Author Archives: Science Media Centre
what causes ADHD – genes or environment?
The authors of new research published in the Lancet came to the Science Media Centre to brief journalists about their latest research into genetics and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). read more
expert reaction to Royal Society Guide to Climate Science
The Royal Society published a new and comprehensive guide to the science of climate change. read more
peak metal, volcanic ash and Stonehenge
Scientists from the British Geological Survey (BGS) discussed recent discoveries in the fields of Icelandic volcano ash particles, metals and evidence that ancient tourists from across Europe visited Stonehenge. read more
the cost of offshore wind
This briefing launched a UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) report on the cost of offshore wind relative to other means of electricity generation, examining recent rises and likely future costs. read more
vice-chancellors and Royal Society speak out on the science budget
In the light of expected budget cuts to science, the President of the Royal Society and the heads of six major universities gathered to put the case for continued strong science funding. read more
clinical guidelines on sexual disorders
The authors of new guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders came to the SMC to brief reporters on their concerns and recommendations. read more
expert reaction to new research on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, as published in Science
A new paper re-examined the size and impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. read more
expert reaction to European Medicines Agency recommendation to suspend the diabetes drug Avandia (rosiglitazone)
Availability of the diabetes drug avandia was suspended due to data emerging over the last three years linking it to an increased risk of heart disease. read more
international stem cell day – ensuring future UK success for stem cell therapies
In light of spending cuts and concern over the UK’s ability to translate world-class stem cell research into therapies to help treat disease, the SMC invited the Science Minster and several top stem cell scientists to brief journalists on the state of the sector. read more
expert reaction to Nature paper on sea surface temperature
Research from the University of East Anglia, including Phil Jones as an author, found that rapid cooling of the ocean from four decades ago was not caused by pollution, as was previously thought. read more
expert encounter: Dr Adrian Owen
The SMC invited neuroscientist Dr Adrian Owen in to brief journalists about his research and future plans before he leaves to take up a new post in Canada. read more
expert reaction to court case in which two men were found guilty of illegally making sperm available over the internet to almost 800 women
A leading expert in male fertility discusses the dangers of using internet sites that purport to sell sperm. read more
scientists respond to the appointment of Richard Sykes as the Royal Institution’s new Chairman of Council
Sir Richard Sykes, former chairman of GSK and rector of Imperial College London, will take over as Chairman of Council from Adrian de Ferranti. read more
expert reaction to new research on aspirin and bowel cancer, as published in the BMJ specialist journal Gut
The study suggested that a daily low dose of aspirin could reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. read more
expert reaction to research published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology on acne and mental health
Research from Norway looked at the link between severe adolescent acne and mental health problems including depression. read more
evidence to select committee on using scientific advice in emergencies
In September 2010, the Science Media Centre contributed to a Commons Science and Technology Committee inquiry on the use of scientific advice and … read more
‘fertility tourism’ – what causes it, and should we be worried?
‘Fertility tourism’, or patients going abroad for treatment, is a fact of the modern world, but there is growing concern that their safety is no longer assured due to lack of uniform clinical and safety standards between different countries. Experts discussed the causes of fertility tourism and whether these concerns are well-founded. read more
vitamin B and cognitive decline
New research published in PLoS ONE investigated the impact of vitamin B supplements on the rate of brain atrophy in people with mild cognitive decline, an early indicator of potential Alzheimer’s disease onset in later life. read more
comments on European vote on and review of EU Directive on animal research
The European Parliament reviewed and voted on the EU Directive designed to clarify regulation of animal research. read more
expert reaction to Vince Cable’s speech on science
The business secretary gave his first major speech on science and its future funding priorities. read more