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| Stem Cell Education and Hypeby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesAugust 4th, 2010The embryonic stem cell lobby seems to be making a concerted effort to promote their technology. |
| Familial Searching Hits The Spotlightby Osagie Obasogie , Biopolitical TimesJuly 14th, 2010Controversial familial searches in forensic DNA databases helped lead to the arrest of a serial killer known as the ‘Grim Sleeper.’ |
| Universities Bank on Stem-Cell Research[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Robert A. Guth, Wall Street JournalJuly 1st, 2010Bay Area universities and research groups are betting they can spawn a new generation of medical breakthroughs and the next growth engine for the region's biotechnology industry.
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| Bending the Rules in Californiaby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJune 16th, 2010Susanne Schultz recently investigated two organizations which may be skirting California's laws prohibiting payments to women to provide eggs for stem cell research. |
| Patricia Williams on DNA Databasesby Osagie Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesApril 6th, 2010In her latest column for The Nation, Columbia Law Professor Patricia Williams offers an insightful critique of a burgeoning law enforcement practice: taking and retaining DNA samples from individuals arrested for a crime regardless of whether they are ever charged or convicted. |
| Two New Publications from Generations Aheadby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesDecember 22nd, 2009Reports from convenings on DNA forensics and communities of color, and on discussions among disability rights and reproductive rights and justice advocates. |
| Beauty, Brains, and Eggs [Video][Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]KCETDecember 18th, 2009Los Angeles's public television station examines the big and mostly unregulated business of egg donation. |
| ACLU Challenges California Prop. 69 by Osagie K. Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesOctober 16th, 2009Prop. 69’s arrestee provision marks a radical expansion of the government’s power to indefinitely retain intimate information about citizens – many of whom may have done nothing more than be accused of committing a crime. |
| Celebrity Knock-Off Sperm? by Osagie Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 27th, 2009California Cryobank recently launched its “Donor Look-A-Like” program, in which sperm donors are not only cataloged by typical traits such as hair or skin color, but which celebrity they most closely resemble. |
| More fraud and scandal in the California fertility industryby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 21st, 2009The owner of a surrogacy agency vanished with about $2 million of her clients' money, leaving surrogates in mid-pregnancy with no health insurance to cover their prenatal care or deliveries. |
| California stem cell agency digs in deeperby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJuly 1st, 2009California's stem cell agency fights back against a call for reform by the state's independent "good government" agency-and threatens a lawsuit. |
| Moving in the Wrong Directionby Osagie Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesApril 22nd, 2009In recent weeks, both Nevada and Colorado are pursuing state laws that would place arrestees’ DNA in forensic databases, right next to profiles from convicted felons. |
| Stem Cell Decision Worries Some Scientists [Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Andrew Pollack, New York TimesMarch 11th, 2009Obama's decision has removed the original raison d'être for the California program and others like it. And with most states facing severe budget pressures, it may prove difficult to justify spending the money. |
| Stricter rules on fertility industry debated[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Kimi Yoshino and Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles TimesMarch 6th, 2009Some doctors worry that octuplet mom Nadya Suleman's case may be used as a pretense to pass laws limiting abortion rights. Others fear a confusing patchwork of regulations. |
| More cloning, but still no stem cellsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 12th, 2009Three more research teams have created clonal human embryos, but none reported deriving stem cells from them. |
| The danger of DNA: It isn't perfectby Maura Dolan and Jason Felch , Los Angeles TimesDecember 26th, 2008By far the most reliable forensic science, it still has limits: Samples can be contaminated and may go untested for years. And collecting it may violate privacy laws. |
