Ep. 106: “Ethical Concerns” Featuring Dr. Leigh Turner

Guest Dr. Leigh Turner is an associate professor in the center for Bioethics at the University of Minnesota. Turner’s research addresses ethical, legal, and regulatory issues associated with clinics engaged in direct-to-consumer marketing of unproven and unlicensed cell-based interventions. Dr. Turner is an author of numerous publications including a recent paper in Cell Stem Cell along with The Stem Cell Podcast’s past guest, Paul Knoepfler. Featured Resource: Organoid Research Resources and Links New Insight on How Mosquitos Interact with Humans – This article reveals that nasty experiences can change an Aedes aegypti mosquito’s inclination to follow certain odors, such as the whiff of human skin. Dolly the Sheep’s Severe Arthritis Not from Cloning – Experts at the University of Nottingham and the University of Glasgow say original concerns that cloning caused early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) in Dolly the sheep are unfounded. E. Coli Outbreak Traced to Raw Flour – This article reports that in 2015 and 2016, Escherichia coli-tainted flour sickened dozens of people in the United States, most of whom had eaten raw dough or batter while baking. Current CRISPR Gene Drives Are Too Strong for Outdoor Use, Studies Warn – A computer simulation released November 16 at bioRxiv.org predicts that standard forms of CRISPR gene drives, as the tools are called, can make tweaked DNA race through a population so easily that a small number of stray animals or plants could spread it to new territory. Stem Cells in Intestinal Lining May Shed Light on Behavior of Cancer Cells – A team of researchers looked for signals and cellular responses of intestinal epithelial cells during growth and renewal. Drug-Delivering Nanoparticles Seek and Destroy Elusive Cancer Stem Cells – University of Illinois researchers are sending tiny drug-laden nanoparticles on a mission to seek and destroy cancer stem cells, the elusive and rare cells that can cause cancer to come back even when years have passed since the initial tumor was treated. How Drinking Affects Neural Stem Cells – New research suggests that long-term, heavy alcohol consumption kills off brain stem cells, which play a key role in supporting healthy cognitive function. New Stem Cell Treatment Guidelines Released by FDA – In this article, U.S. Food and Drug Administration unveiled long-anticipated guidelines about stem-cell therapies that are meant to clear up confusion about which treatments are likely to be both appropriate and safe, and which pose the most risks and fewest rewards for patients. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Leigh Turner Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe