Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - September 2001
Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 11 (2001), 161-174.
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+) 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
The question of whether Bt maize is economic is discussed in Agrafood Biotech. 51 (21 March 2001), 23. One possible target for resistance to aphis infestation is hydroperoxide lyase, AgraFood Biotech. 59 (10 July 2001), 16. A series of 6 articles on the race between plant and pathogen are in Science 292 (2001), 2217, 2269-2290. A review of efforts to use genomics to counter fungal pathogens of plant is Science 293 (2001), 2273-4. Expressing the yeast HAL1 gene in tomato increases fruit yield and tolerance to salt stress, Plant, Cell and Environment 24 (2001), 875-80. A gene responsible for controlling water retention has been identified, AgBiotech Reporter (July 2001), 21.The genome sequence of a rhizobium bacteria that forms nodules on legume roots has been sequenced, Sinorhizobium meliloti, Nature 412 (2001), 597-8.
A group of scientists and companies under the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute has agreed to work out the banana genome for future genetic engineering, and make it accessible to all, in the Global Musa Consortium, NS (21 July 2001), 3, 7; Nature 412 (2001), 368; Science 293 (2001), 585-6. A review of the molecular diversity and domestication of grasses is Genetic. Res. 77 (2001), 213-8. Some critics claim that vitamin A enhanced rice is over-rated, Nature 410 (2001), 503; Agrafood Biotech. 58 (26 June 2001), 2..
Genetic Engineering of Animals
The future for genetically modified pets looks likely to expand, NS (14 July 2001), 10-1. The world's first cloned dairy herd of 18 cows is now producing milk at the farms of Infigen Inc., AgraFood Biotech. 59 (10 July 2001), 2-3. Animal cloning experiments are banned in Italy, NatMed. 7 (2001), 753. The USDA considered whether to regulate cloned animals, but probably will not require regulations, although the question of FDA regulation for food is not yet decided, AgBiotech Reporter (July 2001), 6. The nuclear transfer protocol affects messenger RNA expression patterns in cloned bovine blastocysts, Biology of Reproduction 65 (2001), 309-17. Epigenetic instability has been noted in ES cells and cloned mice, Science 293 (2001), 95-7. An evaluation of the gestational deficiencies in cloned sheep fetuses and placentae is in Biology of Reproduction 65 (2001), 23-30. DNA allografts are being used to keep track of cows, NS (21 July 2001), 19. However these may not be useful for distinguishing clones. A call for trout cDNA clones by the USDA has been made, AgBiotech Reporter (July 2001), 11.
Danish scientists have attempted make schizophrenic pigs by disrupting fetal brain development, Science 292 (2001), 2247. The first large mammal to be made as a knokout gene animal is a sheep lacking the prion protein gene, SCRIP 2651 (13 June 2001), 20. Hepatitis C virus replication in mice with chimeric human livers is reported in NatMed. 7 (2001), 890-1, 927-33. Biosante has received a patent on a method for retirieving proteins from transgenic milk, Biotechnology News 21 (21 June 2001), 2-3.
Progress towards a genetically engineered blowfly is reviewed in Scott, M. "Progress towards the development of a transgenic strain of the Australian sheep blowfly suitable for a sterile-release program", NZ BioScience (May 2001), 11-3. Female cockroaches may become less discriminating of sexual partners with age, NS (28 July 2001), 10. Odorants may arouse instinctive behaviours, Nature 412 (2001), 142. A mite species that is entirely haploid females have been described, Science 292 (2001), 2479-82.
A University of Illinois study found GM fed animals are not different to others, Agrafood Biotech. 55 (15 May 2001), 3. A study of genetic diversity of honey bee in Africa is Heredity 86 (2001), 420-30.
Research animals that are always kept in cages may not actually be good models of behaviour, because of the impact of confinement, Nature 412 (2001), 669. A mitochondrial-specific mechanism for avoiding expression of deletion-mutant mt DNA has been identified, NatMed. 7 (2001), 934-40. Conditional restoration of hippocampal synaptic potentiation in GluR-A-deificent mice by controlled expression of GluR-A is reported in Science 292 (2001), 2501-4. Impulsive choice in rats can be induced by lesions in the nucleus accumbens core, Science 292 (2001), 2499-501. Transgenic expression of syndecan-1 uncovered control of feeding behaviour by syndecan-3, Cell 106 (2001), 105-116. Atherosclerosis in mice is decreased with phospholipid-transfer protein deficiency, NatMed. 7 (2001), 847-52. Mutations in SOX9 induce testis development in XX transgenic mice, NatGen 28 (2001), 216-7. Wild type Huntingtin can reduce cellular toxicity of mutant huntingtion in mammalian cell models, JMG 38 (2001), 450-2. On manipulating the immune system, Science 293 (2001), 228-9. Re-educating the immune system may cure diabetes in mice models, Biotechnology News 21 (13 July 2001), 3. Cell therapy can alleviate epilepsy in mice, Biotechnology News 21 (21 June 2001), 4. Green fluorescent mice that appear green in colour are shown in Current Biology 11 (2001), R544. Mice that have a motor defect so that they cannot support the weight of their own body have been made, NatMed. 7 (2001), 780.
Designer Molecules
Single molecule nanomanipulation is reviewed in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 211-6. The production of poly-glutamic acid from microorganisms is reviewed in Bioresource Technology 79 (2001), 207-25. A report on methane eating bugs on the ocean floor, and how they help reduce methane levels is Science 293 (2001), 418-9. Actually buried in the ocean floor are 10 trillion tons of methane, twice the amount of all known fossil fuels like coal and oil.
Detection of physiologically active compounds using cell-based biosensors is reported in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 304-9. Long term data storage in DNA is discussed as a future possibility in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 247-50.
Biotechnology & the Public
The New Zealand Royal Commission on Genetic Modification has released its final reports and recommendations [www.gmcommission.govt.nz]. The recommendations include keeping all options open, creating a national bioethics council, and a special section to deal with biotechnology in the government. Given the conclusions, the opponents of genetic engineering are now criticizing the commission, Splice 7 (No. 5 2001), 3. A collection of papers against genetic engineering are in the June 2001 issue of Pacific World 60 (June 2001), 1-76. For copies at NZ$15 please contact Email: pirmeditor@paradise.net.nz. It includes papers by a number of world campaigners against genetic engineering, as well as issues topical to New Zealand. An editorial on the need for genetic engineering is Science 292 (2001), 2217.
The question of making genetically modified cows with human genes for medical research is debated in New Zealand Listener (11 August 2001), 18-22. Another popular magazine report on the promise of biotechnology is Pacific Friend 29 (No. 7, July 2001), 18-27. The question of language as a barrier between science and the public is discussed in Croatian Medical J. 42 (2001), 353-5. A paper discussing whether public consensus is possible is Groth, E. "The debate over food biotechnology in the United States: Is a societal consensus achievable?", Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 327-46. A forum for debate is on-line at www.nat.academies.org/agbiotech; Science 292 (2001), 2252.
A survey in the Philippines by Pulse Asia conducted for Greenpeace in March 2001 of 1,200 respondents found that only 11% had heard of genetically modified or engineered food or GMOs, AgBiotech Reporter (May 2001), 14. Only half of these said that they thought GMOs re likely to be bad for people, and 47% said that they would not eat foods containing GMOs. A US survey conducted by BIGresearch in 2001 of 5638 consumers found 30% said that they would not eat genetically modified food products, while 23% said yes, and 47% were undecided, AgraFood Biotech 56 (29 May 2001), 7. 22% said that they did not think genetically engineered food is safe to eat, while 24% said it was, and 55% were undecided.
Comments that the growth in the organic movement represents a shift in the social position of science as more people doubt scientists after the BSE incident is in Nature 412 (2001), 677; and on lack of trust in science and AIDS, NatMed. 7 (2001), 871. Also on the poor image of biotechnology, Nature 412 (2001), 275-6; Australasian Science (August 2001), 36-8; TIBTECH 19 (2001), 130-1; NatBio 19 (2001), 609. A discussion of what science should be is BioScience 51 (2001), 423. Communication of science to the public is discussed in BioScience 51 (2001), 487-95; Australasian Science (July 2001), 42-3; Nature 412 (2001), 585-6; F&S 76 (2001), 11-2. Science on television is often edited for impact rather than accuracy, Nature 412 (2001), 277. The objectivity of science and human values are debated in BioScience 51 (2001), 433-6. The difficulties in scientific terms that have different definitions is discussed in Nature 412 (2001), 485.
The Kennedy Institute of Ethics is having a one day meeting on high school bioethics education on 3 Nov. 2001, and has a website: bioethics.georgetown.edu/hsbioethics, which shares curriculum. A report on the lies taught in Asian schools about history is in Newsweek (27 August 2001), 8-13. The UN human rights committee has instructed Japan to make its textbooks fair in a report issued on 31 August, 2001.
Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
New Zealand's Royal Commission on Genetic Modification (see also Biotechnology and the Public section) has supported continued use of GMOs, Nature 412 (2001), 569, 573; seeing through some false evidence presented by opponents of GMOs, NatBio 19 (2001), 292. A report on a 20 year GM tree field trial in New Zealand is NZ BioScience (Feb 2001), 3-4. Brazilian policy on GM crops is discussed in Splice 7 (No. 5 2001), 12; AgBiotech Reporter (July 2001), 19. The EU procedures on GMO releases are discussed in EJAIB 11 (July 2001); AgraFood Biotech. 56 (29 May 2001), 10-14; . Italy has allowed trial GMO planting, AgraFood Biotech. 50 (7 March 2001), 3-4; and the government has changed, NatBio 19 (2001), 603-4. Monsanto asked the Australian government to keep the location of its GM trials in Australia secret, Nature 412 (2001), 110.
UNDP supports use of GMOs, Nature 412 (2001), 109; Current Biology 11 (2001), R584-6. Decision making under the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety is outlined in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 194-7. The question of risk assessment is discussed in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 124-5. A report from those who protest GMO trials is Splice 7 (No. 5 2001), 4-5; TIBTECH 19 (2001), 164-5. The area of GMO field trials in UK is expanding, AgraFood Biotech. 49 (21 Feb 2001), 8; despite protests that saw 6 of 13 transgenic rape trials uprooted, AgBiotech Reporter (July 2001), 14; Nature 412 (2001), 760-3. One protest group in the UK called the Cultural Terrorism Agency is selling mixed GM and non GM plants that it claims will lead to superweeds, AgBiotech Reporter (June 2001), 10-111 [www.irrational.org/cta/superweed/].
