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
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
Use of tobacco to make pharmaceutical products is reviewed in SA (Oct. 2001), 20-1. A report on the use of modified corn as a human contraceptive is discussed in Observer (9 Sept. 2001). GM forests are reviewed in Splice 7 (Sept. 2001), 8-10. A series of papers on nitrogen fixation with non-legumes is in Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 28 (2001), 825-998. Discussion of parasitic plants is in Science 293 (2001), 1434. Intergenic recombination is used to generate fungal resistance in PNAS 98 (2001), 10493-8. Resistance to a herbivore through engineered cyanogenic glucoside synthesis is reported in Science 293 (2001), 1826-8. Tomatoes that tolerate high salt have been reported in NatBio 19 (2001), 765-8; Science News 160 (2001), 68. Thai researchers have announced chemically induced polyploid rice which has high salt tolerance, up to 3% NaCl in the laboratory, AgraFood Biotech. 64 (18 Sept. 2001), 19. Biofertilisers are reviewed Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 28 (2001), 825-7. A review of The Cambridge World History of Food is NEJM 345 (2001), 550. Genetic Engineering of Animals US chicken growers are expected to grow cloned chickens in mass production, NS (18 August 2001), 4-5. Epigenetics may be the key to cloning, JAMA 286 (2001), 1438-40. There is controversy over a patent for fast growing giant transgenic fish in Europe, Nature 413 (2001), 242. Pigs that produce more phytase in their saliva by GM can better digest their feed, Animal Pharm 475 (24 August 2001), 23. The Dutch Committee for Animal Biotechnology has released a 18 pp. annual report for the year 2000, outlining their activities, including xenotransplantation. They also produced a report on self valuation in English, (Contact fax: Int+31-30-2539420). A report from the Third International Congress of Vector Ecology on making mosquitoes that do not transmit malaria is Science 293 (2001), 2370-1. Queen control of sex ratio in fire ants is reported in Science 293 (2001), 1308-10. Use of Ascidians as model organisms is reviewed in Cell 106 (2001), 535-8. A report from DelBank, a mouse ES cell resource for generating deletions is NatGen 28 (2001), 310-1. Funding of the mouse mutant database has increased, Nature 413 (2001), 101. In general on mice models, JAMA 286 (2001), 908. Mario Capecchi has received the Lasker Award for making knockout mice, Science 293 (2001), 2186. A mouse model for hepatitis C virus infection is NatMed 7 (2001), 890-1. A small animal model for AIDS is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1034-6. An animal model for hantaviruses has been made, Science 293 (2001), 1414-5. A gene removes muscular dystrophy symptoms in a mouse model, Nature 413 (2001), 302-7; Lancet 358 (2001), 990. Retinoic acid rescues inner ear defects in Hoxa1 deficient mice, NatGen 28 (2001), 34-9. The rod system is the source of vision in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis, NatGen 28 (2001), 70-4. Loss of p16inka confers susceptibility to metastatic melanoma in mice, Nature 413 (2001), 83-6; Cell 106 (2001), 531-4. Acceleration of intestinal polyposis through prostaglandin receptor EP2 is reported in NatMed. 7 (2001), 1048-51. A mMIN/CEA Tg mouse can be used as a model for study of anti-CEA immunotherapy, PNAS 98 (2001), 10256-60. Wild-type Kras2 can inhibit lung carcinogenesis in mice, NatGen 28 (2001), 25-33. Mutant beta-spectrin 4 causes auditory and motor neuropathies in quivering mice, NatGen 28 (2001), 61-5. On diabetes model mice, NatMed. 7 (2001), 1052-6; Science 293 (2001), 1673-7; and on Alzheimer's research mice, Science 293 (2001), 1487-91, 1491-5. Caveolae disrupted mice are reported in Science 293 (2001), 2449-52. Genetic factors are major determinants of phenotypic variability in a mouse model of DiGeorge syndromes, PNAS 98 (2001), 11428-31. Designer Molecules Metabolic engineering of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) in recombinant salmonella is reported in Biotechol. Bioeng. 76 (2001), 108-14. Creation of electric eyes is reviewed in NS (25 Aug. 2001), 38-43. A discussion of nanoscale technology is GEN 21 (1 Sept. 2001), 9, 11, 94. RNA enzymes for splicing are reviewed in Nature 413 (2001), 695-6, 701-7. Biotechnology & the Public The Queensland Government , Dept. of Innovation and Information Economy, has released a booklet with its "Code of Ethical Practice for Biotechnology in Queensland. Advancement through Safe and Ethical Science", 24pp. Also see their web site, www.biotech.qld.gov.au. An earlier, draft, version was published in EJAIB. Agricultural biotechnology and regulation is discussed in Italian in Notizie di Politeia XVI (No. 60; 2000), 7-108. A summary of some questions being asked the UK public on food attitudes and enhancement is in Science 293 (2001), 1043. A critique of the UNDP view that biotechnology will help the poor is The Ecologist 31 (Sept. 2001), 48-9. A discussion of Frankenstein and its meaning is Nature 412 (2001), 861. Risk is discussed in Checkland D., "On risk and decisional capacity", J Med. Philosophy 26 (2001), 35-59. Modern society often calls bad luck negligence, to blame people, NS (25 Aug. 2001), 48-9. The quality and safety in health informatics is not always clear, BMJ 323 (2001), 552-6. Public perception of big science is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 551. Results from UK surveys on the fears of the public to science is in The Ecologist 31 (Sept. 2001), 30-3. Use of the media by scientists is suggested in Nature 413 (2001), 113; BMJ 323 (2001), 639. A discussion of how the media dealt with cloning is BMJ 323 (2001), 406. The point that there is not always a great gap between public and scientists is made in Nature 413 (2001), 365. A series of papers on Eastern philosophical views of Technology is in Philosophy East and West 51 (2001), 301-418. On biology and technology, PNAS 98 (2001), 10051-4. Cosmology and 21st century culture is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1769-70. Science and religion is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 363-4; Science 293 (2001), 2400. A book review on ethics and science is Nature 413 (2001), 355-6. Japan has announced its plans to reform the teaching of science in schools to try to make more students take up science as a career, Nature 413 (2001), 8. A series of papers on student education are in Science 293 (2001), 1607-27. On US maths education, SA (Oct. 2001), 15. A policy forum on improving political advice on science is Science 293 (2001), 1999-2000, 2394. Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs EU plans for GM labeling is discussed in NatBio 19 (2001), 795. A comparison of US and European responses to biotechnology is Issues in Science and Technology (Summer 2001), 37-42. The Bush administration has been criticized for increased regulation of GM plants, NatBio 19 (2001), 807-8. The EU is progressing the resumption in GMO crop release this year, Nature 413 (2001), 661. The president of Gers in southwest France has rejected GM crop trials, AgraEurope (21 Sept 2001), N3-4. On the progress in global use of GM crops, NatBio 19 (2001), 797-8. Transgenic corn has been found growing in Mexico, Nature 413 (2001), 337. While GM corn is widely sold as food, since 1998 there has been a moratorium on growing it in Mexico for ecological concerns. The issue of contamination by GM crops in centres of biological diversity is discussed in Ram's Horn 194 (Sept. 2001), 3-4. The use of biotechnology by Latino farmers in the USA is discussed in GeneWatch 14 (Sept. 2001), 1, 3. Ten thousand hectares of unauthorized transgenic cotton have been found in Gujarat, India, Nature 413 (2001), 555. China has tightened its restrictions for imported cereals to control GM products, AgraFood Biotech 65 (2 Oct. 2001), 15-6. A discussion of the environmental impact of GM soybean is NatBio 19 (2001), 700-1. Monsanto is conducting field trials of rootworm-resistant maize, under the name YieldGuard. Discussion of BT resistance is in EST 35 (2001), 395-6A. A report from the Australian debate over whether to start using GM canola is AgraFood Biotech 62 (21 August 2001), 2-3. The UK Friends of the Earth has proposed increased separation distances for GM and certified seed, AgraFood Biotech 62 (21 August 2001), 3. They have also called for disclosure of GM crop trial data, NatBio 19 (2001), 699-700. The issue of making hardy weeds is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1425-6. The biosafety issues from the use of plants to manufacture pharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes is discussed in GeneWatch 14 (Sept. 2001), 9-11. For those that want a method for detecting GMOs, see www.genescan.com which