Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Paul Waldron
Streamlined Approved Manager Product A Key Point For 2022 - Finance and Banking - British Virgin Islands Original
British Virgin Islands: Streamlined Approved Manager Product A Key Point For 2022 02 February 2022 Walkers Your LinkedIn Connections with the authors To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. During 2022 we expect to see increased use of the BVI approved manager product. The approved manager has been particularly popular over the last couple of years with small and medium sized managers, and crypto managers in particular.
Walkers Fundamentals White Paper 2021 – Regional Update: Americas - Finance and Banking - Worldwide
Worldwide: Walkers Fundamentals White Paper 2021 – Regional Update: Americas 29 December 2021 by Sarah Demerling , Matthew Cowman and Paul Waldron Walkers Your LinkedIn Connections with the authors To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. It has been another twelve months in which the extraordinary has become the norm, the unthinkable the mundane. Lockdowns have oscillated between full, partial and non-existent.
US funding boost for single-gene disorder research
US funding boost for single-gene disorder research 26 July 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1105 A consortium has been established to support US researchers in innovating and implementing state-of-the-art techniques to understand the genetic causes of single-gene diseases. The Mendelian Genomics Research Consortium will be established with $80 million from the US National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
Panacea of 21st century for ovarian rejuvenation
Panacea of 21st century for ovarian rejuvenation 7 December 2020 By Dr Dusko Ilic Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's Hospital, London Appeared in BioNews 1075 In ancient times, theriac, a medical concoction made by Greeks that was thought to cure all illnesses, had spread all over the then known world. It took months to prepare a proper theriac and that, of course, made it expensive. Only rich people could afford it.
Cancer cells limit DNA repair to overcome treatment
Cancer cells limit DNA repair to overcome treatment 11 November 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1023 Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells increase the rate of mutations and impair DNA repair in their genomes to become more resistant to targeted therapies, a new study suggests. It is already known that bacteria improve their chances of resistance to antibiotics by increasing the number of genomic mutations.
Study suggests 'gene drain' from Britain's industrial areas
Study suggests 'gene drain' from Britain's industrial areas 28 October 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1021 A new study suggests a 'gene drain' linked to social migration in Great Britain, where people with a genetic predisposition for higher educational attainment are more likely to leave former industrial regions and live in wealthier areas.
Google bans ads for 'unproven' treatments from stem cell clinics
Google bans ads for 'unproven' treatments from stem cell clinics 16 September 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1015 Google has announced a new Healthcare and Medicines policy whereby clinics offering 'unproven or experimental medical techniques' will not be allowed to advertise on the platform.
World's first transplanted cornea made from stem cells is success
World's first transplanted cornea made from stem cells is success 9 September 2019 A team in Japan has successfully carried out the world's first transplant of corneal tissue made from human iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. The patient's vision has improved considerably, said researchers. Professor Kohji Nishida, an ophthalmologist at Osaka University, and colleagues announced their results at a press conference at the campus in Suita, Osaka Prefecture last week.
Event Review: Unravelling the Double Helix
Event Review: Unravelling the Double Helix 12 August 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1010 So, you think Watson and Crick discovered DNA? I did too, until I attended a talk by Professor Gareth Williams at the Royal Institution, called 'Unravelling the Double Helix'. The event itself was superb and the information presented was clearly well-researched. I had expected a lot of science and jargon, but it was more a historical take on events that led to the famous discovery, which made it easy to follow.
Modern human DNA reveals traces of archaic hominin species
Modern human DNA reveals traces of archaic hominin species 22 July 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1007 Scientists have discovered two previously unrecorded human ancestor groups by analysing the genomes of modern human populations. The researchers used DNA analysis to trace our human ancestors as they migrated from Africa to southeast Asia and on to Australasia, interbreeding in 'mixing events' with populations that they encountered along the way.
Alarm over proposal to overturn US ban on patenting human genes
Alarm over proposal to overturn US ban on patenting human genes 10 June 2019 Appeared in BioNews 1001 A bill that would nullify the US Supreme Court decision that banned the patenting of human genes is being debated by the US Congress. Scientists and patient advocacy groups have expressed concern that proposed changes to Section 101 of the Patent Act would restrict the public exchange of information and latest research findings.
