Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - January 2003

Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 13 (2003), 26-33.

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

In 2001 there were 53 million hectares in GM plants across thirteen countries, James, C. (2002), ISSSA Briefs No.26-2002, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISSSA). The proportions of harvest of GM crops in the world in 2001 was the United States 68%, Argentina 22%, Canada 6%, and China 3% (James, 2002). European countries and Japan are not so much in favor of cultivating or importing GM crops. The variety of GM crops which are commercialized for human consumption or animal feeds include soy bean (63% of the total global area of transgenic crops in 2001), maize (19%), cotton (13%), canola (5%), and others are such as potato, squash or papaya.

A paper on assessing the value of transgenic crops is Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 497-512. On plant genetics, Science 298 (2002), 2135-6. A review of African rice is PNAS 99 (2002), 16360-5. Trehalose might be able to allow plants to grow in salty ground, Gard, AK. et al. "Trehalose accumulation in rice plants confers high tolerance levels to different abiotic stresses", PNAS 99 (2002), 15898-903; NS (30 Nov., 2002), 10. Research to overcome the fungus that causes potato blight is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 1702-4.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

Discussion of whether transgenic fish will be of much benefit over their risks is Science 298 (2002), 1715. A New Zealand company, Boviquest has discovered a cow milk production gene, APBN 8 (2002), 867-8.

Treatment of a mouse model of Fabry disease is reported in PNAS 99 (2002), 13777-82. Myostatin blockage has helped treat muscular dystrophy in mice models, Lancet 360 (2002), 1756. Mice that are deficient in ribosomal RNA can have bone marrow failure and cancer, Science 299 (2003), 259-62. Pharmacological prevention of Parkinson disease in Drosophila is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 1185-6. Possible cost-free longevity in mice is reported in Nature 421 (2002), 125-6. Creation of a L1 retrotransposon mouse model is reported in NatGen 32 (2002), 562-3, 655-60. Mice lacking MEF2A transcription factor have mitochondrial deficiency, NatMed. 8 (2002), 1303-9.

Designer Molecules

A review of the development of nanotechnology is SA (Jan. 2003), 34-41. Possibilities of speeding up computers from thermophilic bacteria is discussed in NS (7 Dec., 2002), 22.A discussion of Craig Venter's project to create a new life form in the laboratory is in Science 298 (2002), 1701. A review of new products made from bacterial cellulose is BIOforum International (May 2002), 146-8. A discussion of synthetic biology is Nature 421 (2003), 118.

Biotechnology and the Public

A new book on agricultural ethics is Keulartz, J. et al., eds., Pragmatist Ethics for a Technological Culture (Kluwer Academic, 2002, ISBN 1-4020-0987-9, 264pp.). The declining public trust in the UK is discussed in Nature 420 (2002), 719.

Public attitudes against GM in Germany have affected GM crop development, The Scientist (30 Sept. 2002), 58-9. The GMO debate in New Zealand is discussed in Lincoln Outlook (Oct. 2002), 8-11. GM food labeling lacks widespread support in Argentina as it might raise food prices, Food Chemical News (25 Nov. 2002), 5-6. A paper on ethics is Jansen, B. "Modern medicine and biotechnology: An ethical conflict of interest?", Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 319-25. A paper arguing that biotechnology is under-used in the fight for global health and security is in J. Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2002), 11-3.

A book review of Peat, D., From Certainty to Uncertainty, is in JAMA 288 (2002), 2477-8. A book review of Lost Discoveries is in Science 298 (2002), 1895-6. On the risks of life, BMJ 325 (2002), 1426.

Discussion of limitations on research and public health due to bioterrorism threats are in JAMA 288 (2002), 2685-7; Lancet 360 (2002), 1901-2; Science 298 (2002), 2091, 2129-30; Nature 420 (2002), 605. A DNA style committee may be a model for bioterrorism debate, Nature 420 (2002), 462.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

Discussion of the risks of GM plants producing pharmaceuticals is in GeneWatch 15 (Nov. 2002), 7-8. Discussion of the BIO strategy is in AgraFood Biotech 95 (9 Dec. 2002), 1-2. Transgenic drug production is discussed in GEN 22 (15 Oct. 2002), 1, 70-1. There have been several instances of corn DNA entering soybean DNA in following crops and these crops being destroyed by the USDA, Ram's Horn 207 (Dec. 2002), 7. Gene crosses between GM rape and a wild relative are reported in NS (30 Nov., 2002), 7. A discussion of the alleged Mexican maize contamination by GMOs, Nature 420 (2002), 730-1. On the hazards of GM salmon, Food Chemical News (2 Sept. 2002), 10-1.

