Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to WHO second high-level meeting on Ebola vaccines access and financing
The World Health Organization has given an update on the current status of the development of vaccines against the Ebola virus. read more
expert reaction to ritual circumcision and autism
Researchers publishing in the journal Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine have reported an association between ritual circumcision and autism, stating that the risk of autism spectrum disorder was increased for boys who underwent circumcision. read more
expert reaction to neural implants in rats with paralyzing spinal cord injury
A study published in the journal Science have used electrical and chemical stimulation to recapitulate movement in rats with spinal cord injury. They report the use of an implant on the surface of the brain or spinal cord, which is also able to monitor output from the brain. read more
expert reaction to forthcoming review of drugs paid for by the Cancer Drugs Fund
NHS England has re-evaluated the availability of a number of drugs to patients through the Cancer Drugs Fund. read more
expert reaction to identification of a new antibiotic, effective in treating mice
A study published in the journal Nature has reported the discovery of a new antibiotic from a screen of soil bacteria, and its use in mice to treat MRSA and S. pneumoniae infections. They state an inability to grow bacterial mutants which were resistant to the antibiotic, suggesting that it may be useful for developing treatments for use in humans. read more
fossil fuels – how much can we afford to extract?
Burning fossil fuels produces CO2. It has long been argued that if we are to limit the effects of climate change, some fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground. But how much of each fuel; and which locations must remain untapped? read more
expert reaction to study looking at the safety of assisted reproductive technology in the US
A paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has examined the rates of complications in donors and patients involved in assisted reproductive technology in the US, reporting few significant changes in outcomes over time. read more
expert reaction to update on condition of UK nurse with Ebola, plus update on UK screening from Jeremy Hunt
The condition of the British nurse being treated in a London hospital for Ebola is said to have improved. The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has also announced changes to the screening procedure for Ebola at the UK border. read more
expert reaction to new study investigating pill given daily to obese mice that then stopped gaining weight
Researchers publishing in the journal Nature Medicine have reported that in mice, the activation of a receptor in certain cells improved a number of different metabolic outcomes such as weight. They suggest that this mechanism may be used for treatment of metabolic disorders and obesity. read more
expert reaction to condition of UK nurse with Ebola
The condition of the British nurse being treated for Ebola in London has deteriorated. read more
expert reaction to reports of a healthcare worker infected with Ebola in Glasgow
A healthcare worker recently returned to Glasgow from Sierra Leone has been diagnosed with Ebola, and is being treated in isolation at Gartnavel Hospital. read more
expert reaction to study reporting mechanism behind possible benefits of dietary restriction in mice
A paper published in the journal Cell has proposed a mechanism for the beneficial effects of dietary restriction seen in yeast, worms, fruit flies and mice, suggesting that it may be applicable to higher organisms. read more
expert reaction to Canadian study investigating the interaction of a statin with an antibiotic
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has looked at the prescription of statins and antibiotics in older adults. They report a modest increase in adverse effects including kidney problems when the two medicines are combined. read more
the 100,000 Genomes Project – how will it work?
The 100,000 Genomes Project, coordinated by Genomics England, will begin soon, with the first full samples being taken in early 2015. Recruitment to the project will be handled by NHS England. What are the aims of the project, and who will benefit from it? read more
expert reaction to approval of stem cell therapy for medical use in the EU for eye condition that can lead to blindness
The first stem cell therapy for use in the European Union has been approved, which will be used for a condition which can result in blindness. read more
expert reaction to ibuprofen and longevity in yeast, nematode worms and fruit flies
Researchers publishing in the journal PLOS Genetics have reported the use of ibuprofen to expand the lifespan of three model organisms: yeast, nematode worms, and fruit flies. They also note changes in cell-cycle, as well as size. read more
expert reaction to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and reduced skin cancer risk
A paper published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has examined the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and occurrence of one type of skin cancer, reporting that NSAIDs may have potential for preventing it. read more
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and reduced skin cancer risk
A paper published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has examined the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and occurrence of one type of skin cancer, reporting that NSAIDs may have potential for preventing it. read more
expert reaction to new milestone in mitochondrial donation
Following a review by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), draft regulations on mitochondrial donation have been announced. read more
expert reaction to Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) 2013 fertility trends report
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has published its report into trends in fertility in the UK. read more