Author Archives: Science Media Centre
ALSPAC – smoking dads and fat sons
We hear a lot about effects on children of the experiences and choices made by their pregnant mothers – but what about their dads? A new study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics investigates links between smoking in boys and men, and BMI and fat mass of their children. read more
expert reaction to smoking in boys and fatness in their future sons
A new study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics investigated links between smoking in boys and men, and BMI and fat mass of their children. A press briefing was held to present the findings of the study. read more
expert reaction to high levels of air pollution in England
Defra has issued warnings about high levels of air pollution in the southern half of England which are a combination of local and European emissions and dust from the Sahara. read more
expert reaction to Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea
Further comments on the outbreak. read more
media debates on science: delicately balanced
I have done my fair share of whinging about ‘false balance’ in science reporting where producers and editors feel the … read more
fruit and veg consumption and mortality
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
suggested eating at least seven daily portions of fruit and vegetables may confer the best chance of staving off life-threatening diseases. read more
expert reaction to new study into fruit and veg consumption and mortality
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
suggested eating at least seven daily portions of fruit and vegetables may confer the best chance of staving off life-threatening diseases. An accompanying editorial suggested the UK’s current recommendation of five daily portions may require review. read more
expert reaction to IPCC AR5 WG2
Working Group 2 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their assessment of the effects of climate change on our planet, including an assessment of how mitigation and adaptation could help the world respond to future climate effects. read more
expert reaction to TB in cats and cat-to-human TB transmission
Nine cases of M. bovis infection, which causes bovine TB in cattle, were identified in domestic cats in Berkshire and Hampshire by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and Public Health England (PHE) during 2013. Two people were found to have developed TB after contact with a domestic cat while two cases of latent TB were also identified. read more
expert reaction to outbreak of Ebola in Guinea
Guinea has experienced one of the biggest outbreaks of Ebola in recent times. read more
future cities
The combined pressures of a bigger and older population, a changing climate and the need for a low-carbon economy will determine the cities of the future. What must scientists, engineers, architects and planners do to make sure we stay cool, healthy, dry, fed and housed? Will we live, work and travel differently – and what technologies should we adopt? And is anyone ever going to invent a flying car? Four senior experts came to the SMC to give their reflections on the cities of the future, where the problems might arise, and what we need to do to ensure a sustainable future for citizens. read more
UK climate impacts
The publication date of the next instalment of the IPCC Assessment Report – Working Group 2: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability is Monday 31st March 2014. Scientists came to the SMC to put the UK’s situation into the context of a warming world. read more
expert reaction to WHO estimate that 7 million deaths annually are linked to air pollution
The WHO released estimates that in 2012 around 7 million people died – one in eight of total global deaths – as a result of air pollution exposure, more than doubling previous estimates. read more
expert reaction to violent video games and aggression in children
A study in JAMA Pediatrics looked at 3,034 children, finding a habit of playing violent video games was associated with long-term, self-reported aggressive behaviour regardless of parental involvement, age, sex and initial aggressiveness. read more
expert reaction to WMO annual statement on the status of the global climate
The World Meteorological Organisation published its annual report, reporting 13 of the 14 warmest years on record occurred this century, and that 2013 was the hottest year ever in Australia and floods, droughts and extreme weather occurred elsewhere around the world. read more
submission to review of the liverpool care pathway (lcp)
In April 2013, the Science Media Centre contributed to a review looking at how the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is … read more
evidence to select committee on clinical trials
In May 2013, the Science Media Centre contributed to a review by the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee about … read more
evidence to select committee on climate change
In June 2013, the Science Media Centre contributed to an inquiry held by the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee … read more
expert reaction to decision on meningitis B vaccine
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended to government that a vaccine for meningitis B should be introduced in the UK. read more
expert reaction to australian search for potential debris from the missing Malaysian Airlines aircraft in the Indian Ocean
The search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 took a new turn when satellite images showed debris in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia. read more