Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - January 1999

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIBand will continue. The full list of news (OLD = 1991-1993; NEW = 1994+) until Jan 1998 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Abbreviations

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

The mode of action of one of the antifreeze genes is revealed in Steponkus, PL. et al. "Mode of action of the COR15a gene on the freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana", PNAS 95 (1998), 14570-5. It alters the inner curvature of the inner membrane of the chloroplast envelope. The use of genetics to alter lignification of cell walls is reported in PNAS 95 (1998), 12742-3, 12803-8. Lignin is a bioresource for production of sorption-active material, Bioresource Technology 67 (1998), 221-8.

Improving crop photosynthesis is possible, Ku, MSB. et al. "High-level expression of maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in transgenic rice plants", NatBio 17 (1999), 76-80, 22-3. Efforts to make forest biotechnology a commercial reality a discussed in NatBio 17 (1999), 27-30. Strategies for bioengineering the development and metabolism of glandular tissues in plants are reviewed in NatBio 17 (1999), 31-36. An experiment using genetically engineering to increase root growth of plants in space was successful to cause a 50% increase in root growth, following a 1998 US shuttle mission, Hartford Courant (Reported in Japan Times (3 January, 1999), 7; conducted by Dr. Yi Lu, University of Connecticut).

Insecticide resistance can result from the absence of a target-site gene product, PNAS 95 (1998), 1404-4. The characterization of 33 different cry-1 type profiles among a Mexican Bacillus thuringiensis collection is reported in AEM 64 (1998), 4965-72. The cry gene product is the insecticidal toxin, and different products have different specificities. A study of the cyt1Aa and Cyt2Aa gene products against three species of sheep blowfly found only the Cyt1Aa form was toxic, AEM 64 (1998), 4060-1. It is also toxic to cottonwood leaf beetle, AEM 64 (1998), 4368-71. See also, AEM 64 (1998), 4174-9. The introduction of Bt cyt1Ab1 gene into Bacillus sphaericus results in better killing of resistant mosquito larva, AEM 64 (1998), 3910-6. Pest resistance is discussed in NatBio 16 (1998), 1315-6.

A vaccine for Dutch elm disease has been produced from the fungus that causes the disease, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 7. On plant disease resistance proteins, TIBS 23 (1998), 454-6. Legume-based cropping systems have reduced carbon and nitrogen losses, Nature 396 (1998), 262-5.

The vitamin E content of Arabidopsis seeds has been elevated by including the enzyme y-tocopherol methyltransferase, Shintani D. & DellaPenna, D. "Elevating the vitamin E content of plants through metabolic engineering", Science 282 (1998), 2098-100. However, most transgenic plants are not being so successful despite strong expectations, Science 282 (1998), 2176-8. A report on the isolation of 5,692 ESTs from wood-forming tissue of poplar is PNAS 95 (1998), 13330-5. Transgenic DNA that is integrated into the oat genome is frequently interspersed by host DNA, PNAS 95 (1998), 12106-10. Promiscuous junk DNA has already invaded many plant species genome, NS (28 Nov 1998), 12.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

A paper using bovine cumulus and oviductal epithelial cells as nuclear donors is Kato, Y. et al. "Eight calves cloned from somatic cells of a single adult", Science 282 (1998), 2095-8, 1975-6. Transgenic cattle have been produced by reverse-transcribed gene transfer in oocytes, PNAS 95 (1998), 14028-33; Science 282 (1998), 1619-20. There are concerns still about why many cloned animals die young, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 4, 28-9. A book on genetics of the pig is Rothschild, MF. & Ruvinsky, A. The Genetics of the Pig (CAB International 1998). Many animals that are bred for domestic use have lost the ability to survive in nature, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 40-1. Convictions for smuggling unapproved animal drugs into the USA have been upheld, FDA Consumer (Nov 1998), 32-3. There is evidence of dairy farming 2300 years ago in Britain, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 25. A paper on the production of pharmaceuticals in animals is Biotechnology & Development Monitor 36 (Sept/Dec 1998), 19-22. Japan is developing guidelines to look at the safety of such drugs, NatMed 4 (1998), 1213.

A general review of the use of mice and zebrafish as models of human genetic disease by Artemis and other companies is GEN (1 Nov. 1998), 20, 24. Altered fear response is reported in Sterneck, E. et al. "Selectively enhanced contextual fear conditioning in mice lacking the transcriptional regulator CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta", PNAS 95 (1998), 10908-13; and altered memory in Miguad, M. et al. "Enhanced long-term potentiation and impaired learning in mice with mutant postsynaptic density-95 protein", Nature 397 (1998), 31-9. Mice models include: ApoE knockout mice, PNAS 95 (1998), 10914-9; lacking melanin-concentrating hormone leads to leanness, Nature 396 (1998), 670-4; cardiovascular failure in mice lacking VEGF receptor-3, Science 282 (1998), 946-9; epilepsy, Nature 396 (1998), 687-90; and on cell death, Nature 397 (1999), 164-8, also PNAS 95 (1998), 11034-6, 12077-9; Nature 396 (1998), 119-22, 629-31. Interleukin-13 is involved in asthma, Science 282 (1998), 2168. A Drosophila mutant called methuselah has extended life, Science 282 (1998), 943-6; Superfurry mice may help find a cure for baldness, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 23. A general review of transgenic models for neurodegenerative disease is Science 282 (1998), 1079-83.

Zebrafish models include: hepatoerythropoietic porphyria, NatGen 20 (1998), 239-43; congenital sideroblastic anaemia, NatGen 20 (1998), 244-50. Transgenic rabbits overexpressing growth hormone develop acromegaly and diabetes mellitus, FASEB J. 12 (1998), 1455-60. A primate model of Parkinson disease is studied in NatMed 4 (1998), 1308-12. A rabbit model of human hemolytic disease can be induced in the rabbit neonate, AJO&G 179 (1998), 1353-8. Germ cell genotype controls the cell cycle during spermatogenesis in rats, Biology of Reproduction 59 (1998), 1371-7. On the development of germ cell transplants in mice, Biology of Reproduction 59 (1998), 1360-70.

Designer Molecules

A symposium report on bioprocessing is GEN (Jan 1999), 1, 11, 14. The use of ToxAlert systems for toxicity testing of environmental samples with luminescent bacteria are reviewed in G.I.T. Laboratory Journal (April 1998), 254-5. A nonmechanical device based on the B-Z transition of DNA has been made, Nature 397 (1999), 144-6.

Rational drug design is discussed in GEN (1 Nov. 1998), 1, 8, 23, 40. A new target for drug design is G-quadruplex DNA, NatMed 4 (1998), 1366-7. It is now possible to focus on single DNA molecules, PNAS 95 (1998), 13999-4000; and to alter the biochemical state of individual cells and organelles with ultramicroelectrodes, PNAS 95 (1998), 10356-60. A single myosin head moves along an actin filament in regular steps of 5.3 nanometres, Nature 397 (1999), 129-34. Evolution of genes can be conducted in labs, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 4. On design of robots that develop their behaviour, SA (Jan. 1999), 39-40; NS (5 Dec. 1998), 26-30.

Protein design is reviewed in Science 282 (1998), 1462-7. A paper on the folding and aggregation of designed proteins is PNAS 95 (1998), 12930-3; and on protein folding, PNAS 95 (1998), 11037-8. Lessons from nature on combinatorial biosynthesis are reviewed in PNAS 95 (1998), 12744-6. Evolutionary molecular engineering by random elongation mutagenesis is reported in NatBio 17 (1999), 58-61. The partitioning of proteins can be altered by design, Biotechnology & Bioengineering 62 (1999), 135-44. On inorganic ordering of patterns, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 52-3. Hybrid DNA-protein molecules can catalyze chemical reactions, Science 282 (1998), 1020-1.

Biotechnology & the Public

A new book on the ethics of genetic engineering is Bruce, D. & Bruce, A., eds., Engineering Genesis. The Ethics of Genetic Engineering (Society, Religion and Technology Project, published by Earthscan 1998; ISBN 1-85383-570-6, 336pp.). It covers a range of topics from cloning to the impact of biotechnology on developing countries, and is recommended. A monograph on science and technology studies is Miller, JD., Pardo, R. & Niwa, F. Public Perceptions of Science and Technology. A Comparative Study of the United States, Japan, and Canada (Fundacion BBV, Plaza de San Nicolas, 4, 48005, Bilbao, Spain - ISBN 84-88562-85-3 - copies available on request).

On the social aspects of biotechnology, GEN (Jan 1999), 6, 26. A book review of Thompson, Paul Agricultural Ethics: Research, Teaching and Public Policy (Iowa State University Press, 1998, 240pp., ISBN 0813828066) is Currents in Science, Technology, Policy, Ethics 2 (No.1, Fall 1998), 5-7. A letter on GMO policy and biotechnology opposition is Nature 397 (1999), 201; and on the impact of society on science, Science 282 (1998), 1411-2. A book review of Turney, Jon, Frankenstein's Footsteps. Science, Genetics and Popular Culture (Yale University Press, 1998, 288pp.) is Lancet 352 (1998), 1944.

UK societies are lobbying against reducing the amount of science in the school curriculum, Nature 397 (1999), 12. A review of results of TIMSS is Science 282 (1998), 1830-1. A mixed reaction to the US NSF reform of US education is Science 282 (1998), 1238-9, 1800-5. On the rise of science shops, Science News 154 (1998), 298-300. A report from the Tech Museum of Innovation of San Jose California is NS (7 Nov. 1998), 61. Education is also discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1878-80. Racism and limits of teaching materials is debated in Newsweek (14 Dec. 1998), 52-3.

More medical practitioners are seeing religion as a help to those who are sick, JAMA 280 (1998), 1896-7; and a book review on medical history of 19th century UK and using electricity in therapy is Nature 396 (1998), 425-6. A discussion of science and religion is in Science 282 (1998), 1985-6. On portrayals of animals in museum sculptures, Nature 396 (1998), 727. Further book review of Consilence, JAMA 280 (1998), 1455. On the media headlines of science, Lancet 352 (1998), siv23. The use of the Internet in protest is reviewed in SA (Jan. 1999), 21-22. Passion in science is discussed in Science 282 (1998), 182, 873-4, 1037-8. A book review of Moser, S. Ancestral Images: The Iconography of Human Origins (Sutton, 1998, 200pp.) is Nature 396 (1998), 639.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

India has announced its support for using GMOs in agriculture, Nature 397 (1999), 188. However, some farmers had burnt trials of GMO cotton. It also blocked import of terminator technology, Science 282 (1998), 2183. Monsanto is thought to be delaying the introduction of terminator techniques into seeds, Nature 396 (1998), 503. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has decided not to allow its members to use terminator technology to prevent seed germination, GenEthics News 26 (Oct/Nov 1998), 9; Science 282 (1998), 850-1. France has set up an Agriethics Committee to consider biotech issues and GMOs, Nature 397 (1999), 192.

The first approval under the newly established New Zealand HSNO process for GMO approval is for a field trial of Kimihia Research Centre to field test genetically modified sugarbeet; see www <www.ermanz.govt.nz>. The UK has announced a one year delay in the full scale commercialization of GMO crops, which will end at the end of the summer of 1999. Farm-size trials of herbicide tolerant crops continue, GenEthics News 26 (Oct/Nov 1998), 1-2; Splice 5 (No. 2, Jan 1999), 8-9. They have created an environmental stakeholders forum to discuss broad issues associated with GMO crops. Studies on the indirect effects of GMO crops will also be extended. Monsanto has requested farmers who buy its Bt corn to grow plots with 20% non-GMO corn next to them, Nature 397 (1999), 98. This is an attempt to slow insect resistance to Bt. Organic agriculture is discussed in Nature 396 (1998), 211-2; and a review on long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, Science 282 (1998), 893-6. On pesticide resistant mites, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 20.

On 26 September 1997, the Danish Minister of Environment and Energy approved genetically modified fodder-beet in Denmark. However, on 26 November 1998, the Association of the Danish Industry, the Agriculture Advisory Committee, Danish Danisco (the company that has been researching on transgenic sugar/fodder beet for the last 15 years and the company that got the above market approval) made an agreement with the Danish Minister of Environment and Energy - for a one year agreement NOT to market genetically modified crops in Denmark. Similarly, Monsanto, AgrEvo and Novartis have informed the Danish Minister of Environment and Energy that they also DO NOT INTEND to market genetically modified crops or products in the next one year.

Natural genetic exchange between Haemophilus and Neisseria, both pathogens, is reported in PNAS 95 (1998), 12381-5. On gene exchange between archael and bacterial hyperthermophiles, TIG 14 (1998), 442-4. Mass migration of a group I intron is reported in PNAS 95 (1998), 14003-5; and on horizontal transfer between vertebrate classes, PNAS 95 (1998), 10704-9. Comments on invasive species are in EST 32 (1998), 531A; Science News 154 81998), 310, 332; NS (7 Nov. 1998), 58-9.