Chinese regulation of GMOs is discussed in the New York Times (22 Oct. 2002). There are GM debates in developing countries, NS (21 Dec., 2002), 25. Zambia has adopted the EU GM policy, AgraFood Biotech 93 (12 Nov. 2002), 2. The UK needs to decide if they will allow GM crops following their trials, NS (26 Oct., 2002), 27; Nature 420 (2002), 453. Monsanto claims that 82% of soybean in USA are their GM seeds, AgraFood Biotech 93 (12 Nov. 2002), 15. The benefits of ethanol fuel are debated in EST 36 (2002), 405A. A discussion of organic farming is in Science 298 (2002), 1889-91.

The possibility of bioterror against agriculture is discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 106-8. Bioterrorism defense in the Netherlands is discussed in Network 3 (Dec. 2002), 13; and in Europe, Nature 420 (2002), 450. There is debate over whether ring vaccination for smallpox will actually work based on new analysis of the old data, Science 299 (2003), 181. Some persons will die after the vaccinations from side effects, NS (21 Dec., 2002), 8; Newsweek (23 Nov. 2002), 46-7. There are plans for smallpox vaccination in the USA and some other countries, Lancet 361 (2003), 95, 97-8; NEJM 347 (2002), 1300-8; NS (21 Dec., 2002), 22; JAMA 288 (2002), 2530; BMJ 325 (2002), 1371-2. Anthrax toxin has been x-ray analysed, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 23 (2002), 539-40. On anthrax vaccine guidelines, JAMA 288 (2002), 2681-2. The tough laws on possession of pathogenic bacteria may be leading some researchers to dump valuable samples, Nature 421 (2003), 4. Early warning of infectious agents is necessary, NatMed. 8 (2002), 1183. On research in general, Nature 420 (2002), 736; Lancet 360 (2002), 1699.

Vaccines & Diseases

There are concerns over the resurgence of polio in Uttar Pradesh state in India, Lancet 361 (2003), 148. Active polio varus has been synthetically made, Science 297 (2002), 174. The number of doses for Varicella are discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1195-6. Even vaccination can still result in outbreaks, NEJM 347 (2002), 1909-15. The role of PAHO in immunization is discussed in AJPH 92 (2002), 1886-9. In general on global vaccines, JAMA 288 (2002), 2532; Lancet 360 (2002), 1671. The mercury in vaccines can be harmful to children, Lancet 360 (2002), 1711-2, 1737-41. On costs of vaccines, AJPH 92 (2002), 1982-7.

Prospects for treating malaria after the genomic information are discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 426-30; 421 (2003), 13, 97; Science 297 (2002), 345-7; 298 (2002), 33-4. Analysis of polytene chromosome of the genome sequence of Anopheles gambiae is in Science 298 (2002), 1415-8. On malaria, BMJ 325 (2002), 1221-4; Science 298 (2002), 2002-5; Nature 420 (2002), 351; NatMed. 8 (2002), 1198-9, 1318-22. Use of herbicides might be useful, NS (12 Oct., 2002), 17. A mutation in EAB140 may help some Melanesians be resistant to malaria, Lancet 360 (2002), 1947. Another gene may also be useful, Science 298 (2002), 1317-8. Mass treatment to eliminate filariasis in Papua New Guinea has been effective, NEJM 347 (2002), 1841-8. TB is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1850-9. On prion disease, Science 298 (2002), 1781-5; PNAS 99 (2002), 16378-400; Nature 420 (2002), 450.

There are fears of prion disease in deer, Nature 418 (2002), 576; 419 (2002), 236. Disclosure of BSE in human tissue raises ethical issues, Nature 419 (2002), 326. On CJD tests, NS (12 Oct., 2002), 16.

The future of pandemic influenza is discussed in NS (26 Oct., 2002), 36-9; NatGen 32 (2002), 569-77. Cholera treatment with single dose azithromycin was found effective in Lancet 360 (2002), 1722-7. Future of infectious disease is discussed in NS (26 Oct., 2002), 52. There is a link between MHC polymorphism and immune defense, Science 298 (2002), 1797-80. Modeling foot and mouth vaccination strategies is reported in Nature 421 (2003), 136-42; Science 297 (2002), 319-8.

Antibiotic resistance is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1110-1. Some antivaccination web sites are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1717-8. On the effective of vaccines, Nature 419 (2002), 769. Exposure to cat allergen in early childhood and wheezing is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 781-2.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

West Nile virus might be able to be transmitted by blood, JAMA 288 (2002), 1573-4. Japan-US studies of hepatitis C suggest it will rise in the USA in the coming two decades, PNAS 99 (2002), 15584-9.

Access to antiretroviral drugs in Brazil is reviewed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1862-5. AIDS as a crime against humanity is raised in Lancet 360 (2002), 1710-1. A comparison of HIV status in Kenya and Tanzania is reported in AJPH 92 (2002), 1795-800. On HIV in India, Lancet 360 (2002), 1789.

