Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
expert reaction to earthquake in Turkey
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Eastern Turkey killed at least seven people and trapped many more under collapsed buildings. read more
expert reaction to new research on the timing of UV exposure and skin cancer in mice, as published in PNAS
This paper presented new evidence that the link between UV light exposure and skin cancer may also be linked to the timing of the exposure. read more
expert reaction to research into fizzy drink consumption and violence as published in the journal Injury Prevention
A paper from American researchers highlighted what they saw as a potential relationship between consumption of fizzy drinks and violent behaviour. read more
scientists comment on the Galileo satellite launch
Europe’s first satellite-navigation spacecraft were launched into orbit. read more