Theatre Review: DNA

'What's more important, one person or everyone?' That's the question at the centre of Dennis Kelly's dark and chilling play, DNA... [Read More]

US court upholds federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research

The US Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling permitting the use of federal funds for research involving human embryonic stem cells.... [Read More]

IVF drugs may reduce breast cancer risk if fertility treatment unsuccessful

Women who undergo fertility treatment but do not become pregnant have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer before the age of 50, according to scientists... [Read More]

Drawing with DNA: genetic code makes complex shapes

Scientists have developed a way of crafting DNA into complex shapes such as letters of the alphabet, symbols and even smiley faces. The nanotechnology may one day be able to create customised DNA structures that can carry therapeutic drugs to specific sites in the human body without triggering an immune response... [Read More]

Canadian regulators grant world's first approval for a stem cell drug

The world's first stem cell drug has been approved by Canadian authorities. US biotech company, Osiris Therapeutics, has been given the go-ahead to market its drug, Prochymal, for the treatment of graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) in children who fail to respond to steroids.... [Read More]

Study finds weak link between womb environment and childhood body size - but is reported otherwise

A child's body size may be influenced by genetic modifications that occur in the womb, a new study claims. Scientists found a weak link between specific DNA modifications – called epigenetic marks – present at birth and the child's height at age nine. Several news sources, however, incorrectly reported a link with childhood obesity.

Fertility regulator has amassed a £3.4m cash surplus

The UK's fertility watchdog, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), has amassed cash reserves of around £3.4 million from charges to the clinics it licenses, prompting calls for the money to be given back to those seeking IVF treatment.... [Read More]

Genetic regions linked to timing of menopause

Thirteen genomic regions appear to influence the age at onset of menopause, according to a genetic study. These regions contain genes involved in DNA repair and immune responses, processes not previously linked to menopause... [Read More]

Rise in 'selective reproduction' due to increase in IVF, experts say

There has been a rise in the number of British women choosing to give birth to fewer children following multiple pregnancy, leading to renewed calls for restrictions on the number of embryos implanted during IVF.... [Read More]

First clinical grade, 'gold standard' stem cells created

The world's first 'clinical grade' human embryonic stem cells have been donated to the UK Stem Cell Bank (UKSCB). The high quality cell lines are expected to become the gold standard for developing new cell-based therapies for serious medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries... [Read More]

Pioneering clinical trial using cardiac stem cells shows early promise

The world's first clinical trial using patients' own cardiac stem cells to repair heart damage has produced surprising results. The preliminary trial was designed simply to test the safety of the procedure, but doctors observed an unexpected improvement in heart function in patients receiving the treatment... [Read More]