Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - Sept. 2000

Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 10 (2000), 158-168.

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIBand will continue. The full list of news (OLD = 1991-1993; NEW = 1994+) until Sept. 2000 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Abbreviations

News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIB and will continue. This list is available on-line topic-by-topic, at:
http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Genetic Engineering of Plants
In general on GM plants, and teaching about them, J. Biological Education 34 (1999), 5-12. Genetic engineering of forest trees is discussed in Australasian Science (April 2000), 23-5. On engineering of chloroplasts, TIBTECH 18 (2000), 257-63. DNA microarrays have been used to identify the SAAT gene involved in strawberry flavour, Plant Cell 12 (2000), 647-61. On the function of Bt toxin, AEM 66 (2000), 1559-63. During larval development Bt sites may be lost, AEM 66 (2000), 1553-8. Methods to characterize Bt resistance in Diamondback moth are discussed in AEM 66 (2000), 1509-16.

HSP101 has been found to be a key component in the acquisition of thermotolerance in plants, Plant Cell 12 (2000), 457-60, 479-92. If HSP101 is over-expressed plants are able to survive severe heat stress. Antifreeze protein structure is discussed in Nature 406 (2000), 322-5. High molecular weight inulin from antichokes can be synthesized in GM potatoes, PNAS 97 (2000), 8699-704.

The genome sequence of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, that infects oranges and a variety of other fruit, has been sequenced by Brazilian researchers, Nature 406 (2000), 109, 151-7; NS (22 July 2000), 14, Newsweek (14 August 2000). A series of papers on genetics and conservation of Australian flora are in Aust. J. Botany 48 (2000), 287-416. Herbivores that eat lima beans elicit defense genes that are induced by volatile substances on the herbivores, Nature 406 (2000), 512-5. Plants can overcompensate production at times due to being eaten, Trends Plant Science 5 (2000), 309-13. Genes altering plant growth are discussed in Science 289 (2000), 71-2. A workshop report on Advances in Maize Streak Virus Disease research in Eastern and Southern Africa has been published, ISAAA Briefs 16 (2000).

A review is Gerngross, TU. & Slater, SC. "How green are green plastics?", SA (August 2000), 36-41. Engineering starch for better quantity and quality is reviewed in Trends Plant Science 5 (2000), 291-8. The production of fuel ethanol from corn starch using fluidized-bed bioreactors is cheaper, Bioresource Technology 75 (20000, 99-105. On sustainable production of cocoa, FoodToday 14 (May 1999), 3.

Genetic Engineering of Animals
A discussion of the Thylacine project, to reintroduce by cloning the extinct Australian tiger, is Australasian Science (Jan./Feb. 2000), 21. Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy has been reported in cloned cattle, NatGen 25 (2000), 255-7. Some cloned cattle have longer telomeres suggesting they may even live longer, SA (July 2000), 26. Plant cloning previously faced similar problems and still plants show variability, somaclonal variation, Science 288 (2000), 2318. On stem cell research, NatMed. 6 (2000), 747-8. Genetic variability in the milking speed of goats is reported in Genetical Research 75 (2000), 315-9. Paper on the impact of the rat genome mapping are in J. Expt. Animal Science 41 (2000), 1-100. The structure of an insect antifreeze protein is reported in Nature 406 (2000), 325-8.

Model ice have been genetically engineered to produce hemoglobin to fix beta-thalassemia, as a model for human gene therapy, Nature 406 (2000), 82-6. The preselection of retrovirally transduced bone marrow avoids subsequent stem cell gene silencing and is used in hemoglobin expression in mice, PNAS 97 (2000), 5411-5. On early mouse models of human diseases, Science 289 (2000), 56. Reviews of the use of mutant mice for genetic disease studies are Nature 406 (2000), 559; Cell 102 (2000), 131-4. The antibiotic minocycline slows the development of Huntington's disease in mouse models, NatMed. 6 (2000), 797-801; PNAS 97 (2000), 8093-7; BMJ 321 (2000), 70. Social amnesia (cannot remember previous contacts) is seen in mice lacking the oxytocin gene, NatGen 25 (2000), 284-7; Lancet 356 (2000), 49. NPAS2-deficient mice have impaired memory, Science 288 (2000), 2226-30; and mice lacking D-type Ca channels have deafness, Cell 102 (2000), 89-97. Mice over-expressing human uncoupling protein-3 in skeletal muscle are lethargic and lean, Nature 406 (2000), 415-9. Oncogene inactivation has been achieved in a mouse model, Nature 406 (2000), 473. A mouse model of Nartter's syndrome shows uncompensated polyurea, PNAS 97 (2000), 5434-9. Mice can inherit an artificial chromosome, NS (8 July 2000), 7.

Presenilin is required for proper neuron function in C. elegans, Nature 406 (2000), 306-9. Malaria parasite development is being studied in Drosophila, Science 288 (2000), 2376-9.

Designer Molecules
A DNA-fuelled molecular machine made of DNA is described in Nature 406 (2000), 605-8. The possibility for living silicon ships, half cell, as biosensors is being researched, NS (12 Aug. 2000), 7. The future of synthesising more amino acids is discussed in Science 289 (2000), 232-5; and on chemical synthesis of proteins, TIBTECH 18 (2000), 243-51. The genetic code may be altered, Science News 157 (2000), 360-2. From one sequence there can be two ribozymes, which suggests novel ribozyme folds can be found, Science 289 (2000), 448-52. Rational design of nascent metalloenzymes is reported in PNAS 97 (2000), 6292-7. New approaches for the simplification of glycoconjugate synthesis are overcoming the limitations of existing methods, NatBio 18 (2000), 835-41.

Biotechnology & the Public
Papers on trends in public attitudes include Gaskell, G. et al. "Biotechnology and the European public", NatBio 18 (2000), 935-8; Priest, SH. "US public opinion divided over biotechnology?". pp.939-42; Einsiedel, EF. "Cloning and its discontents? a Canadian perspective", pp.943-4. Macer, D. & Chen Ng., M. "Changing attitudes to biotechnology in Japan", pp. 945-7. Support for biotech. remains higher in Japan the US or Europe in general. See EJAIB 10 (2000), 106-13. On future potential of science, Australasian Science (April 2000), 26-7.

A review of the New Zealand Royal Commission on Genetic Modification is Australasian Science (June 2000), 32-3.A movie review of Doctors in the Movies: Boil the Water and Just Say Aah is JAMA 284 (2000), 368-9. A book is Tropp, M. Images of Fear. How Horror Stories Shape Modern Culture (McFarland Classics 1999). A new movie called X-men features genetic mutants with special powers. A letter pointing out that scientists have not been silent to raise the awareness of society to the prospects of biotechnology is Science 289 (2000), 392-3. Comments on Queensland's draft code of conduct for ethics of biotechnology are in Australasian Science (June 2000), 17-8. Factors in risk perception are discussed in Risk Analysis 20 (2000), 1-11.

Several reports on teaching include: Johansen CK & Harris DE., "Teaching the ethics of biology", Amer. Biology Teacher 62 (2000), 352-8; Olsher, G. & Dreyfus, A. "The ostension-teaching approach as a means to develop junior school student attitudes towards biotechnologies", J. Biol. Edu. 34 (1999), 25-31; and on public education of biotech., TIBTECH 18 (2000), 329-33; Australasian Science (Jan. 2000), 36-7. In Taiwan and the UK more than half the senior high school students aged 17-18 years old could give examples of genetic engineering, J. Biol. Edu. 34 (1999), 17-23. Results of an UK school survey of understanding of genetics is J.Biol. Edu. 34 (2000), 74-9; also pp. 134-41. The emergence of the concept of living in young children is described in J. Biol. Edu. 34 (1999), 13-6. On the limits of learning in biology classrooms, Amer. Biology Teacher 62 (2000), 359-61. A review of using cats to teach genetics is Genetics 155 (2000), 999-1004.

A review of the Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum in London is Lancet 356 (2000), 259; NS 22 (July 2000), 50. In general on philosophy of science, Nature 406 (2000), 564; NS (15 July 2000), 46-7. Campaigns from scientists have ousted anti-evolution school board members in Kansas, Nature 406 (2000), 552-3. On religion in the science classroom, Science Education 84 (2000), 445-68. Science communication is discussed in Science 289 (2000), 259-64; Australasian Science (Jan. 2000), 17-20; (March 2000), 17, 39-40; (April 2000), 40-2. How scientists communicate to school teachers is insufficient, Science Education 84 (2000), 469-85. Scientists should stop isolating themselves in jargon, Nature 406 (2000), 461; Science 289 (2000), 59, 61. A book review on the issues of employment and technology is Nature 406 (2000), 125-6.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
A review of the safety of farming GM salmon is Nature 406 (2000), 10-2. A critique is GeneWatch 13 (July 2000), 1, 4_5. A genetic system to make transgenic insects suitable for field release that is repressible sterility is PNAS 97 (2000), 8229-32. Use of an algorithm to improve oral immunization of foxes is reported in Ecological Modelling 129 (2000), 297-305. Papers on genetic engineering in Chinese and English are in Chinese Bioethics Newsletter 3 (Summer 1998), 1-4. On the risks of GMOs, SRT Bulletin 22 (June 2000), 1; Splice 6 (July 2000), 8-9, 14-5.

