Scientists Push for a Moratorium on Human Germline Editing

From NCER:

In response to the blatant breach of ethics with the birth of DNA-modified twins last year in China, seven of the most powerful international scientific research entities have joined forces to propose a global moratorium on editing heritable DNA to create genetically-modified children. Thirty nations already have banned this research, and while this moratorium is a good first step toward regulation, it is not a ban, and therefore it clearly acknowledges the eventuality …

New Therapeutic Approach to Treating Osteoarthritis

From NCER:

Almost 27 million Americans suffer from painful osteoarthritis, caused by the degeneration of cartilage and bone. As the “Baby Boomer” population ages, this number will significantly surge, leading to a medical health crisis. Researchers from Texas A&M believe they have found a successful way to deliver “therapeutic growth factor” treatment to affected joints in a safe and effective way. Once thought of as science fiction, “nanoparticles” have shown the ability to deliver this …

Human Cells Can Change Job to Fight Diabetes

From NCER:

Until now, all adult cells were thought to permanently execute one function. For the first time ever, researchers collaborating from several universities have discovered that adult somatic cells can be influenced to change from their original role to perform as a different cell type. In the study, glucagon-producing Alpha cells from the pancreas were manipulated to operate as insulin-producing Beta cells, thus potentially leading to a new treatment for Diabetes.  NCER supports this …