BIOETHICS
‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’
Hollywood once again helps us understand why what biologists could do scares the hell out of us.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
Misguided Stem Cell Legal Battle Comes to an End
Stem cell researchers around the country can finally go back to work knowing their jobs are safe now that the ruling prohibiting federal funding for embryonic stem cell research has been reversed.
BIOETHICS
Bioprogressive America
A political alliance of bioprogessives on the left and the right can share a commitment to the continued growth of knowledge as a basic humanistic value, the desire to use knowledge as a force for innovation, and an appreciation of innovation as a source of new wealth.
BIOETHICS
Stem Cells and “Reasonable Interpretations”
The first ever human recipient of a stem cell transplant and the three-judge panel that recently reversed the ban on federal stem cell funding both had to rely on their own best angels in the absence of absolutes.
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Extremes and Experience: Lessons from Japan
If human beings really are smart enough to survive, we don’t need extremists, but leaders who can help us prepare for extreme events.
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
Reviewing the President’s Synthetic Biology Report
Experts discuss the ethics of synthetic biology and emerging technology at the Center for American Progress
GLOBAL ECONOMY
Crises, China, and Innovation
Science Progress Editor-in- Chief shares reflections from his trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum. Here are the big takeaways.
Sargent Shriver: Bioethics Pioneer
Among the many reasons to remember Sargent Shriver–war hero, presidential adviser, Peace Corps founder, vice presidential candidate–there is one that few may know about: pioneer of bioethics. In 1970 the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation was considering support for a [...]
BIOETHICS
President’s Bioethics Comission Strikes the Right Balance
The President’s Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues released its first report today, the result of a six-month study of synthetic biology. The study was ordered by the president in response to an announcement last May by the J. [...]
BIOETHICS
The Stem Cell Stain
Bush recounts his logic behind the decision to allow NIH research only on existing embryonic stem cell lines in his new memoir—but does it pass muster?
PODCAST
Interview With Youth Stem Cell Research Advocate Cody Unser
Jonathan Moreno interviews Cody Unser, a youth advocate for science-based healthcare policy with an inspiring story.
Innovation
Shape Shifting
Public policymakers need to grasp these converging distinctions to ensure our economy remains competitive and entrepreneurial.
LIFE SCIENCES
U.S. Stem Cell Ruling Invites Asian Competition
A ruling barring NIH funds from use in embryonic stem cell research will hurt American research efforts and send cutting-edge biotechnology jobs to Asia.
LIFE SCIENCES
If You Can’t Win on the Science, Take ‘Em to Court
A poorly argued decision upends critical embryonic stem cell research funded by the National Institutes of Health, and puts into question policies upheld by the Clinton, Bush, and Obama Administrations.
BIOETHICS
Would You Take the New Alzheimer’s Test?
A new test can detect with great accuracy the development of Alzheimer’s years before symptoms occur. Jonathan Moreno muses on the ethical and political implications of this new medical milestone.
LIFE SCIENCES
One Small Step for Embryonic Stem Cells
The Food and Drug Administration approves the first clinical trial for embryonic stem cell treatment in patients with recent spinal cord injuries—creating a much needed regulatory pathway.
BIOETHICS
Is it Time to Change the Model for Tissue Donation?
The idea of informed consent has grown up, and it’s time to rethink the reasoning behind the consent system for tissue donation, writes Jonathan Moreno.
BIOETHICS
The First Scientist to “Play God” Was Not Craig Venter
Critics of synthetic biology who fear that scientists are overstepping boundaries should have raised their objections in the 19th century.
GENOMICS
Synthetic Biology Grows Up
The emerging technology is cause for celebration but risks overreaction that could inhibit innovation.
BIOETHICS
Bioethics Progressing
It has been two weeks since the White House announced the members of its bioethics commission. Here, the authors argue for a progressive approach to bioethics, because the core idea of progress is closely associated with the modern idea of science, and bioethics itself embodies a progressive spirit.
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Science, Innovation, and Competitiveness
Science Progress and American Progress's Doing What Works project teamed up to produce a set of policy proposals that the Obama administration and Congress can adopt to reinvest in the building blocks of American science, innovation, and economic competitiveness. Read the overview of the five reports.
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