Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to new study of maternal obesity and risk of asthma in adolescence
Associations between maternal obesity and asthma symptoms in adolescents. read more
expert reaction to new research on the key to caffeine’s anti-cancer properties
New research identified the likely mechanism by which caffeine reduces the risk of the commonest form of skin cancer. read more
expert reaction to paper reporting radioactive sulphur from Fukushima detected in California
Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported measurements of radioactive sulphur from the Fukushima nuclear plant in California. read more
childhood maltreatment and depression
A meta-analysis carried out by experts from the Institute of Psychiatry revealed new evidence about the association between maltreatment during childhood and the onset of recurrent depression later in life. read more
understanding MS gene by gene
In the largest investigation yet into the genetics of multiple sclerosis, a major international collaboration doubled the number of genetic variations linked to the disease, offering clues to how it develops and possible targets for therapeutic treatments. The study was published in Nature and was led by researchers from Cambridge and Oxford. read more
expert reaction to the riots in London and other UK cities
An expert offered a psychological perspective on the London riots. read more
expert reaction to Nature Communications paper on predicting successful development of fertilised mouse eggs
Scientists from the University of Cambridge demonstrated a technique in mice that could be used to select the best embryos during IVF treatment. read more
expert reaction to new research on genetic associations for human intelligence differences to be published in Molecular Psychiatry
Research led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh ran genome-wide association studies looking at the link with human intelligence and found it to be linked with a large number of genetic loci. read more
intellectual property and DNA diagnostics: a report by the Human Genetics Commission
The SMC invited experts to discuss a report from the Human Genetics Commission making new recommendations based on a review of existing evidence on how DNA patents are affecting diagnostic innovation. read more
expert reaction to Cell paper reporting healthy sperm derived from mouse embryonic stem cells
Researchers demonstrated the possibility of generating healthy sperm from mouse stem cells, which could then be used to produce healthy and fertile offspring. read more
expert reaction to study of maternal magnetic field exposure and asthma risk in children
Research published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine purported to show a link between exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of children developing asthma later in life. read more
forensic psychiatry: assessing the minds of murderers
With the spotlight on the actions of Anders Behring Breivik in Norway, the SMC invited experts in forensic psychiatry to brief journalists on how psychiatrists assess the mental health of those who have committed murder and other violent crime. read more
thoughts on the BBC Trust review of science coverage
When invited to comment on the BBC’s coverage of science Sir David Attenborough responded that it stands, ‘head, shoulders, thorax … read more
update on salt and cardiovascular disease: evidence and advice
Experts clarified the evidence and current consensus around the link between dietary salt intake and cardiovascular disease. read more
presentation of the Bateson report on primate research
Professor Sir Patrick Bateson and panel announced the findings of an independent review of research using non-human primates, commissioned by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome Trust. read more
expert reaction to the Bateson Report on Primate Research
The independent review looked at research involving non-human primates over the past decade. read more
expert reaction to BMJ paper on pregnancy planning and cognitive outcomes
Researchers looked at the relationship between pregnancy planning and fertility treatment, and cognitive abilities in children later in life. read more
expert reaction to BMJ paper on calorie labelling of fast food
Researchers looked at the effect of food labelling on the energy content of fast food purchases. read more
expert encounter: Prof Edzard Ernst
Prof Edzard Ernst shared some of his experiences with journalists from his 18-year career subjecting alternative therapies to the most rigorous scientific analysis. read more
expert reaction to the publication of the Academy of Medical Science’s report on the use of animals containing human material
An Academy working group published a report on the scientific, ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of animals containing human genetic material in research. read more