Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to UKHSA release saying mpox vaccinations will be extended in London following recent spike in cases
A press release from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that vaccinations against mpox are to be extended in … read more
expert reaction to two preprints on stem cell-derived human embryo models
Two preprints, unpublished non-peer reviewed studies, look at the generation of stem cell- derived human embryo models. Prof Alfonso … read more
Governance of Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models (G-SCBEM)
Wednesday evening’s reports of the creation of synthetic embryos using stem cells brought this area of research right to the … read more
expert reaction to study on vaginal microbiota seeding and neurodevelopment of babies born via c-section
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe looks at the effects of vaginal microbiota transfer on the neurodevelopment and … read more
expert reaction to early decisions on changes to the REF
The UK’s higher education funding bodies have made initial decisions on the high-level design of the next Research Excellence Framework … read more
expert reaction to Copernicus statement saying that the first days of June surpassed the 1.5⁰C limit
Copernicus have issued a statement that the first eleven days of this month registered the highest temperatures on record for … read more
International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport 2023 published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine
International conferences informing the evidence-based evaluation and management of concussion in sport have been held for over two decades. The … read more
expert reaction to Guardian reporting news of creation of synthetic embryos using stem cells
The article reports on a plenary address given by Prof Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem … read more
UKRI announce over £50 million to develop trustworthy and secure AI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is announcing over £50 million of funding to develop trustworthy and secure AI that can … read more
expert reaction to study of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and heart health
A study published in Journal of American College of Cardiology looks at the effect of alcohol on cardiovascular risk. … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting brain responses to specific nutrients are diminished in individuals with obesity and are not improved after weight loss
A study published in Nature Metabolism looks at brain responses to nutrients after weight loss in humans with obesity. … read more
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