Alternative methods for obtaining ES cells developed
New techniques could make it possible for scientists to obtain embryonic stem (ES) cells without destroying a viable human embryo, two studies published online in Nature suggest. In the first, researchers based at US company Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) derived ES cells from a single cell taken from early mouse...
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Gene patenting distorts the medical research agenda
by Dr Sue Mayer
It is in patenting gene sequences that the divide between research to address health needs and research for profit is most clear. The extent of US patents granted on human genes is revealed in the 10 October edition of the journal Science. According to Jensen and Murray of the Massachusetts...
Holding your breath: Predictive genetic testing in young people
by Rony Duncan
When it comes to genetic tests, young people are treated differently from adults. If adults want to know if they will develop the genetic condition that runs in their family, they can have a predictive test to find out. However, if young people want to learn the same information about...