Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - November 1999

Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 9 (1999), 180-192.

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 May 1999 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Abbreviations

News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

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

Genetic Engineering of Plants

Genome-wide mapping in Arabidopsis thaliana is reported in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 203-7. A review of some expected benefits from plant genomics to improve human health is Trends in Plant Sciences 4 (1999), 164-6. High resolution FISH in plants is reported in Trends in Plant Sciences 4 (1999), 258-63. A new method for gene engineering is discussed in SA (Oct. 1999), 48-9. Fluorescent proteins from nonbioluminescent Anthozoa species are useful as markers, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 969―73. Green fluorescent protein can be used as a marker for expression of a second gene in transgenic plants Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1125-9.

Geneticvally modified rice is expected to help fight malnutrition, JAMA 282 (1999), 1508-9. A study in radishes has found that they inherit protection from their parents who were exposed to caterpilars, NS (4 Sept. 1999), 4. Some crops can trick fungi into mass suicide, NS (18 Sept. 1999), 17. Viral resistance is reviewed in Trends in Plant Sciences 4 (1999), 452-7. On inesct resistance, Hukuhara, T. et al. "Increased baculovirus susceptibility of armyworm larvae feeding on transgenic rice plants expressing an entomopoxvirus gene", Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),1122-4.

Genetic engineering of the unsaturation of plant membrane fatty acids has altered salt stress tolerance, Trends in Plant Sciences 4 (1999), 249; PNAS 96 (1999), 5862-7. Bioplastics are discussed in Slater, S. et al. "Metabolic engineering of Arabidopsis and Brassica for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer production", Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1011―6, 960.Methods to improve drought tolerance in maize are reported in Crop Science 39 (1999), 1306-24. Transgenic potatoes that produce an oral HBV vaccine have been made, Lancet 354 (1999), 1707. Plants genetically modified to produce N-acylhomoserine lactones communicate with bacteria, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),1017―20; Engineered detoxification confers resistance against a pathogenic bacterium, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),1021―4, 958.

Genetic Engineering of Animals
An Italian scientist is being investigated after alledgely doing cow cloning experiments, Lancet 354 (1999), 1365. Epigenetics means that cloned mice (or other animals) may be quite distinct individuals, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 16. The testing of behavioural genetics in mice is debated in Science 285 (1999), 2068-71. The noise pigs make could be be a sign of disease, NS (16 Oct. 1999), 20.

Results from a study using a Parkinson's disease model in primates are discussed in GEN (15 Nov. 1999), 6, 41. A radiation hybrid map of zebrafish genome is reported in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 86-9; PNAS 96 (1999), 10554-6. A miscopied gene is related to antifreeze ability in some fish, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 6; Nature 401 (1999), 443-4. A virtual fishtank is reported in Nature 401 (1999), 319. A protein that mediates left-right asymmetry has been isolated, Nature 401 (1999), 243-51.

The company Chromos Molecular Systems has created transgenic mice that contain artificial chromosomes, GEN (15 Nov. 1999), 19. In general on transgenic mice models, GEN (1 Nov. 1999), 14, 45; on obesity, JAMA 282 (1999), 1507-8; PNAS 96 (1999), 12050-5; motor neuron disease, Laboratory Animal Science 49 (1999), 480-7; on a cancer models, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1285-91; Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 176-84; and on multiple sclerosis, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 258-9, 343-7. Mice models of benzodiazepine side effects have helped studies, Lancet 354 (1999), 1451. Mice lacking all conventional MHC class II genes are reported in PNAS 96 (1999), 10338-43.

Mice as models of sleep are discussed in Science News 156 (1999), 100. Mice with ALS do not show apoptosis, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 966-7; and mice that live longer are reported in Nature 401 (1999), 243-5. Mice deficient for proopiomelanocortin are reported in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 984-5; and on agouti, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 254-5. Some examples of sick mice among the disease models include: Eya1-deficient mice lack ears and kidneys, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 113-7; congenital nephrotic syndrome is reported in mice lacking CD2-associated protein, Science 285 (1999). P2Y1-deficient mice have increased bleeding time, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1199-203; and DiGeorge syndrome mice have congenital heart disease, Nature 401 (1999), 379-83. A mutant mouse archive in Europe is facing uncertainty over an EC Framework funding change, Nature 402 (1999), 4; and a database is being established to standardize mouse phenotyping, Nature 401 (1999), 833.

Designer Molecules
Rational drug design is discussed in GEN (15 Nov. 1999), 1, 30, 47. Sustained oscillations in living cells are reported in Nature 402 (1999), 320-2.

Enzymes may be useful to treat Alzheimers, Science 286 (1999), 650-1. On catabolic antibodies, GEN (15 Nov. 1999),15, 29, 47. An enzymatic globin has been found in a marine worm, Nature 401 (1999), 445. Industrial biosensors are reviewed in GEN (1 Nov. 1999), 1, 17, 28; PNAS 96 (1999), 12219-21. Polymerizable Fab' antibody fragments for targeting of anticancer drugs are reported in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),1101―4.

Biotechnology & the Public
A new collection of references on public surveys is in the second edition of the European Federation Biotechnology Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology handbook, Biotechnology for non-specialists (July 1999). It includes a list of references to biotech information and a directory of organizations and contact details. Contact: Dr. Ana Maria Bravo-Angel, EFB. The conference proceedings of the IX International Congress on Plant Tissue and Cell Culture (IAPTAC, Jerusalem, Israel, 14-19 June 1998) have been published as A. Sasson, Plant Biotechnology-derived Products: Market-value Estimates and Public Acceptance (Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, UNESCO, 1999). The two major parts of the book are pp. 17-86 on transgenic crops, and pp. 87-154 on public acceptance. A book review of Deane-Drummond, C. Theology and Biotechnology: Implication for a New Science, by D. Macer is in Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 188-9. Fear of biotechnology is debated in Science 286 (1999), 1091. The proceedings of the Asahi Newspaper symposium on GMOs on 3 Sept. 1999, are on-line and published in a book, in Japanese at (spin.asahi.com) site. The English proceedings will be on-line at Euvios site in January 2000.

A commentary on public decision making by experts only is Nature 401 (1999), 531. On the question of how scientists think, Nicholas, B. "Molecular geneticsts and moral responsibility: "maybe if we were working on the atom bomb I would have a different argument", Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 515-30. Knowledge of genes and heredity among Finns is reported in New Genetics and Society 18 (1999), 101-10. The debate on biotech in the UK is discussed in New Genetics and Society 18 (1999), 47-64, 79-100. A comment by MS. Swaminathan on how the gene revolution may help feed the world is Int. Herald Tribune (23 Oct. 1998), 6. Sweden and France top the list of countries that spend the most on education, Nature 401 (1999), 420. Also on education, Science 285 (1999), 2073-4; SA (Oct. 1999), 86-93. Agricultural higher education is transforming Central and Eastern Europe, Agricultural Economics 21 (1999), 109-20. Scientific communication and vanity are discussed in Science 285 (1999), 53-4.

A paper on risk is Thompson, PB. "The ethics of truth-telling and the problem of risk", Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 489-510; with a commentary on pp. 511-4. On risk management, Renn, O. "A model for an analytic-deliberative process in risk management", EST 33 (1999), 3049-55; Finch, V. "Security, insolvency and risk: Who pays the price?", Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 633-70 (on business risk). Several books on risk include: Beck, Ulrich, World Risk Society (Cambridge: Polity Press, 1999, 184pp.); Culpitt, Ian, Social Policy and Risk (London: SAGE Publications 1999, 180pp.); Margolis, Howard, Dealing with Risk. Why the public and the experts disagree on environmental issues (University of Chicago Press, 1996, 227pp.). A paper looking at the speed of adoption of technology in Kenyan agriculture, Agricultural Economics 21 (1999), 121-30.

The Vatican Pontifical Academy for Life has decided that the altering of the genes of animals and plants is theologically acceptable, Japan Times (29 Nov. 1999), 10; Observer (Nov. 1999). Science and religion are discussed in Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 151-8; Science 286 (1999), 907-8; Nature 401 (1999), 211-2. Comments on the Kansas teaching ban on evolution include Nature 401 (1999), 200; Science 285 (1999), 1849; 356 (1999), 411, 659; SA (Nov. 1999), 22, 24.

The concept of science in human culture is discussed in Garruto, RM. Et al. "Natural experimental models: The global search for biomedical paradigms among traditional, modernizing, and modern populations", PNAS 96 (1999), 10536-43. A book review on Gieryn, TR. Cultural Boundaries of Science: Credibility on the Line (Univ. Chicago Press 1999, 398pp.) is Nature 401 (1999), 328; and on theories of biology, Science 285 (1999), 1856-7. On science education, Science 286 (1999), 237.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
A new book is Michael W. Fox, Beyond Evolution. The Genetically Altered Future of Plants, Animals, the Earth… and Humans (The Lyons Press, 1999, 256pp., US$25). It has 11 chapters looking at non-human genetic engineering, with several on the issue of coorporate control. It also includes a chapter on food safety. The final chapter is titled "Saving the seeds of humanity from spiritual corruption", which is one of the themes of the book. It generally focuses on the negative side of genetic enginering, and is against the new imperalism.

A general paper with many interesting photos is Shreeve, J. "Secrets of the gene", National Geographic (Oct. 1999), 42-75. Anti-GM crop protesters have increased activity in the US Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1053―4. A negative advert on genetic engineering is New York Times (26 Oct. 1999), A15 (www.turnpoint.org). Negative reactions in Europe have made US farmers wonder how they can segregate their crops, Nature 401 (1999), 107; NS (25 Sept. 1999), 18-9; Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 941. Poor harvesting is causing many losses (about 10%) in India, Financial Times (19 Oct. 1999), 26. On the GMO debate in Japan Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 939. On the future of sustainable agriculture with GE, Nature 401 (1999), 829; 402 (1999), 231-2. The Global Biosafety talks have stalled again, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1047.

Biosafety and the WTO are discussed in GeneWatch 12 (Oct. 1999), 8-9; and developing countries are seeking guidance, Nature 401 (1999), 831-2. New Zealand is being open to more international GM trials, Fitzsimons, J. "Genetic engineering: the view from new Zealand", The Ecologist 29 (August 1999), 294-7. There is a criticism of AgrEvo as it promotes biotech in Splice 6 (Nov. 1999), 10-1. Book reviews of Alibek, K., Biohazard (London: Hutchinson 1999, 18 pds, 340pp.) are BMJ 319 (1999), 1077; Lancet 354 (1999), 1568-9. On the risks of Bt resistance emerging, Nature 401 (1999), 207; NS (9 Oct. 1999), 22-3; Renner, R. "Will Bt-based pest resistance management plans work?", EST 33 (1999), 410-5A. The risks of TMV spread are debated in Science 286 (1999), 903; as are resistance genes spread, NS (4 Sept. 1999), 20; Trends in Plant Science 4 (1999), 247-8, 339. Certain sequences are easier for trans species movement, Flavell, AJ. "Long terminal repeat retro-transposons jump between species", PNAS 96 (1999), 12211-2. UK government mistakes may result in some crop plantings being ploughed up in technicalities, NS (25 Sept. 1999), 5. Overall the 1999 year saw a 44% increase in area of GM crop plantings in the world, Nature 402 (1999), 10.

A review paper on economic issues is Qaim, M. "The economic effects of genetically modified orphan commodities: Projections for sweetpotato in Kenya", ISAAA Briefs No. 13 - 1999 (32pp.). Generally there are positive projections suggested. Monsanto company announced that it will not sell terminator technology in plants, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1054; Japan Times (6 Oct. 1999), 12. The GMO panic has also affected drugs Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 939. On biological invasion, Science 285 (1999), 1834-6. Mosquito fish that were introduced to eat larvae are having negative impact on amphibians, NS (28 Aug. 1999), 14.

Biowarfare research in World War II is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 822. Efforts are being made to combat bioterrorism, AJPH 89 (1999), 1629-31. Confidentiality is important for bioweapons control, Nature 401 (1999), 424. A report from Canada's only level-4 containment laboratory is CMAJ 161 (1999), 1171-2.