The precautionary principle is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 265; Nature 406 (2000), 234; and a report in French with regard also to medicine, by the French National Ethics Committee is Les Cahiers du CCNE 24 (2000), 18-45. Over-regulation of GM research in New Zealand is criticized for being too costly for universities, Nature 406 (2000), 8; NatBio 18 (2000), 810; also the EPA in the USA, Nature 406 (2000), 560. There have been calls for better regulation of GMO field trials in Australia, Australasian Science (May 2000), 17, 37-8. Evolving European GM regulation is discussed in TIBTECH 18 (2000), 325-6. Rabobank Group has published a code of conduct regarding genetic modification (www.rabobank.com). On risks of recombinant animal cells, TIBTECH 18 (2000), 277-8.

A study suggesting Bt toxin is not toxic to black swallow tail larvae is Wraight, CL. Et al. "Absence of toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis pollen to black swallow tails under field conditions", PNAS 97 (2000), 7700-3, 8198-9; Science News 157 (2000), 372-3. Retrotransposons can mediate genome evolution, PNAS 97 (2000), 6250-2; Genetica 107 (1999), 1-295. On mutation and sex, Nature 406 (2000), 399-404. The calcivirus release in Australia is discussed in Australasian Science (May 2000), 44-5. In general on biotic invasions, Ecological Applications 10 (2000), 689-710. Organic agriculture is debated Biotech. & Development Monitor 42 (June 2000), 24.

The Royal Society has urged calm over biological weapons, Nature 406 (2000), 109, 117. The impact of the bioweapons convention on bioindustry is discussed in NatBio 18 (2000), 806. The debate in the US over anthrax vaccinations for military personal is in Lancet 356 (2000), 491; Science 289 (2000), 382-3; NS (29 July 2000), 7. A letter discussing civilian protection against bioterrorism is AJPH 90 (2000), 1325-8. The amount of smallpox vaccine stockpile needed to combat terrorism is discussed in NS (29 July 2000), 14. Letters on biowarfare in the 1940S and 1950S are in JAMA 284 (2000), 561. The use of food in biowarfare is discussed in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A126-9.

Vaccines & Diseases
Court martial charges against a member of the Canadian military were stayed on May 5, 2000 in a case that raised issues concerning the right of soldiers to consent or refuse to consent to medical treatment. In 1998, Mike Kipling, a sergeant in the air force, had refused to submit to a mandatory anthrax vaccine prior to serving in Kuwait. He believed that the vaccine could cause symptoms akin to "Gulf War Syndrome". Although Health Canada had granted the military special permission to use the unlicensed and unapproved vaccine, it strongly recommended that the military also seek the soldiers consent. However, the military did not seek the soldiers' consent but ordered them to be injected with the vaccine. For refusing to be inoculated, he was charged under military law with disobeying an order without reasonable excuse. In his decision staying the court martial, the presiding military judge, held that Mr. Kipling had a right to refuse the medical treatment where the vaccine was "unsafe and hazardous". Canadian Bioethics Report (July 2000).

Concerns over immunization are discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 108-9; and on MMR vaccine safety, Lancet 356 (2000), 160-2. The strategies for finishing polio are discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 141, 229, 321. Fetal immunization by a DNA vaccine into the oral cavity has been effective in lambs, NatMed. 6 (2000), 929-32. A vaccine against rotavirus has been delayed in US approval in case it is linked to diabetes, although it would be very effective to stop deaths from diarrhea in developing countries, Lancet 356 (2000), 318; NS (12 August 2000), 4. The cost effectiveness of a pneumococcal vaccine is discussed in JAMA 284 (2000), 440-1. A monetary sanction can increase childhood immunization rate, JAMA 284 (2000), 35-9. On adult vaccination, MJA 173 (2000), 72-3. A beta-amyloid vaccine is discussed in Science 289 (2000), 375. A DNA vaccine against measles is reported in NatMed. 6 (2000), 744-5, 776-81.

The sequence of Vibrio cholerae has been released, Heidelberg, JF. Et al. "DNA sequence of both chromosomes of the cholera pathogen Vibrio cholerae", Nature 406 (2000), 477-84; Lancet 356 (2000), 488. Malaysian researchers have traced the Nipah virus outbreak in 1999 to bats, Science 289 (2000), 518-9. The glycoprotein of Ebola is the main determinant of injury, NatMed. 6 (2000), 886-9.

Funding of malaria research is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 194; Lancet 356 (2000), 144. A review of risks for travelers to get malaria is BMJ 321 (2000), 154-60. DDT house spraying to stop mosquitoes is being recommended by many, see Lancet 356 (2000), 267; 330-2; NatMed. 6 (2000), 729-31. There is a plan in India to sequence Plasmodium vivax, that causes 80% of their malaria cases, Nature 406 (2000), 116. On malaria genome projects, Nature 406 (2000), 121-2. The possibility of competition between mosquitoes to block those which carry malaria is discussed in NS (8 July 2000), 15; also NS (15 July 2000), 32-5; NatMed. 6 (2000), 720, 898-903. In general on the ethics of managing risks of anthropod vectors, Science 288 (2000), 2321-2. The spread of West Nile virus in the Americas is discussed in NS (8 July 2000), 3, 4.

Infection of travelers with TB has been found to be 3/1000 person months for Dutch persons spending 3 months or more in endemic areas, Lancet 356 (2000), 442, 461-5. Approximately 32% of the world's population are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes TB. On drug-resistant TB, Lancet 356 (2000), 22-5. There are susceptibility loci on chromosomes 15q and Xq to TB, PNAS 97 (2000), 8005-9; AJHG 67 (2000), 274-7.

The antibiotic oxytetracycline may cure river blindness, Science News 157 (2000), 389. At the G8 summit in Okinawa in July more efforts to reduce diseases of poverty was called for, Lancet 356 (2000), 408; also NatMed. 6 (2000), 723-4. Over the past three years the Gates Foundation has given US1.7 billion to this cause, Lancet 356 (2000), 153-5.

The incidence of variant CJD in the UK caused 14 deaths in 1999, Lancet 356 (2000), 481-2; and the future deaths depend on the incubation period, Nature 406 (2000), 583-4. One village has been found to have 5 cases, Lancet 356 (2000), 315. On scrapie in the UK during the BSE years, Nature 406 (2000), 584. A second French case is reported in Lancet 356 (2000), 253. Tests are underway on sheep brains from animals killed in the USA, NS (22 July 2000), 3, 5. Cellular prion protein is expressed in the human enteric nervous system, NatMed. 6 (2000), 840-1. In general on prion disease, NatMed. 6 (2000), 751-4; Science 289 (2000), 556-7, 595-8; NS (29 July 2000), 20; (5 August 2000), 11. Blood screening remains unsure, Lancet 356 (2000), 228; BMJ 321 (2000), 17-9. Variant CJD and the Quebec blood supply is discussed in CMAJ 163 (2000), 412-3. On raw animal tissues, NEJM 343 (2000), 304-5. On drug resistant bacteria, GEN 20 (15 May 2000), 1, 38.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HIV vaccine trials in Africa are discussed in Science 288 (2000), 2129; NatMed. 6 (2000), 844; Lancet 356 (2000), 493. In general on AIDS vaccines, Lancet 356 (2000), 85; NEJM 343 (2000), 361-3. China is planning several vaccine trials, Science 288 (2000), 2312-3. Ethics demands inclusion of condoms and counseling in anti-HIV microbiocide trials, AJPH 90 (2000), 1154-5. Up to half the teenagers in Africa will die of AIDS, BMJ 321 (2000), 67; Science 288 (2000), 2149-78; 289 (2000), 64-7; JAMA 284 (2000), 556-7. The Beanie Baby company is giving profits to support HIV transmission to babies, NatMed. 6 (2000), 726. The US has offered a US$1 billion plan to loan money to sub-Saharan Africa to buy anti-AIDS drugs, BMJ 321 (2000), 260; Science 289 (2000), 368-9. We should note that AIDS-related patient care that deals with about half of the US cases is thought to cost around S$8 billion in the year 2000; AJPH 90 (2000), 1033-6. The question of patent rights versus patient rights is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 502.

