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New Report Dissects Ethics of Emerging Human Brain Cell Models
New Report Dissects Ethics of Emerging Human Brain Cell Models
The National Academies’ report touches on ethical issues raised by new technologies such as brain organoids and human-animal chimeras, and suggests that current regulatory oversight is sufficient.
The National Academies’ report touches on ethical issues raised by new technologies such as brain organoids and human-animal chimeras, and suggests that current regulatory oversight is sufficient.
ethics, disease & medicine
Respected Medical Geneticist Sir Peter Harper Dies at 81
Catherine Offord | Feb 2, 2021 | 4 min read
The Cardiff University researcher was famous both for his work on genetic disorders and for his documentation of the history of his field.
A Challenge Trial for COVID-19 Would Not Be the First of Its Kind
Jef Akst | Oct 8, 2020 | 9 min read
Although scientists debate the ethics of deliberately infecting volunteers with SARS-CoV-2, plenty of consenting participants have been exposed to all sorts of pathogens in prior trials.
Support for Vaccine Challenge Trials Gains Momentum
Shawna Williams | May 11, 2020 | 2 min read
The idea of deliberately infecting volunteers with SARS-CoV-2 has garnered significant attention as a potential avenue to speedier development, as the World Health Organization weighs in with recommendations.
Opinion: Ethically Accessing Experimental Therapies for COVID-19
John D. Loike and Jennifer E. Miller | Apr 8, 2020 | 4 min read
In the midst of a pandemic, individual patients are not always the focus of the ethics discussions.
Google Bans Ads for Experimental Medical Treatments
Ashley Yeager | Sep 9, 2019 | 2 min read
The new policy will increase scrutiny and pressure on stem cell clinics, according to industry experts.
First Human–Monkey Chimeras Developed in China
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 5, 2019 | 3 min read
The researchers aim to grow transplantable human organs from primate embryos.
Survey of Stem Cell Clinics Reveals Cause for Concern
Jef Akst | Aug 1, 2019 | 4 min read
Two coauthors of a new study discuss their findings about nearly 170 facilities in the southwestern US selling unproven therapies—and what should be done about them.
WHO Panel Calls For a Registry of Gene-Editing Research in Humans
Catherine Offord | Mar 20, 2019 | 2 min read
The advisors’ recommendations follow news of ethically dubious gene-editing work carried out by He Jiankui late last year.
Claim of First Gene-Edited Babies Triggers Investigation
Catherine Offord | Nov 26, 2018 | 2 min read
He Jiankui says he has successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to tweak the genes of twins born earlier this month. Some independent experts are dubious.
Bioethics Council: Gene-Editing Human Embryos Conditionally OK
Shawna Williams | Jul 17, 2018 | 1 min read
The UK-based organization encourages public debate about the issue but does not recommend immediate policy change.
Seven Researchers Guilty of Misconduct in Macchiarini Case
Catherine Offord | Jun 25, 2018 | 2 min read
The Karolinska Institute’s latest decision includes a guilty verdict for one of the whistleblowers who contributed to the investigation.
Image of the Day: Henrietta Lacks
The Scientist | May 12, 2018 | 1 min read
A painting of the woman who was the source of HeLa cells will be on view at the National Portrait Gallery beginning May 15.
Researchers Succeed in Keeping Disembodied Pig Brains Alive
Catherine Offord | May 1, 2018 | 2 min read
The organs showed neural activity for up to 36 hours, adding fuel to discussions about the ethics of future neuroscientific research.