Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to cold weather in the UK and climate trends
In case useful, here are some comments from scientists on the current cold weather in the UK. Prof Nigel … read more
expert reaction to reports of advance in nuclear fusion from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
There have been several reports that the federal Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have carried out the first nuclear … read more
first therapeutic use of base-editing: new phase 1 trial underway of universal CAR-T cells against T-cell leukaemia
Scientists treating patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have started a new clinical trial in which patients receive ‘ready-made’ universal … read more
expert reaction to conference abstract about phase 1 study looking at using base edited cells to treat resistant T-cell leukaemia
A conference abstract (not a published paper) presented at American Society of Haematology annual meeting looks at results of a … read more
expert reaction to study looking at smoking, vaping and oral health
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at tobacco use and incidence of adverse oral health outcomes among US … read more
expert reaction to latest stats from the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey, UK: 9 December 2022
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of … read more
expert reaction to study looking at short bursts of vigorous physical activity and risk of death
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at wearable device-measured vigorous physical activity and mortality. Prof David Stensel, Professor … read more
Chief Medical Officer’s annual report 2022: air pollution
Professor Chris Whitty’s third annual report will be published on Thursday 8th December. Outdoor air quality in this country has … read more
expert reaction to Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2022 on Air Pollution
The CMO’s third annual report, looking at air pollution, has been published. This Roundup accompanied an SMC Briefing. Dr … read more
expert reaction to Cumbrian coalmine decision
It has been announced that Michael Gove has approved development of the UK’s first new coalmine in 3 decades in … read more
expert reaction to impact of cold weather on human health
The Met Office and UKHSA have issued a cold weather alert across England from Wednesday 7 December. Dr Laurence … read more
expert reaction to study looking at association of consumption of ultra-processed food and cognitive decline
A study published in JAMA Neurology looks at association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline. Prof Kevin … read more
expert reaction to UK Group A Strep outbreaks
We’ve had a few media requests from journalists about the recent deaths in children associated with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) … read more
UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) – What can we expect?
After several pushbacks, part 2 of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) will take place from 7 – 19 December … read more
results of RCT into new therapy that could reduce level of child sex offending
The use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is an international public health and child protection challenge. Researchers at the … read more
expert reaction to results of RCT into new therapy that could reduce level of child sex offending
Results of a randomised placebo-controlled trial into internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on use of child sexual abuse material … read more
expert reaction to unpublished abstract comparing donanemab and aducanumab on amyloid lowering in early symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease
A conference abstract (not a published paper) presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) Conference 2022 compares the … read more
expert reaction to phase 3 trial results of lecanemab for early Alzheimer’s disease
Results of the phase 3 trial of lecanemab for early Alzheimer’s disease has been published in New England Journal of … read more
expert reaction to HFEA report on Trends in Egg, Sperm & Embryo Donation
A report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) looks at trends in egg, sperm, and embryo donation. … read more