Methods to strengthen the biowarfare convention are discussed in Science 282 (1998), 1423-4, 2194. One should not forget that the December 1998 attack on Iraq by US and UK was said to be a response to development of biowarfare agents.

Vaccines & Diseases

African countries also are keeping up with attempts to eradicate polio by the year 2000, JAMA 280 (1998), 1980-1. A study has found that hepatitis B vaccine can be delivered at reasonable costs in US schools, AJPH 88 (1998), 1638-44. However, a French program is being halted because of fears MS can be triggered by the vaccine, NatMed 4 (1998), 1217. A study of ways for education of immunization is made in AJPH 88 (1998), 1821-6; also JAMA 280 (1998), 1482-3. A review of the risks of the 1954 Salk vaccine trials is BMJ 317 (1998), 1233-6. Influenza vaccination may be linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, NEJM 339 (1998), 1845-6. Bill Gates has donated a US$100 million fund for children's vaccines in developing countries, Science 282 (1998), 1971.

A plant produced vaccine is Zeitlan, L. et al. "A humanized monoclonal antibody produced in transgenic plants for immunoprotection of the vagina against genital herpes", NatBio 16 (1998), 1361-4. A synthesized live virus vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis has worked in mice, NatMed 4 (1998), 1357-8; NS (5 Dec. 1998), 6. Letters of recruiting volunteers for a typhoid vaccine are in JAMA 280 (1998), 1480-1. An anticancer vaccine using cells engineered to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor has generated antitumour immunity, PNAS 95 (1998), 13141-6. A DNA vaccine that may work against lymphoma and myeloma is reported in NatMed 4 (1998), 1281-8, 1239-40. However, some anticancer vaccines may not be selective enough, NS (7 Nov. 1998), 26. Naked DNA vaccines are being tested, NatBio 17 (1999), 1304-5. DNA vaccines are also being used for animals, NatBio 16 (1998), 1325-8. A nasal vaccine is being tested against bubonic plague, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 14.

Progress in treating influenza is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1729-30; Lancet 352 (1998), 1877-81; SA (Jan 1999), 78-87. ApoE4 seems to also alter herpes virus entry into cells, NatMed 4 (1998), 1344. Efforts to reduce tuberculosis are discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1702-3; PNAS 95 (1998), 13352-4, 13881-6; Lancet 352 (1998), 1886-91; BMJ 317 (1998), 1220-3. A summary of the global burden of disease study is NatMed 4 (1998), 1241-3. A book review of Viruses, Plagues and History is NatMed 4 (1998), 1327-8. Treatment of nonuclear dyspepsia is related to presence of Helicobacter pylori, NEJM 339 (1998), 1869-74, 1875-81, 1928-30. Some E. coli strains can burrow deeply into urinary tissue escaping antibiotics and immune system, and repeating infections, BMJ 317 (1998), 1473. A vaccine against the E. coli strain O157 is being designed, Science 282 (1998), 1404. The possibility that Chlamydia pneumoniae is linked to Alzheimer's disease is discussed in Science News 154 (1998), 325.

On malaria research, NatMed 4 (1998), 1244-5, 1351-3, 1360-2; JAMA 280 (1998), 1978; BMJ 317 (1998), 1506-8. The sequence of chromosome 2 of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been published, Science 282 (1998), 1126-32. Italy has offered free therapy for rare diseases, those with less than 1 case per 2000 people, and has made a list of 400 eligible diseases, Lancet 352 (1998), 1997. Only one in five persons develops symptoms to Herpes virus, but companies are encouraging testing, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 24-5.

A paper on the epidemiology of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in the UK is Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B. 265 (1998), 2443-52. A statement by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene and the Society of Public Health on the UK Inquiry on BSE is Public Health 112 (1998), 363-4. Prions are discussed in the Nobel Lecture of Stanley Prusiner in PNAS 95 (1998), 11030-1, 133363-83. There are questions why governments do not offer quick testing for BSE in beef, NS (14 Nov. 1998), 22-3. The origins of prion disease and CJD are reviewed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1688-92; p. 1273.

Papers on antibiotic microbial resistance are in Lancet 352 (1998), 1783; NatMed 4 (1998), 1343-4; Public Health 112 (1998), 415-7; FDA Consumer (Nov 1998), 23-25; BMJ 317 (1998), 1521. The question of whether toys and toothbrush and such common items bred resistant bacteria is discussed in SA (Nov 1998), 29. Mutating viruses are likely in chicken farms, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 24. New antimicrobials are being developed, NatBio 16 (1998), 1318.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

It has been made illegal to pass on HIV and the impact is reviewed in Lewis, P. "The criminalisation of the sexual transmission of HIV in Canada: Implications for the English position", Dispatches 9 (No. 1, Autumn 1998), 1-7. In the US a doctor was found guilty of attempted murder for injecting a former lover with HIV-tainted blood, Science 282 (1998), 851-2. The case used DNA analysis for the proof. The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that HIV positive people must inform their spouses, BMJ 317 (1998), 1474.

Letters on rapid HIV screening during labour are in JAMA 280 (1998), 1664. Ontario and 7 other provinces and territories of Canada have programs of universal prenatal HIV counseling and voluntary testing, CMAJ 160 (1999), 173. Previously, only about 12% of pregnant women were tested for HIV in Ontario. Syphilis is still found in women in the UK so it will continue to be part of the pregnancy testing, BMJ 317 (1998), 1605-6, 1617-9; Science News 154 (1998), 202-4. The number of HIV tests done at public health centres in Japan doubled between July and September, 1998, due to a TV program broadcast by Fuji-TV which reached second highest popularity of the summer, called Kamisama mo sukushidake (Please God, Just a little more time) which was a drama about a girl infected with HIV through prostitution, Lancet 352 (1998), 1840.

Confidential HIV reporting by name did not appear to alter use of testing in a US study, JAMA 280 (1998), 1421-6. Anonymous testing contributes to early HIV testing, JAMA 280 (1998), 1416-20. Home sample collection tests for HIV can be used, JAMA 280 (1998), 1699-701.

A US Bill has given US$100,000 each to hemophiliacs infected with HIV-1 through infected clotting factor, Lancet 352 (1998), 1610. The former head of Swiss Red Cross has been found guilty in an HIV infection case, as has the Italian health Ministry, Lancet 352 (1998), 1916. On the new Canadian blood agency, CMAJ 160 (1999), 244-5.

Debate on changing ethics between countries for HIV trials is in MJA 169 (1998), 509-10. Participation in clinical trials among women living with HIV in Canada is discussed in CMAJ 159 (1998), 1359-65. There is still much need to do research on HIV in developing countries, NatMed 4 (1998), 1228-9. On vaccine projects, BMJ 317 (1998), 1543; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 5. India has agreed to conduct AIDS vaccine trials with NIH and UN assistance, Nature 396 (1998), 102. China is facing increasing HIV, NatMed 4 (1998), 1216; as is Africa, Science 282 (1998), 1790-1. On the future of AIDS, Bulletin WHO 76 (1998), 437-43. Use of condoms by travelers from the UK is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1664-8. Even in men who have little HIV in serum from therapy there may still be HIV in semen, NEJM 339 (1998), 1803-9. Also the mutations in the HIV may be different in the same person between blood and semen, Science News 154 (1998), 279. A memoriam for Jonathan Mann is AJPH 88 (1998), 1608-9. A review of research on transmission of HIV via breastmilk is Reproductive Health Matters 6 (No. 12, Nov 1998), 127-33; also Lancet 352 (1998), 1630.

A call for prophylaxic therapy following exposure to HIV is called for in Lurie, P. et al. "Postexposure prophylaxis after nonoccupational HIV exposure", JAMA 280 (1998), 1769-73. There are sex differences in HIV-1 viral load and progression to AIDS, Lancet 352 (1998), 1510-4; BMJ 317 (1998), 1297-301; and on age-related changes in thymic function, Nature 396 (1998), 690-5. On therapies, MJA 169 (1998), 456-7; JAMA 280 (1998), 1497-503, 1959+; Lancet 352 (1998), siv16; 1725-30; NEJM 339 (1998), 1467-8, 1846-7, 1897-904, 1926-8. Immunology Today 19 (1998), 528+; PNAS 95 (1998), 11041-2; BMJ 317 (1998), 1274. South Africa is criticized for not supplying AZT to pregnant women with HIV, Nature 396 (1998), 504, 603; 397 (1999), 13. Blocking sex hormones might help restore immunity, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 11. There are some claims that there is altered body shape in HIV disease therapy, <http://www.HivTreatmentLive.com>. On HIV mechanism, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 21; Science 282 (1998), 1630-1. One promoter variant of CCR5 gene accelerates HIV, Science 282 (1998), 1907-11. A www reference guide to AIDS is JAMA 280 (1998), 2037. On AIDS vaccine trials in chimpanzees, Science 282 (1998), 2195-6.

Hepatitis therapy is also developing, Lancet 352 (1998), siv15. Hepatitis C has new control guidelines in the USA, Lancet 352 (1998), 1485. Sporadic hepatitis E is reported in Austria, NEJM 339 (1998), 1554-5.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

Recombinant Klebsiella oxytoca have been made with improved efficiency in removal of nitrates, AEM 64 (1998), 5016-9. Anoxic remediation of hydrocarbons is reported in Nature 396 (1998), 730. A newly discovered bacteria can degrade the fuel additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), NS (19 Dec. 1998), 18. On fuel additives, Nature 397 (1999), 96. The presence of sorbents enhances degradation of oil by Pseudomonas species, Bioresource Technology 67 (1999), 191-99. The waste piles on the seabed beneath oil rigs are leaking heavy metals, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 24. Natural oil spills also cause pollution, SA (Nov 1998), 56-60. Complexity of remediation is discussed in EST 32 (1998), 490A, 526A.

Methods to decrease the bioavailability of toxic contaminants are also being developed, EST 32 (1998), 528-9A. Rapid photodegradation of a pharmaceutical drug diclofenac is reported in EST 32 (1998), 3449+. On barrier techniques for remediation, EST 32 (1998), 495A. A review is Francis, AJ. & Dodge, CJ. "Remediation of soils and wastes contaminated with uranium and toxic metals", EST 32 (1998), 3993-8.

Environmental Issues

A paper on environmental ethics is Cairns, J. "Ecological ethics: The basis for leaving a habitable planet for our descendants", Convergence 1 (1999), 1-17. Convergence is a new journal published by the LIFE, Centre at Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India (editor Dr. M. Selvanayagam), focusing on environmental issues and energy conservation. A paper on development and conservation in Panama and Costa Rica is Kennedy, E. "Development and conservation: Can they coincide?", Currents in Science, Technology, Policy, Ethics 2 (No.1, Fall 1998), 1, 6-7. A letter calling for better ecology education is Science 282 (1998), 879. A survey has found that only 3% of Japanese students were currently involved in volunteer activities, the lowest number among 11 countries in a comparison, Japan Times (3 Jan. 1999), 2.

A reference work on the state of the Environment is Brown, LR. & Ayres, E., eds., The World Watch Reader on Global Environmental Issues (World Watch Institute 1998). A book on how promises are kept (or not) is Victor, David et al., eds., The Implementation and Effectiveness of International Environmental Commitments: Theory and Practice (Cambridge: MIT Press, 1998). A call for cooperation between environmental movements, industry and governments is Nature 396 (1998), 511-2. A historical view from 1863 in the UK is Pontin, B. "Tort law and Victorian government growth: The historiographical significance of tort in the shadow of chemical pollution and factory safety regulation", Oxford J. Legal Studies 18 (1998), 661-80. The court case of Nikitan who opened Russian military environmental damage is reviewed in NS (7 Nov. 1998), 12. On models for environmental justice, EST 32 (1998), 488-9A; and on US congress environment votes, SA (Nov. 1998), 36-7..

Methods to reduce carbon emissions are discussed in Science 282 (1998), 1053-4; EST 32 (1998), 531A, 540-4A; Ambio 27 (1998), 498-505; Nature 396 (1998), 210, 509, 613; NS (7 Nov. 1998), 3, 14; (14 Nov. 1998), 15; (21 Nov. 1998), 3, 16; and on the use of sugar cane for fuel, Ambio 27 (1998), 465-70. Exploration is testing whether seabed methane hydrates might be a useful gas resources, Science News 154 (1998), 312-4; and on biological hydrogen production, Science 282 (1998), 1842-3. The history of climate forcing is discussed in PNAS 95 (1998), 12753-8; Nature 396 (1998), 405, 619-20. On the carbon cycles, Nature 396 (1998), 521-2, 560-3. Antarctic larvae are being suggested as climate monitors, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 27. Air traffic may increase cirrus cloudiness, Nature 397 (1999), 30-1. In Japan small cars are becoming more popular, included among their advantages are decreased pollution, Newsweek (18 Jan. 1999), 22-6. On acid rain, Science 282 (1998), 1024-7, 1991-2. The indoor and outdoor pollution cycles in Rio de Janeiro are recorded in EST 32 (1998), 3485-90.