On HIV vaccine research, JAMA 288 (2002), 2671-2. Historical essays on the discovery of the cause of AIDS are in Science 298 (2002), 1726-31.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

The exposure to oil in clean up workers has ill effects on their health, Lancet 361 (2003), 147. Salvage plans to recover oil from a sunken tanker 3.5km deep are discussed in NS (14 Dec., 2002), 15; Science 298 (2002), 1696-7. The definition of oil as a natural disaster is debated in NS (30 Nov., 2002), 9.

Environmental Issues

Ethical and economic issues in the use of zero-emission vehicles are discussed in Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 561-78. China is planning to clean up its air, Nature 421 (2001), 101. The costs of the 1952 killer smog in London are discussed in Science 298 (2002), 2106-7. A review of green chemistry is Science 297 (2002), 807-10. Europe continues to emit methyl chloroform, Nature 421 (2003), 131-5.

Plants may not help us from global warming, NS (26 Oct., 2002), 18. Climate change can cause civilizations to collapse, SA (Dec. 2002), 14-5. Regional warming may lead to resurgence of malaria, Nature 420 (2002), 627-8. Grassland responses to elevated carbon dioxide are discussed in Science 298 (2002), 1987-90.

Herbicides can harm and for home gardening may not be so desirable, NS (7 Dec., 2002), 55. Arsenic poisoning in water wells in Bangladesh is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1757.

The ethical issues of radiation are discussed in a consensus conference report in Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 593-602. The safety of nuclear power plants are discussed in Science 299 (2003), 201-3.

Biodiversity

A book review on Moa is in Science 298 (2002), 2136-7. The prospects for making hunting of mammals sustainable are discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 8-9; and in Russia, Science 297 (2002), 1123; NS (24 Oct., 2002), 9. Fur fingerprints may stop illegal trapping, NS (30 Nov., 2002), 19. In general on biodiversity and sustainability, Nature 421 (2003), 113-4; NS (7 Dec., 2002), Inside Science pp. 1-4; Science 297 (2002), 519-20. There are still many species to identify, Science 297 (2002), 1545-8; 298 (2002), 365. A book review on alien life is Nature 421 (2003), 114-5. The first reported new species of life is discussed in NS (7 Dec 2002), 17. Improving gene banks is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 7.; Science 297 (2002), 1625-6.

Some greening of deserts in Africa is allowing cultivation of desert areas for crops, NS (21 Sept., 2002), 4. Conserving native plants in China is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 935-6.

A review of economic reasons for conserving wild nature is Science 297 (2002), 950-3. The use of direct cash payments to conserve biodiversity is reviewed in Science 298 (2002), 1718-9. The logo of the Forestry Stewardship Council is discussed in NS (26 Oct., 2002), 6. Amazon forest conservation is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 920-2, 1478; and on deforestation estimates, Science 298 (2002), 999-1001. The US Endangered Species Act is discussed in SA (Oct. 2002), 10-1. Canada has a law also, Science 296 (2002), 2123. Bioprospecting in Canada is reviewed in Nature 418 (2002), 718-20; 419 (2002), 768. The CITES Agreement is discussed in NS (23 Nov., 2002), 10. A profile of Ted Turner and conservation money is SA (Aug. 2002), 22-3.

Fisheries collapse is expected in more areas, Nature 419 (2002), 662-5; NS (7 Oct., 2002), 54; Science 297 (2002), 94-6. Trawling destroys many aspects of marine life, Science 298 (2002), 2123. The US plans to have fish farms in deeper water are raising concerns, Nature 420 (2002), 451. Europe has reduced quotas for fishing even more, Nature 421 (2003), 6. Anglers fishy stories can reduce stocks more at times when fish are fewer, NS (7 Dec., 2002), 18. The issue of the same sized fish in markets is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 31-3. A study of the level of flame retardant (PBDE) in North Sea fish is EST 36 (2002), 4025-32. Atrazine may alter the gender of wild frogs, NS (2 Nov., 2002), 13. The worlds' only captive Yangze River dolphin died, Science 297 (2002), 511.

Animal Rights

In the UK a House of Lords Committee concluded that animal experiments will remain, Science 297 (2002), 767. There was controversy in Cambridge over the proposed construction of a new primate research center, Science 298 (2002), 1862-3; Nature 420 (2002), 447. In New Zealand there has been debate over opossum fur trade traps, NS (14 Dec., 2002), 13. In India scientists have accused the government in limits on animal research, BMJ 325 (2002), 1192.

