Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - November 2002

Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 12 (2002), 232-8.

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

Abbreviations

News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

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

Genetic Engineering of Plants A book review on GM plants is in Science 298 (2002), 1341-2. On the future of plant biotechnology, J. Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2002), 5-7. The possibility of bioterrorism on plants and agriculture is discussed in Ram's Horn 205 (October 2002), 4. Progress on making vaccines in GM tomatoes is discussed in Time (25 Nov. 2002), 48.

A molecular map of Einkorn wheat is in Genetical Research 80 (2002), 131-43. Fresh analysis of the rice genome is discussed in Nature 420 (2002), 259. The Loblolly pine genome has been analyzed, Science 297 (2002), 1788-9. The use of bioethanol, AgraEurope (22 Nov. 2002), A1. A GM fungus has turned out to be more damaging to crops than the pest it was designed to control, found out before release of the GM fungus in trials, NS (28 Sept., 2002), 7.

A book review of American Agriculture in the Twentieth Century is in Science 298 (2002), 1339-40. The economics of US farming over the last 70 years is summarized in SA (Nov. 2002), 15. Preservation of natural and farmed ecosystems together is considered in Science 298 (2002), 1340-1. Ecological agriculture in China is discussed in Ecological Economics 42 (2002), 359-68. There have been doubts raised over the use of atrazine and frogs development, Nature 420 (2002), 256. Other health concerns of herbicides are discussed in NS (21 Sept., 2002), 10. A single nucleotide mutation that makes mosquitoes resistant to DDT went global quickly, NS (5 Oct., 2002), 15. On other mechanisms of insect pest resistance, NS (19 Oct., 2002), 17; and insecticide resistance, Science 298 (2002), 96-7. Pesticide poisoning is a common problem, especially in the developing world, Lancet 360 (2002), 1163-7, 1574.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

GM fish are discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1798-9; NS (14 Sept., 2002), 12-3. Twin goats have been cloned in Taiwan, APBN 6 (2002), 835-6. Dalhousie University has been granted a patent on a GM Tilapia with a humanized insulin gene, AgraFood Biotech 93 (2002), 15. Cloned cows have been made with an artificial chromosome carrying human immunoglobulin genes to produce antibodies, NatBio 20 (2002), 881. On GM pig making using a simple technique, NS (26 Oct., 2002), 19.

Anxiety in GM mice is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1626. Mice lacking aldehyde dehydrogenase activity have diminished preference for alcohol, Pharmacogenetics 12 (2002), 621-6. Mice heterozygous for mutation in Atm have higher susceptibility to cancer, NatGen 32 (2002), 185-90. Tagging of genes involved in cancer by retroviruses is described in NatGen 32 (2002), 160-5. Description of harlequin mouse mutation is in Nature 419 (2002), 367-74; on Williams syndrome, NatGen 31 (2002), 116-27; on SHIP-deficient mice, NatMed. 8 (2002), 943-9; on ARX mutant mice, NatGen 32 (2002), 359-69; on Hirschsprung disease, NatGen 32 (2002), 237-44; and ataxia mice, NatGen 32 (2002), 420-5. Altering blood vessel growth in eyes in mice by stem cells is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 932-4. Studies of the regulatory variation in mouse genes are in NatGen 32 (2002), 432-7. Behavioural recovery in a primate model of Parkinson's disease is reported in Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 345-54.

Designer Molecules

A US research team is funded for US$3 million for creating a new life form by artificial synthesis of DNA, Int. Herald Tribune (22 Nov. 2002), 1, 4; BMJ 325 (2002), 736.

Biotechnology& the Public

  A paper on the new biology is Mittelstrass, J. "The impact of the new biology on ethics", Law and the Human Genome Review 16 (Jan. 2002), 25-36.  Discussion of science and religion is made in a series of papers in Science & Christian Belief 14 (2002), 98-42; also, NS (28 Sept., 2002), 3. A local school board in Georgia , USA, opened its teaching to creationism, Science 298 (2002), 35. On academic astrology, Nature 420 (2002), 359.

  A useful CD on the education of bioethics and genetics is available from www.twistedladdermedia.com for US$60. Use of theatre for activism is in GeneWatch 15 (May 2002), 3-5. Commercial filming of patient-physician encounters is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1718-9. Artistic creations of DNA are reported in JAMA 288 (2002), 1458-9. Governance is discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 821. Cancer Research UK is asking the public to be more involved in decision making about cancer research priorities, Lancet 360 (2002), 1487. A discussion of biotechnology regulation in Canada and connection to industry is Ram's Horn 201 (May 2002), 1-5. Misuse of science is a concern of all scientists, NS (21 Sept., 2002), 25. A book review on gender and science in Rosalind Franklin, Science 298 (2002), 1177-8. Communication skills are discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 672.

  US consumers continue to support GM products, AgraFood Biotech. 60 (1 Oct. 2002), 4; while the UK consumers remain negative, AgraFood Biotech. 91 (14 Oct. 2002), 7. Asian countries continue to support GM food more in surveys, Food Chemical News (4 Nov. 2002), 7-8. A book review related to an opponent of genetic engineering Jon Beckwith is Nature 420 (2002), 363-4; also NS (12 Oct., 2002), 46-9.

