The Japanese public broadcasting system, NHK, has been accused by scientist Haruko Obokata of violating her human rights. Obokata was the primary researcher involved in the STAP cell fiasco in which two ultimately retracted Nature papers contained duplicated, plagiarized, and manipulated data. She was certainly not the only researcher on those papers, but overall she […]
Did NHK Violate Rights of Obokata (小保方 晴子) on STAP? Read More »
Below is a conversation with bioethics commentator Kelly Hills (who BTW has a great blog), tackling some of the key issues surrounding the potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to make heritable human genetic modification. I really appreciate her clear and insightful answers to some tough questions that many are grappling with today on this topic. Part
Kelly Hills interview: human genetic modification & bioethics Read More »
In a poll on CRISPR, respondents so far have predominantly viewed potential off-target effects as a moderate (28%) to substantial (25%) problem. The poll is still running if you are interested in participating. As to the more polar answers, only 20% and 4% answered “minor” or “a non-issue”, respectively, while 14% thought that off-target effects
CRISPR off-target effects important, but not severe challenge, says poll Read More »
Gene drive is a powerful, emerging genetic technology that can force genetic modification into an entire population. For more background on gene drive you can read my previous post. It’s a very exciting, but potentially dangerous technology with sizable possible risks. Recently I had an intriguing conversation with leading geneticist Harmit Malik on gene drive. What
Conversation with Harmit Malik on Gene Drive & Genetics Read More »
TGIF recommended weekend reads including thought-provoking reading over a beer, glass of wine, or beaker…and what would RNA taste like? Two from Alexey Bersenev The future of human limb bioengineering Translating Cell Therapies: Academic versus Industry model CIRM blog: two cool recent posts Specialized Embryonic Stem Cells Yield Insights into X Chromosome Inactivation Da Mayor and
TGIF: recommended weekend science reads & a jar full of RNA Read More »
Earlier this week I posted an interview with Steven Pinker on CRISPR, human germline modification, and bioethics. With only a few exceptions, I strongly disagree with Pinker’s philosophy in these areas and I knew going into the interview that his answers would likely go against my own views. I also expected the interview would anger
Why interview Steven Pinker on my blog if I strongly disagree with him? Read More »
Scientists studying genetics are both excited and worried about a powerful, new technology called “gene drive“. Some have been raising serious concerns about gene drive and in certain cases calling for proactive regulation, which is unusual in science. This method is so powerful because it is designed to induce genetic changes in an entire population
Exciting CRISPR-powered “gene drive” also has scientists deeply concerned 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 »
In my continuing series of conversations with thought leaders related to heritable human modification, today’s post is an interview with Natasha Vita-More, a pioneer in the transhumanism movement and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Humanity+ (H+), the global transhumanist organization. Where do you see transhumanism today? Has it changed over the years? What
Global transhumanism leader Natasha Vita-More on human germline modification Read More »
With these recommendations I’m aiming for a diverse range of content and perspectives, some of which I may not agree with, but all of which are interesting even if they are beyond research on medicine. Prostate Organoid from Stem Cells. More organoid news. Why Do Glowing Sharks Glow? Not exactly medicine, but a cool piece
TGIF: Recommended Science & Medicine Weekend Reads Read More »