The Science Media Centre is not restricted to reacting to the headlines, and has helped scientists to more proactively set the agenda by bringing new science or evidence to journalists. This comes from our regular briefings, which take a variety of forms and cover a wide range of topics. Many are background briefings introducing journalists to the best experts and science on controversial issues like nuclear waste, nanotechnology, emerging diseases, or animal research, for example. They may also be news briefings where the SMC works with scientists to give the national media a new story on developments within science, whether it’s a report on climate change, a paper on stem cells being published in a leading journal, or science funding cuts in the latest budget. In addition, the SMC encourages leading experts to ‘speak out’ to the media about developments they believe may pose a threat to scientific research – not something science has been renowned for.
People start using cannabis for a variety of reasons, such as self-medicating for physical or mental discomfort, because friends and … read more
While we have good Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) data on how ADHD medications impact core symptoms, there remain gaps in … read more
Scientists at UCL have carried out a randomised, crossover trial to compare weight change on UPF (ultra-processed foods) versus MPF … read more
A new prospective observational study is being set up to better understand the support needs of young people attending the … read more
Quantum physics has long been something that has eluded public understanding. But behind the paradoxes and probabilities is a technology … read more
Scientists from the University of Birmingham have reviewed a number of direct-to-consumer health tests that are available for members of … read more
Much has been made of the potential of genome engineering to bring back extinct species. But what about its potential … read more
The first published research findings from the Newcastle team on the children born following pioneering licensed IVF technique to reduce … read more
UK Biobank has reached its target of scanning 100,000 volunteers as part of a landmark project to provide for scientific … read more
The State of the UK Climate 2024 report provides the latest comprehensive review of the UK’s changing climate. It examines … read more
There has been long-standing public and clinical debate over the frequency and severity of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Some reviews have … read more
Robots and Autonomous Systems are increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare. Will we one day also have Socially Assistive Robots … read more
The first published research findings from Our Future Health data looks at whether people living with chronic inflammatory conditions, such … read more
Indicators of Global Climate Change 2024 is the third in a series of annual updates on the state of the … read more
The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) took place in Nice from 9-13 June. With the help of the international Science … read more
Debate over the rise in adult ADHD cases has become a major talking point in society with many politicians and … read more
Each year, Dr Jeffrey Cummings and colleagues compile the data for Phase 1,2 and 3 trials currently active in the … read more
The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update is issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It provides a synthesis … read more
Mass loss from ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica has quadrupled since the 1990s. It’s now the main source of … read more
For those who have both ongoing mental illness alongside substance use disorders, it can be particularly hard to access the … read more
