Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to new research into links between Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome, as published in the journal PLoS ONE
Researchers have discovered that the protein that forms damaging plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease also accumulates in the eyes of people with Down’s symdrome, suggesting the possibility of new ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. read more
submission to independent review on 2009 swine flu pandemic
In May 2010, the Science Media Centre contributed to an independent review into the handling of the 2009 swine flu … read more
meet the new Science Minister
The new Science Minister David Willetts came to the SMC to meet the UK’s national science journalists and to discuss the new government’s position on key issues. read more
Interphone: results of study into mobile phone use and brain tumours
Increasing mobile phone use has led to public concern about possible cancer risks. Interphone is an interview-based, case-control study of mobile phone use in adults and focuses on the two main types of brain tumour, glioma and meningioma. It was coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and carried out in 13 countries, of which much the largest contribution was from the UK. The UK researchers came to the SMC to talk about their findings. read more
expert reaction to continuing volcanic eruption
The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull has continued to erupt sporadically over the past month, causing intermittent disruption to air traffic across parts of Europe read more
mental health in the armed forces
This briefing, run in collaboration with The Lancet, launched a major new study of the mental health of the UK armed forces, covering issues such as the prevalence of mental health conditions like post traumatic stress disorder, patterns of alcohol misuse and the effect of multiple deployments on metal health. read more
Evan Harris: parliament loses a champion for science
Waking up to the news that Dr Evan Harris, the Liberal Democrat science spokesperson, had lost his seat in last week’s election by … read more
50 years of the laser
The SMC hosted the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for this briefing celebrating the 50th anniversary of the laser, and looking at what current research is taking place with lasers and what future applications the technology may bring. read more
expert reaction to study in the Asian Journal of Andrology
Researchers in China have found evidence linking consumption of soy-based food products with reduced testosterone production. read more
reaction to Evan Harris losing his parliamentary seat
At the recent general election the Liberal Democrat science spokesman and general all-round champion for science Dr Evan Harris lost his Oxford West & Abingdon seat by a mere 176 votes. read more
further reaction to oil spill of the Gulf of Mexico
Since the explosion on the oil rig occurred on 20 April, the rate at which oil is pouring into the sea has been found to be much higher than originally thought, while there are reports that the oil has begun to wash up on the Gulf Coast. read more
expert reaction to first clinical analysis of a healthy human genome, to be published in The Lancet
A US scientist has become the first healthy person to have his entire genome sequenced and analysed for known genetic predispositions to a range of diseases. The research potentially brings forward new techniques in personalised medicine based on individuals’ genomes. read more
expert reaction to oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
An explosion on a BP-operated oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is leaking large amounts of oil into the sea, which in turn is threatening the Gulf Coast. read more
colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, and a major cause of death, but the value of screening programmes continues to be a source of much debate. In new research published in The Lancet, researchers have announced the findings of a UK-based trial, which started 16 years ago, to assess the merit of a single sigmoidoscopy lower bowel examination in patients aged 55-64 years to screen for colorectal cancer. read more
drama at the Royal Insitution, Simon Singh’s libel case dropped, and the principles of scientific advice
I can’t believe that I missed the drama at the Royal Institution a couple of weeks ago. While it was nice to … read more
reaction to the appointment of Paul Nurse as the new President of the Royal Society
The British geneticist Paul Nurse, currently the President of Rockefeller University in New York, has been named as the only candidate to succeed Martin Rees as the President of the Royal Society. read more
COSMOS: launch of new study to investigate long-term impacts of mobile phone use on health
A new decades-long study, the cohort study on mobile communications (COSMOS) has been launched to investigate whether there is a link between the use of mobile phones and long-term health problems such as cancer. The UK arm of COSMOS is being led by a research team from Imperial College London, who came in to the SMC to talk about the research. read more
further reaction to Icelandic volcano
Scientists answer questions on science behind safety testing for flying through volcanic ash. read more
swine flu: one year on
Swine flu was the biggest health story of last year, but for most people it only resulted in a mild illness. The SMC amassed some of the best experts in swine flu to talk various aspects of last year’s outbreak, including what we knew and didn’t know, whether the reaction was appropriate, how far we’ve come since then and whether we’re now prepared for the next big virus that comes our way. read more
further reaction to Icelandic volcano
Experts react to the ongoing volcanic ash cloud story, with comments on risk and uncertainty, and a Q&A with Channel 4 viewers. read more