A book review on marine mammals is Science 297 (2002), 58-9. The dangers of underwater noise to animals in the sea is discussed in Nature 420 (2002), 740; NS (14 Dec., 2002), 20. On the economics of animal cooperation, Science 298 (2002), 2146-7. Fungus-farming insects have multiple evolutionary origins, PNAS 99 (2002), 15247-9. A book review of Love at Goon park is Nature 420 (2002), 741.

A book review on chimpanzee emotions is Science 298 (2002), 1720-1. Book reviews of Marks, J. What it Means to be 98% Chimpanzee are NatMed. 8 (2002), 1193; NEJM 347 (2002), 2087. On human ancestors, SA (Jan. 2003), 42-51. Dietary change was a driving force in human evolution, SA (Oct. 2002), 74-83. There are neurons in monkey prefrontal cortex that track past or predict future performance, Science 290 (2003), 1786-9.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

Health literacy is important in the proper use of insulin for diabetics, JAMA 288 (2002), 2687-8. The cancer risks of pituitary growth hormone are debated in Lancet 360 (2002), 1791-2. Erythropoietin may help retina's survive, NEJM 347 (2002), 1968-70. Antibodies specific to beta-amyloid were made by vaccination of patients with Alzhemer disease, NatMed. 8 (2002), 1270-5. Immune deviation with IL-4 might benefit patients with psoriasis, Lancet 360 (2002), 1845. Unlicensed use of botulism toxin is expanding, BMJ 325 (2002), 1188.

Food safety

A discussion on GM food exports to Africa is in Asian Biotechnology and Development Review 5 (Nov. 2002), 61-8; GeneWatch 15 (Nov. 2002), 9-11. India is a dissenter against giving GM food aid to Africa, Nature 421 (2003), 103. Nutrition and the human genome are discussed in Food Today 35 (Nov. 2002), 1-2. The potential for GM contamination of honey is discussed in AgraFood Biotech 92 (29 Oct. 2002), 2-3. Europe is preparing for the arrival of GM foods, Science 298 (2002), 2109-10; Lancet 360 (2002), 1945; and has a network of testing labs, Nature 420 (2002), 596. The USA is not happy with the proposed tough law on GM labeling, NS (7 Dec., 2002), 8. Oregon's November 2002 ballot measure 27 on GM food labeling is in AgraFood Biotech. 91 (14 Oct. 2002), 16-7.

The possibility to make allergen-free food is discussed in SA (Jan. 2003), 13-4. A call for evidence-based claims of health benefits from foods is in Science 299 (2003), 206-7. On functional foods, Brit. J. Nutrition 88 (2002), S233-5. Adverse events associated with dietary supplements are reported in Lancet 361 (2003), 101-6. Antioxidants are discussed in PNAS 99 (2002), 13969-71; Science 298 (2002), 2149-53. Rebuilding the food pyramid is discussed in SA (Jan. 2003), 50-9. Diet and health are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 2569-78. Higher peanut nut and butter consumption may lower the risk of diabetes type 2 in women, JAMA 288 (2002), 2554-60; BMJ 325 (2002), 1322. Obesity is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1948; BMJ 325 (2002), 1318. Mercury level increase from fish may increase risk of heart attack, NEJM 347 (2002), 1747-54. The method of cooking rice affects the amount of arsenic in the food, Lancet 360 (2002), 1839-40.

Disease Risks & Drugs

A series of papers on Public health and the Law are in JLME 30 (Fall 2002), Special Supplement, pp. 3-217.

Chinese traditional medicine is being modernized, Science 299 (2003), 188-90. A comparison of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of drug and psychological treatments for common mental disorders in Goa, India found drugs worked better, Lancet 361 (2003), 33-9. The doses of inhaled steroids for children may be too high, BMJ 325 (2002), 1261.

Nicotine may promote tumour growth, Lancet 361 (2003), 146. The EU is proposing a total ban on tobacco advertising, BMJ 325 (2002), 1260.

Patenting & Business

A paper proposing that patent offices review the ethical issues of patents is Macer, DRJ. " Patent or perish? An ethical approach to patenting human genes and proteins", The Pharmacogenomics Journal 2 (2002), 361-6. The Canadian Supreme Court has rejected the application to gain a patent for Oncomouse, started 17 years before, Science 298 (2002), 2112; Nature 420 (2002), 593. Gene patents are discussed in Science 297 (2002), 1279; Lancet 360 (2002), 2268-70; Bioethics Examiner (Winter 2003), 1-2.

A stem cell patent was narrowed after challenge to the European patent Office, Nature 418 (2002), 470; Science 297 (2002), 754; while a new patent has been issued for stem cells, Nature 420 (2002), 726. .Patents on SuperScript enzyme are being discussed in the courts, Nature 419 (2002), 767. Genentech has won a patent claim against Chiron, for monoclonals, Nature 419 (2002), 240. Patents limit the medical potential of sequencing, Nature 419 (2002), 878. The NIH is limiting the scope of foreign patents, Science 296 (2002), 2316.

