Foetal brain tissue again mooted for cures
A report in Nature Neuroscience has once again sparked interest in the use of foetal brain tissue to cure Parkinson’s and other diseases. Dr Afsaneh Gaillard, of the University of Poitiers, in France, transplanted neurons from 14-day-old mice into mature mice with brain lesions. Two months later the grafts were well integrated into the host’s brain tissue. If validated, according to a commentary by Mark Tuszynski in the journal, “the biology of this observation is stunning and the implications are important”. “Attempts to repopulate the nervous system with fetal tissue or stem cells would merit very close examination”.
Echoing Alan Greenspan’s critique of stock market hype, however, Tuszynski warns against “unbridled and irrational exuberance”. Other promising techniques have failed in the past, he points out.
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
After 49 years, SCOTUS strikes down Roe v Wade, abolishing a constitutional right to abortion
The US Supreme Court has struck down two of the most famous decisions in American history, Roe v. Wade and...
Fallen stem cell hero convicted in Swedish court
Once hailed as a stem cell technology pioneer, Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini has been convicted of causing bodily harm and...
Hollywood actress explains why she chose surrogacy: ‘I was terrified’
Hollywood starlet Jamie Chung, 39, surprised her fans last year when she and her husband announced the birth of twins....
First legal assisted suicide in Italy
Italy’s parliament is still debating the details of legal assisted suicide. However, last Thursday the first Italian to take advantage...
Re-examining autonomy
The buzzword cutting through the noisy controversy over the US Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade is “reproductive autonomy”....
World swimming authority takes conservative stand on gender inclusion
Swimming's world governing body, FINA, has backed a new policy on gender inclusion which will stop most trans women swimmers...