Health

There has long been a saying in the eastern provinces of Russia: ‘Cancer is a western invention.’  Now thanks to a British study, this saying has been proved true, and those babushkas (grandmothers) so fond of the saying can say ‘I told you so.’ Researchers at the University of Manchester’s KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology reached the conclusion that cancer is 100 percent a man-made disease, and that it is caused by modern day phenomena like pollution, chemicals, stress and dietary intake.

Researchers have used 3D bioprinting to create a new material that could be used for cartilage implants. Researchers from the Imperial College London and the University of Milano-Bicohcca have 3D printed a shock-absorbing bio-glass that mimics all the properties of cartilage. The material is biodegradable, biocompatible and the cells demonstrate self-healing properties. The process to produce the material is far quicker and easier than lab-grown alternatives.

Creating a human out of chemicals in a laboratory may sound like something from a horror movie, but it is  an idea that some scientists are exploring, quietly behind closed doors. Earlier this week, approximately 150 medical researchers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs met in secret at Harvard Medical School to discuss the possibility of creating an entirely synthetic human genome.

A man who is partially paralysed and had half his skull removed after suffering a stroke, has been declared ‘fit for work’ by the Department for Work and Pensions and had his benefits cut. Kenny Bailey had a large piece of his skull removed to save his life after he suffered a massive stroke, is paralysed down his left side and suffers with severe memory problems. Despite his disabilities, the Father of two has been told his benefits are to be cut following a medical examination that was requested by the DWP.

From The New York Times:

Scientists are now contemplating the fabrication of a human genome, meaning they would use chemicals to manufacture all the DNA contained in human chromosomes.

The prospect is spurring both intrigue and concern in the life sciences community because it might be possible, such as through cloning, to use a synthetic genome to create human beings without biological parents.