NEWS and OPINIONS
RNA-guided CRISPR system activates gene expression
by Alisha Willett, Purdue University - PHYS.ORG - In back-to-back studies published in Nature, researchers from Purdue University and Columbia University report a naturally evolved gene-editing system that can activate genes, offering an advantage over existing CRISPR...
Leveraging the Full Potential of Regenerative Medicine Requires a Proactive Approach
By Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News - Modern medicine has achieved extraordinary success in treating acute disease. Yet when it comes to chronic degenerative conditions, the diseases that dominate healthcare spending and disability in aging populations, our...
Implantable islet cells could control diabetes without insulin injections
by Anne Trafton | MIT News - The cells can survive in the body for at least three months, producing enough insulin to control blood sugar levels, research shows. Most diabetes patients must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and inject insulin multiple times...
With FDA go ahead, a China biotech notches a first in cell therapy testing
by Jacob Bell - BioPharmaDive - The agency has now cleared Shanghai-based Unixell to begin human studies in the U.S. for an allogeneic, stem cell-derived therapy targeting focal epilepsy. For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration is allowing a certain kind...
Japan Approves the World’s First Treatment Made With Reprogrammed Human Cells
By Ritsuko Kawa - Wired - Researchers in Japan pioneered reprogrammed cells 20 years ago. Now the country has given the first-ever authorizations to manufacture and sell medical products based on the technology. On March 6, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and...
New RNA injection could help hearts heal after heart attacks
By Drug Target Review - A new RNA-based therapy developed at Columbia University could help the heart repair itself after a heart attack without invasive surgery. After a heart attack, it is possible for cardiologists to reopen blocked vessels and restart blood flow...
Cells can sense 10x farther than expected and it may explain cancer spread
By Washington University in St. Louis - Science Daily - Scientists have discovered that cells can sense far beyond the surfaces they touch. While individual cancer cells can probe about 10 microns ahead by tugging on surrounding collagen fibers, clusters of normal...
U.S. judge upends Kennedy’s overhaul of childhood vaccine policies
By CNBC NEWS - A federal judge on Monday blocked key parts of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s effort to reshape U.S. vaccine policy, including a move to reduce the number of shots routinely recommended for children. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston...
Scientists Are Trying to Train Lab-Grown Brains. The Brains Have Started to Solve Problems.
By Darren Orf - Popular Mechanics - Scientists trained a brain organoid to solve a well-known engineering task, and its success demonstrates the increasing complexity of lab-grown brains. While creating organs sounds like sci-fi fodder, scientists have actually...
New hope for treating a rare genetic disease before birth
By Stanford Medicine News - Stanford Medicine scientists are launching a clinical trial of prenatal transplants, using stem cells from the mother, to treat a rare genetic disease called Fanconi anemia before a baby is born. Stanford Medicine pediatric hematologist...
Giving stem cells room to breath
By Kyoto University - Nanogel integrated spheroids increase cell retention and repair injured swallowing muscles Kyoto, Japan -- Swallowing is a fundamental human function that supports nutrition and communication. Damage to swallowing muscles can reduce quality of...
Gene-based therapies poised for major upgrade thanks to Oregon State University research
By Steve Lundeberg - Oregon State University - by overcoming the challenge of consistently getting genes and gene-editing tools where they need to be within cells. Findings of the study spearheaded by Oregon State University College of Pharmacy graduate student Antony...