Author Archives: Science Media Centre

expert reaction to study of miscarriage and foetal growth, presented at BFS annual meeting

This study on the association between foetal growth and miscarriage was presented as a conference abstract at the 2012 British Fertility Society annual meeting in Leeds. read more

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expert reaction to generation of chimeric rhesus monkeys as published in Cell

New research demonstrated the possibility of generating chimeric monkeys. read more

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scientists react to speech by Science Minister David Willetts at the Policy Exchange

Science Minister David Willetts gave a speech to launch the Research Council Impact Reports, detailing how science and research have contributed to the UK economy and society. read more

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expert reaction to new research into gender differences, as published in PLoS One

Researchers from Torino and Manchester looked at current methods of measuring personality differences between the sexes. read more

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expert reaction to study showing there is no link between epilepsy and violent behaviour

A Swedish study published in PLoS Medicine concluded that there is no link between epilepsy and violent crime. read more

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expert reaction to French PIP silicone breast implants

Concern was raised over the possible health impacts of breast implants manufactured by the French company Poly Implants Prothese (PIP) using industrial grade rather than medical grade silicone. read more

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expert reaction to retraction by the journal Science of paper linking CFS with the XMRV virus

A paper originally published in Science in October 2009, claiming to show an association between the XMRV virus and chronic fatigue syndrome, was retracted by the journal. read more

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expert reaction to MRC funding round for research into the underlying biology of CFS/ME

The Medical Research Council announced £1.5m of funding for research into the underlying biological causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. read more

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expert reaction to cohort study of brain tumour risk as published in Journal of Hypertension

New research looked at the association between blood pressure and other metabolic factors, and the risk of developing brain tumours. read more

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experts respond to the NSABB request to limit the publication of data about new experimental avian flu strains

The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) requested that two journals limit the publication of data about new flu strains because of concern about who could access the data. read more

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expert reaction to study of trace metals and lower or higher cancer risk, as published in Gut

New research examined the association between trace metals and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. read more

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expert reaction to a new BMJ Open study on chronic fatigue and school absence

A new study, led by academics at the University of Bristol, investigated the possible link between school absence and incidence of chronic fatigue syndome. read more

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expert reaction to Higgs boson evidence from CERN

Scientists offered comment on the latest evidence on the Higgs boson from CERN in Geneva. read more

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expert reaction to a new BMJ Open study on chronic fatigue and school absence

A new study, led by academics at the University of Bristol, investigated the possible link between school absence and incidence of chronic fatigue syndome. read more

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expert encounter: the future of drug discovery in the UK

To coincide with the annual meeting of British Pharmacological Society, senior representatives from two of the country’s leading academic societies outlined the case for drug discovery industry in the UK. read more

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expert encounter: Dr Hans Hogerzeil

Dr Hans Hogerzeil is the former Director for Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies at the WHO. He came to the SMC to present the latest information on the medicines situations in low and middle income countries, and describe what he believes can be done to improve them. read more

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launch of Innovation and Research Strategy for growth

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills came to the SMC to launch the report of their the Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth. read more

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expert reaction to the Government’s new Innovation and Research Strategy

The strategy addressed challenges relating to innovation in the UK and its contribution to economic growth. read more

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first clinical grade human embryonic stem cell lines developed for use in publicly-funded research

Scientists from King’s College London announced that they were depositing the first clinical grade stem cell lines developed for publicly-funded research in the UK Stem Cell Bank. read more

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expert reaction to David Cameron’s speech on science and health research

The Prime Minister gave a speech which set out the challenges facing science and health research in the UK, and measures to overcome them. read more

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