Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study on the mechanisms of action of psychedelics’ antidepressant effects
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Dr … read more
expert reaction to a feasibility trial of Parkinson’s drug ropinirole for ALS
Results of a trial looking at the use of ropinirole hydrochloride for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been published in Cell … read more
expert reaction to observational study on association of sleep duration and sleeping pill use and with mortality and life expectancy
An observational study published in Sleep Health looks at the association between sleep duration and sleeping pill use, with mortality … read more
expert reaction to a statement on the existential threat of AI published on the Centre for AI Safety website
In a statement published on the Centre for AI Safety website, AI experts and public figures express their concern about … read more
expert reaction to comments from Professor George Gao on the origins of SARS-CoV-2
In an interview for BBC Radio 4’s podcast ‘Fever: The Hunt for Covid’s Origin’, the former head of China’s Centre … read more
Dietary flavanols and memory loss in older adults
A large-scale RCT of over 3,500 healthy older adults indicates that a diet low in flavanols, found in tea and … read more
expert reaction to dietary flavanols and memory loss in older adults
A study published in PNAS looks at dietary flavanols and hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults. This Roundup accompanied an SMC … read more
expert reaction to Neuralink saying it has received FDA approval for a first-in-human clinical study
A tweet from Neuralink states that they have received the FDA’s approval to launch their first-in-human clinical study. Prof … read more
expert reaction to life sciences growth package announcements from the Chancellor
The Chancellor has announced a package of measures to boost UK life sciences. Dr Flic Gabbay, President of the … read more
expert reaction to review of commercial clinical trials in the UK by Lord O’Shaughnessy
The review by Lord O’Shaughnessy has been published as part of the package of announcements on life sciences growth in … read more
expert reaction to analysis of trials looking at vegetarian and vegan diets and levels of cholesterol and fats in the blood
A meta-analysis published in the European Heart Journal looks at vegetarian and vegan diets and blood lipids. Dr Duane … read more
expert reaction to trial looking at ketamine versus ECT for nonpsychotic treatment-resistant major depression
Results from a trial looking at ketamine versus ECT for nonpsychotic treatment-resistant major depression have been published in the NEJM. … read more
expert reaction to study of cannabis use disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at cannabis use disorder and subsequent risk of depression and bipolar disorder. … read more
expert reaction to Public Accounts Committee report on alcohol harms
The Fifty-Fourth Report of Session 2022–23’ on Alcohol treatment services has been published by the House of Commons Committee of … read more
Quantifying the human cost of global warming
A new paper published in Nature Sustainability examines the ‘human climate niche’ – the temperature range in which the vast … read more
expert reaction to research quantifying the impact of increased average temperature on the global population
A study published in Nature Sustainability attempts to quantify the human cost of global warming. This Roundup accompanied an SMC … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract looking at cardiovascular risk score after one year of semaglutide use in obese or overweight people
A conference abstract (not a published paper) presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) looks at cardiovascular risk in patients … read more
In-person refresher on the science of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Speakers included: Prof Robin Lovell-Badge FRS FMedSci, Group Leader, Francis Crick Institute Sandy Starr, Deputy Director, Progress Educational Trust (PET) … read more
expert reaction to government announcing that no new licences will be issued for animal testing of chemicals used exclusively as cosmetic ingredients
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, Suella Braverman, announced the licensing ban with immediate effect. Dr Ernie … read more
expert reaction to a paper reviewing current prostate cancer ‘test by request’ policies
A paper published in The BMJ suggests that current policies on early detection of prostate cancer create overdiagnosis and inequity … read more