Asahi Beer is investing 18 billion yen in measures to reduce total CO2 emissions in 2005 by over 6 percent compared to 1990 levels. Making one kiloliter of beer will emit 43 percent less CO2 than in 1990. Concrete measures include the use of natural gas as opposed to oil, the use of cogeneration and ammonia cooling equipment at all nine plants, utilizing fuel cells, capturing and reusing heat, and discontinuing use of CFCs beginning with its Nagoya plant next spring. The company plans to save four billion yen a year in energy costs to recoup its investment in five years. At a calculated 500,000 tons of CO2, beer production accounted for 20 per cent of the CO2 emitted by the food industry in 1996. Kirin Beer also plans 25 percent reductions by 2010, Nikkei Shimbun (10 Nov. 1998) (Quoted from Japan Environment Monitor).

1998 was the warmest year on record, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 32-3; affecting the Arctic as well, NS (14 Nov. 1998), 55. Research is being conducted to attempt to predict the weather further into the future, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 12. However, many monitoring sites are needed, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 17. Soybeans exposed to increased carbon dioxide appear to make more lateral branches, Ziska, LH. et al. "Intraspecific variation in seed yield of soybean (Glycine max) in response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide", Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 25 (1998), 801-7. Methane flux from rice varies with the type of agriculture, Naturwissenschaften 85 (1998), 494-7.

Efforts to protect the ozone layer are trying to regulate halon-1202, chlorobromomethane and n-propylbromide which have escaped regulation to date, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 23. Methyl bromide has been found to seep through plastic sheets put over it as it fumigates the soil, so it still reaches the ozone layer, Science News 154 (1998), 216. The Antarctic ozone hole has reached record size, Science News 154 (1998), 246.

Human health impacts of environmental pollution are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), siv9; J. Public Health Med. 20 (1998), 249-52; AJPH 88 (1998), 1761-6; MJA 169 (1998), 452-3, 459-63; NS (12 Dec. 1998), suppl. pp.1-4; Nature 396 (1998), 529. Low level chemical exposures are a challenge for science and policy, EST 32 (1998), 508-9A. Genotoxicity tests are reviewed in EST 32 (1998), 498-501A. Thyroid abnormalities have been linked to iodine excess from water purification units, Lancet 352 (1998), 1519; and hyperkalemia is reported from a potassium-based water softener, NEJM 339 (1998), 1790. In Israel the Knesset passed a bill requiring all communities over 5000 persons to build water fluoridation units, BMJ 317 (1998), 1338. On water and welfare, Nature 396 (1998), 496; Ambio 27 (1998), 492-3; and by the year 2025 it is predicted 35% of the world's population will face water shortages, EST 32 (1998), 491A. The USA is now using less water than 20 years ago, despite increased population, Science News 154 (1998), 260. Artificial glaciers are being made in India to help sustain water supply, Science 282 (1998), 619.

Mercury in the hair of crematoria workers in the UK suggests exposure is not so high, Lancet 352 (1998), 1602. Dioxin is discussed in EST 32 (1998), 527A. On regulating lead, Science 282 (1998), 1825-7. Exposure to organochlorines can increase risk of breast cancer, Lancet 352 (19981), 816-20. In response to a 15 percent drop in sales of instant noodles in May 1998 in Japan due to public concerns over endocrine disrupters from the polystyrene packaging, instant noodle producers are changing over to paper containers. On environmental estrogens, Sharara, FI. et al. "Environmental toxicants and female reproduction", F&S 70 (1998), 613-22; Science News 154 (1998), 251; EST 32 (1998), 484-5A. There are new US EPA guidelines on pesticides, Nature 396 (1998), 207; NS (7 Nov. 1998), 15. Toshiba's new Dynabook Satellite 2510 notebook computer incorporates new glass epoxy resin technology in its printed circuit boards so that they do not emit dioxin when burned, Nikkei Shimbun (10 Nov. 1998). Global warming: have a cold beer? -There is concern over disinfection byproducts, EST 32 (1998), 546A+. On PCB recycling in Lake Superior, EST 32 (1998), 3249+. Nutrient pollution from animal feedlots will be controlled in the USA, EST 32 (1998), 535A.

Biodiversity

A book review of The Rural Landscape is NS (28 Nov. 1998), 50; and The Hungry Hollow is NS (14 Nov. 1998), 51. Plans for a global eco-survey are finding support difficult, Nature 397 (1999), 97. The diversity components of primate endangered species are reviewed in PNAS 95 (1998), 11279-83. Genetic resources are essential for survival, as seen in US greater prairie chickens, Science 282 (1998), 1695+. Speciation is discussed in Researches on Population Ecology 40 (1998), 173-222. The impact of grazing varies with the nutrient status of an ecosystem, Ecology 79 (1998), 2581-92. An English translation of the report by Japan's Elsa Nature Conservancy on an orca capture is on <http://www.yin.or.jp/user/rdavis/orcareport.html>

Once a small fire has burnt Amazon forest, it becomes increasingly easier for the second or third fire to ignite and this is accelerating destruction of the forest, Science News 154 (Oct 1998). A commentary on conservation targets in South American temperate forests is in Science 282 (1998), 1271-2. In the US some temperate forests are growing, Science 282 (1998), 1253. A prediction on species abundance of 80 tree species in Eastern USA following climate change is made in Ecological Monographs 68 (1998), 465-85. Reef losses are resulting from high temperatures, Science 282 (1998), 871. On salmon conservation, SA (Jan 1999), 100+; and seafood production, Science 282 (1998), 883-4.

A review of laws for conservation in China and a call for enforcement is Ambio 27 (1998), 489-91. Papers on concepts in conservation from Southeastern USA are in Ecological Applications 8 (1998), 907-89. As the US Dept. of Energy sells more land next to its national laboratories there are fears over falling biodiversity, Science 282 (1998), 616-7. The transfer of some African game reserves to local government control is also raising fears of loss of species, NS (7 Nov. 1998), 16-7. A book review on the passion for bird watching is Nature 397 (1999), 119. A report on biodiversity in India by the Ministry of Environment and Forests is Implementation of Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in India. National report. 1998, 59pp. About 127,000 species of organisms have been described in India, but many remain to identify. India has 85 National Parks and 448 Wildlife Sanctuaries covering 148,000 square km, covering equal to 4.2% of land area.

A report on the ivory trade is Wilcox, Richard, African Elephant Ecology and the Politics of Ivory Trade: A Comparative Study of Botswana, Kenya and Japan (1998 140pp.), Contact: rwilcox@interlink.or.jp; or send self-addressed stamped envelope to R. Wilcox, #103, 1-17-8 Nishi Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0001 JAPAN.

On the origin of life, TIBS 23 (1998), 491-5; Science 282 (19918)4, 28-9; and on a hydrogen-producing mitochondrion, Nature 396 (1998), 517-9. One of the first angiosperms, flowering plants has been found in China, Science 282 (1998), 1692-5. A single gene can separate some species, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 11; and imprinted genes may separate others, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 16. Zebrafish have 7 clusters of the Hox developmental genes, unlike 4 in mammals, and this greater number may allow more evolutionary experimentation, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 25. There is decreasing support for the claim there was life on Mars, Science 282 (1998), 1398-400. Dinosaurs are discussed in Nature 396 (1998), 529-30; NS (2 Jan. 1999), 96. On archaeology and the history of human society, Science 282 (1998), 1441-57; SA (Nov. 1998), 118-20. On human origins, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 15, 92-3.

Animal Rights

There have been militant animal rights attacks in Germany and the UK, Nature 396 (1998), 505; NS (12 Dec. 1998), 3. A review paper is Dawkins, MS. "Evolution and animal welfare", Quarterly Review of Biology 73 (1998), 305-328. On feminist views on animal science, Schillo, KK. "Toward a pluralistic animal science: Postliberal feminist perspectives", J. Animal Science 76 (1998), 2763-70. A series of papers on animals and humans are in World Health 51 (No.4, July 1998), 3-30. India has backed off central control for animal experiments, putting the responsibility onto local institute and university ethics committees, Science 282 (1998), 1967.

A book review of Horn, RE., Mapping Great Debates: Can Computers Think? (Macro VU Press, 1998), is Nature 396 (1998), 426-7; also NS (28 Nov. 1998), 52. On virtual sounds, Nature 396 (1998)72,1-3 ; and sign language is heard in the auditory cortex, Nature 397 (1999), 116. Gestures help people talk, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 25. The question of whether lack of language led to stone art is discussed in NS (28 Nov. 1998), 10. Singing lessons from mother to child in whales could affect the evolution of the species, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 15; Science 282 (1998), 1616. On whale fossils and origins, SA (Jan 1999), 29-30.

A commentary on interspecies learning is Goodall, Jane "Learning from the Chimpanzees: A message humans can understand", Science 282 (1998), 2184-5. Some New Zealanders have attempted to make the government accept the proposal of the Great Ape Project in law, giving great apes rights under the law, Science 282 (1998), 1255. A book review of Apes, Language and the Human Mind is SA (Nov. 1998), 121.

A book review of Cornwell, J., ed., Consciousness and Human Identity (Oxford University Press, 1998, 256pp.) is Nature 397 (1999), 117-8. Consciousness and complexity is discussed in Science 282 (1998), 1846-51. Monkeys were taught to order numbers from 1-9, Science 282 (19978), 46-9. The evolution of knowledge of numbers is discussed in Science 282 (1998), 641-2. Music training improves verbal memory, Nature 396 (1998), 128. Birds may refine their songs while sleeping, Science 282 (1998), 2163-4. On memory, Lancet 352 (1998), siv6; and long term mind change, Science 282 (1998), 1062-3. Symbols in thinking are reviewed in Nature 396 (1998), 325-7. Consciousness of sight is discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1696-7; NS (12 Dec. 1998), 61. Honeybees link sights to smells, Nature 396 (1998), 637. The involvement of peripheral nerves in pain perception is discussed in PNAS 95 (1998), 10354-5. Discussion of pain is in Newsweek (11 Jan 1999), 42-8. Brain regrowth and cortical connections in monkeys are found in Science 282 (1998), 1117-21; and the possibility of brain transplants is discussed in Science 282 (1998), 2213. Brain maps are reviewed in NS (12 Dec. 1998), 60; and on brain size, NS (7 Nov. 1998), 20.

Hunters in the US may soon get an open season on snow geese in an attempt to reduce numbers, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 13. European mink are being given a safe haven from hunting, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 7. A book review of If a Lion could Talk is NS (7 Nov. 1998), 60. Drugs for dogs and cats with Alzheimer's disease are being prescribed in some countries, Science News 154 (1998), 252-4.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

The Australia and New Zealand Novel Food Authority has decided to make it necessary to label all foods that contain components from GMOs, following intensive public debate in December, 1998. The decision does not reflect the results of public opinion surveys conducted by Eubios Ethics Institute (see the www site and paper by Macer et al. 1997 in EJAIB.) The opinion was also against the New Zealand science minister's opinion. UNIDO held a forum on Biotechnology in Public 2-4 Dec in Vienna (contact Email: Michaela@binas.unido.org). On UK public food safety fears, SA (Jan. 1999), 41-2. A bacterium Burkholderia cepaccia is being suggested as a natural pesticide for onions, but care must be taken for some strains are toxic to people, Science News 154(1998), 295.

A review of human growth hormone (HGH) products and the expanding uses it is being applied to is GEN (Jan 1999), 15, 27, 32. In 1998 there were sales worth US$417 million in Japan, US$366 million in USA and US$322 million in Europe. It is also being used for adults with HGH deficiency, not only children. Canada has decided to stop the use of BST as one panel has found it poses increased health risks to cows, Nature 397 (1999), 192-3. Also on the safety of bovine growth hormone (BST), Ram's Horn 165 (Jan 1999), 6-7.

