedentary behaviour and reported that increased sedentary behaviour, both in total volume and prolonged uninterrupted … read more
expert reaction to study investigating sedentary behaviour and mortality
Publishing in Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at sedentary behaviour and reported that increased sedentary behaviour, both in total volume and prolonged uninterrupted bouts, was associated with increased risk of death.
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expert reaction to natural england granting licenses for badger control (culling and vaccination) to take place in 11 new areas in england
Experts react to news that Natural England has granted licenses for badger control to take place in 11 new areas in England.
expert reaction to Hurricane Irma hitting Florida
Having hit large swathes of the Caribbean, Hurricane Irma is now working it’s way up the West Coast of Florida. read more