makes GMOScreen. A case of human infection due to recombinant vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein virus is reported in NEJM 345 (2001), 582+. Infiltration of a Hawaiian community by introduced biological control agents is reported in Science 293 (2001), 1314-6. Mutualism is important in biological communities as shown from invasion, Nature 413 (2001), 635-9. Invasive species have various affects on the soil, discussed in Ecological Applications 11 (2001), 1259-35. In order to provide wide-ranging access to the latest scientific information about anthrax and other potential bioweapons, Nature has put together a special online focus on this issue. There are two papers about the bacterial toxin that causes anthrax-the first giving its structure, and the second identifying the human receptor for anthrax. Nature will be publishing these papers in its 8 November issue. Due to heightened interest in the papers, from both the scientific community and the general public, they are immediately pre-publishing them, and making them freely available on our web site at: http://www.nature.com/nature/anthrax. These papers are accompanied by a range of material from our electronic archive, including research papers from Nature and Nature Biotechnology and an in-depth news feature on bioterrorism. The growing number of cases of anthrax in the US media and post office workers caused by apparent terrorism has been widely reported in the news media, Time (29 Oct. 2001), 18-33; Newsweek (29 Oct. 2001), 36-41. The fine particle nature of the anthrax that has killed several persons in the USA, and scarred many with contamination in some post offices, suggests it is made in either USA, Russia or Iraq. At the end of October there are numerous articles in newspapers on the anthrax scare. The main therapy is antibiotic treatment, and Bayer cut the price of Cipro, one of these, in a deal with the US government, Financial Times (25 Oct. 2001), 4. Some of the discussion of biowarfare is in Asian Wall Street J. (12 Oct. 2001), 9; Nature 413 (2001), 441, 657-78; New Statesman (8 Oct. 001), 18-9; NS (1 Sept. 2001), 3, 6; (6 Oct. 2001), 6-7; Science 293 (2001), 2349; BMJ 323 (2001), 768. On the science of anthrax, Current Biology 11 (2001), 1503-11. A case of human anthrax associated with an epizootic in livestock in 2000 is reported in JAMA 286 (2001), 1307-8. The CDC and EPA have closed down outside internet use of sites that might be useful for bioterrorism, Nature 413 (2001), 558. In general on medicine and terrorism, BMJ 323 (2001), 700; Lancet 358 (2001), 895, 1071; Nature 413 (2001), 655. Waterborne pathogens are discussed in EST 35 (2001), 396-7A. Methods to detect bioweapons are being improved, NS (1 Sept. 2001), 20. Vaccines & Diseases For bioweapons see the Regulation of GMOs section. A discussion of the risks of MMR vaccine and autism is MJA 175 (2001), 127-8; BMJ 323 (2001), 532; NEJM 345 (2001), 656-61. In general on vaccine risks, Science News 160 (2001), 110-1; Science 293 (2001), 1576-7. Racial disparity in influenza vaccination is seen in the USA, JAMA 286 (2001), 1455-60. Sand fly saliva may be useful for a vaccine to Leishmania, Science 293 (2001), 1028. A single dose of Japanese encephalitis is useful to prevent infection if administered several weeks before, Lancet 358 (2001), 791-5. Israel has ordered hepatitis B vaccine for survivors of Palestinian suicide bombing, BMJ 323 (2001), 417. The USA has asked doctors to delay giving the last shot of DTP vaccine until children are 4 years old because of a national shortage of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids in the USA, BMJ 323 (2001), 418. A mannose-binding lectin may be a predictor of susceptibility to infection, Lancet 358 (2001), 598-9, 614+, 637+. Transmission and post-exposure management of blood-borne virus infections in the health care setting is reviewed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 445-53. Ireland fears a blood shortage with bans on donors related to CJD, BMJ 323 (2001), 469. Europe has revised blood donation legislation, Lancet 358 (2001), 901. Japan reported the first Asian case of BSE on 6 August, 2001; Nature 413 (2001), 240, 333, 337; Time (15 Oct. 2001), 60-1; Lancet 358 (2001), 991. The government is paying for slaughter of suspect cows. The Japanese government has since faced several more suspected cases, and now claims every cow eaten is individually tested for absence of BSE. On policy, Wilson, K. et al. "A policy analysis of major decisions relating to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and the blood supply", CMAJ 165 (2001), 59-67. The right to know for CJD patients is discussed in Guardian (11 Oct. 2001). A review of the science of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is CMAJ 165 (2001), 51-8. Quinacrine is being tested for treatment of CJD, Lancet 358 (2001), 563; Nature 413 (2001), 341; BMJ 323 (2001), 416; Science News (18 August 2001), 100. On possible vaccines, NS (15 Sept. 2001), 4-5; (6 Oct. 2001), 44-7. High vCJD rates in Scotland may be linked to poor diet, BMJ 323 (2001), 590. BSE and the regulation of risk is discussed in Modern Law Review 64 (2001), 730-56. Antibodies to prion protein can fight scrapie infection, Lancet 358 (2001), 816. On the origins and control of pandemic influenza, Science 293 (2001), 1729, 1776-7, 1842-5. The genome of Yersinia pestis, that causes plague is sequenced, Nature 413 (2001), 467-30, 523-7. The genome of the typhoid bacteria has also been mapped. Helicobacter pylori is not so good for health, related to cancer, NEJM 345 (2001), 784-9, 829-32. The question of whether chronic diseases have an infectious root is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1974-7. A study of meningitis infection in infancy in the UK found 2% of the children died within 5 years, BMJ 323 (2001), 533-6; also see a report from Netherlands, BMJ 323 (2001), 470. Ebola-type virus has killed 8 persons on the Pakistan border, and last year 9 persons also died in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Guardian (5 Oct. 2001). A fifth century Roman graveyard has revealed the earliest known malaria DNA, Nature 412 (2001), 847. On malaria and parasites, Science 293 (2001), 1437-8, 2009-10; Lancet 358 (2001), 890-1. On malaria eradication, BMJ 323 (2001), 571. A malaria susceptibility locus (Char4) has been found in mice, PNAS 98 (2001), 10793-8. Self-diagnosis of infection in Tanzanian school children is surveyed in SSM 53 (2001), 957-67. WHO is planning a study of Gulf War fallout, Nature 413 (2001), 97. A survey found many UK veterans believe they have Gulf War syndrome, BMJ 323 (2001), 473-6. A computer simulation of ways to reduce TB in US homeless persons is in JAMA 286 (2001), 834-42. Market failure for treatment of TB is noted in Science 293 (2001), 1049-51; Lancet 358 (2001), 912-6. US guidelines for treatment of latent TB have been revised, Lancet 358 (2001), 816. Relaxation of safety measures for foot and mouth disease are resulting in continued small outbreaks, Nature 413 (2001), 98, 542-8; NS (6 Oct. 2001), 3. A review is Simor, AE. et al. "The evolution of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Canadian hospitals: 5 years of national surveillance", CMAJ 165 (2001), 21-6, 31-2; BMJ 323 (2001), 644-5. WHO has a new global strategy for control of antibiotic resistance, SCRIP Magazine 2683 (3 Oct. 2001), 17. The UK is setting up an independent committee, BMJ 323 (2001), 472. On the mechanism of drug resistance, Science 293 (2001), 179-80; Science News 160 (2001), 74-6. 