Author Archives: Science Media Centre
Launch of new clinical trial to test treatments for monkeypox
Since May this year we have seen numerous outbreaks of monkeypox outside the countries where it has been endemic. This … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA announcing pilot of monkeypox vaccines in smaller doses
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have announced that monkeypox vaccines are to be piloted in smaller but equally effective doses … read more
expert reaction to a study on brain stimulation and improvement in tasks on working and long-term memory
A study published in Nature Neuroscience looks at the use of repetitive neuromodulation to improve working memory and long-term memory … read more
expert reaction to study looking at the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on human microbiomes and glycaemic levels
A study published Cell Press looks at microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance. Dr Sarah Berry, … read more
expert reaction to Russian claims that a Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant accident could spread radiation across parts of Europe
There have been a number of media reports on Russia’s claims that the occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine … read more
expert reaction to study investigating use of genetic risk score for prostate cancer in men with lower urinary tract symptoms to predict diagnosis
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer looks at the use of a genetic risk score to predict … read more
expert reaction to study on risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions up to two years after COVID-19 infection
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry looks at neurological and psychiatric risk trajectories after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This Roundup accompanied … read more
Risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions 2 years after COVID-19 infection
Researchers have studied medical records from over 1.25 million people in the US to assess the risk of developing neurological … read more
expert reaction to study on safety of pre-fertilisation DNA transfer to avoid mitochondrial disease
A study published in PLOS Biology looks at the safety of spindle transfer for preventing transfer of mitochondrial mutations from … read more
expert reaction to JCVI advice on COVID-19 vaccines for the autumn booster programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has published its advice on which COVID-19 vaccines should be used in … read more
expert reaction to MHRA approving Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine has today been approved for adult booster doses by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory … read more
expert reaction to the anticipated UK drought
Several journalists have asked the SMC about the prolonged period of dry weather and anticipated drought this summer. Below are … read more
expert reaction to study looking at rate of Arctic warming
A study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, suggests that the Arctic is warming at a faster rate than the rest … read more
dry weather in the UK – the science of droughts
The SMC has had several media enquiries on the current dry weather situation and whether we are in a drought … read more
expert reaction to review paper looking at the response of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet to past and future climate change
A review paper published in Nature looks at the response of the East Antarctic ice sheet to past and future … read more
expert reaction to update from the UKHSA on the poliovirus in sewage situation, and that all children aged 1 to 9 in London will be offered a dose of polio vaccine
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have announced that, following the discovery of vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east … read more
expert reaction to UKHSA issuing level 3 heat health alert
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a heat-health alert as high temperatures are forecast for much of the … read more
expert reaction to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and media reports of shelling
A few journalists have asked us about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, so here is a comment from Dr Mark Wenman … read more
expert reaction to study looking at early time-restricted eating and weight loss in obese adults
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine looks at the effectiveness of time-restricted eating (TRE) for weight loss, fat loss, … read more
expert reaction to latest stats from the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey, UK: 5 August 2022
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, … read more