Seven animal rights activists have been convicted of mounting a sustained campaign of intimidation and blackmail against companies involved with Huntingdon Life Sciences. read more
The poll of primary and secondary school teachers found that nearly half disagree with the teaching of creationism alongside evolution in science lessons in England and Wales, rising to two out of three among teachers who specialise in science. read more
The study, from researchers in the United States, is the first to show that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which are capable of becoming any other type of cell, can be used to model the pathology of the genetic muscle-wasting disease spinal muscular atrophy. The cells were derived from skin cells taken from a child with the disease, and are therefore genetically identical. read more
A woman from London will shortly become the first in the UK to give birth to a baby that has been screened to be free of a gene that significantly raises the risk of breast cancer, using the technique of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in which embryos are selected for implantation based on identified genetic characteristics. read more
Irish pork products were withdrawn from sale across Europe as a precautionary measure after high levels of the chemicals were discovered in meat from the country. However, the risk assessment suggested no immediate risk to humans. The incident was believed to have been caused by contamination of animal feed. read more
Researchers found evidence for a positive correlation between cognitive ability and three key indicators of sperm quality. read more
The Government’s Committee on Climate Change was assembled to independently assess how the UK can tackle climate change and meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. read more
The study found a link between chemicals found in hairspray and genital birth defects in boys, through a retrospective study of women based on a number of factors including occupation. read more
The Lancet has announced the successful transplantation of the world’s first tissue-engineered airway, created using the patient’s own stem cells to ensure that there was no possibility of immune rejection. read more
The bacterium has been identified as an emerging cause of infection which is becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings. read more
The UK Organ Donation Taskforce was asked by government to review the evidence for moving to a system of ‘presumed consent’, whereby all indivuduals would be automatically presumed to have given consent to organ donation unless they specifically opted out. The Taskforce reached the conclusion that the evidence does not support this move at the present time. read more
The US trial of a potentially promising new vaccine for HIV ended in failure when it was found to offer no protection against the virus. read more
The study suggests that acupuncture may reduce the rate of pregnancy when given to patients undergoing fertility treatment. read more
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a molecular mechanism for the response to tamoxifen in breast cancer cells, which may provide an explanation for why some women develop resistance to the treatment. read more
The report from the influential RCEP set out the issues and concerns surrounding potential releases to the environment from the application of nanomaterials and novel nanotechnologies. read more
The study suggests that acupuncture may reduce the rate of pregnancy when given to patients undergoing fertility treatment. read more
The report from the influential RCEP set out the issues and concerns surrounding potential releases to the environment from the application of nanomaterials and novel nanotechnologies. read more
The study was presented as an abstract at a conference in Austria, and did not represent published research. read more
The study reviewed the evidence for the use of beta blockers to lower the risk of having a heart attack following surgery, and concluded that the evidence does not support this practice. read more
Dr Simon Festing, Executive Director, Research Defence Society, said: “We believe this research centre will offer world-class facilities for what … read more