Swaziland has been considering a bill that would compulsorily sterilize HIV patients, Lancet 356 (2000), 321. A study on the impact of intrusive HIV legislation is Harvard Law Review 211 (2000), 2098-115. A roundtable on disclosure of HIV status is Reproductive Health Matters 8 (2000), 148-63. Voluntary HIV counseling in Kenya and Tanzania and Trinidad is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 86-7, 103-12, 113-21. Surveys provide information on the use of HIV testing in the USA, AJPH 90 (2000), 1096-7, 1098-95. There is a low frequency of discussion of African-American AIDS in medical literature, AJPH 90 (2000), 1145-6. On prenatal screening, AJPH 90 (2000), 1026-7. There are numerous reports from the Durban AIDS conference held in July 2000, and the South African government tardiness to stop vertical transmission of HIV, BMJ 321 (2000), 131: Lancet 356 (2000), 225; AJPH 90 (2000), 1023-4, 1042-8; Economist (15 July 2000), 81-3; Nature 406 (2000), 219, 223; NS (15 July 2000), 5; JAMA 284 (2000), 165-7; NatMed. 6 (2000), 839. Nevirapine is safe and effective to reduce transmission, Lancet 356 (2000), 316.

The Durban Declaration declares HIV is the cause of AIDS, Nature 406 (2000), 1, 3, 15, 113; Science 289 (2000), 221. The politics of AIDS surveillance are discussed in a Californian context in Professional Geographer 52 (2000), 205-18; and in a global context in Lancet 356 (2000), 55-60; AJPH 90 (2000), 1037-41; and in Amazonian worker camps in NS (29 July 2000), 15. Virtual networks may lead to high risk sex and HIV danger, JAMA 284 (2000), 443-6, 485-7.

The impact of AIDS on other family members is discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 1024-5; Reproductive Health Matters 8 (2000), 63-92. A study of love and intimacy when one partner has HIV is Sociology Health & Illness 22 (2000), 1-26. A new book is Szuchman LT. & Muscarella, F., ed., Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality (John Wiley 2000, 679pp.) UK adolescent mental health and risky sexual behaviour is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 251-2, 263-6. Surveys of HIV in young homosexual men in the USA are in JAMA 284 (2000), 170-1, 198-204: Health & Place 5 (1999), 315. A survey of health-seeking behaviour of Indian women with STDs is Professional Geographer 52 (2000), 218-32. Oral transmission is unlikely, except for breast feeding, Lancet 356 (2000), 272. Infection with hepatitis C is endemic in Irish prisons, BMJ 321 (2000), 78-82.

IL-2 can increase CD4 cell counts in persons with HIV, JAMA 284 (2000), 183-9, 223, 236-8; BMJ 321 (2000), 196. Also on treatment, AJPH 90 (2000), 1029-32; Lancet 356 (2000), 291-6; PNAS 97 (2000), 7681-6, 8193-5; NS (8 July 2000), 17; JAMA 284 (2000), 190-7, 241-2. Male circumcision to lower risk of HIV transmission is discussed in NS (July 2000), 18-9. RNA viruses may have no size limit for engineering, PNAS 97 (2000), 5025-7. A book on blood contamination with HIV is AJPH 90 (2000), 1147-8; and the issues of safe blood, JAMA 284 (2000), 210-4, 238-40.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies
Biodegradation of rubbers by Actinomycetes is reported in AEM 66 (2000), 1639-45. Uranium bioremediation on a microbial mat is described in EST 34 (2000), 3235-41; see also Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A208. A report on bioremediation of a trichloroethane contaminated aquifer is EST 34 (2000), 2254-60. A review of evaluation methods for natural attenuation as a groundwater cleanup is EST 34 (2000), 346-52A. Engineered enzymes may help, EST 34 (2000), 334-5A; as will analysis of toxicants on chips, EST 34 (2000), 244-5A..

Environmental Issues
A series of papers on the ethics of forestry are in J. Forestry (July 2000) 1-42, including the SAF Code of Ethics. On the role of trees in environmental ethics, Environmental Ethics 22 (2000), 359-76. The Biophilia hypothesis is mentioned in J. Forestry (July 2000) Values supplement, p.1; which introduces the book, Kellert, S., Kinship to Mastery: Biophilia in Human Evolution and Development (Island Press 1997). On environmental ethics, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A108-9; Low, N., ed. Global Ethics and Environment (Routledge 2000); Pratt, V. et al. Environment and Philosophy (Routledge 2000). Gandhi and his ecological vision of life are discussed in Environmental Ethics 22 (2000), 149-68. On myths of human and physical nature, Risk Analysis 20 (2000), 27-39; and social construction of nature, Environmental Ethics 21 (1999), 339-57. Indigenous worlds are discussed in Environmental Ethics 22 (2000), 273-90, 291+.

Participatory approaches to environmental policy-making in Europe are discussed in Ecological Economics 33 (2000), 457-72. The dangers of ecotourism are discussed in Newsweek (5 June 2000), 62-3; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A211, A214-9.

A commentary on the value of nature is Science 289 (2000), 395-6; and on prices for ecosystems, Ecological Economics 33 (2000), 473-86. Renewable resources are discussed in J. Environmental Economics & Management 39 (2000), 282-305, 306-27. The polluter pays principle is being supported in the EU, EST 34 (2000), 290-1A. Forensic methods are important to identify who committed the crime, EST 34 (2000), 262-6A. Air pollution often follows a long path, EST 34 (2000), 330-1A; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A170-5; and tiny particles kill, Science 289 (2000), 22-3; NS (5 Aug. 2000), 5; and also cause sick leave, Environmental & Resource Economics 16 (2000), 31-50. Methods to estimate cancer risk form air pollutants are discussed in Environmental Research 82 (2000), 194-206; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 283-7. Poverty is linked, Ambio 29 (2000), 42-3; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 193-7.

Unusual weather has affected health in South America, Lancet 356 (2000), 408; and a review is Epstein, PR. "Is global warming harmful to health?", SA (August 2000), 50-7; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 367-76. The measurement of the Greenland Ice Sheet changes is reported in Science 289 (2000), 404-5, 426+. Climate change alters breeding of animals and plants, Nature 406 (2000), 366-7. Silica in the ocean also is altering carbon dioxide conversion by phytoplankton, Nature 406 (2000), 358-9; iron is also important, Nature 406 (2000), 468-9. The role of methane is discussed in Nature 406 (2000), 356-7. A new greenhouse gas has been identified SF5CF3, Science 288 (2000), 611-3. Plant growth in high carbon dioxide may protect against high temperature damage, Plant, Cell & Environment 23 (2000), 649-56. The US is proposing no-till farming to keep carbon trapped in soil as a way to met Kyoto Protocol standards, Nature 406 (2000), 549; earlier a panel said emission reductions were unrealistic, Nature 406 (2000), 333. Global change research in Africa is introduced in Ambio 29 (2000), 1-41. In general on climate change models, Science 288 (2000), 2113; 289 (2000), 253-4, 270-7. Climate extremes in New Zealand are discussed in NZ Science Monthly (July 2000), 6-8.

Elevated UV light reduces genome stability in plants, Nature 406 (2000), 98-101. Apples can also get sunburnt, NZ Science Monthly (June 2000), 4. Ozone degradation is increasing in the Arctic, Science News 157 (2000), 356. Landsat has revealed Chinese agricultural land to be vast, but rapidly disappearing, Nature 406 (2000), 121. On Chinese refrigerators that reduce energy use and do not have CFCs, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 164A. Ecological principles to manage land are proposed by the Ecological Society of America in Ecological Applications 10 (2000), 639-70; with further papers pp. 671-88. The balancing of shrimp farming between wild and cultured is discussed in Agricultural Economics 23 (2000), 55-68. A pig that uses more phosphorus thus reducing pollution from farms has been bred, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A14. An essay by G. Benford on the next millennium and megaengineering is Nature 406 (2000), 462. Methods to avoid risks due to noise are discussed in Occup. Environ. Med. 57 (2000), 361-9; and health effects, Passchier-Vermeer, W. & Passhier WF., "Noise exposure and public health", Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 123-31.

The toxicity of mercury is supporting stricter rules on its handling, Science 289 (2000), 371-2. Treatment of soils with sewage is being examined with regard to metal contaminants, EST 34 (2000), 242-3A. The EPA is proposing the world's most stringent arsenic standard for water, EST 34 (2000), 291-2A. On the dangers of lead, Environmental Research 83 (2000), 1-22, A165. Fluoridation does not affect cancer mortality in Taiwan, Environmental Research 83 (2000), 189-93. Water resources are vulnerable to climate change and population growth, Science 289 (2000), 284-7; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A69-72. A discussion of privatization of water as a solution for the scarcity is EST 34 (2000), 340-5A. The shortage of water in the Middle East is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 319; and India, NS (8 July 2000), 44-6. Papers on water and ethics in Spain's water management by R. Llamos et al. have been published, see also the COMSTECH www site (94pp.).

