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![Administering CRISPR via nanoparticles, an approach that has proved its worth](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/virus-1812092_960_720_0.jpg)
Administering CRISPR via nanoparticles, an approach that has proved its worth
To correct cholesterol levels and treat liver diseases, American scientists have combined nanotechnologies and the genome editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9[1]. They have produced nanoparticles to transport CRISPR and permanently and specifically edit a cholesterol-regulating...
![IVF: study in favour of single embryo transfer](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/istock-486682730_4-1080x602.jpg)
IVF: study in favour of single embryo transfer
During the meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in early November, the results of a study undertaken by the universities of Colorado and Duke were presented to delegates. The results showed that the implantation of a single...
![Genome editing: the first patient is treated in California](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/crispr_adn_-_freeimages_0.jpg)
Genome editing: the first patient is treated in California
In California, the first patient has been treated by editing his own gene in order to correct a gene permanently in his liver cells. Brian Madeux, aged 44, is suffering from a single-gene disease, namely Hunter syndrome[1]. On Monday, he received billions of...
![AMD: Results of trials based on human embryo stem cells](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/174185c24582e86e6d91a22391a1da88ecec9770918c8c2529pimgpsh_fullsize_distr_0.jpg)
AMD: Results of trials based on human embryo stem cells
The results of two clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat AMD [1] have just been presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The cells injected into patients' eyes "appear to have replaced cells damaged by the...
![“The trivialisation of genetically modified embryos is gaining ground”](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/istock-cell_embryo_-_626823572_3.jpg)
“The trivialisation of genetically modified embryos is gaining ground”
Jean-François Bouvet, Doctor of Sciences and author of Bébés à la carte (designer babies), has just published an article in Le Point in which he highlights the "trivialisation of genetically modified embryos". The first experiment of this type, published...
![Assisted suicide is rising sharply in Switzerland](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/f396c3db97d231560fe236c6d3f8d69db922fde03c7fa8cc43pimgpsh_fullsize_distr_0-960x675.jpg)
Assisted suicide is rising sharply in Switzerland
Switzerland is recording a considerable rise in assisted suicides: 965 individuals "took a lethal substance" in 2015 compared to 742 in 2014 and 86 in 2000. These figures only take into consideration those "individuals living" in the country - they do not include...
![A Russian cryogenics company wants to freeze people before they die: utopia?](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cryogenisation-cio9-the-future_0.jpg)
A Russian cryogenics company wants to freeze people before they die: utopia?
Freezing a living person is tantamount to murder but a Russian company, KrioRus[1], is fund-raising to build its laboratory in Switzerland. It aims to offer people, who want to die, a chance to be frozen by circumventing assisted suicide legislation. According...
![A fertility clinic sued for failing to carry out genetic tests on eggs](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pixabay_-_sperm-956480_960_720_5-960x675.jpg)
A fertility clinic sued for failing to carry out genetic tests on eggs
Two couples have initiated legal proceedings against a New York doctor and his fertility clinic. They underwent MAP (medically assisted procreation) with egg donation but these gametes transferred fragile X syndrome to their children[1]. The parents are blaming the...
![In Switzerland, transplantation legislation changes the conditions for determining death](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/09bis_don_organes_15.jpg)
In Switzerland, transplantation legislation changes the conditions for determining death
On Wednesday, 15 November, in Switzerland, the Transplantation Act changed the guidelines of the Académie suisse des sciences médicales (ASSM) (Swiss Academy for Medical Sciences) on "Determining death with regard to organ transplantation and preparations for organ...
![Pope Francis: “Euthanasia is always wrong”](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/francois_21.jpg)
Pope Francis: “Euthanasia is always wrong”
At a meeting of the World Medical Association (WMA) held in the Vatican, the Pope reaffirmed that euthanasia "is always wrong in that euthanasia ends life and causes death". He deemed as "positive" all of the "medical advances to prolong life and eradicate...
![The withdrawal of food and water is “assisted suicide”](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/03_fin_de_vie_alimentation_38.jpg)
The withdrawal of food and water is “assisted suicide”
In some countries where euthanasia or assisted suicide is banned, the withdrawal of food and water is deemed to be "ethically and legally accessible". However, one article published in BMC Medicine relates this practice to assisted suicide "at least in...
![Sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment with a suspended sentence for murdering his wife with Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.genethique.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/hands-1209337_640b_0.jpg)
Sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment with a suspended sentence for murdering his wife with Alzheimer’s disease
81 year-old Hubert Ougier, who was married to Nicole for fifty-four years, suffocated her with a duffle bag on the morning of 28 October 2015 before attempting to commit suicide. His wife, who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis, would not accept...