Biophysical Society Bulletin | September 2024

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Around the World Guidelines for Human Embryo Models Grown from Stem Cells Published in United Kingdom In July, a working group led by researchers at the University of Cambridge published a code of practice for studies using embryo models grown from stem cells (https:/www.repro. cam.ac.uk/scbemcode). The code of practice aims to remove long-standing ethical and legal ambiguities that have left sci entists unsure about the acceptable boundaries of their work. Stem-cell–based embryo models, which are used to study early developmental processes, share similarities with human embryos but do not fall under United Kingdom regulations governing the use of embryos in research. The new code of practice is the result of more than two years of consultations with researchers, lawyers, sociologists, bioethicists, groups such as the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), and the general public. One of the group’s chief recommendations is to establish an oversight committee to review every research project that uses stem-cell–based embryo models. Made up of scien tists, legislators, sociologists, and bioethicists, the panel would consider the moral, social, and ethical implications of the research before deciding whether to give the go-ahead. The report refrains from putting a blanket limit on how long researchers can develop embryo models in the lab, consistent with ISSCR’s 2021 guidelines. The guidelines also urge sci entists to build public trust by being transparent about their research and sharing results.

Argentinian Researchers Continue to Struggle under New President Argentinian scientists are getting creative in their ongoing budget deficit under President Javier Milei , who took office eight months ago. Since taking office, Milei has aggressively cut government spending to revive the economy. Thus far, Milei has not followed through on a threat to close the Na tional Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), which employs the bulk of Argentina’s scientists and funds the daily operations of more than 280 research institutes. CONICET’s budget will fall by 25.5% this year; meanwhile, funding for the National Agency for the Promo tion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation (Agencia I+D+i)—the second major funding agency in the country—is set to drop by 65.5%. Amid these ongoing funding issues and lack of a clear pathway forward, scientists have been working on creative measures to keep their research moving forward, such as repurposing old bottles, borrowing supplies and equipment, and analyzing old data instead of collecting new. Be an inspiration to your community and help change the lives of those interested in or studying science. Sign up to be a mentor, K-12 classroom visitor, speaker, science fair judge, or student chapter sponsor. Access to the network is free for all BPS members and non-members. Use Your Expertise to Make a Difference!

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September 2024

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