Vaccines & Diseases
A 15 year old study has shown that BCG vaccine is not effective in India, Lancet 354 (1999), 1619. A Hib trial in The Gambia has reduced the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis, Lancet 354 (1999), 1091. Letters on type 1 diabetes and Hib vaccine are in BMJ 319 (1999), 1133. On risks of MMR vaccine and autism, Lancet 354 (1999), 949-51. On pertussis transmission in France, Lancet 354 (1999), 1699-700. A social study on acceptance of vaccination is SSM 49 (1999), 1705-16. DNA vaccines are discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 1623-4. There are fears that use of DNA vaccines in fish may lead to food scares in Japan and Europe, if people get confused with GM food, NS (28 Aug. 1999), 4. A universal influenza A vaccine is reported in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1119-20, 1157-63; Science News 156 (1999), 228. The anti-flu drug zanamir may not reduce mortality from the flu, BMJ 319 (1999), 659.

The US Congress has been examining childhood vaccine safety, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 970. A call for more vaccine research is in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1089. On cancer vaccine development, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1124-5. The idea of painless vaccines is being pursued, Science News 156 (1999), 164. The FDA is considering using tumour cells for vaccine development, Science 285 (1999), 1826-7. A nerve gas antidote is considered to be one possible cause of Gulf War illness, BMJ 319 (1999), 1154; NS (30 Oct. 1999), 16. On the fears of ancient viruses in frozen ice, NS (4 Sept. 1999), 4. Emerging marine diseases are discussed in Science 285 (1999), 1505-10.

A report on the Nipah-virus disease, from pigs to humans, in 1999, is Paton, NI. Et al. "Outbreak of Nipah-virus infection among abattoir workers in Singapore", Lancet 354 (1999), 1253-6; Chua, KB, et al. "Falat encephalitis due to Nipah virus among pig farmers in Malaysia", Lancet 354 (1999), 1257-9, 1222-3. Encephalitis in New York is discussed following a public health response that involved malathion spraying, Lancet 354 (1999), 1221; BMJ 319 (1999), 941; Science 285 (1999), 206-7. The use of rapid malaria test by tourists is reported in Lancet 354 (1999), 1609. There is increased incidence of malaria in Ethiopia for children living near dams, BMJ 319 (1999), 651-2, 663-6. On malaria, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 969; Lancet 354 (1999), 1123; NS (18 Sept.1999), 13; (2 Oct. 1999), 23; Science News 156 (1999), 148; Science 285 (1999), 1502-3; EST 33 (1999), 444-5A. On tuberculosis, Lancet 354 (1999), 1036; BMJ 319 (1999), 1220. On microbes and cancer, BMJ 319 (1999), 1207; and Helicobacter pylori and heart disease, BMJ 319 (1999), 537-41, 1157-62.

The risks of BSE from drugs of bovine origin is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1304-5. The FDA banned blood donation from people who lived more than 6 months in the UK between 1980 to 1997, BMJ 319 (1999), 535. Japan followed this decision also, also for fears of BSE or prion disease. France is still resisting to lift the ban on British beef, despite the EC decision to do so, NS (14 Nov. 1999), 14. Stunning methods used in the UK may have a risk of spreading brain tissue around the tissue in the animal, NS (23 Oct. 1999), 6. The question whether prions work with other agents is Science 285 (1999), 660-2.

The overuse of antibiotics in farms threatens human health also, BMJ 319 (1999), 1239-40; and the European Commission is considering an early ban on some, Financial Times (20 Oct. 1999). On antibiotic resistance, Lancet 354 (1999), 1052; Nature 401 (1999), 233. The extent of antibiotic use in Taiwan was measured by antimicrobial activity in urine, Lancet 354 (1999), 1360. However catheters that are impregnated with antibiotics may stop bacteria building up, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 7; and antibiotics can stop trachoma, Science News 156 (1999), 203. Antibiotics may be useful to treat MD, Science News 156 (1999), 84.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The ethics of HIV trials in developing countries and the NEJM are discussed in Probe 7 (Oct. 1999), 3-4. A review from an African law is Ngwena, C., "South Africa's Employment Equity Act and HIV in the workplace: balancing business imperatives with worker's dignity", IAB News 10 (Autumn 1999), 4-9.

The vertical transmission rates of HIV in the UK are being reduced by medical interventions, BMJ 319 (1999), 1211-2, 1227-9. An African trial has found the HIVNET 012 nevirapine regime to be effective, Lancet 354 (1999), 795-802, 803-9; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 963, 1093, 1217. The UK High Court judge case where a 5 month old infant was ordered to have a HIV test is debated in BME 151 (1999), 1, 7-8; BMJ 319 (1999), 658; Lancet 354 (1999), 884. In New York there is state-mandated voluntary newborn HIV testing, O&G 94 (1999), 647-52; AJPH 89 (1999), 1583. A recommendation for universal antenatal HIV testing is Ades, AE. Et al. "Cost effectiveness analysis of antenatal HIV screening in UK", BMJ 319 (1999), 1230-4, 1069-70, 1275. The question of cesarean delivery for babies from HIV infected mothers is discussed in O&G 94 (1999), 795-8, 799-801. Assisted reproductive technology for couples infected with HIV is discussed in F&S 72 (1999), 592-4. Caring for children with HIV is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1287-90.

Sexual ethics is debated in Ainslie, DC. "AIDS, sexual ethics, and the duty to warn", HCR 29 (Sept 1999), 26-35. Also on partner notification, O&G 94 (1999), 399-402. On safe sex, NS (25 Sept. 1999), 14; AJPH 89 (1999), 1397-405. The Indian navy policies on HIV-positive personnel have been said to be discriminatory, Lancet 354 (1999), 1187. On human rights and HIV, AJPH 89 (1999), 1479-82; SSM 49 (1999), 1519-28.

Race-specific HIV-1 effects are associated with CCR5 haplotypes, PNAS 96 (1999), 12004-9. AIDS has cut life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa by one quarter, BMJ 319 (1999), 806; Lancet 354 (1999), 1492; on Mumbai, India AIDS mortality, Lancet 354 (1999), 1175-6; and on global pandemic, NEJM 341 (1999), 1046-50; BMJ 319 (1999), 1086; Lancet 354 (1999), 1187; JAMA 282 (1999), 1216-7. Drug use in Burma is linked to HIV, Lancet 354 (1999), 1119.

On AIDS vaccine research, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1004-9, 1220; Science 285 (1999), 1062-3; Lancet 354 (1999), 948-9. UNAIDS is to publish HIV-vaccine-trial ethics guidance, Lancet 354 (1999), 923. HIV continues to disseminate during HAART treatment, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1099-103; JAMA 282 (1999), 1317-8; PNAS 96 (1999), 10958-61; Nature 401 (1999), 874-5. A large clinical trial is underway to test IL-2, Science 285 (1999), 2039-41. On new drugs, Science News 156 (1999), 230. South Africa has said that AZT may be too toxic for use against AIDS, Nature 402 (1999), 3, 217, 225; Lancet 354 (1999), 1711; but the government is targeting AIDS, Lancet 354 (1999), 844.

Book reviews of Hooper, Ed., The River: A Journey to the Source of HIV and AIDS (Little Brown and Company, 1999, 1104pp.), are, Lancet 354 (1999), 1129-30; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1117-8; Nature 401 (1999), 325-6; NS (4 Sept. 1999), 3; (13 Nov. 1999), 54-5. It considers whether polio vaccine tests in the 1950s in Africa started the AIDS virus. Still researchers are testing chimpanzees faeces to see if the origin lies there, NS (11 Sept. 1999), 25; and on evolutionary genetics in humans, PNAS 96 (1999), 10559-61. A sixth of new cases of HIV in the UK are drug resistant strains, BMJ 319 (1999), 870; JAMA 282 (1999), 1135-41; Lancet 354 (1999), 1120-1. On management of HIV, Lancet 354 (1999), 1660-1.

A study in Germany has found that children who underwent cardiac surgery before hepatitis C blood donor screening have a high risk of infection, NEJM 341 (1999), 866-70. A UK surgeon infected a patient with hepatitis C, BMJ 319 (1999), 1219. Holland is considering obligatory hepatitis B tests for surgeons, BMJ 319 (1999), 1219. New therapies for hepatitis B are described in Lancet 354 (1999), 1662-3. On hemophilia and AIDS, book reviews are Lancet 354 (1999), 959, 1132-3; NEJM 341 (1999), 1627.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies
Supercritical water can clean up dirty fuel into a cleaner source of energy, NS (16 Oct. 1999), 21. A simple palladium catalysis at high temperature in water can oxidise toxic chemicals like nerve gas, NS (28 Aug. 1999), 17. The influence of environmental changes on the degradation of chiral pollutants is reported in Nature 401 (1999), 898-901.

The modulation of cadmium uptake in phytoplankton is reported in Nature 402 (1999), 165-7. New techniques allow better detection of dirty beaches, EST 33 (1999), 353-4A. On advances in methods to detect oral bioavailability of inorganics, EST 33 (1999), 3697-700.

Environmental Issues
A paper on environmental ethics in Chinese is in Center for Applied Ethics Newsletter (Beijing) 2 (June 1999), 1-4. On holism in the writing of Kurt Goldstein, In Context 2 (Fall 1999), 14-9. An essay on the attitudes to the environment of North American Indians is NS (23 Oct. 1999), 56-9. Reciprocal links between evolution, ecology and ethics are discussed in BioScience 48 (1999), 911-21. Some are objecting to the UNDP cooperating with industry, The Ecologist 29 (August 1999), 318-21; also on sustainability and business, Environment 41 (Oct. 1999), 30-43; EST 33 (1999), 416-20A. A discussion of why some international environmental agreements are successful is Environment 41 (Oct. 1999), 20-9. On environmental management, EST 33 (1999), 376-9A.

A review of Villiers, M. Water Wars: Is the World’s Water Running Out? (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1999, 413pp.) is Nature 401 (1999), 212-3. A summary of a workshop held on "Water Resources for the Next Millennium" (69pp.) at Loyola College, Chennai, India, is available from Dr. M. Selvanayagam, Zoology Dept., Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India. Arsenic pollution in water is discussed in Everyman's Science 34 (April 1999), 2-3, 15-22; Nature 401 (1999), 545-7. On drinking water, MJA 171 (1999), 397-8. Lakes in the UK are less acid than ten years ago, Nature 401 (1999), 537-8; but still in Canada 100,000 lakes are in danger, EST 33 (1999), 352-3A. The water laws in the US have cleaned up some lakes, EST 33 (1999), 3477-81.

A paper on a chemists approach to the greenhouse gas problem is in Convergence 1 (April 1999), 49-54. The US is encouraging more carbon sequestration research, Nature 401 (1999), 309, 315; EST 33 (1999), 448-9A. The difficulty of predicting climate change is being acknowleged more, NS (18 Sept. 1999), 5; Science News 156 (1999), 136-8; Nature 401 (1999), 223-4, 642. Thermal expansion of the oceans will cause ocean levels to rise several metres at least which will remove Islands from above sea level, NS (30 Oct. 1999), 5. On the possible extermination of the human species, Nature 402 (1999), 125. Japan has joined the US in a new Arctic climate change research centre, Science 285 (1999), 1827. Energy production is discussed in NS (13 Nov. 1999), 12; and the oil crunch in Science 285 (1999), 47; NS (9 Oct. 1999), 26. Future car technology and fuel cells are reviewed in EST 33 (1999), 458-62A. A Japanese construction company, Kajima Corp. has announced it has used microorganisms to decompose 200 kg organic garbage a day into methane, as an energy producer, Japan Times (19 Oct. 1999), 2. Australia has the highest per capita carbon emissions, Nature 402 (1999), 109. The effect of increased carbon on the biosphere is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 1851-2.

