Author Archives: Science Media Centre
independent expert reaction to new study on the protective effect of aspirin against some cancers
This research, published in the Lancet, investigates how the daily use of low levels of aspirin mitigates the risk of some types of cancers. read more
expert reaction to the climate and temperature statements released today by the WMO
This year could be one of the warmest in years according to the latest information released by the World Meteorological Organization. read more
scientists comment on a study in a BMJ specialist journal that suggests long term exposure to pesticides may be linked to dementia
A study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, looked at the neurobehavioral effects of long-term exposure to pesticides as a 4-year follow-up of the PHYTONER study. read more
expert reaction to report by the King’s Fund and the Centre for Mental Health calling for radical changes to mental health services
Mental Health Services in England could undergo a massive overhaul in a bid to cut costs. read more
expert reaction to research in Nature on reversing age-related tissue degeneration
New research published in Nature suggests it is possible to halt and even reverse age-related tissue degeneration in mice. read more
expert reaction to the findings of the ACNFP on cloned meat
The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) ruled that meat produced from cloned cattle is not significantly different from that produced from conventionally bred animals. read more
scientists comment on EU ban on bisphenol A in plastic baby bottles
The European Commission announced a ban on the chemical bisphenol A in plastic baby bottles, which will come into force in 2011 read more
long and short term climate trends
Against the backdrop of a vigorous year of questioning of climate science and the IPCC, the Met Office presented a review of its science and the evidence that climate change remains an active threat. read more
expert reaction to research on relationship between cannabis and the immune system
An American study published in the European Journal of Immunology suggested a link between cannabis use and risk of developing cancer and other diseases. read more
new vaccine for meningitis
Two of the scientists responsible for the development of a new vaccine for meningitis to be launched in Burkina Faso came to the SMC to brief journalists on the vaccine and its potential to rid sub-Saharan Africa of the disease. read more
expert reaction to changes to the timing of vaccinations at 12 and 13 months
A vaccination expert commented on a story about the changes of timings to vaccinations for babies. read more
scientists comment on letter in the Lancet linking Facebook with asthma
A group of doctors wrote to the Lancet about the case of a man who suffered asthma attacks after viewing photographs of his ex-girlfriend on the social networking site Facebook read more
disease-resistant crops for food security
With around a quarter of the food we grow being lost to pests and diseases, BBSRC-funded scientists explained their attempts to combat blight resistance and the implications for food security. read more
expert reaction to the findings of the Redfern Inquiry
Scientists comment on procedures put in place as a result of the Redfern Inquiry, which concluded that the removal of organs and tissues from workers at nuclear plants should not have happened. read more
expert reaction to news of stem cells being used in a stroke trial
Scientists comment on work by Glasgow scientists and Surrey based stem cell firm ReNeuron read more
expert reaction to new research on heavy smoking during pregnancy and repeat offending
Scientists comment on work that links smoking during pregnancy to criminal behaviour in their children. read more
expert reaction to research in BMJ into link between suicide and acne
Research, published in the BMJ, linked the presence of acne and its treatment with isotretinoin, to increased suicide risk read more
novel solution for control of the mosquito that carries dengue fever
Scientists from Oxitech Ltd., a UK company, recently field-tested a novel solution for the control of the mosquito that carries Dengue fever, using genetically modified sterile mosquitoes. The authors discussed the results of the first field trial and and their hopes for the future of this approach. read more
science funding and Channel 4 film on the green movement
It was great to learn from science minister David Willetts that those of us who spent the Saturday afternoon before … read more
high security mental health hospitals
Specialists from secure mental health facilities such as Broadmoor Hospital briefed journalists on aspects of their work, including how they admit people, what treatments they offer, how long is the average stay, and what happens when someone leaves. read more