Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
expert reaction to identification of 53 existing drugs that could potentially be effective against the Ebola virus
A study published in the journal Emerging Microbes and Infection has examined the use of existing drugs for the prevention of transmission of Ebola. They describe the use of a test to screen for effective drugs, and report the identification of 53 existing compounds which block the entry of Ebola virus-like particles into cells. read more
what’s the real truth behind e-cigarettes?
The first Cochrane Review on this subject will be published next week in the Cochrane Library. This new emerging evidence gives some early insights into how effective e-cigarettes are as an aid to stopping smoking. This is an active area of research and this review draws on the first randomised trials that have been done. read more
expert reaction to study reviewing the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an aid to stopping smoking
Researchers publishing in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews journal have analysed randomised controlled trials in which the efficacy of e-cigarettes to aid smoking cessation was analysed. They report that e-cigarettes have a beneficial effect in terms of smoking cessation, and that they found no evidence of a health risk associated with short-term e-cigarette use. read more
expert reaction to Lima climate negotiations
The UN is holding a conference in Peru on climate change, with the aim of establishing a new treaty. read more
expert reaction to London flight disruption
A technical problem at the UK’s air traffic control centre has caused disruption to flights in and out of the country. read more
abandon hype, all
The main subject of discussion at this year’s SMC Christmas bash was a new study published the same day, claiming … read more
expert reaction to new study on human gene that modifies the immune response to the flu vaccine
A study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens has examined how using small portions of a specific protein can improve the efficacy of the seasonal flu vaccine. read more
comparing sugar with salt as causes of hypertension and CVD
Researchers publishing in the journal Open Heart have suggested that it might be sugar rather than salt which has greater effects on hypertension and cardiovascular disease. read more
expert reaction to article comparing sugar with salt as causes of hypertension and CVD
Researchers publishing in the journal Open Heart have suggested that it might be sugar rather than salt which has greater effects on hypertension and cardiovascular disease. read more
expert reaction to insulin for type 2 diabetes and risk of death
A paper published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism explored an association between treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes with insulin, and risk of death. They report an increased incidence of mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and cancer in those treated with insulin, and suggest their results warrant further study. read more