Author Archives: Science Media Centre
stem cells and blindness – Rapid Reaction
The Science Media Centre found experts to comment as reports came out of a successful procedure using stem cells to help restore vision in patients. read more
psychology of voting
As the 2005 election campaign is in full swing, we bring three psychologists to discuss how and if the politicians’ campaign tactics will influence the voting public. read more
PGD for late onset disorders
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is already used to screen for diseases that affect the sufferer after early adulthood such as Huntingdon’s disease and some cancers. As the technology rapidly progresses, we gather experts to outline its future potential and some of the ethical & regulatory issues it raises. read more
consensus statement on childhood leukemia
Lead leukemia experts involved in the UK Childhood Cancer Study, a 10 year investigation into the causes of childhood leukemia sponsored by the Leukemia Research Fund, announce their consensus statement on the most significant cause of childhood leukemia and their insights into possible future prevention. read more
scientists respond to news of glacier retreat
The news that glaciers from the Antarctic peninsula are in widespread retreat was published in the journal Science. read more
science hustings
In the run up to the election, we welcome the science spokespeople of the three main parties, Lord Sainsbury (Lab), Evan Harris (Lib Dem) and Robert Key (Con), to explain why a vote for their party is a vote for science. read more
background briefing: where are we now with premature baby research?
Prematurity is the single largest cause of disability and death in newborns. Three experts outline some of the latest scientific research aimed at improving the outcomes for these babies. read more
reproductive report publication – Rapid Reaction
We helped co-ordinate reaction from scientists as The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee published a new report on regulation of human reproductive technologies including sex selection, IVF treatment and embryo research. read more
world TB Day 2005: Reversing The Global TB Epidemic
On the eve of World TB Day the latest challenges and progress in controlling the TB epidemic are unveiled as the WHO’s Tuberculosis Control Report 2005 is released. read more
sperm and egg donor anonymity
Experts in donor fertility treatments outline how new legislation removing donor anonymity, which comes into force on 1st April 2005, will affect sperm and egg donation from social impacts on the donor and recipient to changes in donation rates and possible ‘fertility tourism’. read more
publication of final results of Farm Scale Evaluations on genetically modified crops
The final results of the investigation begun in 1999 to uncover how growing GM herbicide-tolerant crops may affect farmland wildlife. The scientists involved announce the results for winter oilseed rape, the fourth of the crops to be studied. read more
not just nip and tuck
A group of the UK’s top plastic surgeons showcase the work they do on a day-to-day basis in our hospitals away from the spotlight on cosmetic breast implants, tummy tucks and botox. read more
scientists respond to Boxing Day Tsunami research
The research on the fault line behind the earthquake that caused the tsunami in the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day was published in the journal Nature. read more
Xtreme Everest
The Xtreme Everest team, a group of medical experts based at UCL, talk about their planned expedition to Everest to study how the body responds to extreme environments. read more
WHO commission on social determinants of health
Professor Michael Marmot, chair of this new Commission, discusses it’s aims to tackle the poverty=ill health cycle in the developing world using the principles from his pioneering work into the impact of social inequalities on health in the UK. read more
future foods – can junk food ever be good for us?
We welcome two scientists who are investigating ways to reduce the fat, sugar and salt content of convenience foods without changing their taste and texture. read more
scientists respond to announcement on science spending
The announcement of an increase in spending was made by Tony Blair during a visit to Imperial College London, with Trade and Industry secretary Patricial Hewitt. read more
briefing on the environmental impact of food miles
As our food is shipped, flown and driven round the world, many of us feel that this can’t be good for the environment. We welcome an environmental scientist and a food policy expert to announce the results of the first research into the real environmental cost of our weekly shop. read more
new tissue bank for medical research
Sir James Underwood and Prof Jeanne Bell announce the launch of a project in Edinburgh to set up a unique new tissue bank to aid research into brain pathology. read more