Subcutaneous interferon beta-1a has been found to be an effective treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), Lancet 352 (1998), 1486-7, 1491-7, 1498-504. A general review of biological agents is Lancet 352 (1998), siv25; NatMed 4 (1998), 1339-40. Interferon alpha-2b is standard for hepatitis C therapy, NEJM 339 (1998), 1485-92, 1493-9. Marketing of interferon is reviewed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1231-3. Recombinant bovine fibroblast growth factor helps people's recovery from second degree burns, Lancet 352 (1998), 1661-4. Better glycemic control of diabetes has many benefits, JAMA 280 (1998), 1490-6. On the use and withdrawal of treatment, Elstein, D. et al. "Ethical considerations for enzyme replacement therapy in neuronopathic Gaucher disease", Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 179-84.

Disease Risks & Drugs

A report from the Netherlands Health Council on toxic substances in the workplace is reviewed in Network 13 (Dec 1998), 5-7. Landfill sites may be associated with congenital abnormalities sometimes, Lancet 352 (1998), 1705. Chemical exposures are also discussed in the Environment section above, see also JAMA 280 (1998), 1797-8; Lancet 352 (1998), 1945; AJPH 88 (1998), 1759-60. Patients from sheep dip exposure will be treated more carefully, BMJ 317 (1998), 1339; NS (14 Nov. 1998), 14. Flying foxes in Queensland are developing abnormalities, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 15. On lead levels in an urban setting in children, AJPH 88 (1998), 1837-9, 1871-7; JAMA 280 (1998), 1915-9; and children next to a battery factory were also at risk of lead poisoning, AJPH 88 (1998), 1843-5. Lead may be found in game birds, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 14. Occupational medicine is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1795-6; and on the dangers of living near a steel factory, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 812-22. The dangers of children exposed to traffic accidents are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 1840-5; and on stress disorder in victims, BMJ 317 (1998), 1619-23; and on air pollution from traffic and health in children, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 771-8. Airbag safety is being improved, Science News 154 (1998), 206-7.

Moderate alcohol consumption reduces risk of myocardial infarction, Lancet 352 (1998), 1882-5. Ethanol consumption and resistance are inversely related to neuropeptide Y levels, Nature 396 (1998), 366-9. A cannabinoid dexanabinol (HU-211) may protect against head trauma, Lancet 352 (1998), 1529. Cocaine reward is regulated by a transcription factor CREB, Science 282 (1998), 2273-5. Addiction is a brain disease, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 711-3. On drugs that alter the mind, JAMA 280 (1998), 1873; Lancet 352 (1998), 1697-9; and welfare dependency, AJPH 88 (1998), 1616-22; MJA 169 (1998), 356-9, 404-5; and race and class factors, Columbia Law Review 98 (1998), 1795-842. On stress in farming, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 55 (1998), 729-34. Doping in sport is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1781-2. A US panel has called for reexamination of the drug Ritalin used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, BMJ 317 (1998), 1545; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 3. A review of psychopathology in children is Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 715-25.

Cardiovascular disease is increasing in China, NatMed 4 (1998), 1209-10; Lancet 352 (1998), 1795. Antioxidants may also help in Crete, Lancet 352 (1998), 1987-8; and nuts, BMJ 317 (1998), 1332-3, 1341-5; Science News 154 (1998), 328-9. On cholesterol destroying drugs, Science News 154 (1998), 311. In East Asia blood pressure is a stronger link to stroke than in Western countries, Lancet 352 (1998), 1801-7. On drinking and driving, Lancet 352 (1998), 1871. Methods to change behaviour are required for all health advice, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 53. Diet and cancer is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1789-90; BMJ 317 (1998), 1331-2, 1636-40; Newsweek (30 Nov. 1998), 42-8. Exercise is good medicine, Lancet 352 (1998), 1999-2000; NEJM 339 (1998), 1552-3.

A gene has been found that is associated with appetite, and the peptides are called orexins. Chromosome 10 appears to have some obesity-related genes, NatGen 20 (1998), 304-8; also Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 385-895. On obesity mechanisms, BMJ 317 (1998), 1607-8. Food labels are being used by 43% of women and 27% of men in a US study, FDA Consumer (Nov. 1998)., 4. Not all the claims of foods are truthful however, FDA Consumer (Nov. 1998), 16-21. Low calorie diets may slow monkey aging, Science 282 (1998), 1018. Until now, red wine has been the cardioprotective beverage of choice, but the convenience and lack of adverse effects make beer a more cost-effective, safe and widely available choice, CMAJ 159 (1998), 1463-6.

Two studies suggest one third of Chinese men will die from tobacco-related deaths, BMJ 317 (1998), 1399-40, 1411-24; Lancet 352 (1998), 1683; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 18-9. There was also a UK government report, called "Smoking kills", Lancet 352 (1998), 1991; and there are calls to mention smoking as a cause of death on death certificates, BMJ 317 (1998), 1456. A letter calling it an ethical obligation to advise patients to quit smoking is BMJ 317 (1998), 1588. Doctors have also called for the level of nicotine to be reduced to non-addictive levels, BMJ 317 (1998), 1271. Nicotine replacement therapy should be covered by health systems, BMJ 317 (1998), 1266-7. Another drug may reduce nicotine craving, called gamma vinyl-GABA; Science 282 (1998), 1797-8; Synapse (Jan. 1999).

The price of a pack of cigarettes in the USA has risen by 50 cents following the deal on a US$206 billion settlement with 46 states, Lancet 352 (1998), 1765, 1839. In the UK some cancer patients are sueing companies, BMJ 317 (1998), 1614. In 1998 tobacco companies had to open about 30 million pages of closed documents, which revealed many secrets on strategies, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 30-1. US students are smoking more cigarettes, JAMA 280 (1998), 1673-8; BMJ 317 (1998), 1405. Community efforts may be needed, AJPH 88 (1998), 1658-63. The WHO has issued Guidelines for Controlling and Monitoring the Tobacco Epidemic (WHO, 1998, 200pp. ISBN 92-4-154508-9). On smoking and tax, BMJ 317 (1998), 1339. South Africa has banned advertising of tobacco, Lancet 352 (1998), 1609. Tobacco laws are discussed in AJPH 88 (1998), 1606-7. Nonsmoking restaurants are still associated with cooking emissions, AJPH 88 (1998), 1834-6; but still health of workers has improved, JAMA 280 (1998), 1909-14. A study of smoking and DNA adduct levels is FASEB J. 12 (1998), 1409-17. Identifying people at risk is a challenge, JAMA 280 (1998), 1947-9.

A review of trends in alternative medicine use in the USA is JAMA 280 (1998), 1554-6, 1569-75, 1616-7, 1626-8, 1635; Science 282 (1998), 2175-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1270. The ethical obligations of providing alternative medicines are discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1623-5. Acupuncture has been accepted in USA for some therapies, Lancet 352 (1998), siv1. Phytooestrogens are very popular, Lancet 352 (1998), 1762. Adverse effects of cannibis are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1565, 1610-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1394; while some medical trials continue, Nature 396 (1998), 206; NS (14 Nov. 1998), 3. Genetic factors may determine if someone will be a heavy user, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 1016-22. Herbal plants also have implications for the biotech industry, GEN (1 Nov. 1998), 1, 10, 26, 40. Though one of the supporters of herbals has said that none is as safe or effective as standard drugs, Probe VII (No. 2, Dec 1998), 1, 8. Chinese herbal medicine may help irritable bowel syndrome however, JAMA 280 (1998), 1585-9; Lancet 352 (1998), 1605. Some supplements are associated with disease, FDA Consumer (Sept. 1998), 34-5. Aspirin is being recommended for heart disease and stroke by the FDA, BMJ 317 (1998), 1176. On FDA regulation, Science 282 (1998), 1263. A FDA-style agency may be developed after reforms in Japan, NatBio 17 (1999), 7.

On clinical trials: Studdert, DM. & Brennan, TA. "Clinical trials in developing countries: scientific and ethical issues", MJA 169 (1998), 545-8; Edwards, SJL et al. "The ethics of randomized controlled trials from the perspectives of patients, the public, and healthcare professionals", BMJ 317 (1998), 1209-12. Tsutani, K. "General view of clinical trials and GCP in East Asia", Drug Information J. 31 (1997), 1057-64; Lancet 352 (1998), 1217-20, 1243-5, 1767-70; BMJ 317 (1998), 1170-2, 1177-80, 1191-2000. Adverse reactions to drugs can be reported by Email, mail or fax, FDA Consumer (Nov 1998), 7-9. Internet marketing can be dangerous, and it is possible to buy human male/female pheromone attractants, and they are advertised on the Internet, <http://www.angelfire. com/fl/beaches69/index.html>.

Dow Corning has released details of the proposed breast-implant settlement, which sets up a US$3.2 billion fund for 170,000 women involved in injury claims, Lancet 352 (1998), 1688. At the same time a scientific panel has suggested that only a few cases of the diseases would be caused by the implants, Science 282 (1998), 1963, 1965. Public health is general is discussed in Public Health 112 (1998), 283-5. A group of 13 Barcelona doctors have been charged with fraud for claiming more expensive drug costs from the government than they paid, BMJ 317 (1998), 1616. The question why patients do not take their pills for hypertension is debated in CMAJ 160 (1999), 64-5.

A consistent risk of EMF fields and childhood leukemia is reported in AJPH 88 (1998), 1787-94. People are trying to combat noise pollution from cell phones with radiofrequency emitters that jam the signals, promoting more pollution of the radiowaves, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 6. On health risks of radiation, Nature 396 (1998), 402. The Yucca mountain depository is reviewed in Nature 396 (1998), 497, 500. There are fears of an accident at the UK nuclear waste repositories, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 7. Nuclear safety standards should also protect plants and animals, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 27. A plant that goes blue when radiated has been developed, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 22. Cells that escape a direct hit from radiation are still altered by it, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 22. Scottish sheep farms are still contaminated with Chernobyl fallout, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 12.

Patenting & Business

Incyte Pharmaceuticals has received the first US patent on an EST, Nature 396 (1998), 499. Letters on patenting genomic technologies are in Science 282 (1998), 1420-1. A series of papers on options for sui generis rights systems is in Biotechnology & Development Monitor 36 (Sept/Dec 1998), 1-19. India has amended its Patent Act to meet international standards, but it may still take several years before some foreign drugs are introduced as the Patent Office examines whether to grant exclusive marketing rights, Indian Express (6 Jan. 1999), 1; NatBio 17 (1999), 8.

An editorial arguing to share research tools is Nature 396 (1998), 97. Personal computers are challenging copyright, Nature 396 (1998), 293. Access to medical and health information in the developing world is discussed in CMAJ 160 (1999), 63-4. The demise of public data on the web is discussed in NatBio 16 (1998), 1323-4. Actually that journal has also made its abstracts subject to payment of subscription fee on the www, reversing a trend for on-line information.

A review and cover story is McGirk, T. "Dealing in DNA", Time (30 Nov. 1998), 46-52. A book review of Maxwell, J. et al. Access to the Genome: The Challenge to Equality (Georgetown University Press, 1998) is JAMA 280 (1998), 1455. An editorial on knowledge-based economy is in Nature 397 (1999), 1; following a UK government decision, Nature 396 (1998), 714-5. The US Supreme Court is considering the grounds for appeals on patents, Science 282 (1998), 1622. On ethical issues, J. Med. & Phil. 23 (1998), 318-21.

Hoechst and Rhone-Poulenc have announced a merger of their life science divisions into a new 50:50-owned company Aventis, GEN (Jan 1999), 1, 4, 27, 31, 35. They will have a research budget of US$2.5 billion a year. France and the UK are making more efforts to encourage new biotechnology companies, GEN (Dec. 1998), 1, 14, 41, 54. A review of biotech in Canada is GEN (15 Nov. 1998), 20-5, 41, 43, 45, 54; and on tough times for new US biotech companies, Nature 397 (1999), 191. Israeli industry has asked for more R&D funds, Nature 396 (1998), 611. A comparison of the biotechnology industry to the computer industry is BIOforum International 2 (No.2 1998), 163-5. On support for science, Science 282 (1998), 621-2; and the shifts of chemistry industry to invest in biotechnology, Science 282 (1998), 608-9. In general on biotechnology, Science 282 (1998), 1239, 2160. There have been some scientists accused of insider trading in the US stock markets, Nature 397 (1999), 185. Taiwan promotes biotechnology, NatBio 16 (1998), 1308-9. Cuba is also developing much biotechnology, Science 282 (1998), 1626-8.

Italy has supported the Third World Academy of Sciences by a long-term commitment, Nature 396 (1998), 610. The World Bank is supporting a scheme of Third World Centres of excellence, Nature 396 (1998), 711; 397 (1999), 6-7. The US State Dept. is attempting to rejoin UNESCO but budget concerns have not allowed it, Nature 396 (1998), 606. At the Indian National Science Congress, India has been urged to develop gene-based industry more, The Hindu (6 Jan. 1999), 14. A paper on Japan in the Systemic Evolution of World Society has been written by Helmar Krupp (Burgunderweg 7, Weingarten, D-76356, Germany). New Zealand universities are losing money to polytechnics and Crown Research Institutes, Nature 396 (1998), 502. A comparison of the impact of different countries research in different aspects of life is made in Nature 396 (1998), 615-8. On the impact of globalization, Progress in Human Geography 22 (1998), 475-7.