A review is Reill, J. et al. "Multi-gas assessment of the Kyoto Protocol", Nature 401 (1999), 549-55; and on the costs for the USA of meeting targets, Science 286 (1999), 905-6. A book review on the Kyoto Protocol - A Guide and Assessment (Earthscan 1999) is Nature 402 (1999), 233-4. A study of trapped gas suggests that the end of the last ice age, 15000 years ago occured with a rise of 9C in several decades, Science 285 (1999), 930-4. On the carbon cycles and past climate, Nature 401 (1999), 741-2, 752-3; Science 285 (1999), 1500-1. Climate change regulates plate tectonics in Venus, Science 286 (1999), 87-90. On El Nino, NS (9 Oct. 1999), 36-9; and Indian ocean changes, Nature 401 (1999), 337-8.

The oceans appear to be leaking into the mantle at a rate of one billion tonnes a year, which means the earth may be dry in one billion years time, NS (11 Sept. 1999), 4. Forest fires are upsetting weather, NS (16 Oct. 1999), 15. The dry lands in USA are discussed in Nature 401 (1999), 215. Desert forestation may help solve the growing carbon levels, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 25; but still it will not be enough, NS (23 Oct. 1999), 20-1. A study on unraveling aircraft impacts on the atmosphere is Science 286 (1999), 57-8. The influence of NOx emissions from ships is studied in Nature 402 (1999), 167-70. Toxic releases from power plants are reviewed in EST 33 (1999), 3062-7.

The UV-B levels in New Zealand are 12% higher than 10 years ago, due to ozone depletion, Science 285 (1999), 1647-8. On sunlight and health, BMJ 319 (1999), 1067-9; and on melanin, Science News 156 (1999), 190-1. An Australian study has found less cases of schizophrenia in El Nino years, which may be related to vitamin D production that is higher under sunlight, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 27. Trends in vertical distribution of ozone are reviewed in Science 285 (1999), 1689-90.

Car emission standards have improved rural air quality, Science News 156 (1999), 198. A book review of Air Pollution and Health is Lancet 354 (1999), 1653. A paper on the US situation is Burtraw, D. & Mansur, E. "The environmental effects of SO2 trading and banking", EST 33 (1999), 3489-94. A review on the international effects of reducing lead in gasoline are in EST 33 (1999), 3942-8. The health benefits in China of greenhouse gas control are described in EST 33 (1999), 3056-61. Smog kills twice as may people as car accidents in Europe, EST 33 (1999), 355A.

Studies of endocrine disrupters in frogs have found the thyroid involved, Science News 156 (1999), 212; Nature 401 (1999), 763-4. On the legacy of Rachel Carson, The Ecologist 29 (August 1999), 322-4. Methods to screen for persistent organic pollutants are reviewed in EST 33 (1999), 3482-8; EST 33 (1999), 368-74A. A book review of Proctor, RN. The Nazi War on Cancer, is Nature 401 (1999), 425-6. Clearing up of mines is discussed in NS (13 Nov. 1999), 52-3. Hydrocarbon emissions from plants are reviewed in papers in Ecological Applications 9 (1999), 1107-1176. Asbestos dust is causing health problems in California, EST 33 (1999), 348-9A.

Biodiversity
The problems of biodiversity loss are discussed in Sale, JB. "Biodiversity loss in the developing world and sustainable development", Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 129-38. Ecosystem assessment is reviewed in Science 286 (1999), 685-6. The economic worth of ecological diversity is discussed in Nature 401 (1999), 323-4. The possible impacts of farming the oceans are discussed in NS (2 Oct. 1999), 34-6. Sustaining the fish already in the ocean is proving difficult, EST 33 (1999), 452-7A.

150 countries supported the Recife Initiative to increase funding for the prevention of desertification on 27 Nov. 1999 in Brazil. Vegetation affects the rate of a desert growth, SA (Oct. 1999), 36-7. There will be an investigation of Lake Vostok, isolated from the biosphere for one million years, Nature 401 (1999), 203. Papers on the Arctic tundra are in Ambio 28 (1999), 209-91. On hot spring biodiversity, Nature 401 (1999), 644. The damage from clearing India mangrove forests is increasing, NS (6 Nov. 1999), 12. Marine oil drilling has left an unlikely haven for some corals on the legs of oil platforms, NS (6 Nov. 1999), 16. Many old tree species are endangered, especially conifers, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 15. Deforestation affects gene flow and seed dispersal, Nature 401 (1999), 129; TREE 14 (1999), 378-9. On plant biodiversity, Science 286 (1999), 1123+.

A review of efforts to save the California condor is BioScience 49 (1999), 864-8. African apes and monkeys are expected to be lost in the near future, NS (23 Oct. 1999), 17. The use of biotechnology to safe endangered species is discussed in NS (2 Oct. 1999), 40-3.

Animal Rights
The Smithsonian Institution cancelled a program on pate de foie gras after pressure from animal rights groups, Probe 7 (Nov 1999), 3-4. There are violent threats on many researchers, NS (6 Nov. 1999), 5; Nature 402 (1999), 7; Science 286 (1999), 1059. The Indian government has been sued over the release of monkeys from the National Institute of Nutrition, Lancet 354 (1999), 846. A review on development of more humane testing is Science 285 (1999), 1068-71. There is an increase in the number of animal rights courses being offered in the USA, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 973. The Coulston Foundation in the US, the largest chimp care facility, has reached a deal with the government to settle claims it was substandard, Nature 401 (1999), 101; Science 285 (1999), 1649-50. It includes relocating some chimps retired from the space program, NS (6 Nov. 1999), 15.

A book review on children’s learning is NS (Oct. 1999), 52-3; Nature 401 (1999), 643-4; Science 285 (1999), 1673-4; 286 (1999), 59-60; and on Toys, NS (Oct. 1999), 38-41. Low status monkeys play dumb when learning in mixed social groups, PNAS 96 (1999), 12965-9. The question of what is human nature and neuroscience is discussed in Brown, WS. & Jeeves, MA. "Portraits of human nature: Reconciling neuroscience and Christian anthropology", Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 139-50. Emotions and decision-making are discussed in Science News 156 (1999), 59, 88-90; Nature 401 (1999), 847-9. On memory, Lancet 354 (1999), 1532; Science 285 (1999), 1503-4; and sleep, NS (25 Sept. 1999), 3, 26-30. A family with an early to bed, early to rise mutation has been found, Lancet 354 (1999), 840. Coevolution of language and brain is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 715. Sex differences in behaviour may be in the eye of the beholder mainly, NS (Oct. 1999), 52-3. Animal communication was the subject of a conference, Science 285 (1999), 1480-1. On the brain, BMJ 319 (1999), 587; AJHG 65 (1999), 1215-21; NS (9 Oct. 1999), 30-4. A video has been released of what cats see, based on neural signals, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 17. The oldest playable musical instruments have been found from a Chinese site 9000 years old, Nature 401 (1999), 366-7.

Selfishness and cooperation is discussed in BioScience 49 (1999), 899-909. There are ecological implications for wolf behaviour changes in response to climate seen in Nature 401 (1999), 905-7.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
The European Commission has adopted a proposal to ban the sale and marketing of BST, Splice 6 (Nov. 1999), 3.

A study found that long-term treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with gamma 1b interferon has benefits, NEJM 341 (1999), 1264-9, 1302-4. Too much growth hormone can be cause disease in critically ill patients, NEJM 341 (1999), 785-92, 837-9; Lancet 354 (1999), 1007, 1403-4. Pituitary surgery for acromegaly is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 588-9. A trial on insulin regimes is BMJ 319 (1999), 1223-7. Delivery of a biologically active protein in mice across the blood brain barrier is reported in Science 285 (1999), 1569-72; also Lancet 354 (1999), 1102. A dose-response relationship was observed with fat and weight loss after subcutaneous injection with recombinant leptin, JAMA 282 (1999), 1568-75.

Antibodies may be able to treat overdoses, Science News (28 Aug 1999), 134.

Food safety
In the UK the Food Ethics Council has added ethical reasons (including socio-economic considerations) as one factor in approval of new foods, Guardian (21 Oct. 1999); also NS (11 Sept. 1999), 15. In Holland the Health Council is responsible for safety assessment of novel foods, Network (August 1999), 5. On voluntary labeling of food in Canada, The Ram's Horn 173 (Sept. 1999), 1-2; Lancet 354 (1999), 1537; and on policy in British Columbia, The Ram's Horn 174 (Nov. 1999), 4-5. On the EC food safety commissioner, Lancet 354 (1999), 1012. A new book is Teitel, M. & Wilson, K. Genetically Engineered Foods: Changing the Nature of Nature (Park Street Press, 1999, 144pp., ISBN 0-89281-888-3), see GeneWatch 12 (Oct. 1999), 17-8. A series of papers on allergy testing from GM food as a conference review are C&B Bulletin 2 (Nov. 1999), 1-12. Comments that GM food may be useful for poorer countries are in NS (18 Sept. 1999), 3.

The publication of the Pusztai paper has re-activated the debate on that trial, Ewen, SWB. & Pusztai, A. "Effect of diets containing genetically modified potatoes expressing Galanthus nivalis lectin on rat small intestine", Lancet 354 (1999), 1353-4. Also on the unknown effects of lectins, and on safety of GM food, Lancet 354 (1999), 1354-5, 1382, 1312-4, 1725-30. There has been criticism of the journal for publishing the paper, Science 286 (1999), 656; NS (16 Oct. 1999), 6-7; BMJ 319 (1999), 1089; Nature 401 (1999), 731; Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1047. On the debate, Nature 401 (1999), 640-1; 402 (1999), 228, 229; Lancet 354 (1999), 1314-6. A discussion of when Europeans may accept raw GM food is NS (30 Oct. 1999), 12. Social phobias are discussed in FDA Consumer (Nov. 1999), 27-33.

Substantial equivalence is discussed in Splice 6 (Nov. 1999), 4-5; Nature 401 (1999), 525-6, 640; Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1042―3. Regulation of nutraceuticals is in Science 285 (1999), 1853-5; and on functional foods, Lancet 354 (1999), 794. In the USA there are about 75 million cases a year of foodborne illness, BMJ 319 (1999), 873. On the EU food agency and biotech Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),945. Quantitation of genetically modified organisms in food is discussed in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1137―8.

The American desire for sugar-free sweeteners is discussed in FDA Consumer (Nov. 1999), 12-16. Orange juice can increase cancer protection, Science News 156 (1999), 166; as do fruits and vegetables, AJPH 89 (1999), 1390-6; JAMA 282 (1999), 1233-9. SNPs can help predict cancer prediction and diet links, PNAS 96 (1999), 12216-8. Green teas benefits are described in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1216. Also on nutrition, F&S 72 (1999), 579-91; JAMA 282 (1999), 1576-8, 1579-81.

Reducing television watching can reduce children’s obesity, JAMA 282 (1999), 1561-7; also NEJM 341 (1999), 1097-105, 1140-1. The prevalance of obesity in UK children is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1039, 1103-4. About half US adults are overweight and face extra disease risks, JAMA 282 (1999), 1504-6, 1519-22, 1523-9, 1530-8. On anorexia in pigs as a model, NS (Oct. 1999), 5. Leptin response requires neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1188-93. Food contamination by PCBs and dioxins is discussed in Nature 401 (1999), 231-2. Olestra can help the body remove dioxins, NS (23 Oct. 1999), 26.

A study on mite found mate choice depends on diet, Nature 401 (1999), 581-4. On flavoured foods for sheep, Animal Science 69 (1999), 313-25.

Disease Risks & Drugs
A summary of medicinal plant and food use from a culinary competition in India is Honey Bee 10 (No. 3, July-Sept. 1999), 3-4. Complementary medicine is discussed in Bioethics Examiner 3 (Fall 1999), 1-2; Probe 8 (Dec. 1999), 1, 4-5; Issues in Medical Ethics 7 (Dec. 1999), 109-112. The trial of so-called SouthAfrica7s Dr. Death is discussed in Newsweek (18 Oct. 1999), 35. The issue of heroin injecting rooms in Catholic Health care Services is discussed in Bioethics Research Notes 11 (Sept. 1999), 1-2. Debate continues on the use of tamoxifen, Lancet 354 (1999), 841, 1007. A book review of The Elusive Magic Bullet: The Search for the Perfect Drug is NEJM 341 (1999), 1320-1. On testing of healthcare, BMJ 319 (1999), 652-3. The decision to stop the PETACC-1 clinical trial is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1045.