  There is a story on the future of genetics and cloning in Newsweek (16-23 Sept. 2002), 74-7.In that story there is a misquote of Darryl Macer. A book review on the rDNA controversy is Gene Therapy 8 (2001), 1752. A book review of The Precautionary Principle in the 20th Century is Nature 419 (2002), 433-4. The question of genetic engineering and intrinsic value is discussed in TIBTECH 20 (2002), 488-9.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

Genetic pollution is discussed in AIBA Newslink 5 (Oct. 2002), 1-3; NS (23 Nov., 2002), 7. Agricultural biowarfare is also a danger, Science 297 (2002), 1974-5. US federal agencies have added extra steps for handling GM plants, NatBio 20 (2002), 862. US regulation of GM animals may not be adequate because of fears over the environmental safety that are not addressed by the FDA in approval of GM animals for consumption, NatBio 20 (2002), 959; NRC, Animal Biotechnology: Science-based Concerns (NRC 2002). After controversy much of the approved GM cotton in India has not been so successful, Nature 418 (2002), 716; NatBio 20 (2002), 1069; AgraFood Biotech 94 (26 Nov. 2002), 8. A French farmer was sentenced to jail for attacks on GM fields, AP (21 Nov 2002). Southern African countries may create their own GM committee, Nature 419 (2002), 661. On GM seed trade, Nature 419 (2002), 9. A tough law in Swtizerland makes it difficult for GM trials, Nature 419 (2002), 547; Science 298 (2002), 343.

The possibility for malaria control with GM insect vectors is raised in Science 298 (2002), 119-21; and on their ecology, Science 298 (2002), 117-9. A trial of superweeds has stopped due to access to the GM seed being limited, Nature 419 (2002), 655. Saltwort has been found to be nutritious to eat, NS (28 Sept., 2002), 17. Sterile GM fish are discussed in NS (14 Sept., 2002), 12-3. Terminator genes may be useful to control gene spread, SA (Sept. 2002), 16. The environmental concerns of GM animals are discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 805.

The relation between SV40 and polio cases is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 725-6; JAMA 288 (2002), 1337-8. Lateral DNA transfer is discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 589-90; Cell (Nov 2002), 464. On the precautionary principle, NatBio 20 (2002), 1075-8.

Dangers from production of biological weapons are discussed in Genewatch 15 (Sept. 2002), 13-5. A paper looking at how to combat terrorist smallpox is Science 298 (2002), 1428-32, 1342-4. In general on preparing for such a defense, Nature 419 (2002), 1; Modern Healthcare (28 Oct. 2002), 10. The US plans to vaccinate all its soldiers against smallpox, USA Today (29 Nov. 2002), 4A. There have been suggestions to vaccinate everyone, BMJ 325 (2002), 794-5; Lancet 360 (2002), 732; SCRIP 2785 (27 Sept. 2002), 18. In the UK key health officers will also be vaccinated, BMJ 325 (2002), 855. There have been denials from France that it had stocks of smallpox, Science 297 (2002), 1313-5. There has been much criticism of the plan to test smallpox vaccine on children in the USA, Nature 420 (2002), 110. There are however concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine stocks, also in the UK, NatBio 20 (2002), 859-60. There may be some protection from old vaccinations, BMJ 325 (2002), 513. On European preparations, Lancet 360 (2002), 733-4.

A rumour that the USA was planning to conduct a biowarfare test using a GM mosquito has been denied, Nature 419 (2002), 867. There has been suspicion over the FBI search for the anthrax terrorist, Nature 418 (2002), 808; NS (26 Oct., 2002), 48-51. A virus to kill anthrax has been found, Nature 418 (2002), 825-6; JAMA 288 (2002), 1848-9.. A company is attempting to make a universal biosensor for bioweapons, SA (Nov. 2002), 20-1.

Japan has formally admitted that it used biological weapons in World War II, Nature 419 (2002), 8; Lancet 360 (2002), 857. There has been debate over the degree to which the government should restrict access to research results that could be misused for biological weapons, Science 298 (2002), 753-4, 1135; NatMed. 8 (2002), 899, 905; NEJM 347 (2002), 856-7.The Red Cross has also called for care in protecting persons, NS (28 Sept., 2002), 4. In general on weapons of mass destruction, SA (Nov. 2002), 58-63. A code of conduct has been suggested for the bioweapons treaty, Nature 420 (2002), 112; NS (23 Nov., 2002), 9. There is still a lack of laws to protect against bioweapons in many countries, BMJ 325 (2002), 727-8. Food vendors should have greater security now, Food Chemical News (26 August 2002), 5-6.

The Russian tragedy involving use of a knockout gas to stop terrorists which killed about 20% of the captives as well, partly because details were not revealed to doctors early enough for treatment, is criticized in NS (2 Nov., 2002), 5-7; Science 297 (2002), 1150-1.

Vaccines & Diseases

A vaccine to ricin, a common toxin, may be ready in time for the misuse of that toxin by terrorists, NS (14 Sept., 2002), 22. The recommended adult vaccination schedule in the USA is JAMA 288 (2002), 2258-9.

Discussion of disclosure of BSE to patients if their tissue has BSE is in Nature 419 (2002), 326. Italy has reported its first case of CJD from BSE route of infection, and Japan its fifth case.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Several papers on ethical issues of HIV are in Issues in Medical Ethics 10 (Oct. 2002), 87-95. The criminalization of HIV transmission is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 160-3. Arrest and release of a HIV activist in China was reported in Nature 419 (2002), 99, 550. On HIV in drug users in China, Science 298 (2002), 1171. Letters on clinical trials on HIV are in JAMA 288 (2002), 2120. The need for cheaper AIDS drugs is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 151-3. Barriers to HIV tests are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1186-7.

