http://kunc.org en http://kunc.org/post/cloning-stem-cells-long-mired-legislative-gridlock The news that U.S. Thu, 16 May 2013 07:04:00 +0000 Julie Rovner 44372 at http://kunc.org Cloning, Stem Cells Long Mired In Legislative Gridlock http://kunc.org/post/how-researchers-cloned-human-embryos Scientists in Oregon have achieved something that many thought might be impossible.<p>They <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/15/183916891/scientists-clone-human-embryos-to-make-stem-cells">said </a>Wednesday that they have cloned human embryos and then harvested the embryo's stem cells.<p>The discovery, if it holds up, means scientists would be able to make personalized stem cells, with their genetic code almost perfectly matched to that of a patient.<p>One day, designer cells like these could help to treat an array of diseases, like diabetes, Parkinson's and heart problems.<p>S Wed, 15 May 2013 19:16:00 +0000 44353 at http://kunc.org How Researchers Cloned Human Embryos http://kunc.org/post/scientists-clone-human-embryos-make-stem-cells Scientists say they have, for the first time, cloned human embryos capable of producing embryonic stem cells.<p>The accomplishment is a long-sought step toward harnessing the potential power of embryonic stem cells to treat many human diseases. But the work also raises a host of ethical concerns.<p>"This is a huge scientific advance," said <a href="http://www.childrenshospital.org/cfapps/research/data_admin/Site92/mainpageS92P0.html">Dr. George Daley</a>, a Harvard stem cell scientist who wasn't involved in the work. Wed, 15 May 2013 16:23:00 +0000 Rob Stein 44339 at http://kunc.org Scientists Clone Human Embryos To Make Stem Cells http://kunc.org/post/angelina-jolie-and-rise-preventive-mastectomies Angelina Jolie just became part of a medical trend: More women are deciding to have their breasts removed to reduce the risk of cancer.<p>Over the past decade, doctors have noticed a big increase in the number of women choosing prophylactic, or preventive, mastectomies.<p>Some, like Jolie, have a genetic mutation that makes it much more likely that they will have breast cancer. Her mother died of the disease at age 56. Jolie is 37. Tue, 14 May 2013 14:19:00 +0000 44274 at http://kunc.org Angelina Jolie And The Rise Of Preventive Mastectomies http://kunc.org/post/how-can-identical-twins-turn-out-so-different A study of genetically identical mice is providing some hints about humans. Thu, 09 May 2013 20:19:00 +0000 Jon Hamilton 44079 at http://kunc.org How Can Identical Twins Turn Out So Different?