Author Archives: Science Media Centre
scientists react to news of synthetic drug for malaria published in Nature
Comments are in response to a new synthetic drug which has been produced. Modelled on the active ingredient in a traditional Chinese herbal remedy for malaria, it could prove to herald a breakthrough in treatment. read more
scientist’s respond to HFEA’s go-ahead for therapeutic cloning license
Reactions as the HFEA decided to allow a team at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to experiment with therapeutic human cloning. read more
briefing on global disaster
Global Geophysical Events, including tsunamis, earthquakes, super-volcanoes and asteroid impacts, are real possibilities and could catastrophically affect our planet. Experts explain what we are doing to monitor and evaluate the risks posed by these events and whether there is anything we can do to prevent them. read more
combined vaccination for babies – Rapid Reaction
As the government announces plans for a new combined jab for babies we round up experts who can discuss what this really means. read more
briefing on Complementary Medicine: Con or Cure?
We welcome Edzard Ernst, the UK’s only professor of complementary medicine, to brief the press on his latest research. read more
scientists comment on animal rights extremist regulations
New regulations to control animal rights extremists were announced by the Home Office. read more
scientists respond to the death of Francis Crick
Francis Crick, who together with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the structure of DNA, passed away at a hospital in California. read more
briefing on ID cards
As the UK Government considers the possibility of implementing some sort of identity card, experts discuss the role science may play in this operation. This includes background on types of biometrics, methods of combatting fraud and the systems required to safely store the information. read more
the future of energy
Three leading independent energy experts answer journalists’ questions on all the latest energy issues. read more
scientists react to HFEA decision on ‘Saviour Siblings’
These comments follow the HFEA’s announcement that they are to relax the rules on embryo selection to allow couples to select an embryo who might be a tissue match for a seriously ill sibling. read more
genes and aggression
Three leading US scientists, in the UK to speak at an International Conference being held at the Royal Society of Medicine, discuss the complex interplay between genes and environment influencing behaviour, focusing on research into genes and aggression. read more
scientists respond to select committee report on open access publishing
These comments follow the publication of a report into the scientific publishing market by the Science and Technology Committee. read more
scientists respond to news of new Oxford animal centre setback
Reactions to the news that a building firm are pulling out of a new animal research centre contract in Oxford. read more
HFEA ‘saviour siblings’ ruling – Rapid Reaction
We found scientists to comment as the Human Fertilisation and Embyology Authority (HFEA) considered altering its rules on screening for babies to help sick siblings. read more
launch of multi-million pound research program to grow pharmaceuticals in crops
Prof Julian Ma and Prof Phil Dale brief the media on a new research program which will explore the use of GM plants in the development of treatments for some of mankind’s most devastating diseases including AIDS, TB, rabies and diabetes. read more
scientists respond to Government spending review
Scientists reacted to Chancellor Gordon Brown’s announcement of £1 billion extra funding for science in his comprehensive spending review. read more
Prince Charles and nanotechnology – Rapid Reaction
As the Independent on Sunday published an article by Prince Charles on nanotechnology, we were on hand with a list of nanotechnology experts to comment on this to the media. read more
meet DEFRA’s new Science Advisory Council
A new Science Advisory Council has been set up to provide ministers with independent scientific advice. We welcome the Chair, Prof Roy Anderson, and DEFRA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Prof Howard Dalton, to discuss the group’s plans. read more
MRSA and other hospital acquired infections
As the fight against hospital-acquired infections continues, scientists brief journalists on how the lab and the hospital can join up their thinking in the battle against bugs including hand hygeine regimes, NHS reform and the effects of antibiotic prescribing. read more
fatty acids – are we getting enough?
Prior to the 6th Congress of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) we welcome two speakers to discuss some of the findings to be presented including a wealth of evidence to support the health value of certain fatty acids and lipids in our diet. read more