Some two year olds are even prescribed behaviour changing drugs now, NS (6 Nov. 1999), 17. Direct to consumer drug advertising is a billion dollar business in the USA, BMJ 319 (1999), 591, 805, 1208. There have been accusations that DrKoop.com’s web site is advertising, BMJ 319 (1999), 727. Education of health practioners in the UK had a positive impact on educating old persons, BMJ 319 (1999), 683-7; and educating in general, BMJ 319 (1999), 943-8. A too clean life may not be good for the immune system, Science News 156 (1999), 108-10. There have been calls foir better dioxin testing in Europe, Lancet 354 (1999), 1276. On the use of thalidomide as an anticancer drug, Lancet 354 (1999), 925, 1705; NEJM 341 (1999), 1606-9.

The use of tissue culture systems for toxicity testing is reviewed in BIOforum International 3 (2/99), 70-3. There is controversy over the pesticide chlorfenapyr in the USA for its possible harm to animals, SA (Oct. 1999), 26, 30. On the ethics of pesticide testing in humans is discussed in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 972. Public health lobbying is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1425-9; BMJ 319 (1999), 839-40. On the history of public health, JAMA 282 (1999), 1589. New global health targets of WHO are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 700-3.

Some people exposed to water contaminated with aluminium sulphate had brain damage after the Camelford water incident, BMJ 319 (1999), 807-11. Aluminium dust may be associated with neurotoxicity, Lancet 354 (1999), 1575-6. State housing policy not to have lead-based paints has reduced lead poisoning in Massachusetts, AJPH 89 (1999), 1690-5. On the use of fluoride, Lancet 354 (1999), 74-5. The seasonality of birth of children with diabetes in Europe is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 887-8. Asthma is rising in poor urban areas, and it is not sure why, SA (Nov. 1999), 19-20.

A wide variation was found in a study, Simon, GE. Et al. "An international study of the relation between somatic symptoms and depression", NEJM 341 (1999), 1329-35; see also, AJPH 89 (1999), 1312-3. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults is discussed in MJA 171 (1999), 421-5. However one can also get weak with laughter, Lancet 354 (1999), 838. A UK study has not found a link between breast cancer and stressful life events, BMJ 319 (1999), 1015-6, 1027-30. Japanese guidelines for stressed workers are discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1273. On the consequences of unemployment, BMJ 319 (1999), 600-5. High blood pressure is linked to bone loss, Science News 156 (1999), 199; Lancet 354 (1999), 971-5. Bed rest can be potentially a harmful treatment, Lancet 354 (1999), 1229-33. Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of cholecystectomy in women, NEJM 341 (1999), 777-84; and type 2 diabetes, JAMA 282 (1999), 1433-9; Lancet 354 (1999), 1449. Exercise also reduces weight, JAMA 282 (1999), 1554-60. Efforts to increase activity are discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1515. The Princeton School Study suggest obesity is increasing, AJPH 89 (1999), 1708-14.

Reports from the Tokaimura radiation leak in Japan include Lancet 354 (1999), 1271; Science 286 (1999), 207-8; BMJ 319 (1999), 937, 1019-20; Nature 401 (1999), 513, 736; 402 (1999), 229-30; NS (9 Oct. 1999), 3-5; (30 Oct. 1999), 20-1. Also on radiation disease, Lancet 354 (1999), 845. Still births may be linked to Sellafield radiation exposure in workers, Lancet 354 (1999), 1400-1, 1407-14. After a nuclear plant closed in the UK there was decrease in radionuclides, EST 33 (1999), 2841+. Concrete dissolving bacteria may be useful for decontamination of radioactive sites, NS (9 Oct. 1999), 6. On storage of waste, NS (Oct. 1999), 21; Science 286 (1999), 415-6. Hiroshima survivors also appear to have high rates of heart disease or liver disease and strokes, NS (30 Oct. 1999), 17. On A-bombs, Nature 401 (1999), 117; NS (6 Nov. 1999), 19-9; Nature 401 (1999), 113-4.

On the dangers of cordless phones and health impact, Environment Health News 13 (July 1999), 9-10; The Ecologist 29 (Aug. 1999), 289-90. Some data on EMF fields was faked, SA (Oct. 1999), 32, 34. A review of how animals filter out noise into functional and non-useful noise, Nature 402 (1999), 241-2. Noise is also filling space so that astronomy is more difficult, Science News 156 (1999), 168-70.

On marihuana and medicine, NEJM 341 (1999), 854-5. A study found many illicit drug users are not idle, but employed, JAMA 282 (1999), 1320-1. On why people take drugs, Lancet 354 (1999), 1395. The US is trying biological control to control drug growth, NS (11 Sept. 1999), 3, 20-1. A study has found no impact for beta-carotene supplements and diabetes, JAMA 282 (1999), 1073-5.

The presence of a pit under the rails of some underground stations in London doubles the survival rate of persons hit by a train, BMJ 319 (1999), 957. On the safety of ear piercing, JAMA 282 (1999), 1332. Playing football may leave permanent head damage, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 24. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a winter problem, BMJ 319 (1999), 1082-3. Weapons are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 864-5; NEJM 341 (1999), 1583-9, 1609-11; and violence, AJPH 89 (1999), 1473+. On cycle helmets, BMJ 319 (1999), 1071-2. Breast implants are discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1763-4.

Cigarette warnings are discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1434; and on Japan Tobacco, Lancet 354 (1999), 843, 1456; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1091. The US government has sued tobacco companies over federal health care costs, Lancet 354 (1999), 1189; BMJ 319 (1999), 869. Few state tobacco tax dollars go to control of smoking, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1096. Regulation of carcinogens in cigarettees is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1036. The WHO held its first session on an anti-tobacco accord, Lancet 354 (1999), 1622. Also on smoking, JAMA 282 (1999), 1284; BMJ 319 (1999), 1268. Chinese smoking figures for 1996 found 63% of men and 3% of women smoked, JAMA 282 (1999), 1247-53. A court decision in Florida that means the tobacco companies must pay over US$300 billion damages in a lump sum, but some executive sold their stock earlier, before the fall in stock prices, BMJ 319 (1999), 1153. A UK court has upheld a challenge to the 10 December ban on tobacco adverts that the EU imposed, BMJ 319 (1999), 1218. Discussion of high-nicotine tobacco is in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1041.

Moderate alcohol consumption can be linked to stroke prevention, NEJM 341 (1999), 1557-64, 1605-6. However alcohol also causes cirrhosis in excess, BMJ 319 (1999), 666-70. An arthritis drug has been suggested as a possible cure, NS (10 Oct. 1999), 10; Science News 156 (1999), 52. Also on alcohol, BMJ 319 (1999), 821-2. The coverage of alcohol issues in the print media in USA is reviewed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1555-60.

Patenting & Business
There has been controversy over an application by Celera to 6500 gene sequences as potential patents, NS (30 Oct. 1999), 3, 5; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1223; Lancet 354 (1999), 1135. Intellectual property rights on life are discussed in GeneWatch 12 (Oct. 1999), 1-5, 10-12. The Council of Europe parliamentary assembly voted in September on a recommendation that "neither plant, animal nor human derived genes, cells, tissue or organs" should be considered as inventions, and become possible subjects of patents, Nature 401 (1999), 420. A Japanese genomics company filed an application on 6000 gene in October, Nature 401 (1999), 520. The Japanese guidelines on gene patents include details of term, Nature 401 (1999), 731.

The NIH is creating as cDNA sequence databank to allow open access, Nature 401 (1999), 418. A survey of companies that received gene patents suggests that they will restrict use of them, Nature 402 (1999), 118. Terms of access to patented mice is restricting some research, Nature 401 (1999), 515. ICSU has attempted to classify traditional knowledge, Nature 401 (1999), 623, 631. On the relationship between industry and innovation, Nature 401 (1999), 209-10, 859; 402 (1999), 13-4; Science 285 (1999), 1671. International scientific cooperation is discussed in Science 286 (1999), 245-6.

A biologists view on companies is Groner, C. "Do not go gently. Survival strategies for struggling biotechs", Biopeople 27 (Summer 1999), 40-5. In general on the mergers of biotech companies, GEN (1 Nov. 1999), 6, 27, 32, 46, 49. There are fears of monopoly control, as also seen in the December 1999 WTO session in Seattle, USA, Splice 5 (Sept. 1999), 4-5. The expanding Japanese biotech budget is discussed in GEN (15 Oct. 1999), 1, 21.Biotech in Germany is discussed in GEN (15 Oct. 1999), 6, 11, 13, 15, 26, 34, 60; Nature 401 (1999), 201; and in Australia, GEN (1 Sept. 1999), 6, 66; Nature 401 (1999), 521; Science 285 (1999), 1481-3; Cuba, Science 285 (1999), 1663; Mexico, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 934; and Israel, GEN (1 Oct. 1999), 1, 8, 20, 51. A call for an UK biotech centre has been made, Nature 401 (1999), 202. New Zealand science is expecting more money with the change of government, Nature 401 (1999), 106; 402 (1999), 224. On French genomics business, Science 285 (1999), 1095-6.

The rise of philanthropy as a funder of science is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 214-23. Several papers on how to build up the potential of developing countries in biotechnology are in Biotechnology & Development Monitor 39 (Sept. 1999), 2-14. Partnerships between patients, medicine, and the biotechnology industry are discussed in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 935. On the WTO and public health, BMJ 319 (1999), 1214. A review of a South African-US bioprospecting agreement is Henne, G. & Fakir, S. "NBI-Ball agreement: A new phase in bioprospecting?", Biotechnology & Development Monitor 39 (Sept. 1999), 18-21. The question of seeing drug reps is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1002-3; and on lobbying AJPH 89 (1999), 1425-9; Lancet 354 (1999), 1534. Israel is going to use more generic drugs to save costs, BMJ 319 (1999), 592. Roche is reducing its stock in Genentech, Int. Herald Tribune (9 Oct. 1999), 17. Wellcome has sought a new home for its business park, Science 285 (1999), 1830-1. Novartis Seeds and Zeneca Seeds seem destined to join together to form a new company in the year 2000, if boards approve it next year, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 940.

Birth Control
October, 1999, was the month that the world population probably exceeded 6 billion; BMJ 319 (1999), 931-4, 977-91, 995-7; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1215; NS (2 Oct. 1999), 20-1; (9 Oct. 1999), 52; Nature 401 (1999), 429, 528-9. The Chinese one child policy is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 992-4. A study of how social networks alter reproductive health behaviors is SSM 49 (1999), 1599-614; BMJ 319 (1999), 743-8. A letter from Catholics for Free Choice challenges the Vatican’s right for a seat at the UN, BME 151 (1999), 5. Natural family planning is discussed in O&G 94 (1999), 672-8. The impact of welfare reform on US reproductive health is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1514-21. In general on contraception, BMJ 319 (1999), 969-72. The US funding of UN programs is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 998-1001.

The pill is now available in Japan, and has been welcomed by the media. On medical risks of oral contraceptives, Lancet 354 (1999), 1469-70; BMJ 319 (1999), 795-6. Female physicians use different contraception to most US women, O&G 94 (1999), 666-71. In Canada because of increasing teen pregnancies, obstetricians and gynecologsts have supported nonprescription "morning-after pill" CMAJ 161 (1999), 855. Emergency contraception is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 1409-17; BMJ 319 (1999), 661. Unintended pregnancy in women exposed to abuse is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1359-64. The effectiveness of contraception needs to be included in counseling, JAMA 282 (1999), 1405-7. Direct sale of viagra on the Internet is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 1389-92. Long term estrogen implants in beef heifers may impair reproductive function, J. Animal Science 77 (1999), 2886-92.