The issue of cheap drugs in WTO is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1670. A Thai court has forced reversal of a Bristol-Myers Squibb patent on the antiretroviral didanosine, Lancet 360 (2002), 1231. More generic drugs might be sold in the USA in the future, Lancet 360 (2002), 1341. How patents rob the poor is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 885. There should be exceptions for poor countries, Science 297 (2002), 1791; BMJ 325 (2002), 562, 614; Nature 419 (2002), 111. Patents may inhibit research, Scrip Magazine (Oct. 2002), 33-5. The use of software that copies DVDs illegally is discussed in NS (7 Dec., 2002), 19. Copy protection on Cds is not useful, NS (9 Nov., 2002), 9.

Biotechnology in India is discussed in Asian Biotechnology and Development Review 5 (Nov. 2002), 1-14; with papers in the same volume on biotechnology in Malaysia (pp. 15-22), Thailand (p. 23-38), and Bangladesh (pp. 39-60). On biotechnology in Taiwan, APBN 6 (2002), 728-34; and Finland, GEN 22 (1 Nov. 2002), 25-6, 55. Syngenta has merged with Diversa, and closed the Torrey Mesa Research Institute, Science 298 (2002), 2106. The former ImClone chief has been facing allegations of past misconduct also, Nature 419 (2002), 421.

The accountability of pharma industry is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1682-4. Overdose of drug from companies is reviewed in JAMA 288 (2002), 2184-5. Marketing from companies is dangerous to children's health, Lancet 360 (2002), 1001; NEJM 347 (2002), 2010-13. UNICEF has been attacked for taking money from McDonalds, BMJ 325 (2002), 923. The UK Royal College of Physicians has issued new guidelines on taking gifts from industry, BMJ 325 (2002), 511. Also on gifts, Lancet 359 (2002), 1775-6. On public-private partnerships, NEJM 347 (2002), 1807-8; Science 298 (2002), 2131; Nature 419 (2002), 667, 875-6. Multinational economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals is useful, Lancet 360 (2002), 816.

Birth Control

The Japanese government has proposed a dating agency to encourage more births, Lancet 360 (2002), 1755. China tries to restrict births under their 2002 Family Planning Law, Japan Times (2 Sept. 2002), 10. A UK gynecologist has been struck off the medical register for sterilizing a woman without her consent, BMJ 325 (2002), 1260. The risks of oral contraceptives are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 409-10. On HRT therapy risks, JAMA 288 (2002), 2432-40, 2395-6, 2538-9; NEJM 347 (2002), 1898-9; BMJ 325 (2002), 673; Science 297 (2002), 755-6. The UN call for improved maternal health in developing countries continues, Lancet 360 (2002), 1843. A letter defending contraception services in Bangladesh is Lancet 359 (2002), 2041; and in general, SSM 54 (2002), 1898-9. There is a need for new methods of birth control, Science 296 (2002), 2172-3; 297 (2002), 1121.

Embryo Status

The Ob-Gyn Policy of San Thomas University Hospital is in Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics Newsletter 15 (Oct. 2002), 1-2. On the right to life agenda in US politics, Nature 420 (2002), 461. Ireland is considering new abortion guidelines, BMJ 325 (2002), 565. Abortion and maternal mortality in Africa are discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1984-5. Low dose mifepristone for emergency contraception is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1803-10. The ethics of abortion are discussed in JME (2002), 133-5.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

The media has reported several claims of cloned human babies being born, but these babies are awaiting a chance for scientists to verify they are really clones. The announcements have led to renewed efforts to ban cloning in the USA, Nature 421 (2003), 3; NS (21 Dec., 2002), 21; Science 297 (2002), 1951. California has passed a law allowing stem cell research from embryos and those made by nuclear transplant, HCR 32 (Nov. 2002), 7. Jeremy Rifkin has warned scientists that he will sue them if they make mice-human chimeras, Nature 421 (2003), 4; see also, Nature 420 (2002), 255. Sources of adult stem cells are discussed in The Scientist (16 Sept. 2002), 30; Nature 420 (2002), 734-5; NatGen 32 (2002), 557-8; SA (June 2002), 16-7 There have been efforts for greater international cooperation to research stem cells, Nature 421 (2003), 102. Stem cells can still be attacked from the immune system, Science 297 (2002), 175-7. In general on stem cell research, Science 297 (2002), 923-5; 298 (2002), 37-8; Nature 418 (2002), 903; 419 (2002), 583-5; NatGen 32 (2002), 90-1; Lancet 360 (2002), 1226; Current Biology 12 (2002), R705-6.

