Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
expert reaction to Nobel laureate Randy Schekman’s call to ‘break the tyranny’ of top science journals
Randy Schekman, a winner of this year’s Nobel prize in physiology or medicine declared a boycott of top science journals, claiming they are distorting the scientific process. read more
expert reaction to new study into H7N9 and neuraminidase inhibitor resistance
A Nature Communications paper showed a mutation in newly emerged H7N9 influenza can render it resistant to the only class of drugs active against the virus, without affecting its ability to spread in animals. read more
ACMD report on ketamine
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs reviewed the evidence of the misuse and harms of ketamine and its analogues to inform the government’s public health response, as well as the classification of ketamine. read more
expert reaction to ACMD review of ketamine
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommended that ketamine should be upgraded to a Class B illegal drug and a schedule 2 substance for legal use by medics and vets. read more
expert reaction to publication of independent inquiry into animal research at Imperial College London
The SMC rounded up reaction to the report on the approach to animal care and welfare at Imperial College London. The independent committee, chaired by Professor Steven Brown of the MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit at Harwell, presented their report at an SMC briefing read more
publication of the report of the independent inquiry into animal research at Imperial College London
Imperial college invited Professor Steven Brown of the MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit at Harwell to chair an independent committee to investigate and assess the approach to animal care and welfare across the college. read more
air pollution and death
Research in The Lancet suggested exposure to tiny particles of soot or dust may be more deadly below current European Union (EU) air … read more
expert reaction to study on air pollution and death
Research in The Lancet suggested exposure to tiny particles of soot or dust may be more deadly below current European Union (EU) air quality limits than previously thought. read more
expert reaction to vitamin D and health
A comprehensive review in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found low vitamin D levels are not a cause but a consequence of ill health, raising doubt over whether vitamin D supplements protect against serious disease. read more
expert reaction to report on elimination of measles and rubella in the US
JAMA Pediatrics published a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcing the elimination of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) from the United States was sustained through 2011. read more
expert reaction to gut bacteria and autism-related behaviour
Cell published a paper linking autism-like neurodevelopmental symptoms in mice to changes in the animals’ gut bacteria. read more