The question of release of transgenic salmon is debated in NS (7 July 2001), 16-7. Issues in benefit-risk assessment of agricultural projects are discussed in Aust. J. Agri. & Resource Economics 45 (2001), 195-213. Advantages to farmers of GM rapeseed in Canada is reported in AgraFood Biotech. 52 (4 April 2001), 7. Claims that RoundupReady sugar beet helps biodiversity are discussed in AgraFood Biotech. 52 (4 April 2001), 22. Potential failsafe methods are discussed to stop spread of transgenic biocontrol fungi, TIBTECH 19 (2001), 149-54.
A study of Bt corn is Obrycki, JJ. et al. "Transgenic insecticidal corn: Beyond insecticidal toxicity to ecological complexity", BioScience 51 (2001), 353-61. Papers on the genetic mechanisms of Bt resistance are in Science 293 (2001), 778, 857-63. On biohazards in the future, Splice 7 (No. 5 2001), 6-7. Reviews include Kovalchuk, I. Et al. "Biomonitoring the genotoxicty of environmental factors with transgenic plants", Trends in Plant Science 6 (2001), 306-10; Migheli, Q., "The deliberate release of genetically modified biocontrol agents. II. Survivial, establishment, and ecological effects", AgroFoodIndustry Hi-Tech (March 2001), 31-33. The Ecological Society of America has called for better studies of GMOs, Nature 411 (2001), 626.
Prediction of invasive species behaviour is discussed in BioScience 51 (2001), 363-71; Nature 412 (2001), 115-6. On invasive carp in the Mississippi river basin, Science 292 (2001), 2250-1. Removal of invasive species needs to consider the whole ecosystem, Trends in Ecology & Evolution 16 (2001), 454-9. The European beaver is being reintroduced to the Scottish highlands in a controversial plan, Science 292 (2001), 2422-3.
Imperial College in the UK has been fined US$65,000 for risking the release of a potentially deadly hybrid virus, picked up in a routine inspection, Science 293 (2001), 779-81. Glanders has been reported in a microbiologist in a US Army Medical research facility, NEJM 345 (2001), 256-7.
The failure of the US to ratify the Biological Weapons Convention is criticized in Nature 411 (2001), 223; 412 (2001), 365, 463; NS (12 May 2001), 4-5; (4 August 2001), 17; Lancet 358 (2001), 389. The question of verification of UN weapons controls is reviewed in Nature 411 (2001), 23-4. A new system for monitoring is discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 228. Threats of genetically modified biowarfare agents are discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 232-5; 412 (2001), 15; Science 293 (2001), 414-6; NS (14 July 2001), 42-5. The state of hospital readiness for victims of biowarfare in the USA is surveyed in AJPH 91 (2001), 708-9, 710-6, 716-20, 721-6. A routine test in New Mexico found 4 labs failed to pick up anthrax bacteria sent as a test sample, Nature 411 (2001), 514. Possible use of tularemia as a biowarfare agent is discussed in JAMA 285 (2001), 2763-73. Socioeconomic biowarfare is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 425-6. Fears of creation of pathogens in research is discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 727; 412 (2001), 470; NEJM 345 (2001), 256-9. The US Army is continuing research in biotechnology, Nature 411 (2001), 981. On biosensors for detecting pathogens, EST 35 (2001), 187-8A. The question of abuse of military research is discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 347-64; and a book review in JAMA 285 (2001), 3091-2. A book review on Fredrickson, DS., The Recombinant DNA Controversy: A Memoir. Science, Politics and the Public Interest 1974-1981 (Amercian Society of Microbiology Press 2001, 408pp.) is in Nature 412 (2001), 378-9.
Vaccines & Diseases
Vaccination against measles is discussed in NS (14 April 2001), 3, 12; AJPH 91 (2001), 1042+. Letters on the Yanomamo and the 1960s measles epidemic are in Science 292 (2001), 1836-8. On MMR vaccine safety, BMJ 322 (2001), 1083, 1120-1; 323 (2001), 32, 163-4, 300; Lancet 357 (2001), 1341. A US report found no link to autism, JAMA 285 (2001), 2567-9, 2852-3; 286 (2001), 670-1. However on the rising trends in autism, NatMed. 7 (2001), 645; Nature 411 (2001), 882-4. Vaccinations and multiple sclerosis are discussed in NEJM 344 (2001), 1793-6. The US has recommended to suspend a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine, JAMA 285 (2001), 1874-9; 286 (2001), 535. A conjugate typhoid vaccine has worked, NEJM 344 (2001), 1263-9, 1322-3. Fighting anthrax with a mutant toxin is reviewed in Science 292 (2001), 647-8, 695-7. There has been a new outbreak of polio in Bulgaria, Nature 411 (2001), 405. Laboratory containment of polio and biosafety is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 536; Lancet 358 (2001), 166-7; Nature 410 (2001), 1046-7. Recommendations for hepatitis A vaccination are made in BMJ 323 (2001), 1194-5. A vaccine against cocaine is being developed, NS (14 July 2001), 6. On immune control and vaccines, Science 293 (2001), 234-260; FDA Consumer (July 2001), 18-23.
Recent research on Lyme disease is discussed in Time (25 June 2001), 57. The ecology of genetically diverse infections is reviewed in Science 292 (2001), 59-60, 1099-102; with a series of papers on sex in bacteria in pp. 1090-1125. On endemic stability and disease, Lancet 358 (2001), 1284-8. Gene transfer among oral bacteria can increase virulence, Lancet 357 (2001), 777. The importance of hand washing and Semmelweis legacy is reviewed in Lancet Infectious Disease supplement (April 2001), 9-20. On the 1918 flu pandemic, Science 292 (2001), 1041. Vaccinating Japanese school children against influenza is discussed in NEJM 344 (2001), 1946-8. The effectiveness of Varicella vaccine is debated in NEJM 345 (2001), 464-5. Investigations on whether some Irish children mistakenly got animal vaccines 30 years ago is reported in BMJ 323 (2001), 128.
Malaria is discussed in BMJ 322 (2001), 1191-2; 323 (2001), 251; Lancet Infectious Disease supplement (April 2001), 5; Lancet 357 (2001), 1219, 1241-7, 1471-7, 1837-41, 1862; Science 293 (2001), 416-7. More money is being given for funding research, NatMed. 7 (2001), 647. Book review on Mosquito are Nature 412 (2001), 274-5; BMJ 323 (2001), 289. Haplotype diversity and human G6PD linked malarial resistance is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 442-3, 455-62. On the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Current Biology 11 (2001), R153-4. Yellow fever is a threat for travelers in India, Lancet 357 (2001), 1346; and on the vaccine, Lancet 358 (2001), 84-5, 98-104. On Leishmania major infection, Science 292 (2001), 285-7. Targeting the saliva of the vector flies may help control that disease, NS (11 August 2001), 7; Lancet 358 (2001), 477; J. Exp. Med.94 (2001), 331-42. Global commitment to reducing disease in Africa is discussed in NatMed. 7 (2001), 521-3. Modeling household transmission of trypanosomiasis is reported in Science 293 (2001), 694-8. A review of TDR in WHO is in Parasitology Today 16 (2000), 522-6. Reemergence of TB is discussed in NS (7 July 2001), 3, 28-33; JAMA 286 (2001), 232-3; NEJM 345 (2001), 170-4; Lancet 358 (2001), 434-5. West Nile fever is reviewed in Lancet 358 (2001), 254-5.
The apology given to Japanese leprosy patients is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 1774 (see Eubios daily news www site). A review on the genomics of leprosy is Current Biology 11 (2001), R381-3. Politics of infectious disease is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 354-5; NEJM 345 (2001), 208-10. Perceptions of illness causation are surveyed in SSM 53 (2001), 465-76. On Munchausen by proxy in children, BMJ 323 (2001), 296-7. A discussion of phobias is in Time (2 April 2001). An infectious agent is implicated in leukemia, Lancet 357 (2001), 858; SA (May 2001), 26-7.
The foot and mouth disease crisis in the UK appears over, although there are still sporadic cases, Nature 410 (2001), 1012; 411 (2001), 258-9, 977; 412 (2001), 472-3; Science 292 (2001), 410, 1155-9; Ecologist 31 (May 2001), 20-23. The cases in humans are discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 1463; BMJ 322 (2001), 1085.
Antibiotic resistance is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 1307-8; 358 (2001), 135-8; NS (19 May 2001), 5; (2 June 2001), 10-1; MJA 174 (2001), 617-8, 627-30; NEJM 344 (2001), 1294-303, 1427-33; JAMA 285 (2001), 2317-8. The genome sequence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is reported in Lancet 358 (2001), 1218-9, 1225-40. Gene tests may be available, Nature 411 (2001), 573. Variation in antibiotic use in the EU is reported in Lancet 357 (2001), 1851-3. Antibiotics may be useful as a therapy for some genetic disorders, JAMA 285 (2001), 2067-8.
The question of testing for CJD is debated in NS (21 July 2001), 10; Lancet 357 (2001), 1952; 358 (2001), 164, 171-80; Nature 411 (2001), 810-3. One idea is protein-based PCR, NatMed. 7 (2001), 778-9. Comparisons of prion disease in other great apes is discussed in PNAS 98 (2001), 4142-7. The question of whether blood infected with prions can be made safe is discussed in NS (16 June 2001), 6; Nature 412 (2001), 7; Lancet 358 (2001), 304. Fears of BSE are discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 728; 412 (2001), 467, 571-2; NEJM 344 (2001), 1548-51; SA (May 2001), 10-1. Also on the mechanism of prion diseases, NatMed. 7 (2001), 410-1; NS (16 June 2001), 18; NEJM 344 (2001), 1516-26; Science 292 (2001), 827-8; Current Biology 11 (2001), R377-8; Lancet 358 (2001), 164-5. Possible therapy by antibodies is discussed in NS (28 July 2001), 6.
AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Polio vaccine is not the cause of HIV, Nature 410 (2001), 1035-6, 1045-6; Science 292 (2001), 615. On potential AIDS vaccines, Lancet 357 (2001), 1986; Science 292 (2001), 24-5; NatMed. 7 (2001), 653-4; NEJM 344 (2001), 1801-2. In general on AIDS in the future, NEJM 344 (2001), 1781-2, 1788-91, 3081-3; AJPH 91 (2001), 1015-7; JAMA 286 (2001), 29-30, 405-6.
South Africa is facing a crisis in HIV treatment (see also Business section below), Science 292 (2001), 2431-4; Nature 410 (2001), 1009; BMJ 323 (2001), 301. On the costs of treating HIV, NEJM 344 (2001), 1948-9; Science 292 (2001), 2420-1, 2434-5; Nature 412 (2001), 271-2. On the South African AIDS report, NatMed. 7 (2001), 515. A call for drugs for poor persons is repeated by many, see NatMed. 7 (2001), 516; AJPH 91 (2001), 1019-24. Reducing vertical transmission in Australia is reviewed in MJA 174 (2001), 433-4, 449-52; and in general, JAMA 285 (2001), 2083-93, 2129-30. The question of whether it is justifiable to withhold hepatitis C treatment is debated in NEJM 345 (2001), 211+. On the epidemic behaviour of hepatitis C, Science 292 (2001), 2323-5.
Protection of persons with HIV under the Americans with Disabilities Act is discussed in AJLM 27 (2001), 301-28. The ethics of care for persons with HIV is discussed in AJPH 91 (2001), 690-4. HIV and reproduction and ethics is debated in F&S 75 (2001), 843-58. The Pentagon has proposed to cut AIDS from the defense budget, Science 293 (2001), 404-5. Pakistan has been investigating black market sales of HIV kits, Lancet 358 (2001), 1269. A survey of barriers to prenatal HIV testing in 4 US locations in 1997 is in AJPH 91 (2001), 727-33.
One of the problems in the treatment of HIV in Africa is the growing number of people who refuse medical treatment in favour of spiritual exorcism, Newsweek (25 June 2001), 26-8. A discussion of end of life preferences among persons with HIV is JAMA 285 (2001), 2880-7. On HIV transmission in developing countries, Science 292 (2001), 224-5. AIDS as the scourge of our time is discussed in Echo of Islam (March 2001), 11-21. Changes in sexual cleansing in Zambia following AIDS is discussed in SSM 53 (2001), 371-82. Natural resistance to HIV is discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 545; Lancet 357 (2001), 1770. A single base change in HLA is important for resistance to HIV, NEJM 344 (2001), 1668-75.
Microbes & Pollution Remedies
Field trials from plants suggest faster growing plants are needed, maybe made by genetic engineering, Kramer, U. & Chardonnens, AN. "The use of transgenic plants in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with trace elements", Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 55 (2001), 661-72. Phytoremediation of organic contaminants in soils is reviewed in Bioresource technology 79 (2001), 273-6.
Microbes are showing promise as a way to bioremediate plutonium, EST 35 (2001), 314-5A. Biotechnology and the utilization of biowaste as a resource for bioproduct development may present another approach for use of wastes, TIBTECH 19 (2001), 172-7. An analysis of persistent pollutants in land applied sludges, namely brominated diphenyl ethers from flame repellants, suggests a problem in the USA, Nature 412 (2001), 140-1.
An analysis of the criteria for oil spill recovery from the intertidal community of Prince William Sound, Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez spill, is Environmental Management 28 (2001), 9-18.
Environmental Issues
Values and ecosystem health is discussed in BioScience 51 (2001), 437-43, 469-74; EST 35 (2001), 2867-73; Environmental Management 28 (2001), 1-7. Environmental education is discussed in BioScience 51 (2001), 279-99. On economics and ecology, BioScience 51 (2001), 257-9, 459-68; Ecological Economics 37 (2001), 313-26. A general discussion of the use of the precautionary principle in law, and the debate with industry, is in Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 313-26. New Zealand is changing regulations and is re-licensing all hazardous substances, see www.hsno.govt.nz. The question of the commons is debated in Yale Law J. 110 (2001), 549-624; Trends in Ecology and Evolution 16 (2001), 460-4.
Climate change over the land and in the oceans is reported in Science 292 (2001), 28, 192-4, 267-70, 270-4, 657-690, 870-2; 293 (2001), 48-9, 451-4; Nature 411 (2001), 17-9; 412 (2001), 103, 112-4, 583; NS (21 July 2001), 4-5; (28 July 2001), 30-3; Time (9 April 2001). Agriculture is one of the drivers of climate change, Science 292 (2001), 281-4. The greenhouse gas inventory from the Ministry for the Environment in New Zealand shows a 5% increase in carbon dioxide emissions between 1990 and 1999, Climate Wise 3 (May 2001), 3. The Ministry has also produced a 40 pp. Report, Climate Change Impacts on New Zealand. Discussion of the Kyoto Protocol is also made in Time (25 June 2001), 27; Nature 410 (2001), 1014; 411 (2001), 225, 725, 877; 412 (2001), 365, 575; Science 292 (2001), 1275-7, 1261, 1978; 293 (2001), 199-201 Ecological Economics 37 (2001), 173-82; 38 (2001), 59-69; PNAS 98 (2001), 4850-4; EST 35 (2001), 177A; NS (14 July 2001), 18. Chinese forests have increased since 1949, storing more carbon, Science 292 (2001), 2320-2. Also on China and the environment, Nature 412 (2001), 273-4; Ecological Economics 38 (2001), 141-54. Fast growing trees will be better when faced with climate change, Science 292 (2001), 36-7; Nature 411 (2001), 431-2; Ecological Monographs 71 (2001), 357-76. Responses of grasslands are predicted in Ecological Monographs 71 (2001), 341-56. On the response of large oil companies, Nature 411 (2001), 516-8.
On the use of fuel cells to make energy, SA (July 2001), 14. Low pollution engines are discussed in SA (June 2001), 74-9. Changing to ethanol supplemented gasoline means improved emissions, as shown in a Mexican study, EST 35 (2001), 1893+. A study of how ancient human cultures adapted to previous climate change is Science 292 (2001), 667-72. The issue of water shortages is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 1071-2; Ecological Applications 11 (2001), 1027-45. Acid rain has lingering effects, Science 292 (2001), 195-6. The role of aerosols on climate change is discussed in EST 35 (2001), 332-40A.
On compensation claims for psychiatric injury from motor vehicle accidents, MJA (2001), 129-32. Air pollution and health is discussed in NEJM 344 (2001), 1253-4; JAMA 285 (2001), 2712-3; Occup. Environ. Med. 58 (2001), 2-13, 165-71.
Environment and Health News has been changed in name to Greenhealthwatch, starting with edition 5.2 (May 2001), see www.greenhealthwatch.com. On solar ultraviolet radiation and its impact on aquatic system, Ambio 30 (2001), 112-7; Nature 412 (2001), 69+. On climate change and health, Science 292 (11 May 2001); Lancet 358 (2001), 16. The effects of contaminants on biological organisms and their behaviour is reviewed in BioScience 51 (2001), 209-17; EST 35 (2001), 3065-70. On lead pollution, Ambio 30 (2001), 104-11; NEJM 344 (2001), 1421-6; Science 293 (2001), 426-8. Mercury pollution is rising in Greenland, EST 35 (2001), 234-5A. Arsenic contamination of groundwater in Vietnam is discussed in Ambio 30 (2001), 2621-6; EST 35 (2001), 286-91A. In the USA there is a problem from chicken manure, EST 35 (2001), 184-5A; SA (June 2001), 10-1. Persistent pollutants are found in land-applied sludges, Nature 412 (2001), 140-1. Cyanide contamination from a fishing practice is discussed in SA (July 2001), 68-75. Organic pollutants are discussed in EST 35 (2001), 1567-73. The dangers of dioxin are discussed in EST 35 (2001), 180-1A; NS (26 May 2001), 13. An analysis of the costs of reducing dioxin emissions from incinerators in Japan is EST 35 (2001), 2861-6.
Estrogenic compounds are discussed in EST 35 (2001), 277-8A, 322A; Nature 412 (2001), 499-500; Environment 43 (No. 5, 2001), 22-31. Japan is attempting tests on the problem due to feminized fish, Nature 412 (2001), 668. Long term impacts of exposure to bisphenol A in minnow is reported in EST 35 (2001), 2917-25. Dilution as a solution is debated in EST 35 (2001), 230-1A.
A study of leukemia found no risk to UK electricity workers, Occup. Environ. Med. 58 (2001), 307-14. Letters on handheld telephones and cancer risk are in JAMA 285 (2001), 1838-9; NEJM 345 (2001), 1331-2.
Australian nuclear test victims have produced evidence for compensation, Lancet 357 (2001), 1775. Gene screens are also being done by 50 New Zealand veterans of the British nuclear tests, Nature 412 (2001), 5. The US government has backed a new procedure for melting and diluting old nuclear waste, NS (22 April 2001), 20. Plans to import 20,000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel into Siberia have led to protests, Nature 411 (2001), 401. A local referendum in Japan has delayed Japanese plans for import of nuclear waste for reprocessing, Nature 411 (2001), 729. The dangers of plutonium being used by terrorists is discussed in NS (26 May 2001), 10-1. The long term impact of Chernobyl is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 420-6, 2010-1. In general on cancer after nuclear incidents, Occup. Environ. Med. 58 (2001), 482-7. A book review of Permissible Dose: A History of Radiation Protection in the Twentieth Century is NEJM 345 (2001), 1724-5. Radioactive iodine has been detected in Swedish groundwater at levels 3-4 times prenuclear era values, EST 35 (2001), 228A. Risks from depleted uranium are discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1532.
