Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert comment on research suggesting that fertility drugs do not increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as published in the BMJ
Prof Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College London, said: “This large scale study supports … read more
experts comment on research examining the interaction between Vitamin D and a susceptibility ‘gene’ in MS, as published in PLoS Genetics
The research found evidence of an environmental link between vitamin D levels and a gene linked with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. read more
Fiona creates a buzz at the World Conference of Science Journalists 2009 Programme Launch Party, London
If the Science Media Centre were to close down tomorrow the most important lesson I would have learned in my six years … read more
experts comment on a report in Nature showing that countries are not complying with the UN code of conduct for responsible fisheries
Prof Michel J. Kaiser D.Sc., Chair in Marine Conservation Ecology at Bangor University, said: “This report clearly indicates that some … read more
experts comment on research suggesting resting heart rate can predict heart attacks in women, as published in the BMJ
The study suggested that having an elevated resting heart rate may be a predictive factor for heart attacks and similar coronary events in women. read more
experts comment on research into hybrid embryos, as published in the journal Cloning and Stem Cells
The paper claimed to call into question the effectiveness of human-animal hybrid embryos as an avenue of research, and suggested that it could be more difficult than previously thought, or even impossible, to derive significant quantities of embroynic stem cells that would be viable for research and treatments. read more
so if it’s supposed to be getting warmer, how come it’s snowing? – experts put the weather in the context of climate change
This question was inevitably asked following the recent bout of extreme weather across the UK. Some leading climate experts take on the issue. read more
experts comment on the study of PFCs and women’s fertility, as published in Human Reproduction
The research found a link between blood levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), a class of chemicals commonly found in a wide range of products including food packaging and cookware, and the length of time taken for women to become pregnant. read more
the hygiene hypothesis – fact or fiction?
Four of the world’s leading experts were invited to the SMC to discuss whether increases in the incidence of allergies and autoimmune diseases in recent times are attributable to changes in modern hygiene practices, and whether the fact that we now live more hygienically has somehow dysregulated our immunity. Issues under discussion included how the immune system has evolved, how it has changed in recent years, and the interplay between infections and autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes. read more
experts comment on new research on iron fertilisation of oceans to reduce atmospheric CO2, as published in Nature
Prof Peter Burkill, Director of the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science in Plymouth, said: “This is … read more
next generation biofuels
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has announced the UK’s biggest ever public investment in sustainable biofuels with the launch of the BBSRC Sustainable Bionergy Centre. To mark this launch, the UK’s Science Minister joined scientists from the Bioenergy Centre to brief the media on the energy challenges we face, the potential of bioenergy and the research effort being funded by BBSRC. read more
a major new IVF technique
One of the main reasons IVF doesn’t work is chromosomal abnormality, making a full chromosomal analysis and screening test the holy grail of fertility treatment. Past technologies have not allowed this to be easily achieved, but now Simon Fishel, one of the UK’s leading fertility experts, has made a major advance which allows full chromosomal analysis prior to implantation. The first baby screened using this technology is now on the way. read more
experts comment on the shortlist of projects for energy generation at the Severn Estuary
Keith Read, Chief Executive of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, said: “The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science … read more
experts comment on new IVF screening technique
The technique will allow for the first time full chromosomal analysis and screening of an embryo prior to implantation during fertility treatment. read more
scientists react to first human trial of embryonic stem cells
The trial, announced by the Geron corporation in the United States, will test a treatment for spinal injuries based on injecting spinal cells grown from embryonic stem cells into patients paralysed from chest down. The trial, the first of its kind to be approved in the US, will open the way for similar trials to take place in the UK. read more
expert encounter: are young doctors putting lives at risk through poor prescribing?
A number of the UK’s top clinical pharmacologists recently expressed their concern about the decline in the teaching of clinical pharmacology as part of medical training. They warned that poor training could lead to poor prescribing of ever more complex drug treatments, thereby putting lives at risk. Their concerns were rejected, but now Professor David Webb, one of the UK’s top clincal pharmacologists, believes that an urgent shake-up is required. He outlined his concerns at this briefing. read more
scientists react to sentencing of animal rights activists
The seven activists were sentenced to between four and eleven years for a campaign of blackmail and intimidation against companies involved in supplying Huntingdon Life Sciences read more
expert comments on study in Nature showing that Antarctica is warming faster than previously thought
Dr Gareth Marshall, Climatologist, British Antarctic Survey, said: “This work can be considered as providing the last piece of a … read more
comment on research into hospital cleaning products and nurses’ asthma risk, as published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine
The study suggested a link between nurses’ exposure to chemical-based cleaning products in hospitals and their likelihood of being diagnosed with asthma. read more
expert’s reaction to a plane’s emergency landing on the Hudson River, New York
The passenger aircraft was landed in the Hudson River after experiencing engine failure caused by bird strike. No one was killed, and only one passenger was injured. read more