Wesley J. Smith is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism, and consults for the Patients Rights Council.

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Engineering Animals With Human Genes

From First Thoughts

This story is written as if placing human genes in animals is something new. It reports on how UK scientists have engineered mice to contain human genes that are implicated in Down’s syndrome. The point is to help the researchers “identify which gene or genes cause each of the symptoms . . . . Continue Reading »

The Unconscious May be Able to Hear

From First Thoughts

I have always believed that Terri Schiavo could hear. This was based on conversations I had with people who were with her, and on the videos posted on the Internet. One in particular struck me: Terri is asked to open her eyes. There is a pause. Her eyes remain shut. Then, they flutter. Then, she . . . . Continue Reading »

Adult Neural Stem Cells Help Mice to Walk

From First Thoughts

And yet another adult stem cell success: This time, human neural stem cells have apparently helped heal spinal injuries in mice. Imagine: Our own cells becoming potent medicine—and all without having to conduct human cloning. More research remains to be done, of course. But scientists who . . . . Continue Reading »