News - Announcements

Deciphering Immune Response to Transplants (24.5.2004)
New study could help scientists find new ways to prevent organ rejection.

First deposit signals that the UK stem cell bank is open for business (19.5.2004)
The UK stem cell bank, the only such facility in the world, officially opened on 19 May with the deposit of the first human embryonic stem cell line ever developed in Europe. The inauguration of the bank, which will eventually contain stem cell lines derived from embryos, foetuses and adults, places the UK at the forefront of one of the most controversial areas of modern science.

New Zealand: Embryo Donation an Option Under Proposed Guidelines (6.5.2004)
Couples who have IVF embryos that are surplus to their treatment needs may soon be given the option of donating them to other infertile couples. This new option is outlined in the Guidelines for the Practice of Embryo Donation for Reproductive Purposes consultation document, released this week by the National Ethics Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction (NECAHR).

Survey: Genetic Testing of Embryos to Pick Savior Sibling OK with Most Americans (4.5.2004)
A new survey by the Genetics and Public Policy Center at The Johns Hopkins University shows most Americans approve of using genetic testing and selection of embryos to make sure a baby will be a good match to donate blood or tissue to a sick brother or sister. But they disapprove of selecting an embryo based on whether the baby will be a girl or boy.