Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Study investigating whether bat alphacoronaviruses can enter human cells
As part of scientific research to monitor animal viruses and viral reservoirs globally, scientists from The Pirbright Institute, the University … read more
expert reaction to study looking at whether a bat alphacoronavirus can enter human cells
A study published in Nature looks at whether a bat alphacoronavirus can bind to human receptors and enter cells. Prof Jonathan … read more
expert reaction to online survey of friends and relatives of recipients of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Survey results published in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice looks at friends and relatives of recipients of electroconvulsive therapy … read more
expert reaction to Moderna / NIHR launch of new human vaccine trial: mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 bird flu
Scientists comment on the launch of a Moderna and NIHR mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 Avian Influenza. Prof Ed … read more
Launch of new human vaccine trial: mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 bird flu
A new vaccine trial is starting in the UK investigating an mRNA vaccine candidate against A(H5N1) bird flu, in humans. … read more
expert reaction sequential safety surveillance of RSVpreF vaccination during pregnancy early in the post approval period
A surveillance study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy. Prof Adam Finn, Professor of Paediatrics, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at epigenetic fingerprints linked to pesticide exposure and association with early-onset colon and rectal cancer risk
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at pesticide exposure and early-onset colon and rectal cancer risk. Prof Oliver Jones, Professor … read more
expert reaction to earthquake and tsunami warning in Japan
Scientists comment on earthquake and tsunami warnings in Japan. Dr Ioannis Karmpadakis, Associate Professor in Coastal Engineering at Imperial … read more
Prof Jim Smith on the 40th anniversary of Chernobyl
26 April 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Jim Smith has worked for more than 30 years … read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on consumption of whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains and incidence of lung cancer in non-smoking Americans under the age of 50
A conference abstract from the American Association for Cancer Research looks at fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption and lung … read more
expert reaction to 3 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Dorset and antibiotics and MenB vaccination being offered to young people
Scientists comment on 3 cases of meningococcal disease in Dorset. Prof Martin Maiden, Professor of Molecular Epidemiology, University of … read more
expert reaction to a new report commissioned by Wellcome on public trust in science
Experts comment on a new report published by More in Common and commissioned by Wellcome Trust into public trust in … read more
New Cochrane review on anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs
Over the past few years we’ve heard evidence from clinical trials of the amyloid beta-targeting monoclonal antibodies, like aducanumab, lecanemab … read more
expert reaction to Cochrane review of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer’s Disease
A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at the use of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer’s Disease. … read more
expert reaction to study on the association between UPF consumption and overweight or obesity in adolescents
A systematic review published in PLOS One looks at an association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and overweight or obesity in … read more
expert reaction to an RCT on chronotype-aligned exercise timing in middle-aged adults at cardiometabolic risk
An RCT published in Open Heart looks at the timing of exercise and cardiometabolic risk in middle-aged adults. Dr Jeffrey … read more
expert reaction to Phase 1 of the public inquiry into the Southport stabbings and the finding that Rudakubana’s conduct was wrongly attributed to his autism spectrum disorder
Scientists comment on findings of the Southport stabbings inquiry that finds Rudakubana’s conduct was wrongly attributed to autism. Dr … read more
expert reaction to study of deep brain stimulation for self-harm in autism
A study published in Science Advances looks at deep brain simulation for the regulation of autism related self-injurious behaviour. Prof Geoff … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the sweeteners sucralose and stevia in mice and measures of gut microbiome, glucose oral tolerance and gene expression
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition looks at sweeteners in mice and measures of gut microbiome, glucose tolerance and gene expression. … read more
expert reaction to a cohort study in Ronneby looking at prenatal exposure to PFAS and incidence of asthma and wheeze in childhood
A cohort study published in PLOS Medicine looks at prenatal exposure to PFAS and the incidence of asthma and wheeze in children. … read more