On a hepatitis C vaccine, NS (2 Nov., 2002), 16. Bad blood can kill many, NS (28 Sept., 2002), 6.

Microbes& Pollution Remedies

Genetically engineered Arabiopdsis thaliana can help remove arsenic from contaminated land, NatBio 20 (2002), 1094-5. The positive uses of dredged material for coastal restoration are discussed in Ecological Engineering 19 (2002), 181-210. Bioconversion of domestic wastewater sludge makes a resource, Bioresource Technology 85 (2002), 263-72.

Environmental Issues

Some of the papers from the November 2000 conference organized by Eubios Ethics Institute and International Association of Law, Ethics and Science, Bioethics, Health and The Environment, are in IJB 2 (2002), 11-127. Sustainability is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1994-5. In Japan increasing numbers of houses have solar power, Japan Times (22 Nov. 2002), 3. Hydrogen catalysts are discussed inScience 297 (2002), 2189-90.

A book review of Deceit and Denial. The Deadly Politics of Industrial Pollution is Science 298 (2002), 1176-7. Air pollution is discussed inScience 297 (2002), 2214-5. The health impact of air pollution is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1184-5; Nature 418 (2002), 716; NS (19 Oct., 2002), 13. The US spends more than US$120 billion a year on protecting ecosystems, Science 297 (2002), 2194.

Water shortage is already a cause of death, Honey Bee 13 (April 2002), 1. In Bangladesh mistaken water tests are risky millions of people's lives, NS (16 Nov., 2002), 4-5. Side effects of oceanic iron fertilization are discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1993. On bank filtration, EST 36 (2002), 422-8A. There are several papers in Environmental Management 30 (2002), 455-559 on water pollution. There are ecological and societal needs for freshwater, Ecological Applications 12 (2002), 1247-60. Removal of pharmaceuticals from drinking water is needed in polluted areas, EST 36 (2002), 3855-63.

Nuclear power plants and fuel are also at risk for terrorist attack, Science 297 (2002), 1997-9. On Chernobyl, Science 298 (2002), 725. Environment, lifestyle and infertility are discussed in Nature Cell Biology and Nature Medicine Supplement (2002), s33-40. Feminization of male frogs is reported in Nature 419 (2002), 895-6.

Biodiversity

A treaty to share genetics commons rather than have genes as property under CBD is debated in GeneWatch 15 (July 2002), 14-15. Conservation is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 1995-6. A book review of The Lost World of the Moa is Nature 420 (2002), 361. International scientific unions are concerned about biodata, Nature 419 (2002), 777. The question of how many fish are left in the sea is raised in Nature 419 (2002), 662-5; Far Eastern Economic Review (15 August 2002), 48-51. The question of whether to ban ivory sales is raised in NS (19 Oct., 2002), 14-5.

Animal Rights

Discussion of the justification for animal testing is in Nature 419 (2002), 337; BMJ 325 (2002), 1038-9; NS (20 July 2002), 14-5; (23 Nov., 2002), 16-7; Scrip Magazine (Oct. 2002), 11-3; ATLA 30 (2002), 477-8; Science 298 (2002), 1515. Primate experiments are even more difficult to justify, NS (23 Nov., 2002), 5. Research on the mechanism of pain is developing, Lancet 359 (2002), 1786; 360 (2002), 1002.

In the future robots could be good friends for children, NS (3 Aug. 2002), 22-3; (16 Nov., 2002), 30-3. Study of a gene that affects fear response is Science 297 (2002), 319. Animal cognition is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 255; NS (12 Oct., 2002), 50-1. A book review on Pavlov's phyisology factory is Nature 419 (2002), 252-3. Social feeding in Caenorhabditis elegans is induced by neurons that detect aversive stimuli, Nature 419 (2002), 899-903. The evolution of animal behaviour and nosy neighbours are discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 242-3. A book review of Blum, D., Love at Goon Park is SA (Nov. 2002), 78-9.

Retired chimps from the Coulston Foundation are being moved to a sanctuary, Science 297 (2002), 2191-3; Nature 419 (2002), 330. Efforts to save great apes in Africa are being made, as they face great threat, Science 297 (2002), 2203. The DNA between chimps and humans is jumbled in sequence, Science 298 (2002), 719-20; Nature 418 (2002), 910-2; Lancet 360 (2002), 504. The behaviour of orangutans is reviewed in SA (June 2002), 46-51.

A law suit has linked the death of whales to a research cruise, Science 298 (2002), 722. Californian sea lions have performed memory tests better than other non-human animals, NS (26 Oct., 2002), 25.

