Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to electrical stimulation of the spinal cord for upper limb recovery after stroke in 2 patients
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at the use of epidural stimulation of the spinal cord for post-stroke upper-limb … read more
expert reaction to Prof Dame Angela McLean being appointed as the next UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser
The Cabinet Secretary has announced the appointment of Professor Dame Angela McLean as the new Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GSCA). … read more
expert reaction to study on association between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and children’s face shapes
A study, published in Human Reproduction, has investigated a possible association between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and children’s … read more
expert reaction to NICE draft guidance for tixagevimab-cilgavimab (Evusheld) for preventing COVID-19
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance on the drug Evusheld for adults who … read more
expert reaction to modelling study of Antarctic/Greenland ice sheets and sea level rise
A study published in Nature Communications models changing Antarctic/Greenland ice sheets and future sea-level projections. Dr Robin Smith, National … read more
expert reaction to study on association of long term exposure to air pollution and depression in later life
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at long-term exposure to air pollution and late-life depression in older adults … read more
avian influenza – a devastating pandemic for birds and threat for global health?
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) has been causing outbreaks in wild birds and farmed poultry for decades. In … read more
expert reaction to study on ChatGPT almost passing the US Medical Licensing Exam
A study published in PLOS Digital Health looks at the performance of ChatGPT on US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). … read more
expert reaction to study looking at long-term caloric restriction on DNA methylation measures of biological aging in healthy adults
A study published in Nature Aging looks at calorie restriction and a DNA measure of biological aging in healthy adults. … read more
expert reaction to study on dust fired from the Moon to shield the sun’s rays
A study published in PLOS Climate looks at the use of dust as a solar shield. Prof Joanna Haigh … read more
expert reaction to two studies on the gut microbiome and ME/CFS
Two studies published in Cell Host & Microbe look at the gut microbiome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). … read more
expert reaction to review of formula baby milk
A review looking at formula baby milk has been published in The 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding. Dr Robert … read more
expert reaction to UNEP report on environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published a report on environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dr Chris Connolly, … read more
expert reaction to the Cabinet reshuffle
The Prime Minster has created four new departments; the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Science, … read more
expert reaction to study looking at vitamin D supplementation and reduction in diabetes risk
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine looks at vitamin D and risk for type 2 diabetes in people … read more
expert reaction to the earthquake near the Turkey/Syria border
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the Turkey-Syria border in the early hours of Monday 6 February 2023. Ziggy … read more
expert reaction to avian flu found in foxes and otters in the UK
There have been reports that the avian influenza outbreak in the UK has spilled over into mammals. Prof Mark … read more
expert reaction to study on association between long-term air pollution exposure and risk of depression and anxiety
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at long-term exposure to multiple ambient air pollutants, and depression and anxiety. … read more
expert reaction to the case for ‘fully effective folic acid fortification’ for the prevention of neural tube defects
This Roundup accompanied an SMC Briefing, in which a panel of experts made the case for a higher level of … read more
making the case for higher folic acid fortification
In June 2019, the UK Government issued a public consultation on the proposal to introduce mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour … read more