Nov 20 First CRISPR treatment for sickle cell, other blood disease shows early benefits in two patients By Sharon Begley, Adam Feuerstein, STAT The first two patients to receive a CRISPR-based treatment for the inherited blood disorders sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia have benefited from the experimental therapy and experienced only temporary and treatable side effects. Continue reading
Jun 09 ‘Jumping genes’ could help CRISPR replace disease-causing DNA, study finds By Sharon Begley, STAT Researchers describe combining a "jumping gene" with CRISPR enzymes to deliver a a package of DNA to precise addresses in the E. coli genome. Continue reading
Jun 01 At first-ever public hearing on CBD, advocates and FDA try to blaze trail to regulatory compromise By Nicholas Florko, STAT The meeting on Friday was the public kickoff of the FDA’s quest to sketch a clear framework to regulate CBD, or cannabidiol, products. Continue reading
May 18 Pentagon study finds promise in brain training program for veterans with cognitive issues By Sharon Begley, STAT A Pentagon-funded study has found that a specific form of computer-based brain training can improve cognitive performance in vets who suffered persistent mental deficits after a mild traumatic brain injury. Continue reading
Apr 21 What my polio-stricken mother would tell parents today about the importance of immunization By Fred Leonard, STAT The success of immunizations in the U.S., as well as in other developed countries, has had unintended consequences. Continue reading
Apr 19 U.S. researcher says he’s ready to start pregnancies with ‘three-parent’ embryos By Emily Mullin, STAT Researchers at Columbia University in New York have created embryos containing genetic material from three people and are ready to use them to start pregnancies. But they’re at a legal impasse. Continue reading
Apr 18 Scientists restore some vitality in dead pig brains — but without consciousness? By Sharon Begley, STAT The pigs were dead. But four hours later, scientists restored some cellular functions in their brains. Continue reading
Mar 30 In a religious N.Y. community, an unprecedented response to measles puts trust in government to the test By Lev Facher, STAT Facing an outbreak that is now among the largest in the country — and the focus of newfound concerns about a national resurgence of the measles — the Rockland County executive this week took a step seemingly without precedent in… Continue reading
Mar 27 Citing measles emergency, this county just banned unvaccinated children from public places By Helen Branswell, STAT Schools, houses of worship, shopping malls — anywhere that people who are not related to one another congregate indoors — will be off limits for unvaccinated children in Rockland County, New York. Continue reading
Feb 02 The modern tragedy of fake cancer cures By Matthew Herper, STAT News Cancer is older than human beings. Scientists have found dinosaurs with metastatic tumors. It’s simply not likely we’re going to outsmart all cancers with a single treatment, without drawbacks. Continue reading