Biodiversity
A study of how emperor penguins may face climate change is in Nature 411 (2001), 183-6. Conservation tillage and climate change is discussed in Biotechnology and Development Monitor 46 (June 2001), 12-7. Adjustment to climate change is constrained by the arrival dates for migratory birds, Nature 411 (2001), 296-8. Adaptive species can change when climate changes, Nature 411 (2001), 531-2. Estimates of biodiversity may have to be reduced as beetles may have very broad host ranges, and thus reduce the insect diversity, Biol. J. Linnean Society 71 (2001), 583; NS (14 April 2001), 25. Limits to diversity are considered in Science 292 (2001), 1481. On naming species, Science 292 (2001), 2249-50. The Gaia hypothesis is discussed in NS (16 June 2001), 30-3. There are advantages to work together for unicellular organisms also, Science 292 (2001), 448-9.
An analysis of endangered species recovery plans is in BioScience 51 (2001), 643-9. The CITES Fort Lauderdale criteria are discussed in Harvard Law Review 114 (2001), 1769+. When one species is lost, their relatives tend to become easier to be lost, NS (22 April 2001), 6. Nature reserves may not capture all of biodiversity, Ecological Applications 11 (2001), 999-1007. Uncertainties in habitat planning are reviewed in American Scientist 89 (July 2001), 351-9. On extinction of species, Science 292 (2001), 217-8; PNAS 98 (2001), 5389-92. In the USA there is debate over proposals to extract oil from the last coastal Alaskan wilderness area, SA (May 2001), 55-61; EST 35 (2001), 240-7A. The loss of some endangered species also results in cultural decline, BioScience 51 (2001), 256-7, 591-3. The destruction of artifacts I Mesopotamia is reviewed in Science 293 (2001), 32-5. The question of controlling trade as a way to protect species is discussed in NS (22 April 2001), 19. Ecosystem restoration for conservation is reviewed in Ecological Engineering 17 (2001), 1-2. However recreated wetlands are not as good as the original, Science 293 (2001), 25. Mass extinctions of large mammals may be caused by ice-age hunters, Science 292 (2001), 1819. A study of biodiversity and resource plunder in geological records is PNAS 98 (2001), 4290-2.
Valuation of biodiversity is suggested in Nature 412 (2001), 34-6; BioScience 51 (2001), 270-2. A book on tourism is Holden, A. Environment and Tourism (Routledge 2000). Management of Chinese ecotoursim is discussed in Ambio 30 (2001), 62-3. Tourism is also an important agent of globalization and change, Time (21 May 2001), 48. Conflicts between poor people and biodiversity conservation are discussed in NS (12 May 2001), 12. The story of taxol discovery and its pursuit from Yew trees is NEJM 345 (2001), 1335-6; Science 292 (2001), 1073-4. The impact of overlapping international regimes to protect biodiversity is discussed in Global Governance 7 (2001), 95-117. Biodiversity research in Singapore is discussed in Nature 412 (2001), 118. Illegal logging in Indonesia is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 959-60; and on tropical forests in Costa Rica, Science 292 (2001), 1074. Sustainable logging in Venezuela is discussed in J. Applied Ecology 38 (2001), 756-70.
Coral reefs appear to bleach in order to survive climatic change, Nature 411 (2001), 765-6. The size is also important for their survival, Science 292 (2001), 1493-4, 1532-4. Maintaining ocean diversity is discussed in Environment 43 (April 2001), 30-7. On depletion of fish stocks, Jackson, JBC. Et al. "Historical overfishing and the recent collapse of coastal ecosystems", Science 293 (2001), 629-37; NS (28 July 2001), 40-3. Salmon have reached record levels in US rivers in 2001, Nature 411 (2001), 226. Sea urchin recovery from mass mortality and coral reefs are reported in PNAS 98 (2001), 4822-4. Divergent sexual selection enhances reproductive isolation in sticklebacks, Nature 411 (2001), 944-7. On speciation genes, Nature 411 (2001), 635-6; 412 (2001), 31-3; PNAS 98 (2001), 6714-9. Parental risk taking in birds is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 494-8. A viviparous lizard can select the sex of its embryos, Nature 412 (2001), 698-9.
The question of whether cloning can save endangered species is asked in Current Biology 11 (2001), R245-6. Discussion of the last thylacine in Australia and the 1933 film is NS (21 July 2001), 46-7. A rare cypress tree uses a surrogate mother in reproduction, Nature 412 (2001), 39.
A type of arbovirus is causing decline of seals, NS (12 May 2001), 6. The massacre of sea lions in the Galapagos for sex organs is reported in Nature 412 (2001), 367. The loss of turtles is also alarming, NS (11 August 2001), 17. Bushmeat trade is also threatening large African mammals, SA (June 2001), 15-6.
The construction of a level 4 lab for future analysis of soil samples from Mars is introduced in NS (9 June 2001), 10. Searching for extraterrestrial life is discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 229, 994-5; 412 (2001), 209-53, 260.
Animal Rights
A study of the reliability of research protocol reviews for animal research is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 608-9. On animal welfare and science, ATLA 29 (2001), 209-10; JAMA 286 (2001), 304-5. The difficult fate of Indian bears that were forced not to perform by an animal rights shift in India is discussed in Time (9 April 2001), 45.
Other Great Apes also use herbal medicines, Huffman, MA. "Self-medicative behaviour in the African Great Apes: An evolutionary perspective into the origins of human traditional medicine", BioScience 51 (2001), 651-61. The pressures in the Congo on gorilla survival are discussed in NS (21 July 2001), 43-5. On animal culture, Newsweek (21 May 2001), 60-1. Chimp handedness is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 601. Egalitarianism in female lions is reported in Science 293 (2001), 589, 690-3. Long distance communication in elephants may be through low frequency waves, NS (4 August 2001), 28-31. Human language processing is discussed in SA (June 2001), 42-49.
A study of the Mu opioid receptor and pain perception is Science 293 (2001), 311-5. On sensory neurons and pain, NatMed. 7 (2001), 772-3; Lancet 358 (2001), 168-9. There are cultural differences in expressions of happiness, Science 293 (2001), 45. In general on cognitive neuroscience, Nature 412 (2001), 128-9.
Petting of dolphins can be harmful to them, Time (21 May 2001), 52-3. The future of the IWC and its problems in controlling whaling are discussed in NS (4 August 2001), 3-4. A paper on the study of consciousness is in Biology International 41 (June 2001), 53-60. A book review of Animal Traditions is Science 293 (2001), 610-1. The question of neurotheology and whether God is needed by the human brain is discussed in Newsweek (14 May 2001), 40-5. Also on God, Science 293 (2001), 54. The question of what is human and science is discussed in Nature 412 (2001), 479-80. A discussion between the Dalai Lama and scientists on scientific ways to study meditation is reported in Research News and Opportunities in Science and Theology 1 (July 2001), 1-2. A paper on the nature of emotions is in American Scientist 89 (2001), 344-50.
The evidence that humans were cannibals is reviewed in SA (August 2001), 48-55. A study of Neanderthal cranial ontogeny is Nature 412 (2001), 534-8. There is a lack of fossil evidence on the evolution of chimpanzees, Nature 412 (2001), 131-2. Artistic creativity and the brain is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 51-2; BMJ 323 (2001), 55. On evolutionary ethics, AIBA Newslink 4 (August 2001), 1-2. Virtual playmates may be an extension of this for children, NS (28 July 2001), 23. Also on artificial intelligence, NS (11 August 2001), 20.
Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
Discussion of law suits by persons using genetically engineered insulin because of health concerns are reviewed in Ram's Horn 192 (July 2001), 7-8. On the development of modified antibodies for therapy, SA (June 2001), 20-21; Current Biology 11(2001), R541-2; NEJM 345 (2001), 284-6. A recombinant immunotoxin BL22 can induce complete remissions in leukemia, NEJM 345 (2001), 241-7, 283-4. On recombinant human activated protein C for severe sepsis, NEJM 345 (2001), 219-21. On medicinal biotechnology products in general, TIBTECH 19 (2001), 200-1.
A discussion of the role of growth hormone therapy in short children is Lancet 358 (2001), 347-8. The debate over the use of hormones in international sporting competition is discussed in NS (11 August 2001), 3-5. Some people are using insulin, which is not possible to detect, and can be fatal if the dose is wrong. A drug testing error in testing for Erythropoietin by a competitor that was to be banned from the world athletic championships, meant that she could still compete, NZ Herald (7 August 2001), B5.
Food safety
Discussion of the EU and Canadian positions on labeling of GM foods is in Ram's Horn 193 (August 2001), 6-8. Criticism of the EU labeling position is in AgraFood Biotech 59 (10 July 2001), 12-3. Britain is attempting to make a deal to avoid a trade war over GM food between North America and Europe, Nature 412 (2001), 257-8. Sri Lanka has delayed indefinitely their proposed ban on GM food imports because of WTO concerns. The theft of three transgenic pig carcasses lead to consumption of the meat by people as sausages in Florida, NS (28 July 2001), 14. Starlink and GM contamination of seeds is widespread in the USA, with Starlink appearing in about 10% of 110,000 grain tests performed by the USDA, NatBio 19 (2001), 613.
At the July meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission it was agreed that the safety of food derived from GMOs should be tested and approved by governments before entering the market, JAMA 286 (2001), 663; Lancet 358 (2001), 132. However there is no consensus o the issue of labeling. The UNDP has noted that developing countries need more food. A general review on food allergies is FDA Consumer (July 2001), 10-16.
A review of the safety procedures for assessment of food additives in the EU is in Food Today 27 (May 2001), 3. The safety of organic foods is debated in Nature 412 (2001), 666; NS (11 August 2001), 15.
UK studies suggest that there is an influence of the season when one is born and risk factors for anorexia, NS (21 July 2001), 6. Risks of diabetes are linked to atherosclerosis, NatMed. 7 (2001), 840-6. Diabetes is affecting a growing number of children, Scrip Magazine (July 2001), 37-9. Calls for a national dietary guideline for sugar are in MJA 175 (2001), 165-6. On prevention of diabetes, BMJ 323 (2001), 63-4. Adiponectin reverses insulin resistance, NatMed. 7 (2001), 941-6. Prevention of cardiovascular disease and diet is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 75-81, 246-7; Science 293 (2001), 801-4. A new molecule syndecan-3 has been implicated in appetite control, Science 293 (2001), 190. A paper on body weight and self control in the USA since the 1950s is Social History of Medicine 14 (2001), 79-106.