Studies of language and the mind are discussed in SA (August 2002), 14. Diseases can also be caused by the mind, NS (26 Oct., 2002), 40-3. On philosophy of mind see the proposal for mental mapping by Macer, EJAIB 12 (2002), 203-6; NS (14 Sept., 2002), 46-9; Nature Neuroscience 5 (2002), 829-30; Lancet 360 (2002), 1432. Brain scans may allow us to understand physically parts of the brain, NS (21 Sept., 2002), 38-41; (23 Nov. 2002), 38-41. Brain structures that contribute to mind time are described in SA (Sept. 2002), 48-55. Emotion, cognition and behaviour are discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1191-4. On perceptual learning, Nature Neuroscience 5 (2002), 923-4. The brain revolution and ethics are discussed in The Scientist (28 Oct. 2002), 12, 14.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

Comments on the use of interferon beta-1a and 1b for multiple sclerosis are in Lancet 360 (2002), 1428-9. Interferon as treatment for melanoma is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 878. Interferon is useful in combinations for treating hepatitis C infection, NEJM 346 (2002), 975-82. On the use of RNA as a drug and antidote, Nature 419 (2002), 23-4. Treatment of active Crohn's disease has been reported using recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, Lancet 360 (2002), 1478-80.

Growth hormone and sex steroid administration were tested with a number of adverse effects reported in JAMA 288 (2002), 2282-92. Use of growth hormone is beneficial for growth hormone deficiency, BMJ 325 (2002), 1037-8. Benefits of recombinant erythropoietin are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1606-7. The biomarker database is hoped to lead to new blockbuster drugs, NatMed. 8 (2002), 1049-50. Use of activated protein C treatment for severe sepsis treatment is recommended, NEJM 346 (2002), 993-1000, 1027-36. Coenzyme Q10 may slow functional decline in Parkinson disease, Lancet 360 (2002), 1227. Promotion of cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin A is being discouraged, Lancet 360 (2002), 929.

Food safety

A comment on the type of "propaganda" used to promote biotech and irradiated food is Ram's Horn 206 (November 2002), 1-4. Liability concerns of GM food are discussed in Genewatch 15 (Sept. 2002), 5. A report from a series of town meetings in Vermont, USA, where votes were made against GM food is reported in GeneWatch 15 (May 2002), 6. The GM food debate continues, Nature 419 (2002), 327;E(EU) The Parliament Magazine (30 Sept. 2002), 36-7. Papers on GM food are also in GeneWatch 15 (July 2002), 2-11. Research to make safer soybean is suggested in NS (14 Sept., 2002), 7. The ethics of labeling GM food are discussed in Reiss, M. "Labeling GM foods - the ethical way forward", NatBio 20 (2002), 868. A summary of the WE regulation of GMOs and food is in J. Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2002), 27-30.

There is much discussion of the offering of food aid including GM food to Africa, NS (21 Sept., 2002), 3, 5; Nature 418 (2002), 569, 571; 419 (2002), 104; Lancet 360 (2002), 1261; Science 298 (2002), 1153-4; AgraFood Biotech. 89 (10 Sept. 2002), 1-2.It is important to note that in the USA, a major donor, such food is not labeled and has been eaten for 7 years by the general public. This comes at a time when the UN is asking for more food aid for Africa, Lancet 360 (2002), 1305. Japan's wet milling industry is not going to distinguish between GM and non-GM maize, AgraFood Biotech. 91 (14 Oct. 2002), 2. The Canadian government response to the report on GM labeling is to continue voluntary labeling policy, AgraFood Biotech. 94 (26 Nov. 2002), 17.

A suggestion that a well balanced diet may make prisoners and young offenders better behave is discussed in NS (16 Nov., 2002), 3. Zinc is an important mineral, BMJ 325 (2002), 1059-63; as is iron, BMJ 325 (2002), 1125. On functional foods, Current Opinion in Biotechnology13 (2002), 483-5.

A report from the 2002 World Food Summit is Ram's Horn 202 (June 2002), 1-3. Not enough food is also a problem in the USA, JAMA 288 (2002), 1462-3. There is a growing movement in the USA against soft drinks in school, JAMA 288 (2002), 2181. Fears of acrylamide cancer risk in fried food are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 2105-6.

Childhood obesity is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 2180; Lancet 360 (2002), 959. Methods to stop the trends towards obesity are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1723-7, 1728, 1758, 1772-3, 2176, 2178-9; Science 297 (2002), 1788-9; BMJ 325 (2002), 728-9, 757-61; Lancet 360 (2002), 1249-50, 1400. Obesity mechanisms are discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 595-6; JAMA 288 (2002), 2177. There may be a link between obesity and attention deficit disorder, NS (19 Oct., 2002), 26. Two overweight girls have sued McDonalds, Int. Herald Tribune (22 Nov. 2002), 2. The definition of obesity is also a question, SSM 55 (2002), 1401-13.

Diet and risk of heart disease is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 783-9, 1015-8, 1455-61, 1570. Reducing salt is still important advice, BMJ 325 (2002), 628-32. Exercise and plasma lipoproteins are discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1483-92. Over the past 50 years in the USA the incidence of heart disease has fallen in women but not men, NEJM 346 (2002), 1397-402. On diet and cancer risk, Lancet 360 (2002), 861-8.On risks of dementia and fish or meat consumption in France, BMJ 325 (2002), 932-3. Coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of diabetes type 2, Lancet 360 (2002), 1477-8; NS (16 Nov., 2002), 7. The mechanism of caffeine as a stimulant is discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 734-6. On the safety of tea, Lancet 360 (2002), 878.