Trading in hazardous wastes is reviewed in EST 34 (2000), 300-5A. Combustion is the major source of dioxin, EST 34 (2000), 2879-86. The issues of dioxin for small countries are discussed in Croatian Medical J. 41 (2000), 150-3. A book review on the effects of chlorine is Nature 406 (2000), 17-8. A model to predict risks from pesticide exposure is in Environmental Research 83 (2000), 67-71; and on biological monitoring, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 515-20, 521-5. On toxic chemicals, Environmental Research 82 (2000), 113-33; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A24-6. A series of papers on health risks of trichloroethylene is Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 159-363. On toxicity of DDT, Lancet 356 (2000), 267-8; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 1-4. The Royal Society has warned of the risks of hormone disruptors, Nature 406 (2000), 4. A workshop summary on genomic imprinting and environmental disease susceptibility is Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 271-8; and on children's susceptibility, pp. 13-21, A252-3, A272, 475-526.The environmental genome project is described in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 279-81.

An example of an energy efficient building is the environmental school at Oberlin College, Ohio, USA. A call for work on providing alternative energy is discussed in EST 34 (2000), 289A, 329A; despite US Geological Survey predictions of large energy reserves, Science 289 (2000), 237. Book reviews on non-carbon energy are in Nature 406 (2000), 457-8. Doubling of renewable energy is expected in the EU, so that it is 12% by 2010, EST 34 (2000), 333A. A study has shown Paris Taxi drivers are highly exposed to exhaust fumes, Occup. Environ. Med. 57 (2000), 406-10. Methodology to examine environmental health is discussed in EST 34 (2000), 296-7A.

The health effects and persistence of depleted uranium shells in war veterans is reviewed in Environmental Research 82 (2000), 168-80. Storage of radioactive waste is discussed in NS (12 August 2000), 6. Chernobyl based radiophobia may have increased TB incidence in Belarus, Lancet 356 (2000), 257. The mean period of life expectancy lost after atomic bomb exposure was 4 months, Lancet 356 (2000), 303-7. The dangers of X-rays are discussed in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A273. On mobile telephone risks, Occup. Environ. Med. 57 (2000), 431-2.

Biodiversity
Plans to make an inventory of Amazonian medicines are threatened by disputes in Venezuela, BMJ 321 (2000), 9. A paper studying the worth of a forest is Godoy, R. et al. "Valuation of consumption and sale of forest good from a Central American rain forest", Nature 406 (2000), 62-3. The value of a forest to the poor may be not this potential, Ambio 29 (2000), 126-30. On loss of rainforests, Science 289 (2000), 35-7. China's forest policy is reviewed in Science 288 (2000), 2135-6. There is controversy over destruction of red spruce trees infected by brown spruce longhorn beetle from Europe, in Halifax, NS (15 July 2000), 10.

Book reviews on biodiversity, include, Medicine Quest, in Nature 406 (2000), 235-6; Hotspots, in Nature 406 (2000), 237-8; also Nature 406 (2000), 346. Modeling ecosystems is discussed in Nature 406 (2000), 463-4. There are still undocumented species in New Zealand, but they are disappearing, NZ Science Monthly (May 2000), 4.

On the losses of leatherback turtles caused by driftnet fishing, Nature 406 (2000), 560. Lobsters are being killed by pesticides in New York, NS (12 Aug. 2000), 11.The damage to the flora of Guadalupe Island, Mexico following goat introduction is described in SA (August 2000), 18-20. Parsees in Mumbai are facing a shortage of vultures that means their dead bodies are not consumed as they believe they should be, by vultures, NS (5 August 2000), 20. On animals dying out due to sickness, NS (5 August 2000), 32-5.

On search for extraterrestrial intelligence, Nature 406 (2000), 551; SA (July 2000), 38-47. Life on other planets may not be intelligent but may need to survive harsh conditions, SA (July 2000), 30-2; NS (8 July 2000), 10.

Animal Rights
A book review of Tansey, G. & D'Silva, J., The Meat Business: Devouring a Hungry Planet (Earthscan Publications 2000) is BMJ 321 (2000), 306. A US federal judge has granted that activists have a right to challenge the USDA exemptions for rodents and birds from experimental rules, Science 289 (2000), 377. Heidegger and animal welfare is explored in Environmental Ethics 22 (2000), 259-71. A study of how children see animals is J. Biol. Edu. 33 (1999), 142-8. Results of animal experiments that are connected to a stroke therapy called constraint-induced movement therapy, Probe 8 (1 July 2000), 1, 6. On alternative tests, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A118-9.

Book reviews on Great Ape culture study are Nature 406 (2000), 345-6. Primates have a history of conflict resolution, Science 289 (2000), 586-90. The development of fair play is modeled in Nature 406 (2000), 248-9; and on evolution of the mind, Nature 406 (2000), 124-5; Science 288 (2000), 2137; and language, Science 289 (2000), 251-2; Current Biology 10 (2000), R516-7. There is a link between sleep and memory processing, Lancet 356 (2000), 405. The brain is still difficult to divide into regions, Nature 406 (2000), 565; but a brain project is developing, Nature 406 (2000), 443, 445, 545-6. On the brain, Nature 406 (2000), 458-9; and learning periods, Science 288 (2000), 2116-9. Optimization may be modeled after social insect behaviour, Nature 406 (2000), 39-42. General intelligence has been supported by experiments, Duncan, J. et al. "A neural basis for general intelligence", Science 289 (2000), 457-60, 399-400; NS (29 July 2000), 3. Emotional intelligence is important for leadership, Human Relations 53 (2000), 1027-55.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
A new insulin analogue that is long acting is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 443-4. Antibodies against amyloid beta-peptide can reduce pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's, NatMed. 6 (2000), 916-9. Recombinant human alpha-glucosidase from rabbit milk has been used to treat 4 babies with Pompe disease, BMJ 321 (2000), 397-8. Interferon may be useful to add to chemotherapy for some ovarian cancer, Lancet 356 (2000), 6-7. On recovery from chronic hepatitis C using ribavirn and alpha-interferon, Lancet 356 (2000), 41. Management of diabetes and insulin involves interests of patients, doctors and drug companies, Australasian Science Teacher's J. 46 (2000), 54-56. Recombinant neutrotrophic factors accelerate colonic transit and relieve constipation in humans, J. Gastroenterology (July 2000), 41+, 71+, 257-8.

Food safety
FDA proposals for GM foods are discussed in GEN 20 (15 May 2000), 1, 37, 83; (1 June 2000), 1, 47, 64; FDA Consumer (July 2000), 3; and Codex standards in TIBTECH 18 (June 2000), 232-3. The G8 leaders did not agree on GM food, at the Okinawa Summit, Lancet 356 (2000), 408; Nature 406 (2000), 335. GM food is being discussed in popular magazines, She (August 2000; NZ), 106-11; NZ Science Monthly (Feb. 2000), 3. The European Commission is ending its de facto moratorium on GM products, Lancet 356 (2000), 320. A group of scientists are backing GM food for the Third World, Nature 406 (2000), 115; NS (5 Aug. 2000), 48-9.

Counseling about risks of heart disease is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 49-52; and on the management of risk, Lancet 356 (2000), 266-7, 279-84, 347, 359-65, 366-72. There are racial differences, AJPH 90 (2000), 1128-34. Women who avoid smoking, have a good diet and do exercise have a low risk of heart disease, NEJM 343 (2000), 16-22. Vitamin E may protect against PCBs, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A16. The question of whether obesity is caused by a virus is discussed in NS (5 Aug. 2000), 3, 26-30. On obesity, JAMA 284 (2000), 291-3; SA (Aug. 2000), 93; and childhood obesity, Newsweek (3 July 2000), 42-9. Obesity concepts differ between culture, Health & Place 5 (1999), 279-86. Mice treated with fatty acid synthase inhibitors have reduced food intake, Science 288 (2000), 2299-300, 2379-81. Cholesterol is a linear risk factor for heart disease even in young adults, JAMA 284 (2000), 311-8, 365-7. A review on selenium is Lancet 356 (2000), 233-41.

natural medicine from foods is discussed in NS (12 Aug. 2000), 10. A study on the Neanderthal food is PNAS 97 (2000), 7663-6. A review on the birth of the modern diet is SA (August 2000), 76-81. Japan has faced a series of food contamination events in dairy products, Lancet 356 (2000), 232. UNICEF has been accused of forming an alliance with the baby food industry, BMJ 321 (2000), 132; and against Nestle breaches on marketing baby milk, BMJ 321 (2000), 8.

Disease Risks & Drugs
Guidance for the development and assessment of new nonprescription drugs in Japan is reported in Clin. Evaluation 27 (2000), Suppl. XIV 29-39. The selling of drugs deemed unsafe in the USA in Asia is discussed in Far Eastern Economic Review (3 August 2000), 56-7. The US NICE has approved taxanes for breast cancer, BMJ 320 (2000), 1688. Reducing drug-related deaths are discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 7. Alternative medicines are discussed in Science 289 (2000), 245. Avoiding harm in migraine treatment and mistreatment is discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 412-3. Consumer health information is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1713-6; 321 (2000), 247. On placebos, Newsweek (21 Aug. 2000), 56.

