The New Organ Prize will be launched at the World Stem Cell Summit in San Diego on 4th December. The prize, created by the Methuselah Foundation, which promotes anti-ageing research, will go to the first scientist who grows and transplants a fully functioning organ from a patient’s own cells, hopefully within the next decade. The trophy is designed to revolutionise the field of regenerative medicine; currently, three people a day die in the UK waiting for a transplant. The pot has yet to be confirmed as it will be crowdfunded (www.neworgan.org).

Expect a buzz from 1st December, as an EU ban on neonicotinoid pesticides comes into effect. The EU has declared a two-year moratorium on three chemicals—clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam—because of fears they harm honey bees. The UK is among several countries that dispute the studies; the saga continues to raise important questions about the complex scientific decision-making processes underlying pan-European regulation.

Are you planning to tuck into turkey with all the trimmings this month? Perhaps it’s not the best time to draw your attention to a Nice consultation that closes in December on how to help the overweight keep the pounds off. The rethink on “lifestyle weight management services” suggests planning committees restricting the spread of fast food outlets in certain areas, rather than banning specific foods. Bring on the brandy custard!

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