Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study published in BMJ Open suggesting most people with ‘locked-in’ syndrome are happy
A survey of patients with ‘locked-in’ syndrome – in which the patient is conscious but cannot move any part of their body – purported to show that most such patients are happy. read more
safe disposal of radioactive waste
Senior scientists and engineers, including representatives from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) discussed a project that examines the safety factors required for consideration when developing a deep underground storage facility for nuclear waste. read more
expert reaction to Christchurch earthquake
At least 65 people were killed in the 6.3-magnitude quake, which caused extensive damage to New Zealand’s second largest city. read more
expert reaction to paper on mobile phones and brain metabolism
Research suggested a potential link between mobile phone use and increased brain metabolism. read more
CFS/ME trial
Researchers came to the SMC to launch a new study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME. read more
expert reaction to Lancet study looking at treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
The study made the first definitive comparison of various treatments for CFS/ME to deduce the most effective treatments. read more
expert reaction to Neuropsychopharmacology paper on high-fat diet and the brain
Research suggested that a high-fat diet could promote brain activity. read more
expert reaction to two Nature papers on climate change
Two papers reveal evidence that human-induced global warming has had a direct contribution to flooding and high levels of precipitation in the UK. read more
Royal Commission on environmental pollution report on demographic change and the environment
The final report from the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution looked at the environmental challenges the UK will face as a result of changes in the number and distribution of people in the UK in the years up to 2050. read more
expert encounter: after Pfizer, what’s next for pharma?
Dr Chas Bountra from Oxford University outlined his view of the pharmaceutical industry and the problems it faces, and his proposal for a new model. read more
neuroscience fights back
Leading neuroscientists came to the SMC to sound the alarm over research spending cuts and their effect on neuroscience research in the UK. read more
expert reaction to BNA statement on cuts to neuroscience
The British Neuroscience Association released a statement expressing concern over proposed cuts to neuroscience research in the UK. read more
personality disorders – hidden conditions?
Leading experts answered journalists’ questions about personality disorders which affect 4.4% of the UK population, 4 times more than schizophrenia. read more
how should the UK adapt its infrastructure to cope with climate change?
Engineering the Future (EtF), an alliance of the UK’s leading engineering and technological institutions, published a report commissioned by Defra on the challenges of adapting the UK’s infrastructure to the threat of climate change. read more
expert reaction to Lancet paper about ADHD and diet
Research claimed that certain foods and additives can worsen the behaviour of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and that restricting their diets may help. read more
expert reaction to publication of the mental health strategy
The Government published its new strategy to support people with mental health problems. read more
expert reaction to pharmaceuticals group Pfizer closing its research and development (R&D) facility in Kent
Pfizer announced the closure of its R&D facility in Sandwich, Kent, where 2,400 people worked. read more
mending broken hearts – fixing with stem cells
The British Heart Foundation and leading cardiac stem cell researchers recently launched a new programme of research that looks to regenerative medicine and stem cells to repair heart failure. read more
2011: year of radiotherapy
Representatives from the National Radiotherapy Awareness Initiative, a group of organisations who are working to improve awareness of, and access to, radiotherapy services, came to the SMC to talk about the future of this treatment, particularly for breast and prostate cancers. read more
arctic freshening and global ocean currents
Researchers from the Catlin Arctic Survey discussed an expedition to investigate surface ice in the Arctic sea and concerns that increased amounts of melting freshwater my unbalance the processes driving the Thermohaline Circulation (THC), an important natural phenomenon. read more