10 – 16 October 2016
WHO warns that Zika virus is likely to spread in Asia
Zika infections are “highly likely” to keep spreading in Asia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Hundreds of cases of the virus have been reported in Singapore. Find source
Safety concerns blight promising cancer therapy
A groundbreaking treatment that arms immune cells called T cells to battle cancer is barrelling towards regulators, fuelled by unprecedented clinical success and investor exuberance. Find source
‘3-parent’ baby method used for infertility
The first babies to be created using a “three-parent” method to overcome their parents’ infertility are due to be born in early 2017. New Scientist has learned that two women in Ukraine are both more than 20 weeks pregnant with fetuses created using such a technique. Find source
CRISPR deployed to combat sickle-cell anaemia
A mutation in a single DNA letter causes a painful and debilitating disease known as sickle-cell anaemia. Researchers have wrestled with this illness for more than 65 years, and have now added CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing to their armoury. Find source
A new antibody therapy permanently blocked HIV infection
A new type of antibody therapy appears to have completely blocked the primate equivalent of HIV in infected monkeys. Find source
