Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
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
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in Science in October 2009, claiming to show an association between the XMRV virus and chronic fatigue syndrome, was retracted by the journal.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
expert reaction to TWO new Nature papers on climate
Two new Nature papers looked trends in global CO2 emissions since the 2008 financial crisis and evidence for human-induced climate change from changes in the Earth’s energy balance. read more
expert reaction to study of micronutrient supplementation and women’s fertility outcomes
This study examined the link between dietary micronutrient supplementation and women’s chances of conceiving during fertility treatment. read more
expert reaction to the publication on geoengineering governance, by the Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative (SRMGI)
The SRMGI, convened by the Royal Society, published a report on the governance of geoengineering and the way forward. read more
the ongoing European HIV epidemic: A briefing for world AIDS day 2011
This briefing was run in collaboration with WHO Europe to update journalists on the latest surveillance figures for HIV/AIDS in Europe ahead of World AIDS Day 2011. read more