The international stem cell policy and ethics think tank, the Hinxton Group, weighed in yesterday on heritable human genetic modification with a new policy statement. The Hinxton statement is in many ways in agreement with the Baltimore, et al. Nature paper proposing a “prudent path forward” for human germline genetic modification, which came out of …
Perspectives on Hinxton Human Germline Modification Statement Read More »
There’s a growing stream of stem cell good news of late. Stem cell biotech, TiGenix, reported encouraging Phase 3 allogeneic results on stem cells. A big milestone. I can’t wait to see the actual data. Its product, Cx601, has so far been safe and effective for perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease. See more from Alexey on this. CIRM has funded the largest …
Stem cell good news briefs: TiGenix, Asterias, CIRM, Awards, & More Read More »
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is red-hot right now and I’ve been doing interviews with various thought leaders on it, which today includes Steven Pinker. This technology has great power for research in the lab and there are hypothetical transformative clinical applications of CRISPR too. The latter efforts could include experimental attempts at reversal of disease-causing …
Steven Pinker interview: case against bioethocrats & CRISPR germline ban Read More »
You probably have heard by now about the controversial video (below) showing the senior director of medical services of Planned Parenthood, Deborah Nucatola, discussing the procurement and distribution of fetal tissues from abortions for research. The film was taken secretly using a hidden camera by anti-abortion activists who concealed their real identities. It was edited …
Perspectives on Planned Parenthood Fetal Tissue Video Read More »
The House Subcommittee on Research and Technology on Tuesday held a CRISPR hearing: “The Science and Ethics of Genetically Engineered Human DNA”. At the meeting, CRISPR pioneer Dr. Jennifer Doudna gave testimony along with Dr. Victor Dzau who is the President of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Dr. …
Doudna & Others Testify to Congress on CRISPR, Human Germline Editing Read More »
A question that has come up with advances in stem cell technology: could same-sex couples have their own biological children? Since Shinya Yamanaka reprogrammed first mouse and then human ordinary cells into powerful pluripotent stem cells, termed induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, back in 2006-2007 many new research avenues have opened up. The impossible suddenly …
With one week left to vote to pick the top 12 finalists for the Stem Cell Person of the Year 2014 Award, we have more than 2,800 votes in so far. From the top 12 vote-getters, I will choose the winner. This is the third year of this award. I self-fund this award out of …
Stem Cell Person of the Year Award 2014 Voting: Who Will Be Finalists? Read More »
Nominations have closed and we have more than two dozen nominations for Stem Cell Person of the Year 2014. It’s an exciting, diverse group including some news faces as well as nominees from years past as well. Happy Stem Cell Day! You can now vote for your choice for the top finalists in the poll …
Stem Cell Person of the Year 2014 Award: Vote To Choose 12 Finalists Read More »
I recently posted on the dangerous situation with the Stamina Foundation. I discussed the controversy surrounding it that has impacted scientists, politicians, the media, and patients. Stamina’s unproven stem cell treatments in Italy should be of concern to everyone across the globe in the stem cell field. For example, here in the US where I …
More on Stamina Foundation Controversy: Letter from Michele Simonato Read More »
One of the big stem cell-related stories of 2013 was the controversy over the Stamina Foundation in Italy and its potential use of largely untested stem cell products on patients, including mostly children. The winner of my 2013 Stem Cell Person of the Year Award was Dr. Elena Cattaneo and one reason she won was the courage …
Nature Slams Controversial Stamina Foundation: A Dangerous Situation Continues Read More »