Author Archives: Science Media Centre
scientists respond to study on out of body experience as published in Science
Dr Susan Blackmore, Visiting Lecturer, University of the West of England, said: “This new experiment has at last brought OBEs … read more
scientists respond to Peru Earthquake
The earthquake was the largest to hit Peru in over six years. read more
scientists respond to: “Atlantic Circulation Varies Widely in a Year:” as published in Science
The study was hailed as a step forward in our understanding of climate change, and confirms the theory that global warming may cause colder winters in Britain due to changes to ocean currents. read more
experts respond to E.coli Outbreak
The outbreak occurred at Paisley, near Glasgow, and was linked to cold meat bought from a local supermarket. read more
bacteriophage therapies – a way to fight superbugs?
Scientists briefed journalists on research into using bacteriophages to fight infection. These viruses, which infect bacteria, are being investigated for their potential to fight antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections.
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scientists react to High Court ruling on Alzheimer’s treatments
The Science Media Centre asked scientists to comment on the court ruling which upheld NICE’s decision to restrict Alzheimer’s drug access to the neediest patients only. read more
experts respond to Foot and Mouth outbreak
Carl Padgett, British Cattle Veterinary Association Junior Vice-President , said: “The ban on movement of animals to prevent the potential … read more
experts respond to Foot and Mouth outbreak
Dr Matthew Keeling, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, said: “The Surrey case of foot-and-mouth disease was positively identified … read more
experts respond to Foot and Mouth Outbreak
David Catlow, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “The rapid identification of the type and strain, and hence possible … read more
experts respond to Foot and Mouth Outbreak
Carl Padgett, British Cattle Veterinary Association President Elect, said: “The discovery of cattle infected with FMD in Surry is extremely … read more
experts respond to USA bridge collapse
The motorway bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi river. read more
is work bad for your health?
Scientists from the MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre at King’s College London presented soon-to-be-published findings on whether work stress could lead to depression and anxiety in men and women under 32. read more
deep brain stimulation in a minimally conscious state, as published in Nature
Scientists commented on a report that the stimulation of the brain of a 38-year-old man using implanted electrodes had considerably improved his ability to communicate. read more
response to scrutiny committee report on the Human Tissue and Embryology draft bill
Professor Peter Braude, Head of Department of Women’s Health, King’s College London, said: “I am so pleased to see that … read more
embargoes, helping or hindering good science journalism?
There has been much discussion in various fora about David Whitehouse’s provocative tirade against the embargo system. Many of the reactions … read more
devastating animal diseases
The Science Media Centre invited scientists to brief journalists on the latest research into livestock diseases such as avian flu, BSE and foot and mouth. read more
statins for cardiovascular health?
Exploring questions surrounding the use of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, and the evidence for their effectiveness. read more
experts respond to judicial review of Home Office animal research
In a judicial review brought by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, the High Court ruled that the Home Office had acted unlawfully in the licensing of brain experiments at Cambridge University. read more
extreme weather in the UK
Experts from the Met Office briefed journalists on recent extreme weather events and their potential causes, and on developing science to improve forecasting and weather prediction. read more
experts comment on a Lancet study linking cannabis use to an increased risk of psychosis
The paper reported that cannabis users are 40% more likely than non-users to suffer a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia. read more