Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study finding pesticides may harm more than bees
A new report published in the Journal of Applied Ecology indicated that a neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been linked to bee decline, may be harming other wildlife species. read more
expert reaction to mate choice and the origin of the menopause
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reports that menopause is an unintended outcome of natural selection caused by the preference of males for younger female mates. read more
expert reaction to press release from FotE and GM Freeze about glyphosate in urine
Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze press released the results of laboratory tests on the urine of 182 volunteers across Europe, which found traces of the weed killer glyphosate. read more
expert reaction to science ministers’ speech on antibiotic resistance at G8 meeting
David Willetts, the science minister, is to propose measures to clamp down on the overuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture at a meeting of the G8 science ministers in London. read more
expert reaction to MHRA announcement on regulation of electronic cigarettes
The MHRA announced that all nicotine-containing products (NCPs), such as electronic cigarettes, will be regulated as medicines. read more
GM pig feed and stomach inflammation
A study published in the Journal of Organic Systems appeared to show that pigs fed on genetically modified soy and corn developed stomach inflammation at greater rates than those fed a conventional diet. read more
expert reaction to new study on GM pig feed and stomach inflammation
A study published in the Journal of Organic Systems appeared to show that pigs fed on genetically modified soy and corn developed stomach inflammation at greater rates than those fed a conventional diet. read more
Surgical Outcomes Data – what are we to make of it?
This summer the surgical profession will for the first time begin publishing data around the individual performance of surgeons across a wide range of operations. Data on such a large scale present huge challenges along with the obvious benefits, so this briefing allowed science and health journalists to get to grips with some of the complexities of this new system before its introduction. read more
pregnancy advice: trying to be helpful
This is a guest post by Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Officer at the SMC. As a society we look … read more
expert reaction to new research into multiple sclerosis treatment
A paper published in Science Translational Medicine reported a successful Phase I clinical trial which tested a treatment to “reset” the immune systems of multiple sclerosis patients, finding it reduced their antimyelin immune responses by 50 to 75%. read more
expert reaction to central European flooding
Rising river waters caused by days of torrential rain have caused havoc across central Europe. read more
experts comment on forthcoming spending review
Further quotes to accompany a briefing held at the SMC on the scientific community’s thoughts on the science budget in the run up to the Spending Review. read more
why should the science budget be protected in the Spending Review?
The Science Media Centre assembled a cast of the great and good from the science world to share their thoughts on the science budget in the run up to the Spending Review. read more
expert reaction to report on chemical exposure and pregnancy
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published a report recommending pregnant women should avoid various common food and household products, citing a lack of information about the effect of common chemicals on unborn children. read more
David Kupfer and DSM-5
The highly controversial guidelines on what is and isn’t a psychiatric disorder (DSM-5) were published a fortnight ago by the American Psychiatric Association. The lead figure overseeing its content, Prof. David Kupfer, was in the UK for the first time since publication to speak at a conference at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry. read more
expert reaction to statin use and musculoskeletal problems
A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggested taking statins may be associated with musculoskeletal conditions, joint diseases and injuries. read more
expert reaction to Michael Douglas on HPV and throat cancer
In an interview in the Guardian Michael Douglas blamed a cancerous tumour in his throat on oral sex, saying it was caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). read more
side effects from common painkillers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used drugs in the world, however the full extent of side effects from all NSAIDs is still not particularly well characterised. New research published in the Lancet aims to provide much greater detail and information about the vascular and gastro-intestinal effects of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac. read more
expert reaction to side effects of common painkillers
Research published The Lancet showed that higher-dose use of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, increases major vascular events by around a third, mainly by increasing the risk of heart attacks. read more
expert reaction to coronavirus death in France
A patient infected with the novel Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus died in France. read more