The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, not-for-profit service for the news media, giving journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise.

We aim to better inform public debate on the major issues of the day by improving links between the media and the scientific community.

ROUND-UP: Global warming slower, but same end result (Nature Geoscience) – experts respond

Fri17May
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EMBARGO LIFTED at 03:00 AEST Mon 20 May 2013
 
The recent slowdown in global warming over the last decade does not significantly change estimates of the eventual temperature rise in response to doubled atmospheric CO2 concentrations, according to new international research. The study, which includes an Australian author, does suggest that the immediate temperature response to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may need to be revised downwards.

The researchers find that most of the climate models used in the upcoming fifth assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are consistent with the results presented, but they note considerable uncertainties. read more

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ROUND-UP: Therapeutic cloning generates human embryonic stem cells (Cell) – experts respond

Wed15May
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EMBARGO LIFTED 02:00 AEST Thu 16 May, 2013

For the first time, scientists have used therapeutic cloning techniques to create human embryonic stem cells. The researchers used a process known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), or ‘therapeutic cloning’, which involves taking the nucleus – which contains the genetic material – from a body cell, such as a skin cell, and then transferring it into an unfertilised egg that has had its genetic material removed. While scientists have previously been able to make embryonic stem cells using this approach in monkeys and mice, until now they had not been able to this with human cells. This method could be used to study patient-specific causes of disease and for developing personalised therapies. read more

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BACKGROUND BRIEFING: DSM 5 – Psychiatric bible or fatally flawed?

Wed15May
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ONLINE BRIEFING – Wednesday 15 May at 10.30am AEST

On Sunday 19 May the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) – the world’s most widely used psychiatric bible – is being released by the American Psychiatric Association. It will not only outline all recognised mental health conditions and their associated symptoms, but it also has implications for public health programs, health funding and health insurance. read more

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RAPID REACTION: Federal Budget 2013 – experts respond

Tue14May
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Experts address how the latest announcements will impact on research, the Murray Darling Basin and the Great Barrier Reef. The AusSMC will be adding further expert analysis over the coming days. read more

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RAPID REACTION: Novel coronavirus outbreak – experts respond

Mon13May
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A new coronavirus – from the same group of viruses responsible for the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS — has been identified as the cause of an increasing number of illnesses and deaths in several countries. The World Health Organisation’s most recent media statement on the virus is available here.

A second case of the novel coronavirus in France was announced yesterday and confirmed as the result of patient-to-patient transmission within a French hospital. The news has prompted some to speculate whether coronavirus will be behind the next global pandemic. read more

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ROUND-UP: Sunlight good for blood pressure – experts respond

Thu9May
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Immediate release

UK research suggests exposing skin to sunlight may help to reduce blood pressure, cut the risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have shown that when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, a compound is released in our blood vessels that helps lower blood pressure. The research is being presented at The International Investigative Dermatology conference – an abstract and media release are available. read more

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ROUND-UP: Playgrounds a source of lead exposure in Port Pirie (Environmental Pollution*) – expert responds

Thu2May
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A study led by researchers from Macquarie University indicates that public playgrounds could be a key source of lead exposure for children living in Port Pirie. The research published today in the journal Environmental Pollution* measured lead and other metals in the air, soil and on the surface of playground equipment and then assessed the amount of lead on the children’s hands before and after play. Below is a comment from an independent expert and from the lead author of the report.

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BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Better than cure – preventing mental illness at different life stages

Thu2May
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EMBARGO LIFTED at noon Thursday 02 May

ONLINE BRIEFING – Thursday May 2nd at 11:00 AEST

Every year, Australia spends more than $6bn on mental health care and services, and that amount increases by around 5 per cent every year. Current treatments are not particularly effective, and huge savings could be made if mental health conditions were prevented rather than managed and treated, to say nothing of the human suffering that could be avoided. We have an extensive and rapidly growing knowledge of how to achieve this, so the problem is not what we don’t know, it’s what we don’t do. read more

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ROUND-UP: 60 years of DNA on International DNA Day, Thursday April 25 – experts respond

Wed24Apr
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Tomorrow, 25 April (now known as International DNA Day), will mark 60 years since James Watson, Francis Crick and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. The discovery revolutionised science in many areas from health and medicine through to crime and led to a number of scientific advances. Below Australian experts comment on the momentous occasion. read more

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