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One of the advantages of tissue engineering is its ability to regenerate a patient’s own tissue (Photo by Mohsen Shandiz/Corbis via Getty Images)

Tissue engineering: A promising field with ethical challenges

One of the advantages is its ability to regenerate a patient’s own tissue, eliminating biocompatibility, but ethical and legal issues need to be ironed out

Ethics of gene editing must be decided by each one of us

Our DNA is similar but our societal values are not, which will make it difficult to reach concensus

Countries, particularly on the African continent, need to provide the resources for scientific research aimed at resolving problems such as those brought about by climate change and poverty. (Alaister Russell/Gallo Images/Sowetan)

Scientific research is SA’s future

The number of researchers is growing but R&D needs far more investment

Support and funding for research, innovation and entrepreneurship should work in concert. Photo: File

Stem cell research outstrips legislation

Genetics and bioethics experts are calling for a national oversight body to address critical gaps in South Africa’s regulations and law.

Disgraced researcher fails to replicate stem cell results

A Japanese researcher who was found to have plagiarised and fabricated parts of her stem cell research has failed to replicate her published results.

First iPS stem cell retina surgery performed in Japan

Researchers in Japan have conducted the first ever surgery using ‘iPS’ stem cells – harvested from skin cells – on a woman’s retina.

Comment: A chink in the armour of HIV

Media reports about HIV-infected people being cured of the virus should be read with caution but could these cases give us clues about an antidote?

Now the beauty of stem cells is only skin deep

A new stem cell technique could regrow organs that the body will not reject and is an important step towards a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

3D stem cell ‘printer’ could eliminate need for organ donors

Organ donors and animal testing could soon be a thing of the past after scientists managed to "print" 3D objects using human embryonic stem cells.

Stem cell science saves lives

Stem cell science saves lives

Blood donated from healthy babies’ umbilical cords is being used to treat diseases and it has also helped scientists’ further stem cell research.

Gene rejuvenation pours youth into centenarians’ cells

Scientists have entered a new path for regenerative medicine by altering age-worn cells in people over 90 into rejuvenated stem cells.

Wealthy Thais use stem cell bank for hi-tech life insurance

Some wealthy Thais are using a medical bank that saves stem cells from a baby’s umbilical cord in hopes of providing a cure to major illnesses.

Obama could lift Bush limits on stem cell research

Barack Obama, who opposes limits on federal funding of stem cell research, will sign an order related to the issue on Monday, an official said.