Scientists create regenerative cells from mouse cells
Regrowing human tissue is one step closer after scientists found manipulating two key proteins in mouse muscle cells enabled them to continue multiplying...
Dr Jay Stone
Dr Jay Stone was previously a Volunteer Writer at BioNews, having originally joined the publication under the auspices of its writing scheme, and is now Press and Public Enquiries Officer at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. She obtained her PhD at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology, where she researched gene abnormalities in retinal vascular angiogenesis as part of the Graduate Programme of the Medical Research Council's Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology. She has also written for the journals Opticon1826 and Prometheus, and for the British Society of Cell Biology. She has collaborated with designer Berit Greinke on the project The Good, the Bad and the Negative, which was exhibited at the Science Museum's Dana Centre and went on to receive the NOBELini award. Previously, she studied Molecular Medicine at the University of Sussex and interned at Sense About Science. Her BioNews article 'First saviour sibling stem cell transplant performed in UK' is reproduced in Biotechnology and Cloning (buy this book from Amazon UK). She tweets as @JS_tone
BioNews Articles by Dr Jay Stone
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Otzi Iceman's DNA sequenced
Scientists announced that they have completed the genetic sequencing of Otzi the iceman, discovered by Alpine hikers in 1991, who is believed to have died aged 46, after being shot with an arrow....
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Cancer Genome Project releases first results
The largest study to link cancer cells' genetics with their sensitivity to treatment published its first results on the 15 July...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Huntington's disease more common than previously thought
Two papers published in the Lancet have suggested that the number of people in the UK suffering with Huntington’s disease (HD) may be double original figures and that patients are failing to be diagnosed due to the stigma attached to the illness...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Scientists embark on new study to discover the functions of all mouse genes
Scientists have announced an ambitious plan to identify the function of every gene in the mouse genome....
Image by Alan Handyside via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts a human egg soon after fertilisation, with the two parental pronuclei clearly visible.
Ultrasound could be a male contraceptive
Research into using ultrasound as a male contraceptive was given a financial boost last week after researchers secured a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Study links genes to chronic kidney disease
An international study published in Nature Genetics has identified 20 new gene variations linked to increased susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD)...
Image by Bill Sanderson via the Wellcome Collection, © Wellcome Trust Ltd 1990. Depicts Laocoön and his family (from Greek and Roman mythology) entwined in coils of DNA.
Survey rates stem cell clinics
The International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS) has published a preliminary survey into adult stem cell treatments currently being offered by 22 international clinics. The ICMS hope the results will become a resource for patients considering treatment. But they have faced criticisms for including in their analysis some unregulated stem cell treatments with unproven effectiveness...
Image by Bill Sanderson via the Wellcome Collection, © Wellcome Trust Ltd 1990. Depicts Laocoön and his family (from Greek and Roman mythology) entwined in coils of DNA.
Stem cell policy proposal good news for US research
The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proposed a broader definition of 'human embryonic stem cell' (HES), which would allow Federal funding of research using cells at an early development stage....
Keeping libel laws out of science - fighting for our right to debate
During my endeavours to explore science communication, I came across a UK charity called 'Sense about Science' (SAS), a non-profit charity trust that work with over 2000 scientists and civic groups to respond to misrepresentations of science in the public domain. SAS believes in good science communication and in promoting public understanding of science to prevent panic and confusion. The topical publications it produces - such as 'Making sense of GM' - are easy to read and appeal to all leve...
