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But They Say Only Good Things Come in Small Packages

Here's a good reality check for how consumers perceive your nanotech research: this article from AlterNet looks at whether the benefits of nanotechnology make up for the risks. Even though nanoparticles are continuously popping up in more and more consumer goods -- they're found in everything from sunscreens and cosmetics to air fresheners and shoe liners, the article writes -- reports have linked them to toxicity in both humans and fish. While the US spent $1.4 billion on nanotech R&D last year, only 1 to 4 percent was given to risk assessment. "We are part of an experiment," says George Kimbrell, an attorney for the International Center for Technology Assessment.

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.