Birth Control

A series of papers on the theme of sexuality are in Reproductive Health Matters 6 (No. 12, Nov 1998), 7-126. It includes papers from Tanzania, Brazil, Pakistan, Bolivia, Zimbabwe, Turkey, India and Mexico. Pakistan has poor reproductive health and lack of contraception, BMJ 317 (1998), 1546. A book review of The Right to Reproductive Choice: A Study in International Law, 1996, is in IDHL 49 (1998), 578-9. The one child policy in China is creating problems socially, Japan Times (3 Jan. 1999), 10. A discussion of spider mate choice is Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B. 265 (1998), 2297-301. On safe motherhood, World Health Forum 19 (1998), 253-60; and women's health in general, JAMA 280 (1998), 1540-1. Paternal age affects progeny in rats, F&S 70 (1998), 625-31; and female age affects behaviour in butterfly, Naturwissenschaften 85 (1998), 551-2. A paper describing distribution of the human population found 34% of the world live within 100m of sea level, PNAS 95 (1998), 14009-14.

Those who have fewer progeny generally live longer, Nature 396 (1998), 115-6, 719-20, 743-6. On declining fertility, Science 282 (1998), 1419. A discussion of Prozac is NS (2 Jan. 1999), 24-5. A discussion of monogamy and infidelity is NS (28 Nov. 1998), 29-32.

There have been protests against anti-fertility vaccines in India, but it continues, Lancet 352 (1998), 1528; BMJ 317 (1998), 1340. The FDA has approved the Preven Emergency Contraceptive Kit and one from Gynetics Inc., FDA Consumer (Nov. 1998), 3. On the efficiency of mifepristone for contraception, F&S 70 (1998), 813-6. Family planning clinics need to make it clear they will remove Norplant implants free of charge upon demand, AJPH 88 (1998), 1846-9. A family planning clinic opened in a Boot's pharmacy store in Glasgow as part of efforts to reduce teen pregnancy, BMJ 317 (1998), 1612. Health and oral contraceptives are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1679-80; ssiv3; NEJM 339 (1998), 1553-4.

Embryo Status

A discussion of the murder of a doctor who conducted abortions in New York in October 1998 is in Reproductive Freedom News 7 (No. 9, Dec 1998), 1; BMJ 317 (1998), 1174. Canadian doctors have posted a reward to find the murderer, Lancet 352 (1998), 1532. In the November 1998 US elections, proposals for partial-birth abortion bans were defeated in Colorado and Washington, Reproductive Freedom News 7 (No. 9, Dec 1998), 7; see also Reproductive Freedom News 7 (No. 8, Nov 1998), 1, 4-5; NEJM 339 (1998), 1716-7. There is debate over whether Senator Bob Dole helped a woman obtain an abortion that may have been his child, Probe VII (No. 2, Dec 1998), 3-7. Bavaria has been forced to lift abortion restrictions by a federal court, BMJ 317 (1998), 1272. New ethical guidelines have been released in Ireland, but still the annual 5000 women exodus to the UK for abortion is not likely to result in the procedure being conducted in Ireland, Lancet 352 (1998), 1840; see also BMJ 317 (1998), 1410. Abortion politics in Australia is discussed in Bioethics Research Notes 10 (1998), 37-9.

A comparison of medical and surgical termination of pregnancy is Brit. J.O&G 105 (1998), 1288-95. On society and abortion, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 964-7. Genetic instability from microsatellite mutations affects embryo stability and spontaneous abortion rates, F&S 70 (1998), 892-5.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

In mid-December, 1998, South Korean researchers announced the destruction of a early preembryo they claimed had been made by nuclear transfer (cloned) from an adult somatic cell, at Kyunghee University, Nature 396 (1998), 713. South Korean law bans the implantation of genetically engineered human embryos, and a draft bill on cloning is expected in 1999. There have been a number of books discussing cloning. One that is positive towards it is Pence, GE. Who's Afraid of Human Cloning? (Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1998, 181pp., US$10.95); a review is JAMA 280 (25 Nov. 1998). More papers on cloning include: NEJM 339 (1998), 1558-9; University of Illinois at Chicago Dept. Medical Education Bulletin 5 (no.2, Jan 1999), 2; and on selling eggs, pp.3-4. See also <www.uic.edu/com/mcme/ethics/>. Richard Seed announced plans to make a clinic for cloning in Japan, but the Ministry of Health and Welfare would not issue a license for such a clinic, Lancet 352 (1998), 1917; NS (12 Dec. 1998), 26. There have also been calls to strengthen UK law to protect against reproductive clones. The World Medical Association (WMA) resolution of 10 Nov. 1997 on cloning is in IDHL 49 (1998), 554-5; and the French Bioethics Committee statement is IDHL 49 (1998), 543-9.

Two research groups have reported isolating and immortalizing human pluripotent stem cells, Thomson, JA. et al. "Embryonic stem cell lines derived from human blastocysts", Science 282 (1998), 1145-7; Shamblott, MJ. et al. "Derivation of pluripotent stem cells from cultured human primordial germ cells", PNAS 95 (1998), 13726-31; BMJ 317 (1998), 1337; GEN (15 Nov. 1998), 1, 13; NS (12 Dec. 1998), 5; Science News 154 (1998), 293; Lancet 352 (1998), 1605; NatBio 17 (1999), 9, 11, 23-4. A paper on promoting trophoblast stem cell production is Science 282 (1998), 2072-5. In another report Advanced Cell technology of Worcester, MA, USA claimed it had made a hybrid cell by inserting a human cell nucleus into an enucleated cow cell; Science 282 (1998), 1390-1. There are a variety of comments made, GenEthics News 26 (Oct/Nov 1998), 1, 3; Science 282 (1998), 1014-5, 1061-2, 1824-5, 1962-3, 2161. The US DHHS issued a legal opinion saying that research on human embryonic stem cells does not fall under the ban on federal funding for human embryo research because the cells are not an organism as in the ban on embryo research, Nature 396 (1998), 506; 397 (1999), 185-6. An editorial in Nature called for the research ban to be lifted, Nature 396 (1998), 97, 104-5. President Clinton issued a letter on the subject on 14 Nov. 1998, with an immediate response from the Bioethics Advisory Commission, see <http://www.bioethics.giv/clinton_letter.html>, Nature 396 (1998), 208.

The report of the UK HFEA on the Statutory Storage Period for Embryos is in IJB 9 (No. 3, 1998), 127-30. A press dossier of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, Adoption of an Opinion on Human Embryo Research that was issued on 23 Nov. 1998 has been prepared (contact: Email: isabelle.arnal@sg.cec.be). They opposed funding bans for research on embryos, Nature 396 (1998), 301. They attempt to find a way forward for a common European position, given the range of laws already seen in the EU. On the creation of that group of 9 experts, IDHL 49 (1998), 560. The report of a Spanish Constitutional Court Ruling (19 Dec 1996) on Law 42/1998 on the donation of human embryos is Law and the Human Genome Review 8 (1998), 119-36. A call for postal communication with parents of cryopreserved embryos is made given problems to contact the embryo "parents", F&S 70 (1998), 949-51.

A UK HFEA report has recommended that cloning could be allowed in some embryo research, Nature 396 (1998), 503; BMJ 317 (1998), 1613; Science 282 (1998), 2167; Newsweek (16 Nov. 1998), 60. Swiss are going to vote on whether to ban IVF, Nature 396 (1998), 105. A paper in Italian on theological aspects of assisted reproduction is Bioetica e Cultura 7 (No. 2, 1998), 197-222. Diane Blood, the lady who requested sperm from her dead husband but was refused until eventually the export to Belgium was allowed, has given birth to her baby, BME 143 (1998), 1. Commentaries on the ethics are in BMJ 317 (1998), 1583-5. Oocyte donors who use known donors differ from those who use unknown donors, Greenfeld, DA. et al. "Do attitudes toward disclosure in donor oocyte recipients predict the use of anonymous versus directed donation?", F&S 70 (1998), 1009-14. The Danish Order No. 728 of 17 Sept. 1997 on artificial fertilization is in IDHL 49 (1998), 489-91; and on the French law on preimplantation diagnosis, IDHL 49 (1998), 491-2; and the Israeli Surrogate Motherhood Agreements, IDHL 49 (1998), 492-3.

On general progress in reproductive technology, JAMA 280 (1998), 1893-5; F&S 70 (1998), 601, 623-4, 982; Van Voorhis, BJ. et al. "Cost-effective treatment of the infertile couple", F&S 70 (1998), 995-1005; Lancet 352 (1998), 1952-3; NS (2 Jan. 1999), 36-9. Chromosomal problems in ICSI are reported in Johnson, M. "Genetic risks of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the treatment of male infertility: recommendations for genetic counseling and screening", F&S 70 (1998), 397-400; also pp. 933-7; and successes in Kartagener's syndrome in males, F&S 70 (1998), 643-6. The probabilities of multiple births from IVF are discussed in F&S 70 (1998), 478-81; Newsweek (11 Jan. 1999), 48. IVF may result in more back pain in women who use it, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 11.

IVF is considered a reasonable treatment for women under 45 years of age with their own gametes, F&S 70 (1998), 1030-4. The question of refunds for IVF programs that do not deliver a baby is discussed in, F&S 70 (1998), 414-5; Andereck, WS. et al. "The ethics of guaranteeing patient outcomes", F&S 70 (1998), 416-421; 1006-8; and Scott, RT. & Silverberg, K. "Ethics of guaranteeing patient outcomes: a complex issue whose time has not come", F&S 70 (1998), 422-4. The Israeli government guarantees the costs of ART for the first two children, Lancet 352 (1998), 1998. Genetic counseling may accompany the ART, F&S 70 (1998), 412-3.

Spain has been criticized for high tech births by the WHO, BMJ 317 (1998), 1406. A study on the affect of institution upon primary cesarean rate is AJOG 179 (1998), 841-5. Also on cesareans, Brit. J.O&G 105 (1998), 1052-5. The perceptions of women and clinicians can vary after pregnancy, O&G 92 (1998), 842-8.

Fetal Environment & Neonates

In the UK a pregnant woman has a right to refuse medical treatment, Dispatches 9 (No. 1, Autumn 1998), 8-12. A Mexican study showing that psychosocial support during labour and childbirth increased breast feeding and decreased time in labour is Brit. J.O&G 105 (1998), 1056-63. Washington and Colorado state programs for Medicaid prenatal services improved birth outcomes, AJPH 88 (1998), 1623-9. Attempts to identify at risk mothers for preterm birth or pre-eclampsia have not succeeded, Lancet 352 (1998), 1875-6; siv22; NEJM 339 (1998), 1434-9, 1858-60. The use of maternal plasma fetal DNA as a marker for preterm labour is suggested in Lancet 352 (1998), 1904-5. Suboptimal first trimester growth may be associated with low birth weight, NEJM 339 (1998), 1817-22. Prediction of need for cesareans is better however, O&G 92 (1998), 935-9. Maternal mortality is discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1431-2.

Drug treatment during pregnancy is reviewed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1503-6. On the mechanism of action on the fetus of diethylstilbestrol, NatGen 20 (1998), 228-30. Exposure to smoke leads to fetal DNA mutations, Science News 154 (1998), 213. In utero fetal surgery is reported in Adzick, NS. et al. "Successful fetal surgery for spina bifida", Lancet 352 (1998), 1675-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1474. A small transmitter can be implanted into the womb after surgery to check if the fetus is doing OK, and warn if premature labour begins, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 17. Risk factors for neural tube defects include lower socioeconomic status in the USA, AJPH 88 (1998), 1674-80. The question of whether too much ultrasonography causes harm is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1568-9. Molecular analysis of the maternal plasma can determine fetal RhD status, NEJM 339 (1998), 1734-8, 1775-7. In general on obstetrics and clinical trials, Lancet 352 (1998), 1988-9.

The decision to treat infants of low birth weight is associated with risks of mental and physical health problems, Wang ST. et al. "Neurodevelopment of surviving infants at age two years, with a birthweight less than 2000g and cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) - results from a population based longitudinal study in Taiwan", Public Health 112 (1998), 331-6. The problem may be suboptimal neonatal nutrition as the brain forms, BMJ 317 (1998), 1481-7. Breast milk and substitutes, and milk in later life, are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1703-4; BMJ 317 (1998), 1385-6, 1407. Neonatal encephalopathies are discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1537-8.

