Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on artificial sweeteners and type 2 diabetes, as presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference
Researchers presented an unpublished abstract on the association between artificial sweeteners and type 2 diabetes at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.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
expert reaction to conference abstract (unpublished work) on disinfectant use and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in nurses
Scientists giving a conference talk at the European Respiratory Society Congress present research that reports that regular use if disinfectants is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in nurses in the USA.
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expert reaction to three conference papers on e-cigarettes
Three comments about abstracts on the topic of e-cigarettes from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress conference. read more
expert reaction to the Mexico earthquake
An earthquake that measured 8.2 struck in the Pacific, about 87km (54 miles) south-west of Pijijiapan. read more
hacking the immune system, bioelectronics and the mind-body interface
It is still controversial to say that the mind and body can strongly affect each other, but recent research has shown how the mind can impact on physical diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes and there is growing excitement in how the immune system may have a role in some mental illness. read more
expert reaction to study investigating the ‘weekend effect’ in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Austria
In a new study published in Critical Care scientists report that a person’s risk of dying is higher if they are admitted to Austrian intensive care units (ICUs) at the weekend compared to during the week. However, if patients are simply just in the ICU at the weekend, then the death rate was lower. read more
expert reaction to CBT for health anxiety
A new study, published in Health Technology Assessment, investigate the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for health anxiety. read more