Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to Andrew Wakefield’s film on vaccinations, Vaxxed
Andrew Wakefield, the doctor who proposed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism which has since been comprehensively discredited, has directed and co-written a documentary about his theories. read more
the SMC experience
If you have read or heard anything about the Science Media Centre, then you will know that it is not … read more
expert reaction to study investigating the impact of vitamin D supplements on acute respiratory infections
In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal, scientists report that daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation was safe and reduced the risk of acute respiratory infections overall, but particularly in individuals with low levels of vitamin D. read more
expert reaction to study looking at bariatric surgery versus medical therapy for type 2 diabetes
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine the five-year outcome of randomised, controlled trials showed that, among patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 27 to 43, bariatric surgery plus intensive medical therapy was more effective than intensive medical therapy alone in decreasing – or in some cases resolving – hyperglycemia. read more
Football and dementia
Boxing and American football are under scrutiny because of head injuries causing long-term damage to the brain, but the situation is much less clear for football where heading is extremely common, but head injuries are less so. read more
expert reaction to evidence of brain damage found in former footballers
Scientists publishing in Acta Neuropathologica report that in retired footballers with a past history of repetitive head impacts, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a potential neurodegenerative cause of dementia and motor impairments. read more
expert reaction to the publication of new report on genome editing
The National Academies of Sciences (NAS) and National Academy of Medicine (NAM) have published a new report, Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance. read more
expert reaction to study using CRISPR in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
New research published in Nature Communications looks at ways of using the genome editing tool CRISPR to restore full-length dystrophin in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. read more
expert reaction to allowing some people to continue to self-injure
An opinion piece published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, from the BMJ Journals group, looks at the ethical and clinical implications of allowing self-harm in mental health units. read more
expert reaction to media reports of an explosion at Flamanville nuclear power plant in France
An explosion and fire have occurred at the Flamanville nuclear plant on France’s northern cost. read more
shift work linked to lowered fertility in women
Publishing in Occupational & Environmental Medicine new research claims women working non-daytime shifts and those with physically demanding jobs had fewer mature oocytes – on average – compared with women who worked day-only shifts. read more
expert reaction to study looking at role of non-daytime shift work and physically demanding jobs on women’s fertility
Publishing in Occupational & Environmental Medicine new research claims women working non-daytime shifts and those with physically demanding jobs had fewer mature oocytes – on average – compared with women who worked day-only shifts. read more
expert reaction to study on teen vaping and future smoking
Published in Tobacco Control new research claims vaping can lead to tobacco smoking in teenagers. read more
toxicant exposure of users of e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy and tobacco
There is broad agreement that e-cigarettes are much less dangerous than tobacco but data on their actual health effects in humans are sparse. read more
expert reaction to study on contraceptive efficacy of Vasalgel in male rhesus monkeys
New research publishing in Basic and Clinical Andrology reports that new contraceptive “Vasalgel” provided effective birth control in rhesus monkey groups for more than one year. read more
expert reaction to research on toxin exposure of smokers, vapers and NRT users
In a new cross-sectional study publishing in the Annals of Internal Medicine scientists examined human exposure to cigarette smoke compared with e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement. read more
expert reaction to two papers on gene therapy for deafness in mice
Two papers publishing in Nature Biotechnology have reported – in a mouse model of Usher syndrome – the efficient delivery of genes to the inner ear, which led to an unprecedented correction of hearing loss and balance symptoms. read more
expert reaction to Prof Sir Mark Walport being appointed as chief executive of UKRI
It has been announced that the new CEO of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) will be Professor Sir Mark Walport. read more
expert reaction to e-cigarettes and cardiovascular risk
Researchers publishing in JAMA cardiology compared heart rate variability and markers of oxidative stress between e-cigarette users and non-users. read more
fighting restrictions on UK researchers is best way to show solidarity with our friends across the pond
There are worrying reports from the US suggesting that the Trump administration may be about to restrict government scientists from communicating their findings openly. read more