New Year, New Science

Key findings and events that may emerge in 2013 concern stem cell trials, gene patents, open-access research papers and an updated U.N. climate assessment

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Stem-cell trials

Landmark results from an early-stage clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) should appear this year. Biotechnology firm Advanced Cell Technology of Santa Monica, California, is injecting hESC-derived retinal cells into the eyes of around three dozen people with two forms of non-treatable degenerative blindness. It is the only company currently testing hESC therapies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and it hopes that the agency will give it the green light to test stem cells induced from adult cells in patients this year.

Diagnostics controversy

The American Psychiatric Association will publish the fifth edition of itsDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5) in May, the first major update in 19 years to the standard reference guide for diagnosing mental illnesses. It will lead to controversial changes in clinical and research protocols, including restructured diagnoses for autism and major depression, although as a living document theDSM-5will see further revisions.

Climate assessment

Climate scientists have spent years preparing the fifth assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, its first update since 2007. Part of that report is due to appear in September: the conclusions of Working Group I, which summarizes the basic science of global warming. In the U.S., the Global Change Research Programs second assessment will detail the national impacts of climate change.

The Big Bangs glow

See the article here:
New Year, New Science