Monthly Archives: June 2007

British scientists have discovered a previously unknown stem cell type in rodent models.  These new stem cells act in similar ways to human stem cells, whereas other known animal stem cells act differently.  This research is published in Nature.  The discovery was … Continue reading →

The Wales Gene Park has two events planned for November:‘Challenges of Clinical Cardiovascular Genetics’ will be a 2 day symposium (22nd & 23rd November 2007) at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, and will focus on recent developments, the current … Continue reading →

Jimby has just sent us this photo of himself, taken at the launch of Telling Stories, as he browses the resource.  Jimby’s minder Mick took part in the launch and both enjoyed the day.  

The new web-based resource Telling Stories, Understanding Real Life Genetics was launched yesterday at the Millennium Stadium, at a very successful day attended by healthcare professionals, some of the storytellers, other colleagues and representatives from the Wellcome Trust, Department of Health, and … Continue reading →

Here is an interesting quote from a BBC news story. "The UK’s DNA database is reported to be the largest in the world, half as large again as all the databases of other [EU] member states put together." EU agrees … Continue reading →

British couples are travelling to Spain for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments.  Under British law, children born from donated eggs and sperm have a legal right to trace the donors once they reach the age of 18.  Under Spanish law, … Continue reading →

Stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease has progressed from rodent models to primates, with the first injections of stem cells into monkeys.  This American research was reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and BBC News online.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has just published a debate on genetic tests and insurance.  Professor Soren Holm from Cardiff Law School argued that insurers should be able to use genetic test results considering applications.  Professor Richard Ashcroft from Queen Mary, … Continue reading →

Japanese and American researchers working with mice have found a possible way to create stem cells from skin.  If it can be replicated in humans, the need to use embryos in stem cell therapies will be reduced, if not eliminated. Skin tests offer … Continue reading →

Scientists working on the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium have found new genetic variants associated with seven common disorders – depression, hypertension, Crohn’s disease, coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. See BBC news http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6724369  for … Continue reading →