Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to annual Home Office animal research statistics
The Home Office releases its annual statistics on the numbers of procedures carried out on animals for research purposes. read more
expert reaction to study of alcohol consumption and rheumatoid arthritis risk
A study in the BMJ indicated that moderate consumption of alcohol by women for at least 10 years is associated with a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-drinkers. A Before the Headlines analysis was also sent out. read more
book review: The Geek Manifesto – Why Science Matters
The news that the Government had moved to ban all research on human-animal hybrid embryos came late in December 2006, just as … read more
sedentary lifestyle and risk of death
An observational study in the BMJ Open found an association between the amount of time spent seated every day to longevity. read more
expert reaction to observational study looking at sedentary lifestyle and risk of death
An observational study in the BMJ Open found an association between the amount of time spent seated every day to longevity. A Before the Headlines analysis was also sent out to accompany comments. read more
expert reaction to novel hormone-based treatment for depression (in mice)
Researchers reported in PNAS that a circulating metabolic hormone helps alleviate the symptoms of depression in mice. read more
drought part 2: UK water security
A new report from the Institution of Civil Engineers entitled State of the Nation: Water outlined how the urgency and severity of the UK read more
expert reaction to arrests of animal rights extremists
Three people were arrested in Amsterdam and in Croydon, London, as part of a Europe-wide inquiry into blackmail linked to animal rights extremism. read more
experts anticipate Higgs news from CERN
The first of two rapid reaction sent out from the SMC, comments from leading particle physicists were sent out in anticipation of the announcement that confirmed the Higgs boson had been discovered at the LHC. read more
expert reaction to claims of polonium-210 being used to poison Yasser Arafat
Traces of the radioactive compound polonium-210 were found on clothes of ex-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, leading to claims that poisoning may have been the cause of his death. read more
sports engineering: an unfair advantage?
Behind the scenes of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games are teams of British engineers working on cutting edge equipment design and performance analysis to bring success to the next generation of athletes.
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expert reaction to study of links between schizophrenic/bipolar parents and autism in children
Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in parents or siblings may be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, suggested a study in Archives of General Psychiatry. read more
expert reaction to GSK admitting to corporate misconduct
GlaxoSmithKline Plc agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour criminal charges in the US and pay $3 billion to settle. read more
expert reaction to genetically modified cotton can benefit smallholder farmers
A study in PNAS found that at least one genetically modified crop—cotton engineered to resist a common insect pest—has significantly raised the standards of living of smallholder farm households in India. read more
expert reaction to new Higgs clues from Fermilab
The final data produced by the Tevatron particle collider at Fermilab in the US found the strongest evidence yet of the Higgs boson, but not enough to claim a discovery. read more
is it safe to proceed with fracking in the UK?
While hydraulic fracturing is an established technology that has been used in the oil and gas industries for many decades, its use for primary extraction of shale gas is relatively new and exploration licences are still pending in the UK. read more
expert reaction to appointment of Sir Mark Walport as UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor in April 2013
After the current Chief Scientific Adviser to the government Sir John Beddington announced he would be stepping down in April 2013, the cabinet office announced his successor would be Sir Mark Walport, currently Director of the Wellcome Trust. read more
expert reaction to DH consultation on future of HFEA
The Department of Health launched a consultation to assess the pros and cons of scrapping the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and Human Tissue Authority (HTA). read more
UKCSJ: Leveson Inquiry, and what it means for science journalism.
On Monday 25th June 2012 I gave a talk at the UK Conference of Science Journalists. Along with David Derbyshire (freelance environment and … read more
fetal growth and physical work while pregnant
Occupational and Environmental Medicine published a study which was purported to suggest that standing for long periods during pregnancy may curb the growth of the developing fetus, based on the fetal growth rates of 4680 mums. read more