30 Nigerian families have sued Pfizer over an antibiotic used in a clinical trial in 1996, Science 293 (2001), 1742. AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases The decision of Kenya in June 2001 to allow parallel importation of cheaper drugs, in particular for antiretroviral drugs, is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 2034. The estimated risk of HIV transmission by blood transfusion is 2%, Lancet 358 (2001), 657-60. On South African policy, BMJ 323 (2001), 650; Lancet 358 (2001), 681. Also on AIDS drug patents, GeneWatch 14 (Sept. 2001), 11-12. A discussion of South African court cases is Lancet 358 (2001), 681. The Chinese government has started to discuss AIDS more openly, Lancet 358 (2001), 773. On HIV in Asia, Science 294 (12 Oct. 2001), . Too strong standards may be preventing new therapies from being attempted, BMJ 323 (2001), 531. AIDS vaccine projects are discussed in AJPH 91 (2001), 1377-9; Science 293 (2001), 115-9, 1973; Cell 106 (2001), 539-49; Scrip Magazine (Oct. 2001), 59-61. Attempts to make AIDS vaccine in yeast are discussed in NS (15 Sept 2001), 6. Breastfeeding in HIV positive mothers is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1095-6. Most Ugandan mothers insist on breast feeding, Lancet 358 (2001), 649. On HIV infection in children, BMJ 323 (2001), 670-4. A question on WHO HIV treatment policy is in Lancet 358 (2001), 564. HIV and hemophilia in the USA is discussed in SSM 53 (2001), 1081-94. Letters on missing HIV kits in Pakistan are Lancet 358 (2001), 923-4. On antenatal detection of HIV, BMJ 323 (2001), 376-7. Hormonal markers of susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections is not used for prevention, BMJ 323 (2001), 394-5. Comparison on the awareness of AIDS between males and females in rural India is in Turkish J. Medical Ethics 9 (2001), 78-81. Use of folk media to prevent AIDS in Ghana is reported in AJPH 91 (2001), 1559-62. A review of HIV care in Central America is JAMA 286 (2001), 853-60. The Director-General of WHO says health professionals must confront AIDS, JAMA 286 (2001), 1444. On the risks to health care workers in developing countries, NEJM 345 (2001), 538-41. MHC molecules and progression to AIDS is discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 924-5; Lancet 358 (2001), 545-9. CCR genes and resistance to HIV are discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1441-2; PNAS 98 (2001), 10214-9. On transmission of resistant HIV, NatMed 7 (2001), 993-4, 1016-20. HIV infection may be linked to Lou Gehrig disease mechanism, NS (29 Sept. 2001), 17. Microbes & Pollution Remedies The use of anaerobes for bioremediation is reviewed in Science 293 (2001), 1444-6. Worms can be very useful for waste conversion, NS (15 Sept. 2001), 32-4. Biomass byproducts can be used for removing toxic metals from wastewater, EST 35 (2001), 3786-91. Specific cadmium uptake is reported in Biotechnology Letters 23 (2001), 1391-6. Immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida removed phenols from industrial wastewater, Bioresource Technology 80 (2001), 137-42. Environmental Issues A policy discussion on ways that nature can be protected is in Science 293 (2001), 2207-8. On green lawns and grasslands, NS (8 Sept. 2001), 50. Networking for social science in ecology is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1604-5. Humans are the greatest evolutionary force, Science 293 (2001), 1786-96. On sustainability, Science 293 (2001), 1995-6; Nature 413 (2001), 675-6. Managing uncertainties in environmental decision making is discussed in EST 35 (2001), 404-9A. Participation and deliberation in environmental law is discussed in Oxford J. Legal Studies 21 (2001), 415-42. A suggestion for a more environmental way to be buried is in NS (29 Sept. 2001), 15. Discussion of climate change policy is in Science 293 (2001), 1777-9, 2391-2; Nature 413 (2001), 249, 478-9; SA (Oct. 2001), 8-9; The Ecologist 31 (Sept. 2001), 50; NS (15 Sept. 2001), 15; (22 Sept. 2001), 50. US rejection of the Kyoto Protocol is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1221; EST 35 (2001),393A. US attitudes to environmental problems are reported in Gallup Poll Monthly (April 2001), 2-16. On the mechanism of warming, Nature 413 (2001), 470-1, 578. The health benefits of reducing greenhouse gas mitigation are reviewed in Science 293 (2001), 1257-9. The growth of Pinus ponderosa in response to elevated carbon dioxide is reviewed in Ecological Applications 11 (2001), 1412-24. On the impacts on forests, BioScience 51 (2001), 720-34. Lead contamination has revealed Atlantic water flow pathways, Science 293 (2001), 1301-4. A study of neonatal sunburn and melanoma in mice is in Nature 413 (2001), 271-2. Polar vegetation may fight off increased UK by rapid DNA repair, NS (8 Sept. 2001), 12. UV radiation may protect against prostrate cancer, Lancet 358 (2001), 641-2. A study of skin cancer prevention policy in Australia, Canada and England is SSM 53 (2001), 1175-89. Indoor air pollution in Kenya from biomass reveals dangers to persons who face fire smoke, Lancet 358 (2001), 619-24. The question of whether fuel crops create more pollution is discussed in NS (18 August 2001), 17. On natural gas as a car fuel, Ecological Economics 38 (2001), 179-89. Arsenic standards are discussed in Science 293 (2001), 2189; EST 35 (2001), 414-5A. Bangladeshis are suing the British Geological Survey in relation to arsenic poisoning, Nature 413 (2001), 551, 556; EST 35 (2001), 400A. Water pollution and health in China are discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 735. Water shortage is also a major problem, Lancet 358 (2001), 1025. The risks of adverse birth outcomes near land refill sites are small in the UK, BMJ 323 (2001), 363-8. Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor-driven Bax gene expression is required for premature ovarian failure caused by biohazardous environmental chemicals, NatGen 28 (2001), 355-60. The conflict between US environmental standards and military training is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 7. A US-Vietnam study will assess dioxin affects, Nature 413 (2001), 442. A study from Japan on release of dioxin-like PCBs from waste incineration is EST 35 (2001), 3601-7. Biodiversity Catastrophes and ecosystems are discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 591-6; Science 293 (2001), 2377. Studies in Holland question whether birds do better when farming is cut back, Nature 413 (2001), 659. The question of bringing back large mammals to restore ecology is discussed in NS (29 Sept. 2001), 40-3. The cost savings of preserving biodiversity are highlighted in a World Resources Institute report, Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems, www.wri.org/wr2000. An assessment of the socioeconomic impacts of climate change on US forests is BioScience 51 (2001), 753-64; and further articles in the Sept. 2001 issue discuss forest ecosystems. Assessing the status of US biodiversity is reported in Environment 43 (Sept. 2001), 10-23. A book review of Leakey, R. and Morell, V., Wildlife Wars, is in Nature 413 (2001), 353-4. There are two species of African elephants, Science 293 (2001), 1414, 1473-7. Elephant hunting is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 2203-4. People and biodiversity in Africa is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1591-3. In Canada scientists want tougher endangered species laws, Science 293 (2001), 1417. Biological corridors are needed to protect animals and wildlife, Science 293 (2001), 2199. The question of ownership of bluefin tuna in the deep sea is Science 293 (2001), 1267-8, 1310-4. Most farmed salmon do not know their natural enemies, NS (6 Oct. 2001), 11. Conservation genetics is reviewed in Nature 413 (2001), 678. A discussion of the tutrtle meat market in South America is NS (8 Sept. 2001), 28-33. Animal Rights A survey of animal laboratories I India found 300 of 367 were not keeping animals properly, Science 293 (2001), 2187-8. A book review on rats is NS (8 Sept. 2001), 48. The Coulston Foundation in New Mexico has lost its license from the NIH to house 300 chimpanzees, Science 293 (2001), 1415-6. A paper on the plight of orangutans is The Ecologist 31 (Sept. 2001), 34-7. A policy change in Indonesia may lead to release of hundreds from captivity, NS (22 Sept. 2001), 14. The question of how many primates are endangered is discussed in NS (6 Oct. 2001), 54. A book review of The Triumph of Sociobiology is Nature 413 (2001), 109-10. Evolution of animals and humans is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 157-61, 252-3, 455-6; Science 293 (2001), 1246-9. Whale evolution is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 2216-7, 2239-42; Nature 413 (2001), 277-81; NS (22 Sept. 2001), 18. Doubts over the effects of sonar on whales are expressed in SA (Oct. 2001), 12-3. Neanderthal evolution is discussed in Science News 160 (2001), 71; Science 293 (2001), 1980-1; and on other humans, SA (Oct. 2001), 26-7; Nature 413 (2001), 514-9. A possible neural difference in human brains and other animals is discussed in Science News 160 (2001), 132. On consciousness, Nature 413 (2001), 683. Moral reasoning has been found to depend on emotion, Science 293 (2001), 1971-2. Making eye contact enhances the appeal of a pleasing face, of either gender, Nature 413 (2001), 589. A cortical area has been found to be selective for visual processing of the human body, Science 293 (2001), 2425-30, 2470-3. A study that has found how some people are tone deaf is NS (22 Sept. 2001), 21. On baby hand movements and language, Nature 413 (2001), 35. Artificial consciousness is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 23. A review of the film AI is NS (28 July 2001), 40-43. Safety of Recombinant DNA Products A new antibody-bacterial toxin conjugate has been found to be effective in leukemia, NS (4 August 2001), 16. Trends on approval of new biopharmaceuticals in the USA between 1995 to 1999 are reviewed in TIBTECH 18 (2000), 364-9. The use of sex