Disease Risks & Drugs

Ethics and medical marijuana are discussed in HCR 32 (Sept. 2002), 11-3. The challenges of integrating complementary and alternative medicine for research ethics committees are discussed in BME 180 (2002), 13-6. Medicinal plants are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1706-7. On ethnicity and environment and health, SSM 55 (2002), 1647-61. Simple measures could increase life expectancy by 5-10 years, BMJ 325 (2002), 985. The responsibility for sanitation is discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 1539-51.

Reporting adverse effects of drugs is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1633-7; Lancet 360 (2002), 1435. Immune monitoring could be also improved, TIBTECH 20 (2002), 495-7. Patient reps can help review products, FDA Consumer (Jan. 2002), 10-17. There has been criticism of the FDA in allowing paracetamol to be widely used despite 450 deaths a year from overdoses, BMJ 325 (2002), 678. The efficacy and safety of Cox 2 inhibitors are discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 607-8, 980-1. Tamoxifen reduces breast cancer by a third in high risk women, BMJ 325 (2002), 613. The FDA is concerned that more deaths will come from the relauch of Lotronex drug, BMJ 325 (2002), 561. Work stress is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 857-60. Warfarin is useful to prevent future heart attacks in addition or instead of aspirin, NEJM 346 (2002), 969-74. Aspirin is safe to use, NEJM 346 (2002), 1309-17.

On ethics, Callahan, D. & Jennings, B., "Ethics and public health: Forging a strong relationship", AJPH 92 (2002), 169-76. On enhancing public safety in primary care, BMJ 324 (2002), 584-7.

Ecstasy may be useful in treating Parkinson disease, NS (9 Nov., 2002), 14.

The Health Council of the Netherlands has concluded that there is not a health risk from mobile phones, Network 17 (June 2002), 9-10. A Maryland judge rejected a cell phone case, Science 298 (2002), 338.

The health risks from war and sanctions in Iraq are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1031. The question of whether the Afghan war was a just war is raised in BMJ 324 (2002), 353-5. Damages from football to brain are being examined more, JAMA 287 (2002), 437-40. A study of Nordic airline pilots over 5 decades found no increased cancer rate, BMJ 325 (2002), 567-9. A case of major radiation exposure is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 944-7.

Patenting & Business

On patents and ethics, Law and the Human Genome Review 16 (Jan. 2002), 223-56; GeneWatch 15 (May 2002), 7-8; (July 2002), 5-7; (Sept. 2002), 3-4; BME 180 (2002), 5-6. There are new rules on patents for German academics, Science 298 (2002), 1173-4. WIPO is setting up a database related to queries by tribes on indigenous knowledge, Nature 419 (2002), 866. On traditional knowledge and IPRs, Nature 419 (2002), 423; Lancet 360 (2002), 858; NS (21 Sept., 2002), 8. A call for less patent protection on drugs is in Nature 419 (2002), 233.

Papers on the pharmaceutical industry include, Lancet 360 (2002), 1346, 1405-9, 1498-502, 1590-5. A survey of public information on clinical trials sponsored by industry is BMJ 325 (2002), 528-31. Standards for industry-sponsored trials are discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 985; NEJM 346 (2002), 1371-5. Sponsorship of bioethics centres is raised in Nature 418 (2002), 583. The image of industry is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 770. On biotechnology in Australia, NatBio 20 (2002), 873-7; Russia, Science 297 (2002), 628; Singapore, Science 297 (2002), 1470-3. In general on the new roads for gene firms, Science 297 (2002), 1982-4.

Birth Control

The dangers of population growth are discussed in Science 297 (2002), 341-2. Computer modeling of population is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 567-9. A book review of Wilson, EO, The Future of Life, which discusses China's population policy is in NatMed. 8 (2002), 923. Discussion of making emergency contraception over-the-counter in the USA is in NEJM 346 (2002), 846-9. On sex in NYC, BMJ 325 (2002), 1042. A call for US trials of quinacrine sterilization is in F&S 77 (2002), 1106-9.

The risks of oral contraceptives and breast cancer are discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1448-51, 2078-9; BMJ 325 (2002), 504-5. There is a suspicion of Depo-Provera contraceptive and risks of cardiovascular disease, BMJ 325 (2002), 513; Circulation (17 Sept. 2002). Hysterectomy is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1360-2. The dangers of estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 942-4; Science 297 (2002), 325-6; 298 (2002), 723-4; USA Today (29 Oct. 2002), 10D; BMJ 325 (2002), 987, 1036; JAMA 288 (2002), 321, 334, 366-9. However a study has found that prior HRT is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, JAMA 288 (2002), 2123-9.

Embryo Status

The ethics of twin separation is discussed in Dell'Oro, R., "On the ethics of twin separation. The forgotten case of babies Jodie and Mary", Itinerarium 10 (No. 22, Sept. 2002), 89-106. On embryo status, Itinerarium 10 (No. 22, Sept. 2002), 107-114. The use of embryonic tissue is still a contentious one, HCR 32 (Sept. 2002), 41-43, 47-8. Neuronal replacement has been reported from endogenous precursors in the adult brain after stroke, NatMed. 8 (2002), 963-70.