Disease Risks & Drugs
The risks of using laser surgery to correct myopia are discussed in Time (7 May 2001), 51. On the placebo effect, Newsweek (18 June 2001), 49.
In mi-May the new kinase inhibitor Gleevec was approved for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia by the FDA, NatBio 19 (2001), 599-600; JAMA 286 (2001), 35. On risks and uses of statins, Biotechnology News (29 June 2001), 6-7. On prostrate cancer drug treatment, JAMA 286 (2001), 34, 406-8
Patenting & Business
General papers on ethical aspects include: Resnik, DB. "DNA patents and human dignity", JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 152-65; 166-169; Louwaars, N. & Minderhoud, M., "When a law is not enough: biotechnology patents in practice", Biotechnology and Development Monitor 46 (June 2001), 16-19; Powledge, F. "Patenting, privacy, and the global commons", BioScience 51 (2001), 273-7. Free access to cDNA clones is being promoted by some researchers, Nature 410 (2001), 289-90. There is a transatlantic patent war over BRCA1, Science 292 (2001), 1818. The release of DNA sequence data is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 1066-7. In general on gene patents, Current Biology 11 (2001), R115-6; SA (August 2001), 20; Science 293 (2001), 217. Disputes over the rites to fossils in the Rift valley is stalling research, Science 292 (2001), 198-201. Disputes over access to digital music are discussed in Nature 411 (2001), 5; Science 292 (2001), 826. In general on patents, SA (June 2001), 22.
AstraZeneca has signed a deal with Shanghai's Jiao Tong University to give it access to the university's DNA samples from schizophrenic patients, Nature 410 (2001), 858. Discussion of the Canadian Federal Court's ruling in Monsanto v. Schmeiser indirect allows patenting of plants in Canada, NatBio 19 (2001), 587. The European patent office has revoked the patent on Taq polymerase held by Roche, Science 292 (2001), 1815; Nature 411 (2001), 622. An on-line background paper on ethical issues of patents in the context of developing countries is Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, Ethics and Ecological Aspects of Industry Property Rights in the Context of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (2001).
The ethics of entrepreneurs boasting excessively about their new patent applications is discussed in NatBio 19 (2001), 301. A review of patents in food biotechnology is NatBio 19 (2001), 383-4. Discussion of the South African victory when the pharmaceutical companies dropped their legal challenge to producing low cost AIDS drugs, and the access to low cost drugs in Africa, is in Lancet 357 (2001), 1303, 1347; BMJ 322 (2001), 1011-2; Science 292 (2001), 221-3; Nature 410 (2001), 1013; 411 (2001), 982, 992; NS (21 July 2001), 18-9. On patents for personalized medicines, Scrip Magazine (April 2001), 13-5. Private finance is moving primary care to corporate ownership, BMJ 322 (2001), 960-3. A survey in the USA says resident doctors are not influenced by drug companies' promotions, BMJ 322 (2001), 1081. Continuing education and sponsorship is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 302-4. Declaration of financial conflicts of interest in 5 medical journals is studied in BMJ 323 (2001), 263-4. In general on social issues in biotechnology knowledge sharing, AJMG 100 (2001), 254; Nature 410 (2001), 1026; Science 292 (2001), 2254-5. Drug pricing in the USA is also being questioned, Science 292 (2001), 614-5, 1797. There is global interest in Internet sales of drugs, JAMA 285 (2001), 2844-6.
Public-private research for health is discussed in Biotechnology and Development Monitor 46 (June 2001), 2-12, 24; JAMA 285 (2001), 2324-6; Current Biology 11 (2001), R497-8; and in general in Science 292 (2001), 830-5, 1491-2; 293 (2001), 411, 573; Nature 411 (2001), 507, 723; 412 (2001), 765. The question of patent protection for methods of treatment in Europe is discussed in NatBio 19 (2001), 481-2. Medical journals are working out ways to help authors retain control over research papers from industry collaborations, Nature 412 (2001), 572. An Indian doctor, Dr. Matapurkar of Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi has received a US patent on regenerating organs with stem cells, Indian Express (21 June 2001). The question of rewarding investments is discussed, Scrip Magazine (May 2001), 38-9. A University of Rochester researcher sued his school after they spent his grant, Science 292 (2001), 411.
A discussion of Israeli biotechnology is in Scrip Magazine (July 2001), 19-21; Nature 411 (3 May 2001); 412 (2001), 469; NatBio 19 (2001), 518-20; in Japan, BioCentury 9 (4 June 2001), A1-6; in Singapore, Nature 412 (2001), 370-1; in Australia, Nature 411 (2001), 619; in Italy, NatBio 19 (2001), 516-7; in Germany, J. Commercial Biotechnology 7 (2001), 343-8; in Egypt, Science 292 (2001), 1478; in Baltic states, NatBio 19 (2001), 513-5; in Europe in general, BIOforum International 5 (No. 3, June 2001), 105; Nature 411 (2001), 404; and Finnish biotechnology, GEN 21 (1 May 2001), 19-20, 39. Gren biotechnology is discussed in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 135-9. The Millennium Dome may be transformed into a biomedical research site if Wellcome Trust bids for it, Nature 412 (2001), 258. On US science policy towards Cuba, BioScience 51 (2001), 612. A report from the OECD says that industrial biotech is not realizing its potential, NatBio 19 (2001), 493-5. A report on Baka pygmies in Africa revela sthat development projects are not always for the good, Ecologist 31 (May 2001), 54-5.
Birth Control
The uncertainty of human population forecasts is discussed in Nature 412 (2001), 490-1, 543-5. However it appears that the peak population growth period is passing. A study of marital fertility in Lebanon is SSM 53 (2001), 759-71. The UK has announced a safe sex campaign, mainly to reduce HIV and STDs, BMJ 323 (2001), 250. A study of teenage pregnancy in Scotland is BMJ 323 (2001), 199-203. A study of trafficking of girls from Shan States of Burma to the sex industry in Asia is in SSM 53 (2001), 543-50. Childhood sexual abuse is a risk factor for revictimisation in adulthood, Lancet 358 (2001), 434, 450-4. On dating violence in the USA, JAMA 286 (2001), 572-9.
On the decreased risks of ovarian cancer by various contraceptives, Epidemiology 12 (2001), 307-12. However a study of carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations finds it is premature to suggest they use oral contraceptivesas a ay to prevent ovarian cancer, NEJM 345 (2001), 235-40. The FDA has approved drospirenome and ethinyl estradiol as an oral contraceptive, JAMA 286 (2001), 527. A study of third generation oral contraceptives and risks of venous thrombosis finds some real risk as compared to second generation ones, BMJ 323 (2001), 119-20, 131-4. On the risks of IUD and infertility, Lancet 358 (2001), 6-7. Depression and contraception is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 671.
Embryo Status
Discussion of fetal cell implants is in HCR 31 (2001), 6; NEJM 345 (2001), 146-7. Adult brains can grow young neurons even without transplants if we understand how, SA (Sept. 2001), 24-5. Analysis of a divided US Supreme court decision on Stenberg v. Carhart on partial birth abortion is Modern Law Review 64 (2001), 618-27.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Calls against human reproductive cloning for now include F&S 76 (2001), 232-4. The International Congress of Development Biology has called for a worldwide moratorium on cloning for reproductive purposes at the Tokyo meeting in 2001. The New Zealand Independent Biotechnology Advisory Council (www.ibac.org.nz) has released a 16 pp. Report, Cloning and Stem Cell Research, with some questions to consider (2001). It called for comment from New Zealanders on this question which is being debated there. There is currently an absence of a law regulating cloning. The USA has attempted to ban human reproductive cloning, BMJ 323 (2001), 302. In general on the cloning debate, Nature 412 (2001), 583, 667. Developments in removal of nuclei and cytoplasm from human eggs is discussed as a type of cloning, NS (7 July 2001), 5; (14 July 2001), 3; (21 July 2001), 11; Australasian Science (June 2001), 1.
Most cell biologists in the USA have not welcomed the compromise position from President Bush that existing stem cell lines can be used for federally funded research, but creation of new ones cannot be funded, Nature 412 (2001), 107, 665. In an opinion survey of 1022 adults by ABC news and beliefnet.com between 20-24 June, 2001, 58% said that they supported research using cells from human embryos and 60% said the federal government should fund it, Lancet 358 (2001), 46. There is confusion over how many cell lines are eligible, Nature 412 (2001), 753-4. The stem cell debate in the USA is discussed in HCR 31 (July 2001), 9; Nature 412 (2001), 255, 368; NatMed. 7 (2001), 876; Science 292 (2001), 2409-10; 293 (2001), 47-8, 186-7, 211-2, 413; NS (30 June 2001), 5; SCRIP 2657 (4 July 2001), 13; JAMA 286 (2001), 293; BMJ 323 (2001), 252; Lancet 358 (2001), 163, 217; and in other countries including Germany, Current Biology 11 (2001), R581-2; BMJ 323 (2001), 8. Fat stem cells may be important for medical treatment. In general on stem cells, JAMA 286 (2001), 33-4; Cell 105 (2001), 829-41; Nature 412 (2001), 380-1; Current Biology 11 (2001), R503-5. There is some cloning research making stem cells from embryos in the USA, NS (21 July 2001), 10; and some is using embryos specifically created for research, BMJ 323 (2001), 127. Japan has rules on stem cell research that allow human embryo research, Science 293 (2001), 775.
In the UK doctors can screen for Down syndrome during IVF procedures using preimplantation diagnosis, BMJ 323 (2001), 67. On embryo fragmentation in vitro, F&S 76 (2001), 281-5. Sperm free fertilization in mice is reported in Science 293 (2001), 423. The Catholic position on human embryo research is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 211. Brain stem cells have been obtained from adult mice, Nature 412 (2001), 690-1, 736-9. There may be two populations of stem cells in brain, Lancet 358 (2001), 303. Stem cells have been converted to heart tissue in a trial, Lancet 358 (2001), 475.
