Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Governance of Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models (G-SCBEM)
Wednesday evening’s reports of the creation of synthetic embryos using stem cells brought this area of research right to the … read more
expert reaction to study on vaginal microbiota seeding and neurodevelopment of babies born via c-section
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe looks at the effects of vaginal microbiota transfer on the neurodevelopment and … read more
expert reaction to early decisions on changes to the REF
The UK’s higher education funding bodies have made initial decisions on the high-level design of the next Research Excellence Framework … read more
expert reaction to Copernicus statement saying that the first days of June surpassed the 1.5⁰C limit
Copernicus have issued a statement that the first eleven days of this month registered the highest temperatures on record for … read more
International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport 2023 published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine
International conferences informing the evidence-based evaluation and management of concussion in sport have been held for over two decades. The … read more
expert reaction to Guardian reporting news of creation of synthetic embryos using stem cells
The article reports on a plenary address given by Prof Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem … read more
UKRI announce over £50 million to develop trustworthy and secure AI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is announcing over £50 million of funding to develop trustworthy and secure AI that can … read more
expert reaction to study of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and heart health
A study published in Journal of American College of Cardiology looks at the effect of alcohol on cardiovascular risk. … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting brain responses to specific nutrients are diminished in individuals with obesity and are not improved after weight loss
A study published in Nature Metabolism looks at brain responses to nutrients after weight loss in humans with obesity. … read more
expert reaction to study on Metformin after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and risk of developing long COVID
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases looks at the use of Metformin (a diabetes drug) in the treatment … read more
expert reaction to study looking at use of supplements to reverse age-related taurine loss and improve longevity in mice and monkeys
A study published in Science looks at taurine deficiency as a driver of aging. Prof Ilaria Bellantuono, Professor of … read more
expert reaction to announcement of pilot to make obesity drugs accessible to patients with obesity outside of hospital settings
The 2-year drugs pilot was announced by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today. Prof Giles Yeo, Professor of Molecular … read more
expert comments on whether disposable vapes should be banned
There have been reports this morning that Dr Mike McKean, vice-president of policy at the RCPCH, has said: “Without a doubt, … read more
expert reaction to reported attack on Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam
It has been reported that the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Russian-controlled area of southern Ukraine has collapsed. Prof … read more
expert reaction to study suggesting an association between breastfeeding and better exam results in later life
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood looks at breastfeeding duration and educational achievement in England. Prof … read more
expert reaction to an IEA report about COVID-19 lockdowns
A report published by the Institute of Economic Affairs looks at whether COVID-19 lockdowns ‘worked’. Prof John Edmunds, Professor … read more
expert reaction to study on the mechanisms of action of psychedelics’ antidepressant effects
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Dr … read more
expert reaction to a feasibility trial of Parkinson’s drug ropinirole for ALS
Results of a trial looking at the use of ropinirole hydrochloride for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been published in Cell … read more
expert reaction to observational study on association of sleep duration and sleeping pill use and with mortality and life expectancy
An observational study published in Sleep Health looks at the association between sleep duration and sleeping pill use, with mortality … read more
expert reaction to a statement on the existential threat of AI published on the Centre for AI Safety website
In a statement published on the Centre for AI Safety website, AI experts and public figures express their concern about … read more