Public health and humanitarian interventions are discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 101-5; Lancet 356 (2000), 503. Social issues and public health are discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 1189-91. On attitudes to health and hygiene, Health & Place 6 (2000), 25-32. Religious commitment is linked to longer life, Science News 157 (2000), 359. The health costs of war are reviewed in BMJ 321 (2000), 169-72; JAMA 284 (2000), 569-77. Mortality among UK Gulf War veterans is not different from the general public, Lancet 356 (2000), 17-21. Differences in antidepressant use by race are surveyed in Am.J. Psychiatry 157 (2000), 1089-94.

Saline breast implants are still being sold on the US market, with warnings, FDA Consumer (July 2000), 9-11. Those at risk of breast cancer can have positive outcomes from prophylactic mastectomy because of less anxiety, JAMA 284 (2000), 319-24. On the safe way to use sunscreens, FDA Consumer (July 2000), 14-21; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A15. Cycling risks are discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 386-7; NS (22 July 2000), 16-7. Stopping children being hit by parents is important, Lancet 356 (2000), 1. Reducing violence is called for in Nature 406 (2000), 567; Science 289 (2000), 545, 570-96; JAMA 284 (2000), 551-3. On gun control, JAMA 284 (2000), 585-91, 616-8. Promoting health is discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 1320-1.

Smokers perceptions of risks are discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 1318-9. Developments in legal medicine and smoking are discussed in AJLM 26 (2000), 187-204. Counseling mothers on harms to their children can be effective to reduce children's exposure, BMJ 321 (2000), 310-1, 337-42; and children now receive on average half the tobacco smoke they used to, BMJ 321 (2000), 343-5. On smoking restrictions, BMJ 321 (2000), 309-10, 333-7, 389; J. Health Economics 19 (2000), 421-37; and the economics at a global level, BMJ 321 (2000), 358. A report from the US$145 billion damages award to Florida smokers from the tobacco industry is BMJ 321 (2000), 193, 322; Nature 406 (2000), 226. On the strategies used by tobacco companies against WHO, BMJ 321 (2000), 319; and Operation Berkshire and other campaigns, BMJ 321 (2000), 313-5, 371-4; Lancet 356 (2000), 336-7; Nature 406 (2000), 547. On Irish tobacco lawsuits, Lancet 356 (2000), 492; and changing the trends towards smoking in China, Lancet 356 (2000), 432-3. On health dangers, BMJ 321 (2000), 311-3, 323-9; MJA 172 (2000), 550+; Lancet 356 (2000), 139. Candy cigarettes tempt young people to smoke, BMJ 321 (2000), 362-5. On advertising tobacco, BMJ 320 (2000), 1691; 321 (2000), 366-71. Nicotine calms women but provokes men, Lancet 356 (2000), 226. Phenotypic and genetic factors in motives for smoking are discussed in Behavior Genetics 29 (1999), 291+.

A Brazilian study on harm avoidance and dopamine D2 receptor and alcoholism is AJMG 96 (2000), 302-6. Alcohol preference may be regulated by the neuropeptide Y system, AJMG 96 (2000), 117-21. A positive link between moderate drinking and cognitive performance in later life is seen in the Honolulu-Asia aging study, AJPH 90 (2000), 1254-9. On mice models of drug exposure, Science 289 (2000), 463-5. A US federal judge has approved the distribution of medical marijuana from a club for medical purposes, BMJ 321 (2000), 261. Australia is funding drug control but not tobacco control, MJA 172 (2000), 612-3.

Patenting & Business
There is a patent dispute over the use of Kringle 5 to prevent angiogenesis, NatMed. 6 (2000), 723. Genentech and Chiron are in a patent dispute over herceptin, Science 288 (2000), 2303. On global patent law, Economist (17 June 2000), 99. In 1999 the European Patent Office received 122,000 applications, up 7% from 1998, but there was only a 3.5% increase in biotech. applications, Nature 406 (2000), 229. Ideas to decrease the waiting time at the USPTO by keeping all the fees it collects are discussed in Nature 406 (2000), 334. France may refuse to sign the EU patent directives, Science 288 (2000), 2115; NatBio 18 (2000), 820; 899-900. German agencies have forced concerns over broad gene patents, Nature 406 (2000), 111. Rational limits on genomic patents are discussed in NatBio 18 (2000), 805. The NIH has been urged to cap profits made on publicly funded research, Nature 406 (2000), 5. Photocopying and information is discussed in Science 289 (2000), 243. Complaints to WTO are discussed in Ecol. Economics 33 (2000), 337-40.

Monsanto has announced royalty-free licenses to its technology for producing rice varieties with enhanced levels of provitamin A, Nature 406 (2000), 549. On how the developing world can protect from biotech patent holders, Nature 406 (2000), 455; NS (15 July 2000), 6; TIBTECH 18 (2000), 322-3. Papers on farmers and seed are in Biotech. & Development Monitor 42 (June 2000), 2-18. The progress of a Canadian court case Monsanto vs. Schmeiser are discussed in Ram's Horn 181 (June 2000), 2-3. A recent patent from Astra Zeneca that is related to a terminator gene is being filed in countries including Mexico and China, Splice 6 (July 2000), 3.

A review of Genesis, a New Zealand biotech. company is Australasian Science (May 2000), 39-41. Public v. private research in New Zealand is discussed in NZ Science Review 56 (1999), 56-60. European biotechnology is discussed in GEN 20 (15 May 2000), 8, 51. A book review on politics and science is Nature 406 (2000), 19-20. The UK is trying to attract more top scientists, Nature 406 (2000), 446; and on science in Canada, Science 288 (2000), 2308-9; on Russia, Science 289 (2000), 389; China, Science 288 (2000), 2317; and on Spain, Nature 406 (2000), 550. Secrecy at Los Alamos is discussed in Science 288 (2000), 2109-10. On global business in the green, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A220-3.

Birth Control
India has announced a fund for population policy, Lancet 356 (2000), 409. The US population demographics are changing, SA (Aug. 2000), 26.

There development of a male hormonal contraceptive is showing progress, Lancet 356 (2000), 316. The safety of oral contraceptives is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 190-1; FDA Consumer (July 2000), 36; JAMA 284 (2000), 72-8. Questions over quinacrine sterilization are raised in Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 87-8. About 42 million men worldwide have had vasectomy as a birth control method, and on the reliability, Lancet 356 (2000), 43. Emergency contraception may be best provided before the event, O&G 95 (2000), 1-7. Teenage pregnancy rates in the UK may be linked to the age of the GPs, and ease of approaching them, BMJ 321 (2000), 381-2. On contraceptive requirements in clinical research, O&G 95 (2000), 861-6.

Female genital mutilation is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 262; Lancet 356 (2000), 137. On the prostitution trade into Japan, Far Eastern Economic Review (3 August 2000), 50-54. Papers on women and sex are in Newsweek (5 June 2000), 46-53; and on men and sex, SA (August 2000), 70-5. On risks of children in later life, BMJ 321 (2000), 1681-2.

Embryo Status
A Vancouver gynecologist has been attacked the second time in 6 years for providing abortions, BMJ 321 (2000), 197. On recurrent spontaneous abortion, Lancet 356 (2000), 399-400. An inquiry has been launched in the UK following an abortion of a fetus at 32 weeks, Lancet 356 (2000), 231. An empathetic setting can get better reports from self-induced abortions, AJPH 90 (2000), 1141-4. On multifetal reduction, O&G 95 (2000), 1575-80.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
The UK has announced it will allow embryo cloning (Observer, 30 July 2000). A paper on cloning in Italian is Itinerarium 8 (2000), 73-8. Reviews include Nature 406 (2000), 361-4; Edwards, BE. Et al. "The human pluripotent stem cell: impact on medicine and society", F&S 74 (2000), 1-7; NatBio 18 (2000), 827-8. The third volume from the US NBAC Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research has been published, on religious perspectives (June 2000). A paper against cloning is Kass, LR. "The wisdom of repugnance", The New Republic (2 June 1997), 17-26. Papers in Chinese on human cloning are in Chinese Bioethics Newsletter 3 (Spring 1998), 1-4. Humans can grow hepatocytes from bone marrow stem cells, Nature 406 (2000), 257; Lancet 356 (2000), 48. Diabetes research is helping fund stem cell research, Nature 406 (2000), 224. European ethicists have been discussing ES cell research, but in some countries like Sweden research on embryos until 14 days age is already permitted, NatMed. 6 (2000), 845. On the fate of frozen embryos, NEJM 343 (2000), 373-6.

A study on the psychological status of IVF patients during pregnancy is reported from USA in F&S 74 (2000), 1159-64. On the success of IVF, Lancet 356 (2000), 257-8. IVF can be preferable to fertility drugs, BMJ 321 (2000), 134; F&S 74 (2000), 8-9. Obstetric interventions among private and public patients are discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 125-6; and insurance, F&S 73 (2000), 1267-8; Am. J.O&G. 182 (2000), 891-5. Social benefits from oocyte donation and shared embryos include higher overall success rate, F&S 74 (2000), 1165-9. Issues for lesbian families in management of donor insemination are discussed in Sociology Health & Illness 22 (2000), 477-99.

