From saviour sibling to saviour embryo in 7 easy pages
A philosopher, Robert Sparrow, and a stem cell scientist, David Cram, from Monash University in Victoria, Australia, in the May edition of Reproductive Medicine Online argue the case for ‘Saviour embryos? Preimplantation genetic diagnosis as a therapeutic technology.’ (*) Reading this title quickly you might question what is new in this proposal. Read it again carefully and you will...
Read MoreAnimal-human hybrids: It makes sense to say no
A group of UK scientists held a press conference in London this week, expressing rage that their licence applications, asking to be allowed to clone embryos combining animal eggs with human tissue, were unlikely to be granted. Readers of The Times, London, would be under the impression that no one but religious groups and opponents of embryo research are opposed to this cross species...
Read MoreNuffield consultation – CORE response
CORE submitted to the Nuffield Consultation on Premature Baby Decisions. We suggested in particular that much more should be invested in avoiding premature birth in the first place. The risks of multiple birth and prematurity following multiple embryo transfer have been addressed recently by the HFEA, but the correlation between significant prematurity in births subsequent to abortion has...
Read MoreRecent advances in adult stem cell research
OVERALL SUCCESSES ‘Optimal construct determined for generation of muscle-derived stem cells,’ BioNews, September 14, 2005, STEM CELL SOURCES ‘Cytori Therapeutics demonstrates adipose-derived adult stem and regenerative cells enhance cardiac function in preclinical study,’ Genetic Engineering News, September 12, 2005, CORD BLOOD ‘Israeli stem cell research...
Read MoreFreezing eggs to postpone motherhood? A foolish and selfish choice
Egg freezing (and ovarian tissue freezing) has been developed over the last decade, particularly in countries where it is not permitted to freeze the embryo. It is regarded as a viable way to preserve fertility for women undergoing cancer treatment, so that they can attempt to have children once they are in remission. Stem cell scientists, who require large numbers of human eggs for...
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