Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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
pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: what the future holds
One of the most contentious developments in IVF in recent years is the ability to ensure that children are born free of any one of hundreds of serious genetic disorders, from cystic fibrosis to early on-set cancers. As Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital announce the official opening of their new Assisted Conception Unit and PGD Centre, the SMC has invited the three leading IVF experts involved in the new centre to brief journalists on their vision for the future of PGD, including improvements to techniques and the range of conditions that can be tested for. 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
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