Author Archives: Science Media Centre
mitochondrial DNA transfer paper in Nature
Researchers from Newcastle University have succeeded in using a DNA transfer technique to remove damaged mitochondria (the energy-generating components of cells), thereby preventing a class of diseases caused by damage to the DNA carried by mitochondria, which is different to that present in the nucleus of the cell. read more
expert reaction to the Oxburgh report on UEA Climatic Research Unit
The Science Assessment Panel chaired by Lord Oxburgh has issued the report of its assessment of the integrity of the research published by the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. read more
expert reaction to research on preventing the transmission of mitochondrial mutations in human embryos, to be published in Nature
The research from Newcastle University used a DNA transfer technique to prevent mutations affecting the DNA of mitochondria (the energy-generating components of cells) from being passed on to the next generation, thereby providing a potential means of preventing the transmission of diseases that result from such mutations. read more
expert reaction to Qinghai earthquake
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Qinghai province in Western China, killing nearly 600 people and injuring thousands. read more
expert reaction to a suggested link between prostate cancer and risk of thromboembolism, to be published in Lancet Oncology
The Swedish study found a potential link between prostate cancer and an increased risk thromboembolism, particularly deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in the lungs and especially in men who are undergoing hormone treatment for cancer. read more
regenerating the brain
Although relatively little is known about the brain and the way it works, advancing technology is giving us vital clues about how we can begin to tackle brain damage. This briefing featured leading experts discussing topics including the use of stem cells to fill the cavities caused by stroke and inducing damaged neurones to regenerate. read more
reaction to a Lancet Neurology paper on trial of lithium for MND
The paper reports on a trial in the US which has failed to replicate the initial success of lithium as a treatment for motor neurone disease. read more
comments on Simon Singh winning the latest round of his libel case
Simon Singh has won the latest round of his libel case against the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), which began around two years ago when he was sued by the BCA for comments he made about the evidence basis for chiropractic treatments. read more
expert reaction to new research into chemical exposure and breast cancer, as published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (a BMJ specialist journal)
The research looked at exposure to chemicals and pollutants in the workplace and the potential link to women’s risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause. read more
publication of Science & Technology Committee report on CRU
The SMC hosted the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee for this briefing to present the report of its inquiry into the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit, following on from the leaking of emails from UEA servers last November. read more
launch of CryoSat-2
The European Space Agency’s CryoSat-2 mission is designed to accurately measure the shape and thickness of Arctic and Antarctic ice and will allow scientists to assess how melting polar ice affects ocean circulation patterns, sea level and global climate. Key scientists involved with the mission came to the SMC to talk about its key aims ahead of the launch. read more
adapting institutions to climate change
This briefing was run in collaboration with the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution to launch its latest report on how UK institutions should adapt to climate change and initiate action to build adaptive capacity. read more
vitamin D
The subject of vitamin D is a controversial one that has been clouded with loud voices concerned with the health impacts from not getting enough, versus a strong message against excessive exposure to sunlight. The SMC amassed some key experts to discuss what impact vitamin D has on the immune system, asthma, type 2 diabetes, tuberculosis and what the latest epidemiological studies show on who’s getting enough and who isn’t. read more
expert reaction to the CRU announcement of scientific assessment panel
The University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit has announced the membership of its assessment panel which will look at the science published by the unit, following on from therow caused by the leaking of emails stored on UEA’s servers. read more
expert reaction to a suggested link between infertility and risk of prostate cancer, to be published in CANCER (A peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society)
The study suggests that young infertile men are more likely to develop a form of prostate cancer. read more
expert reaction to volcano in Iceland
The eruption, which happened in southern Iceland, did not cause any significant number of casualties. read more
a new class of antibiotics?
Antibiotic resistance is a growing health problem; health experts now only have a few antibiotics left that they can rely on and even these are now at risk. However, publicly-funded research has led to a new chemical pathway that could lead to new types of antibiotics. Experts from the John Innes Centre in Norwich discussed the new research. read more
expert reaction to announcement of a new technique used to engineer a trachea, as announced at a press briefing today
A ten-year-old British boy has become the first child to undergo pioneering surgery to replace his windpipe, which was too narrow, with a new one partially grown from his own stem cells. read more
how can the UK keep the lights on in 2050 and still meet its carbon reduction targets?
With the enactment of the Climate Change Bill on 26 November 2008, the UK has committed itself to at least 80% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050. In a new report, Generating the future: UK energy systems fit for 2050, the Royal Academy of Engineering has considered how this revised target can be delivered. read more
expert reaction to ASA ruling on climate change adverts
The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that government television commercials on climate change expressed too much certainty in the evidence for human-induced climate change. read more