A UK biotech firm, ReNeuron, is developing a new treatment for stroke that involves a single injection of neural stem cells - cells that can grow into a variety of different nerve and brain cells. If clinical trials are successful, the company hopes to develop similar therapies for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's...
The UK home secretary, Jack Straw, is to consider changing the law to give police more powers to prevent organised intimidation campaigns. His promise follows recent firebomb attacks on cars belonging to employees of Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a UK contract research firm that uses animals in safety tests for...
A UK man wants to donate several frozen embryos, produced in vitro shortly before his wife's death nearly five years ago, to another infertile couple. The man and his 37 year-old wife underwent fertility treatment at the Hammersmith Hospital, London in 1995. The resulting embryos were frozen and stored, but...
UK scientists are planning to grow genetically modified (GM) apples and strawberries that would protect against tooth decay. Researchers at biotech firm Horticultural Research International plan to add a gene that makes an antibacterial peptide [a very small protein] to the fruit. The peptide works by preventing the bacteria that...
A UK biotech firm has successfully used a new method to transfer genes into rabbits, and hopes to begin human gene therapy trials using the same technique next year. Researchers at Eurogene Ltd used a new, genetically altered virus, developed by a team of scientists at the University of Kuopio...
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Animal experiments are necessary in medical research
by Dr Jess Buxton
In this week's BioNews, we report that the UK government is considering tightening up legislation to prevent pressure groups, particularly animal rights activists, from organising 'intimidation campaigns'. Why does Home Secretary Jack Straw feel such a drastic measure is necessary? His decision follows a series of attacks on employees of...