Tokyo-based venture company Heartseed announced successful clinical trial results for iPS cell-derived cardiac muscle transplants in 10 severe heart failure patients. The trial, which began in 2022, demonstrated improved cardiac function and no major safety concerns, paving the way for regulatory approval by 2026.
Japan's Health Ministry and other agencies have finalized a proposal to legally prohibit the implantation of genome-edited human embryos into wombs, aiming to prevent 'designer babies.' The bill, expected in 2026, includes penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment or 10 million yen for violations, while allowing basic research.
James Watson, the American molecular biologist who shared the 1962 Nobel Prize for co-discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at 97. His groundbreaking work revolutionized biology, though his later years were marked by controversial remarks on race and intelligence, leading to professional censure.
Belgian biotech company Galapagos NV announced its intention to wind down its cell therapy business following a comprehensive strategic review and a lack of viable acquisition proposals. The decision, impacting approximately 365 employees and several global sites, aims to redirect resources towards new business development.
A UK-led gene therapy trial has successfully slowed the progression of Huntington's disease by 75% over three years. The experimental treatment, AMT-130, developed by uniQure and led by UCL researchers, marks a significant milestone for the neurodegenerative condition.
Denmark's national newborn heel prick test now screens for 25 serious diseases, a significant expansion from the single condition screened 50 years ago. The program, managed by Statens Serum Institut, aims for early detection and treatment, with future plans for advanced genomic screening.
Gene-edited horses are making waves in Argentinian polo, while globally, Ukraine seeks security talks, Australia hunts a fugitive, and Thailand experiences political shifts. Additionally, legal battles in the U.S. and a car crash at the Russian consulate in Sydney add to the complex international landscape.
The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) is set to enhance its genome analysis program aimed at diagnosing seriously ill newborns with unknown causes. The expansion includes increasing the number of consultation bases and aims to streamline the diagnosis and treatment process for affected infants.
Filmmaker Peter Jackson is partnering with a biotech company to genetically engineer living birds to resemble the extinct moa, a flightless bird from New Zealand, with the project facing scientific hurdles and questions about reintroduction.
On June 30, Singapore will initiate a national genetic testing program aimed at identifying individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of premature heart disease. The Ministry of Health plans to establish three Genomic Assessment Centres to facilitate testing and provide genetic counseling before and after the tests.
The 2025 Seed Congress in Sanya, China, served as a pivotal platform to showcase the transformative power of AI-driven smart breeding in agriculture. Experts from across the globe gathered to highlight the immense potential of this technology to revolutionize global food security by enabling the development of high-yield, climate-resilient "super crops."
The Pulse of the Brain," a Chinese science documentary, has won the Best Medical Documentary award at the New York City International Film Festival. This six-episode film chronicles the century-long evolution of stroke treatment technologies, highlighting the medical advancements and life care efforts of Chinese scientists and global research institutions in combating this leading cause of death.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells manipulate RNA splicing to promote tumor growth and have identified a potential therapeutic strategy using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to reactivate a natural "kill switch" and inhibit tumor progression.
Terry Rideout, a fisherman from Newfoundland, lives with the constant threat of sudden cardiac death due to a genetic condition known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Dr.
Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of cancer therapy, uncovering the mechanism behind a novel treatment that utilizes genetically engineered bacteria. This breakthrough offers immense promise for the development of next-generation cancer therapies that are both safe and effective, potentially revolutionizing the way we fight this devastating disease.
Anna Wojcicki, CEO of DNA testing app 23andMe, is attempting to buy back the company for $75 million, significantly lower than its previous valuation of billions. This move has raised concerns among investors due to potential conflicts of interest, as Wojcicki holds significant voting power and appointed three company directors.
A coalition of 62 prominent hospitals across China, including established institutions in Beijing and Shanghai, has been formed to promote the integration of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western practices.
The emergence of powerful AI tools like DeepSeek is driving a paradigm shift in scientific research, characterized by open resource innovation and the transformative power of AI beyond its role as a mere tool. This shift is evident in China's "AI for Science" initiative, which aims to integrate AI into key scientific disciplines and drive groundbreaking discoveries.
Researchers at Shanghai Huashan Hospital have identified the protein FAM171A2 as a crucial factor in the spreading of pathological alpha-synuclein, which plays a key role in Parkinson's disease progression.
PUMCH-GENESIS, China's first AI large language model for rare diseases, can diagnose potential rare genetic disorders and complex neurodevelopmental conditions based on patient symptoms, offering hope for timely diagnosis and treatment.