There have been demands for treatment for sex offenders in Israel, Lancet 354 (1999), 1190. On survivial sex homeless youth, AJPH 89 (1999), 1406-9. Familiarity breeds contempt in guppy fish, and males seek new females to mate with, Nature 401 (1999), 661-2.

Embryo Status
A series of 9 papers on the morality of abortion are in CQHE 8 (1999), 405-500. They include papers from China, and Europe, as well as USA. A paper on embryo status is Evans, RW. "Theories on moral standing of the human embryo and fetus. Part 1: Secular theories", Medical Ethics & Bioethics (Bratislava) 5 (1998), 1-6. A series of book reviews of Murray, TH. The Worth of a Child (Univ. California Press, 1996, 207pp.), are in CQHE 8 (1999), 544-60.

US courts are in conflict over late term abortion, BMJ 319 (1999), 1220. Missouri has passed an antiabortion law, BMJ 319 (1999), 874. The legalization of abortion as a public health issue is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1763. Medical abortion is still not available in most countries, BMJ 319 (1999), 1091. See a case study in JAMA 282 (1999), 1169+. The BMA has amended its guidance on abortion to highlight that it does not support harrassment of doctors who do not wish to conduct abortions, BMJ 319 (1999), 925. The Irish government has released a Green Paper to discuss abortion, Lancet 354 (1999), 1010. Around 6 thousand woman a year visit the UK for abortions from Ireland, BMJ 319 (1999), 593. On multifetal pregannacy reduction in triplets, F&S 72 (1999), 423-6. On evolution and embryos, NS (16 Oct. 1999), supplement 1-4. Progress in neurosurgery for Parkinson’s disease is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1658-9; JAMA 282 (1999), 1117-8.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
The fourth report of the US NBAC has been released, Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research (Washington DC., National Bioethics Advisory Commission, 1999, Vol. 1 111pp.; also on-line www.bioethics.gov). It calls for funding of embryo research, Lancet 354 (1999), 1105; Nature 402 (1999), 112; Science 285 (1999), 2065; 286 (1999), 31. Three papers on the subject are published in Robertson, JA. "Ethics and policy in embryonic stem cell research", KIEJ 9 (1999), 109-36; Doerflinger, RM. "The ethics of funding embryonic stem cell research: A Catholic viewpoint", KIEJ 9 (1999), 137-50; and McGee, G. & Caplan, A. "The ethics and politics of small sacrifices in stem cell research", KIEJ 9 (1999), 151-8.

Japan is preparing a law that may ban human reproductive cloning, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1221. Australia is also considering the subject, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1098. The BMA is opening discussion on reproductive cloning, BMJ 319 (1999), 1023. Two papers on the use of human cloning are Franklin, S. "What we know and what we don't know about cloning and society", New Genetics and Society 18 (1999), 111-20; van Dijck, J. "Cloning humans, cloning literature: Genetics and the imagination deficit", New Genetics and Society 18 (1999), 9-22. The identity issue is discussed in Kathinka, E. "The identity of clones", J. Med. & Phil. 24 (1999), 67-76. A biological argument against is Verma, KK. & Saxena, R. "Human cloning: A biological objection to it", Resonance (Sept. 1999), 38-43. The use of nuclear transplants is called for in Roberts, RM., "Prevention of human mitochondrial (mtDNA) disease by nucleus transplantation into an enucleated donor oocyte", AJMG 87 (1999), 265-6. The genotypes of cloned sheep are reported in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 90-3. The replicas are not identical at the DNA level, NS (4 Sept. 1999), 5. A review is McKinnell, RG. & Berarding, MAD., "The biology of cloning: History and rationale", BioScience 49 (1999), 875-85. Papers in French on cloning from Tunisia are in Les Cahiers du Medecin (Tunisia) 1 (No. 3, July-August 1997), 7-32; and on ART . Les Cahiers du Medecin (Tunisia) 2 (No. 16, January 1999), 7-28.

Controlling career/family choices for infertility is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 1615-22. In general on ART, JAMA 282 (1999), 1415; BMJ 319 (1999), 1011. The proceedings of a 1998 conference on assisted reproduction (including 2 papers from Ken Daniels, and 1 from Yasuko Shirai, 1 from Darryl Macer) is Fritsch-Oppermann, S. Neue Technologien der Reproductionsmedizin (Assisted Reproduction) aus interkultureller Sicht (Loccumer Protokolle 58/98, ISBN 3-8172-5898-4, 177pp., 1999). A University of Iowa study found the cost of IVF to be small compared to the total budget, F&S 72 (1999), 778-84. Those who wish to sell their eggs or buy eggs from donors with particular characters can visit the www site, ronsangel.com. On embryo donation, F&S 72 (1999), 940-1; and the question whether unilateral use of frozen embryos should be allowed is F&S 72 (1999), 952-3. A proposal to use the term prefertilization diagnosis is in F&S 72 (1999), 946-7. Eggs with Fragile X syndrome may be sturdier than normal eggs, NS (30 Oct. 1999), 7. Smoking disguises abnormalities in embryos and eggs, NS (9 Oct. 1999).

Sex selection and preimplantation diagnosis is discussed in F&S 72 (1999), 595+. A study of IVF in Sweden 1982-1995 found multiple births were the main cause of adverse outcomes, Lancet 354 (1999), 1572-3, 1579-85. It recommends two embryos in each transfer. The risk of cancer after use of fertility drugs is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1573, 1586-90. The science of male infertility is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1414; Lancet 354 (1999), 1713-8; F&S 72 (1999), 702-6. A study finding intrauterine delivery of frozen sperm is of higher success rate is F&S 72 (1999), 792-5. Birth of a baby from round spermatids isolated from frozen testicular tissue is reported in F&S 72 (1999), 539-41; and on extraction of sperm from frozen tissues, F&S 72 (1999), 785-91. Sperm freezing survival may be species specific, F&S 72 (1999), 747-8. Extending in vitro embryo growth to 5-6 days may improve IVF success rates, F&S 72 (1999), 418-22. The question why we are limiting choices for infertile couples? Is asked in CMAJ 161 (1999), 1411-2; Pinheiro, RC. Et al. "Effectiveness of in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection for severe male infertility", CMAJ 161 (1999), 1397-1401.On difficulties in reversing menopause, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 3, 5.

Fetal Environment & Neonates
Despite a higher incidence of the C677T mutation in MTHFR in Ashkenazi Jews, which is a risk factor for spina bifida, they have a lower incidence, AJMG 86 (1999), 380-4. This may be linked to diet. On the apparent lability of neural tube closure in laboratory animals and humans see AJMG 87 (1999), 143-62; AJPH 89 (1999), 1637-40. Folic acid supplements of 400 micrograms a day reduced the rate of neural tube defects in a Chinese study, NEJM 341 (1999), 1485-90, 1509-19, 1546. Actually in the UK there has not been a decrease since the early 1990s, Lancet 354 (1999), 998-9. It could be because women were already aware of it before 1990. On serum folate levels and folic acid fortification of food, Lancet 354 (1999), 915, NEJM 341 (1999), 922-4. Detection of neural tube defects by ultrasound is reported in O&G 94 (1999), 562-6. Sex ratio is discussed in F&S 72 (1999), 751-2; BMJ 319 (1999), 548-9.

Information can result in stress, and a study is Yu, MS. Et al. "Impact of maternal parenting stress of receipt of genetic information regarding risk of diabetes in newborn infants", AJMG 86 (1999), 219-26. A study of psychological distress a year after birth in Italy and France is SSM 49 (1999), 1651-61. On the risk of violent death during pregnancy, Lancet 354 (1999), 1448. Children adopted late tend to have IQ increases, Science News 156 (1999), 54-5. On overseas adoptions, Far Eastern Economic Review (21 Oct. 1999), 50-1; NEJM 341 (1999), 1539-40. Children raised by single parents tend to do as well as children in other families, NS (16 Oct. 1999), 25. A book review on maternal behaviour is Nature 402 (1999), 120-1.

The ethics of maternal care provision are discussed in Otago Bioethics Report 8 (Oct. 1999), 1-18. Smoking in pregnancy is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1390; AJPH 89 (1999), 1377-83; NEJM 341 (1999), 943-8. Air freshners may make pregnant women sick, NS (4 Sept. 1999), 17. Organic solvent abuse during pregnancy is linked to malformations, JAMA 282 (1999), 1033; as is ecstasy exposure, Lancet 354 (1999), 1441. Pregnant health care workers who give chemotherapy drips tend to have more miscarriages, NS (28 Aug. 1999), 16. Perinatal exposure to antiretrovirals is linked to persistent mitochondrial dysfunction, Lancet 354 (1999), 1046-7, 1084-9. Prenatal orgin of leukemia is reported in Lancet 354 (1999), 1486, 1499-503. The question of hypothyroidism screening is in Lancet 354 (1999), 1224-5. A chart looking at rates of survival for preterm babies can help decision-making in treatment decisions, BMJ 319 (1999), 1093-7. The rate of sudden infant death syndrome has dropped in the past decade, MJA 171 (1999), 411-3; BMJ 319 (1999), 697-700. A South African study found half the maternal deaths in 1998 could have been avoided, Lancet 354 (1999), 1536. A study on maternal mortality before and after reunification is BMJ 319 (1999), 1104-5. Motherhood improves learning and memory, Nature 402 (1999), 137.

Only a minor part of cerebral palsy cases begin in labour, BMJ 319 (1999), 1016-7. If breast feeding continues for at least 4 months after birth the risk of asthma is reduced, BMJ 319 (1999), 315-9. A WHO study on pregnancy during breast feeding is F&S 72 (1999), 431-40. Girls who have a good relationship with their father tend to enter puberty later, NS (2 Oct. 1999), 14. Spain is giving free health care to all pregnant women, regardless of their legal status, Lancet 354 (1999), 1368. On WHO plans for safe motherhood, Lancet 354 (1999), 940-3. Attitudes of Canadian women toward birthing centres and midwife care for childbirth are in CMAJ 161 (1999), 708-8. Slapping and spanking in childhood is associated with lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders, 805-9, 821-2.

Genetic Disease Markers
The question of genes and phenotype is discussed in Cohen, MM. & MacLean, RE. "Should syndromes be defined phenotypically or molecularly? Resolution of the dilemma", AJMG 86 (1999), 203-4. A general review on behaviour and genes is Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1113-6; Science 284 (1999), 2096-7. Expansion of a 27 CAG repeat allele into a symptomatic Huntington disease-producing allele is reported in AJMG 87 (1999), 91-2. Alzheimers disease is not found to be associated with hypertension genetic risk factors PLA2 or G protein beta3, in AJMG 88 (1999), 465-8; see also Science 286 (1999), 916-9; BMJ 319 (1999), 1151; Nature 399 (1999), 739-40; AJHG 65 (1999), 7-12. Possible immunization is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 175-6. On lithium therapy, JAMA 281 (1999), 2271-2. Familial dementia is caused by polymerization of mutant neuroserpin, Nature 401 (1999), 376-9; and on familial British dementia, Nature 399 (1999), 776-81. A new IL-1 receptor gene is linked to X-linked mental retardation, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 25+. ApoE4 is related to cognitive decline, JAMA 282 (1999), 40-6. Schizophrenia gene studies are reviewed in AJHG 65 (1999), 587-92.

The gene for staticism has been found, Hazan, J. et al. "Spastin, a new AAA protein, is altered in the most frequent form of autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia", Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 296+. On autism, AJMG 88 (1999), 472-5, 492-6; AJHG 65 (1999), 493-507; and bipolar affective disorder, AJMG 88 (1999), 527-32, 567-87; JMG 36 (1999), 585-94. Subtle chromosomal rearrangements have been linked to mental retardation, Lancet 354 (1999), 1676-81. A gene that promotes anxiety in mice has been found, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1131-2; Nature 401 (1999), 294-6. About 80% of familial persistent stutterers are male, AJHG 65 (1999), 1473-5. A gene is related to recall of memory in sleep, NS (30 Oct. 1999), 24. On genetics of Angelman syndrome, AJHG 65 (1999), 1-6. A review on monosomy 1p36 is JMG 36 (1999), 657-63. Phenylketonuria as an example of a complex monogenic disease is reviewed in TIG 15 (1999), 267-72. Eight genes have been linked to Batten’s disease, Lancet 354 (1999), 443-5. A gene for dominant retinitis pigmetosa is Nature Genetics 22 (1999), 248-54, 255+. SNPs related to blood pressure are described in Nature Genetics 22 (1999), 239-47. Genetic factors in septic shock are discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 579-81.

