Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert comment on new COVID variants
In light of reports on an uptick in COVID cases and on new variants of SARS-CoV-2, here are some comments … read more
expert reaction to Cochrane review on blue-light filtering spectacles for eye strain, eye health and sleep quality
A review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at the use of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses for visual … read more
expert reaction to perspective piece proposing a refined legal definition of an embryo
A perspective piece published in Cell provides an ethical framework for human embryology with embryo models. Dr Helen O’Neill, … read more
expert reaction to study measuring political bias in ChatGPT
A study published in Public Choice looks at a measure ChatGPT political bias. Dr Stuart Armstrong, Co-Founder and Chief … read more
expert reaction to study looking at risk of cancer death after low dose occupational exposure to ionising radiation in workers
A study published in the BMJ looks at cancer mortality after low dose exposure to ionising radiation in workers in … read more
expert reaction to study looking at access to a smartphone alcohol intervention app and alcohol consumption in university students
A study published in the BMJ looks at the effect of smartphone intervention for university students with unhealthy alcohol use. … read more
expert reaction to RCT of levonorgestrel taken with an anti-inflammatory drug (piroxicam) as an emergency contraceptive
A study published in The Lancet looks at the use of levonorgestrel plus piroxicam as oral emergency contraception. Dr … read more
expert reaction to study modelling warming-induced glacier retreat
A study published in Nature looks at future emergence of new ecosystems caused by glacial retreat. Prof Chris Rapley, … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting molecules in vegetables may help to ease lung infection
A study published in Nature looks suggests that endothelial AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) activity prevents lung barrier disruption in viral … read more
expert reaction to case of pig-to-brain-dead human kidney xenotransplantation
A case study published in JAMA Surgery looks at graft function after a pig-to-human kidney xenotransplant. Comments sent out … read more
expert reaction to study of e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adolescents and young adults
A study published in Thorax looks at e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Dr Lion … read more
expert reaction to observational study of particulate air pollution from different sources and dementia incidence in the US
An observational study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compares particulate air pollution from different emission sources and incident dementia in … read more
expert reaction to a systematic review on the impact of social media use interventions on mental well-being
A systematic review published in Journal of Medical Internet Research looks at the impact of social media use interventions on … read more
El Niño – what might it bring and what could it mean for health?
The onset of El Niño conditions was officially confirmed by the WMO in July. As the weather phenomenon strengthens, it … read more
expert reaction to Hawaii wildfires
Deaths have been reported following wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Comments sent out 11/08/2023: Prof Yadvinder Malhi, … read more
expert reaction to study of blood sugar levels and risk of cardiovascular diseases
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe looks at sex-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and blood sugar … read more
expert reaction to study looking at Facebook adoption and wellbeing in 72 countries
A study published in Royal Society Open Science estimates the association between Facebook adoption and well-being in 72 countries. … read more
expert reaction to study looking at sugar-sweetened drinks, artificially-sweetened drinks, and liver cancer and chronic liver disease
A study published in JAMA looks at sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened beverages and risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease … read more
expert reaction to Novo Nordisk press release announcing the headline results from their SELECT cardiovascular outcomes semaglutide trial
The press release from Novo Nordisk states that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by … read more
Antarctic extreme events
A new synthesis of evidence about extreme events in the Antarctic has been published in Frontiers in Environmental Science. It … read more