A book review of Mousseau, TA. & Fox, CW., eds., Maternal Effects as Adaptions (Oxford University Press, 1998, 348pp., US$65) is Nature 397 (1999), 36; and on paternal love, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 38-41. Natural childbirth could be important in brain development, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 24. Minimizing the pain and discomfort to babies during infant stages reduces risk of suicide in later life, Jacobson, B. & Bygdeman, M. "Obstetric care and proneness of offspring to suicide as adults: case-control study", BMJ 317 (1998), 1346-9. The question of whether short stature or achondroplasia is due to neglect is in Lancet 352 (1998), 1950-1. On sexual abuse of boys, JAMA 280 (1998), 1855-62, 1864-5; and on female genital mutilation, MJA 169 (1998), 455-6. A statement on the need for sports activity by children is Bulletin WHO 76 (1998), 445-7. Discussion of whether orphanages are useful is in Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 1307-8; Science News 154 (1998), 230. Other children could be very important in child's development not only parents, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 48-51. On child care in insects, SA (Jan. 1999), 72-7. Spending too long in bed may be related to increased mortality, BMJ 317 (1998), 1675-7.

Genetic Disease Markers

A paper discussing the mechanisms of selection for carriers is Zlotogoroa, J. "Selection for carriers of recessive diseases: A common phenomenon?", AJMG 80 (1998), 266-8; also Nesse, RM. & Williams, GC. "Evolution and the origins of disease", SA (Nov. 1998), 86-93. Changes in MTFR genotype frequencies within one generation gap are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1784-5. A review of sex biases in mutation rate is TIG 14 (1998), 446+; microsatellites, SA (Jan. 1999), 94-9; and in imprinting, Nature 397 (1999), 19-20; NS (28 Nov. 1998), 26-30. A gene SEX-1 determines sex in nematode, Nature 396 (1998), 168-73; and the methuselah gene determines longevity in Drosophila, Science 282 (1998), 856, 943+. On the understanding of polygenic disorders, New Frontiers Report 5 (Feb 1999), 5-6; which can be aided by SNP studies, NatGen 20 (1998), 217-8. Escaping genetic destiny can be difficult, Lancet 352 (1998), siv8. Medical genetics resources on the www are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1714.

A gene for a liver-specific ABC transporter is mutated in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, NatGen 20 (1998), 233-8. Genetics of angiomas is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1892-7. Genetics of colour vision are reviewed in AJHG 63 (1998), 1257-62. Mutations in a cochlear gene cause DFNA9, a type of deafness, NatGen 20 (1998), 299-303; NatMed 4 (1998), 1238-9; PNAS 95 (1998), 12080-2; and mutations in connexin 26 gene also are, NEJM 339 (1998), 1500-5, 1545-7. There is a need for universal neonatal screening for hearing loss based on phenotype, Lancet 352 (1998), 1951-2, 1957-64. Heat shock proteins, HLA-DR and arthritis are related, NatMed 4 (1998), 1210-1; PNAS 95 (1998), 10746-50; Science 282 (1998), 1796. A series of papers on genetics of surfactant proteins is BBA Molecular Basis of Disease 1408 (1998), 77-362. One gene, phog, is responsible for 70% of height variation in humans, NS (7 Nov. 1998), 6.

The number of Alzheimer's disease patients is expected to triple in the next fifty years, but there are a number of new tests and therapeutics expected, NatBio 17 (1999), 53-7; GEN (1 Nov. 1998), 12, 31; Lancet 352 (1998), 1678, 1720-1, siv4; Science 282 (1998), 1030-2. The function of SOD1 aggregates is discussed in NatMed 4 (1998), 1362-4. The frequency of ApoE4 allele in white, black and hispanic US Americans is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1661-3. Apolipoprotein B gene mutation is related to heart disease, NEJM 339 (1998), 1640-2. A review on neurodegenerative disease is Science 282 (1998), 1071-9; on Parkinson's disease is Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 259-65; also, Lancet 352 (1998), 1986-7; and on epilepsy, Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 169-75. A review of schizophrenia trials is BMJ 317 (1998), 1181-4; Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 741-50. On alcoholism genes, Science 282 (1998), 1269.

A letter on p53 polymorphism and cancer risk is Lancet 352 (1998), 1631; Nature 396 (1998), 530-2; also NatMed 4 (1998), 1371-6. BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder mutations in French Canadian breast and ovarian cancer families are reported in AJHG 63 (1998), 1341-51. On prophylactic mastectomy, BMJ 317 (1998), 1402-3. A review is Lengauer, C. et al. "Genetic instabilities in human cancers", Nature 396 (1998), 643-9; Science News 154 (998), 317. Somatic mutations of the mitochondrial genome are involved in some colorectal cancers, NatGen 20 (1998), 291-3. On the role of imprinting, NatMed 4 (1998), 1236-7.

Genetic Screening Methodology

A review of DNA chips is NS (14 Nov. 1998), 46-50. While most DNA chips are flat a patent (US # 5,843,767) has been issued for Gene Logic (Gaithersburg, MD, USA)'s Flow-thru Chip microarray device which has microscopic channels throughout the device which the sample passes through, GEN (Jan 1999), 1, 8, 34. Drug target validation can be assessed by DNA microarrays, NatMed 4 (1998), 1293+. Real-time RT-PCR after laser-assisted cell picking is reported in NatMed 4 (1998), 1329-33. Genotyping by mass spectrometry is possible, Ross, P. et al. "High level multiplex genotyping by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry", NatBio 16 (1998), 1347-51; Laken SJ. "Genotyping by mass spectrometric analysis of short DNA fragments", NatBio 16 (1998), 1352-6; 1314-5.

It may be possible to do repeated FISH on the same blastomeres in preimplantation diagnosis, F&S 70 (1998), 729-33. Letters on antenatal screening for Down syndrome are in Lancet 352 (1998), 1631-2; 1862-3; SA (Nov. 1998), 28-9. A cost analysis suggests routine trisomy 18 screening is not justified, AJOG 179 (1998), 1220-4; but if Down syndrome detection rate is above 74% it is, Vintzileous, AM. et al. "An economic evaluation of second-trimester genetic ultrasonography for prenatal detection of Down syndrome, AJOG 179 (1998), 1214-9. However, ultrasound can detect about half of malformed babies, as found in an Oxford study, Boyd, PA. et al. "6-year experience of prenatal diagnosis in an unselected population in Oxford, UK", Lancet 352 (1998), 1577-81. There are a growing number of tests for pregnant women, Lancet 352 (1998), siv24. Early amniocentesis is becoming less popular in the UK, Brit.J.O&G 105 (1998), 1242-3. A report from UK screening in minority populations is Atkin, K. et al. "Screening and counselling for sickle cell disorders and thalassemia: The experience of parents and health professionals", SSM 47 (1998), 1639-51.

Physician behaviour is important in determining which tests are requested, JAMA 280 (1998), 2036. A new cervical smear test may improve accuracy, BMJ 317 (1998), 1611. Biochemical markers may help identify battered children, NS (28 Nov. 1998), 21. On gene testing for von Hippel-Lindau disease, MJA 169 (1998), 422-4.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy

Privacy is discussed in Rothstein, MA. "Protecting genetic privacy by permitting employer access only to job-related employee medical information: Analysis of a unique Minnesota Law", AJLM 24 (1998), 399-416. An analysis of the law on protection against genetic discrimination proposed by the 105th US Congress is AJLM 24 (1998), 443-80; and in general, Beckwith, J. & Aper, JS. "Reconsidering genetic antidiscrimination legislation", J. Law, Medicine & Ethics 26 (1998), 205-10.

A paper discussing use of genetic information in Bangladesh is Begum, H. "Relevance of genetic information in a developing country", IAB News 8 (Autumn 1998), 2-5. The UK is establishing a validation test for insurers who will use genetic tests, Lancet 352 (1998), 1608, 1647-8, 1941; Science 282 (1998), 1237. A study has found life insurers are non consistent across the UK, Low, L. et al. "Genetic discrimination in life insurance: empirical evidence from a cross sectional survey of genetic support groups in the United Kingdom", BMJ 317 (1998), 1632-5; Morrison, PJ. "Genetic testing and insurance in the United Kingdom", Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 375-9.

The need to protect persons is highlighted in Greely, HT. "Genomics research and human subjects", Science 282 (1998), 625. The US Bioethics Advisory Commission has also issued a report arguing for tighter controls on tissue and DNA sample banks, Science 282 (1998), 2165-6. The question of DNA banks is discussed in King, D. "DNA banks and the future of medical research", GenEthics News 26 (Oct/Nov 1998), 6-8. Permission should be sought for publishing family pedigrees and preserving privacy, JAMA 280 (1998), 1826-7. There are many challenges of computerization, Lancet 352 (1998), 1617-22. Patient privacy is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1897. Privacy concerns in Canada are discussed in CMAJ 159 (1998), 1378-80.

The Spanish home office has agreed to a new DNA databank to trace unidentified corpses that are buried in cemeteries, Lancet 352 (1998), 1763. Letters on the Thomas Jefferson paternity case are Nature 397 (1999), 32; he is not the only white American with mixed descendants, NS (21 Nov. 1998), 60. On use of DNA analysis to trace out ancient human behaviour and diet, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 34-7. DNA fingerprinting may also trace out nonpoint sources of pollution, EST 32 (1998), 486-7A.

Ethics & Genetic Screening

The ethics of research are debated in Schuklenk, U. et al. "The ethics of genetic research on sexual orientation", Reproductive Health Matters 6 (No. 12, Nov 1998), 134-3; 144-9. Defensive mechanisms may be the origin of some homophobia, Lock, J. & Kleis, B. "Origins of homophobia in males. Psychosocial vulnerabilities and defense development", Amer. J. Psychotherapy 52 (1998), 425-36. There is also homophobia in medicine, BMJ 317 (1998), 1535; JAMA 280 (1998), 1717-8. On gender discrimination, NEJM 339 (1998), 1402. The question of defining panic and phobic anxiety phenotypes is discussed in Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 1147-51, 1152-62.

Determinism is discussed in Rose, SPR. "Neurogenetic determinism and the new euphenics", BMJ 317 (1998), 1707-8. A paper on eugenics is in Splice 5 (No. 2, Jan 1999), 4-5. There have been an increasing number of claims on Swiss banks, some bogus, about damages from the Holocaust thefts, International Herald Tribune (5 Dec. 1998), 6. Theories of race and culture are discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1381-4; and DNA studies have challenged any idea of racial boundary, Science 282 (1998), 654-5.

Loss of aggression can be successful for ants, Holway, DA. et al. "Loss of intraspecific aggression in the success of a widespread invasive social insect", Science 282 (1998), 949-51. On the role of altruism, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 52-5. Extracts from the UK House of Commons S&T Committee report on Regulating Human Genetics are in IJB 9 (No. 3, 1998), 121-5. Excerpts from the Nuffield Council report on screening mental disorders and genetics are in BME 143 (1998), 10-1; and comments in Lancet 352 (1998), 1788. A gene called Clock may determine early-risers and late-risers, Science News 154 (1998), 196. On genes and behaviour, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 101. A review of genetics in China is Nature 396 (1998), 303-6; Nature 396 (1998), 307. On genetics and ethics in general, Newsweek (4 Jan. 1999), 46-7. Intelligence is increasing by score, but one wonders if we are really getting smarter, SA (Jan. 1999), 37-8.

Papers on genetic counseling include: Armstrong, D. et al. "Revealed identity: A study of the process of genetic counselling", SSM 47 (1998), 1653-8; Lisker, R. et al. "Mexican geneticists' opinions on disclosure issues", Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 321-9; Trippitelli, CL. et al. "Pilot study on patients' and spouses' attitudes toward potential genetic testing for bipolar disorder", Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 899-904; J. Medicine & Philosophy 23 (1998), 234-273. BRCA1 tests can heighten anxiety, Science News 154 (1998), 316.

Theories of disability are discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1446-9. A book review on disability movements is JAMA 280 (1998), 1456-7; and a book review of Hamer, D. & Copeland, P. Living with our genes (Doubleday, 1998) is NatMed 4 (1998), 1325-6. Individual gene screening will help decide what are the most appropriate drugs, NS (14 Nov. 1998), 32-6.

Gene Therapy

A book review of Parens, E., ed., Enhancing Human Traits: Ethical and Social Implications (Georgetown University Press, 1998, 251pp.) is in Nature 397 (1999), 222-3. On enhancement, NS (14 Nov. 1998), 58. A conference on in utero gene therapy has called for more discussion of ethical issues, Nature 397 (1999), 94. The idea of undoing aging has large ethical questions, NS (5 Dec. 1998), 49. On ethical issues, Richter, G. & Baccheta, MD. "Interventions in the human genome: Some moral and ethical considerations", J. Med. & Phil. 23 (1998), 303-17. The Campaign Against Human Genetic Engineering (CAHGE) is against such experiments on germ-line gene therapy. The Campaign Against Human Genetic Engineering (Email: cahge@globalnet.co.uk; <http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~cahge>) set up a website to allow opponents of human genetic engineering to send Email to US decision makers. They called on people to Email the US Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC).

