Author Archives: Science Media Centre
sharing data – saving lives or invasion of patient privacy?
Leading medical research charities launched the ‘Sharing data save lives’ campaign to raise awareness of the importance of sharing data from patient records and came to the SMC to argue that the benefits far outweigh inflated privacy concerns. read more
expert reaction to impact of caffeine on memory
A Nature Neuroscience study on 100 participants found memory performance was enhanced after a learning session by taking a pill-size dosage of caffeine. read more
extreme weather and climate change
Heavy rain and storms have lashed the UK in early 2014. Meanwhile the US suffers extreme cold while Australia experiences a heatwave. We often hear that climate change may be causing this extreme weather. But is that really true? read more
experts comment on campaign to reduce the nation’s sugar intake
A campaign group called Action on Sugar has been launched, looking to reduce the amount of sugar added to food and soft drinks in an effort to tackle obesity and diabetes. read more
birth problems and fertility treatment
A study in PLOS ONE found children born after IVF treatment had a greater risk of birth complications. read more
expert reaction to study suggesting higher risk of birth problems after fertility treatment
A study in PLOS ONE found children born after IVF treatment had a greater risk of birth complications. read more
expert reaction to new study modelling the effects of geoengineering
A study in the journal Environmental Research Letters looked at the effect injecting large amount of reflective particles into the stratosphere in an attempt to reverse the impacts of global warming could have, suggesting it could make matters worse. read more
expert reaction to rainfall and flooding in the UK
The UK has seen continuing bad weather conditions over the turn of the new year, with many areas experiencing flooding. read more
expert reaction to eating peanuts during pregnancy
Children appear to be less at risk for developing nut allergies if their mothers are not allergic and ate more nuts during pregnancy, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. read more
expert reaction to altering emotional memories
A study on 39 depressed patients found their emotional memories were disrupted using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), according to a study published in Nature Neuroscience. read more
expert reaction to ageing in mice
Researchers publishing in Cell discovered a naturally produced compound rewinds aspects of age-related demise in mice. read more
expert reaction to EFSA statement on neonicotinoids and the developing brain
In a review of recent evidence, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a statement that two neonicotinoid insecticides may affect the developing human nervous system. read more
expert reaction to potential presence of diamonds in Antarctica
Nature Communications published findings that diamonds may be present in the geology of the Antarctic.
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expert reaction to the US Food and Drug Administration statement on antibacterial soap
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US warned that ingredients in antibacterial soaps might pose health risks, calling for a safety review. read more
ear acupuncture and weight loss
The journal Acupuncture in Medicine published a small study which suggested 5-point ear acupuncture was better than single point in trying to reduce abdominal fat. read more
expert reaction to acupuncture and weight loss
The journal Acupuncture in Medicine published a small study which suggested 5-point ear acupuncture was better than single point in trying to reduce abdominal fat. read more
when science meets education
The Education Media Centre, modelled on the Science Media Centre, launched this month. Here, in a guest blogpost the EMC’s … read more
expert reaction to Mandela interpreter
The man accused of being a fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service says he suffered a schizophrenic episode during the service and was hearing voices in his head. read more
expert reaction to GCSEs and genetics
A study in PLOS One by Professor Robert Plomin suggested genetic difference accounted for over half of the variation between pupils’ GCSE results. read more
expert reaction to EFSA risk assessment of aspartame
The European Food Safety Authority conducted a review of the scientific literature and risk assessment on aspartame and its breakdown … read more