Nepal legalized abortion in March 2002, until 12 weeks. A paper on the history of abortion in China is Nie, JB. "Chinese moral perspectives on abortion and foetal life: An historical account", New Zealand Bioethics J. 3 (Oct. 2002), 15-31. A series of 23 papers on abortions, and restrictions that lead to unsafe abortions, are in Reproductive Health Matters 10 (2002), 1-183. Sex selection is discussed in Reproductive Health Matters 10 (2002), 184-97. There are concerns in the US of moves to view human embryos as human beings, Nature 420 (2002), 3. Abortion in Cameroon is discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 137-49. Unsafe abortions may cause 20,000 deaths in Nigeria each year, BMJ 325 (2002), 988.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

  A paper on control and cloning is Jones, D.G. "Human cloning: Unwarranted control or legitimate stewardship?", Science & Christian Belief 14 (2002), 159-80. Papers of cloning are in Genewatch 15 (Sept. 2002), 8-12. Discussion of the Danish Council of Ethics report on cloning is in BME 180 (2002), 10-1.

  A discussion of stem cell research policy and legal challenges in the UK is Law and the Human Genome Review 16 (Jan. 2002), 181-98. A paper looking at the testimonies in the USA on stem cells is Itinerarium 10 (No. 22, Sept. 2002), 81-8.

  The ethics of reproductive technology and parenting is discussed in CQHE 11 (2002), 401-10. Lesbian access to ART is discussed in J. Law & Medicine 9 (2002), 498-510. Post-mortem reproduction is discussed in J. Law & Medicine 9 (2002), 429-37. ART in Italy is reviewed in BME 180 (2002), 21-2. Professional self-regulation as a way to regulate ART is discussed in J. Law & Medicine 9 (2002), 414-28.

 

Fetal Environment & Neonates

The reasons why the mothers immune system does not reject the fetus are discussed in Nature 420 (2002), 265-6. A survey of knowledge of folic acid in Utah is AJMG 107 (2002), 67-9. The possibility for artificial pregnancies are discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 106-7. On the medicalization of childbirth, BMJ 324 (2002), 892-5.

The association between insulin-like growth factor genotype and birth weight is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 1036-7; 360 (2002), 945-6. The outcome for very low birth weight babies is not good, NEJM 346 (2002), 141-3. A report from a study of newborns in Nepal is BMJ 325 (2002), 1063-6. A study of geneder and nutrition of children in India is SSM 55 (2002), 775-90. A lost Neanderthal neonate has been found, Nature 419 (2002), 33. Psychological care of mothers after stillbirth is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1600-2. Infant care preferences of mothers are often not met, J. Marriage & Family 64 (2002), 2-15.

Breastfeeding is associated with lower risk of obesity, Lancet 359 (2002), 2003-4. High calcium intake before puberty can increase bone mass, Lancet 360 (2002), 2037-8. Association between psychological symptoms of adults and growth in early life is surveyed in BMJ 325 (2002), 749-51. Sex chromosome genes directly affect brain sexual differentiation, Nature Neuroscience 5 (2002), 933-4. Hormone rich shampoos may make some girls reach puberty earlier, NS (6 April, 2002), 6-7.

Genetic Disease Markers (See next issue)

Discussion of the role of BRCA2 is inScience 297 (2002), 1822-3.

Genetic Screening Methodology (See next issue)

On microarrays in genomics, Indian J. Biotechnology 1 (2002), 245-54; Nature 419 (2002), 323; NatGen 32 (2002), 333-4, 345. There should be gene chips for all organisms, Science 297 (2002), 1985-7. High resolution separation is described in Science 298 (2002), 1441-2. Uncertainties of breast cancer screening are raised in NS (26 Oct., 2002), 27; (9 Nov., 2002), 10.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy

The universal use of neonatal DNA screening for forensic purposes is debated in Nature 418 (2002), 585-6; 419 (2002), 247-8. The report of the UK Human Genetics Commission, Inside Information. Balancing interests in the use of personal genetic data (May 2002, 182pp.) can be ordered by Email: doh@prolog.uk.com. The use of genetic data for criminal cases is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 247, 422; 420 (2002), 359.

There are an increasing number of population genetics databases being made, Science 298 (2002), 1158-61; NatGen (Sept. 2002; supplement), 3. A report from the International Endogene study which is a collection of families for genetic research in endometriosis is F&S 78 (2002), 679-85. There are continued debates over research access to genetic databases, Science 298 (2002), 1312-3. Ethical issues in placental blood collection and storage are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1335-6. A paper looking at informed consent for use of blood stored for more than a decade is BMJ 325 (2002), 634-5. The human transcriptome database is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 3. The dangers of misuse of information in databases is discussed in NS (21 Sept. 2002), 5. The USA does not have a federal policy for protecting privacy of genetic information, Lancet 359 (2002), 1678.

There are ethical concerns over the strict policing of Internet in China, NS (9 Nov. 2002), 27. This could happen everywhere, Nature 418 (2002), 580-2. Electronic tagging of persons with dementia who wander may protect them, BMJ 325 (2002), 847-8.

Ethics & Genetic Screening

A case of a child selected to be free of a late onset disease, Alzheimer's disease, is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 290. Opinion 72 of the French National Bioethics Committee on Preimplantation Diagnosis is in Les Cahiers 33 (October 2002), 4-21. In general on the future of genetic testing, NS (23 Nov. 2002), 42-5. Design of life is discussed in BME 180 (2002), 6-7. Moral boundaries in genetic medicine are discussed in Bioethics 15 (2002), 189-205; BMJ 325 (2002), 974; Lancet 360 (2002), 1613. The effects of consanguinity on screening for thalassemia in Pakistan is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1162-8, 1200-2. Prenatal screening issues for achondroplasia are discussed in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 933-40.