Japan's second gene therapy clinical trial began on 5 October, 1998 at Tokyo University, however the vector development group DNAVEC has not produced local vectors in Japan, NatMed 4 (1998), 1213. European gene therapy trials are reported from a Israeli meeting, Lancet 352 (1998), 1834. The first antisense drug has been approved by the FDA called Fomivirsen, marketed by Ciba Vision, SA (Nov. 1998), 49-50.

Expression of full-length utropin gene prevents muscular dystrophy in mdx mice, NatMed 4 (1998), 1441-4. IGF-1 can also aid muscle growth, NS (2 Jan. 1999), 6. Potential gene therapy on X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is discussed in NatMed 4 (1998), 1261-8; and on osteoarticular disease, Immunology Today 19 (1998), 387-91. Cancer gene therapy for dogs is one model, NatBio 17 (1999), 8. Thymic lymphoproliferative disease resulted after CD40 ligand correction in mice, NatMed 4 (1998), 1253-60. Hepatic gene therapy is discussed in Human Gene Therapy 9 (1998), 295-304; Clinical Genetics 54 (1998), 380-4. On expanding the types of vectors for gene therapy, GEN (Jan 1999), 3, 28. HIV-based vectors are also being used, Science 282 (1998), 1438; reoviruses, Science 282 (1998), 1332-4; mycoplasmas, NatBio 17 (1999), 4; and on adenoviral vectors, PNAS 95 (1998), 13159-64; and RNA virus vectors, PNAS 95 (1998), 12750-2; NatBio 17 (1999), 9. In general on viruses to attack cancer, Science 282 (1998), 1244-6.

Book review - by Darryl Macer

Parens, Erik., ed., Enhancing Human Traits: Ethical and Social Implications (Georgetown University Press, 1998, 288pp., Hard cover, IS$50, ISBN 0-87840-703-0).

This book is one of the Hastings Center Studies in Ethics, although it is published by Georgetown University Press. It includes 13 chapters with topics examining enhancement today, and in the future. It is quite timely given the debates on enhancement gene therapy, and the questions on the limits to improving the human body.

The general approach is philosophical asking when enhancement is better and when it is not, and the topic is not restricted to gene therapy. The authors include: Erik Parens, Eric Juensgt, Dan Brock, David Frankford, Anita Silvers, Kathy Davis, Caroil Freedman, Ronald Cole-Turner, Margaret Olivia Little, Carl Elliot, Susan Bordo, Gerald McKinny and Mary Einkler. There are certainly no easy boundaries between therapy and enhancement, but the book contributes to the debate over whether we should draw boundaries and in which cases. The price is rather high, so we can hope a paperback version is released.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

Iceland is selling exclusive rights to one company for genetic studies over the next 12 years, Nature 396 (1998), 395; NS (5 Dec. 1998), 3, 20-1; Science 282 (1998), 859, 1993. There is controversy over the danger to privacy and misuse of the information. More comments on the Iceland genetic studies deal are in GenEthics News 26 (Oct/Nov 1998), 5. In fact a study on Iceland breast cancer families has questioned the risks of BRCA1 and BRCA2, BMJ 317 (1998), 1174. A paper on the ethical implications of genomic research is Kirby, M. "Meeting our friend, the genome", Law and the Human Genome Review 8 (1998), 60-70. The key points of the HUGO statement on DNA sampling (see earlier EJAIB 8 (1998)) are reproduced in BME 142 (1998), 5. Also on ethical issues of the HGP, JAMA 280 (1998), 1532-8.

The US DOE and Celera have not yet agreed on a memorandum of understanding on the competing efforts to sequence the human genome, Nature 397 (1998), 93; NS (2 Jan. 1999), 34-5. A report on the new goals of the US government project is Collins, FS. et al. "New goals for the US Human Genome Project: 1998-2003", Science 282 (1998), 682-9. It includes new goals for the ELSI program, which will be looking at the implications of human genetic variation, integration of clinical genetic services, use of genetics outside of clinics, looking at new perspectives in philosophy, theology and ethics, and look at socioeconomic, ethnic and racial factors.

The 97 Mb genome sequence of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been completed by a consortium, The C. elegans Sequencing Consortium, "Genome sequence of the nematode C. elegans: A platform for investigating biology", Science 282 (1998), 2012-8; also pp. 1972-4; 2011-2050; 2159; Nature 396 (1998), 620-1; NS (5 Dec. 1998), 33-5. The Genome Research Center of RIKEN in Japan has released a mouse DNA encyclopedia of 20,000 ESTs, Nature 397 (1999), 98-9. In general on the use of molecular libraries, Immunology Today 19 (1998), 524-7. In 1998 the Trends journals published a 32 page guide to bioinformatics; also Science 282 (1998), 635-6. A physical map of 30,000 human genes has been assembled, Science 282 (1998), 744-6.

The complete sequence of Rickettsia prowazekii is important as the agent of typhus, and also it may be a relative of a possible mitochondrial precursor, Andersson, SGE. "The genome sequence of Rickettsia prowazekii and the origin of mitochondria", Science 282 (1998), 1126-32; Lancet 352 (1998), 1604; Science 282 (1998), 1243. A hydrogenosome has a genome, Nature 396 (1998), 527-8; and they produce hydrogen. A 1Mb organism genome is in Stephens, RS. "Genome sequence of an obligate intracellular pathogen of humans: Chlamydia trachomatis", Science 282 (1998), 754-9; pp. 638-9; Science News 154 (1998), 261. There was 6-7% genetic difference in two bacteria of the species Helicobacter pylori, Nature 397 (1999), 176-80. A review of the knowledge of the 53 strains of rubella virus so far sequenced is Lancet 352 (1998), 1799. In general on microbial genome sequencing, BMJ 317 (1998), 1568-71.

A series of papers on genomics are in Science 282 (1998), 651-89. On the plasticity of genomes, Nature 396 (1998), 522-3; and plant genomics, Plant Cell 10 (1998), 1771; Science 282 (1998), 656-9; and a genome map of Arabidopsis thaliana is in Science 282 (1998), 662-81.

A book review of Crawford, MH. The Origins of Native Americans: Evidence from Anthropological Genetics (Cambridge University Press, 1998) is AJHG 63 (1998), 1566. On the origins of Pacific Island and Asian populations, PNAS 95 (1998), 9047-52; TIG 14 (1998), 445. Asian DNA origins are discussed in Science News 154 (1998), 212. There is genetic evidence for a higher female migration rate in humans, NatGen 20 (1998), 278-80, 219-20. On isolated populations and genetics, Science 282 (1998), 1658-9. A book review of Eve Spoke is NS (5 Dec. 1998), 46-7. DNA analysis has supported the biblical story of Jewish priesthood, Science News 154 (1998), 218-9.

General Medical Ethics

A conference report from an International Symposium on Bioethics and the Concept of Personhood, 11-12 May, 1998, held in Hong Kong is in Ethics & Society (Centre for Applied Ethics, Hong Kong Baptist University) 6 (no.2, 1998), 1-7. A paper on Chinese philosophy is Angle, SC. "Did someone say "rights"? Liu Shipei's concept of quanli", Philosophy East & West 48 (1998), 623-51.

A brief description of some German centres of medical ethics is in BME 142 (1998), 20-1; and on Brazilian centres, IAB News 8 (Autumn 1998), 8-11. A book review of Humber, JM. & Almeder, RF., eds. Alternative Medicine and Ethics (Totowa, NJ. Humana Press, 1998) is JAMA 280 (1998), 1633. On African traditional practices, IDHL 49 (1998), 559. A series of papers on Christine Korsgaard, Creating the Kingdom of Ends (Cambridge University Press 1996) is in Ethics 109 (1998), 1-66. A book review of Kent, Bonnie, Virtues of the Will: The Transformation of Ethics in the Late Thirteenth Century (Catholic Universities of America Press, 1995) is in J. History of Philosophy 36 (1998), 462-3.

Doctor-patient communication is discussed in Edwards, SJL. et al. "Informed consent for clinical trials: In search of the "best" method", SSM 47 (1998), 1825-40; Lancet 352 (1998), 1559-60; JAMA 280 (1998), 2039-42; BMJ 317 (1998), 1741. Doctor-patient working groups are also arising, BMJ 317 (1998), 1374-7. Payment also alters trust, Kao, AC et al. "The relationship between method of physician payment and patient trust", JAMA 280 (1998), 1708-14; pp. 1703-4. Letters on truth-telling are in Lancet 352 (1998), 1787-8; JAMA 280 (1998), 1403-4. Medical leaflets are also important for information, Lancet 352 (1998), 1724. A book review of Grisso, T. & Appelbaum, PS. Assessing Competence to Consent to Treatment: A Guide for Physicians and Other Health Professionals (Oxford University Press, 1998, 211pp.) is NEJM 339 (1998), 1794-5. Theories of consent are discussed in BMJ 317 (1998), 1313-5. A UK general practitioner received 23,000 pounds for producing forged consent forms for clinical research and was struck off the medical register, BMJ 317 (1998), 1475. Computers can aid patient safety, Science 282 (1998), 2295.

Integrity is called for is Miller, FG. et al. "Professional integrity in clinical research", JAMA 280 (1998), 1449-54. A book review of Altman, LK. Who Goes First? The Story of Self-Experimentation in Medicine (Univ. California, Berkeley, 1998, 430pp.) is JAMA 280 (1998), 2043. Also on experimentation, BMJ 317 (1998), 1224-30, 1239-42. Placebo controls are discussed from a historical perspective in Bulletin History Medicine 72 (1998), 389-433. There should be consent obtained for videos and photographs, BMJ 317 (1998), 1522-3. Doctor contentment is discussed in NEJM 339 (1998), 1543-5; BMJ 317 (1998), 1670-1. Two book reviews of the 18th century Scottish doctor John Gregory, who promoted medical ethics, are NEJM 339 (1998), 1792.

Mental health is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1641; BMJ 317 (1998), 1701-3. The US Bioethics Advisory Commission report on guidelines for research on persons with mental problems was revised and then released on 12 November, 1998; Science 282 (1998), 857, 1617. The report Research Involving Persons with Mental Disorders that May Affect Decisionmaking Capacity is now available on the NBAC website at <http://www.bioethics.gov> and can be downloaded and printed. In a recent US research scandal, 29 out of 108 clinical experiments have been suspended and that an additional 50 research protocols failed to justify a scientific objective, Science 283 (1999), 464-5. This is an implicit admission by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that: (1) its own Institutional Review Board approved scientifically unsound human experiments; (2) NIMH failed to protect disabled human subjects from clinical experiments which needlessly put them at risk of harm; (3) NIMH researchers have been violating ethical and scientific principles. (4) NIMH Administrators are now scrambling to "clean up our house" in an effort to forestall regulatory mandates.

On psychosurgery, JAMA 280 (1998), 1963; NEJM 339 (1998), 1719-20; and determining suitability for psychotherapy, Amer. J. Psychotherapy 52 (1998), 397-411; and attitudes to psychologists, Amer. J. Psychotherapy 52 (1998), 463-88. On ethics in general, BMJ 317 (1998), 1594-5, 1664, 1730-1; Lancet 352 (1998), 1719. Affirmative action is discussed in Columbia Law Review 98 (1998), 1577-1641; and ethnic identity in Political Geography 17 (1998), 939-58. On public space in urban communities, Progress in Human Geography 22 (1998), 479-96.

Law & Medical Ethics

On the UN general assembly approval of the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, Nature 396 (1998), 297. A series of papers from a 1997 IALES Conference on Human Rights, Bioethics and health in English or French is in IJB 9 (No. 3, 1998), 9-98. The overview is Byk, C. "The history of the right to health as a human right", IJB 9 (No. 3, 1998), 15-31; Annas, GJ. "Human rights and health - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 50", NEJM 339 (1998), 1778-81. Follow-up to the Nuremberg Code in bioethics and the Freiburg project is discussed in IDHL 49 (1998), 549-57. Also on human rights, Lancet 352 (1998), 1800; BMJ 317 (1998), 1393; Science 282 (1998), 2294.

