Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to an RCT on a-cTBS targeting left primary motor cortex for children with autism spectrum disorder
A randomised controlled trial published in The BMJ looks at accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation (a-cTBS) targeting left primary motor cortex for … read more
expert reaction to RCT which looks at semaglutide and motivation in depression
A randomised controlled trial published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at semaglutide use and motivation in depression. Prof Ciara McCabe, Professor of … read more
expert reaction to a paper showing associations between prenatal air pollution exposure and altered neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood
A study published in The Journal of Physiology looks at associations between prenatal air pollution exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood. … read more
Cancer rates in younger adults in England – What could be driving the trends?
There’s a current perception that we’re facing a ‘cancer epidemic’ of rising rates of cancer in younger adults. But does … read more
expert reaction to study looking at changes in rates of cancer in young people in England from 2001-2019
A study published in BMJ Oncology looks at changes in cancer rates in young people in England. Prof Paul Pharoah, Professor … read more
expert comments about social media restrictions after media report education minister Olivia Bailey said in the Commons the government would “impose some form of age or functionality restrictions” for under-16s
Scientists comment on Education Minister Olivia Bailey saying that the government would impose some form of social media restrictions for … read more
expert reaction to UK Biobank data breach
Scientists comment on a UK Biobank data breach where data was offered for sale online in China. Professor Ewan … read more
expert reaction to report from the Environmental Audit Committee on addressing the risks from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Scientists comment on a Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) Report that addresses the possible risks of PFAS. Dr David Megson, … read more
Study investigating whether bat alphacoronaviruses can enter human cells
As part of scientific research to monitor animal viruses and viral reservoirs globally, scientists from The Pirbright Institute, the University … read more
expert reaction to study looking at whether a bat alphacoronavirus can enter human cells
A study published in Nature looks at whether a bat alphacoronavirus can bind to human receptors and enter cells. Prof Jonathan … read more
expert reaction to online survey of friends and relatives of recipients of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Survey results published in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice looks at friends and relatives of recipients of electroconvulsive therapy … read more
expert reaction to Moderna / NIHR launch of new human vaccine trial: mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 bird flu
Scientists comment on the launch of a Moderna and NIHR mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 Avian Influenza. Prof Ed … read more
Launch of new human vaccine trial: mRNA vaccine candidate against H5N1 bird flu
A new vaccine trial is starting in the UK investigating an mRNA vaccine candidate against A(H5N1) bird flu, in humans. … read more
expert reaction sequential safety surveillance of RSVpreF vaccination during pregnancy early in the post approval period
A surveillance study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy. Prof Adam Finn, Professor of Paediatrics, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at epigenetic fingerprints linked to pesticide exposure and association with early-onset colon and rectal cancer risk
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at pesticide exposure and early-onset colon and rectal cancer risk. Prof Oliver Jones, Professor … read more
expert reaction to earthquake and tsunami warning in Japan
Scientists comment on earthquake and tsunami warnings in Japan. Dr Ioannis Karmpadakis, Associate Professor in Coastal Engineering at Imperial … read more
Prof Jim Smith on the 40th anniversary of Chernobyl
26 April 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Jim Smith has worked for more than 30 years … read more
expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on consumption of whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains and incidence of lung cancer in non-smoking Americans under the age of 50
A conference abstract from the American Association for Cancer Research looks at fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption and lung … read more
expert reaction to 3 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Dorset and antibiotics and MenB vaccination being offered to young people
Scientists comment on 3 cases of meningococcal disease in Dorset. Prof Martin Maiden, Professor of Molecular Epidemiology, University of … read more
expert reaction to a new report commissioned by Wellcome on public trust in science
Experts comment on a new report published by More in Common and commissioned by Wellcome Trust into public trust in … read more