Author Archives: Science Media Centre
scientists respond to DEFRA pesticides report
Defra has published its response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP)’s report Crop spraying and the health of residents and bystanders, and has chosen to accept 25 out of 35 recommendations from the report. read more
new studies from Twins Research Unit
Scientists launched the results of two studies, from the Twins Research Unit, St Thomas’ Hospital, London. One linked low socio-economic status and higher rate of white-blood-cell telomere attrition; a factor known to affect life expectancy. The second study investigated whether the psychological identities of twins are more attributed to genetic likeness or environmental similarity. read more
scientists react to news of artificial sperm fertilisation success
Scientists have shown for the first time that sperm grown from embryonic stem cells can be used to produce offspring. The experiment was carried out using mice and produced seven babies, six of which lived to adulthood. read more
scientists react to computer brain interface papers as published in Nature
Nature published several papers this week on new research relaying movement-related brain signals via an implanted microchip to a user interface on a computer. The researchers hope that one day these advances could help to enhance the prospect of clinicaly viable brain-machine interfaces. read more
experts react to the DTI Energy Review
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) today released its report on the Energy Review, aiming to examine the UK’s progress against the medium and long-term 2003 Energy White Paper goals and consider options for further steps to achieve them. The work commits the UK to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to tackle climate change and to securing clean energy at affordable prices. read more
leading stem cell scientists condemn Vatican threat of excommunication
On the day before Catholic Church leaders gather in Spain for the Church’s fifth world meeting of Families, a statement from a leading Vatican cardinal to a catholic magazine has condemned scientists who carry out embryonic stem cell research. World leading experts in the field have condemned the statement, in which the cardinal called for their excommunication. read more
nuclear scientist responds to reports of reactor cracks
An article in The Guardian newspaper today reported inspectors’ safety fears over cracks found in British Energy’s advanced gas-cooled nuclear reactor cores (AGRs). This was widely reported in other areas of the media. read more
space scientists comment on the delayed launch of the the Discovery space shuttle
Professor Martin Barstow, Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science, Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, said: “The success … read more
will the Colombia Shuttle disaster happen again?
As British-born astronaut Piers Sellers prepares for Space Shuttle Discovery’s launch on July 1, the reasons behind the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster are still being investigated and rectified. The manager of NASA\’s Failure Analysis and Materials Evaluation Branch presented new findings into the shuttle disaster. read more
epigenetics – the post-genomic era
Background briefing on ‘epigenetics’ – a phenomenon that adds a new level of complexity to the way genes are turned on and off, hinting at how our environment can change the way genes are expressed and may have a lasting impact on future generations. read more
scientists give comment on Cadbury’s Dairy Milk product recall over Salmonella fears
More information on the product recall can be found at Cadbury’s website. Professor Paul Hunter, Professor of Health Protection at … read more
preimplantation genetic haplotyping – a paradigm shift for embryo diagnosis
Professor Peter Braude and his collaborators at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital presented their work on preimplantation genetic haplotyping (PGH) and answered questions on how this new type of PGD will allow them to use the technique to avoid more genetic diseases. read more
epidemic planning – avian flu and foot and mouth disease
The DEFRA Science Advisory Council subgroup on Epidemic Diseases (SAC-ED) briefed the media on their latest recommendations for Avian Flu contingency planning and the science behind policy on foot and mouth disease. read more
scientists comment on NICE’s draft guidance on Herceptin for early-stage breast cancer
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has published draft guidance on Herceptin, just two weeks after the drug was licensed by the EU regulatory authorities for use in early breast cancer. The draft guidance recommends the drug for women with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer, except where there are concerns about the woman’s cardiac function. read more
draft guidance on Herceptin
Cancer experts answered questions from journalists about the draft guidance published by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) on Herceptin for use in early breast cancer. read more
how to build a nuclear power station – the realities of nuclear new build
Scientific experts briefed journalists on the realities of building new nuclear power stations, what they look like, issues surrounding the building of new reactors in the UK and how will the new breed of nuclear power stations be any different? read more
primate research
Leading scientists talked about their research on primates and the launch of a new booklet published by the Wellcome Trust and MRC (Medical Research Council) which is aims to provide the public with an accurate insight into why and how primates are used in medical research. read more
scientists react to University of Oxford protest injunction
Oxford University has been granted an extension to its existing injunction against animal rights activists. read more
scientists respond to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) report on the Northwick Park clinical trials
The press release is available from the MHRA website: www.mhra.gov.uk Professor Karol Sikora, Visiting Professor of Cancer Medicine and honorary … read more
consultation launch – ethical issues in public health
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics launched a four-month consultation on ethical issues surrounding public health and members of the Working Party briefed the media in advance of the public launch. read more