Pregnancy rates depend on the provider at embryo transfer, F&S 74 (2000), 80-6. Higher rate of pregnancy comes from first time transfers and more embryos, Am. J.O&G. 182 (2000), 1001-4. However more embryos leads to multiple births, JAMA 284 (2000), 299-300; but gonadotropins may reduce the risk of higher order multiple pregnancy, NEJM 343 (2000), 2-7, 58-9. In the USA black women have poorer outcomes from IVF programs, F&S 73 (2000), 1170-3. The Internet is being used by many couples to seek advice, from all economic levels, F&S 74 (2000), 1179-82. Mutations in an oocyte-derived growth factor gene cause infertility, NatGen. 25 (2000), 279-83; NS (July 2000), 16. On the consequences of infertility for the offspring, The Economist (10 June 2000), 95-6.

Fetal Environment & Neonates
The impact of environmental neurotoxins on the fetus and newborn are discussed in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 373-94, A262-7. On pesticides, policies and parents CMAJ 163 (2000), 149. Vaccination in utero may cut vertical transmission of infectious diseases, BMJ 321 (2000), 320. Preventing neural tube defects is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 176-7; O&G 95 (2000), 895-8; AJMG 92 (2000), 301-2. Risk of cleft lip may be linked to fetal C677T mutation in MTHFR and maternal vitamin use, AJMG 92 (2000), 79-80. Predicting preterm birth is discussed in Am. J.O&G. 182 (2000), 1589-98. Severe disability is common in preterm babies, NEJM 343 (2000), 378-84, 429-30. What women eat in pregnancy will alter their child's taste, Science 289 (2000), 387. Too much oxygen may be a cause of miscarriage, NS (8 July 2000), 6. Dioxin may decrease the chance of fathering a boy, Science News 157 (2000), 358. Smoking and women's health with hope to reduce the burden of smoking during pregnancy is discussed in CMAJ 163 (2000), 288-92. 281-2.

In Australia obstetric care is independent of insurance coverage, but public patients have lower chance of an instrumental delivery, BMJ 321 (2000), 137-41. Barriers to timely prenatal care even if mothers have insurance is seen in 28%in a California study, O&G 95 (2000), 874-80. Increasing intervention on twins is reported in JAMA 284 (2000), 335-41. Fetal loss is higher in older women, BMJ 320 (2000), 1708-12. Better medical training will reduce problems in delivering breech babies, BMJ 321 (2000), 1689. Maternal mortality in the UK has fallen to 11 per 100,000 maternity cases in 1996. It is difficult to compare infant mortality across cultures because nonviable infants may be counted in different ways, AJPH 90 (2000), 1303-6. The Croatian war decreased the length of breast feeding, Croatian Medical J. 41 (2000), 186-90. A molecular link between SIDS and long QT syndrome is explored in NEJM 343 (2000), 262+.

Many children sleep too little so they cannot function well, Science News 157 (2000), 324. On repressed memories, Lancet 356 (2000), 358; The Economist (24 June 2000), 108. The need to speak for children's health is given in BMJ 321 (2000), 229. The development of speech is discussed in Science News 157 (2000), 344-6. The question of genetic screening for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is discussed in AJMG 92 (2000), 241-3, 244-50; and papers on the theme are in pp. 241-290+. Chemical regulation of children is discussed in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A268-71. Parental smoking is linked to childhood cancer, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A30-1.

Genetic Disease Markers
Ethics of diabetes treatment are discussed in Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 77-81. A study on C282Y mutation in haemochromatosis gene in type 2 diabetes is BMJ 321 (2000), 1706-7; also, Science 289 (2000), 38-9; NS (12 Aug. 2000), 3. On new therapies, BMJ 321 (2000), 252-3. A polymorphism of human alpha-estrogen receptor gene with coronary artery disease in men is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 273-4. The CD40-CD40 ligand system is linked to atherosclerosis, PNAS 97 (2000), 6930-2. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor II is linked to Familial primary pulmonary hypertension, Lancet 356 (2000), 489. The mouse ank gene is involved in tissue calcification and arthritis, Science 289 (2000), 265-70.

The familial Parkinson disease gene product, parkin, is a ubiquitin-protein ligase, NatGen. 25 (July 2000). of early Parkinson disease is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 1-2. There is a negative genetic correlation between male sexual attractiveness and survival, Nature 406 (2000), 67-70. The gene that is the pheromone receptor, V1R has been identified, NatGen. 25 (Sept. 2000). On autism, Lancet 356 (2000), 490; Newsweek (31 July 2000), 44-52; AJHG 67 (2000), 278-81. The dopamine hypothesis for schizophrenia is supported in Lancet 356 (2000), 140; PNAS 97 (2000), 7673-5; AJMG 97 (2000), 1-106. NOTCH4 locus is also associated, NatGen. 25 (2000), 376-7. Betel nuts may help schizophrenia, NS (5 Aug. 2000), 18. On a mouse model of Huntington disease, NatGen. 25 (2000), 365-6, 385-90. On a molecular map for neurodegeneration, Science 289 (2000), 409-11. The relation between choice of partner and connexin-26 which causes about half of genetic deafness is Lancet 356 (2000), 500-1. Curing epilepsy is discussed in Science News 157 (2000), 364-5. On FM2 and X-linked mental retardation, Ann. Human Genetics 64 (2000), 95-106.

Generally on genetics of psychiatric disorders, Am. J. Psychiatry 157 (2000), 1039-41. 5-HT2a receptor polymorphism gene may play a minor role in bipolar disorder and harm avoidance personality trait, AJMG 96 (2000), 360-4. A twinning gene in sheep is discussed in NZ Science Monthly (August 2000), 9-10.

Mutagenesis and quantitative trait loci are compared in NatGen. 25 (2000), 381-4; and on LOD scores, AJHG 67 (2000), 282-8. Most mutations are not beneficial, Heredity 84 (2000), 497-501; AJHG 67 (2000), 515-7. On ion channels and disease, Nature 406 (2000), 236-7. A gene for severe pediatric gastroesophageal reflux has been mapped to chromosome 13q14, JAMA 284 (2000), 325-34. On linkage disequilibrium, NatGen. 25 (2000), 246-7. Genetics of colour blindness in isolated Pingelapese islanders is discussed in NatGen. 25 (2000), 289-93; NatMed. 6 (2000), 746-7.

A study of 90,000 twins in Sweden has shown that environment is a major determinant in cancer, Lichtenstein, P. et al. "Environmental and heritable factors in the causation of cancer", NEJM 343 (2000), 78-85, 135-6; NS (22 July 2000), 10. The relevance of mitochondrial DNA to cancer is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 181-2. On cancer genes, Occup. Environ. Med. 57 (2000), 370-5; and on telomeres, Nature 406 (2000), 573-4; NatMed. 6 (2000), 849-55; NatBio 18 (2000), 813. There is a functional link between BRCA1 and ataxia teleangiectasia, Nature 406 (2000), 210-5. A comparison of BRCA1 in humans and chimpanzees is NatGen. 25 (2000), 410-3. On breast cancer, NatMed. 6 (2000), 859-60; NEJM 343 (2000), 191+. GATA3 haplo-insufficiency causes human HDR syndrome, Nature 406 (2000), 419-22. A report on Karl Landsteiner and the first human marker locus is Genetics 155 (2000), 995-8. A book review on Gregor Mendel is Nature 406 (2000), 561-2.

Genetic Screening Methodology
Applications for PCR are growing GEN 20 (1 June 2000), 1, 13, 31. PCR can be done at home, SA (July 2000), 102-3. Louie, M. et al. "The role of DNA amplification technology in the diagnosis of infectious diseases", CMAJ 163 (2000), 301-12. On DNA arrays, Cell 102 (2000), 9-15; TIBTECH 18 (2000), 278-80. A report of a new human genetics testing group in Canada to identify disease-causing genes is GEN 20 (15 May 2000), 35, 89. On quality control, NatGen. 25 (2000), 259-60.

Molecular stool testing for colorectal cancer is being developed, BMJ 321 (2000), 254-5; NEJM 343 (2000), 207-8. Computer methods for aiding family history reconstruction can be useful, BMJ 321 (2000), 28. On the risks of X-rays causing harm and cancer to children, Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 495-8. First-trimester screening for aneuploidy is between research and standard care, Am. J. O&G. 182 (2000), 490-2. Amniocentesis appears to be safe in multifetal pregnancy reduction, Am. J. O&G. 182 (2000), 962-5.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
A new paper is Launis, V. "The use of genetic test information in insurance: The argument from indistinguishability reconsidered", Science & Eng. Ethics 6 (2000), 299-310, 311-5. Insurance problems are reported in the USA in Zick, CD. Et al. "Genetic testing, adverse selection, and the demand for life insurance", AJMG 93 (2000), 29-39. A report from Iceland and genetic privacy, NS (July 2000), 42-5.

