Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to reported shortage of ‘bone cement’ causing delays in NHS operations
Scientists comment on a shortage of ‘bone cement’ disrupting NHS joint operations. Dr Alex Dickinson, Professor of Prosthetics Engineering, … read more
expert reaction to US study on air pollution as a direct risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease
A US study published in PLOS Medicine looks at air pollution as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease. Prof Matt … read more
How do we solve the silent pandemic of mental illness?
Expert Encounter with Dr Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr Lade Smith was elected President of … read more
expert reaction to current measles cases in north London
Scientist comment in response to measles cases being reported in North London. Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Assistant Professor in Global … read more
expert reaction to phase IIa randomized placebo-controlled trial of DMT for depression
Results from a phase II randomised controlled trial published in Nature Medicine looks at the psychedelic DMT (dimethyltryptamine) for the treatment of … read more
expert reaction to Cochrane review looking at intermittent fasting and weight loss
A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at intermittent fasting for adults with obesity. Dr Baptiste … read more
expert reaction to UK and some other European countries saying the toxin epibatidine (which is found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs) was found in samples from Alexei Navalny’s body and highly likely resulted in his de
Scientists comment on claims made by the UK and other countries that the toxin epibatidine was found in in samples … read more
expert reaction to DHSC consultation on smoke-free or vape-free spaces
Scientists comment on a Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) consultation of smoke-free and vape-free spaces. Prof Caitlin … read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis on exercise and treating depression/anxiety
A meta analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looks at the effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms. … read more
expert reaction to government announcement on GP data from volunteers being shared for research
Scientists comment on Government announcement that GP data will be shared with consented cohorts for research. Prof Cathie Sudlow, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at cognitive training and dementia
A study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions looks at the impact of cognitive training on dementia. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at tea and coffee intake and dementia risk
A study published in JAMA looks at coffee and tea intake and the risk of dementia. Dr Mohammad Talaei, Lecturer in … read more
expert reaction to media reports of campaigners having launched formal legal action to halt the Pathways trial of puberty suppression drugs for children and young people with gender incongruence
Scientists comment on campaigners launching legal action to halt the Pathways trial of puberty blockers for gender incongruence. Prof … read more
Driverless taxis coming to London – what’s the current evidence?
It was announced today that Waymo plan to launch a pilot driverless taxi service in London in April this year, … read more
New results on statins and side effects
Cardiovascular disease results in around 20 million deaths worldwide and causes around a quarter of all deaths in the UK. Statins are highly effective drugs … read more
expert reaction to a meta-analysis on statin side effects listed in package leaflets
A meta analysis published in The Lancet looks at side effects of statins listed on product labels. Prof Ian Douglas, Professor … read more
UKRI’s funding allocations 2026-30
UKRI is the UK’s largest investor of taxpayers’ money into research and innovation (R&I), with an annual budget of more than … read more
expert reaction to study looking at time trends in male to female ratio for autism diagnosis
A study published in The BMJ looks at time trends in a male to female ratio for autism diagnosis. Dr Amy … read more
expert reaction to testing menstrual blood for HPV
A study published in The BMJ looks at testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) during cervical cancer screening. Marta del … read more
expert reaction to study looking at physical fitness of transgender and cisgender women
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looks at the body composition and physical fitness of transgender and cisgender … read more