Developing news… stem cells edition

June 2023

If you have been on Twitter or read the news recently, you have probably seen this Guardian article on stem cell-based human embryo models, or one of the other pieces of news coverage. This sparked some debate over how scientific data should be covered in the media. Should data without a preprint or paper be reported in the news? How should scientists talk about their results with journalists?

Following the Guardian article, the Zernicka-Goetz group and Hanna Group each released a preprint on post-implantation embryo models:

Transgene directed induction of a stem cell-derived human embryo model | bioRxiv

Transgene-Free Ex Utero Derivation of A Human Post-Implantation Embryo Model Solely from Genetically Unmodified Naïve PSCs | bioRxiv

These two preprints grabbed the headlines, but a couple of other articles were also made available at the same time that are worth a look:

Modelling Human Post-Implantation Development via Extra-Embryonic Niche Engineering | bioRxiv

Dissecting peri-implantation development using cultured human embryos and embryo-like assembloids | bioRxiv

What else has been happening in the stem cell biology field? Here is a recap:

• Developing guidance on stem cell use and stem cell-based embryo models
• Survey to assess inclusivity

Developing guidance on stem cell use and stem cell-based embryo models

Project launched to provide guidance on research using human stem cell-based embryo models | University of Cambridge

In light on the fast-developing field of embryo models, the scientific community is acting to produce a governance framework for research involving stem cell-based human embryo models. This includes a project recently launched by the University of Cambridge.

Standards Document — International Society for Stem Cell Research (isscr.org)

The ISSCR released their Standards for Human Stem Cell Use in Research, which “identifies quality standards and outlines basic core principles for the laboratory use of both tissue and pluripotent human stem cells and the in vitro model systems that rely on them.” This document also includes guidelines on best practice for reporting on studies using human stem cell systems.

Survey to assess inclusivity

The ISSCR and several scientific societies have created a survey to assess whether individuals feel included in their societies, in the workplace, and in the broader biology/scientific community. Participate in this survey to share your experience: The ISSCR Participates with Scientific Societies on Survey to Assess Inclusivity — International Society for Stem Cell Research

And finally, have you ever heard of the police being called to a scientific conference because the conference hall was overcrowded? This happened at ISSCR2023.

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