A US case has led the release of DNA primers used in a kit for forensic purposes, Nature 406 (2000), 336. On DNA profiling, Australasian Science (July 2000), 17-23. On national security and scientific communication, PNAS 97 (2000), 5034-6. The UK's Internet spy system has been accused of being obsolete, NS (29 July 2000), 4-5.

Ethics & Genetic Screening
A review is Kent, A. "The role of voluntary consumer organizations in genetic services in the United Kingdom", Community Genetics 2 (2000), 156-61. On French knowledge of breast cancer genetics, Community Genetics 2 (2000), 165-72. In general on genetic counseling, JMG 37 (2000), 476-8; Hamann, HA. Et al. "Attitudes toward the genetic testing of children among adults in a Utah-based Kindred tested for BRCA1 mutation, AJMG 92 (2000), 25-32; Williams JK. Et al. "Psychological impact of predictive testing for Huntington disease on support persons", AJMG 96 (2000), 353-9; Biesecker, BB. "Psychological factors predicting BRCA1/BRCA2 testing decisions in members of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families", AJMG 93 (2000), 257-63. Parent's responses to their child's diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 are discussed in AJMG 93 (2000), 136-42.

A paper on what we should do with knowledge is Andre, J. et al. "On being genetically "irresponsible", KIEJ 10 (2000), 129-46. Papers on reproductive rights are in Reproductive Health Matters 8 (2000), 7-62. On carrier testing in Fragile X syndrome, AJMG 92 (2000), 336-42. Community acceptance of population screening for cystic fibrosis is discussed in AJMG 93 (2000), 198-204, 205-6.

There is a claim that the neural basis of general intelligence has been found, Lancet 356 (2000), 315 (see Animals section). On genetics and disability, GeneWatch 13 (July 2000), 4-6; AJPH 90 (2000), 1315-6. Eugenics may be evolutionary nonsense, NatGen. 25 (2000), 253. Also, Dickens BM, Cook R.: Voluntary and involuntary sterilization: denials and abuses of rights. Int J O&G. 68 (2000), 61-7. The public health impact of genocide is discussed in JAMA 284 (2000), 612-3. On anatomy in Vienna, Lancet 356 (2000), 343; and racism, AJPH 90 (2000), 1212-5; Nature 406 (2000), 553. Mapping the moral contours of homosexuality is discussed in Progress in Human Geography 24 (2000), 191-217; also for teaching the issues, American Biology Teacher 62 (2000), 326-30.

The genetics revolution is discussed in NEJM 343 (2000), 141-4. Book reviews on Watson, JD. A Passion for DNA (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2000) Include BMJ 321 (2000), 12; Science 289 (2000), 554-5; NEJM 343 (2000), 370. A book review on French DNA is NatGen. 25 (2000), 261.

_@
Gene Therapy
The statement on gene therapy of the ASHG is AJHG 67 (2000), 272-3. On the oversight of human gene transfer research by L. Walters, KIEJ 10 (2000), 171-4. The potential hazards of developmental gene modification are discussed in GeneWatch 13 (July 2000), 10-2. A book review of The Methuselah Gene is NatMed. 6 (2000), 857-8.

The first phase II clinical trial in cancer gene therapy is reported in NatMed. 6 (2000), 862-3.The publication of the results of a gene therapy trial that show tumour regression after gene therapy are encouraging, NatMed. 6 (2000), 862-3, 879-85; Lancet 356 (2000), 488. On ovarian cancer gene therapy, Am.J.O&G. 182 (2000), 553-9; and glioma tumours, PNAS 97 (2000), 6698-703. On other positive results, GEN 20 (15 May 2000), 13, 56; NatMed. 6 (2000), 717, 722. A commentary on gene therapy for hemoglobin disorders is PNAS 97 (2000), 5022-4. Restoration of photoreceptor ultrastructure and function in retinal degeneration slow mice has been achieved by gene therapy, NatGen. 25 (2000), 306-10. Genetically perpetuated human neural stem cells are reported in Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience 16 (2000), 1-13. Bone growth is reported in Science News 157 (20000), 357. On targeting intron insertion, Science 289 (2000), 374, 452-7. The use of adeno-associated virus, PNAS 97 (2000), 6716-21; and mixed viruses, NS (5 Aug. 2000), 12. On rational vector design, NatGen. 25 (2000), 366-7. On parvoviruses, PNAS 97 (2000), 6239-41; Gene targeting in Drosophila, NatBio 18 (2000), 813, 896-8. Targeting Alzheimer amyloid plaques in vivo is reported in NatBio 18 (2000), 868-72.

Human Genome Project (HGP)
India has created a bioethics panel for genomics research, Lancet 356 (2000), 491. Comments on the completion of the first draft include: Science 288 (2000), 2294-5, 2304-7; BME 159 (June 2000), 1; GeneWatch 13 (July 2000), 6-9; BMJ 321 (2000), 7; NatGen. 25 (2000), 243-4, 363-4; Lancet 356 (2000), 47, 263-4; The Economist (1 July 2000), 19-20; 16 page supplement; La Recherche (June 20000), 25-43. The first draft of genome sets new industry standards, NatBio 18 (2000), 803. Ethics of population genetics is discussed in JLME 28 (2000), 41-54. Book reviews on the HGP include Nature 406 (2000), 347-8.

As reported in the Diseases section, the genome sequence of the bacteria causing cholera has been completed, Nature 406 (2000), 477-84; Lancet 356 (2000), 488. A review of three other recent bacterial genomes to be completed is Current Biology 10 (2000), R498-501. On Drosophila genome analysis, Science News 157 (2000), 382-3. A Chimp genome project is beginning, NatBio 18 (2000), 810. Celera expects to complete the mouse genome sequence by the end of the year 2000, NS (22 July 2000), 14; TIG 16 (2000), 283-7. Australia bought access to the genome from Celera, Nature 406 (2000), 9; NatMed. 6 (2000), 847. On the human genome business, Science 289 (2000), 525; SA (July 2000), 48-63; and beyond the genome project, pp. 64-9. German genome research is expected to be improving, Nature 406 (2000), 6. On the Singapore genome program, NatBio 18 (2000), 809.

On proteomics, Lancet 356 (2000), 50. There are expected benefits for toxicology also, Science 289 (2000), 536-7; Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), A204-5. The complexity of the genome is discussed in Current Biology 10 (2000), R514-5. On SNPs, TIBTECH 18 (2000), 334-8. A genomics company has formed from the Framingham heart study, NatBio 18 (2000), 818-9.

Population genetics suggests the isolated populations in Finland and Sardinia will not be a panacea for mapping genes, NatGen. 25 (2000), 320-3. On human evolution, SA (July 2000), 106-7; (August 2000), 23; Science 289 (2000), 62-3, 530-1; NatGen. 25 (2000), 379; PNAS 97 (2000), 6927-9, 7354-65; NS (12 Aug. 2000), 16-7, 22. On Polynesian origins, PNAS 97 (2000), 8225-8. In general on genetic variation, PNAS 97 (2000), 5317-21; TIG 16 (2000), 296-302.

General Medical Ethics
The extent of written trial information that is preferred by subjects in clinical trials is compared in BME 159 (June 2000), 13-18. Trials should be relevant to patients in them, BMJ 320 (2000), 1686; 321 (2000), 2-3. Ethics of research in developing countries is discussed in NEJM 343 (2000), 361+. Grey areas of informed consent are debated in Nursing Management (July 2000), 20-5. On treatment without consent, Lancet 356 (2000), 69. The influence of consultation on ethical decision making is explored in Ethics & Behavior 10 (2000), 65-79. On moral canals and Hume, Smith and Genosei, Economics & Philosophy 16 (2000), 21-45. On considerate smokers and ethics, Health & Place 6 (2000), 1-14.

Patient rights are discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 487. The eCode of Medical Ethics is discussed in Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 93-5. Intercultural ethics are discussed in Reproductive Health Matters 8 (2000), 104-12. Zen Buddhist ethics are discussed in J. Religious Ethics (2000) pp.509-35. Lessons on grief from the Book of Job are discussed in O&G 96 (2000), 151-2. Bioethics in Slovakia is discussed in KIEJ 10 (2000), 165-70. Blood donation in Jehovah's witness is discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 8. Advocacy is discussed in Nursing Outlook (May 2000), 103-4.

On compulsory psychiatric treatment, Dispatches 10 (May 2000), 10-1; BMJ 321 (2000), 5-6. Ethical rehabilitation counseling in managed care is discussed in J. Rehabilitation 66 (2000), 9-13. Health care in prison guidelines from Council of Europe are given in BME 159 (June 2000), 7-11. Laughter and medicine is discussed in SA (Aug. 2000), 24. On medical ethics, Can J. Infect Dis. 11 (2000), 72-3; Baylis F (ed): The Roles and Responsibilities of the Ethics Consultant: Analysis of Cases. Frederic, Maryland: University Publishing Group, 2000.

