In recent weeks we have discussed the potential of stem cells in developing new therapies, but stem cells also have a more sinister side. Over the past decade scientists have become increasingly interested in the possibility that in many, perhaps most, cancers there is a small population of cells that are the only tumour cells … Continue reading Shedding some light on the dark side of stem cells
Author: speakingofresearch
Trinity College, Dublin, debates animal research
On Wednesday I travelled in Dublin to participate in a debate on animal research at the Historical Society (debating union) at Trinity College Dublin. The motion debated was "This house believes Trinity has too little respect for nature" - with a strong focus on animal research reinforced by the two guest speakers, myself and Yvonne … Continue reading Trinity College, Dublin, debates animal research
Speaking of Research to debate in Ireland
Tom Holder, Speaking of Research spokesman, is to travel to the oldest student society in the world (founded 1770), the Trinity College Dublin Historical Society (colloquially, "The Hist"), to debate the issue "This house belives that Trinity has too little respect for Nature". Holder will oppose a speaker from the Irish Anti-Vivisection Society, as well … Continue reading Speaking of Research to debate in Ireland
Seeing is Believing
I recently disocvered http://www.jove.com - that is the Journal for Visualised Experiments. On this website you can see how animal (and non-animal) experiments are carried out with the utmost care and scientific precision. Everything from mice running mazes to invasive neurosurgery are carefully filmed and explained to show correct procedure. From various videos we can … Continue reading Seeing is Believing
A new era for embryonic stem cells
As the new president takes office and the scientific community eagerly awaits the announcement of the reversal of the ban on federal funding of most research involving human embryonic stem cells (hESC's), there's news that the FDA has approved the first ever trial of a treatment based on hESC's for severe spinal cord injury. This … Continue reading A new era for embryonic stem cells
Sea-kittens?! Truth can be stranger than fiction!
Our friends at PETA have decided that for far too long fish have gotten a bad rap. They have been thought of as slimy, cold and unfeeling creatures that deserve nothing better than to end up impaled on the hook of a blood lusting fisherman. To combat this image, PETA has renamed fish “sea-kittens”. Apparently … Continue reading Sea-kittens?! Truth can be stranger than fiction!
2008, a review
So as we reach the end of the year it is worth having a quick look back at what has gone on. In Advocacy Speaking of Research has given talks in over 10 states about the important role of positive advocacy in the defence of life-saving animal research. We have made YouTube videos, made a … Continue reading 2008, a review
Fighting the scourges of humanity
The past week has seen some interesting news on efforts to combat three diseases that blight the lives of millions in the world today. The most exciting news was that in two studies (1,2) published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine the malaria vaccine RTS,S passed a major milestone in its development … Continue reading Fighting the scourges of humanity
Speaking of Research 