Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to earthquake in Afghanistan
Scientists comment on a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan. Dr Brian Baptie, Seismologist at British Geological Survey, said: “The … read more
expert reaction to phase III trial of baxdrostat in uncontrolled or treatment resistant high blood pressure
A phase III trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025, and published in The New England … read more
expert reaction to DH press release saying the free chickenpox vaccination is to be offered to children across England from January 2026
Scientists comment on a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that says the chickenpox vaccination … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA annual uptake data on childhood vaccines (April 2024-March 2025)
Scientists comment on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data on childhood vaccine uptake between April 2024 to March 2025. … read more
expert reaction to two studies on cannabis: one looking at reasons for first use cannabis and association with subsequent THC intake and symptoms of paranoia, anxiety or depression and one looking at childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis use
Two studies published in BMJ Mental Health and Psychological Medicine looks at first use cannabis and mental health outcomes, childhood trauma, paranoia and cannabis … read more
Why do people first use cannabis and does that influence later health outcomes?
People start using cannabis for a variety of reasons, such as self-medicating for physical or mental discomfort, because friends and … read more
expert reaction to study on first pig-to-human lung transplantation into a brain dead recipient
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at the first pig-to-human lung transplant into a brain dead recipient. Comments gathered … read more
expert reaction to two papers and preprint assessing the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt and sugar (HFSS) products in England
Scientists comment on two papers and a preprint that assess the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt … read more
expert reaction to observational study looking at GLP-1 receptor agonists and associated cancer risk in adults with obesity
An observational study published in JAMA Oncology looks at GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer risk in adults with obesity. Prof Paul … read more
expert reaction to study identifying potential drug target for chronic pain
A study published in Nature identifies a potential drug target (a neuronal polyamine transporter) for chronic pain. Dr Franziska Denk, Senior … read more
expert reaction to modelling study looking at the rate of Arctic sea ice melt over the last 20 years
A modelling study published in Geophysical Research Letters looks at Arctic sea ice loss in the last 20 years. Dr … read more
expert reaction to umbrella review looking at youth vaping and its links to smoking, marijuana use, alcohol use, and other health outcomes
An umbrella review published in Tobacco Control looks at teen vaping and the risk of smoking and other health outcomes. Prof … read more
expert reaction to news of no treaty agreement at the end of the UN plastics pollution meeting
Scientists comment on no treaty agreement being reached at the end of the UN plastics pollution meeting. Prof Aldina … read more
expert reaction to survey of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) recipients and what information they recall being given
A survey published in the Journal of Medical Ethics looks at electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and what information recipients recall being given. … read more
ADHD medications and risk of adverse outcomes at a population level – A target trial emulation study
While we have good Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) data on how ADHD medications impact core symptoms, there remain gaps in … read more
expert reaction to target trial emulation study of ADHD medication and risk of adverse outcomes
A target trial emulation study published in The BMJ looks at ADHD drug treatment and the risk of adverse outcomes. Prof … read more
expert reaction to papers published in the Lancet Psychiatry Physical Health Commission – on physical health monitoring for people prescribed psychiatric medication and looking at lifestyle interventions in mental health care
Two papers published in the Lancet Psychiatry Physical Health Commission look at monitoring the physical health of people prescribed psychiatric … read more
expert reaction to observational study looking at detection rate of precancerous growths in colonoscopies by health professionals who perform them before and after the routine introduction of AI
An observational study published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology looks at endoscopist deskilling risk after exposure to AI in colonoscopy. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at calorie labelling on takeaway menus, and food choices
A study published in the BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health looks at calorie labelling and takeaway food choices. Dr Adam Jacobs, … read more
expert reaction to review study looking at weight loss in women before IVF
A review study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looks at the effect of weight loss before IVF on reproductive outcomes. … read more