Author Archives: Science Media Centre
experts comment on new research regarding Community-Acquired MRSA and pneumonia, as published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases
The paper identifies the emerging threat of cases of necrotising pneumonia caused by community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections. read more
industrial biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology encompasses a huge number of applications both within industry and in our everyday lives, including bioplastics to prolong the shelf life of food, enzymes in washing powder for use at lower temperatures, production of insulin for diabetics, and refinement of bioethanol from factory waste. The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation and Growth Team (IB-IGT), an independent body of experts from academia and industry established in November 2007, published their report to government this month, and key contributors presented their findings at the Science Media Centre. read more
expert encounter with Simon Singh
Science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh is involved in a legal action with the British Chiropractic Association, who are suing him for libel over an article published in the Guardian last year. Following a major development in the case, the SMC invited Simon to brief journalists on the background to the case and the latest developments. read more
recycling: the case for
Recycling has simultaneously been touted as the great environmental success story of our time and slammed for making no real difference. Our recycling rate has tripled over the last eight years, rising from 11.2% to 34.5%. But is there any point if it’s all just smoke and mirrors with no real evidence that it actually makes a difference? This briefing allowed advocated of recycling to discredit common myths about recycling, and to present evidence from different sectors to support claims about its value. read more
synthetic biology: scope, applications and implications
Synthetic biology means designing and building biological organisms to make them behave in new ways. This new technology has potential for major societal benefit and wealth creation in such areas as healthcare, energy and the environment. To coincide with the publication of a new report from the Royal Academy of Engineering on the next steps to build on the UK’s position in the field, key contributors to the report came to the SMC to present their findings. read more
experts comment on today’s EU Parliament plenary vote, which was passed in favour of revising EU Animal Testing Directive 86/609
The Directive has been criticised by scientists for its overly stringent regulatory measures, and that it may create a culture of over-regulation and bureaucracy that could stifle research. read more
expert reaction to new research suggesting global warming is unlikely to remain below 2C without tight limits on CO2 emissions, as published in Nature
Two analyses published in Nature suggest that global CO2 emissions are driving global warming inexorably toward 2C, and that current emissions limits are insufficient to prevent this. read more
more swine flu Q&A from scientists
Scientists answer more frequently asked questions from journalists on swine flu. read more
how to reduce UK CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050
The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) is launching the results of an ambitious independent study looking at how this can be achieved, while also dealing with anxieties about energy security. The report’s authors discussed what achieving the target will mean for different low-carbon technologies, the environment, our lifestyles and the development of a shockproof energy system. read more
experts comment on swine flu
The WHO has raised the pandemic threat level from 4 to 5, one short of the maximum, meaning that, according to this scale, a pandemic is imminent. read more
more swine flu Q&A
Scientists answer more of journalists’ questions on the swine flu outbreak – click below to download. read more
scientific study of Boots anti-ageing cream
Researchers at the University of Manchester have carries out the first randomised controlled trial of an over-the-counter cosmetic product, Boots No. 7 ‘Protect and Perfect’ anti-ageing skin cream. Members of the research team came to the SMC to brief journalists on their findings. read more
experts discuss swine flu
Swine flu has continued to spread around the world, with the first cases being confirmed in the UK (in Scotland). The WHO has raised the global pandemic threat level from 3 to 4 (out of a possible 6) although experts continue to urge caution over the scale of the threat. read more
expert comments on autism papers to be published in Nature
Two papers published in Nature have shed new light on the influence of genetic factors on autism, identifying potential genes which may influence the development of autism and autistic spectrum disorders. read more
experts comment on research into Boots No 7 skin care product, as published in the British Journal of Dermatology
The first scientific study on a cosmetic product, Boots No 7 ‘Protect and Perfect’ cream, has been carried out by researchers at the University of Manchester. They found that the cream did give some moderate improvement in a small sample of people between the ages of 45 and 80. read more
expert encounter: ‘why we disagree about climate change’
The leading climate change expert Mike Hulme has written a provocative new book on climate change and how it can be viewed as much as an opportunity as a threat. The SMC invited Mike Hulme to give a sneak preview of the book and brief science and environment reporters on the issues it tackles. read more
experts comment on swine flu
An outbreak of swine influenza in Mexico has raised fears of a possible global flu pandemic, as the virus has shown the ability to pass between humans. As of the beginning of the week, at least 100 people were believed to have died (although this number was not confirmed) with further cases reported in the US and Canada. Health officials in the UK have been warned to prepare for cases in this country. read more
swine flu Q&A + fact sheet
In addition to our comments on the swine flu outbreak, we have compiled a fact sheet and some scientists’ answers to journalists’ frequently asked questions – see attached documents. read more
experts comment on Ed Miliband’s statement about the future of coal and CCS in the UK
The energy and climate change secretary made a major policy announcement on the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and coal in the UK’s energy future energy generation, including a pledge to require all new coal-fired power stations to be fitted with CCS technology. read more
experts comment on the 2009 budget
The chancellor Alistair Darling has delivered his 2009 budget speech – we brought together a range of comments from experts on the science and engineering content of the government’s plans. read more