hormones in damaged brain is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 818. Enzyme replacement therapy for Anderson-Fabry disease is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 601-3. Use of sex hormones for Alzheimer disease is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 818; JAMA 286 (2001), 790-1. A negative result was observed for alpha-2a interferon for advanced melanoma in Lancet 358 (2001), 866-9. However alpha-2b interferon is useful for hepatitis C treatment, Lancet 358 (2001), 958-65. Inhalation delivery of proteins from ethanol suspensions is reported in PNAS 98 (2001), 11103-7. A review of monoclonal antibody therapy is SA (Oct. 2001), 28-35. Food safety EU plans for GM labeling is discussed in NatBio 19 (2001), 795. The UK Food Standards Authority has declared that they are unworkable, AgraFood Biotech 65 (2 Oct. 2001), 14. Consumers International has said African consumer groups support the EU plan, AgraFood Biotech 65 (2 Oct. 2001), 10. An EU report has said that biotech. Foods made be safer than conventional foods, Associated Press (9 Oct. 2001). The European Commision has called on a rapid lifting of the moratorium on growing GM food, Independent (8 Oct. 2001). A memo from the Canadian Dept. Agriculture has suggested use of GM wheat will make identity preservation difficult for farmers, AgraFood Biotech 61 (7 August 2001), 8. On the costs at different %GM thresholds of IP, AgraFood Biotech 62 (21 August 2001), 7; 60 (24 July 2001), 7. The response of European Consumer Organisation to the proposed EU GM labeling and tracing procedure is in Parliament Mag. 123 (2001), 36-7. Canadian growers demanded that organic food manufacturers remove GM-free labels from their produce by 1 September, 2001, Food Chemical News (25 June 2001), 18. Some comments on GM labels in Canada are in Ram's Horn 194 (Sept. 2001), 6. Comments on the growing number of organic fraud cases in the UK are in AgraFood Biotech 58 (26 June 2001), 4-5. Debate over a study of organic food is in Nature 412 (2001), 666. A series of papers on the use of probiotics and prebiotics are in Clinical Nutrition 73 (Feb. 2001), Supplement, 361S-480S. On the European Food Authority, Lancet 358 (2001), 650. Childhood obesity may be related to father's genes, Lancet 358 (2001), 564. A book review of Vegetarian Nutrition is NEJM 345 (2001), 775-6. Hypertension is discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 534-5; Lancet 358 (2001), 945-7; MJA 175 (2001),351-2. Hyperkalaemia and apple juice is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 841-2. Diabetes mellitus in children is reviewed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1427-30; also, Lancet 358 (2001), 668-9; 739-46. The majority of type 2 diabetes may be prevented by adoption of healthier lifestyles, NEJM 345 (2001), 790-7. Obesity is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 921-9; Lancet 358 (2001), 896. The benefits and risks of vitamin C are discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1993-5. Vitamin D deficiency and ethnic group in Australia is linked, MJA 175 (2001), 236-7. Calcium supplements have mixed affects on prevention of bone loss, MJA 175 (2001), 242-5. Disease Risks & Drugs A review of Europefs fast track plan for drug approval, expected to half the time needed, is BioCentury (23 July 2001), A7-8; Nature 412 (2001), 364; BMJ 322 (2001), 1187. A series of papers in Japanese on clinical evaluation of OTC drugs and traditional drugs is in Clinical Evaluation 29, Suppl. XVI (2001), 172pp. Drug reforms in Korea caused controversy, Lancet 357 (2001), 697. Argentina is attempting to crack down on the black market in pharmaceuticals, Lancet 358 (2001), 47. A study in Nigeria found half the drugs sampled had the wrong dose, JAMA 286 (2001), 159. Indian trade in fake drugs is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 1776. Many fake drugs are entering the USA, BMJ 322 (2001), 1443; Lancet 357 (2001), 1904. Physician-patient communication about over-the-counter medicine is also important, SSM 53 (2001), 357-69. A study of non-biomedical health care practices in Mexico is Sociology of Health and Illness 23 (2001), 3-23; also Economic Botany 54 (2000), 427-38. A review of complimentary medicines is NS (26 May 2001), 28-52. On alternative medicines in the USA, JAMA 286 (2001), 156-8. Herbal drug licensing in Ireland is being introduced, Lancet 357 (2001), 206. Trials of acupuncture are discussed in JAMA 285 (2001), 1015-16. A review of the neuromodulatory effects of Ginkgo biloba is PNAS 98 (2001), 6577-80. On the use of targeted drugs, Lancet 357 (2001), 1593. On estrogen therapy, NEJM 344 (2001), 1242-4, 1784-5. On boron deficiencies, Science News 159 (2001), 228. Carcinogen-specific induction of genetic instability is reported in PNAS 98 (2001), 5770-5. The mechanism of resistance to a new anti-leukemia drug, Gleevic, is reviewed in Nature 412 (2001), 281-2; SA (Sept. 2001), 13-4; FDA Consumer (July 2001), 6; BioCentury (25 June 2001), A10, 12. Also on new cancer drugs, Time (21 May 2001), 50-1. On taxol, BMJ 323 (2001), 115. Discussion of the search for new risk factors for cancer is in AJPH 91 (2001), 357-364; Nature 411 (2001), 390-5. The role of lifestyles and the risk of breast cancer are discussed in BMJ 322 (2001), 586-7. The idea to tack a weekly pill, oltipraz, to mop up cancer-forming chemicals is being tested, NS (7 April 2001), 4. In the tropics it is an advantage to have darker skin, NS (28 April 2001). Agent Orange may be linked to leulemia in children of Vietnam war veterans, Nature 410 (2001), 1016. Exposure to some toxins may help the body get in better shape, NS (17 March 2001), 42-5. A new study has found that moderate chronic use of common analgesics does not result in kidney damage, BMJ 323 (2001), 184. WHO is attempting to help hearing disabilities in the developing world, Lancet 358 (2001), 219. The FDA reporting of adverse reactions to phenylpropanolamine is outlined in FDA Consumer (Jan 2001), 9. On pharmacogenomics, Lancet 357 (2001), 1020; NatMed 7 (2001), 281-3; Nature 410 (2001), 855; BMJ 322 (2001), 1068. A review on treatment of asthma is JAMA 286 (2001), 395-8; BMJ 323 (2001), 253-6. A review of the use of fungal hydrophobins in medicine and technology is Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnology 56 (2001), 1-8. A book review on the use of thalidomide is Nature 410 (2001), 411-2; Lancet 357 (2001), 1893. Clioquinol for treatment of Alzheimerfs disease in Japan is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 2251-2. Use of antihypertensive drugs in Japan is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 720-1. On statin therapy, JAMA 285 (2001), 1850-5, 1888-9; 286 (2001), 532-4, 669-70; Science 292 (2001), 1160+; Amer. J. Med. 110 (2001), 716-23, 738-9. Statins and the prevention of dementia is reviewed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 908-10. Living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood is associated with increased incidence of coronary disease, beyond affects of income, education and occupation, NEJM 345 (2001), 99-106.Global cardiovascular disease prevention is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 661-3. Even light physical activity can decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease in women, JAMA 285 (2001), 1429-31, 1447-54, 2973-4. On links to mortality, AJPH 91 (2001), 578-83. On marital stress and heart disease, JAMA 285 (2001), 1289-90. On the CONSORT statement for clinical trials, JAMA 285 (2001), 1987-91, 1992-5, 1996-9, 2000-5, 2006+, 2076-8. Use of placebo is discussed in Science 292 (2001), 2013-4; Lancet 357 (2001), 1721. The influence of the Berlin Wall on German health is discussed in AJPH 91 (2001), 369-74. Changes in life expectancy in Russia in the mid-1990s is reviewed in Lancet 357 (2001), 917-21, 2058. A prediction that increases in life expectancy will be smaller in the future is BMJ 322 (2001), 512. On public health in general, Lancet 358 (2001), 516; The Ecologist 31 (May 2001), 40-5; JAMA 285 (2001), 3148-9. Noise pollution in Japan is discussed in Japan Quarterly (Jan 2001), 78-84. A study of students undergoing stress during exams found that their DNA repair capacity was higher in times of stress, J. Behavioral Medicine 23 (2000), 531+. A study of depression amongst first year university students in Japan is in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 54 (2000), 583-8. A discussion of pathological gambling is JAMA 286 (2001), 141-4. Letters on the risks of deep vein thrombosis and air travel are in Lancet 357 (2001), 553-5, 1461-2; BMJ 322 (2001), 1183-4; MJA 174 (2001), 264-5. Enforcement of housing policies can break the cycle of environmental lead exposure to children, AJPH 91 (2001), 621-4. Discussion of a missed