Myriad company has claimed discovery of the gene for insulin dependent diabetes, GEN (15 Oct. 1999), 6, 59. The gene responsible for cholesterol abnormality, Tangler disease, has been discovered Science News (28 Aug 1999), 134. Also on ABC gene and cholesterol, Lancet 354 (1999), 1341-6, 1402-3; Science 285 (1999), 814-5. Exercise intolerance due to mutations in cytochrome b have found, NEJM 341 (1999), 1037-44. On mitochondrial mutations, Science 285 (1999), 664; PNAS 96 (1999), 10948-9; JMG 36 (1999), 425-36, 505-10. CD154 is required for progression of atherosclerosis, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1313+. On DiGeorge mutations, Nature 401 (1999), 335-7; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1120-1; and the gene for Rett syndrome, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 127-8; Science News 156 (1999), 214; Science 285 (1999), 27. Polycystin-L is a calcium-regulated cation channel, Nature 401 (1999), 383-6. Sleep genes have been found in dogs, Science 285 (1999), 2076-7; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 983; Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 3-4.

On breast cancer genes, Science 285 (1999), 1100-2; BMJ 319 (1999), 662; Lancet 353 (1999), 2043; 354 (1999), 1269; and cancer genes in general, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 134-5, 253-4, 266-8, 348-53; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 874-5, 989-90, 1129-30, 1164-70, 1239-40; Science 285 (1999), 531-7; BMJ 318 (1999), 1563; 319 (1999), 335, 1155; Lancet 354 (1999), 975-8, 2216; Nature 399 (1999), 734-6; 400 (1999), 401-2, 464-8; MJA 171 (1999), 284-5. A review is Lynch, HT. & Chapelle, ADL. "Genetic susceptibility to non-polyposis colorectal cancer", JMG 36 (1999), 801-18; and on screening techniques, JMG 36 (1999), 819-22. A chemical inhibitor of p53 protects mice from side effects of cancer therapy, Science 285 (10 Sept. 1999). A questionnaire to obtain family history of cancer is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 757-8. A gene study has linked iron with heart disease risk, Lancet 354 (1999), 1099. Dopamine D2 receptor gene is linked to stature, Ann. Hum. Genetics 63 (1999), 147-51. On beta-thalssemias, NEJM 341 (1999), 99-109; and hemochromatosis, NEJM 341 (1999), 718-24; 755-7.

A protein kinase that causes non-Mendelian inheritance has been found, Nature 401 (1999), 1415. The regulation of mutant genes is discussed in Nature 410 (199), 866-7; 402 (1999), 128-9, 187-81; PNAS 96 (1999), 12224-6. Tetraploidy has been found in a mammal, Nature 401 (1999), 341. Intron size and natural selection are discussed in Nature 401 (1999), 343-4. Genetic damage is reported in operating personnel exposed to isoflurane and nitrous oxide, Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 433-7. Chromosomal vulnerability to mutagens may run in families, Lancet 354 (1999), 226. A review is Aridor, M. & Balch, WE. "Integration of endoplasmic reticulum signaling in health and disease", NatMed 5 (1998), 745-51.

A Japanese study of 69 woman has found (confirmed) association with the long allele of dopamine receptor D4 and novelty seeking, and notes that this allele is uncommon in Japanese, Tomitaka, M. et al. "Association between novelty seeking and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) exon III polymorphism in Japanese subjects", AJMG 88 (1999), 469-71. Dopamine D3 and D4 do not appear to be linked to the symptomatology of major psychoses, AJMG 88 (1999), 476-80, 481-5, 486-91. A review on monoamine oxidase is AJHG 65 (1999), 593-8. Smarter children have menopause later, Science 285 (1999), 827.

The p66shc adaptor protein controls life span in mammals, Nature 402 (1999), 309-13. A genetic linkage to alcoholism is suggested for delta-opioid receptor allele, AJMG 88 (1999), 458-61, 462-4; also see AJMG 88 (1999),533-8, 590-1; AJHG 65 (1999), 599-605. Protection against alcoholism is described in AJHG 65 (1999), 795-807.

Genetic Screening Methodology
The future expectation that agenome may be read in a day is discussed in NS (16 Oct. 1999), 40-3. Fluorescence detection is discussed in GEN (1 Oct. 1999), 1, 19, 46. A review is Hacia, JG. & Collins, FS. "Mutational analysis using oligonucleotide microarrays", JMG 36 (1999), 730-6. A biochemical genomics approach to identifying genes by activity of their products is in Science 285 (1999), 1153-5; JAMA 282 (1999), 927-8. SNPs may help gene searching, Nature 401 (1999), 734. FISH is discussed in CMAJ 161 (1999), 1138.

A study predicting that 218 fewer individuals with serious congenital heart disease are born in the US annually is Bull, C. "Current and potential impact of fetal diagnosis on prevalence and spectrum of serious congenital heart disease at term in the UK", Lancet 354 (1999), 1242-7. A survey of the range of Down syndrome tests used in the UK is Lancet 354 (1999), 1264.

Human error in reading cervical smear test results is being blamed for several deaths in New Zealand, Lancet 354 (1999), 1188. Political considerations for changing medical screening programs are important, JAMA 282 (1999), 1472-5. On breast screening, Lancet 354 (1999), 946-8; JMG 36 (1999), 747-53; colorectal cancer, BMJ 319 (1999), 1212-3; and ovarian cancer, Lancet 354 (1999), 1648. A study of whether cancer screening raises the fear of cancer is BMJ 319 (1999), 1037-8. An editorial suggests it is still not appropriate to have geeral screening for hereditary haemochromatosis, BMJ 319 (1999), 531-2. Screening for osteoporosis, BMJ 319 (1999), 1148-9. Reducing false negatives in newborn homocystinuria is possible by altering the cutoff value for blood methionine, NEJM 341 (1999), 1572-6. On screening for gestational diabetes, BMJ 319 (1999), 798-9.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
A new book is Long, Clarisa, ed., Genetic Testing and the Use of Information (Washington DC. The AEI Press 1999, 144pp.), which includes 6 papers on the issues. A review of the 39 US states that have some legislative protection against genetic discrimination is in GeneWatch 12 (Oct. 1999), 13. On health insurance and gene testing, Lancet 354 (1999), 1650; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 974. In Sweden tissue banks are being protected to ensure privacy is maintained, Science 285 (1999), 894. A book review of Weir, RF., ed, Stored Tissue Samples: Ethical, Legal, and Public Policy Implications (Univ. Iowa, 1996), is JAMA 282 (1999), 1093.

Background on the Canadian Bill C-54 on privacy protection is Health Law Review 8 (1999), 13-21. The UK MRC working party draft guidelines on personal information in medical research are discussed in BME 151 (1999), 9-11. New BMA guidelines on confidentiality have been called unlawful by the NHS, BMJ 319 (1999), 1221. The UK Freedom of Information Bill should allow public information on major public safety issues, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 20-1. On 29 October President Clinton proposed nationwide rules to protect the confidentiality of medical records, Lancet 354 (1999), 1711. There are some comments on database protection in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 1-2. There are some who think that there has been too much fear over misuse of medical data, BMJ 319 (1999), 706-7. On computer storage, Hodge, JG. et al. "Legal issues concerning electronic health information. Privacy, Quality, and Liability", JAMA 282 (1999), 1466-71. A review of software development for confidential Email is NS (6 Nov. 1999), 48-51. The rate of failure of polygraph screening suggests the system is not so reliable, SA (Oct. 1999), 21, 24.

Israeli police have been accused of illegally taking DNA samples from suspected sex offenders in a search for a rapist, Nature 401 (1999), 628. The physical separation methods for separating sperm and vaginal cells after sexual assault are discussed in O&G 94 (1999), 623-7. Y chromosome specific polymorphism for forensic analysis is reported in Legal Medicine (Japan) 1 (1999), 55-60. Ice damage means there is little chance of reviving a mammoth from the DNA, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 11. DNA analysis of Atlantic herring is reported in Heredity 83 (1999), 490-9. A rapid DNA test can identify human viruses in beach water, EST 33 (1999), 399A. A locker room that uses fingerprints as the keys is being installed in Belfast, NS (13 Nov. 1999), 23. There are claims that DNA testing is stopping Hamas suicide bombings, because families can be traced.

Ethics & Genetic Screening
Accompanying the 1999 Danish Council of Ethics Annual Report is an 87pp. Report, Debate Outline on Fetal Diagnostics. They call for establishment of better counseling before expanding fetal testing, and that the public and private market should be subject to binding controls. They argue against economic considerations that weigh the costs saved from avoiding the birth of a sick or disabled child. A paper on the subject is Satz, AB. "Prenatal genetic testing and discrimination against the disabled: A conceptual analysis", Monash Bioethics Review 18 (1999), 11-22. A special supplement is Parens, E. & Asch, A., "The disability rights critique of prenatal genetic testing", HCR 29 (Sept 1999), S1-22. A similar critique is Asch, A. "Prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion: A challenge to practice and policy", AJPH 89 (1999), 1649-57.

Discussion of whether prenatal diagnosis can be offered to all persons or more to older mothers is AJPH 89 (1999), 1592-3; BMJ 319 (1999), 578, 872. A call for ethnic concerns to be better considered is Browner, CH. et al. "Ethnicity, bioethics, and prenatal diagnosis: The amniocentesis decisions of Mexican-origin women and their partners", AJPH 89 (1999), 1658-66. On regulation of genetic tests, Science 286 (1999), 409; Caulfield, T. "Gene testing in the biotech century: Are physicians ready?", CMAJ 161 (1999), CMAJ 161 (1999), 1122-4. I saw a recent commercial in Yahoo (Oct. 1999) which reads, "Time is against you. Gravity is against you. Genetics are against you. But, hey, have a good day".

Two papers on ethics of community research are Weijer, C. "Protecting communities in research: Philosophical and pragmatic changes", CQHE 8 (1999), 501-14; Weijer, C. et al. "Protecting communities in research: current guidelines and limits of extrapolation", Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 275-80. A review on risks and tests is SSM 49 (1999), 1571-98. Letters on protection of persons under the US Americans with Disabilities Act are in JAMA 282 (1999), 1131-2. Judaism and genes are discussed in KIEJ 9 (1999), 159-74. In general on genetics and ethics, SSM 49 (1999), 1427-9; NS (25 Sept. 1999), 50-1. An interesting bacteria called Wolbachia is found to selectively kil males and is found in about one fifth of kown insect species, NS (16 Oct. 1999), 44-7.

An abridged version of a book arguing that race is important is Rushton, JP. Race, Evolution and Behavior (New Jersey: Transaction Publishers, 1999, 108pp.). It is following in the tradition of the Bell Curve, and will no doubt be debated hotly for the eugenic implications of discussing this sensitive issue. A profile of Sir Cyril Burt is in Galton Institute Newsletter (Sept. 1999), 2-3. A general critique of such ideas is Splice 6 (Nov. 1999), 6-9. A discussion of normal and abnormal is in Health Ethics Today 10 (August 1999), 2-9. Disability weights may not be universal, Lancet 354 (1999), 1306. The question of compensation to those sterilised in SwedenGalton Institute Newsletter (Sept. 1999), 3-4.