There has been much discussion of human research ethics, and research ethics committees in the UK and the USA, Moreano, J. et al. "Updating protections for human subjects involved in research", JAMA 280 (1998), 1951-8; BME 143 (1998), 3-11. The statements from a recent Canadian report are, Research Councils of Canada, "Ethical conduct for research involving humans", BME 143 (1998), 13-9; and on US guidance for IRBs, BME 143 (1998), 20-4. On clinical guidelines, Lancet 352 (1998), 1876; NEJM 339 (1998), 1705+. Several papers celebrating the ten year's anniversary of the Cartwright Inquiry in New Zealand are on research ethics, Otago Bioethics Report 7 (no. 3, 1998), 1-8, 11-12. The impact of medical and human rights abuses revealed by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1852-4. Self-regulation of doctors and the Bristol case is discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1566-7, 1626; MJA 169 (1998), 352-3, 369-72; BMJ 317 (1998), 1325, 1539-40, 1577-82, 1592-3, 1600-1, 1659-60. Some jails and prisons have doctors who have been convicted of misconduct, JAMA 280 (1998), 1387-92. UK surgeons may undergo performance review every 5 years, BMJ 317 (1998), 1173. On nursing guidance, BMJ 317 (1998), 1403-4.

A survey in the UK found that few patients are aware of the patient's charter that started in 1991, BMJ 317 (1998), 1543. The UK is to limit legal aid in medical negligence cases to specialist lawyers, BMJ 317 (1998), 1338. Prevention of medical error is called for in JAMA 280 (1998), 1444-7; NEJM 339 (1998), 1561-2; BMJ 317 (1998), 1615, 1665. Malpractice cases with alternative medicine are difficult, JAMA 280 (1998), 1610-5. A Barcelona surgeon has been accused of letting a nurse operate, BMJ 317 (1998), 1273. On medical law, JAMA 280 (1998), 1633-4. The question of whether physicians should accept gifts from patients is discussed in JAMA 280 (1998), 1944-6.

In January, 1999 in Japan, Yokohama City University Hospital was guilty of a patient swap, and two persons had each others operatios performed, with one receiving an artificial heart valave in replace of his normal one. The doctor said that under anesthetic the patient face looked the same. From now that hospital will write patient names on their feet. They apparently do not use identification bracelets!

Scientific Ethics

The dismissal of the editorial of JAMA after 17 years service has been rightly criticized as political interference in a journal, as found in the letter from the other editors in JAMA 281 (1999), 460: "On January 15, 1999, George D. Lundberg, MD, was dismissed as Editor of JAMA and Editor-in- Chief of AMA's Scientific Information and Multimedia. In a written statement, AMA Executive Vice President E. Ratcliffe Anderson, Jr, MD, said that Dr Lundberg "threatened the historic tradition and integrity of the Journal of the American Medical Association by inappropriately and inexcusably interjecting JAMA into a major political debate that has nothing to do with science or medicine." The article in question surveyed college students regarding their perceptions of whether certain sexual practices constituted having "had sex." [Sanders SA, Reinisch JM. Would you say you had sex if ...? JAMA 280 (1998), 275-7; compare to Clinton's defense] The study was conducted by leading researchers, was not solicited by JAMA, and underwent peer review and editorial scrutiny. The dismissal of Dr Lundberg has prompted widespread concern within the medical and scientific publishing communities. Innumerable commentators worldwide have interpreted Dr Lundberg's dismissal as a serious challenge to JAMA's editorial freedom and a direct threat to THE JOURNAL's historic tradition and integrity...."

A book review of Kevles, Daniel J. The Baltimore Case (New York: Norton, 1998, 500pp.) is in Probe 7 (No. 3, Jan 1999), 6-7. On the fate of whistleblowers in a Canadian MRC scandal, Nature 396 (1998), 715; and in general, MJA 169 (1998), 351-2; Nature 396 (1998), 404. Danish guidelines to prevent misconduct are introduced in Nature 397 (1999), 101. The union of concerned scientists Internet site is <www.ucsusa.org>. A book review of Scientific Blunders is NS (28 Nov. 1998), 48-9. Also on misconduct, NatBio 17 (1999), 12-13.

There is a need for monitoring the quality of information on the Internet, Eysenbach, G. & Diepgen, TL. "Towards quality management of medical information on the Internet: evaluation, labeling, and filtering of information", BMJ 317 (1998), 1496-502. A review of the trend for more Internet journals because of increasing costs and the expected loss of inprint journals, Nature 397 (1999), 195-200. On publishing ethics, JAMA 280 (1998), 1715; BMJ 317 (1998), 1721-2. Fraud in papers is reviewed in Lancet 352 (1998), siv11; BMJ 317 (1998), 1590-1. The copyright on papers distributed electronically is being reviewed in a US court case, Nature 396 (1998), 99. On publishing embargoes, Science 282 (1998), 860-7, 877.

A call for biotechnology companies to pay for independent research is made in NS (21 Nov. 1998), 59. UK companies are to receive an ethics guide for investing overseas from the Foreign Office, Financial Times (2 Jan. 1999), 5. On academic freedom, California Law Review (1998), 1377-89; and publishing controversial research, Science 282 (1998), 1045. A call for greater sensitivity in science to ethics is Science 282 (1998), 1813-4.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care

A manual on End-of-Life care is available from The St. Francis International Center for Healthcare Ethics, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. On arguments against mercy-killing, Tan SY "Why I do not believe in mercy-killing", Hawaii Medical J. 55 (Dec. 1996); Christian Bioethics 4 (1998), 115-21, 122-42, 183-201. Dr Jack Kervokian may escape conviction due to a legal technicality, BMJ 317 (1998), 1547; Lancet 352 (1998), 1838. He claims to have assisted 130 persons to die. An Australian, Dr Philip Nitschke has said he has helped 15 patients to die in Northern Territory, Australia, Lancet 352 (1998), 1838. On euthanasia laws, Lancet 352 (1998), 1863-4; and assisted suicide, NEJM 339 (1998), 1562-4, 1684-5; Nature 396 (1998), 232.

A paper on knowledge of illness is Hegedus, K. "Dying patients' awareness of sickness in Hungary", BME 142 (1998), 13-9. A new book, is Thomasma, DC. et al. Asking to Die. Inside the Dutch Debate about Euthanasia (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1998, 604pp., ISBN 0-7923-5185-1, GBP 126). On euthanasia in Canada, Health Law Review 7 (Fall 1998), 16-20. A Canadian court has ordered a DNR order be lifted from a hospital decision that a patient would deteriorate into PVS if resuscitated, Lancet 352 (1998), 1689. A series of papers on pain management are in J. Law, Medicine & Ethics 26 (1998), 265-352; and a book review on Palliative Care is JAMA 280 (1998), 1541; also BMJ 317 (1998), 1518-20; NEJM 339 (1998), 1478-81. On end-stage renal disease, Lancet 352 (1998), 1715.

Letters on the effect of witnesses resuscitation on bereaved relatives are Lancet 352 (1998), 1863. A UK report claims doctors are performing too many unnecessary operations on dying patients, BMJ 317 (1998), 1269 On the otherhand, an 80 year old man was denied a heart valve replacement in two Australian hospitals resulting in claims of ageism, BMJ 317 (1998), 1548; and also on ageism, Lancet 352 (1998), 1849-51. On the US way of death, Lancet 352 (1998), 1713; NEJM 339 (1998), 1793

Organ Transplants & Brain Death

There is growth of neural tissues, seen in advances in repair of rat spinal cord, NatMed 4 (1998), 1207; GEN (Dec. 1998), 1, 10, 47; Lancet 352 (1998), 1529; Science 282 (1998), 1018-9; Science News 154 (1998), 276; SA (Nov. 1998), 19-20. There are challenges to the idea of myoblast transplants in MD, Lancet 352 (1998), 1527; NatMed 4 (1998), 1208-9. The concept of brain death should be legally accepted in South Korea this year and a draft bill is being considered by Parliament, Lancet 352 (1998), 1996. A call for the rights of the dead to be protected for funerals etc. in the UK is called the Dead Citizens Carter, BMJ 317 (1998), 1472. A child who was intentionally buried 55,000 years ago is the oldest known intentional burial, Science News 154 (1998), 235.

The question of ownership of cord blood is discussed in Bioethics Examiner 2 (No. 4, Winter 1999), 1, 4. Cord blood is an alternative stem cell source to bone marrow, Lancet 352 (1998), 1835. Unmatched bone marrow can treat leukemia, BMJ 317 (1998), 1175. On placental blood transfusion, NEJM 339 (1998), 1565-77, 1628-9. A decline in altruism has endangered blood supplies in the UK, BMJ 317 (1998), 1405. On the supply and funding in Australia, MJA 169 (1998), 407-8; and in general, SA (Jan. 1999), 112-3. On selling eggs, University of Illinois at Chicago Dept. Medical Education Bulletin 5 (no.2, Jan 1999), 3-4. The question of consent is discussed in Clark, RE. "Bone-marrow donation by mentally incapable adults", Lancet 352 (1998), 1847-8. Legal issues in blood transfusion are reviewed in IDHL 49 (1998), 561-7.

A method to predict organ donation is proposed in AJPH 88 (1998), 1645-50. A paper on discrimination in organ transplants is Whitehead, AT. "Rejecting organs: The organ allocation process and the Americans with Disabilities Act", AJLM 24 (1998), 481-98. Better standards are called for in UK transplant services, BMJ 317 (1998), 1475. A review of cardiac transplants is JAMA 280 (1998), 1692-8. Retinal transplants could partially restore sight, NS (7 Nov. 1998), 23. Cochlear transplants are discussed in Lancet 352 (1998), 1836. A transplanted female crab claw onto a male adopted female behaviour, NS (14 Nov. 1998), 11.

Risks of viruses continue to be a fear in xenotransplants, Lancet 352 (1998), siv26; World Health 51 (No. 4, July 1998), 30. Herpes virus 8 can be transplant through kidney transplants, NEJM 339 (1998), 1358-63, 1391-2. On the risks and benefits of transplants in general, IDHL 49 (1998), 570-2. Transplant tolerance is discussed in NEJM 339 (1998), 1700-2; NS (12 Dec. 1998), 21; and a mismatch is better tolerated if between a mother and child than a father, probably because of pregnancy, NS (12 Dec. 1998), 29. The prospects of prolonging storage life of donor organs is explored in NS (7 Nov. 1998), 7.

Health Costs

On the need for epidemiology to make just health risks, Public Health 112 (1998), 287-8; Lancet 352 (1998), 1627, 1759; BMJ 317 (1998), 1469-70. Also on unjust health care distribution, MJA 169 (1998), 405-6, 508-9, 528-33; Supplement (19 Oct. 1998), S4-16; SA (Jan. 1999); Lancet 352 (1998), 1706-7, 1910; JAMA 280 (1998), 1717, 1744-5; NatMed 4 (1998), 1445-7; AJPH 88 (1998), 1603-4; World Health Forum 19 (1998), 235-43; BMJ 317 (1998), 1283-6, 1395, 1444-6, 1465-6, 1471, 1659, 1686; NEJM 339 (1998), 1644-5; SA (Jan. 1999), 19. The UK Human Rights Act will allow challenges if treatment is refused by a hospital, BMJ 317 (1998), 1339. On Chagas disease, Lancet 352 (1998), 1865. Gains in life expectancy from medicine are discussed in NEJM 339 (1998), 1943-4. A grandmother has a positive role in family health, BMJ 317 (1998), 1685. In Japan patients tend to get discharged on good days according to the calendar, Hira, K. et al. "Influence of superstition on the date of hospital discharge and medical cost in Japan: retrospective and descriptive study", BMJ 317 (1998), 1680-3.

A call against hospital privatization in Australia by nurses is Aust. Nursing J. 6 (Sept. 1998), 20-2; also Lancet 352 (1998), 1995. Decreased lengths of stay have negative effects on psychiatric patients also, Amer. J. Psychiatry 155 (1998), 905-9. Waiting lists tend to increase, MJA 169 (1998), 453-4; J. Public Health Medicine 20 (1998), 247-8. Papers on managed care are in Lancet 352 (1998), siv17; JAMA 280 (1998), 1739-40; Bioethics Outlook 9 (No. 3, Sept. 1998), 1-16; NEJM 339 (1998), 1516-21, 1697-8; 1925-6; and on accountability, JAMA 280 (1998), 1733-4. On Canadian health care, CMAJ 159 (1998), 1395-403; Egypt, Lancet 352 (1998), 1632; UK, BMJ 317 (1998), 1167-8, 1361-5, 1463, 1651-2; and the USA, JAMA 280 (1998), 1539, 1789-93, 1961; NEJM 339 (1998), 1933-8; AJPH 88 (1998), 1721-6; BMJ 317 (1998), 1513-7. On developing countries health, Lancet 352 (1998), 1777-9. Pets also have increased mortality in poorer families, BMJ 317 (1998), 1671-3.