Companies developing stem cell-based interventions should work with policymakers and patient advocates to address risks for current and future patients and to protect clinical research and the reputation of the field, write the authors. Read their full article in Cell & Gene Therapy Insights (free registration).
Argentina is a risky place for foreign investors. But the country’s Vaca Muerta offers a case study on how unconventional shale gas investment may be lower risk, with implications that could spur shale production outside the U.S.
Gabriel Collins, Mark P. Jones, Jim Krane, Kenneth B. Medlock III, Francisco J. MonaldiAugust 12, 2021
The history of the oil sector in the developing word has been characterized by cycles of investment, often followed by cycles of resource nationalism. Understanding the dynamics behind resource nationalism in Latin America is crucial for designing institutional frameworks that limit the cycles and induce long-term resource policies that foster the development of the abundant resource endowments in the region.
Private cord blood banking is more widespread than public banking in Jordan, contributing to misinformation and unequal access to resources. The authors conducted surveys with women in Jordan to examine perspectives toward cord banking in the country in order to inform policymaking, ethics and education about the practice.
Monica M. Matsumoto, Rana Dajani, Kirstin R.W. MatthewsSeptember 6, 2018
While the Food and Drug Administration currently regulates storage and use of cord blood (CB) in the United States, other state and federal guidelines on CB education, awareness and ethical considerations remain variable, and no mandatory international guidelines exist. To help organize and coordinate efforts across the United States and other nations, policymakers should implement regulations for high quality standards for both private and public CB banks.
Monica M. Matsumoto, Kirstin R.W. MatthewsAugust 4, 2015
In addition to their therapeutic potential, cord blood banks raise ethical and regulatory questions, especially in emerging markets in the Arab world. In this article, the authors review cord blood banking in five countries in the region (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) that were selected for their different CB banking policies and initiatives.
Monica M. Matsumoto, Rana Dajani, Kirstin R.W. MatthewsFebruary 13, 2015
Latin America has witnessed an unprecedented natural resource boom in the last decade. However, the macroeconomic and social achievements cannot hide the significant challenges and some negative effects of the mining boom, including the so-called resource curse.
With a favorable market and nearly inexhaustible resource base, Venezuela has a historic opportunity to boost its oil industry. However, the industry faces serious policy hurdles, and the potential of this investment is likely to be wasted.