| Salary Plan at Stem Cell Institute Is CriticizedGovernor cites state deficit in opposing leaders' payby Terri Somers, The Union TribuneDecember 6th, 2008With the state facing a possible $28 billion deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has expressed “deep concern” about the state stem cell institute's plans to set the salaries for the chairman and vice chairman of its board, two positions for which no one has accepted pay in three years. |
| CIRM won't give up on eggs for cloning-based workby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 3rd, 2008The California stem cell research agency indicates that it will continue its recent push for women's eggs for cloning-based stem cell research, perhaps paying if necessary. |
| DNA’s identity crisisby Chris Smith, San FranciscoAugust 31st, 2008If defense attorney Bicka Barlow and a growing group of skeptical lawyers and scientists are right, we have built our justice system’s use of DNA evidence on statistical sand. |
| Scientists: Egg Shortage Hurts Stem Cell Research [Quotes CGS' Marcy Darnovsky]by Marcus Wohlsen, Associated PressJuly 30th, 2008Critics of cloning-based stem cell research say its promise is outweighed by the potential harm to women, a view that has prevailed among regulators. And there's a promising new approach to stem cell research that doesn't require eggs at all. |
| Digging Themselves a Holeby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJuly 15th, 2008In the wake of new methods of deriving fully potent stem cells without destroying embryos, researchers and advocates appear to be falling into two camps. |
| Letter of support for SB 1565July 15th, 2008The Center for Genetics and Society sent this letter to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee in support of SB 1565, a bill to modify governance of the California stem cell research program. |
| The New Push for Eggs for Stem Cell Research in Californiaby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJune 27th, 2008Recent calls by the leadership of California's stem cell program to toss aside a critical rule to protect women's health simply because it is interfering with the aims of a handful of researchers and biotech companies is far from warranted. |
| Letting Sleeping Dogs Lieby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJune 12th, 2008The leadership of the California stem cell research agency has commissioned a new economic report. Any realistic economic analysis may not be an effective shield in Sacramento during a period of drastic budget cuts, and by reviving past controversy, revisiting the economic argument may backfire. |
| Nature on California's "Cronyism"by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesMay 9th, 2008In a recent issue, the editors of Nature - among the most gung-ho supporters of stem cell research - caution against the "cronyism" and "inherent problems" at the California stem cell research agency. |
| Contrasting Coverage of CIRMby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesMay 7th, 2008The state's two largest newspapers each had a preview of today's CIRM meeting, yet they were quite different from one another. |
| DNA matches aren't always a lockby Jason Felch and Maura Dolan, Los Angeles TimesMay 3rd, 2008Prosecutors and crime labs across the country routinely use numbers that exaggerate the significance of DNA matches in "cold hit" cases, in which a suspect is identified through a database search. |
| California Takes Lead on DNA Crime-Fighting Technique
by Maura Dolan Jason Felch, Los Angeles TimesApril 26th, 2008California will adopt the most aggressive approach in the nation to a controversial crime-fighting technique that uses DNA to try to identify elusive criminals through their relatives. The state will search its database for relatives of unidentified suspects in hopes of developing leads. |
| The Many Hats of Robert Kleinby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesApril 11th, 2008The chair of California's multi-billion dollar stem cell research agency tries to juggle many hats, including those of advocate and lobbyist. |
| Report from the CIRM Standards Working Group meetingby Susan Fogel, Biopolitical TimesMarch 10th, 2008Susan Fogel of the Pro-Choice Alliance for Responsible Research filed this report on the recent meeting of the Standards Working Group of California stem cell research program, held on February 28, 2008 in San Francisco. |
| Another Bill to Reform the California Stem Cell Research Programby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesMarch 4th, 2008For the fourth year in a row, the Democratic chair of the California Senate Health Committee, currently Sheila Kuehl, and her Republican colleague, George Runner, have introduced a bill to address some of the flaws in the California stem cell research program. |