opportunity to study the health effects of dams is Lancet 357 (2001), 570-1. Increasing the ambulance time to 5 minutes would double the survival rate for cardiac arrests, BMJ 322 (2001), 1385-8. The effects of neighbourhood on the cognitive level of children are much smaller than those of family in the British National Child Development Study, SSM 53 (2001), 423-40, 579-91. New Zealand revised its guidelines for prescribing Ritalin to children for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Christchurch Press (17 March 2001), 6. The question of whether antipsychotic drugs are the right treatment for challenging behaviour in learning disability and a call for a randomised trial is made is JME 27 (2001), 338-43. School violence is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 605. Discussion of the use of antidepressants by children in the USA and Luxox is in Time (21 May 2001); NEJM 344 (2001), 1326-7. Exercise is one of the methods to counter depression, BMJ 322 (2001), 763-7. Also on depression, BMJ 322 (2001), 419-21, 482-4; NZMJ 114 (2001), 25-9; MJA 175 (2001), 19-23. A study of the association between delinquency and health is Brit. J. Health Psychology 6 (2001), 103-20. There are long delays in seeking treatment for schizophrenia, Lancet 357 (2001), 898-9. Boosting brain activity by magnetic fields is debated in Science 292 (2001), 1284-5. Papers on the health dangers of smoking include: NatMed 7 (2001), 775-6, 833-9; Int. J. Epidemiology 30 (2001), 24-7; Science 293 (2001), 205; JAMA 286 (2001), 436+, 462-3; Lancet 358 (2001), 87, 115-9; BMJ 323 (2001), 752; AJOG 184 (2001), 934-5; AJMG 101 (2001), 246-54; AJPH 91 (2001), 1345. Association between tryptophan hydroxylase gene variant and smoking behaviour is reported in AJMG 105 (2001), 518-20. On nicotine replacements, Lancet 357 (2001), 897; 358 (2001), 512; BMJ 323 (2001), 1076-8. A passive smoking test case won in Australia, Lancet 357 (2001), 1511; BMJ 322 (2001), 1139. A US court awarded record damages in a smoking case, but it is being appealed, Lancet 357 (2001), 1958. Anti-tobacco campaigns are discussed in: Australia, MJA 174 (2001), 490-1, 512-5; China, AJPH 91 (2001), 1653-5; India, BMJ 322 (2001), 386; Italy, Lancet 358 (2001), 245; Switzerland, Lancet 357 (2001), 208; Spain, Lancet 357 (2001), 1026; the Netherlands, BMJ 322 (2001), 452; USA, AJPH 91 (2001), 1412-30; BMJ 322 (2001), 1129; NEJM 344 (2001), 1797-9. A survey among Japanese physicians of their smoking habits is JAMA 285 (2001), 2643-8. On tobacco and bete quid use in Taiwan, AJPH 91 (2001), 1130-4. WHO has claimed that tobacco companies exploit women, BMJ 322 (2001), 1384. On the problems in developing countries, BMJ 322 (2001), 869; JAMA 286 (2001), 296; SSM 53 (2001), 199-213; Lancet 357 (2001), 1459. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association long supported the tobacco industry in fighting bans on smoking, AJPH 91 (2001), 598-603. A study of adolescent perceptions of smoking imagery in film is SSM 52 (2001), 1577-87. Advertising is discussed in AJPH 91 (2001), 1100-6. On young peoplefs awareness of tobacco marketing, BMJ 323 (2001), 513-7; and attitudes to smoking, SSM 53 (2001), 593-02. Sudden infant death syndrome and smoking is discussed in AJPH 91 (2001), 432-6. Dieting increases the risks of starting smoking in girls, AJPH 91 (2001), 446-50. On smoking links with anxiety disorders, JAMA 285 (2001), 732-3; Lancet 357 (2001), 1900-1, 1929-32. In Europe tobacco companies rigged standards used, NS (9 June 2001), 4. Philip Morris Company apologized for the claim in the Czech Republic that smokers who die actually save the government money in looking after old people, BMJ 323 (2001), 126. Use of tobacco money by universities is debated in BMJ 323 (2001), 1-2; BMJ 322 (2001), 1118-9, 1270; Science 292 (2001), 1055. Canada has legalized the medical use of cannabis, BMJ 322 (2001), 948; 323 (2001), 68. The users must carry identification cars, Lancet 358 (2001), 220. Methods to allow the benefits of cannabis for pain control without bad effects of smoking it are discussed in NS (28 July 2001), 11; Nature 410 (2001), 613; BMJ 322 (2001), 691. A study on the medical use and misuse of opioids in India is Lancet 358 (2001), 139-43. In general on drug use, NEJM 345 (2001), 472; BMJ 322 (2001), 749-50; 323 (2001), 171; Nature 410 (2001), 376-80, 763-5; 412 (2001), 141; Science 292 (2001), 236-7, 2266-7; NS (23 June 2001), 52; SSM 53 (2001), 153-260. WHO has shown alcohol misuse is sweeping the world, BMJ 322 (2001), 449; Lancet 357 (2001), 617. Increased alcohol is a risk factor for bicyclists also, JAMA 285 (2001), 2445-6. A study of genetic variation in alcohol dehydrogenase and how much alcohol is beneficial to health is in NEJM 344 (2001), 549-55. Also on alcohol and health, SSM 52 (2001), 863-70; Science 291 (2001), 2077-8; Lancet 357 (2001), 1299; MJA 174 (2001), 281-4; JAMA 285 (2001), 1965-70, 1971-7, 2716-7; SA (July 2001), 13. The question of whether laws can prevent drunkenness, using the Gin Acts in the UK is in AJPH 91 (2001), 375-84. Exposure to organic solvents may affect personality, Occup. Nviron. Med. 58 (2001), 14-8. People who drink more coffee may have decreased risk of Parkisonfs disease, Science 292 (2001), 1295. On caffeine, NEJM 344 (2001), 1256. Europe has called for tighter controls on breast implants, Lancet 357 (2001), 2036. Also on implants, SSM 53 (2001), 147-8; Virginia Law Review 86 (2001), 801-34; J. Health Politics, Policy and Law 25 (2000), 992-4. It would be safer if women can grow their own, NS (26 May 2001), 7. Fears of EMF radiation are discussed in BMJ 322 (2001), 574, 682; Lancet 357 (2001), 777; NS (10 March 2001), 7; AJPH 91 (2001), 1355-7; Network 16 (August 2001), 3-4. Headaches in cell phone users are discussed in Env. Health Perspectives 108 (2000), 1059-62. Radiation contamination is discussed in NS (3 March 2001), 12; (24 March 2001), 17, 19. Medical tests may have been refused to victims of nuclear testing in Australia, Australasian Science (July 2001), 37-41; (August 2001), 29-31. On dangers of radiative ammunition, Nature 410 (2001), 294. Intergenerational ethics in nuclear waste is debated in Risk Analysis 20 (2000), 763-70, 771+; AJPH 91 (2001), 1371-6. The Ottawa Mine Treaty is discussed in Lancet 357 (2001), 731. On gun violence, NEJM 344 (2001), 1484-5. A review of deaths from house fires in the USA is NEJM 344 (2001), 1911-6. Child safety seats work as discussed in JSPN 6 (2001), 87-9. Cycle helmets have reduced injuries, BMJ 322 (2001), 1427-8. Letters on whether back belts prevent injury are in JAMA 285 (2001), 1151-2. Problems from working at video display terminals are discussed in Occup. Nviron. Med. 58 (2001), 267-71. Violence in nursing is discussed in Nursing Forum 36 (2001), 3-35. Patenting & Business Discussion of use of competition to stabilize drug prices is in Science 293 (2001), 213-4. Tricks used to market pharmaceuticals are discussed in BMJ 322 (2001), 1312. The Indian House of Parliament passed the Plant Variety Protection and Farmerfs Rights Bill (1999) on 23 August, 2001, AgraFood Biotech 63 (4 Sept. 2001), 10. It states that farmers can continue to sell their seed the same as before. On gene patents, SA (August 2001), 20; KIEJ 11 (2001), 221-38; Genome Digest (July 2001), 13; Law and Human Genome Review 14 (Jan. 2001), 127-46. A series of 6 papers on commodification of the human body are in KIEJ 11 (2001), 219-315. In Japan there was controversy over the sale of human cell lines by Tokyo District Court on 26 October, 2001, as loan indemnity following their seizure, (see Eubios Daily News). It violates the guidelines of the Education and Science Ministry on consent requirements for human cell lines. Birth Control A discussion of the world population is NS (8 Sept. 2001), 42-4. The social trend to reduced family size can lead to an increase in abortion if birth control is insufficient, as seen in the case of Bangladesh, Lancet 358 (2001), 1051-6. Second teenage pregnancies have increased risks, BMJ 323 (2001), 476-9. A book review on The Myth of Monogamy is Nature 413 (2001), 19-20. A call for decriminalization of prostitution in Asia is in Lancet 358 (2001), 643. A discussion in support of the use of the IUD is NEJM 345 (2001), 608-610. A book review of Marks, LV. Sexual Chemistry: A History of the Contraceptive Pill (Yale University Press 2001, 372pp.) is BMJ 323 (2001), 171. Another book review is BMJ 323 (2001), 699. A population-based data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study on oral contraceptive use and bone mineral density in premenopausal women, is in CMAJ 165 (2001), 1023-30. Compounds that may end monthly periods have been tested in monkeys, Science News 160 (2001), 102; Human Reproduction (August 2001). Embryo Status On abortion, CMAJ 164 (2001), 847-9; 165 (2001), 14-5. Failed attempts at abortion using misoprostol are causing birth defects, NS (1 Sept. 2001), 18. Italy is the only EU country except Ireland where RU486, using that drug, is not for sale, yet one hospital in Turin has started to sell it, Italy Daily, Int. Herald Tribune (28 Sept. 2001), 1-2. The Irish Medical Council has shifted its blanket ban on abortion, to allow some exceptions, Lancet 358 (2001), 992. Discussion of human embryo research comparing the debates in the 1980s with the current debates over stem cells is Science 293 (2001), 1401. On stem cells see the ART section. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Stem cells has been a hot debate recently. The question of the lack of black personfs embryos among the 64 stem cells approved by President Bush in the USA is discussed in Washington Post (9 Sept. 2001); see also, Science 293 (2001), 1025, 1242-5, 1433-4, 1953, 1966-7, 1567; Nature 412 (2001), 843; 413 (2001), 99; Lancet 358 (2001), 568, 899; BMJ 323 (2001), 357; NS (18 August 2001), 3, 11; (6 Oct. 2001), 14-5. In general on the prospects of using stem cells, NatMed. 7 (2001), 975, 981-2; SCRIP Magazine (Sept. 2001), 11-17; Nature 413 (2001), 5, 345-6, 453; Bioethics Examiner 5 (Fall 2001), 1, 4; NS (6 Oct. 2001), 14-5; NatGen 28 (2001), 312; Current Biology 11 (2001), R677-9. Theological support of stem cell research is discussed in The Scientist (3 Sept. 2001), 15, 17. Spain is considering using stem cells, Lancet 358 (2001), 482. An Australian Parliamentary Committee has recommended a ban on reproductive cloning and creating human embryos specifically for research, but supports therapeutic cloning, NS (29 Sept. 2001), 11; Nature 412 (2001), 340. China plans to make hybrid ES stem cells, Nature 413 (2001), 339. Israel has also supported making stem cells, Science 293 (2001), 2367-8. India has tightened rules on human ES cell research, BMJ 323 (2001), 530. The relationship between IVF and stem cells is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 349-51. A paper on cloning in Italian is Notizie di Politeia XVI (No. 60; 2000), 3-6. On a cloning debate, JAMA 286 (2001), 1437-8; Lancet 358 (2001), 519; NS (22 Sept. 2001), 15. On law and reproduction, Honke D. "Reproductive technologies and human experimentation: a Jewish perspective", Health Law in Canada 21 (2001), 103-16. On ethics of assisted reproductive technologies, CMAJ 164 (2001), 1589-94. A report of a couple requesting embryo selection for donor compatibility is BMJ 323 (2001), 767. On IVF and the history of stem cells, Nature 413 (2001), 349-51. On funding of IVF in USA, F&S 76 (2001), 431-42. A call for public debate over mitochondrial germ line and IVF is made in Nature 413 (2001), 347. Fetal Environment & Neonates The question of physician involvement on testing pregnant women for cocaine use is debated from a US legal perspective in NEJM 344 (2001), 1729-32; JAMA 285 (2001), 1626-8. The contribution of maternal smoking to preterm birth in Australia is reviewed in MJA 174 (2001), 389-93. The UK Obstetric Anesthetists's Association guidelines on the safety of research participants are in BME 170 (2001), 8-11 (see www.doh.gov.uk/research). Results of a WHO trial of misoprostol on managing third stage labour is Lancet 358 (2001), 682, 689-95. Fetal lung maturity tests are often not interpreted well, Lancet 358 (2001), 684-6. Genetic Disease Markers The question of whether obesity genes really exist is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1006-8. On proposed obesity genes, NatGen 28 (2001), 178-83. On diabetes genes, NatMed 7 (2001), 277-9. A gene affecting adult height is reported in Lancet 357 (2001), 1723, 1743-8. A study of parental consanguinity in specific types of congenital anomalies is AJMG 102 (2001), 36-43. A series of papers on mitochondrial diseases is AJMG 106 (2001), 1-114. Reconstructing myotonic dystrophy is reviewed in Science 293 (2001), 816-7, 864-7. A gene for hypertension is reported in NEJM 345 (2001), 319-24, 325-34, 367-70; Lancet 358 (2001), 476. Searching for genes for common diseases is reviewed in BMJ 322 (2001), 1023, 1031-4; NatGen 28 (2001), 21+; AJHG 68 (2001), 1302-7; NatBio 19 (2001), 602-3. Linkage disequilibrium is reviewed in AJHG 69 (2001), 1-14. Genetic variation in the frequency of MDR1 gene mutations that may affect therapy is reported in Lancet 358 (2001), 383-4. Origins of instability in neurodegenerative diseases is reviewed in Nature 411 (2001), 757-8. On cancer genes, Science 292 (2001), 426-8, 1075-6; 293 (2001), 876-80 Nature 411 (2001), 336-95, 647-8, 1001-3; 412 (2001), 105; NatGen 28 (2001), 29-35, 184-8; NatMed 7 (2001), 548-52, 967-72; Lancet 357 (2001), 1804, 1857; 358 (2001), 56-63; AJMG 1000 (2001), 311-4; PNAS 98 (2001), 4004-9, 4285-7, 4575-80, 5947-8. On BRCA1/2 and breast cancer genes, Lancet 357 (2001), 1467-70, 1678; BMJ 322 (2001), 1446; JMG 38 (2001), 361-8; PNAS 98 (2001), 5952-4; Nature 411 (2001), 1017-21; JAMA 285 (2001), 2859-63, 2907-9, 3077-8; NatMed 7 (2001), 552-6; NEJM 344 (2001), 1337-8. Horizontal transfer of oncogenes by uptake of apoptotic bodies is reported in PNAS 98 (2001), 6407-11. Gene-tailored therapy for cancer is being used, Lancet 357 (2001), 1508. Molecular markers for oral cancer are reported in NEJM 344 (2001), 1323-6. On endogenous DNA damage and mutation, TIG 17 (2001), 214-21; Genetic. Res. 77 (2001), 227-83. Telomere dysfunction increases mutation rate and genomic instability, Cell 106 (2001), 275-86. Nucleation of aggregates is thought to be the cause of neural death in neurodegenerative diseases attributable to expansion of glutamine repeats, Nature 412 (2001), 143-4. A review of Friedreich Ataxia is AJHG 69 (2001), 15-24. Diseases related to kinesin motors are discussed in PNAS 98 (2001), 6999-7003. Genes related to lumbar disk disease are discussed in JAMA 285 (2001), 1843-9, 1886-7. NOD2 gene mutation is a susceptibility to Crohnfs disease, Lancet 358 (2001), 1902-3, 1925-8; Nature 411 (2001), 537-8, 599-603, 603-6. APOE4 is associated with sleep disordered breathing, JAMA 286 (2001), 2888-90. Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia is caused by mutations in a LDL receptor adaptor protein, Science 292 (2001), 1394-8. Asthma related genes are discussed in NatGen 28 (2001), 87-91; AJHG 68 (2001), 1437-46. Modern genetics and mental illness is reviewed in Nature 411 (2001), 740-1. Genes and Parkinsonism are reviewed in Ann. Hum. Genetics 65 (2001), 111-26; Science 293 (2001), 224-5, 263-9. WNT2 may be a susceptibility gene to autism, AJMG 105 (2001), 406-13, 539-47; AJHG 69 (2001), 327-40. On genes for early onset Alzheimer disease, AJMG 105 (2001), 312-6; JMG 38 (2001), 353-5; PNAS 98 (2001), 3334-9; Nature 411 (2001), 654-5; Current Biology (2001), R543. US guidelines for Alzheimerfs disease are discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1505. Genes and depression are discussed in NatMed 7 (2001), 541+. Genes and schizophrenia, NatGen 28 (2001), 126-9; PNAS 98 (2001), 4066-71, 4293-4; JAMA 285 (2001), 2831-3; NatMed 7 (2001), 667-71. Familial influence on age of onset among siblings with Huntington disease, AJMG 105 (2001), 399-403; Science 293 (2001), 445-6, 493-6. A review on the mechanisms of gene action in Down syndrome, TIG 17 (2001), 83-8. A study of dopamine transporter gene and externalizing behaviour is AJMG 105 (2001), 346-50. On dyslexia, Nature 412 (2001), 393-5. Iron has been found to be associated with two basal ganglia diseases, Lancet 358 (2001), 302. Genetic Screening Methodology The British aneuploidy diagnostic service is being improved, Lancet 358 (2001), 1030, 1057-61. A study of screening methods for Down syndrome is BMJ 323 (2001), 423-5. On colon cancer screening and colonoscopy, NEJM 345 (2001), 555-60, 607-8; Lancet 358 (2001), 645. On DNA microarrays, BMJ 323 (2001), 611-5. Proteome chips are reported in Science 293 (2001), 2101-5. A series of papers on molecular sensing are in Nature 413 (2001), 185-231. DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy A US freight railway company has agreed to stop requiring genetic testing of employees who file claims for carpal wrist syndrome, BMJ 322 (2001), 449. In general on US privacy protection, AJPH 91 (2001), 1388-92. A Canadian court case, R. v. Kin Yung Ku (B.C. Supreme Court, July 2001) saw a British Columbia Supreme Court judge reject arguments that the federal DNA criminal databank law violates an accused's rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian Bioethics Report (August 2001). In general on privacy, CMAJ 165 (2001), 307-9; NEJM 345 (2001), 844; Lancet 358 (2001), 597. In Germany there has been controversy over a proposed electronic patient card, Lancet 358 (2001), 822. A report from Canada on the adoption of smart cards is SSM 53 (2001), 879-94. There have been concerns about privacy violations in the face of the war on terrorism, NS (22 Sept. 2001), 12-3; (29 Sept. 2001), 3. On Email privacy, NS (15 Sept. 2001), 19. Y-chromosome analysis has been suggested for sex crimes, Nature 413 (2001), 6. The use of DNA analysis in Bosnia is reviewed in Science 293 (2001), 1422-3. In Japan there was controversy over the sale of human cell lines by Tokyo District Court on 26 October, 2001, as loan indemnity following their seizure, see Patents and Business section (and Eubios Daily News). It violates the guidelines of the Education and Science Ministry on consent requirements for human cell lines. On the ethics of using cancer cell line banks, MJA 175 (2001), 293-4. Ethics & Genetic Screening The ethics committee of the American Fertility Society has approved the use of sex selection using preimplantation diagnosis, Int. Herald Tribune (29 Sept. 2001), 1, 7. Support for sex selection is in David McCarthy, "Why sex selection should be legal", JME 27 (2001), 302-7. The Dutch Health Council has recommended that all pregnant women be offered aserum screening for fetal abnormalities, extending the current policy of offering amniocentesis or CVS to mothers 36 years and older, Network 16 (August 2001), 3. A paper on genetics and religion is Messer, NG. "Human genetics and the image of the Triune God", Science and Christian Belief 13 (2001), 99-112. On consent, Burgess MM. "Beyond consent: ethical and social issues in genetic testing", Nature Reviews: Genetics 2 (2001), 147-52. Ethics and genetics in Russia is discussed in Law and Human Genome Review 14 (Jan. 2001), 205-14. In general on ethics and genetics, NatGen 28 (2001), 297-8; 29 (2001), 13-4. A computer program used to educate women about breast cancer susceptibility is described in AJMG 103 (2001), 16-23. The number of women at high risk of breast cancer who have entered long term clinical trials aimed at prevention is lower than those who entered detection trials, Lancet 358 (2001), 853, 889-90. However when asked most persons preferred a personal counselor compared to a computer, AJMG 103 (2001), 24-31. A paper on predictive genetic testing in children is MJA 175 (2001), 379-81. A study of the motivations for genetic testing for HNPCC is AJMG 103 (2001), 9-15. A one year study on the psychological impact of news of genetic risk for Huntington disease is AJMG 103 (2001), 188-92. Discussion of eugenics is in Science 294 (2001), 59-60. A book review of Medicine and the German Jews: A History, is JAMA 286 (2001), 1383. A discussion of Galton is in NS (29 Sept. 2001), 44-5. Discussion of genetics and race is in GeneWatch 14 (Sept. 2001), 2, 4-8. A book review on autistic savants is Nature 413 (2001), 251-2. Discussion of personal views of body among persons with cystic fibrosis found gender differences, SSM 53 (2001), 1163-74. Gene Therapy The question of enhancement and germ-line gene therapy is discussed in Nature 413 (2001), 12-5. On the cure for aging, NS (22 Sept. 2001), 27-31. The HUGO Statement on Gene Therapy research, published earlier in EJAIB (and on-line), is in Genome Digest (July 2001), 4-5. Harm, ethics committees and the gene therapy death is discussed in JME 27 (2001), 148-50. A book review on Cosmetic Surgery in USA is JAMA 286 (2001), 848-9. Gene has removed muscular dystrophy symptoms in a mouse model, Lancet 358 (22 Sept. 2001). On progress in a mouse model for liver gene therapy, Nature 413 (2001), 9. Targeted therapies for killing tumour cells are reviewed in PNAS 98 (2001), 10028-30. On immunogene therapy with a vaccine based on a Xenopus growth factor, PNAS 98 (2001), 11545-50. Non-invasive PET monitoring of gene therapy for gliomas is reported in Lancet 358 (2001), 727-9. Human Genome Project (HGP) General comments on ethics and law and the human genome are in Law and Human Genome Review 14 (Jan. 2001), 19-24. The need for public access to data is made in NatGen 29 (2001), 4-6. Views of the genome are discussed in NS (15 Sept. 2001), 12. Genomic medicine is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1635-9. On conquering mental illness in the age of the genome, Lancet 358 (2001), 1105-6. Pharmacogenomics journal is reviewed in Nature 413 (2001), 674-5. Comparisons of the human genome data sets from the two sequences is made in Science 293 (2001), 1238-9, 2394-5; NatGen 29 (2001), 88-91; Cell 106 (2001), 413-5; Current Biology 11 (2001), R680-2. A book review of Bioinformatics is NatGen 28 (2001), 308. Genome evolution is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1969-70; Nature 413 (2001), 254. A new map of the mouse genome has sped up efforts to study mice, Nature 413 (2001), 444. New funds to the Sanger Centre on follow up research for the next 5 years include US$300 million from Wellcome Trust, Nature 413 (2001), 660. Isolated populations are discussed in NatGen 28 (2001), 309-10. A study of the Y-chromosome in Europe is in PNAS 98 (2001), 10244-9. Also on DNA and other studies of human history, Nature 413 (2001), 64-7, 358-9, 413-7; Science 293 (2001), 2368-9, 2373; Current Biology 11 (2001), R760-1. Insertional polymorphisms of full length endogenous retroviruses in humans are reported in Current Biology 11 (2001), 1531-5. General Medical Ethics A paper on comparative bioethics is Macer, D. "Bioethics in Japan and East Asia", Turkish J. Medical Ethics 9 (2001), 70-7. Japan has revised its schemes for clinical trials, Nature 413 (2001), 8. The question of Gandhi and non-violence in Nepal is raised in Lancet 358 (2001), 1017. In general on medical ethics, NEJM 345 (2001), 991-3. The question of a clinical ethics service in Australia is discussed in MJA 175 (2001), 211-3. The contribution of Moses Maimonides to the biopsychosocial approach to clinical medicine is reviewed in Lancet 358 (2001), 829-32. The duty to treat is discussed in Oxford J. Legal Studies 21 (2001), 393-413. Catholic bioethics is reviewed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 189-92. The question of withholding proven treatment in clinical research is discussed in NEJM 345 (2001), 912-4. On the ethics of placebo-controlled trials, NEJM 345 (2001), 915-9. On the ethics of clinical trials, NatMed. 7 (2001), 991; Lancet 358 (2001), 763-4, 839-40; JAMA 286 (2001), 1577-8; MJA 175 (2001), 241; BMJ 323 (2001), 441-2. Recruitment of women to clinical trials is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 853. Anderson JA, and Weijer C, "The research subject as entrepreneur", American J. Bioethics 1 (2001), 67-9. Sham neurosurgery in patients with Parkinson's disease is questioned in JME 27 (2001), 151-6. Obtaining informed consent from patients who take part in the training of medical students is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 488, 638. A defense of autonomy in psychiatric health care is Turkish J. Medical Ethics 9 (2001), 59-69. Racial barriers may hamper care of persons with Alzheimer disease in the USA, JAMA 286 (2001), 779-80. Gender can also alter access for mental health problems, SSM 53 (2001), 865-78. Patient informed consent is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 414, 466-7, 584-5; Lancet 358 (2001), 523, 571-4. Competence and consent are discussed in MJA 175 (2001), 313-5. On ethics of Mental illness, JME 27 (2001), 297-301. An investigation of emotional engagement in moral judgment is Science 293 (2001), 2105-7. Ethics in crisis is discussed in Gray JD. "The problem of consent in emergency medicine research", Can J Emergency Med. 3 (2001), 213-8. Truth-telling and patient diagnoses is discussed in JME 27 (2001), 192-7. A position statement on the ethics core curriculum for Australasian medical schools is in MJA 175 (2001), 205-10. Professional guidelines for doctors are discussed in MJA 175 (2001), 183-4. Teaching human dimensions in clinical care is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1067-74. Bullying is discussed in JAMA 286 (2001), 787-8. A new book is Parker M and Dickenson D. eds., The Cambridge Medical Ethics Workbook. Cambridge University Press, 2001. Revalidation of retired doctors is questioned in BMJ 323 (2001), 701. On sex discrimination, NS (18 August 2001), 13; BMJ 323 (2001), 400-1. The Round Table of Ministers of Science on "Bioethics: International Implications" took place from 22-23 October 2001 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France. Priori to the meeting there was an Email forum discussion, and at the meeting the Basic concepts and principles of bioethics. Current issues in bioethics. Institutional and regulatory norms and systems: the rationale for a universal text on bioethics. Consciousness-raising, information, education and public debate; were all discussed. A communique is available on the UNESCO bioethics homepage. The focus is on human rights. The