Author Archives: Science Media Centre
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scientists comment on NICE’s draft guidance on Herceptin for early-stage breast cancer
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has published draft guidance on Herceptin, just two weeks after the drug was licensed by the EU regulatory authorities for use in early breast cancer. The draft guidance recommends the drug for women with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer, except where there are concerns about the woman’s cardiac function.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draft guidance on Herceptin
Cancer experts answered questions from journalists about the draft guidance published by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) on Herceptin for use in early breast cancer.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
mental health of UK personnel deployed in the 2003 Iraq war
Psychiatrists presented their new research published in the Lancet investigates the mental health of soldiers deployed in the 2003 Iraq War, based on extensive interviews with soldiers who were deployed to Iraq for the war and subsequent tours of duty. read more
scientific community give warm welcome to Blair’s support for animal research
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his support for animal research and his intention to sign the People’s Petition, a pro-animal research petition started by the Coalition for Medical Progress. read more
former soviet weapons scientists visit the UK
Former weapons scientists are being supported by the International Science and Technology Centre in Moscow to use their research skills for peaceful aims. A group of these scientists briefed the media on their current work. read more
environmental experts comment on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report into the Buncefield oil depot explosion
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency released the results of their investigation into the causes and the environmental impact of the explosions at the Buncefield oil depot in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. read more
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for hereditary cancer: Scientists respond to a paper for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) open meeting in Belfast
HFEA members meet to discuss a range of issues relating to assisted reproduction, embryo research and our role as a regulator. Topics include: women donating eggs for research; embryo screening for breast cancer and similar conditions; inspection programme and incident monitoring. read more
scientific community react angrily to threats made to GlaxoSmithKline shareholders
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) seeks an emergency injunction against animal rights extremists who sent threatening letters to the drug group’s investors and threatened to publish personal details of their investors on the internet. read more
nanotechnology on the high street
Following a huge scare in Germany a few weeks ago when an apparently new nano cleaning product was withdrawn after over 100 people were rushed to hospital after using it, the SMC invited leading nanotechnology producers and scientists to discuss the impact of that health scare and answer other questions about this new science. read more