Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert comment on the impact of the recently completed National Ecosystem Assessment
The UK National Ecosystem Assessment provided the most comprehensive valuation of Britain’s natural environment and resources ever undertaken to date. read more
launch of UK National Ecosystem Assessment
The UK National Ecosystem Assessment provided the most comprehensive valuation of Britain’s natural environment and resources ever undertaken to date. read more
experts comment on two studies and editorial published in Science on association between XMRV and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
New studies look at the association between the virus XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome. read more
experts comment on Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano
Latest on the situation in Iceland. read more
making the most of the wind
Speakers from the National Grid briefed journalists on plans to introduce a new wind power forecasting system to help make the most of wind generation in scheduling and operating the electricity grid, as part of efforts to meet the UK’s target of generating 15% of the country’s energy from renewable sources by the end of the decade. read more
Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano erupts
The Grimosvotn volcano in southeast Iceland erupted, sending a cloud of ash across parts of Europe. read more
expert reaction to Lancet paper about a paraplegic man able to stand without assistance after epidural stimulation and training
American baseball player Rob Summers was left paralysed from the waist down after being hit by a car, but was able to stand and take a few steps without assistance after electrical stimulation to the spinal cord and intensive training. read more
leading members of the medical research community on the NHS reforms
Three leading medical research academics spoke out on the implications of the government’s proposed NHS reforms for medical research in the UK. read more
interim report on ‘lessons learnt’ from Fukushima for UK nuclear industry
Mike Weightman, the UK’s chief inspector of nuclear installations, published his interim report on the implications and lessons learned for the UK nuclear industry from the nuclear crisis in Japan. read more
expert reaction to the Weightman Review of nuclear energy in the UK
Following the earthquake and ensuing nuclear crisis in Japan, the UK’s chief nuclear inspector Mike Weightman was asked to complete a review of the implications of the events in Fukushima for new nuclear build in the UK. read more
Leukaemia and Lymphoma research briefing
The charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research launched a unique network of clinical trial centres across the UK to bring ‘Tomorrow’s Treatments Today’ to blood cancer patients for whom dozens of highly promising blood cancer drugs have not been made available because of flaws in the clinical trials system. read more
new research on depression and genetics
New research produced a significant finding in the genetics of depression, an area which has lagged behind other diseases known to have a genetic component such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. read more
expert reaction to new research on IPS cells and immune response as published in Nature
Research suggested that induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells, which can be genetically ‘reprogrammed’ into any cell type in the body, could generate an immune response in mice, raising questions over their suitability for medical treatments. read more
expert reaction to new research about post-partum depression as published in Neuropsychopharmacology
Concentration of a particular hormone during pregnancy linked to incidence of post-partum depression. read more
HFEA announces latest figures in strategy to reduce multiple births
Spokespeople from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFEA) discussed the latest figures on multiple births as part of the wider national strategy to reduce the numbers of multiple births arising from fertility treatment. read more
the London earth project
Two lead researchers discussed the findings of the British Geological Survey’s London Earth Project, the most comprehensive urban soil survey ever undertaken. read more
expert encounter: Prof Paul Crutzen
In 1995 Prof Crutzen shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on damage to the ozone layer. He briefed journalists at the SMC on his work and views ahead of delivering a keynote address at the annual Geological Society conference. read more
expert reactions to new research on HIV vaccines in primates, as published in Nature
Promising new developments in the field of HIV vaccine development. read more
expert reactions to new research on Motor Neurone Disease as published in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
Research suggested a link between ring finger length (determined by testosterone exposure in the womb) and the incidence of motor neurone disease. read more
expert reaction to new research about breast feeding and behaviour to be published in Archives of Disease in Childhood
New research suggested that babies that were breastfed show better behaviour later on than those who were bottle fed. read more