Stem Cell Research
latest news & developmentsTissue engineering: A promising field with ethical challenges
One of the advantages is its ability to regenerate a patient’s own tissue, eliminating biocompatibility, but ethical and legal issues need to be ironed out
Ethics of gene editing must be decided by each one of us
Our DNA is similar but our societal values are not, which will make it difficult to reach concensus
Scientific research is SA’s future
The number of researchers is growing but R&D needs far more investment
Stem cell research outstrips legislation
Genetics and bioethics experts are calling for a national oversight body to address critical gaps in South Africa’s regulations and law.
Disgraced researcher fails to replicate stem cell results
A Japanese researcher who was found to have plagiarised and fabricated parts of her stem cell research has failed to replicate her published results.
First iPS stem cell retina surgery performed in Japan
Researchers in Japan have conducted the first ever surgery using ‘iPS’ stem cells – harvested from skin cells – on a woman’s retina.
Comment: A chink in the armour of HIV
Media reports about HIV-infected people being cured of the virus should be read with caution but could these cases give us clues about an antidote?
Now the beauty of stem cells is only skin deep
A new stem cell technique could regrow organs that the body will not reject and is an important step towards a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
3D stem cell ‘printer’ could eliminate need for organ donors
Organ donors and animal testing could soon be a thing of the past after scientists managed to "print" 3D objects using human embryonic stem cells.
Stem cell science saves lives
Blood donated from healthy babies’ umbilical cords is being used to treat diseases and it has also helped scientists’ further stem cell research.
Gene rejuvenation pours youth into centenarians’ cells
Scientists have entered a new path for regenerative medicine by altering age-worn cells in people over 90 into rejuvenated stem cells.
Wealthy Thais use stem cell bank for hi-tech life insurance
Some wealthy Thais are using a medical bank that saves stem cells from a baby’s umbilical cord in hopes of providing a cure to major illnesses.
Obama could lift Bush limits on stem cell research
Barack Obama, who opposes limits on federal funding of stem cell research, will sign an order related to the issue on Monday, an official said.