| Big Bucks Become Bigger at CIRMby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 19th, 2008If the CIRM's salaries skyrocket according to its plan, calls for its termination, such as the recent editorial in Investor's Business Daily, would likely grow more common. |
| What to Expect in ’08: Stem Cell Researchby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 19th, 2008Prognostication is a risky endeavor, but we can't resist making a few general predictions about the world of stem cell research. |
| The Bullet Missed[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Editorial, Investor's Business DailyJanuary 18th, 2008For Californians, the good news is that only a small part of the $3 billion in Proposition 71 bonds has been issued. So they still could save themselves a good deal of money by winding the program down. |
| Looking a gift horse in the mouthby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 27th, 2007The California stem cell agency is preparing to give its first grants to for-profit entities. But instead of lining up, many businesses are claiming they'll stay away because too many strings are attached. This may be true, or the companies may be trying to game the system in hopes of more favorable terms. In any case, it does not justify removing the obligations that come with grants of taxpayer dollars. |
| Stem-cell Firms Resisting Cash LureInstitute Offers Grants with Strings Attachedby Steve Johnson, San Jose Mercury NewsDecember 20th, 2007Although companies now have a chance for the first time in the institute's three-year history to apply for its money, they may wind up having to share some of their revenue and research. And that is giving some companies second thoughts about participating. |
| Solution to One Prop. 71 FlawA Letter to the Editorby Jesse Reynolds, Los Angeles TimesDecember 17th, 2007It's time for the Legislature to step in and reform Proposition 71. Board chair and Proposition 71 author Robert Klein has consistently worked against accountability and transparency. |
| LA Times Calls for Proposition 71 Overhaulby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 12th, 2007Today, the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times called for the California Legislature to modify Proposition 71. |
| Yet More Meddling at CIRMby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 7th, 2007New revelations of improper interference in grant applications by board members of the California stem cell agency surfaced today. These developments should stimulate the California legislature to alter the law to reform the board structure, and more. |
| Bids for stem-cell grants in jeopardy4 universities may have broken rules on conflict of interestby Sabin Russell, San Francisco Chronicle December 7th, 2007California's stem cell agency may toss out grant applications seeking millions of dollars for researchers because they included letters of support from deans who also sit on the citizens' board that governs the $3 billion program. |
| California Plans for a $750 Million Biotech Bank[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by David Jensen, WiredDecember 6th, 2007A new source of $750 million in funding could soon become available for the perennially cash-starved biotech industry, particularly stem cell firms. The plan has already attracted criticism and praise. |
| State Controller Calls for Audit Of Stem Cell Institute's Expenditures[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds]by Joyce E. Cutler, Bureau of National AffairsNovember 29th, 2007California Controller John Chiang called for an audit of all proceeds of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and for a review of whether Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee member John Reed violated conflict-of-interest rules. |
| Undue Influence at the Stem Cell Instituteby Jesse Reynolds, San Francisco Chronicle November 29th, 2007Amid the coverage of major technical advances, an all-too-predictable scandal erupted in California's stem cell program. The details reveal improper and potentially illegal influence on the allocation of public funds by a CIRM board member. |
| States Assess Breakthrough On Stem CellsThose With Big Investments Vow to Continue Researchby Rick Weiss, Washington PostNovember 22nd, 2007Tuesday's announcement that scientists had found a noncontroversial way to make cells equivalent to human embryonic stem cells generated economic and geopolitical tremors through states that have invested in embryonic stem cell programs and research centers. |
| Jensen on CIRM; Klein on Clinical Trialsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesNovember 12th, 2007The premier observer of the California stem cell research agency, David Jensen of the California Stem Cell Report, published an in-depth review of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. |
