Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to study looking at prolonged sedentary behaviour and cancer risk
A study published in PLOS Medicine looks at sedentary behaviour and cancer incidence and mortality. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of … read more
expert reaction to study looking at contraceptive progestogens and meningioma brain tumours
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at contraceptive progesterone and the incidence of meningioma brain tumours. Prof Melanie Davies, … read more
In praise of Research Fortnight
I was saddened to discover yesterday that Research Professional News, an independent publication that reports on research policy and funding … read more
expert reaction to study looking at blood pressure and cholesterol levels in adults with obesity versus in adults with normal BMI
A study published in The Lancet looks at blood pressure and cholesterol in adults with obesity compared to adults with normal BMI. … read more
Metabolic traits in obesity versus normal BMI – do people with obesity always have worse cardiovascular health?
We know from previous evidence that obesity generally increases the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and stroke. … read more
expert reaction to a case-control study looking at the probability of a timely vocal response in mother-infant interaction and later psychiatric diagnosis
A case-control study published in PLOS One looks at timely vocal responses in mother-infant interactions and later psychiatric diagnoses. Dr Catalina … read more
expert reaction to a population-wide study looking at trends in primary care utilisation for mental health problems
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health looks at primary care utilisation for mental health problems. … read more
expert reaction to the Met Office issuing amber and red extreme heat warnings
Scientists comment on the extreme amber and red heat warnings issued by the Met Office for the week beginning 22nd … read more
Base Editing & Human Embryo Development
A genome editing technique called CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct genes in children and adults with conditions like Sickle … read more
expert reaction to base editing revealing role of master gene (NANOG) in embryo development
A study published in Nature looks at base editing and the role of a key gene in embryo development. Dr Helen … read more
expert reaction to earthquake in Venezuela
Scientists comment on a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Venezuela. Dr Raffaele De Risi, Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, University … read more
expert reaction to study assessing early evidence of association between Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age Act and adolescents’ social media use
A study published in the BMJ assesses the early effects of Australia’s social media ban on adolescents’ social media use. Prof … read more
expert reaction to media reports that France has confirmed an Ebola case in a doctor who had worked in the DRC
Scientists comment on France confirming an Ebola case. Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, UEA, said: “In any Ebola … read more
Professor Sir Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC
Against the backdrop of the London Climate Action Week 2026, the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), … read more
What is the evidence for the majority of IVF ‘add-ons’?
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) add-on therapies are optional, additional extras offered to patients undergoing IVF which are intended to improve success … read more
This week’s heatwave – climate, weather, health and infrastructure
We assembled a panel of scientists and engineers to try to cover everything journalists wanted to know about this week’s … read more
expert reaction to study of biological ageing and cancer in younger people
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at biological ageing and early-onset cancer risk. Dr John Riches, Clinical Reader in Cancer … read more
expert reaction to train crash near Bedford
Scientists comment on the recent train crash that occurred between Bedford and London. Blane Judd CEng FIET HonFIRSE, Chief … read more
expert reaction to MHRA update on the PATHWAYS clinical trial, that a modified protocol has been agreed by the MHRA as meeting the required regulatory standards, and that the Health Research Authority has approved the trial for its ethical standards
Scientists comment on an update from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the PATHWAYS trial of puberty … read more
expert reaction to study looking at bending, standing and walking while at work during pregnancy, and risk of miscarriage
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine looks at bending over during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Prof Asma … read more