Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to a study in Nature Human Behaviour looking at rates of depressive symptoms in married vs. unmarried people
This study looked at rates of depressive symptoms across a range of countries (including Ireland) to assess whether there was … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting association between many pesticides and prostate cancer
A study published in Wiley Cancer looks at an association between pesticides and prostate cancer incidence. Prof Paul Pharoah, Professor of … read more
expert reaction to study on sugar rationing in utero and early life reducing the risk of chronic disease in adulthood using post-WWII data
A study published in Science looks at sugar rationing in the first 1000 days of life and the risk of chronic disease … read more
expert reaction to the news that UKHSA has detected the first case of Clade Ib mpox in the UK, in an individual who’d been on holiday in Africa
Scientists comment on news that the first case of Clade Ib Mpox has been detected in the UK. Prof … read more
expert reaction to Science and R&D elements of the Autumn Budget, as announced by the Chancellor
The Science Community comment on Science and R&D elements of the Autumn Budget, delivered by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. … read more
expert reaction to flash floods in south-eastern Spain
Scientists comment on flash floods in Valencia, Spain. Dr Carola Koenig, a Reader from the Centre for Flood Risk … read more
expert reaction to 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change,
Scientists comment on the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change report. Dr Josh Foster, Lecturer in Human Environmental … read more
expert reaction to ONS data on fertility and live birth rates in England and Wales in 2023
Scientists comment on data released by the ONS which suggests birth rates are at a record low. Professor William … read more
Meet and Greet with Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
As is customary with new CSAs and Science Ministers, the SMC invited the new Chair of the House of Commons … read more
expert reaction to report on food, diet and obesity from the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee
Scientists comment on a report by the House of Lords Food Diet and Obesity Committee. Prof Martin Warren, Interim … read more
expert reaction to MHRA and NICE news on donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists comment on MHRA saying ‘Donanemab licensed for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in some adults’, and NICE draft guidance saying … read more
mRNA vaccine candidate for norovirus – the start of an RCT
Norovirus, a virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, can be a particular problem in closed settings which have high numbers … read more
expert reaction to study looking at a home-based transcranial direct current stimulation treatment (tDCS) and major depressive disorder
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at home-based brain stimulation as a possible treatment for major depressive disorder. Dr Julian … read more
expert reaction to study on forever chemicals in bottled and tap water
A study published in ACS E&T Water looks at PFAS in drinking water. Prof Christer Hogstrand, Professor of Molecular Ecotoxicology, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at Ozempic as treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction
A study published in Addiction looks at the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic) for opioid and alcohol addiction. Prof Matt … read more
expert reaction to study of metformin and birth defects
A study published in the BMJ looks at metformin use and the risks of birth defects in offspring. Dr Channa Jayasena, … read more
expert reaction to breast cancer in users of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems
A study published in JAMA looks at the use of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems and breast cancer risk. Prof Amy Berrington, … read more
Our Future Health becomes world’s largest research programme of its kind
Our Future Health has now reached a critical milestone with over a million people from across the UK having completed all steps of … read more
expert reaction to perspective piece discussing ultra-processed foods and public health warnings
A perspective piece published in PLOS Medicine looks at ultra-processed foods and public health warnings. Dr Ian Johnson, Nutrition researcher and … read more
expert reaction to study on the rate of increase of global warming
A study published in Nature Communications and Earth & Environment looks at the recent increase of global warming. Dr Kevin Collins, … read more