Science Media Centre

The European Court of Justice has ruled that national courts can decide that vaccines can cause adverse reactions, even in the absence of scientific evidence. The ruling follows a case of a French patient who was vaccinated against hepatitis B in 1998 and developed multiple sclerosis a year later. Prior to his death in 2011, […]

The latest reports from last week’s devastating fire in the Grenfell Tower apartment block in London suggest there are 58 people still unaccounted for who are presumed dead.  Forensic scientists are beginning their investigation, but the intensity of the fire makes it difficult to identify the remains. The UK SMC collected expert reaction on the […]

People over 75 who take aspirin every day to prevent heart problems have a higher than expected risk of intestinal bleeding, say UK researchers. They argue that anyone over 75 taking aspirin daily should be prescribed proton-pump inhibitors at the same time to counter this risk. The 10-year-long study, published today in The Lancet, showed […]

Just a couple of stubbies a night, or a glass or two of wine, could be damaging your brain, say UK researchers, though independent experts caution the study can’t show cause-and-effect. Studying the cognitive capabilities of people over 30 years, the scientists found moderate drinking – 14 – 21 units of alcohol a week – may […]

News this morning that US President Donald Trump has decided to pull the USA out of the Paris Agreement was widely anticipated. The USA was one of 195 countries to sign on to the historic agreement, which former President Barack Obama was instrumental in brokering. Trump called the agreement a deal that “hamstrings” the USA while […]

Practical changes to New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) would ensure emitters reduce their greenhouse gases quicker than the current pace, according to a discussion paper released today. Motu Economic and Public Policy Research based its proposals on a series of working papers and meetings. Research fellow Suzi Kerr told stuff.co.nz that the ETS had […]

A review paper published in Child Development claims that exposure to electromagnetic fields and radio-frequency radiation – via wireless technology – may be linked to neurodevelopmental problems in children. The paper does not include any new data, but reiterates data from previous papers linking electromagnetic fields (EMF) and pulsed radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices to ADHD and autism in children. […]

A new report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment highlights the desperate situation for many native birds, despite concerted conservation efforts. While Dr Jan Wright applauds the Predator Free 2050 goal, she says a plan of action is urgently required. Among her other recommendations, she suggests a Nature Border Levy to fund conservation and […]

Rocket Lab launched its Electron rocket yesterday from the Māhia Peninsula. #ItsaTest ©Rocket Lab Despite not reaching orbit, the company announced it successfully made it to space, marking the first orbital-class rocket launched from a private launch site. The SMC gathered expert reaction about the launch. Feel free to use these comments in your reporting. […]

The Government has released this year’s Budget, with $250 million earmarked for science and innovation initiatives. This page will be updated with any new announcements and expert reaction. Finance Minister Steven Joyce delivered his first budget today: the National-led Government’s ninth budget. The Science and Innovation sector will receive $255.6 million of investments over the […]