A review on behaviour is Beckwith, J. "Genes and human behavior: scientific and ethical implications of the human genome project", pp. 917-925 in Crusio, WE. & Gerlai, RT, eds., Handbook of Molecular-Genetic Techniques for Brain and Behavior Research (Elsevier, 1999). Also, on behavioral development, Nature 402 (1999), 234-5. Maternal care influences stress in offspring, and there is non-genomic transmission of some traits, Science 286 (1999), 1155-8. A book review of IQ and Human Intelligence is AJHG 65 (1998), 1476-7. More comments on the intelligent mice with altered NMDA receptors are NS (4 Sept. 1999), 15; SA (Nov. 1999), 30+. A book review of Post, G. & Whitehouse, PJ., ed., Genetic Testing for Alzheimer Disease: Ethical and Clinical Issues (John Hopkins University Press, 1998) is NEJM 341 (1999), 1160-1. Memory can be improved in mice by gene transfer, Science News 156 (1999), 149.

A comprehensive report on the issues is Munthe, C. Pure Selection. The Ethics of preimplantation genetic diagnosis and choosing children without abortion (Acta Philosophica Gothoburgensia 9, 1999, 310pp.). Copies can be obtained from the publishers at Box 222, SE-405 30 Gothenborg, Sweden. There is much discussion on the current situation in Sweden, eugenics, and embryos. A letter that concludes most people do not condemn eugenics is BMJ 319 (1999), 1196. Counseling for childless women at risk for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is discussed after a Brazilian study in AJMG 86 (1999), 447-53.

Gene Therapy
A campaign against human genetic engineering has been set up in the UK, Splice 5 (Sept. 1999), 7. A review of Agius, E. & Busuttil, S., eds, Germ-Line Intervention and our Responsibilities to Future Generations (Kluwer Academic Pub. 1998, 174pp., US$120) is, and killing and letting die in Bioethics 13 (1999), 433-6. The question of genetic engineering of humans is discussed in NS (23 Oct. 1999), 3-5. The Pontifical Academy for Life has maintained its view that it is wrong to modify the human germ-line, Japan Times (29 Nov. 1999), 10. A review is Zanjani, ED. & Anderson, WF. "Prospects for in utero human gene therapy", Science 285 (1999), 2084-7; pp. 2071-2.

The death of an 18 year old man after a reaction to gene therapy is being investigated, Nature 401 (1999), 517-8. He received a dose of 3.8 x 10¹³ adenovirus particles, the highest so far. There are concerns that some commercial trials may be less open in safety, Nature 402 (1999), 6, 107; NS (9 Oct. 1999), 11; (13 Nov. 1999), 15. Viral vectors have been improving for use in gene therapy, GEN (15 Nov. 1999), 9, 36, 48; GEN (1 Nov. 1999), 1, 22, 43. Targeting is reported in Culver, KW. Et al. "Correction of chromosomal point mutations in human cells with bifunctional oligonucleotides", Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 989―93.

Interferon gene transfer by hepatitis B virus vector suppresses hepatitis B virus infection, PNAS 96 (1999), 10818-23. On gene therapy for hemophilia, PNAS 96 (1999), 9973-5. Liver specific gene therapy is discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 11696-7. Confocal imaging of gene delivery into a neuronal network is shown in GIT International 1 (Oct 1999), 33-41. On cancer gene therapy, Lancet 354 (1999), 1364. Ex vivo gene therapy of vascular bypass grafts is reported in Lancet 354 (1999), 1493-8. MRS can detect fatty acid accumulation during gene therapy of glioma, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1323-7; also on glioma gene therapy results, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1256-63. Mice with disrupted glucocorticoid receptor gene have less anxiety, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 99-103. Another animal trial is PNAS 96 (1999), 10349-54. Viagra gene therapy is being discussed, NS (23 Oct. 1999), 27. The idea of fixing mutant genes is discussed in NS (11 Sept. 1999), 14.

Human Genome Project (HGP)
A paper on ethics by the director of the US HGP is Collins, F. "The Human Genome Project: Tool of atheistic reductionism or embodiment of the Christian mandate to heal?", Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 99-111.

The complete 180 million base pair Drosophilia genome has been sequenced by Celera and a public consortium, and should be on-line early in the year 2000, Nature 401 (1999), 125-6, 204, 729. The human gene estimate is now thought to be up to 140,000 genes, Nature 401 (1999), 311. The MHC of humans has been sequenced, Nature 401 (1999), 921-3; Lancet 354 (1999), 1531. Chromosome 22 has been sequenced in humans, Science 285 (1999), 2038-9. A shotgun optical map of Plasmodium falciparum genome is in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 309-13; and of Deinococcus radiodurans, Science 285 (1999), 1558-62. On the Dictyostelium genome project, Nature 401 (1999), 440-2. There will still be some gaps in sequence from current strategies, Nature 401 (1999), 843-5. Japan is speeding up plans for rice genome sequencing, Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1057; Nature 401 (1999), 102; as is the USA, Science 286 (1999), 24-5. The mouse genome sequence is now being added to the US genome project, Science 285 (1999), 210. On genome prospecting a series of papers are in Science 285 (1999), 443-490. A new company GenCom has been set up in Japan, Nature 401 (1999), 108; Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999),941. The US genome project is also planning centres, Nature 401 (1999), 421.

A review of the project to study environmental influences on genetics is Sharp, RR. & Barrett, JC. "Environmental genome project and bioethics", KIEJ 9 (1999), 175-88. On pharmacogenomics, GEN (1 Sept. 1999), 1, 14. A report on computational genomics from a conference is Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 125-6. Microarrays are discussed in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 41+, 249-52; Maskless fabrication of light-directed oligonucleotide microarrays using a digital micromirror array is reported in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 974―78, 953. The Wellcome Trust is taking the 100 million pounds out of the UK since the application to extend the Hinxton site was rejected, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1097. Structural genomics is reviewed in Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 151-7. In general on genomes, Nature Genetics 23 (1999), 273; Nature 401 (1999), 852-3; 402 (1999), 23-6, 83-6.

On the origin of Y chromosome, Science 286 (1999), 877-8. Human gene evolution is discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 10562-3; Nature 401 (1999), 877-80; Science 286 (1999), 229; and on primate phylogeny, PNAS 96 (1999), 10254-60; Science 286 (1999), 1159-62; Science News 156 (1999), 132. A medical record from the stone age is reported on a Scythian mummy, Lancet 354 (1999), 1023-5. Two Neanderthals have been found at 28 thousand years old, supporting the idea that they coexisted with modern hominids, PNAS 96 (1999), 12281+; NS (30 Oct. 1999), 14; Science 286 (1999), 1076. Neanderthals appear to have been cannibals, Science 286 (1999), 18-9, 128-31; Science News 156 (1999), 213. An ice-man has been found in Canada, but the age is unknown, Science 285 (1999), 1485.

General Medical Ethics
The question of whether Christianity reached Japan in the 7^th century and the incorporation of the virgin birth story into the story of Umayado's birth is discussed in Nichibunken Newsletter 37 (Nov. 1999), 3-4. The Proceedings of the First International Congress on Health and Ramadan have been published (Les Editions de la Foundation Hassan II, 1994, 280pp.), with some papers in Arabic, but most in French or English. Contact the first editor, Prof. Farid Hakkou, University of Casablanca Hospital, Casablanca, Tunisia. That collection may be unique in the large number of papers on that subject. God and equality is discussed in Fletcher, GP. "In God’s image: The religious imperative of equality under law", Columbia Law Review 99 (1999), 1608-29. On the use of intention as a moral guide in medicine, BME 151 (1999), 21-4. Desire-based and value-based normative reasons are discussed,Bioethics 13 (1999), 405-13.

Papers on the future of bioethics by HT. Shapiro and HT. Engelhardt are in KIEJ 9 (1999), 209-244. Two general philosophical books exploring human relations with values, and nature and each other, with a Korean perspective are: Park, Ynhui, Reality, Rationality and Value (Seoul National University Press, 1998, 306pp.); and Park, Ynhui, Man, Language and Poetry (Seoul National Univ. Press, 1999, 222pp.). The author is also known as Yeemun Park, and is President, Korean Association of Bioethics. A new book on philosophy is Lakoff, G. & Johnson, M. Philosophy in the Flesh. The Embodied Mind and its challenge to Western thought (New York: Basic Books, 1999, 624pp.). On love, Wang, QJ. "The Golden Rule and interpersonal care ― From a Confucian perspective", Philosophy East and West 49 (1999), 415-38.

The issue of whether we should publish the results of unethical research is addressed in IJB 10 (March-June 1999), 119-24. Fees and research ethics committees are discussed in BME 151 (1999), 18-20. SCOPE Note 36 on "Organizational Ethics and Health Care: Expanding Bioethics to the Institutional Arena" is in KIEJ 9 (1999), 189-207. A series of papers on revalidation of doctors in UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands is in BMJ 319 (1999), 1180-92. A political issue in ethics is Sidel, VW. "Can sanctions be sanctioned?", AJPH 89 (1999), 1497-8. A paper in French on bioethics committees in Morocco is Les Cahiers 1 (No. 2 June 1997). Japan is considering ethical guidelines for genetics research, Nature 402 (1999), 8.

Patient autonomy and Kant is discussed in J. Med. & Phil. 24 (1999), 43-66. The involvement of children is discussed in Baylis, F. et al. "Children and decision making in health research", Health Law Review 8 (1999), 3-9; Downie, J. "Information/consent/ authorization for minor's participation in research", Health Law Review 8 (1999), 10-12. Clinical trials are discussed in MJA 171 (1999), 301-2; BMJ 319 (1999), 562-4, 572-3; NEJM 341 (1999), 988-91, 992-5; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1094. The Nuffield Council has released a discussion paper on 19 Oct. 1999 on The ethics of clinical research in developing countries. Letters on the price of a research subject are in NEJM 341 (1999), 1550-1. More developments in developing world research ethics are discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1405-6. The role of mediation to preserve autonomy is discussed in Gibson, K. "Mediation in the medical field. Is neural Intervention possible?", HCR 29 (Sept 1999), 6-13. The UK government is allowing people to appoint proxies for healthcare, BMJ 319 (1999), 1218. Mental health and decision making is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1309-11, 1328-33, 1339-45; Science News 156 (1999), 182; BMJ 319 (1999), 1146-7. Young people are less tolerant of mentally ill than old persons are, BMJ 319 (1999), 1092. On the capacity to value of Alzheimer’s patients, Phil. & Public Affairs 28 (1999), 21?-38. The book Electroshock is reviewed in Nature 401 (1999), 327.

Informed consent is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1391; NS (13 Nov. 1999), 49-51; BMJ 319 (1999), 722-3, 1135, 1266. On patient-doctor relationships, BMJ 319 (1999), 554-6, 719-22, 724-6, 728, 730, 731-4, 761-4, 770-82, 783-7, 789; Lancet 354 (1999), 1467-8; JAMA 282 (1999), 818, 1382-3; NEJM 341 (1999), 1305+. Communication is discussed in MJA 171 (1999), 290-4; JAMA 282 (1999), 819. Three papers on decisions are in NS 163 (4 Sept. 1999), 32-41. Truth-telling in Japan is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1263; and on patient satisfaction with information about cancer in the UK, BMJ 319 (1999), 1247-8. A debate on the UK law and managing patients who deliberately harm themselves and refuse treatment is BMJ 319 (1999), 905-7, 916-7.

Bioethics education is discussed in AIBA Newslink 2 (Dec. 1999), 1-4; Human Genome News 10 (Oct. 1999), 9, 16; IAB News 10 (Autumn 1999), 9-14; JAMA 282 (1999), 830-2, 881-2. Education for people to work in culturally diverse societies is important, JAMA 282 (1999), 875-880. A letter on quoting the Hippocratic Oath is Science 285 (1999), 901. Postmodern medicine is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1550-3. Clowns in hospitals are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 792.

Empowerment of women for health promotion is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 1431-60. The proportion of women in college in some countries is reviewed in SA (Oct. 1999), 40. Sexism in advertising is discussed in NS (4 Sept. 1999), 6. On animal homosexuality, BioScience 49 (1999), 926-7. Homosexuality in medical school is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1286-8, 1290-2.