Australia voted to allow research to make stem cells on spare embryos, Nature 420 (2002), 599; on background see Nature 419 (2002), 4; NS (21 Sept., 2002), 9; NatMed. 8 (2002), 430. Discussion of stem cell policy is in NatGen 32 (2002), 567; NEJM 347 (2002), 1576-82, 1619-22; Lancet 360 (2002), 1080; Gene Therapy 9 (2002), 674-8; Science 297 (2002), 1477. The views of the Catholic church are discussed in JME 28 (2002), 228; Lancet 359 (2002), 2036-7. The UN is split over the convention to ban human cloning, Science 298 (2002), 1316; NS (28 Sept., 2002), 11; Lancet 360 (2002), 1574. In the USA still most private labs are not regulated for ART, Nature 420 (2002), 1. Korea has tightened its law after claims of cloning, Nature 419 (2002), 424. India has stopped exports of embryos, Nature 419 (2002), 238. On stem cells in East Asia, Nature 419 (2002), 334-6; and Saudi Arabia, Science 296 (2002), 2331. Maturation of mouse germ cells in vitro is reported in Nature 418 (2002), 497.

In Japan the MHW has attempted to gather public opinions on sibling egg and sperm donation, Japan Times (14 Jan. 2003). A case of a sperm donor who suffered from an inherited disease in Holland is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 213-4. Use of older gametes may present some risks, Lancet 359 (2002), 1670-1. Designer children are discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 771-3; NatMed. 8 (2002), Fertility Supplement s29s23-8. The views of the UK HFEA on sex selection are reported in BME 182 (Oct. 2002), 3-4; NS (14 Sept., 2002), 42-5. In general on sex selection in the USA, F&S 78 (2002), 460-3. Gender and health in China is discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 1039-54. Legal protection of posthumous children is discussed in HCR 32 (Nov. 2002), 8-9. Two UK women asked to be allowed to use embryos without the former partner7s consent, BMJ 325 (2002), 617. Papers on the Canadian Assisted Human Reproduction Act are in Health Law Review 11 (2002), 3-71. ART in Israel is reviewed in SSM 55 (2002), 511-3. Pregnancy in the 50s is reported in JAMA 288 (2002), 2320-3.

The economic impact of ART is discussed in NatMed. 8 (2002), Fertility Supplement s29-32. Some clinics implant too many embryos to boost their success rates, NS (13 July., 2002), 4. The coding of procedures in ART is discussed in F&S 78 (2002), 1344-6. Micromanipulation of gametes and embryos may be a risk for human germ-line gene transfer, F&S 78 (2002), 455-9. A review on the science of ART is Science 296 (2002), 2188-90.

Fetal Environment & Neonates

Breast feeding and atrophy are discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 174-6.

International adoptions are discussed in AJLM 28 (2002), 473-90; Lancet 360 (2002), 423-4, 443+.. A legal case in the UK where a baby was forcefully taken from its mother several hours after cesarean, has been overturned by the European Court of Human Rights, BME 182 (Oct. 2002), 9-11. The Pediatric Policy of San Thomas University Hospital is in Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics Newsletter 15 (Nov. 2002), 1-2.

The forgotten children and high child mortality rates are discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),

Genetic Disease Markers

Mutations in DJ-1 gene associated with cellular resistance to oxidants are also associated with early onset Parkinsonism, Science 299 (2003), 256-9. Cancer genetics is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1657-8. The BRCA2 complex with RAD51 has lessons for DNA recombination, Nature 420 (2002), 287-93. An atherosclerosis gene is linked to susceptibility to prostrate cancer, Lancet 360 (2002), 928.

A genome-wide deleterious mutation would favour species integrity, Heredity 89 (2002), 253-7. A gene for cleft lip has been found, NS (17 Sept., 2002), 16. ADAM-33 is a asthma gene, NEJM 347 (2002), 936-8.

Genetic Screening Methodology

A paper that suggests that it will be clinical difficult to isolate intake fetal cells from maternal plasma is Lancet 361 (2003), 139-40.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy

Bioethics of forensic medicine is discussed in JLME 30 (2002), 420-39. Privacy of DNA is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1850. Privacy in the information age is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 1309. Use of audiotapes in genetic counseling is discussed in JMG 39 (2002), 697-703.

Ethics & Genetic Screening

Book reviews of Warnock, M., Making babies: Is there a right to have children? (Oxford University Press 2002) are in Nature 420 (2002), 269-30. Also on a right to be born, JME 28 (2002), 65-7. A French study found an amniocentesis -associated risk of induced miscarriage of 0.86% in the second trimester, Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 1036-9.