New York attorney general sues stem cell clinic
New York attorney general sues stem cell clinic 8 April 2019 Appeared in BioNews 994 The New York attorney general, Letitia James, has filed a lawsuit against a stem cell clinic and the sole doctor working there, for allegedly mis-selling unproven treatments to vulnerable patients. James launched the lawsuit against Park Avenue Stem Cell (PASC) in New York City, New York and Dr Joel Singer last week on behalf of the people of the state of New York.
Surgery with stem cells repairs eyes in clinical trial
Surgery with stem cells repairs eyes in clinical trial 4 February 2019 Appeared in BioNews 985 Stem cells taken from dead donors have been used to restore the damaged surface of the eye in a clinical trial, which researchers say is the first of its kind. The study saw improvements with stem cell surgery in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disorder that can result in blindness.
Birth of first genome-edited babies causes furore
26 November 2018 The first births from genome edited human embryos have been announced by a Chinese researcher amid widespread condemnation, and fears over safety. Dr He Jiankui revealed the birth of the baby twin girls ahead of a major genome editing conference in Hong Kong. Dr He and his colleagues used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human embryos to remove a gene called CCR5, with the aim of producing 'HIV-resistant infants'. The revelation has met with outcry from the scientific community.
Dozens of firms discovered to sell untested stem cell treatments in Canada
A total of 30 Canadian businesses have been found to provide untested and potentially unsafe stem cell treatments in a recent study. Dr Leigh Turner, a bioethicist at the University of Minnesota who has investigated similar unlicensed stem cell companies in the USA, identified the firms through online searches. The 30 businesses sold the stem cell treatments to a total of 43 clinics across Canada.
Scientists base-edit first viable human embryos
A new approach to treating Marfan syndrome may be on the horizon, thanks to developments in genome editing. A team of researchers from China have reported the successful use of base editing – a relatively new approach to genome editing – to correct a mutation responsible for the disorder in viable human embryos. The study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy. 'Overall, this pilot study provided proof of concept and opened the potential of base editing-based gene therapy.
Genetic patterns linked to time in education discovered
Genetic variants may influence how long people remain in school, according to a study of over 1 million genomes. Researchers identified 1271 genetic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are linked to how long an individual spends time at school. Each SNP has a minute effect on its own, but together they can account for 11 percent of the variation in how long people remain in education.
Genetics of success revealed by large study
A person's genes can partly predict their likelihood of success in life, according to a new study. Many previous studies have found correlations between indicators of 'success' such as education level, wealth and income and particular genetic markers. However, it is difficult to separate the influence of genes from that of the environment. For example, educational and income success could be a result of the parents' social class.
Genome editing lowers cholesterol in monkeys
Researchers have successfully used genome editing to reduce blood cholesterol in living monkeys. The group, led by Professor James Wilson at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, used genome editing to reduce levels of an enzyme named PCSK9 in the liver of Rhesus macaques. PCSK9 boosts the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the bloodstream, which in high levels contribute to heart disease.
Crowdfunding may 'mislead' on stem cell treatments
Crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for stem cell treatments tend to exaggerate potential benefits while understating potential risks of the interventions, suggests a new study. When insurance companies will not pay for unproven stem cell treatments, patients sometimes seek other sources such as crowdfunding, which harnesses social media to raise money.
FDA seeks to shutdown two rogue stem cell clinics
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking to shut down two clinics offering treatments based on stem cells. The regulator filed permanent injunctions in federal court last week against the clinics for marketing unapproved stem cell products and for failing to comply with manufacturing guidelines.
Single molecule found for breast cancer spread
Blocking a single molecule, the amino acid asparagine, can prevent breast cancer spread in mice, according to a new study. Asparagine is one of the building blocks used to make proteins, and it can be made by the body or taken in from the diet. The study, published in Nature, found that limiting asparagine by different methods can dramatically reduce metastasis of cancerous cells in triple-negative breast cancer mice.
Gut bacteria alter gene expression and potentially cut cancer risk
New research has shown a connection between the potential role of gut bacteria having an active role in gene expression and in turn reducing the risk of cancer. Dr Patrick Varga-Weisz at Babraham Institute in Cambridge led a team of scientists and found that a by-product made by bacteria while digesting fruits and vegetables – short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – in our gut can impact our gene activity. The experiments were carried out in mice and human culture cells.
