| 'Language learning genes' uncovered |
| 21 February 2011 - by Sujatha Jayakody |
| Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a gene that may help explain how language develops in children... [Read More] |
| Liverpool hospital to investigate 'sex selection' claims |
| 21 February 2011 - by Antony Starza-Allen |
| A Liverpool hospital has said it will investigate allegations that one of its doctors had apparently offered to make arrangements for an undercover reporter posing as a prospective patient to undergo a sex-selection procedure for family balancing abroad... [Read More] |
| Scientists highlight patenting problem in stem cell research |
| 21 February 2011 - by Gozde Zorlu |
| The widespread patenting and privatisation of stem cell lines, data and technology could hinder medical research in this field, a group of scientists has warned in a paper published in Science this month.... [Read More] |
| New gene linked to pre-eclampsia discovered |
| 21 February 2011 - by Dr Lucy Freem |
| A gene important in autoimmune disease has been linked to pre-eclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy. The study from scientists at North Carolina State University looked at the genes that are switched on and off in the human placenta, to find genes that are differently expressed in pre-eclampsia... [Read More] |
| Human Genome Project ten years on: Breakthrough or hype? |
| 21 February 2011 - by Dr Lux Fatimathas |
| An article published by a group of international scientists has said an over emphasis on the Human Genome Project (HGP) may risk a 'backlash' in the field of genetics and has called for an evaluation of where the 'real benefits' from genomic medicine will come from.... [Read More] |
| Birth of surrogate child highlights difficulties with Indian surrogacy laws |
| 21 February 2011 - by Nishat Hyder |
| Uncertainty has arisen over the procedures followed by an Indian surrogacy clinic following the birth of twins to a gay couple from Spain. The couple used a donated egg, which was then artificially fertilised and implanted in a surrogate.... [Read More] |
| 'Bone-fide' link to low sperm count? |
| 21 February 2011 - by Sujatha Jayakody |
| A bone cell hormone can regulate male fertility hormone testosterone, a study on mice has found. Male mice engineered to produce little osteocalcin, a hormone released by bone cells called osteoblasts, had smaller litters and testes than unmodified mice... [Read More] |
| New genetic screening test for rare diseases to be launched in US |
| 21 February 2011 - by Rosemary Paxman |
| A new genetic test screening for almost 450 rare childhood genetic diseases could be available in the US this year, reports the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF).... [Read More] |
| Surrogate mother gives birth to grandchild |
| 21 February 2011 - by Leo Perfect |
| A 61-year-old woman gave birth to her grandson in February because her daughter couldn't maintain a pregnancy. Kristine Casey, who may be the oldest woman to give birth to her grandson, volunteered to act as a surrogate after her daughter, Sara Connell, failed to bring two IVF pregnancies to term... [Read More] |
| British Fertility Society asks members for their views on the future of the HFEA |
| 21 February 2011 - by Chris Chatterton |
| The British Fertility Society (BFS), an organisation representing professionals with an interest in reproductive medicine, has announced that it will be sending a questionnaire to all its members concerning the imminent demise of the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority).... [Read More] |
