Stem Cell Research
A new ruling by Europe's Court of Justice that stem cells developed from embryos cannot be patented could threaten the entire field, according to scientists. Greenpeace filed a complaint against a patent taken on nerve cells derived from embryonic stem cells. Story
The disgraced South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk, exposed years ago for fraudulently claiming to have cloned human cells, has successfully cloned 8 coyotes. Article
Cancer Research
Remarkably high levels of bacterium can be found in colorectal cancers, according to a team of scientists from Dana-Farber and the Broad Institute, and that could become a new biomarker for the disease as well as a new pathway to treat it. Release
The androgen receptor is present in both breast and prostate cancers, but has a distinctly different effect on each. Release
Genetics
After she turned 100 the Dutch woman Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper liked to tell people her longevity was due to pickled herrings and staying away from tobacco. Now scientists have set out to see if her DNA can explain why she lived to the ripe, ripe old age of 115 without many of the severe disabilities that generally afflict the aged. Item
A group of investigators at Emory University School of Medicine say they found a set of genes in fruit flies that help modulate aging and the impact of stress. These genes act in the muscles, making them distinct from other genes which have been in the scientific spotlight on aging. Release
deCODE genetics is back in business. In its first big deal since emerging from bankruptcy the Icelandic research group announced that it has inked a pact with Pfizer ($PFE) to study the genetics of lupus. Story
A study spearheaded by Imperial College London has found 42 genetic regions linked with liver function. Release