Rapid Reactions: responding to breaking news. The demands of the 24-hour media machine mean that news journalists often don’t have the luxury of time to track down the best scientists when a science story lands on their desks, so availability can sometimes win out over expertise. This is where the Science Media Centre steps in. When a story breaks – whether it’s the latest flu epidemic, health scare or a potential nuclear crisis – the SMC persuades leading experts to drop everything and engage with the story, then contacts journalists at all the major news outlets to offer those experts for interviews or immediate comment.
Roundups: putting new research into context. One of the other ways the SMC ensures that the media have easy access to scientists and their views is by offering journalists a variety of comments from scientists reacting to the latest research. This service differs from our ‘Rapid Reactions’ as scientists have time to react before new research is announced, rather than in response to breaking news.
With access to embargoed journals before publication, we can pick stories of most interest to journalists, asking third party experts to provide comments and information to put research into context before it appears in the media. The SMC’s unique Roundups help busy journalists critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of new research, and highlight when studies are very preliminary or display a correlation that should not be read as causation. Equally, when leading scientists are excited about a significant study this can reassure journalists that the study should feature strongly in their coverage.
Research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, reports that the reduction in dietary salt intake in England … read more
Dr Mike Turner, Director of Science, Wellcome: “This year’s Home Office animal research figures show that the overall number of … read more
Dr Nathalie MacDermott, Clinical Research Fellow, Imperial College London, said: “’It is timely that the IHR Emergency Committee have declared … read more
A study, published in Science Advances, reports that deposition of large quantities of artificial snow may reduce the rate of disintegration … read more
A report, published by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee , setting out the growing problem of chemical pollution … read more
Research, published in JAMA Paediatrics, reports an association between screen time and an increase in symptoms of depression. Dr Bernadka Dubicka, … read more
Research presented in a conference poster at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, reports that use of hearing aids in older … read more
Research, published in JAMA, reports that living a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of dementia. Dr Jessica Teeling, Professor … read more
Experts comment on German Chancellor Angela Merkel being seen shaking at an official event for the third time. Prof … read more
Research, published in The BMJ, reports that half of new drugs introduced to the German healthcare system have no added … read more
A study, published in the The BMJ, reports a possible association between higher consumption of sugary drinks and an increased risk … read more
Research. published in PLOS One, reports predicted changes that major world cities will undergo as a result of climate change. … read more
An RCT, published in JAMA Psychiatry, reports that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was able to help some sufferers of internet addiction return … read more
An abstract, being presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour conference, reports that insulin delivered as a … read more
Public Health England (PHE) have announced plans to provide boys with the HPV vaccine for the first time. This in light … read more
Research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, reports that few nutritional supplements or dietary interventions offer protection against cardiovascular disease or … read more
Research, published in The Lancet, reports that nerve transfer surgery can restore some function in patients with complete paralysis. … read more
A new study, published in Science, reports on the capacity for trees to reduce atmospheric carbon levels. Dr James … read more
New Scientist reported that biologist Denis Rebrikov intends to use CRISPR gene editing technology on the embryos of deaf couples … read more
An opinion piece published in The BMJ argues that WHO recommendations might reduce intake of important foods for preventing disease and improving … read more
