What researchers claim as the largest-ever whole-genome sequencing study in breast cancer has revealed five previously unidentified genes which drive the development of the disease...
Adding more genes to existing multi-gene panels that test for breast and ovarian cancer risk offers little clinical benefit, a study says...
Scientists from the UK and US have grown human embryos in the lab for 13 days after fertilisation — the longest ever recorded. This is beyond the stage when embryos would normally implant in the womb, but just before the 14-day legal limit in the UK...
A study of ancient DNA obtained from prehistoric human remains has revealed details about modern humans before farming began, going back to their arrival in Europe around 45,000 years ago...
A federal parliamentary committee in Australia has recommended that commercial surrogacy should remain illegal in the country, but that altruistic surrogacy should be regulated at a national level...
The UK's first baby resulting from an embryo that was screened using next-generation DNA sequencing has been born in Oxford...
Austrian documentary film-maker Maria Arlamovsky journeys around the world, investigating the state of reproductive treatment. Her film asks a single question: how far should we go?
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Should we extend the 14-day period for cultivating human embryos?
by Julian Hitchcock
The advances of Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, the opportunities to undertake valuable medical research and our changed sense of values all demand that we reappraise the 14-day limit...
Help us keep developing BioNews
by Sarah Norcross
This week has seen a breakthrough in human embryology - a breakthrough whose ethical, social and legal implications sit firmly within the scope of BioNews...
Lab in a lunch box
by Craig Macpherson
The development of a portable DNA laboratory for professionals and enthusiasts raises questions about how regulations can possibly protect consumers in this rapidly developing field...