A few weeks back I started a poll focusing on whether people would have a designer baby if they could. With nearly 200 responses so far, the results are very mixed (see image). One conclusion from this I think is that we need more information on possible risks versus benefits. Another element here is that …
Poll finds near equal split on question: would you have a designer baby? Read More »
NASA researchers have been interested in the effects of space travel and in particular microgravity (μg; not to be confused in this context with the common abbreviation for micrograms) on stem cells. For instance, see the past piece “Stem Cells Take Wild Ride in Space Capsule”. In a new NASA study led by Dr. Eduardo A.C. …
Stem cells in space with NASA: microgravity reduces regenerative potential Read More »
It’s been a busy few weeks for the stem cell field. Below are some news briefs on developments. RetractionWatch reports that Piero Anversa is leaving Harvard/Brigham and Women’s Hospital after an investigation and dismissed lawsuit he filed against the institution. All still quiet on the STAP cell front at the same institutions. There’s some more …
Stem Cell News Briefs: Anversa, Japan Regs, Ocata Suit, More Read More »
Over the years I’ve heard from quite a few patients of stem cell clinics who feel very strongly about their experiences. Some have quite positive views on getting stem cell interventions, while others feel very negatively about the stem cell clinics. I’ve heard more of the latter kind of experience. People often tell me that …
After a seemingly endless period of review, the FDA has approved the genetically modified (GM) AquaBounty salmon for sale and consumption. Update: You might find my interview with George Church on CRISPR and gene modification interesting. I don’t see any particular reason to think that this GM fish as a food would pose any significant …
FDA approves 1st GM animal (fast-growing salmon) to eat Read More »
A recent piece on CRISPR genetic modification in the New Yorker called The Gene Hackers or Human 2.0 by Michael Specter is striking in a number of ways. I highly recommend it. The article provides an in-depth look at CRISPR and its potential use for human editing. I like how the article brings so many …
Haunting Doudna nightmare about Hitler wanting CRISPR Read More »
Please take our new poll. Would you have a genetically modified baby? There are a lot of issues and even feelings to factor into this question Please tell us in the comments why you voted the way you did.
By Heather Main This year I will be attending the World Stem Cell Summit for the first time (see @WSCSummit on Twitter). I was surprised when I looked at the program and recognized so few of the names of speakers; which made me question what this event was about, if not focused on stem cell research. …
Good reasons to go to the World Stem Cell Summit Read More »
What’s better for stem cell trials such as for vision loss or Parkinson’s Disease: allogeneic or autologous cells? In a major shift earlier this year, the induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cell trial in Japan for treatment of macular degeneration (MD) switched gears from using the patients’ own cells (called “autologous”) to using banked cells from …
Parkinson’s IPS cell trial in Japan switching to allogeneic Read More »
A few weeks ago I spent a bit of time in Vienna participating in TEDxVienna. You can see two previous posts on my experience here and here. My own video is not up yet on TED, but a few have popped up so far here. One of my favorites is the talk “What if we …
More from @TEDxVienna including photos and videos Read More »