Author Archives: Science Media Centre
CO2 – sinks and sources
Efforts to control climate change require the stabilization of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which in turn depends on the balance between our own emissions and natural carbon sinks. The Global Carbon Project has evaluated all the available evidence on carbon sinks and sources, the results of which have been published in Nature Geoscience. Two of the authors of the paper briefed journalists in their findings at the SMC. read more
expert reaction to news that the EU commission want all IVF patients to be screened for infections prior to each treatment
The following quotes accompany a letter sent by Dr Luca Gianaroli, Chairman of ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), along with reactions from experts in the field to this announcement from the EU commission. read more
climate change: have we lost the battle?
In the third and final report in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Climate Series, Mitigation, Adaptation and Geo-Engineering (MAG) is proposed as the solution to climate change. The report argues that, to decarbonise the nation and achieve the pledged 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the UK will need to undertake a monumental task at a scale it has never seen before. The report’s authors came to the SMC to lay out the scale of the engineering challenge, the shortfalls of the Climate Act, and the MAG approach to climate change less than a month before crucial climate talks at Copenhagen. read more
expert reaction to news of trials involving stem cells to create breast tissue
The trials involve the use of stem cells to grow breast tissue which could potentially allow cancer patients to regrow the breasts following mastectomy. read more
handling swine flu from pig to hospital
This briefing, run in conjunction with the BBSRC, the Wellcome Trust and the MRC, was held to launch three new research projects looking at various aspects of swine flu, including the monitoring of pigs in the UK, the numbers of cases in the community and the pattern of spread, and whether hospital cases should be the main focus of concern or if the handling of cases should be changed. read more
announcement of new study on animals containing human material
The Academy of Medical Sciences has launched a new study examining the use of animals containing human material in scientific research. It will bring together leading experts from a wide range of research fields including developmental genetics, clinical neuroscience, veterinary medicine, bioethics and law. It will examine the scientific, social, ethical, safety and regulatory aspects of the creation and use of non-human animals and embryos incorporating human material. Members of the working group came to the SMC to brief journalists on the study and the background issues. read more
expert reaction to the DECC strategy for overhaul of the UK energy system
The strategy, from the government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, includes such measures as clean coal and new nuclear power to meet UK energy demand and reduce carbon emissions. read more
nanoparticles and DNA damage – new research published in Nature Nanotechnology
The authors of this study came to the SMC to describe their work investigating if and how particular nanoparticles can damage the DNA of cells without crossing cellular barriers. read more
experts comment on new research into nanoparticles and DNA damage, as published in Nature Nanotechnology
The study investigates if and how particular nanoparticles can damage the DNA of cells without crossing cellular barriers. read more
expert encounter: Prof David Nutt
Following his controversial sacking from his position as Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs by Home … read more
aviation 2040
What will the aviation industry look like 30 years from now? Changing economic, political and environmental pressures are set to combine and could shape a very different future for aviation, and carbon rationing, oil availability, reduced disposable income, population growth and the public’s acceptance of air travel could all have an impact. Four provocative scenarios showing how UK aviation could look in 2040 have been set out in a new report published by the Institution of Civil Engineers which was launched at this briefing; the report argues that the debate on UK aviation should be reopened and the future development of airport infrastructure addressed. read more
reaction to the sacking of David Nutt
Prof David Nutt was sacked from his position as Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs after he questioned the government’s position on drug classification and its use of independent scientific evidence. read more
experts react to paper to be published in Lancet on vaccination campaigns
This study looks at the likelihood of adverse events, such as Guillian-Barré Syndrome or sudden death, whether or not people have recently been vaccinated. The authors state that ignoring these figures can cause unnecessary panic. read more
expert comments on new research into climate forcing emissions, as published in Science
The paper, from scientists at the Nasa Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, concluded that the effects of methane of global warming may have been significantly underestimated, and could contribute much more to the rise in global temperatures than previously thought. read more
expert encounter: Prof Gordon Conway
Few people have had a greater influence on science in the developing world than Professor Gordon Conway, through his work … read more
experts react to Nature paper press released as ‘Stem cells help study of infertility genes’
Scientists at Stanford University in California have successfully created early stage human egg and sperm cells in the laboratory, raising the possibility of treatments for infertility that are currently not possible. However, experts stressed the fact that the work is at an early stage. read more
El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
How does the Southern Oscillation affect the weather around the globe? Are we about to enter an El Niño season? And why should we care? This background briefing covered the mechanics of the ENSO cycle, what happens in El Niño and La Niña conditions, and the global impacts of these two very different phenomena. It also explained the current state of the tropical pacific and discuss the current forecast for the coming months, including any implications for the UK and Europe. read more
experts comment on new research into low-dose radiation exposure and cardiovascular disease, as published in PLoS Computational Biology
Researchers from Imperial College London have produced a mathematical model which suggests that the risk of contracting cardiovascular disease rises with increased exposure to low doses of radiation. read more
expert encounter: Prof Robert Langer
Speakers: Prof Robert Langer, David H. Koch Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof Robert Langer’s research laboratory at MIT … read more
experts react to Royal Society report ‘Reaping the benefits: Science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture’
The report sets out issues surrounding the current global status of food security, and what role UK science and technology can play in meeting these challenges. read more