| Secrecy & ConflictsAmid success and shortfalls, California's stem cell agency reaches for curesby David Jensen, Sacramento BeeNovember 11th, 2007Three years ago, California voters launched the state on a $3 billion journey involving the origins of life, cutting-edge science and medicine, big business, morality, ethics, religion and politics, not to mention the hopes of millions of people suffering from diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer. |
| If You're Afraid of the Answer, then Don't Askby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesOctober 10th, 2007The CIRM is rejecting the suggestion - from a state auditor - that it merely ask the Attorney General for an opinion on disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. |
| CHA Grant Application: Pushed or Jumped?by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesOctober 4th, 2007When a controversial applicant for California stem cell research funds withdrew its approved request during its final administrative review, it seemed a bit disingenuous. |
| The God of Spermby Steven Kotler, LA Weekly September 26th, 2007In an industry veiled in secrecy, a powerful L.A. sperm peddler shapes the nation’s rules on disease, genetics — and accidental incest |
| CIRM's New President: The Good and the Badby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 17th, 2007The new president of the California stem cell agency brings a diverse set of skills to the table. But Alan Trounson's record as a businessman and advocate is worth a close look |
| A State Bill Passes, a Federal One Stallsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 14th, 2007A California bill that would require the labeling of meat or dairy produced from cloned animals has passed the state Legislature. Meanwhile, a federal bill to permit generic biotechnology medicines has stalled again. |
| ISSCR Enters Local Politicsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 7th, 2007Why would George Daley, the president of an international scientific organization and a top researcher at Harvard, take the time to write a letter to the supervisors of a rural California county? Let's look at some details. |
| CIRM Loses its No. 1 Scientistby David Jensen, California Stem Cell ReportAugust 27th, 2007The top scientist at the California stem cell agency, Arlene Chiu, will soon depart in a move that reinforces the importance of maintaining the organization's stability and finding a new, permanent president. |
| Don't Bite the Hand that Feeds Youby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesAugust 3rd, 2007Given the magnitude of Keirstead's promotional activities, his undisclosed personal financial interest, and his own statement of clinical trials "in about a year" back in 2002, his pronouncements on the timeline for embryonic stem cell trials should receive a great deal of skepticism. |
| Sacramento Bee to Klein: Stop Lobbying or Resignby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesJuly 17th, 2007The editors of the Sacramento Bee have called on Robert Klein to either cease lobbying for a controversial land deal (discussed here last month), or to resign as chair of the state's stem cell research program. |
| Editorial: Too many hatsby Editorial, Sacramento BeeJuly 14th, 2007The editorial board of the Sacramento Bee: "If Klein wants to continue to promote the Yolo project or any project that could overlap with his duties as a state official, he needs to resign from CIRM. The sooner the better." |
| Whichever Way the Wind Blowsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesMay 24th, 2007A recent article on potential economic benefits from California's $3 billion investment in stem cell research has reference to the over-the-top - yet widely-cited - optimistic scenarios spun in an economic analysis that was widely touted, and funded, by the campaign to establish the state program - despite sharing an author. |
| CGS letter on California's SB771April 4th, 2007CGS supports, if amended, SB771. We are concerned that the bill as currently written does not go far enough to protect Californians from potentially unfair pricing practices. |
| Researchers Push for Looser Rules on Procuring Women's EggsGenetic CrossroadsFebruary 28th, 2007Scientists who want large numbers of women's eggs for cloning-based stem cell research face widespread objections and concerns because of the risks that egg retrieval poses for women and the speculative nature of benefits from research cloning. |
| California Stem Cell UpdateGenetic CrossroadsFebruary 28th, 2007CIRM grant process reveals deep flaws; Legislature moves to ensure affordable treatments and returns on public investment; Appeals court ruling favors stem cell institute |
