Issue 413 (25 June 2007)

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Governing genetic databases - collection, storage and use

25 June 2007 - by Dr Sue Gibbons

Human genetics research is undergoing rapid and dramatic growth. Over recent years, human genetic databases, or 'biobanks', have burgeoned in number, size and sophistication. Many countries are developing population-scale collections, such as UK Biobank, to investigate complex common diseases. Meanwhile, both biomedical researchers and criminal forensic scientists are seeking greater...[Read More]

First brain disease gene therapy trial shows promise

25 June 2007 - by Ailsa Stevens

A US study, published in the journal The Lancet last week, reported that all twelve Parkinson's patients who took part in the world's first gene therapy trial for brain disease improved markedly without experiencing side-effects. Under the care of Dr Michael Kaplitt and colleagues of the New...[Read More]

President Bush vetoes embryonic stem cell legislation

15 June 2007 - by Antony Blackburn-Starza

President Bush has again vetoed legislation that would relax federal funding restrictions on human embryonic stem (ES) cell research in the US, despite it having been passed by large majorities in both the House and the Senate. In the third veto of his presidency, Bush said the...[Read More]

US couples support embryo donation for ES cell research

15 June 2007 - by MacKenna Roberts

A survey of 1,020 infertile American couples with stored frozen embryos found that 49 per cent would prefer to donate some or all of their surplus embryos to general medical research, while a 60 per cent majority would prefer to donate their embryos specifically to embryonic stem...[Read More]

Scientists create stem cells from cloned primate embryos

25 June 2007 - by Katy Sinclair

Researchers have reported success in creating embryonic stem (ES) cell lines from cloned Rhesus monkey embryos, bringing the possibility of human therapeutic cloning closer. Dr Shoukhrat Mitalipov, of the Oregon National Primate Research Centre, announced his success - which was achieved through a modified somatic cell nuclear transfer...[Read More]

ES cell lines produced without destruction of embryos

25 June 2007 - by Danielle Hamm

The US company Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) has successfully produced human embryonic stem (ES) cells without destroying any embryos. The research was announced by Robert Lanza, Vice President of ACT, at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) meeting in Australia. The technique involves removing a...[Read More]