EU lawmakers back rules for stem cells

EU lawmakers back rules for stem cells and other cures Reuters - Wed Apr 25, 2007 European lawmakers backed new rules for stem cell and other advanced medical therapies on Wednesday, despite opposition from a key member of the European Parliament.The European Union legislature rejected so-called ethical amendments to the regulation that will create a centralized process for approving new tissue and cell engineering therapies. ................. Some background: Embryo-cell vote spotlights MEPs' ethics EU parliament set for clash over stem cell research MEP defends stance on EU gene therapy rule ................. ZenMaster

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For more on stem cells and cloning, go to CellNEWS at http://www.geocities.com/giantfideli/index.html

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Gene plays key role in embryonic, adult stem cells

Gene plays key role in embryonic, adult stem cells Reuters - Thu Apr 19, 2007 One gene directs both embryonic and adult stem cells to perform the self-renewal function that is crucial in their potential broad use in medical treatments, researchers said on Thursday. While the biology of these types of stem cells is very different, a study published in the journal Cell showed that they share at least this one key feature - a gene called Zfx that controls their ability to self-renew." ............ ZenMaster

Rhesus Monkey Genome Sequenced

Rhesus Monkey Genome Sequenced. The macaque genome is the third primate genome to be completed after human and chimpanzee. In conjuction with the publication of the genome sequence of the rhesus macaque in the 13 April edition of Science, we have created a special online collection. It includes an interactive poster with images, video and text, and a corresponding lesson plan for use in high school classrooms, which delves into evolutionary biology and what can be learned from the genome of the macaque -- one of biology’s most important model organisms. Access to the online extras, as well as to the genome papers themselves, is free to all visitors to www.sciencemag.org. Please share this information with anyone who might find it useful. Go to the special online collection for the macaque genome. ..................... ZenMaster