| CIRM grant process reveals deep flawsby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 22nd, 2007Last week, the California stem cell research program awarded its first research grants. Although the media coverage was universally laudatory, this milestone was not without significant shortcomings. |
| Unsupported conclusions on egg procurementby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 13th, 2007The Institute of Medicine has issued its report on last September's workshop, held at the request of the California stem cell agency to assess the medical risks of egg retrieval. |
| Will the third time be the charm for reform in California?by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 8th, 2007Many of the shortcomings of California's stem cell research program can be traced to its enabling law, which is deeply flawed. Legislative reform of Prop 71 is planned for the third year in a row. |
| A Penny on the Dollarby Chris Thompson, East Bay ExpressJanuary 24th, 2007"The more details emerge about Proposition 71, California's $3 billion stem-cell research project, the more it all looks like a big lie that will cost us billions of dollars more than we were told." |
| Stem Cell Reality Checkby Malcolm Maclachlan, Capitol WeeklyJanuary 23rd, 2007A University of California Berkeley economics professor has done an analysis of the financial returns likely to come to California from stem cell research--and he said they will likely be a small fraction of what proponents" say. |
| Rich Donors Help Calif. Fund Stem Cell Researchby Sonya Geis, Washington PostDecember 19th, 2006"Two years after California voters passed a landmark $3 billion bond measure for stem cell research, not a single bond has been sold and not a penny of bond money has been spent. The fund is caught up in court challenges." |
| Year in Review: New policies, more controversy on eggs for research (Part 5 of 5)Genetic CrossroadsDecember 14th, 2006The public and political debate about stem cell research remains dominated by the divisive embryo issue. But some policy makers are beginning to address the risks posed by the procurement of women's eggs, which researchers want in large numbers for efforts to derive stem cells from cloned embryos. |
| Should we rely on a "culture of compliance?"by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 14th, 2006We've long advocated for "effective oversight," but neither the stem cell research agency nor the institutionally-affiliated committees that it asks to approve each research project are accountable to anyone else. While a "culture of compliance" sounds good, that's another way to say "trust us." And I don't trust self-regulation. |
| Two takes on "cures in ten years"by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesDecember 5th, 2006Two articles from the weekend highlight diminishing expectations for California's stem cell research program. Its governing board is meeting this week, and will approve a strategic plan that is in in sharp contrast to the exaggerated rhetoric of the Proposition 71 campaign that created the program. |
| Reality check for stem cell optimismby Mary Engel, Los Angeles TimesDecember 3rd, 2006"Two years after California voters authorized $3 billion in bonds to fund stem cell research, the institute created to oversee the enterprise has just begun what experts see as a long and slow scientific journey." |
| Stem Cell Research: Fact and Fictionby Caroline Dobuzinskis, Mother Jones MoJo BlogNovember 3rd, 2006Stem cells have become the superstars of this election season, with their profiles raised by celebrities and ad campaigns. An interview with Jesse Reynolds, spokesman for the Center for Genetics and Society, shed some light on the realities of the issue. |
| "Stem cell czar" at it againby Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical TimesNovember 3rd, 2006Robert Klein, California's "stem cell czar," is inappropriately politicking again. This time, he's endorsed Democrat John Garamendi for Lt. Governor. It's my understanding that as an appointed state official, he is prohibited from endorsing candidates for office. The way he introduces his endorsement suggests he knows this. |
| A Pro-Woman Stem-Cell Policyby Marcy Darnovsky, TomPaine.comOctober 26th, 2006"The need for young women to provide fresh eggs for cloning research, and the risks that poses, have been all but overshadowed." |
| California Victory: Standards and Safeguards on Eggs for ResearchGenetic CrossroadsOctober 20th, 2006California has become the first U.S. state to legislate a set of standards and safeguards for procuring women's eggs for cloning and stem cell research. The new law is a victory for women's health, for protection of research subjects, and for responsible science. |
