Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
experts comment on the latest attempt by Dr Panayiotis Zavos to clone a human
Maverick would-be cloner Panayiotis Zavos has once again claimed to be able to clone a human being; this time, he claimed to have cloned 14 human embryos and implanted 11 of them into the wombs of four women. However, he provided no credible proof of this, and scientists remain sceptical. read more
launch of consultation: the ethics of commercial DNA profiling, body imaging and online health care
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is launching a public consultation on the ethical issues raised by commercial DNA profiling, body imaging and online health care. In advance of the official launch, experts involved with the consultation briefed journalists on some of the key topics in this area. read more
low carbon transport
The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) has undertaken an extensive review of the research into the environmental impact of passenger transport in the UK, including areas such as road pricing, fuel duty, speed limits, car purchasing and driving habits, and public transport alternatives. Over 500 research reports have been included in the review, and the results were launched by key researchers at this briefing. read more
experts respond to US EPA’s announcement on pollutant status of CO2
The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will now be officially classed as a pollutant; this is a key break with the policy of the Bush administration and paves the way for the US government to act on climate change. read more
experts comment on asthma and vitamin deficiency research to be published in Thorax
A review of 40 studies carried out over the past 30 years has found that a low intake of vitamins A and C can increase the risk of develping asthma. read more
expert comments on the review of homeopathic treatments to relieve side-effects of cancer therapies, as published in The Cochrane Library
The review found mixed evidence for the effectiveness of such treatments, which are not supported by peer-reviewed scientific research. read more
experts comment on research into female germline stem cells in mice, as published in Nature Cell Biology
Scientists in China have found a way to produce viable eggs from stem cells contained in the ovaries of adult and newborn mice, and that it’s possible to fertilise such eggs to produce healthy offspring. The findings suggest the possibility of similar techniques in humans, which could extend human female fertility beyond its normal limits. read more
expert comments on drug to reduce skin scarring as published in the Lancet
Scientists have developed a drug which reduces scarring following surgery. The compound, avotermin, helps elements of the skin such as collagen knit together more effectively when injected under the skin, though it remains in the research stage. read more
the heat beneath your feet: geothermal energy in the UK
To coincide with a meeting at the Royal Academy of Engineering, the SMC brought together some of the UK’s top experts in the field of geothermal energy to explore the potential for this technology as a large-scale power source in the UK. read more
expert comments on research to be published in BMJ showing correlation between alcohol intake and tremors
Researchers found that moderate drinking (between 1 and 3 drinks per day) was linked to an increased incidence of involuntary shakes in people aged 65 and over. read more
experts comment on Italian earthquake
The initial earthquake struck and area of central Italy known for its seismic activity on 6 April with a magnitude of 6.3. Further powerful aftershocks hampered rescue efforts throughout the week, and the death toll passed 150 during that time. read more
expert comments on research into brain activity in young adults carrying APOE4 genetic variant, as published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Researchers at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London have discovered that heightened activity in one part of the brain of young adults carrying a particular genetic variant may be an early indication of developing dementia in later life. read more
expert comments on case report concerning grapefruit and thrombosis, as published in The Lancet
The case concerns a woman who developed a blood clot in her leg and almost lost the limb, as a result of going on an intense grapefruit-based diet which affected her body’s ability to process her contraceptive pill. Experts stressed that this was an unusual case. read more
expert comments on the robotic discovery of original scientific knowledge, as published in Science
A team at Aberystwyth University have created a prototype robot that is able to perform a wide range of basic repetitive tasks, including lab experiments, showing the potential for robotic lab assistants of the future. read more
experts comment on auditory stem cell research as published in the journal Stem Cells
A team of scientists at the University of Sheffield has successfully created cells derived from embryonic stem cells that behave like sensory cells in the human ear, presenting a possible method for treating deafness and hearing impairment by replacing these damaged cells. read more
expert comments on study in BMJ showing correlation between hot tea and throat cancer
The study, from researchers in Iran, found that drinking tea at a temperature of 70 degrees celsius or higher is correlated with a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. read more
experts comment on the findings of the IUSS report Engineering: Turning Ideas Into Reality
The report, from the government’s Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills select committee, reports on the state of engineeering in the UK and its contribution to UK business and the economy. read more
the EU Directive on animal research
The European Parliament is considering revisions to Directive 86/609 which covers the use of animals in scientific research. While the scientific community is welcoming the opportunity to update the Directive, there are serious concerns that many of its proposed restrictions on animal use will not improve welfare, while hindering vital research for patient benefit. This briefing was held jut before the key vote on the Directive in the EU parliament, and brought together key stakeholders to speak out about their concerns. read more
should the RSPCA euthanize stranded whales?
Recent research shows that helping stranded whales may simply prolong their suffering; as a result, the RSPCA is proposing that stranded whales, such as that which swam up the Thames in 2006, should be euthanised as a matter of course. Experts from the RSPCA and the Institute of Zoology came to the SMC to talk about the research and explain the reasoning behind the proposal. read more