Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to announcement of new funding for research on mitochondrial DNA transfer
Announcement by the Wellcome Trust of funding for research into mitochondrial DNA transfer at Newcastle University, in conjunction with the government launch of a year-long public consultation on the subject. read more
new research on global abortion estimates
The SMC hosted the Lancet for this briefing about the stall in the decline of the global abortion rate, and the increase in the proportion of unsafe abortions. These are among research findings from the Guttmacher Institute and WHO, published by the Lancet. read more
expert reaction to PLoS One study on genetic signature for extreme longevity
A new paper examined genetic influences on lengthened lifespan. read more
expert reaction to Cochrane review of Tamiflu and Relenza efficacy
The Cochrane review looked at the efficacy of the two leading flu vaccinations. read more
expert reaction to new vaccine against group B meningococcal disease, as published in The Lancet
New research announced testing of a new vaccine for meningitis B. read more
expert reaction to PLoS One study on genetic signature for extreme longevity
A new paper examined genetic influences on lengthened lifespan. read more
expert reaction to new vaccine against group B meningococcal disease, as published in The Lancet
New research announced testing of a new vaccine for meningitis B. read more
expert reaction to critique of Million Women Study
The authors of an article published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare criticised the conclusions of the Million Women Study, in relation to the link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. read more
scientists comment on BASF announcing relocation of plant biotechnology research
As BASF announced it would relocate its transgenic plant operations from Europe to the USA due to a “lack of acceptance for this technology”, the SMC circulated reaction from plant scientists. read more
re-entry of the Phobos-Grunt spacecraft
The SMC collaborated with the UK Space Agency on this briefing to update journalists on the status of the Russian spacecraft Phobos-Grunt, which was stuck in Earth’s orbit since a launch anomaly on 9 November 2011 and predicted to imminently re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. read more
expert reaction to Oxitec’s GM mosquito programme to tackle dengue fever, as criticised in an NGO press release
The UK bioscience firm Oxitec implemented a programme to test GM mosquitoes as a means of combating dengue fever in developing world countries. read more
expert reaction to study of paraben concentrations in breast tissue, published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology
Researchers measured the concentrations of parabens, which have been indirectly linked with breast cancer, in breast tissue. read more
can we keep warm and still save the world?
A new Royal Academy of Engineering report, Heat: degrees of comfort, addressed how feasible it might be to decarbonise ‘low-grade’ heat – mostly used in domestic heating. read more
expert reaction to study of internet addiction disorder and abnormal white matter integrity as published in PLoS ONE
This study used neuroimaging to compare normal brains with the brains of people suffering from internet addiction, and identified physical differences between them, read more
expert reaction to study of internet addiction disorder and abnormal white matter integrity as published in PLoS ONE
This study used neuroimaging to compare normal brains with the brains of people suffering from internet addiction, and identified physical differences between them, read more
shale gas and fracking
The SMC invited two experts in the geology and geophysics of ‘fracking’ (hydraulic fracturing) to brief journalists on the issues of seismic activity and methane leakage around the controversial issue of shale gas extraction. read more
expert reaction to Future Forum announcement
The NHS Future Forum, the body tasked with providing feedback and advice to the government on reforms to the NHS, published its second report on the proposed reforms and highlighting areas where they could be clarified or improved. read more
expert reaction to research on telomere length predicting lifespan in zebra finches, as published in PNAS
A new study connected the length of telomeres (lengths of DNA at the ends of chromosomes) with lifespan in zebra finches. read more
expert reaction to study of Alzheimer’s and nicotine patches as published in Neurology
US researchers found that nicotine patches could have a small effect against the onset of Alzheimer’s – although experts cautioned that this did not mean that smoking could have beneficial health effects. read more
expert reaction to research on telomere length predicting lifespan in zebra finches, as published in PNAS
A new study connected the length of telomeres (lengths of DNA at the ends of chromosomes) with lifespan in zebra finches. read more