| Better Late than NeverScientists Discuss Risks of Egg ProcurementGenetic CrossroadsOctober 20th, 2006For the first time, stem cell scientists have convened a meeting to discuss what is and is not known about risks to women who undergo egg extraction. |
| Candid forecast on stem cell research hopes10-year outlook cautions against early results from $3 billion planby Carl T. Hall, San Francisco ChronicleOctober 5th, 2006"State officials running the California Proposition 71 stem cell program issued a 10-year scientific spending plan Wednesday that suggests even $3 billion isn't enough to meet all the early expectations of stem cell research." |
| Potential Conflicts of Interest at the CIRMThe California stem cell research program is compromised by two sorts of conflicts of interest. Proposition 71, which established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), built conflicts of interest into the structure of the new agency. The proposition mandates that at least half of the CIRM's governing board, the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC), must represent institutions which are likely to conduct stem cell research. |
| State Takes Lead in Stem Cell Effortsby Lee Romney, Los Angeles TimesJuly 21st, 2006"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered a loan of up to $150 million to the state's voter-approved stem cell research institute, catapulting California into the lead as the nation's top public funder of the divisive research." |
| Panel scraps stem cell discovery-sharing ruleby Sandy Kleffman, Contra Costa TimesJuly 15th, 2006"A panel deciding what benefits California taxpayers will receive from their $3 billion investment in stem cell research agreed Friday to remove a discovery-sharing requirement that the biotech industry vigorously opposed." |
| Biotech exec's contribution called conflictby Steve Johnson, San Jose Mercury NewsJune 9th, 2006"A fundraising foundation has received a $3,000 donation for California's stem-cell institute from an executive of a Bay Area stem-cell company, drawing criticism from a consumer activist for a potential conflict of interest." |
| Institute's chairman raps senator for billby Terri Somers, San Diego Union-TribuneJune 8th, 2006"One day before voters went to the polls, the chairman of the state stem cell institute sent a scathing letter to patient advocates around California alleging that secretary of state candidate Sen. Deborah Ortiz was on an _anti-research crusade._ " |
| Editorial: Cellular mutationSacramento BeeJune 2nd, 2006"In her latest effort to reform California's $3 billion stem cell research institute, state Sen. Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, has introduced SB 401, a proposed ballot measure that seeks to close gaps in Proposition 71..." |
| Stem-cell Research Blasted from New Angle[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Michelle Chen, The New StandardMay 8th, 2006"Groups that support stem-cell research are warning that the state_s massive research-funding plan is not immune to narrow interest groups that could undermine the potential public-health benefits." |
| Key opinion pieces, editorials, and news articlesMay 1st, 2006Since the election, media attention moved from Proposition 71 as a referendum on approval or opposition to embryonic stem cell research, to focusing on the laws details and the complexities of its implementation. |
| Calif. Stem Cell Agency Still in Limboby Paul Elias, Associated PressApril 22nd, 2006"California's $3 billion stem cell research institute won an important victory with a court ruling rejecting challenges to its constitutionality, but the agency's finances remain in limbo while the expected appeals block much of its funding." |
| Editorial: For $10,000, you get ...Sacramento BeeApril 16th, 2006"Frustrated by lawsuits that have held up funding for California's $3 billion stem cell research institute, some of San Francisco's most prominent philanthropists are holding a gala fundraiser for this state agency on May 22." |
| Opinion: The legal lock on stem cellsby Jennifer Washburn, Los Angeles TimesApril 12th, 2006"CALIFORNIA'S $3-billion stem cell program has encountered repeated setbacks since it was approved by voters 17 months ago. Now it faces an entirely new and potentially even more worrisome challenge arising from two powerful patents..." |
| Stem-cell oracles[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Dan Pine, J. The Jewish newsweekly of northern CaliforniaFebruary 23rd, 2006Though still in relative infancy, stem-cell research holds great promise to cure juvenile diabetes and a host of other conditions, from spinal cord injury to Alzheimer’s disease to cancer. Is there a Jewish position on stem-cell research?
