Britain gives scientist go-ahead to genetically modify human embryos | Reuters
British scientists have been given approval to use CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology on human embryos. The embryos will be used for research into embryonic development and will not be allowed to develop or be implanted into women, Reuters reports.
Lawmakers seek ways to reduce health threat of tainted medical devices | Kaiser Health News / Washington Post
Lawmakers are seeking improvements in the oversight and tracking of medical devices in light of recent incidents of patient harm stemming from contaminated medical scopes, but there are both political and financial hurdles to fixing the Food and Drug Administration's device surveillance process.
Theranos is running out of time | Bloomberg
Setbacks are mounting for blood testing startup Theranos, including reports revealing the company isn't using its proprietary system for most of its tests, the loss of some high-profile partnerships, and most recently a CMS inspection which found one of the company's labs posed serious risk to patients. So far, the company has deflected critics with promises that proof would come in time, but time may be running short.
Bacteria from mother may colonize cesarean births | New York Times
For newborns delivered vaginally, the first bacteria encountered comes from the mother, but cesarean deliveries expose infants to other environmental bacteria, which may have lifelong effects on health. In a new study, researchers were able to transfer beneficial bacteria from a mother to a newborn delivered via C-section, in hopes of partially inoculating the infants against the elevated risks of metabolic and immune disorders some studies have found to be associated with such deliveries.