Physician value neutrality is discussed in JLME 28 (2000), 67-80. On professionalism, Lancet 356 (2000), 156-9. In general on medical ethics, BMJ 321 (2000), 282-5; JAMA 284 (2000), 29-31; Oderberg, DS., Applied Ethics. A Non-consequentialist Approach (Blackwell 2000, 243pp.). The virtuous public health physician is discussed in J. Public Health Medicine 22 (2000), 48-53. Public policy ethics is discussed in JAMA 284 (2000), 85-7. On women's opportunities, Science 289 (2000), 378-9; Nature 406 (2000), 451; and women's health, J. Health Politics, Policy & Law 25 (2000), 447-612.

Law & Medical Ethics
In the University of Tsukuba, Japan, there have been several recent cases involving medical ethics issues and legal suits. One case involved the revealing of terminal cancer diagnosis in a foreign professor to the head of a department so that they did not renew the employment contract to that person. In August 2000 two reports, one of a mistake involving removal of lung from a patient who was mistakenly operated on, believed to be another person; and another where a baby was given 10 times the dose of a medicine against MRSA and had to have their fingers removed from one hand as a consequence of reaction to the overdose of medication (Yomiuri Shimbun (26 August 2000), 33). Japan is planning to monitor medical mishaps more, BMJ 321 (2000), 69; Lancet 356 (2000), 54.

On overcoming medical errors, Lancet 356 (2000), 166-7; JAMA 284 (2000), 93-7; Australasian Science (July 2000), 36-9. In general on the future of law and medicine, AJLM 26 (2000), 135-294. There is some dissatisfaction with the GMC in the UK, BMJ 321 (2000), 11, 61, 69, 111, 123, 133, 245; Lancet 356 (2000), 145. On a surgeon who was struck off in Canada but allowed by the GMC to practice in the UK, Lancet 356 (2000), 403; BMJ 321 (2000), 258, 321. A report on medical disciplinary proceedings in New Zealand is Dispatches 10 (May 2000), 2-7. The US Supreme Court has bars lawsuits against HMOs, BMJ 321 (2000), 1688. Self-policing is suggested for US university clinical trials, Nature 406 (2000), 7. The University of Oklahoma has been stopped from clinical research following breaches there, BMJ 321 (2000), 195.

On human rights, Fabre, C. "The dignity of rights", Oxford J. Legal Studies 20 (2000), 271-82; JAMA 284 (2000), 618-9, 628-9. On capital punishment, Newsweek (3 July 2000), 2, 33.

Scientific Ethics
Several papers on engineering ethics are in Science & Eng. Ethics 6 (2000), 399-431. A discussion of the Jumbo Jet that shrunk the world is Nature 406 (2000), 239. On medical junk mail, Lancet 356 (2000), 344.

A call for a North/South code of research ethics has been made, Nature 406 (2000), 337. A German study suggests self-regulation has not worked, BMJ 321 (2000), 71; Science 288 (2000), 2106-7. A US university that fired professors for research ethics violations, NatMed. 6 (2000), 725. A global partnership is needed to stop misconduct, Lancet 356 (2000), 351. COPE guidelines on good publication practice are in Occup. Environ. Med. 57 (2000), 505-9. Disclosure of authors conflict of interest is important, NEJM 343 (2000), 146-7. On bias, EST 34 (2000), 241A; and general deviance and academic dishonesty, Ethics & Behavior 10 (2000), 1-12.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care
The Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria has stated that the provision of terminal sedation to a terminally ill patient is not an unnatural death, Lancet 356 (2000), 52. A Dutch proposal for children's right to euthanasia has been withdrawn, Lancet 356 (2000), 322; CMAJ 163 (2000), 324. Decisions at the end of life are discussed in Croatian Medical J. 41 (2000), 144-9; BMJ 321 (2000), 246. In general on euthanasia, NEJM 343 (2000), 150-3; Can. Family Physician 46 (2000), 254-6. The validity of advance directives are discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 545-8. On nursing perspectives on end of life, Nursing Outlook (May 2000), 109-5; and attitudes to assisted suicide, pp. 116-9. On relieving pain and death, JLME 28 (2000), 19-25.

Protective factors against suicide are given in Am. J. Psychiatry 157 (2000), 1084-7. Death and research is discussed in NEJM 343 (2000), 223-5. Attitudes to death are discussed in NZ Science Monthly (Feb. 2000), 8-10. Canadian Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology report, "Quality End-of-Life Care: The Right of Every Canadian," can be viewed at:www.parl.gc.ca/36/2/parlbus/ commbus/senate/com-e/upda-e/rep-e/repfinjun00-e.htm.

_@
Organ Transplants & Brain Death
A new technique for analyzing vegetative state has been developed, called SMART, BMJ 321 (2000), 196. On PVS, NS (8 July 2000), 36-9.

A survey in May 2000 in Japan found 9.4% of persons have organ donor cards up from 2.6% in October 1998, Yomiuri Shimbun (27 August 2000), 1. Of those who have donor cards, around 8% marked they do not want to give organs. Overall 33% said they want to give organs, and 35% said not if only their brain is dead. A paper on human body parts market by T. Awaya is in AIBA Newslink 3 (2000), 1-2. In general on making more organs available, NEJM 343 (2000), 404-9, 430-2, 447; Lancet 356 (2000), 51. The public should be more informed about presumed consent in the UK since the 1999 BMA policy adoption, BMJ 321 (2000), 119. Inequities in liver transplants are discussed in Science 289 (2000), 549. Nondirected living kidney donation is suggested in NEJM 343 (2000), 433-6. The CMA has a new policy on Organ and tissue donation and transplantation (Update 2000). This replaces the CMA policy summary entitled Organ Donation (1987) (http://www.cma.ca/inside/policybase/2000/07-05.htm)

Islet transplantation is being developed for treating type 1 diabetes, NEJM 343 (2000), 230-8, 289-90; BMJ 321 (2000), 321; Lancet 356 (2000), 141; Science 289 (2000), 531-3. In vitro cultivation of islets is reported in PNAS 97 (2000), 7999-8004; Lancet 356 (2000), 48. Bioengineered corneas are also being used, NEJM 343 (2000), 86-93, 136-8; see also NS (29 July 2000), 16, 23. Regeneration of neural cells and spinal cord has enabled paraplegic rats to walk, Lancet 356 (2000), 227. On bone marrow transplants, FDA Consumer (July 2000), 22-7; NatMed. 6 (2000), 866-7. A self-extending pediatric leg implant is described in Nature 406 (2000), 143. Genetically perpetuated human neural stem cells are reported in Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience 16 (2000), 1-13. On ways to make organs, Science 288 (2000), 2142-3. One days limbs may be able to be regenerated, NS (12 Aug. 2000), 34-7. Protein tests to measure rejection of organs are being developed, NS (29 July 2000), 22.

Safety of xenotransplantation is discussed in Nature (24 August 2000). Two papers are on-line with publication expected soon (http://www.nature.com/nature/prepub/). One is on cloning of pigs, and another on 'porcine endogenous retroviruses' (Per's) which are found in pigs.

Health Costs
On inequalities in health and health care, KIEJ 10 (2000), 109-28; Economics & Philosophy 16 (2000), 1-19; Health & Place 6 (2000), 67-79, 81-93; Lancet 356 (2000), 177, 437; MJA 172 (2000), 434-8; J. Public Health Med. 22 (2000), 1-2, 161-6; Sociology of Health & Illness 22 (2000), 110-36, 401-14; Dickens BM: Equity and the health effects of urbanization. The Philosophy of Medicine 2000; 177-94. On global health, Lancet 356 (2000), 495-9; Flood, CM. International Health Care Reform (Routledge 2000). France heads the WHO table of health systems, BMJ 320 (2000), 1687; 321 (2000), 191-2. NHS is discussed in BMJ 321 (2000), 317-8. Spain will charge elderly for drugs, BMJ 321 (2000), 10. From Pakistan, AJPH 90 (2000), 1235-40; and health care systems in transition in Asia, J. Public Health Med. 22 (2000), 1-47. There should be limits to the demand for health care, BMJ 321 (2000), 40-5. Managed care and ethics is discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 607-11. Futility is discussed in NEJM 343 (2000), 293-5. A comparison is Gordon M, et al. "The ethics of health-care systems: contrasting Canada and the United States", Annals RCPSC 32 (2000) 267-72.

Internet Sites
Publishing is still important in the Internet World, Science 289 (2000), 223-5. In general on Internet, Nature 406 (2000), 227; BMJ 321 (2000), 192; NS (15 July 2000), 15. The www is useful for disabled persons, Lancet 356 (2000), 142. Email consultations are discussed in Lancet 356 (2000), 138.

European Bioethical Research and Human Reproduction and Genetic Ethics can be found at www.bioethics.org.uk

Prepared by Darryl Macer
Go back to EJAIB 10 (Sept. 2000)
Go back to EJAIB
The Eubios Ethics Institute is on the world wide web of Internet:
http://eubios.info/index.html