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| Stem cell transparencyby Editorial, Los Angeles TimesFebruary 20th, 2006"One issue the institute still must confront is making the financial disclosures of its scientific advisors open to the public." |
| Stem cell profit rules urgedSacramento BeeJanuary 24th, 2006"Biotech companies that commercialize taxpayer-funded stem cell research would have to plan to sell the drugs at the "lowest available U.S. commercial price" to low-income Californians, a task force recommended Monday..." |
| Editorial: Stem cell falloutSacramento BeeJanuary 20th, 2006"The fraud perpetrated by South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Suk is a setback for regenerative medicine, but it also serves as a rich learning opportunity for California's $3 billion stem cell research institute." |
| Stem cell official on hot seat[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Rebecca Vesely, Oakland TribuneJanuary 19th, 2006"California's new stem cell institute, which voters approved 14 months ago, is falling far short of expectations, and its chairman should step down, a group said Wednesday. " |
| The California Stem Cell Program at One Year: A Progress Report [PDF]January 18th, 2006This comprehensive progress report critically evaluates the first year of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the agency running California's new multi-billion dollar stem cell research program. It assesses the CIRM's performance, assigns grades in key areas, and offers specific policy recommendations. |
| Stem cell head should quit, group says [California][Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Laura Mecoy, Sacramento BeeJanuary 18th, 2006"Robert Klein II, the campaign chairman who became the head of the state's stem cell agency's board, should step down from that job because of his failed leadership, the Center for Genetics and Society said Wednesday." |
| Public interest group gives the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine poor grades for its performanceThe Center for Genetics and Society releases progress report calling for effective oversight and responsible researchThe Center for Genetics and SocietyJanuary 18th, 2006The Center for Genetics and Society (CGS), a public interest and advocacy group, today released a comprehensive progress report critically evaluating the first year of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the agency running California's new multi-billion dollar stem cell research program. The report assesses the CIRM's performance, assigns grades in key areas, and offers specific policy recommendations. The overall grade it assigns for the CIRM's first year is C-. |
| Editorial: Stem-cell politicsSan Francisco ChronicleJanuary 13th, 2006"THE TRAGIC RISE and fall of veterinarian Hwang Woo Suk, the South Korean stem-cell researcher who was found to have fabricated his purported breakthroughs in stem-cell science...offers California a cautionary tale." |
| Stem cell scandal reverberates in U.S.San Diego Union TribuneDecember 18th, 2005"As a South Korean scientist defends against mounting accusations that he falsified evidence in a breakthrough stem cell study, researchers in California said the controversy has caused significant damage to a promising and fledgling field. " |
| Stem-cell funding still mired in courtsSan Jose Mercury NewsNovember 30th, 2005"A judge Tuesday denied a motion to dismiss two lawsuits challenging the legality of California's year-old $3 billion stem-cell institute, making it likely public funding for the institute will continue to be blocked well into next year." |
| Editorial: Oocytes for sale?Sacramento BeeNovember 25th, 2005"Although it remains unclear what Hwang knew or didn't know about the origins of the eggs, the episode should serve as a lesson for California's stem cell institute." |
| Editorial: Science and DemocracySan Francisco ChronicleNovember 13th, 2005"Now that California taxpayers know that the $3 billion ($6 billion with debt service) that they voted in 2004 to spend on stem-cell research may possibly be an outright grant of money for research rather than an investment, does it make a difference?" |
| Stem-Cell WonderlandWill cures be affordable to all?by Ralph Brave, Sacramento News & ReviewOctober 20th, 2005Ralph Brave reviews the tensions between the realities and promises of stem cell research and California's Proposition 71. In a sidebar, he touches on the importance of intellectual property rights. |
| Embryonic stateCommittee sorting out ethics (issues) of California's stem cell research program moving slowlyby Sandi Dolbee, San Diego Union TribuneOctober 10th, 2005Nearly a year after voters authorized a $3 billion investment for stem cell research in this state, the committee formed to sort out the ethical and medical details have only taken baby steps. |
| Editorial: Save the Stem CellsThe Daily CalifornianOctober 4th, 2005UC Berkeley's student newspaper: "[T]he state legislature may make a big mistake by adopting provisions of the 1980 Bayh-Dole Patent and Trademark Act.... But Bayh-Dole benefits industry more than it helps universities." |
| Human Plants, Human HarvestThe Hidden History of California EugenicsSeptember 27th, 2005This 2005 exhibit was the first to be exclusively devoted to the history of eugenics in California. |
| Stem cell_s shell game?Capitol WeeklySeptember 22nd, 2005"The biggest question surrounding stem cell research in California right now isn_t whether it will eventually cure devastating health problems. It_s what happened to the billion dollars." |
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