Paid ova donation is debated in HCR 31 (July 2001), 12-4; F&S 76 (2001), 75-9. The decision when to have children, and bearing children at advanced maternal age is discussed in Newsweek (27 August 2001), 40-5; NS (30 June 2001), 38-43. A study in the USA found a significantly higher pregnancy rate in IVF among African-Americans than white women using ART, F&S 76 (2001), 80-4. Indications for storage of ovarian tissue are discussed in F&S 76 (2001), 414-5. A lack of influence of male age on fertility is reported in AJOG 184 (2001), 818-24. On angiogenesis and reproduction, Brit. J.O&G 108 (2001), 777-83.
Frozen embryo controversies are discussed in JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 197-202. Questions over the effectiveness of sex selection are in BMJ 323 (2001), 67. A study of neighbourhood and family influences on the cognitive ability of children in the UK is SSM 53 (2001), 423-40, 579-91. Use of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin is reviewed in F&S 76 (2001), 67-74. HIV-free fertilization has been achieved in IVF clinics in Japan, Nature 412 (2001), 758. IVF is still leading to multiple births, especially in developing countries, NS (14 July 2001), 14-5. The genetics of infertility are discussed in NatMed. 7 (2001), 873; Science 293 (2001), 809-10.
Fetal Environment & Neonates
Birth weights are discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1990-1. Unintended pregnancies can lead to low birthweight in Equador, AJPH 91 (2001), 808-10. A study of prenatal growth and subsequent marital status is BMJ 322 (2001), 771. High altitude also leads to more underweight babies, NS (12 May 2001), 10. Risks of twin birth discordance are discussed in AJOG 184 (2001), 1040-1. Low blood flow to the fetus results in intellectual impairment, O&G 97 (2001), 449-53. Dutch doctors have changed their policy on treating preterm infants, to stop the active treatment of babies born before 25 weeks, BMJ 322 (2001), 1383. On the risks for pre-age fetuses, AJOG 185 (2001), 208-15. Birth weight and IQ are linked, BMJ 323 (2001), 310-4. The rates of fetal death by race in New Jersey, USA, are reported in JAMA 285 (2001), 2978-9. A need for more culturally aware prevention programs is called for in Aboriginal communities, MJA 174 (2001), 503-6. A US linked clinical trial involving premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome in Latin America has been criticized, Lancet 357 (2001), 691. A book review of Fetal Medicine is NEJM 344 (2001), 779-80. Rubella vaccine may be safe in early pregnancy, BMJ 323 (2001), 695. Toxic chemicals may cause early infertility, NS (21 July 2001), 6. The Bush administration is pushing for health insurance for the unborn, Lancet 358 (2001), 132. On children's health care in the UK, Lancet 358 (2001), 431.
Folic acid fortification of food in the USA led to a 19% reduction in occurrence of neural tube defects, when combined with other factors, JAMA 285 (2001), 2981-6, 3022-3; NEJM 344 (2001), 933-5; and in Australia, MJA 174 (2001), 619-20, 631-6. The link between folic acid and twins is discussed in NS (28 July 2001), 3, 7. DDT usage is linked to preterm birth, Lancet 358 (2001), 110-4. A book review on the return of thalidomide, NEJM 345 (2001), 226-7. Dilemmas of taking drugs in pregnancy are discussed in FDA Consumer (May 2001), 16-20. The meaning of morning sickness is still not known, Lancet 358 (2001), 1272. Ecstasy damages fetal brains, NS (12 May 2001), 11. Cocaine exposure in childhood is reviewed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1613-25; and on alcohol for children, Lancet 358 (2001), 343. On prenatal drug exposure, J. Health Politics, Policy and Law 26 (2001), 595-7; Lancet 357 (2001), 800; JAMA 286 (2001), 45-7. Syphilis control during pregnancy is reviewed in AJPH 91 (2001), 705-7. Stress and reproduction is discussed in papers in Health Psychology 19 (2000), 507-625; JAMA 285 (2001), 1510-1, 1581-4, 1628-30; BMJ 323 (2001), 257-60. Life event stress can also be associated with spontaneous abortion.
Pregnant women in the USA cannot be tested for drugs without consent following a Supreme Court ruling, BMJ 322 (2001), 753; Lancet 358 (2001), 1025. A paper on ethics and maternal duties to the unborn is Scott, R. "Maternal duties toward the unborn? Soundings from the law of tort", Medical Law Review 8 (2000), 1-68.
A study of decision making for cesarean sections is BMJ 322 (2001), 1330-3, 1334-5; 323 (2001), 245-6; Lancet 357 (2001), 556, 635. A growing number of women in Latin America are preferring cesareans, Newsweek (26 March 2001), 40-2. Different institutional pain management schemes may alter cesarean rates, J. Family Practice 50 (2001), 217-23. Home birth in Finland is discussed in SSM 52 (2001), 1109-21. On the Apgar score, NEJM 344 (2001), 467-71, 519-20. Views of pregnancy in Weimar Germany are reviewed in Social History of Medicine 13 (2000), 359-80.
Serotonin transporter gene is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the Japanese population, Pediatrics 107 (2001), 690-2; JAMA 285 (2001), 2244-5. Also on SIDS, MJA 174 (2001), 302-4; JAMA 285 (2001), 2199-207; BMJ 323 (2001), 347. Inaccurate death classification is discussed in MJA 175 (2001), 5-6. Association of genes and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is suggested in AJMG 105 (2001), 471-8. See also Science 291 (2001), 1488-9. Fluvoxamine is one drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders, NEJM 344 (2001), 1279-85. A series of papers on child protection are in Family Law Quarterly 34 (Fall 2000), 301-590. Babies can be killed by even mild shaking, NS (16 June 2001), 4. Playing is good for development of the brain, NS (9 June 2001), 29-31. On education, JAMA 285 (2001), 2339-46, 2378-9. Bullying in the USA is substantial, JAMA 285 (2001), 2094-100, 2131-2.
Breast feeding can help prevent overweight babies and improve health, JAMA 285 (2001), 2446-7, 2453-60, 2461-7, 2506-7; BMJ 322 (2001), 625-6, 643-7; 323 (2001), 52, 303-6. Drinking too much juice can be bad for children, Time (25 June 2001), 61; both for weight and for diabetes risks, BMJ 323 (2001), 377-8. Children face more obstacles when reared in poor homes, JAMA 285 (2001), 2339+, 2378-80. Advanced puberty in children and its relationship to chemicals is discussed in Human Reproduction 16 (2001), 1020+; NS (19 May 2001), 12. Life in the first year affects heart disease risks, BMJ 322 (2001), 375-6, 949-53; NS (28 April 2001), 6. A study of birth weight and genetics is Lancet 358 (2001), 1997-2001. Pregnancy complications are also linked to maternal risk of ischaemic heart disease, Lancet 357 (2001), 1990, 2002-6. Fewer babyhood infections may mean fewer allergies, BMJ 322 (2001), 390-5; NS (24 Feb 2001), 16.
Prevention of childhood lead poisoning is discussed in NEJM 344 (2001), 1470-1; Science News 159 (2001), 277; NS (19 May 2001), 16. A study of children in the urban environment is SSM 53 (2001), 277-92. Conscription of children in armed conflict is a major problem still, BMJ 322 (2001), 1372. Child sexual abuse is linked to later psychopathology AJPH 91 (2001), 753-60. A discussion of stalkers is in JAMA 286 (2001), 519-23. Research in children is discussed in BMJ 322 (2001), 1377-8. Female circumcision in Africa is reviewed in Science 292 (2001), 1305-6. Protective effects of childhood infections are given in BMJ 323 (2001), 376-7.
Genetic Disease Markers
A series of papers on molecular medicine are in Croatian Medical J. 42 (No. 4, 2001), 359-492. Schizophrenia and genes is being unraveled more, see Science 292 (2001), 1831. On anxiety and genes, NEJM 345 (2001), 1247-9. The question of what is the best way to treat genetic diseases is asked in NEJM 344 (2001), 926-7. Genes for longevity are discussed in TIG 17 (2001), 233-5.
Genetic Screening Methodology
The Japanese company TUM Gene has developed a biochip that is 10,000 times more sensitive than chips on the market, APBN 5 (No. 5, 2001), 90. A paper on statistical design and analysis of gene expression microarray data is Genet. Res. 77 (2001), 123-8. In general on microarrays, NatMed. 7 (2001), 658-9; NatGen 28 (2001), 1-2, 9-10. Faster and cheaper genotyping will make screening yet easier, Nature 412 (2001), 580-2. The database of chemical probes is expanding which will boost chemical genetics, Nature 411 (2001), 873. In vivo measurement of gene expression is now possible, NatMed. 7 (2001), 864-8. A review of nanotechnology is SA (Sept. 2001), 58-65. RNA-catalyzed RNA polymerization is reported in Science 292 (2001), 1319-25.
On cancer epidemiology in the coming decade, Nature 411 (2001), 390-5; NatMed. 7 (2001), 673-9. Detection of breast cancer cells in ductal lavage fluid by PCR is reported in Lancet 357 (2001), 1335-6. DNA content as a marker of patients with oral leukoplakia is reported in NEJM 344 (2001), 1270-8. On a literature network of genes for high throughput analysis of gene expression, NatGen 28 (2001), 21-7. The most effective approach for screening for colon cancer is discussed in MJA 174 (2001), 298-301; BMJ 323 (2001), 10. On the NHS breast cancer screening program, BMJ 323 (2001), 140. The value of smear tests is argued in BMJ 322 (2001), 1188; JAMA 285 (2001), 3107-15. Cancer screening in elderly patients is discussed in JAMA 285 (2001), 2750-6. Diagnosing cancer in vivo is becoming more reliable, Science 292 (2001), 1401-3. Genetics alters the best therapy for cancer, JAMA 287 (2001), 1829-30; Science 293 (2001), 601; including surgery, NEJM 344 (2001), 1942-4. Prognostic markers for prostrate cancer are reported in Nature 412 (2001), 822-6. Ultrasound may be able to replace breast biopsies, NS (4 August 2001), 20.
