Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study on Metformin after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and risk of developing long COVID
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases looks at the use of Metformin (a diabetes drug) in the treatment … read more
expert reaction to study looking at use of supplements to reverse age-related taurine loss and improve longevity in mice and monkeys
A study published in Science looks at taurine deficiency as a driver of aging. Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Professor of … read more
expert reaction to announcement of pilot to make obesity drugs accessible to patients with obesity outside of hospital settings
The 2-year drugs pilot was announced by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today. Prof Giles Yeo, Professor of Molecular … read more
expert comments on whether disposable vapes should be banned
There have been reports this morning that Dr Mike McKean, vice-president of policy at the RCPCH, has said: “Without a doubt, … read more
expert reaction to reported attack on Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam
It has been reported that the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Russian-controlled area of southern Ukraine has collapsed. Prof … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting an association between breastfeeding and better exam results in later life
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood looks at breastfeeding duration and educational achievement in England. Prof … read more
expert reaction to an IEA report about COVID-19 lockdowns
A report published by the Institute of Economic Affairs looks at whether COVID-19 lockdowns ‘worked’. Prof John Edmunds, Professor … read more
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