Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to two studies looking at ultra-processed foods and heart disease, bowel cancer and death
Two studies published in the BMJ look at ultra-processed food consumption and risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. … read more
expert reaction to observational study on black tea consumption and mortality
An observational study published in Annals of Internal Medicine uses data from UK Biobank to look at tea consumption and … read more
New meta-analysis on statins and muscle pain
Cardiovascular disease is the world’s largest killer, responsible for around 18 million deaths each year. High levels of LDL (‘bad’) … read more
expert reaction to pilot study in two individuals of brain stimulation for binge-eating disorder
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at the use of deep brain stimulation for loss-of-control eating. Dr Alexandra … read more
Developmental biology: Synthetic mouse embryos generated
Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a pioneering researcher who has established the very first system to culture human embryos through the implantation … read more
expert reaction to a paper describing the generation of synthetic stem cell-derived mouse embryos
A paper published in Nature look at the cultivation of synthetic mouse embryo-like structures from stem cells. This Roundup accompanied … read more
expert reaction to Rishi Sunak’s interview in the Spectator about the role of scientists in the pandemic
Several journalists have asked us for responses to Rishi Sunak’s comments, here are some in case useful. Professor Robin … read more
Launch of new clinical trial to test treatments for monkeypox
Since May this year we have seen numerous outbreaks of monkeypox outside the countries where it has been endemic. This … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA announcing pilot of monkeypox vaccines in smaller doses
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have announced that monkeypox vaccines are to be piloted in smaller but equally effective doses … read more
expert reaction to a study on brain stimulation and improvement in tasks on working and long-term memory
A study published in Nature Neuroscience looks at the use of repetitive neuromodulation to improve working memory and long-term memory … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on human microbiomes and glycaemic levels
A study published Cell Press looks at microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance. Dr Sarah Berry, … read more
expert reaction to Russian claims that a Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant accident could spread radiation across parts of Europe
There have been a number of media reports on Russia’s claims that the occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine … read more
expert reaction to study investigating use of genetic risk score for prostate cancer in men with lower urinary tract symptoms to predict diagnosis
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer looks at the use of a genetic risk score to predict … read more
Risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions 2 years after COVID-19 infection
Researchers have studied medical records from over 1.25 million people in the US to assess the risk of developing neurological … read more
expert reaction to study on risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions up to two years after COVID-19 infection
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry looks at neurological and psychiatric risk trajectories after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This Roundup accompanied … read more
expert reaction to study on safety of pre-fertilisation DNA transfer to avoid mitochondrial disease
A study published in PLOS Biology looks at the safety of spindle transfer for preventing transfer of mitochondrial mutations from … read more
expert reaction to JCVI advice on COVID-19 vaccines for the autumn booster programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has published its advice on which COVID-19 vaccines should be used in … read more
expert reaction to MHRA approving Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine has today been approved for adult booster doses by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory … read more
expert reaction to the anticipated UK drought
Several journalists have asked the SMC about the prolonged period of dry weather and anticipated drought this summer. Below are … read more
expert reaction to study looking at rate of Arctic warming
A study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, suggests that the Arctic is warming at a faster rate than the rest … read more