Author Archives: Science Media Centre
experts comment on Wakefield GMC case
Andrew Wakefield, the doctor who falsely claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, today faced judgement from the General Medical Council on his professional conduct and the ethical basis of his research. read more
new year round-up: ME, Susan Greenfield, and the future of science journalism
Encouraged by my colleagues, my new year’s resolution is to blog more and make it a bit more like a … read more
expert reaction to research investigating PFOA/PFOS and thyroid disease, as published in Environmental Health Perspectives
Experts have investigated the evidence for a link between PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluoroctane sulphonate), byproducts formed in the manufacture of non-stick surfaces, flame-resistant and waterproof items, and thyroid disease. read more
PFOA/PFOS and thyroid disease
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluoroctane sulphonate) are byproducts formed in the manufacture of non-stick surfaces, flame-resistant and waterproof items. There is evidence from animal models that this family of chemicals (PFCs) can cause thyroid hormone imbalance and previous studies have also suggested workers exposed to very high PFOA may have changes in their thyroid hormone levels. In this first study of its kind, experts have investigated whether there is any evidence of such a link in the general population. To coincide with publication, the authors came to the SMC to brief journalists on their findings. read more
engineering a low-carbon built environment
The Royal Academy of Engineering has published a new report detailing the challenges facing the built environment in the 21st century, including meeting 2050 targets to cut carbon emissions from buildings and to make all buildings carbon-neutral by 2020. The speakers outlined the emerging discipline of building engineering physics, which enables designers to manipulate the characteristics of buildings to improve energy efficiency, and argued for government to prioritise the training of skilled people to carry out essential engineering work. read more
launch of new Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs
The Science Media Centre hosted the media launch of David Nutt’s new Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, following his sacking from the governments Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). Four scientists, including Professor Nutt, briefed journalists on the background to the new council and its plans. read more
stem cell research in MS: What does the future hold?
The potential of stem cells as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) has been widely reported, but whether they will fulfil that potential remains unclear. A new £1million partnership between the MS Society and the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) will, for the first time, provide specific funding for stem cell research in MS. Experts in the field briefed journalists on what the future holds, in particular, the promise of neural stem cells and the possibilities for repairing the damaged central nervous system. read more
expert reaction to the earthquake in Haiti
The magnitude 7 quake devastated large parts of the island; estimates of the number of dead are in the many thousands, with many more made homeless. read more
expert reaction to research linking television viewing to increased mortality to be published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association
The research draws an association between time spent sitting in front of the television and the risk of heart disease. read more
experts respond to the redundancy of Susan Greenfield at the Royal Institution
After twelve years as Director, Susan Greenfield has been made redundant from her role at the Royal Institution, as it was decided that the position of Director was no longer affordable. read more
House of Lords Report on Nanotechnology and Food
The SMC hosted members of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee for this briefing on the use of nanotechnology in the food industry, how these technologies are likely to develop and whether, and where, regulation might be necessary. The briefing launches the Committee’s report on the issue. read more
new research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Following on from a recent paper published in Science, which purported to show a link between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and a particular virus, researchers at Imperial College London analysed blood samples from 186 CFS patients and found that none carried the virus, casting doubt on the previous findings. The new findings are published in the journal PLoS One. read more
be mindful: meditation for depression – new report from the Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has published a new report on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a relatively new therapy which has been proven to cut relapse rates for those who experience more than two episodes of depression, and has been recommended for recurrent depression by NICE since 2004. However, access for GPs and their patients remains low. The authors of the report came to the SMC to talk about what MBCT involves, its benefits and evidence base, and how to make it more easily available. read more
Science and the Media Expert Group report: Securing the Future
Fiona Fox chaired the Science and the Media Expert Group, tasked by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) … read more
launch of consultation on the ethics of new biofuels
In the aftermath of the Copenhagen climate change summit, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has launched a public consultation on the potential of new types of biofuels, such as fuel produced by algae, to provide us with a greener and more ethical source of renewable energy. The SMC hosted this briefing in advance of the official launch to brief journalists on the consultation and the issues involved. read more
scientists comment on COP15 closing statements
On the final official day of climate negotiations in Copenhagen, scientists offer their thoughts on the outcome and the agreements reached. read more
scientists react to STFC funding announcement
The Science and Technology Facilities Council today announced a review of funding priorities in UK science, which includes cuts to funding to key areas including particle physics. An array of physicists responded. read more
expert reaction to report on climate change by European Foundation stating that global warming is natural
The report, by the eurosceptic political campaign organisation the European Foundation, offered ‘100 reasons’ why anthropogenic climate change is a myth – very few, if any, of them based on sound science. read more
David Nutt comments on ‘Principles on scientific advice to Government’
Following the furore over his sacking from the government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), Prof David Nutt offers his thoughts on the government’s ‘Principles of scientific advice to Government’, which sets out revised principles on the provision of independent scientific advice to government. read more
BPS: A Blueprint for Safer Prescribing
The SMC hosted this British Pharmacological Society (BPS) briefing on prescribing errors made by newly-qualified doctors in the NHS, and how to promote safer medicine use. read more