Large volumes of stem cells collected during caesareans
An efficient method to collect amniotic fluid rich in stem cells during caesarean sections has been developed by scientists in Sweden. Amniotic fluid is the protective liquid that surrounds a fetus, and is normally discarded as medical waste. Researchers at Lund University used a specially designed device to collect large amounts of the fluid during caesarean sections, tapping into a very large source of stem cells.
Stem cell therapy shows promise in patients with sight loss
Preliminary results from two early stage clinical trials suggest that embryonic stem cells could be used to treat patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In both studies, the researchers converted human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which were then injected into the eyes of patients with dry AMD. The procedure was well-tolerated and one trial reported improved vision in some patients.
Study uses genome editing inside patient for first time
A new clinical trial in California marks the first time that genome editing has been used inside the body, rather than on cells such as blood or skin which can be extracted, edited outside the body, and then replaced. A patient with the metabolic disorder Hunter syndrome was given an infusion containing a type of genome editing machinery called zinc finger nucleases as well as billions of DNA copies of the gene which codes for a protein they lack. The treatment targets the liver cells.
Sick boy gets healthy new skin with genetically-altered stem cells
A boy with a rare skin disease has been successfully treated by replacing most of his skin with grafts of stem cells modified by gene therapy. The 7-year-old patient had severe epidermis bullosa (EB) which made his skin brittle, blistered, and prone to life-threatening infections. A team led by Professor Michele de Luca at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, treated the boy and reported their study in Nature.
Commission demands reform on experimental cell therapies
The reputation of stem cell research is being undermined by unscrupulous clinics offering unproven therapies, says a report published last week. The Lancet Commission on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine brought together a number of leading scientists to review progress and consider challenges facing the discipline. 'Regenerative medicine offers transformative potential for the future of patient care.
Genome editing targets sickle cell disease in human embryos
A genome editing technique called 'base editing' has been used to correct a mutation causing the inherited blood disorder beta-thalassemia. Although all resulting embryos were mosaic, the researchers at Sun Yat-sen University, China say their study shows the technique could be used to correct genetic disorders caused by point mutations - a mistake in just one of the four bases of the genetic code.
How should we discuss genome editing in public?
What do patients and laypeople think and know about genome editing and its implications? What are the best ways for experts and others to discuss genome editing in public, so as to improve public understanding and avoid confusion? In 2017, the charities Progress Educational Trust (PET) and Genetic Alliance UK set out to answer these questions with a project entitled 'Basic Understanding of Genome Editing', funded by the Wellcome Trust.
First genome editing of human embryos by UK scientists
UK scientists have successfully edited the genome of human embryos to study the role of a key gene in the earliest stages of development. Dr Kathy Niakan's team at the Francis Crick Institute, London, injected the zygotes with the molecular tools of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, targeted to deactivate a gene which codes for a protein called OCT4.
FDA crackdown on unproven stem cell therapies
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its intention to investigate the use of unproven stem cell therapies being offered in the country's clinics. Tighter enforcement from the FDA comes as an inspection at StemImmune Inc based in San Diego, California, revealed the use of potentially dangerous treatments administered to vulnerable cancer patients.
Gene therapy skin grafts for obesity and diabetes
A proof-of-concept study in mice has demonstrated how skin grafts could deliver gene therapy for obesity and diabetes. 'We think this platform has the potential to lead to safe and durable gene therapy, in mice and we hope, someday, in humans, using selected and modified cells from skin,' said senior author Dr Xiaoyang Wu of the University of Chicago, Illinois.
CRISPR used to record a film in bacteria
Scientists have used the CRISPR/Cas system to encode a movie in the genomes of living bacteria. However, the researchers' ultimate goal is not to record movies or to 'put Wikipedia into bacteria', said first author Dr Seth Shipman from Harvard University to The Atlantic. 'We want to turn cells into historians,' Dr Shipman explained.
How new 'molecular scissors' may give crisper CRISPR
Researchers have revealed the structure and action of a new type of 'molecular scissors' known as Cpf1, which may improve CRISPR genome editing. Using X-ray crystallography, the team were able to view the three-dimensional structure of Cpf1, a bacterial protein from the CRISPR-Cas family of molecules. Like CRISPR/Cas9, the CRISPR-Cpf1 tool has potentially widespread applications in biotechnology.
