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.
Scientists comment on R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy, published by the Department for Business and Trade. Commenting on … read more
Scientists comment on a real-time forecast of heat related deaths during the 19-22 June 2025 heatwave. Prof Hannah Cloke, … read more
An observational study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine looks at blood biomarkers in ME/CFS patients. Prof Alan J Carson, Professor in Neuropsychiatry, … read more
Scientists comment on final NICE draft guidance on the use of donanemab and lecanemab for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Sebastian … read more
A meta-analysis published in Aging Cell looks at the effect of Rapamycin, Metformin, and Dietary Restriction on non-human vertebrate lifespan. … read more
A study published in The BMJ compares the evidence around intermittent fasting and calorie restriction for weight loss. Prof Maik Pietzner, … read more
An observational study published in JAMA looks at addictive screen use, suicidal behaviours and mental health in adolescents. Dr Amy … read more
Scientists comment on UKHSA announcing a rabies case in an individual that had contact with an animal in Morocco. … read more
A systematic review published in the Journal for the American Heart Association looks at ocean microplastic pollution and the risk of … read more
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research looks at sexual function of transgender adults who had taken … read more
Scientists comment on the government announcing a boost to clinical trials as part of the 10 year health plan. … read more
Scientists comment on the Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Dr Simon Bennett, Director of the Civil Safety … read more
Scientists comment on a drought status confirmed in Yorkshire, as announced by the Environment Agency. Lucy Barker, hydrologist at … read more
Scientists comment on a London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashing shortly after take-off in India. Dr Guy Gratton, Associate Professor … read more
A study published in The BMJ looks at the use of the progesterone contraceptive pill and brain tumour risk. Dr Karen … read more
Scientists comment on the R&D elements of the Spending Review, as announced by the Chancellor. Professor Andrew Morris CBE … read more
A modelling study published in Geophysical Research Letters looks at the impact of a weakened AMOC (Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) on … read more
Scientists comment on news that the UK government is investing in a nuclear plant at the Sizewell C site and … read more
Scientists comment on the £86bn R&D package unveiled by the Chancellor ahead of the Spending Review. Sharon Todd Chief … read more
Scientists comment on the MHRA advice on contraceptives for women taking weight loss drugs. Dr Caroline Ovadia, Senior Clinical … read more
