Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to new research on genetic associations for human intelligence differences to be published in Molecular Psychiatry
Research led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh ran genome-wide association studies looking at the link with human intelligence and found it to be linked with a large number of genetic loci. read more
intellectual property and DNA diagnostics: a report by the Human Genetics Commission
The SMC invited experts to discuss a report from the Human Genetics Commission making new recommendations based on a review of existing evidence on how DNA patents are affecting diagnostic innovation. read more
expert reaction to Cell paper reporting healthy sperm derived from mouse embryonic stem cells
Researchers demonstrated the possibility of generating healthy sperm from mouse stem cells, which could then be used to produce healthy and fertile offspring. read more
expert reaction to study of maternal magnetic field exposure and asthma risk in children
Research published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine purported to show a link between exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of children developing asthma later in life. read more
forensic psychiatry: assessing the minds of murderers
With the spotlight on the actions of Anders Behring Breivik in Norway, the SMC invited experts in forensic psychiatry to brief journalists on how psychiatrists assess the mental health of those who have committed murder and other violent crime. read more
thoughts on the BBC Trust review of science coverage
When invited to comment on the BBC’s coverage of science Sir David Attenborough responded that it stands, ‘head, shoulders, thorax … read more
update on salt and cardiovascular disease: evidence and advice
Experts clarified the evidence and current consensus around the link between dietary salt intake and cardiovascular disease. read more
presentation of the Bateson report on primate research
Professor Sir Patrick Bateson and panel announced the findings of an independent review of research using non-human primates, commissioned by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome Trust. read more
expert reaction to the Bateson Report on Primate Research
The independent review looked at research involving non-human primates over the past decade. read more
expert reaction to BMJ paper on pregnancy planning and cognitive outcomes
Researchers looked at the relationship between pregnancy planning and fertility treatment, and cognitive abilities in children later in life. read more
expert reaction to BMJ paper on calorie labelling of fast food
Researchers looked at the effect of food labelling on the energy content of fast food purchases. read more
expert encounter: Prof Edzard Ernst
Prof Edzard Ernst shared some of his experiences with journalists from his 18-year career subjecting alternative therapies to the most rigorous scientific analysis. read more
expert reaction to the publication of the Academy of Medical Science’s report on the use of animals containing human material
An Academy working group published a report on the scientific, ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of animals containing human genetic material in research. read more
expert reaction to study of B-vitamin treatment and cognitive decline
A small clinical trial showed that B vitamins may be linked to the slowing of cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. read more
expert reaction to study showing association between height and cancer in women
New research suggested a possible link between height and cancer risk in women. read more
churnalism: demonising PR is too simple
What has ‘churnalism’ got to do with the phone hacking scandal? Plenty according to Chris Atkins, in his support for … read more
carbon capture and utilisation: using CO2 to manufacture fuel, chemicals and materials
The Centre for Low Carbon Futures launched a new briefing paper giving a technical and economic assessment of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), a partial alternative to geological storage. read more
expert reaction to study showing detrimental effects of a common genetic mutation in sperm
The study revealed detrimental effects on sperm function and fertility. read more
expert reaction to BBC Trust review of science
The BBC Trust published a report authored by Prof Steve Jones on science coverage across the BBC, reviewing accuracy and impartiality.
molecular farming of medicines in Europe
Researchers briefed journalists on the first clinical trial involving a monoclonal antibody produced from genetically modified plants, designed for use as a topical microbicide preventing HIV transmission between sexual partners. read more