Law & Medical Ethics
A book on the writing of the UNESCO Declaration is available from UNESCO, Birth of the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights (UNESCO, Division of the Ethics of Science and Technology of UNESCO, 1999, 170pp.). A paper in Italian on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is Bioetica & Cultura VIII (1999), 9-22. Several papers in English and French on the Declaration are in IJB 10 (March-June 1999), 9-92. They include, Dickens, B. "Vulnerable persons in biomedical research: 50 years after the Nuremberg Code", IJB 10 (March-June 1999), 13-24. There are also two papers on educating human rights to physicians. A conference report on revising the Declaration of Helsinki is BME 151 (1999), 13-7. The WMA postponed a decision on whether to revise the Declaration of Helsinki, Lancet 354 (1999), 928. Also on human rights, AJPH 89 (1999), 1486-96, 1509-13; Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 671-96; JAMA 282 (1999), 1034-5; AJPH 89 (1999), 1591. A US bill of patient rights has passed the US Congress, BMJ 319 (1999), 1021.

The fourth edition of Gorlin, R., ed., Codes of Professional Responsibility: Ethics Standards in Business, Health, and Law (Bureau of National Affairs, 1999) is a work of 1149 pages. It surveys many codses of professional bodies in a wide range of subjects from United States. It includes contact details for the organizations also. One would hope that an International version covering all countries could be developed, and from the breadth of this work, that would be immense.

The Canadian Tri-Council Policy Statement on the Ethics of Research Involving Humans is discussed, along with other policy questions in NCEHR Communique News 9(2)/10(1) (Spring/Fall 1999), 1-20. A review of the Alberta Protection for Persons in Care Act is Health Law Review 8 (1999), 22-31. A summary of a talk by Harold Shapiro of the NBAC in which he warns that "moral certainty" threatens science is Probe 8 (Dec. 1999), 6. There has been debate in the UK over claims that some doctors do not like patients who fail to allow their children to be vaccinated, BMJ 319 (1999), 791. Conflict resolution is discussed in Levinson, W. et al. "Resolving disagreements in patient-physician relationship", JAMA 282 (1999), 1477-83. A study of why child heart operations go wrong is BMJ 319 (1999), 729, 803; anmd on audit, BMJ 319 (1999), 654-5. Healthcare fraud is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1163-8, 1179-81; FDA Consumer (Nov. 1999), 22-6. A London medical professor was struck off for bullying and dishonesty, BMJ 319 (1999), 801, 938. The use of guidelines is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 984-6, 1458-65; BMJ 319 (1999), 705, 1078. Self-regulation is debated in BMJ 319 (1999), 585, 804, 1022; MJA 171 (1999), 399-400. Several South African medical doctors want to investigate other doctors who were involved in the former bioweapons program, BMJ 319 (1999), 594. On forensic medicine witnesses, Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 979-81.

Scientific Ethics
The ethical dilemmas of whistle-blowing are discussed in Ethics in Practice (Nov. 1999), 1-4. On the US definition of misconduct, Nature 401 (1999), 736; Probe 8 (Dec. 1999), 3; Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 443-4; Science 286 (1999), 391. A UK conference has declared what is misconduct in research, Lancet 354 (1999), 1623. Engineering ethics is discussed with a case study of a concrete sumo in Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 541-67. Also on the theme of research ethics, Lancet 354 (1999), 1009, 1624; Nature 401 (1999), 208, 629; Science 286 (1999), 883-4; BMJ 319 (1999), 660, 926, 1156, 1222; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1224. Scientists who do not publish the results of trials are called unethical in BMJ 319 (1999), 939. On conflict of interest, JAMA 282 (1999), 1453-7; NEJM 341 (1999), 1618-9. On the role of UNESCO, Lancet 354 (1999), 1571.

On ethics and the art of technical writing and rhetoric, Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 463-89. Peer review is discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 531-40; Lancet 354 (1999), 1649; Science 286 (1999), 1074-7; Nature 401 (1999), 727; JAMA 282 (1999), 1085; BMJ 319 (1999), 861. Authorship is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1563.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care
A paper based on two Japanese case studies of dementia is Kusuno, Y. "Do the old people of dementia really lose the ability of self-decision on medical services?", J. Health Care, Medicine & Community 16 (Nov. 1999), 50-6. Most papers in this journal are in Japanese, but this is in English (editor: Prof. Shinryo Shinagawa). Three papers in Italian on palliative care are in Bioetica & Cultura VIII (1999), 23-56. Medical futility is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 1331-2; Lancet 354 (1999), 816-9: BMJ 319 (1999), 1012, 1088. On death with dignity, Issues in Medical Ethics 7 (Dec. 1999), 127-8; CMAJ 161 (1999), 1264-5; and killing and letting die in Bioethics 13 (1999), 414-25. Evidence for disability in age from the Framingham heart study is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1678-83.

There has been public debate in Spain over euthanasia following the Ramon Sampedro case, Bioethics 13 (1999), 426-32. A UK euthanasia supporter is standing for election in London, BMJ 319 (1999), 1154. A book review is in SSM 49 (1999), 1425. Also on euthanasia, BMJ 319 (1999), 639-40; 647, 1026.

Results of a patient survey are in Carmel, S. "Life-sustaining treatments: what doctors do, what they want for themselves and what elderly persons want", SSM 49 (1999), 1401-8. A study on how written information affects preferences for CPR is MJA 171 (1999), 239-42: also A Canadian study is Guru, V. et al. "Response of paramedics to terminally ill patients with cardiac arrest: an ethical dilemma", CMAJ 161 (1999), 1251-4. A US survey on how family members help in terminal care is NEJM 341 (1999), 956-63. The impact of laws in the UK on nursing home care are reviewed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1060-3. Also on home care, NEJM 341 (1999), 1004-6, 1324-8; MJA 171 (1999), 453-4. Advance directives are discussed in Bioethics 13 (1999), 373-91. An international agenda on end of life care is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1361. An Oregon doctor has been disciplined for past cases of grossly under-treating pain, BMJ 319 (1999), 728.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death
Brain death guidelines in Japan were revised on 6 September because of uncertainty in some checks, Lancet 354 (1999), 1011. A paper on brain death is Ohara, S. "The brain death controversy: The Japanese view of life, death and bioethics", Annual of the Centre for Research in the Humanities, Research Institute of Aoyama Gakuin University (March 1999), pp.51-61. On the motivation of Japanese blood donors, AJPH 89 (1999), 1433. On body politics and debate, NS (Oct. 1999), 48-51.

PVS is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 796-7, 841-4.

A review of whether T-cell modifiers can end graft rejection is JAMA 282 (1999), 1076-82. Also, Lancet 354 (1999), 1272; Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1245-8. Lung transplants in children with CF can extend life, Lancet 354 (1999), 1591-3. Extending the life of organs for transplants is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1136-7, 1143-6, 1147-52, 1366. Survival after bone marrow transplants is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 1394-6. An ovarian transplant has been conducted which may help women facing cancer treatment, BMJ 319 (1999), 871. Ear implants have worked in cats, Science News 156 (1999), 167. A study that reports transplant recipients did better when strangers prayed is NS (13 Nov. 1999), 24. Education of a brain transplant is discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 9976-8. Teeth transplants have a long history of debate, Lancet 354 (1999), 1740.

A special report on why 50,000 people in the US are waiting for a heart transplant is Fox, C. "Heartless", Life (Nov. 1999), 124-38. Fairness in the coronary angiography queue is discussed in CMAJ 161 (1999), CMAJ 161 (1999), 813-7. Livers are also in short supply, Lancet 354 (1999), 1636-9, 1706. On the ethics of coronary care, Issues in Medical Ethics 7 (Dec. 1999), 113-6. In Denmark organs can be removed on the basis of presumed consent from dead bodies, BME 151 (1999), 3. Allocation of kidneys is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 1440-6, 1468-9. Spain has denied social reasons to deny access to transplants, Lancet 354 (1999), 1454.

Papers on the subject of xenotransplantation in French are in Les Cahiers 21 (Oct. 1999), 2-33; CMAJ 161 (1999), 1291; Lancet 354 (1999), 1657; BMJ 319 (1999), 533; Nature 401 (1999), 633, 670-8; SA (Nov. 1999), 48; NS (4 Sept. 1999), 19-9. A public survey from Sweden is Welin, S. & Persson, A. "Public reactions to xenotransplantation", Science Studies 12 (1999), 80-83. On tissue repair, GEN (15 Oct. 1999), 1, 18. On cultural objections, Lundin, S. "The boundless body: Cultural perspectives on xenotransplantation", Ethnos 64 (1999), 5-31. Tissue engineering is discussed in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 1118; and human therapeutic cloning in Nature Medicine 5 (1999), 975-7. Robotic limbs may be controllable soon, Science 286 (1999), 888-90. Bioartificial organs and acceptable risk are discussed in Nature Biotechnology 17 (1999), 1045.

Health Costs
Age discrimination is discussed in Issues in Medical Ethics 7 (Dec. 1999), 118-20. On justice and equal opportunities for research, Bioethics 13 (1999), 392-404; NEJM 341 (1999), 1359-67. Health care is described as a basic human right in KIEJ 9 (1999), 245-284; but not in BMJ 319 (1999), 321. The physician as a health care proxy is discussed in HCR 29 (Sept 1999), 14-9. The ideal of universal care is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 2076-7; BMJ 319 (1999), 953-7, 1087. Limits to health care and the child B case in the UK are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1258-61. In a theme issue, there are a series of papers on new technologies in a range of medical specialties to discuss the impact of technology on the practice of medicine, CMAJ 161 (1999), 1093-1172.

Developing countries health is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 1005, 1477, 1565, 1710; JAMA 282 (1999), 630-1; BMJ 319 (1999), 845-8, 878-81, 1265, 1568-9; SA (Nov. 1999), 114-9. On Oct. 15, 1999 the international medical relief organization Medecins Sans Frontires (MSF) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, CMAJ 161 (1999), 1221. Ecology and health among the poor are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1031-4, 1034-7. The global burden of mental disorders is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 1315-8. On behavioural economics, PNAS 96 (1999), 10575-7; and health economic uncertainty, BMJ 319 (1999), 635-8. Medical professionalism is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 1612-5.

Japan is considering the costs of caring for elderly persons, Lancet 354 (1999), 844, 1709. On health care in Australia, MJA 170 (1999), 438-40; 171 (1999), 231-2, 407-10; Germany, Lancet 354 (1999), 1103, 1712; Iraq, Lancet 354 (1999), 53; India, Lancet 354 (1999), 929, 1118, 1535; New Zealand, BMJ 319 (1999), 708-9; South Africa, AJPH 89 (1999), 1505-8; UK, JAMA 282 (1999), 384-5; BMJ 319 (1999), 179-84, 203-4, 528-30, 936, 1262-4; Taiwan, BMJ 319 (1999), 1162; USA, NEJM 340 (1999), 1916-20; 341 (1999), 444-6, 917-21, 1235-7; Lancet 354 (1999), 351. In general on managed care, JAMA 281 (1999), 2045; 282 (1999), 261-6, 630; NEJM 340 (1999), 1922-3; 341 (1999), 420-6, 616-7, 702; Lancet 354 (1999), 1037-8; SSM 49 (1999), 1529-39. On social factors affecting health, BMJ 319 (1999), 215-20. On women’s health, AJPH 89 (1999), 1474-6. Racial differences in survival of cervical cancer are discussed in O&G 94 (1999), 509-15; and in lung cancer, NEJM 341 (1999), 1198-205, 1231-3; also SSM 49 (1999), 1623-36. A book review on being a black physician in the USA is NEJM 341 (1999), 1480; JAMA 282 (1999), 1293.

Internet Sites
The US government on-line PubMed Central is discussed in Nature 401 (1999), 733; BMJ 319 (1999), 657; NEJM 341 (1999), 1080-1. Also on on-line publications, Nature 401 (1999), 413-4; 402 (1999), 115; BMJ 319 (1999), 1217. The web can be used to catch students who plagiarize, Nature 402 (1999), 222. The Journal of Medical Genetics is now on-line (www.jumedgenet.com).

Prepared by Darryl Macer
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