Dr Sophie Pryor

Dr Sophie Pryor was previously a Volunteer Writer at BioNews, having originally joined the publication under the auspices of its writing scheme. She
currently works as a Medical Writer for Abacus International, a global
healthcare market access consultancy based in Oxfordshire. Previously she completed a Wellcome Trust-funded PhD in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology at University College London's Institute of Child Health. Her research was conducted in the laboratory of the Institute's Director Professor Andrew Copp, and focuses on the genetics and developmental basis of neural tube defects. Previously she studied Biology at the University of York, and went on to work as a DNA Analyst for the Forensic Science Service.
BioNews Comment articles written by Dr Sophie Pryor:
BioNews News articles written by Dr Sophie Pryor:
23andMe's 'designer baby' tool patent draws attention |
7 October 2013 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
A US genetics company has been awarded a patent that relates to a DNA analysis service that predicts a baby's traits on the basis of its parents' genes.... [Read More] |
'Mini-brains' grown from stem cells |
2 September 2013 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
Human stem cells have been used to grow miniature brains, 'organoids' that are just millimetres across and at an equivalent developmental stage as in a nine-week-old fetus... [Read More] |
NICE approves test for genetic markers of breast cancer |
12 August 2013 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
A new diagnostic test that detects whether breast cancer has spread has been recommended for use in NHS practice by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)... [Read More] |
HFEA launches public consultation on mitochondrial replacement techniques |
17 September 2012 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has launched a public consultation on the social and ethical impact of new methods that could prevent the transmission of some incurable mitochondrial diseases.... [Read More] |
Protection against dementia may run in families |
20 August 2012 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
Families with higher levels of a protein linked to inflammation may be at a reduced risk of dementia.... [Read More] |
Amniotic fluid could provide alternative to embryonic stem cells |
9 July 2012 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
Stem cells taken from amniotic fluid can be reprogrammed into a more versatile state similar to embryonic stem cells (ES cells) without the introduction of extra genes, UK scientists have found. The discovery offers hope that these cells could be banked for therapeutic use, research and drug screening... [Read More] |
Florida doctor suspended following death of patient after unlicensed stem cell treatment |
19 March 2012 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
A cardiologist in Bonita Springs, Florida, USA, has had his medical licence suspended after allegedly performing an illegal stem cell treatment on a patient who died during the procedure... [Read More] |
Artificial testicle research given go-ahead |
31 January 2012 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
The development of world's first artificial testicle for production of human sperm has been given the go ahead... [Read More] |
Mouse fetal stem cells mend mum's broken heart |
28 November 2011 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
Mouse fetal stem cells can travel from the placenta to heal their mother's damaged heart, US scientists have found. The discovery may explain why some women who suffer heart failure during or shortly after pregnancy recover faster, and offers hope for new treatment methods using human fetal stem cells... [Read More] |
Stem cell trial for eye diseases begins |
18 July 2011 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
Doctors in the USA have begun treating patients in two clinical trials for degenerative eye diseases. The studies at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), will test whether specialised eye cells, which have been produced from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), can be used to treat dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) and Stargardt's macular dystrophy.... [Read More] |