Anyone interested in the fierce debate over the use of animal-human hybrid embryos in scientific research should take a look at a government report published in 2000 by the Chief Medical Officer’s expert group on stem cells. It states that the CMO, Sir Liam Donaldson, and his experts “concluded that the use of eggs from a non-human species to carry a human cell nucleus was not a realistic or desirable solution to the possible lack of human eggs for research or subsequent treatment”.

I predict that the same sort of reaction will greet our report today about the possible use of a new cloning technique to treat infertile couples. Many scientists will dismiss the suggestion from Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology that the technique could soon be used as an IVF technique, but one wonders for how long they will object? (Independent)

By scanning the brains of test subjects as they pressed one button or another – though not a computer mouse – researchers pinpointed a signal that divulged the decision about seven seconds before people ever realised their choice. The discovery has implications for mind-reading, and the nature of free will. ( New Scientist)

Two years after the state’s landmark health law was signed, the cracks are starting to show. Costs are soaring and Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a dollar-a-pack hike in the state’s cigarette tax to help pay for a larger-than-expected enrollment in the law’s subsidized insurance plans. (AP)

Tissues derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells could help to pacify the immune system and so prevent recipients from rejecting them, the UK National Stem Cell Network Science Meeting will hear on April 11. Speaking at the conference in Edinburgh, Dr Paul Fairchild from the University of Oxford will tell delegates that although tissues derived from ES cells succumb to rejection, they have an inherent immune-privilege which, if exploited, could have far reaching implications for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks and Parkinson’s.ScienceDaily

Hoping to overturn the state’s ban on embryonic stem cell research, a ballot question committee is moving forward with plans to place an initiative on the November ballot allowing voters to decide whether the research should be legal in Michigan. (Michigan Daily)

For a fee of $2,500, Navigenics will use a saliva sample to analyze a person’s DNA and gauge the risk of contracting one of 18 conditions, including breast cancer, a heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease, company officials said. After that, the company will charge $250 a year to provide updates based on the latest findings about those and other illnesses. (New York Times)

Imagine a world of streets lined with video cameras that alert authorities to any suspicious activity. A world where police officers can read the minds of potential criminals and arrest them before they commit any crimes. A world in which a suspect who lies under questioning gets nabbed immediately because his brain has given him away. (Washington Post)

With additional studies of the cells in a variety of categories, the use of these cells may lead to treatments for a number of serious diseases, such as osteoporosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The cells may even one day be used for customized anti-aging or sports medicine treatments. (GEN)

Scientists say it is highly unlikely same-sex couples would be able to use lab-created egg and sperm as a way to create their own biological child. (Telegraph)

Scientists say it is highly unlikely same-sex couples would be able to use lab-created egg and sperm as a way to create their own biological child. (BBC)

Not all heart cells are created by the same universal signal, a discovery that could lead to future treatments for congenital heart disease and heart attacks, U.S researchers say. (HealthDay)

Millions of baby boomers are about to enter a health care system for seniors that not only isn’t ready for them, but may even discourage them from getting quality care. (MSNBC)