Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study linking living close to major roads to a small increase in dementia risk
A new population-based cohort study published in The Lancet reports living close to heavy traffic was associated with a small, yet significant, increase in the incidence of dementia, but not Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.
expert reaction to study looking at Mediterranean diet and brain volume
The association between Mediterranean-type diet and change in brain size across a 3-year period in older age (73-76 years) is assessed in new research publishing in the journal Neurology. read more
expert reaction to commentary on diet drinks, sugary drinks and body weight
In a new review published in PLOS Medicine, the authors argue that sugar-free versions of drinks may be no better for weight loss or preventing weight gain than their full sugar counterparts, and they suggest artificially sweetened beverages should not be promoted as part of a healthy diet. read more
sugary drinks tax and health impacts
Last week we heard details of the government’s tiered levy on sugary drinks, which was broadly welcomed by experts. read more
expert reaction to research on asthma symptoms and processed meats
New research published in Thorax examines the association between higher cured meat intake and worsening asthma symptoms over time, using BMI as a mediator. read more
expert reaction to study looking at sugar intake guidelines and quality of evidence
A systematic review of sugar intake guidelines was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. read more
expert reaction to drug that is reported to restore memory loss and prolong life in mice
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation claimed that a drug reduced memory loss and prolonged life in mice. read more
expert reaction to study looking at role of cardiac troponin and statin therapy in risk of coronary heart disease
Research publishing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports troponin concentration predicts coronary events, is reduced by statin therapy, and change at 1 year is associated with future coronary risk independent of cholesterol lowering. read more
expert reaction to multiomics analysis of NK603 GM maize
Publishing in Scientific Reports researchers report NK603 genetically modified maize and its isogenic control are not substantially equivalent. read more
expert reaction to Defra statement on badger culling figures
Defra announces latest badger culling figures. read more
expert reaction to modelling study looking at the sugary drinks levy and potential health impacts
A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at the sugary drinks levy and its potential health impacts. read more
expert reaction to modelling study on universal and conventional flu vaccines
Publishing in PLOS Computational Biology, researchers use mathematical modelling to predict the possible effects of a universal flu vaccine. read more
expert reaction to HFEA decision to permit the clinical use of mitochondrial donation techniques in the UK
The HFEA decided to permit the clinical use of mitochondrial donation techniques in the UK. read more
expert reaction to media reports of a woman having had a baby using ovarian tissue frozen when she was a child
A woman has given birth in London after doctors restored her fertility using frozen ovarian tissue removed when she was a young child. read more
expert reaction to published recommendations on the delivery of a 5g mobile network
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published a report into how a 5G mobile network should be implemented in the UK. read more
expert reaction to literature review on efficacy of homeopathy in livestock
A literature review published in Veterinary Record looks at the evidence for the efficacy of homeopathy in livestock. They report that there is insufficient evidence for homeopathy as a way to prevent or treat infectious diseases in livestock. read more
expert reaction to geoengineering for cooling and ozone protection
New research publishing in PNAS, reports that releasing an aerosol of calcium carbonate into the atmosphere would cool the air, without damaging the ozone layer. read more
expert reaction to study on whether statins may reduce risk of alzheimer’s
Publishing in JAMA Neurology, researchers reported an association between statin use and lower Alzheimer’s disease risk. They reported variation in lowering disease risk across race and ethnicity and type of statin. read more
expert reaction to us surgeon general’s report on e-cigarettes and young people
The U.S. Surgeon General has published a report on e-cigarette use among youth and young adults. read more
expert reaction to paper on bpa and teethers
Publishing in Environmental Science & Technology, researchers reported finding traces of certain chemicals, including BPA, in teethers. read more