Eighth Session of the International Bioethics Committee of UNESCO (IBC) took place from 12 - 14 September 2001, at UNESCO House, Paris, France. Advice on the patentability of the human genome was adopted by consensus by the International Bioethics Committee of UNESCO (IBC) at the outcome of its Eighth Session on 14 September 2001. The documents discussed at the meeting are on-line, including draft Reports on the "Collection, Treatment, Storage and Use of Genetic Data", and on the Follow-up of the International Symposium on "Ethics, Intellectual Property and Genomics". The Report of the COMEST Sub-Commission on The Ethics of Energy, and the Final report on the Meeting of the COMEST Sub-commission on The Ethics of Outer Space UNESCO Headquarters, are accessible at the UNESCO homepage. Law & Medical Ethics The US NBAC has released a report "Ethical and Policy Issues in Research Involving Human Participants", August 2001. See their web site. The question of a patients' bill of rights for Canada is discussed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 877. Surveys of professional guidelines are Baylis F, and Downie J "Professional recommendations: disclosing facts and values", JME 27 (2001), 20-4; Campbell A, Glass KC., "The legal status of clinical and ethics policies, codes, and guidelines in medical practice and research", McGill Law J 46 (2001), 473-89. On IRBs, Lemmens T, and Thompson A. "Non-institutional research review boards in North America: a critical appraisal and comparison with IRBs", IRB: A Review of Human Subjects Research 23(No.2, 2001), 1-12. A Canadian study is Elit L, et al. "Patterns of hospital administrative and ethical review practices", Annals RCPSC 34 (2001), 206-9. Aso on human trials, Nature 413 (2001), 457-8. A group of Nigerian families has sued Pfizer over a 1996 clinical trial allegedly without informed consent, Lancet 358 (2001), 815. A Welsh surgeon has been charged with manslaughter over a kidney error in which the healthy kidney was removed instead of the diseased one, BMJ 323 (2001), 590. A criticism of the Worcestershire Health Authority in referring a doctor to the GMC who is administering alternative vaccines to patients who refuse combined MMR vaccine is BMJ 323 (2001), 356. On medical errors, BMJ 323 (2001), 459, 570-1; JAMA 286 (2001), 915-6, 1019, 1078, 1080-3. Medical litigation is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 575. A court ruling against John Hopkins involving as study of the health effects of lead in homes has been issued, Science 293 (2001), 1567-8; BMJ 323 (2001), 531. Another case at that university, involving death of a person is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1013; Current Biology 11 (2001), R629-30. Scientific Ethics There are few independent scientists in the world, Splice 7 (Sept. 2001), 4-6. Canadian rules for governing the university-industry relationship are discussed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 783-90. Whistle-blowers are discussed in BME 170 (2001), 13-9; BMJ 323 (2001), 650; JAMA 286 (2001), 1079. On scientific ethics and fraud, JME 27 (2001), 344-6. The joint statement from medical journals on sponsorship and publication is in NEJM 345 (2001), 825-7; Lancet 358 (2001), 854-6; MJA 175 (2001), 294-6; BMJ 323 (2001), 588; NS (15 Sept. 2001), 3; (22 Sept. 2001), 46-7. On peer review, Nature 413 (2001), 93, 1023-4; Science 293 (2001), 1234, 2187-8; JAMA 286 (2001), 1515-6. A lawsuit involving alleged restriction of academic freedom in comments about Prozac is reported in Nature 413 (2001), 444; BMJ 323 (2001), 591. On conflict of interest, Nature 413 (2001), 101, 565; BMJ 323 (2001), 651. Wellcome has released rules on scientific misconduct, Science 293 (2001), 1411-2. Misconduct in China is discussed in Science 293 (2001), 1039. Roslin Institute is involved in controversy over allegations of stealing chicken data, Nature 413 (2001), 10. On an alleged dinosaur theft, Science 293 (2001), 2201. The social impact of research is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 528. Mentoring and responsible conduct of research is discussed in 19 papers in Science and Engineering Ethics 7 (2001), 449-639. There is criticism of drug company advertising of their drugs in the media in the USA, BMJ 323 (2001), 470. John Hopkins University is being investigated for its investment and links to a controversial Indian cancer drug trial, Science 293 (2001), 1024. Research at that centre has been stopped, Lancet 358 (2001), 992. Euthanasia & Terminal Care Religious factors that increase the risk of dying in elderly patients are discussed in Research News & Opportunities in Science and Theology 2 (Sept. 2001), 1, 3. Decisions Relating to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation are discussed in papers in JME 27 (2001), 308-23. A discussion of policy is Singer PA, et al. "Hospital policy on appropriate use of life-sustaining treatment", Critical Care Med 29 (2001), 187-91. Deciding about resuscitation is discussed in JME 27 (2001), 291-294. A study of Hong Kong daughters' intergenerational caring is in SSM 53 (2001), 1125-34. A survey from Japan is Asai A. et al. "Doctors' and nurses' attitudes towards and experiences of voluntary euthanasia: survey of members of the Japanese Association of Palliative Medicine", JME 27 (2001), 324-30. A protocol for consultation of another physician in cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide is suggested in JME 27 (2001), 331-7. Prescribing drugs for off-license use in palliative care has been surveyed in the UK, BMJ 323 (2001), 484-5. On distinctions between withdrawing life support an deuthanasia, BMJ 323 (2001), 388-91. The Dutch experience of euthanasia is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 667-8. Organ Transplants & Brain Death Debating the criteria for brain death in Canada is discussed in CMAJ 165 (2001), 269. On the diagnosis of brain death, NEJM 345 (2001), 616-8. Consent for autopsies is discussed in BMJ 323 (2001), 521. On retention of body parts, Modern Law Review 64 (2001), 710-29. Brazil has attempted to increase the speed at which organ transplants are done, Lancet 357 (2001), 617. A study of the mourning process and organ donation in the USA is American Anthropologist 103 (2001), 112-33. On the ethics of adult liver donor transplants, MJA 175 (2001), 179-80. A paper on the ethics of organ commerce is KIEJ 11 (2001), 285-304. The MRC guidelines on using human tissue samples for research are summarized in BME 170 (2001), 4-5. Book reviews of Ethics and the Kidney are Lancet 358 (2001), 931-2; NEJM 345 (2001), 845-6; and on artificial dialysis NEJM 345 (2001), 844-5; Lancet 358 (2001), 593, 1046-50; SSM 53 (2001), 971-87. The Vatican has approved the use of xenotransplants, Nature 413 (2001), 445. Discussion of the moral status of animals in xenotransplants research is in Law and Human Genome Review 14 (Jan. 2001), 183-204. Health Costs Managing public payment for high-cost, high-benefit treatment in the case of enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher's disease in Ontario, is reported in CMAJ 165 (2001), 595-6. The number of patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher's disease as of December 2000, 20 Ontario patients were receiving reimbursement for this therapy from the Ministry of Health. However, over the past 3 years, the unit cost of the enzyme (imiglucerase) has remained relatively constant. The total drug costs have leveled off at approximately $3.2 million per year, principally because the number of patients receiving reimbursement for treatment has stabilized. A review of the World Health Report 2000 is BMJ 323 (2001), 678-81; Lancet 358 (2001), 929; Science 293 (2001), 1595-6. Economics, equity and ethics in health care are discussed in 12 papers in JME 27 (2001), 217-283; also Lancet 358 (2001), 833-6; SSM 53 (2001), 1149-62. Poverty and health is reviewed in NatMed. 7 (2001), 991-2; BMJ 323 (2001), 409-10. Waiting times from abnormal breast screen to diagnosis in 7 Canadian provinces is reported in CMAJ 165 (2001), 277-83. On variation in hospital death rates, NEJM 345 (2001), 692-4. On private health care in developing countries, BMJ 323 (2001), 463-4. On problems in long term health care insurance in Japan, Lancet 358 (2001), 647, 1016. China's rural health care is said to be getting worse, Lancet 358 (2001), 567. Internet Journals The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, www.els.net Papers on telemedicine include CMAJ 165 (2001), 765-71, 777-80; BMJ 323 (2001), 524-7, 557-60; Nature 413 (2001), 379-80. Artificial intelligence is also entering the clinic, Lancet 358 (2001), 898. Internet use among physicians and patients is surveyed in JAMA 286 (2001), 1451-2. In general on Internet and literature, Nature 413 (2001), 1-2, 672-4.