Advanced, lab-made brain organoids raise ethical concerns

Plus: An ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires abruptly shuts down

November 7, 2025 Check out STAT+

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Adobe STAT+ | FDA announces next round of priority review vouchers Process speeds up FDA approval for drugs that reflect Trump priorities. Watchdogs say program may hand out political favors more than advance public health By Lizzy Lawrence STAT+ | Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down The research organization, launched two years ago, drew top talent. But its ability to churn out startups depended on more funding By Allison DeAngelis and Jason Mast Arthur Chien/ Science Photo Library As brain organoids grow increasingly complex, leading scientists and bioethicists call for global oversight As neural organoids grow more complex, scientists and ethicists urge oversight of research with these 3D structures made from human cells By Megan Molteni

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