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.
A study published in Nature looks at unintended immune responses in mRNA therapeutics. Prof Stephen Griffin, Professor of Cancer Virology, University … read more
Scientists react to the Global Tipping Points Report 2023. Dr Louise Sime, climate scientist and tipping points expert at … read more
A study published in PLOS Medicine looks at nutrient status in pregnant women. Dr Duane Mellor, Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer, … read more
Scientists react to the COP28 president saying there is ‘no science’ behind phasing out fossil fuels. Prof Myles Allen … read more
A study in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology looks at the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and rates of bone fractures … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at pancreatic replacement therapy for behaviours in pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). … read more
A new study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the effects of omnivorous vs vegan diets in identical twins. Prof … read more
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific looks at cholesterol levels and the risk of dementia. … read more
A study published in The BMJ looks at social media use and health risk behaviours in young people. Prof Mina … read more
Scientists react to comments made today at the COVID-19 Inquiry about the origins of Coronavirus. Prof David Robertson, Head … read more
Scientists react to Cancer Research UK’s manifesto for cancer research and care. Prof Bernard Rachet, Professor of Cancer Epidemiology … read more
Scientists react to news of a human case of influenza A being detected. Dr Andrew Catchpole, Chief Scientific Officer … read more
A study published in Cell Stem Cell looks at stem cell therapy for treating progressive multiple sclerosis. Dr Aravinthan Varatharaj, Clinical … read more
Scientists react to news that New Zealand are overturning the smoking ban legislation. Prof Caitlin Notley, Professor of Addiction … read more
A study published in Appetite looks at taste perception of ultra-processed foods. Dr Thomas A B Sanders, King’s College London, said: … read more
Scientists react to news of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in China. Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, University of … read more
Scientists react to Science elements of the Autumn Statement. Prof Sarah Main, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering … read more
Experts react to news of Palantir operating the NHS’s new federated data platform. James Davenport, Hebron & Medlock Professor … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at infertility and the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children. Dr … read more
A study published in Science Advances looks at photosynthesis and carbon uptake by plants. Prof Simon Lewis, Professor of Global Change … read more