Huntington's disease in mice responds to CRISPR
Eliminating the faulty protein that causes Huntingdon's disease goes some way to reversing disease progression in mice, a study has found. These findings open the possibility of an eventual treatment for the disease, believe the researchers. Scientists used the genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 to 'switch off' the disease-causing gene in mice brains, alleviating many associated symptoms.
Biotech companies criticise CRISPR mutation study
Two major biotech companies have criticised a recent study that claimed CRISPR may cause hundreds of unwanted mutations. Scientists from the CRISPR-based firms Intellia Therapeutics and Editas Medicine have written open letters to the journal Nature Methods, stating that the conclusions of the study are 'unsubstantiated'.
China plans embryonic stem cell trials for Parkinson's and blindness
Two teams of doctors in China are to administer embryonic stem cell therapy from fertilised human embryos to treat different degenerative diseases. One trial testing ESC therapy in Parkinson's disease will be the first clinical trial of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in China, as well as the first trial in the world to examine ESCs for the treatment of Parkinson's, according to a report in Nature News.
CRISPR genome editing may cause unintended mutations
CRISPR may introduce hundreds of unwanted mutation into the genome, a small study finds. Until now, 'off-target effects' of the CRISPR/Cas9 system were thought to be minimal, with improvements to the technique reducing errors to nearly undetectable levels. However, now a new study suggests previous methods for detecting off-target mutations may have underestimated the true scale of unwanted effects.
Blood stem cells produced in the lab for the first time
In two different studies, US scientists have succeeded in creating the stem cells which produce blood. Both studies – published in Nature – are concerned with making haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are found inside the bone marrow and can divide to generate each of the many types of blood cell. In the first study, a team at the Daley laboratory at Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts, took human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Gene therapy success in age-related macular degeneration trial
A small, preliminary clinical trial has demonstrated safe and well-tolerated gene therapy to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition is a leading cause of progressive blindness in adults, and is caused by the abnormal growth and leakage of blood vessels in the region of the eye known as the retina. 'Even at the highest dose, the treatment was quite safe.
CRISPR gene-editing eliminates HIV in mice
US scientists have used CRISPR gene-editing to remove HIV DNA from the genomes of living animals, eliminating further infection. For the first time, CRISPR/Cas9 has been shown to shut down replication of HIV and to eliminate the virus from three animal models, one a 'humanised' mouse. The research, which was published in Molecular Therapy, builds on earlier work where the researchers used CRISPR to cut HIV DNA out of the genomes of transgenic rats and mice.
Autoimmune diseases may stem from Neanderthal genes
Genes linked with type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and even smoking addiction were acquired through interbreeding with Neanderthals, a study published in Nature suggests. Professor David Reich of Harvard Medical School, the lead author of the study, said: 'Now that we can estimate the probability that a particular genetic variant arose from Neanderthals, we can begin to understand how that inherited DNA affects us'.
Unproven stem cell therapies - promise versus evidence
The ability of stem cells to divide into different mature cell types has ignited the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cells promise to repair and regenerate damaged or diseased tissues without the need for orthodox medical or surgical interventions. However, there is disparity between the expectations held by the general public and some medical professionals versus the reality of the emerging clinical evidence.
Stem cells could be used to create 'endless supply of blood'
A new method of producing red blood cells outside the body on a large scale has been developed by researchers at the University of Bristol.
Stem cells used to treat erectile dysfunction
Men with erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery were able to have intercourse again after receiving an experimental stem cell therapy using cells taken from their own abdomen, a Danish study has shown. Six months after undergoing a one-time stem cell treatment, eight out of 21 men enrolled in the clinical trial were able to have sex without the use of other medicines or implants.
Scientists call for new ethical guidelines for 'synthetic embryos'
Rapid advances in stem cell and embryo research are in danger of outstripping current ethical guidelines and new regulations are urgently needed, warn scientists in a report published this week. 'Synthetic' structures — such as organoid or embryos assembled from stem cells in the lab — are increasingly being used in cutting-edge research.
Stem cell treatments succeed and fail in treating eye disease
In two different attempts to treat degenerative eye diseases with stem cells, three patients have been blinded, while disease progression has been stopped in a separate patient. Two articles, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have described two very different approaches and outcomes to treat macular degeneration, a disease that causes progressive sight deterioration, and is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Paul
Contact Paul, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack