Genome editing techniques such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system are transforming biological research and hold the key for our expectations and ambitions for addressing global challenges such as food and energy production and disease prevention. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is publishing the first findings of its programme of work looking at the recent and potential impact of advances in genome editing. The Council’s review identifies, defines and prioritises the ethical issues and questions that genome editing gives rise to in relation to its possible applications including in human reproduction, biomedicine and agriculture. read more

Researchers publishing in the journal BMC Medicine have reported that in their study greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. read more

A group of researchers have published their work in The BMJ which examines the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on heart failure. read more

A paper published in JAMA Psychiatry has reported that use of hormonal contraceptives is associated with subsequent use of anti-depressants and a first diagnosis of depression. read more

The effect of climate change on grasses such as wheat and rice is examined in a paper published in Biology Letters with the authors reporting that climate change is expected to outpace rate of adaptation. read more

A paper published in the journal Molecular Cancer Biology has reported that aluminium salt compounds are able to transform mouse breast cells maintained in vitro to give them characteristics of tumour cells. read more