Author Archives: Science Media Centre
scientists comment on HFE Bill parliamentary decision
Parliament has voted to allow the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to go through with no major amendments; in particular, provisions to allow research using human ‘admixed’ (human-animal hybrid) embryos remains intact. read more
Nick Davies’ Flat Earth News and ‘churnalism’ – myth or reality?
Anyone interested in the media and science should read Nick Davies’ Flat Earth News, described on the dust jacket as ‘exposing … read more
is there a problem with marrying your cousin?
Over 1 billion people live in countries where 20-50% of all marriages are consanguineous (between second cousins or closer relatives). However, there have been few studies of consanguinity and its health impacts. To coincide with the Royal Society of Medicine conference Celebrating 100 Years of Medical Genetics (22-23 May), the SMC invited some of the world’s leading experts in this field to brief journalists on consanguinous marriages and their potential risks and benefits. read more
how soon can we expect embryonic stem cell clinical trials? Two leading scientists discuss.
During a debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in parliament, questions have been raised about how soon we can expect clinical trials for treatments involving embryonic stem cells. Two experts in the field gave their responses. read more
global summit of experts issues a consensus on HRT use
A Global Summit of HRT experts has met to produce a consensus statement on the risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in early menopausal woman. The reports will be presented at the 12th World Congress on the Menopause (Madrid, 19-23 May). Two of the main authors of the reports came to the SMC to brief journalists on their decisions. read more
experts react to research to be presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)
The research included an investigation into environmental and chemical risk factors for autism, presented as an abstract at the conference. read more
Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Launch of Consultation on Ethics and Dementia
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is about to launch a public consultation on the ethical dilemmas that are faced by people with dementia and those who care for them. The SMC hosted this briefing on the consultation, ahead of the official launch. read more
autism research – where does the future lie?
There are estimated to be over half a million people in the UK with autism and yet little is still known about the causes. To coincide with the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) this week, some of the world’s leading experts will come to the SMC to brief the media on autism research and treatment to date, the future of science in this area, and to address the question of whether it is time to give up on a single explanation for autism. read more
experts comment on the earthquake in China
The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, making it one of the most powerful to hit the region for the last century, and left tens of thousands of people dead or homeless. read more
where should politicians get their scientific advice?
Where should politicians get their scientific advice? Anywhere except the headlines! God knows how, but I have managed to reach … read more
leading scientists and medical charities speak out as the HFE Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading on Monday 12 May 2008
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill is intended to bring legislation into line with scientific developments in recent years on the use of stem cells from human, and human-animal hybrid, embryos in medical research, as well as other areas including so-called ‘saviour siblings’ and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. read more
experts comment on the disaster in Burma
The devastating cyclone in Burma left many thousands of people facing hardship and an elevated risk of infectious disease, especially water-borne diseases. Experts commented on the disaster, and the types of diseases that could be present and the level of risk. read more
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report on classification of cannabis
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was asked by the Home Secretary in July 2007 to provide advice to the Government on the classification of Cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The resulting report, ‘Cannabis: Classification and Public Health’, was published on 7 May, and members of the Committee came to the SMC to brief journalists on their findings. read more
scientists respond to the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs’ report on ‘Cannabis: Classification and Public Health’
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was asked by the Home Secretary in July 2007 to provide advice to the Government on the classification of Cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The resulting report, ‘Cannabis: Classification and Public Health’, was published on 7 May. read more
press briefing on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill and human admixed embryos
The Science Media Centre ran this special briefing at the House of Commons, ahead of the start of the Bill’s passage through parliament, to bring together journalists, researchers and patient groups to discuss the scientific issues and potential for treatments for incurable disease. read more
climate change modelling
Although the reality of climate change has now been accepted, there remains considerable uncertainty in predictions of the magnitude and patterns of future warming. So how do politicians and businesses get the kind of reliable regional climate predictions that they need in order to devise sound adaptation strategies? The SMC invited three of the world’s leading climate modellers to brief journalists ahead of the World Modelling Summit for Climate Prediction, beginning on 5 May. read more
scientists comment on BMJ study on the rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis
A study published in the British Medical Journal has identified a rise in cases of tuberculosis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The study also identified a global increase in rates of resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. read more
experts respond to IUSS Committee report on science budget allocations
The Government’s Innovation, Universities, Science & Skills Committee has published its report on the allocation of funds in the science budget. read more
cosmaceuticals: where science meets skincare
The market for so called ‘cosmaceuticals’ – cosmetics sold on the basis of their supposed scientific credentials – has increased rapidly in recent times. But there are questions over their effectiveness and the physiological effects of their active ingredients. Some of the UK’s leading skin scientists came to the Science Media Centre to discuss some of the more pressing issues in skin care research. read more
scientists comment on new fertility research as published in the journal Human Reproduction
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a technique for preserving eggs from female cancer patients, allowing them to have children later in life, even though treatment may have made them infertile. read more