Author Archives: Science Media Centre
UK scientists react to Geron halting stem cell trial
A number of UK stem cell and medical experts offered their thoughts on the ending of Geron’s clinical trial of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. read more
expert reaction to research looking at the brain’s reward system in excessive video-game players as published in Translational Psychiatry
A large collaborative study compared the brain structure of heavy video-gamers and non-gamers and found specific differences, although not a causal link between gaming and structural change. read more
oral contraceptives and prostate cancer
A study in the BMJ Open from a Canadian team found that countries where the contraceptive pill is more common also showed higher levels of prostate cancer. read more
expert reaction to association between the contraceptive pill and prostate cancer, as published in BMJ Open
A study from a Canadian team found that countries where the contraceptive pill is more common also showed higher levels of prostate cancer. Along with quotes the SMC sent out a Before The Headlines analysis. read more
expert reaction to IAEA measurements of iodine 131 in the Czech Republic
The International Atomic Energy Agency detected levels of radioactive iodine-131 in the Czech Republic. read more
expert reaction to Lancet paper on bedside detection of awareness in the vegetative state
Researchers in Canada published a paper in The Lancet demonstrating a method of detecting awareness in vegetative state patients at the bedside. read more
expert reaction to new research on sodium and health, as published in the American Journal of Hypertension
Research compared various health impacts of low-salt vs high-salt diets. read more
the state of the poles
Five leading UK scientists briefed journalists on the state of the world’s polar ice and how the landscape is really changing across Greenland, Arctic sea ice and the Antarctic. read more
what is addiction?
The Science Media Centre invited experts involved in a €10 million European project to analyse current evidence on addiction and to strengthen the scientific evidence base, to brief journalists on the latest research. read more
confiscating malaria’s keys
The author’s of a new study led by scientists from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge came to the SMC to discuss the findings of a new study which identified a potential Achilles’ heel of the malaria parasite with the potential to lead to new drugs and vaccines. read more
expert reaction to research into zinc deficiency and autism spectrum disorders as published in the journal Scientific Reports
New research examined zinc deficiency in children as related to autistic spectrum disorders. read more
expert reaction to Cuadrilla’s report into fracking and earthquakes
The energy company Cuadrilla published a report into hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) in shale gas exploration, and whether it could be linked to earthquakes near to the drilling site in the north of England. read more
experts react to detection of radioactive xenon at Fukushima site
Tests indicated the release of radioactive xenon at the site of the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan. read more
expert reaction to research into low levels of alcohol consumption and breast cancer as published in JAMA
A study linked low levels of alcohol consumption with raised risk of breast cancer. read more
expert reaction to new research into the genetics of schizophrenia as published in Nature Genetics
New research suggested a possible genetic target for susceptibility to schizophrenia. read more
expert reaction as the world’s population approaches 7 billion
With the world’s seven billionth baby supposedly about to be born, experts gave their views on approaching this milestone. read more
expert reaction to effects of aspirin on colorectal cancer incidence, as published in the Lancet
Research led by Prof Sir John Burn from Newcastle University tested the effects of giving aspirin to people at high risk of bowel cancer and whether it has any preventative effect. read more
aspirin and cancer
A new international study lasting over a decade and involving nearly 1000 patients was published in The Lancet, and was the first study to carry out a randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of aspirin on the incidence of cancer. read more
expert reaction to research into how ovarian stimulation increases risk of borderline ovarian tumours as published in Human Reproduction
Research from the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam suggested a link between IVF treatment and the occurrence of borderline ovarian tumours (but not invasive ovarian cancer). read more
expert reaction to meta-analysis of seasonal flu vaccines, as published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Scientists analysed forty years of data to determine the effectiveness of current flu vaccines. read more