The question of screening for type 2 diabetes is raised in BMJ 323 (2001), 986-8. On the social impacts of screening, Sociol. Health & Illness 23 (2001), 497-516.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies by isolation of fetal cells from maternal blood is aided by the presence of greater numbers of fetal cells in abnormal pregnancies, like with trisomy 21 fetuses, AJMG 101 (2001), 262-7. Ultrasound markers of Down syndrome are debated in JAMA 285 (2001), 2856-8. First trimester screening for Down syndrome and assisted reproduction is discussed in Prenatal Diagnosis 21 (2001), 563-5. Preimplantation diagnosis for Fanconi anemia is reported in JAMA 285 (2001), 3130-3; and for fragile X syndrome, Prenatal Diagnosis 21 (2001), 504-11.
DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
A series of papers on DNA analysis in forensic science is in Croatian Medical J. 42 (No. 3, 2001), 217-345. It includes debates on the use of DNA evidence in courts, and applications of DNA analysis to a range of forensic uses. A report from the forensic DNA database in New Zealand is Australasian Science (July 2001), 34-6.
A paper discussing the Icelandic genome database is TIBTECH 19 (2001), 166-71. A discussion of whether privacy concerns in UK law hamper research is in NatGen 28 (2001), 195-6. On ethical issues in testing, Robertson, JA. "Consent and privacy in pharmacogenetictesting", NatGen 28 (2001), 207-9. A US based paper is Annas, GJ. "The limits of State laws to protect genetic information", NEJM 345 (2001), 385-8. Eli Lily has admitted that it violated its own policy on protecting privacy by publishing Email addresses of over 700 patients taking Provac, BMJ 323 (2001), 65. In general on privacy, NEJM 345 (2001), 371-2. Not revealing paternity after genetic testing is supported in Lancet 358 (2001), 241.
DNA signatures may allow following animals to avoid disease risks, like BSE, NS (7 July 2001), 19.
Ethics & Genetic Screening
The roles of nurses in genetic counseling is discussed in Nursing Ethics 8 (2001), 473-4. The questions of direct to the consumer advertising of genetic testing is discussed in HCR 31 (2001), 33-5; and Williams-Jones, B., "Private genetic testing in Canada: A summary", Health Law Review 9 (2001), 10-3. Further papers on genetic testing ethics are in Health Law Review 9 (2001), 3-18; J. Health Politics, Policy and Law 26 (2001), 457-64; Jallinoja, P. "Genetic screening in maternity care: preventative aims and voluntary choices", Sociol. Health & Illness 23 (2001), 286-307. On children and genetic technology, HCR 31 (July 2001), 51-2; Michie, S. et al. "Predictive genetic testing in children and adults: A study of emotional impact", JMG 38 (2001), 519-26.
The UK HFEA has approved the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for chromosome number abnormalities, BMJ 323 (2001), 125. The aneuploidy screening will be used to improve the success rate of IVF. On chromosomal abnormalities and mental retardation, Lancet 358 (2001), 7-8. Reproductive options for persons with mitochondrial genetic diseases are reviewed in AJMG 106 (2001), 102-114. A call for systematic reviews of diagnostic and screening tests is BMJ 323 (2001), 157-62.
A paper on exceptionalism is Ross, LF. "Genetic exceptionalism vs. paradigm shift: Lessons from HIV", JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 141-8; 149-51. A discussion of prophylactic masectomy for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is NEJM 345 (2001), 159-64, 207-8. A study of emotions in families with breast cancer history is Brit. J. Health Psychology 6 (2001), 151-65. Cultural aspects of cancer genetics should be the subject of further research, JMG 38 (2001), 425-9. A Belgium study on intentions based on predictive breast cancer testing is JMG 38 (2001), 540-7.
The question of a normal life and living with thalassemia major or sickle cell anemia in the UK is reported in SSM 53 (2001), 615-26. On disability discrimination in the UK, BMJ 323 (2001), 178-9. A paper looking at social supports is Alderson, P. "Down's syndrome: cost, quality and value of life", SSM 53 (2001), 627-38. The German funding agency, DFG, is re-examining its own links to Nazi science before WWII. A discussion of Eurasian children and persons is Time (23 April 2001), 34-41. A paper on Galton is in J. History of Biology 34 (2001), 83-114. On the search for genes to make facial beauty, Australasian Science (July 2001), 31-3. Book reviews on the future enhancement through genetics is Nature 412 (2001), 680-1. A comparison of genetic justice and human justice is in Nature 412 (2001), 379-80.
Gene Therapy
Discussion of the injection of donor cytoplasm to boost the fertility of an egg is discussed in Bioethics Examiner 5 (Summer 2001), 1, 5; Current Biology 11 (2001), R539-40. In the USA there are still a double set of regulations for reporting adverse events, NatMed. 7 (2001), 756.
Successful gene therapy for hemophilia using skin grafts with genes for factor VIII have been reported in humans, Science News 159 (2001), 357; NEJM 345 (7 June 2001). Functional complementation of a genetic deficiency with human artificial chromosomes is reported in AJHG 69 (2001), 315-26. Gene therapy of cancer is reviewed in Croatian Medical J. 42 (2001), 473-7. Poliovirus may be able to be utilized to kill brain tumours, Science News 159 (2001), 326. The use of dendritic cells as vectors is reviewed in Cell 106 (2001), 271-4. In general on virotherapy for cancer and risk management, NatMed. 7 (2001), 781-7. Discussion of a gene therapy project from Transgene on cardiovascular diseases is in Biotechnology News 21 (29 June 2001), 1.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
Abstracts from the presentations at the conference, 16-18 January, 2001, on "A decade of ELSI research" are in Special Supplement to JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 1-64. Reflections on the genomics revolution (in Spanish) are in Eidon 7 (Sept. 2001), 16-23. Questions on data and complex biology is discussed in NatMed. 7 (2001), 751. A call for benefits to all persons from genetics is BMJ 323 (2001), 284-5. Latvia has announced that it will attempt to explore genetic information from its population, Nature 412 (2001), 468. The definition of disease in the genomics era is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 807-8.
The genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae has been sequenced by TIGR, Science 293 (2001), 410, 498-506. Viral genomics may be useful to develop a new class of products to treat disease, Biotechnology Letters 23 (2001), 1015-20. On use of microbial genomics for drug design, SA (May 2001), 46-53. The choice of animals for future sequencing is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 2264-6; 293 (2001), 409-10. Functional genomics of plant photosynthesis using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is reviewed in Trends in Plant Science 6 (2001), 364-71.
Corrections to the paper on the human genome sequence are in Nature 412 (2001), 565-6. A new map of the human genome called a haplotypes map is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 583-4. A study of human and chromosome 19 and related regions in mice is Science 293 (2001), 104-11. A study of haplotypes variation and linkage disequilibrium in 313 genes from 82 unrelated individuals of diverse ancestry is presented in Science 293 (2001), 481. SNPs should help find susceptibility genes, Science 293 (2001), 593-5; Nature 412 (2001), 105. The estimated number of human genes is widely variant between researchers still.
The proteomics project is discussed in SA (August 2001), 11; TIBTECH 19 (2001), 178-81. Industrial scale genomics-based drug design and discovery is reviewed in TIBTECH 19 (2001), 288-92. South Africa is seeking partners for genomics, NatBio 19 (2001), 601-2.
General Medical Ethics
The WHO Director-General on 28 August 2001, while speaking at the African Regional Committee meeting in Brazzaville, proposed the establishment of a WHO Health Ethics Initiative. The cross-WHO initiative would focus on ethics in public health, health research, and biotechnology, including genome related work, stem cell research and cloning. The report of an interview with Takako Mitoh, Chair of Nagano College of Nursing, Japan, is in Nursing Ethics 8 (2001), 393-6. Problems of conducting research in developing countries are discussed in Nursing Ethics 8 (2001), 459-68. The first edition of Revista Latinoamericana de Bioetica (in Spanish) has been published, including 207pp. of papers mainly focusing on the Spanish bioethics doctor Javier Gafo Fernandez. For the journal contact: Manual Sanmiguel Buenaventura, Email: gacrdona@santander.umng.edu.co. A paper in Italian proposing a Mediterranean bioethics is in Bioetica e Cultura 11 (No. 1, 2001), 5-26. On the ethics of anthropology research, SA (June 2001), 25. Evidence-based medicine and ethics is discussed in MJA 175 (2001), 161-4. Consensus on ethical issues is needed for the intensive care team, SSM 53 (2001), 707-19.
A new encyclopedia in French has been published, Hottois, G. & Missa, J-N., eds., Nouvelle encyclopedie de bioethique (De Boeck, 922pp., French, ISBN 2-8041-3712-0). A book review of Making Social Science Matter is Science 293 (2001), 53. On qualitative research guidelines, Lancet 358 (2001), 483-8. A series of papers on Amartya Sen's philosophy and economics are in Economics and Philosophy 17 (2001), 1-88. Volunteer work can increase well being, J. Health & Social Behaviour 42 (2001), 115-31. On feminism in women's health, SSM 53 (2001), 553-67.
A paper on the practicality of bioethics is O'Neill, O. "Practical principles and practical judgment", HCR 31 (July 2001), 15-23. Further papers on moral theory are in HCR 31 (July 2001), 24-31, 32-40. Methodology of bioethics research and literature studies are discussed in HCR 31 (May 2001), 36-43; Science 293 (2001), 605. Scientists often use mathematics to give the illusion of certainty, Nature 412 (2001), 589. Religion and bioethics are discussed in HCR 31 (May 2001), 44-6; Lancet 358 (2001), 429; JAMA 286 (2001), 465-6. On Islamic bioethics, Pakistan J. Medical Ethics 4 (2001), 14-18; Lancet 358 (2001), 159. Democracy is discussed in Byk, C. "Democracy and bioethical controversies", BME 168 (May 2001), 13-5.
The impact of technology on the relationship between doctor and patient is debated in Newsweek (25 June 2001), 53. Letters of condolence are discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 374-5. The question of a social contract for medicine is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 64; Lancet 358 (2001), 253. A report of male physician's narratives from being in ethically difficult care situations is in SSM 53 (2001), 657-67. A book review of Communicating with Today's Patient is JAMA 286 (2001), 725. Also on patient-physician relationship, SSM 53 (2001), 639-56; BMJ 323 (2001), 3-4.