A report from the Eugenics Society archives in the Wellcome Library for the History and Understanding of Medicine in London is in Galton Institute Newsletter (Sept 2002), 3-5. A discussion of the life of disabled children is HCR 32 (Nov. 2002), 29-37. Lay understanding of race and genetics are discussed in Public Understanding of Science. 11 (2002), 373-88. Gene testing for BRCA1 mutation in the UK is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 178-9. A study of Puerto Rican understanding of child disability is SSM 55 (2002), 2093-105.

Practical benefits of intelligence are discussed in Science 299 (2003), 192-3. On behavioural genetics, Science 298 (2002), 71-2.

Behavioural complaints in persons who underwent predictive testing for Huntington disease in the Netherlands are reported in JMG 39 (2002), 857-62. Coping style and genetic counseling for cancer are discussed in JMG 39 (2002), 689-94, 865-71. Education can help GPs offer counseling, JMG 39 (2002), 779-81. On French experience with genetic testing for cardiomyopathy, JMG 39 (2002), 741-6. A general review on genetic testing is NEJM 347 (2002), 1867-75. The ethical management of genetic testing is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1685-8; JMG 39 (2002), 863; NatGen 32 (2002), 553-4.

Gene Therapy

The UK GTAC is continuing to allow SCID gene therapy trials similar to the one in France where leukemia is reported, but with closer monitoring, BME 182 (Oct. 2002), 5-6. The RAC in the USA said trials would also continue there, Science 298 (2002), 2113-4; NatMed. 8 (2002), 1189. A report on the NIH RAC model of regulation of gene transfer is in JLME 30 (2002), 381-9.

A report of gene therapy for SCID is NS (30 Nov., 2002), 30-3. Chimeraplasty is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 2116-20. A method to attack cancer by gene therapy is discussed in NS (21 Dec., 2002), 10. Prospects of vascular proliferation by gene therapy are discussed in NatMed. 8 (2002), 1249-56. Methods to enhance the delivery of DNA by polyethylenimine are reported in PNAS 99 (2002), 16460-5. Trials of ultrasound guided stem cell removal from sheep embryos for gene therapy is reported in AJOG 187 (2002), 960-3.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

The implications of genomics in society are discussed in Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 485-96. Craig Venter predicts that individual CDs of human genome sequences will be made for US$500,000 each, NatMed. 8 (2002), 1191. On the use of DNA sequences for research, Science 298 (2002), 948-50. Genome sequences may not always speed up medical research for some applications, e.g. GM insects, NS (12 Oct., 2002), 3. The protein kinases of the human genome are surveyed in Science 298 (2002), 1912-34. Creation of a new genome and a new life is discussed in NS (30 Nov., 2002), 12-3. Pharmacogenomics is discussed in Scientist (30 Sept. 2002), 44-6. A book review about Rosalin Franklin is in SA (Oct. 2002), 96-7.

Papers on the mouse genome sequence include Nature 420 (2002), 456-9, 509-90; NS (7 Dec., 2002), 5, 12-3. Many disease genes are shared with humans, BMJ 325 (2002), 1319; Lancet 360 (2002), 1844. The genome sequence of sea spuirt, Ciona intestinalis has revealed about 17,000 genes spread in a genome about 5% the total size of the human genome, NS (21 Dec., 2002), 16; Science 298 (2002), 1863-4, 2111-2, 2157-70. The genomes of Fugu and zebrafish are on the Internet, NatGen 32 (2002), 93. The genome sequence of a human intestinal tract bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum is reported in PNAS 99 (2002), 14422-5. On the Drosophila genome sequence, Scientist (25 Nov. 2002), 30-1. The future of the US NCHGR is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 1694-6. Comparisons of future species to sequence is made in NS (21 Dec., 2002), 44-7. New Zealand has joined the bovine genome sequencing initiative, APBN 6 (2002), 878. On duplicated genes, Nature 421 (2003), 31-2. Proteomics is discussed in Nature 420 (2002), 591.

General Medical Ethics

A new book is Pollard, Irina, Life, Love and Children: A Practical Introduction to Bioscience Ethics and Bioethics (Kluwer Academic 2002, ISBN 1-4020-7294-5, 268pp.) The Wellcome trust is funding research on ethically sound research in the developing world, BMJ 325 (2002), 986.

A discussion of informed consent for standard and experimental therapy is in AJLM 28 (2002), 361-408. Children's decision making is discussed in AJLM 28 (2002), 409-54. Public preferences for informed choice when faced with risks are discussed in Public Understanding of Science. 11 (2002), 363-72. A discussion of how to check whether ethics review is working is in BME 183 (Nov. 2002), 6-11. A series of papers, mostly from members of the IAB Board, on the empirical relevance of bioethics and international experience on ethics committees are in Notizie di Politeia 18 (No. 67, 2002), 3-200. A paper on Asia is Macer, DRJ. "Delays in implementing the lessons from empirical studies on bioethics to ethics committees in Asia", Notizie di Politeia 18 (No. 67, 2002), 25-39. Also on ethics committees, BMJ 325 (2002), 1081; AJPH 92 (2002), 1079-83; NEJM 347 (2002), 1402-4.