Discussion of antenatal screening policies for Down syndrome is in BMJ 325 (2002), 1034-5. A survey of attitudes of 75 health professionals in Lebanon found similar attitudes to Europe for a range of genetic conditions, Zahed, L. et al. "Attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy among health professionals in Lebanon", Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 880-6. A survey of physicians and midwives in France is in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 811-7. A US study of factors that affect women to chose aminocentesis when over 35 years of age is Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002),769-74. Prenatal screening is being increasingly used in Ladakh, India, SSM 55 (2002), 1089-102.

Parents obligations to children are discussed in Rakowski, E. "Who should pay for bad genes?", California Law Review 90 (2002), 1345-414. Discussion of the Chinese concept of yousheng is in Tang, K. "Ethical dimensions of yousheng (healthy birth or eugenics): The perspective of a Chinese ethicist", New Zealand Bioethics J. 3 (Oct. 2002), 9-14. A book review of A Life of Sir Francis Galton is NEJM 347 (2002), 1537-8. A summary from the Nuffield Council of Bioethics Report on Genetics and Human behaviour is in BME 181 (2002), 8-10; BMJ 325 (2002), 733. Cognitive change and the APOE4 allele are discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 932. Book reviews of Pinker, S. The Blank State: The modern denial of human nature (Penguin Press, 2002) are in Nature 419 (2002), 251-2; NS (9 Nov. 2002), 56. The results of computer modeling of evolution and society is presented in Nature 419 (2002), 677-8. Genetic determinism is discussed in NatGen 32 (2002), 227-8. A discussion of designing children to be deaf is in BMJ 325 (2002), 771-3. The attitudes of Asian people to being deafis discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 1757-69.

On genetics and privacy, JAMA 288 (2002), 1411-2. Public policy in genetics is discussed in Gene Therapy 9 (2002), 662-6.

Gene Therapy

  A French laboratory has reported a suspected case of leukemia in a child receiving gene therapy,Science 298 (2002), 37-8; Nature 419 (2002), 545-6; 420 (2002), 107, 116-7; NatMed. 8 (2002), 1189; NS (12 Oct. 2002), 4-5; Lancet 360 (2002), 1185-6. France suspended other trials on the same disease. The US FDA decided to continue its trial in the same disease, Nature 419 (2002), 660. The importance of the public is discussed in Gottweis, H. "Gene therapy and the public: A matter of trust", Gene Therapy 9 (2002), 667-9. In general on regulation of gene therapy, Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 1143-9. A review on ethics and science of fetal somatic gene therapy is Gene Therapy 9 (2002), 670-3. An NIH report on adenoviral vector safety is in Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 3-13. The ethics of implants are discussed in Nunes, R. "Ethical dimension of paediatric cochlear implantation", Theoretical Medicine 22 (2001), 337-49.

  The question of whether we should change people's behaviour by placing electrodes in their head is discussed in NS (2 Nov. 2002), 26. A peace pill might curb aggression, but would it be ethical? NS (9 Nov. 2002), 18. A book review of Disorders of Body Image is NEJM 347 (2002), 1048-9. Genetically engineered hair is expected soon, NS (14 Sept. 2002), 16. The future of gene-based medicine is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1526-7. The future of design in general is discussed in NS (5 Oct. 2002), 46-9. Gene therapy may also be used to counter bioweapons, Science & Medicine (July 2002), 188-90.

  A success is reported in Ortiz-Urda, S. et al. "Stable nonviral genetic correction of inherited human skin disease", NatMed. 8 (2002), 1166-70. Gutted adenovirus vectors are useful for gene therapy, Lancet 360 (2002), 928. Papers on the safety of adenoviral vectors are in Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 1-150. Non-viral vectors may be useful, Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 861-70; and on cells as vectors, Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 1263-80. Internasal transfer of nanospheres protected mice against infection, Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002),1415-25. A detergent-lentiviral combination is being used for gene therapy of cystic fibrosis, Lancet 360 (2002), 1306.

  Diet and gene therapy has been tried to treat Parkinson's disease, BMJ 325 (2002), 851; Science 298 (2002), 428-9. A review of trends in gene therapy is in Gene Therapy 9 (June 2002), 653-756; Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 1261-2. The use of stem cells in gene therapy is discussed in Gene Therapy 9 (2002), 603-5; and electroporation in Gene Therapy 8 (2001), 1464-9. Cell fusion may occur after cell transplants, Nature 419 (2002), 437. Gene therapy for neurology disease is reviewed in Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 579-604. Gene transfer of an insulin-like growth factor 1 cDNA enhanced tissue engineering of cartilage, Human Gene Therapy 13 (2002), 1621-30. On RNA interference techniques, NEJM 347 (2002), 1364-7. A biological pacemaker was made by gene transfer, Nature 419 (2002), 132-3. Lentiviral vectors are tested in Gene Therapy 8 (2001), 1456-63. The safety of a GM-CSF adjuvant-plasmid malaria vaccine is reported in Gene Therapy 8 (2001), 1011-23.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

  A book review of the WHO book, Genomics and World Health is NatGen 32 (2002), 213-4. Genomic medicine is reviewed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1512-20. Personalized medicine is discussed in Scrip Magazine (Sept 2002), 25-7. In the future personal genomic sequencing will be possible, NS (9 Nov. 2002), 12-3.