India is trying to stop the recent growth in ill-equipped medical and dental colleges, Lancet 358 (2001), 134. Educating professionalism is reviewed in NEJM 345 (2001), 227-8.
Law & Medical Ethics
A paper discussing the disputes over the revision of the Helsinki Declaration and CIOMS codes is Weijer, C. & Anderson, JA., "The ethics wars. Disputes over international research", HCR 31 (May 2001), 18-20; see also, BMJ 323 (2001), 283-4. The question of justice in human subjects research is discussed in HCR 31 (May 2001), 8, 21; and protectionism in such research in HCR 31 (May 2001), 3, 9-17. A series of papers on ethical issues of health research in developing countries is in Pakistan J. Medical Ethics 4 (2001), 1-29; NEJM 345 (2001), 136-8, 139-42. The text of the European Union clinical trials directive is in BME 169 (June 2001), 13-24. On assessing the quality of clinical trials, BMJ 323 (2001), 42-6. Clinical guidelines are discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 155-7. Indian doctors have been defending a controversial anticancer drug trial in India conducted in a joint study with John Hopkins University, BMJ 323 (2001), 299; Nature 412 (2001), 466.
A study on the failure to report ethical approval in child health research is BMJ 323 (2001), 318-9. On Japanese policy on mental illness and crime, Lancet 358 (2001), 305.
The US government-ordered suspension of clinical trails at the largest academic medical centre, John Hopkins University for three days in July, 2001, is discussed in Nature 412 (2001), 363; Science 293 (2001), 405-7, 587-8; BMJ 323 (2001), 299; Lancet 358 (2001), 213, 393. It was due to the death of a healthy 24 year old volunteer who inhaled a lung toxin, and the university has assumed full responsibility for this. There are other universities who also have had that shutdown following breaches of ethical review, NatMed. 7 (2001), 877; Nature 412 (2001), 361. On how US doctors are involved in insurance fraud, BMJ 323 (2001), 7. The US has passed a patient bill of rights in the House of representatives but there is much debate over the future of it, Lancet 358 (2001), 480.
A series of 8 papers responding to the US Institute of Medicine report on Medical Errors is in AJLM 27 (2001), 145-300. Hospitals in the USA have been told that they must inform patients of errors, BMJ 323 (2001), 9. It is difficult to estimate all medical errors, JAMA 286 (2001), 415-20. However collecting data is basic to investigating, BMJ 323 (2001), 298. The question of a no-fault medical compensation system is debated in JAMA 286 (2001), 217-23, 226-8.
There has been discussion of the report over the medical malpractice at Bristol in the UK following the release of the Kennedy report, BMJ 323 (2001), 179-83, 238; BME 169 (June 2001), 1, 3-8. Bristol medical students are now taking an oath, reproduced in BME 168 (May 2001), 5. The UK GMC has agreed to a new structure to reduce membership from 104 to 35 persons, BMJ 323 (2001), 250. On the medical records in Ireland for investigations, Lancet 358 (2001), 48, 246.
On public health and human rights, JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 121-40.
Scientific Ethics
The definition of research misconduct is discussed in HCR 31 (May 2001), 31-2. Some paper summaries on student honesty are in BME 168 (May 2001), 22-24; see Arch. Internal Medicine 160 (2000), 2317-23; 161 (2001), 706-13. Publication ethics are discussed in Science 293 (2001), 761; BMJ 323 (2001), 101-5. A code of conduct for publishing raw data is called for in BMJ 323 (2001), 166. A dispute over publication of a paper on nanotechnology is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 2411-2. Declaration of financial interests has a new policy in Nature journals, Nature 412 (2001), 751. Conflict of interest is discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 307-12; JAMA 286 (2001), 89-91. A US court is deciding whether whistle-blowers can receive part of the fines from revelations of misconduct at US government institutions, Nature 412 (2001), 574.
A series of papers on research in engineering ethics is in Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 365-446. The author of an anti-encryption program faces jail because of his program, Nature 412 (2001), 366. A misconduct case in Gottingen is discussed in NatMed. 7 (2001), 875. A review of a biography of David Baltimore is NatMed. 7 (2001), 767.
Gender discrimination in academic medicine is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 83.
Euthanasia & Terminal Care
The role of nurses in making life and death decisions for children from New Zealand cases is discussed in Nursing Ethics 8 (2001), 399-408. A comparison between East and West is in Doutrich, D. et al. "Relief of suffering and regard for personhood: Nurses's ethical concerns in Japan and the USA", Nursing Ethics 8 (2001), 448-58. On palliative care in Italian, Bioetica e Cultura 11 (No. 1, 2001), 27-44. A survey of recent empirical studies in end of life is in BME 168 (May 2001), 16-22. A review of laws in the USA on dying after Quinlan is JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 182-196. A book review on The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease is JAMA 286 (2001), 353-4.
A paper from the Chinese community in Toronto is Bowman, KW. & Singer, PA. "Chinese seniors' perspectives on end-of-life decisions", SSM 53 (2001), 455-64. Criticism of the Dutch euthanasia law is in Time (23 April 2001), 42. A study of requests for physician assisted suicide by persons with HIV or AIDS is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 344-5, 362-7. The safety of cannabinoids to manage pain is reviewed in BMJ 323 (2001), 2-3, 13-6. The question of whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed on patients with heart failure is discussed in J. Int. Med. 248 (2000), 279-86. Developing strategies for long term follow up of survivors of childhood cancer is reviewed in BMJ 323 (2001), 271-4. The use of struggle language in newspaper reports of persons with cancer is analysed in Sociol. Health & Illness 23 (2001), 308-29.
Organ Transplants & Brain Death
A paper on brain death in Japan is Morioka, M., "Reconsidering brain death: A Lesson from Japan's fifteen years of experience", HCR 31 (July 2001), 41-6.
A report on alleged abuses in removal of organs from executed prisoners in China is in BME 169 (June 2001), 8. The family decision-making system used within the Spanish organ donation system is reported in SSM 53 (2001), 405-21. On the US consent system, Siminoff, LA. et al. "Factors influencing families' consent for donation of solid organs for transplantation", JAMA 286 (2001), 71-7. On the Taiwanese system from 25 donor families views, Shih, FJ. et al. "The dilemma of "to-be or not to-be": needs and expectations of the Taiwanese cadaveric organ donor families during the pre-donation transition", SSM 53 (2001), 693-706. A survey in the UK to examine attitudes to hospital autopsy is reported in BMJ 323 (2001), 21-2. A statement on human organ and tissue donation and transplantation from the WMA is in BME 168 (May 2001), 8-11.
US surgeons have implanted an artifical heart and the patient was initially doing well, BMJ 323 (2001), 66. A review of new techniques to repair hearts, including artificial hearts, is Newsweek (25 June 2001), 41-52. Umbilical cord blood banks in the UK have been saving lives and should be developed further, BMJ 323 (2001), 60-1. Freeze-dried platelets are reported in NS (28 July 2001), 19. Tissue engineering and trehalose is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 392. Xenografts are discussed in Newsweek (9 April, 2001), 40-1. On signaling in the developing spinal cord, Nature 412 (2001), 136-7.
Health Costs
Result based compensation for medical payment is discussed in JLME 29 (Summer 2001), 170-181. Inequality and health costs is discussed in Lynch, J. et al. "Income inequality, the psychosocial environment, and health: comparisons of wealthy nations", Lancet 358 (2001), 165, 194-200; Health & Place 7 (2001), 67-74; SSM 53 (2001), 441-53, 519-29; Int. J. Health Care Services 31 (2001), 213-37; J. Health Politics, Policy and Law 26 (2001), 1-21, 487-542; NEJM 345 (2001), 134-6; BMJ 323 (2001), 120-1, 175-6. On employment and health, SSM 53 (2001), 477-85. Improved housing can improve health significantly, BMJ 323 (2001), 187-90. It is difficult to reach marginalized children, BMJ 323 (2001), 176-7. The example of access to an expensive drug, donepril, in the NHS is used to look at equity in the UK, BMJ 323 (2001), 222-4. The need to extend patient time for effective medical consultations (and bioethics) is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 266-8.
A WHO study on the relative ranking of health care systems efficiency is in Evans, DB. et al. "Comparative efficiency of national health systems: Cross national econometric analysis", BMJ 323 (2001), 307-10; 295-6. On reform of the WHO, Int. J. Health Care Services 31 (2001), 415-38. New Zealand disputes its low ranking in the WHO health system efficiency table because of the high education ranking which was used to place it from 26th to 81st in the ranking of 191 countries, Otago Daily Times (14 August 2001), 22. A discussion of methods is SSM 53 (2001), 801-16. A global health fund is called for in Lancet 358 (2001), 1; BMJ 323 (2001), 152-4, 239. Health in Afghanistan is falling in Lancet 358 (2001), 301. Improving standards in international humanitarian response is called for JAMA 286 (2001), 531-2.
A Norwegian study of how professionals set norms for health is Sociol. Health & Illness 23 (2001), 357-85. On the UK NHS and trusts, BMJ 323 (2001), 89-92, 177-8, 249; Lancet 358 (2001), 45; NEJM 345 (2001), 305-8. European health care policy is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 248. The US has voted to make it easier for US consumers to import low cost drugs from overseas, BMJ 323 (2001), 130. Medicare reform is discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 456-60. A discussion between US and Chinese health care leaders on challenges of the 21st century is JAMA 286 (2001), 659-61. Drug pricing in the Baltic states is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 260. Social medicine in Latin America is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 315-23. On the rationing of health care, Lancet 358 (2001), 81.
Internet Journals
Issues in Medical Ethics published from Mumbai, India is on-line http://www.medicalethicsindia.org
Efforts for libraries to be involved in health education are discussed in Science 293 (2001), 717. An initiative from WHO will see researchers in developing countries have free Internet access to 1000 or more biomedical journals, Science 293 (2001), 189-90; BMJ 323 (2001), 65. A World Bank report on Knowledge for Development from 1999 is on-line, and discusses how knowledge is fundamental to development. This is also the message of the UNDP Human Development Report 2001, Lancet 358 (2001), 308. Also on E-health see a review in Lancet 358 (2001), 517. The question of internet only publication is discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 365.
Prepared by Darryl Macer
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