  The Hapolotype Mapping Project was announced publicly on 29 October, 2002; Nature 419 (2002), 870; Lancet 360 (2002), 1481; NatGen 32 (2002), 353; BMJ 325 (2002), 1056. A policy discussion on the way to develop a new vocabulary of genetic variation is discussed inScience 298 (2002), 1337-8. A scientific description of variation in gene expression within natural populations is NatGen 32 (2002), 135-42, 261-5. Politics of international DNA databases is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 1333.

  The genome sequences of zebrafish and pufferfish have been described, Nature 418 (2002), 472. A physical map of the mouse genome is reported in Nature 419 (2002), 743-50. Future genome sequences include cow, dog and Oxytrichia trifallax include, Nature 419(2002), 237; SA (Nov. 2002), 13-4. The differences between human and chimpanzees DNA is 95% only, NS (28 Sept. 2002), 20. In general on sequencing, NS (9 Nov. 2002), 56-9. Craig Venter is heading a research project for 3 years to make a minimal Mycoplasma bacterium genome synthetically, Nature 420 (2002), 350; BMJ 325 (2002), 736. The theory of errors in choice of the 4 base language of DNA is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1789-90. On the 3D structure of the human genome, Science 298 (2002), 737; NatGen 32 (2002), 347-52. A Nobel prize was awarded to the scientists who were responsible for the sequencing of C. elegans nematode worm, NS (19 Oct. 2002), 12; BMJ 325 (2002), 791.

  The genome of Anopheles gambiae has been sequenced, and a series of paper son it are inScience 298 (2002), 77-185; BMJ 325 (2002), 792. Comparisons are made with the genome of Plasmodium falciparum parasite which has also been sequenced, Nature 419 (2002), 498-511, 489-97. The genome sequence of tsetse flies partner, Wigglesworthia glossinidia is described, NatGen 32 (2002), 335-6, 402-7. The genome of a bacteria Shewanella oneidensis has been revealed also, 1093-4.

  A tribe of Amerindians on Vancouver Island has criticized exploitation of DNA samples given 20 years ago, Nature 420 (2002), 111. Archaeology and the search for ancient DNA is reviewed in NatGen 32 (2002), 95.

General Medical Ethics

A series of 9 papers on early US bioethics, including memoriams to V.R. Potter are in CQHE 11 (2002), 326-400. A memoriam to V.R. Potter is Alpha Omega IV (2001), 587-92.  On the role of physicians in medicine today, Itinerarium 10 (No. 22, Sept. 2002), 57-80; Dispatches 11 (July 2002), 4-11; Becker, GK. "The moral identity of professional medicine", Turkish J. Medical Ethics, Law and History 10 (Nov. 2002), 237-42. . Patient autonomy and patient advocacy arediscussed in Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 472-82. An edited book on empirical studies is Fernado, LS. & Lorenzo, A.C., eds., Interfaces between Bioethics and The Empirical Social Sciences (PAHO-WHO, 2002, 110pp.).

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published many reports and seeks persons to order copies of their reports. They can also be downloaded for free, or obtained on a CD. Bioethics and human rights in Greece are discussed in Law and the Human Genome Review 16 (Jan. 2002), 37-58.

Children's decision making is discussed in Hyun, Insoo, "Waiver of informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and the problems of unjust families and traditions", HCR 32 (Sept. 2002), 14-22. Itinerarium 10 (No. 22, Sept. 2002), 33-56; Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 583-98. Substituted judgment is discussed in Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 483-92. A paper on older persons ethical problems involving their health is Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 537-56. A paper on the physicians response to treating a hunger strike is BME 181 (2002), 13-18.

The Health Council of the Netherlands has published a report Dementia, which can be ordered free of charge or downloaded (www.gr.nl) (Nr. 2002/04E, 12 March 2002). 194pp. The ethical issues of feeding patients suffering from dementia are discussed in Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 599-611.

A proposal for nursing education is made in Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 494-507. A study of nurses' beliefs about informed consent is in Nursing Ethics 9 (2002), 663-71. A model of informing patients is in HCR 32 (Sept. 2002), 23-32.

(See next issue for more news on these topics)

Law & Medical Ethics

Recent guidance from the UK GMC on the responsibilities of doctors are reproduced in BME 180 (2002), 3-5. Discussion of protection of human research subjects in the UK is in BME 181 (2002), 3-6, 19-24.

Scientific Ethics

A series of papers from an International Conference on Conflict of Interest and its Significance in Science and Medicine, held in Warsaw, 5-6 April, 2002, are in Science and Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 257-480.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care

A review of the Dutch law on euthanasia is Medical Law Review 10 (2002), 57-75. Euthanasia and double effect is discussed in Monash Bioethics Review 21 (2002), 23-34. Policy on death is discussed in BME 180 (2002), 17-20. An argument for the sanctity of life approach rather than a QOL approach is in Croatian J. Philosophy 11 (2002), 37-54.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death

Efforts to improve organ transplantation are in Bioethics Examiner 6 (Summer 2002), 1, 4-5. More women than men are living organ donors, BMJ 325 (2002), 851.

Health Costs

Health care as a community good is discussed in HCR 32 (Sept. 2002), 33-40.

Prepared by Darryl Macer
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