A paper which describes how many patients are not advised that they could get the same treatments from other doctors without entering the clinical trial raises ethical issues, Lancet 361 (2003), 63-7. A UK court decision has confirmed that patients can refuse medical treatment, JME 28 (2002), 232-3.

A report from the Padua bioethics service is BME 183 (Nov. 2002), 13-5. A anthropological study of the stories of patients and doctors is HCR 32 (Nov. 2002), 14-22.

A discussion of the behaviour of persons with dementia is in HCR 32 (Nov. 2002), 23-8. Japan is considering renaming schizophrenia, Lancet 361 (2003), 181.

Law & Medical Ethics

CIOMS has issues revised guidelines, CIOMS, International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (Geneva, CIOMS, 2002, 112pp.). A review is in BME 182 (Oct. 2002), 17-23. On the ethics of transnational research, Lancet 360 (2002), 1266; Lancet 360 (2002), 415; SSM 54 (2002), 1147-8. Brazil opposes placebos in most clinical trials, Science 295 (2002), 264. WHO and industry are forming an ethics body, NatMed. 8 (2002), 645. The increased interest in ethics in law is discussed in Modern Law Review 65 (2002), 159-75.

A series of book reviews on protection of research participants are in BME 183 (Nov. 2002), 16-24. Papers on human subjects research are in JLME 30 ( Fall 2002), 356-419; NEJM 347 (2002), 2093-4; 347 (2002), 1425-30. On US health research protection , Lancet 361 (2003), 143; Nature 415 (2002), 363. On non-therapeutic research in children, AJPH 92 (2002), 1070-6. On Australia's Woomera Detention centre for refugees, Lancet 359 (2002), 683. A review of modern slavery is SA (April 2002), 66-74.

A survey of the attitudes in the UK to the release of comparative information on the quality of general practice care suggests there may be some barriers to public release, BMJ 325 (2002), 1278-81. Also on public information on performance, JAMA 287 (2002), 226-35, 243, 1323-5; 288 (2002), 1484-90, 1523-4; BMJ 324 (2002), 189; 325 (2002), 1055; NEJM 347 (2002), 1272-3. A broader concept of medical error is called for in NEJM 347 (2002), 1965-7. A survey of public and professionals found many had experience of medical error, NEJM 347 (2002), 1933-40. Also on medical errors, JAMA 288 (2002), 501-7, 508+, 2404-5; BMJ 324 (2002), 304, 378-9, 495-6, 627-8, 648-51; 325 (2002), 233-4, 256; JMAJ 45 (2002), 91-6; Lancet 360 (2002), 255-6. On Australian rules, Lancet 360 (2002), 470. The reporting of death during surgery to police in Japan is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1984-5. Reports of cases against doctors for medical errors include, BMJ 324 (2002), 753; 325 (2002), 235, 674; JME 28 (2002), 1-5.

Legal protection from medical triage in Japan is reported in Lancet 359 (2002), 1949; 360 (2002), 1514. A survey in the USA found patients are more satisfied with care from a doctor of the same race, BMJ 325 (2002), 1057. Liability for drug formulations is discussed in CMAJ 166 (2002), 458-60.

A book review of Stephens, M., The Treatment: The Story of Those who died in the Cincinnati Radiation tests (Duke University Press, 2002) is NEJM 347 (2002), 2089-90. A questionnaire for examining human rights in health is described in SSM 55 (2002), 1725-44. In general on human rights and health, Lancet 360 (2002), 246-51. On the medical profession, Lancet 359 (2002), 458, 520-2.

Inconsistency in evidentiary standards for medical court testimony is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 1382-7. The polygraph has failed scientific review in the USA, Lancet 360 (2002), 1309. Science and lawyers is discussed in Science 297 (2002), 339-40. The role of the church in developing medical law is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 215-231. A report on the US President's Council on Bioethics split decision on whether there should be a cloning ban is in Science 298 (2002), 322-3.

Scientific Ethics

A paper reporting results of a survey on the editorial independence of journals owned by professional associations is Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 513-28. Plagiarism is discussed in Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 529-44. The conflict of interest policy of The Lancet is described in Lancet 361 (2003), 8-9. On adverts in medical journals, Lancet 361 (2003), 10, 27-32. On industry sponsored research, CMAJ 166 (2002), 452-6; JAMA 288 (2002), 2183-4. Institutional corruption in medicine is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 1232-5. On competing interests, BMJ 325 (2002), 1375-6, 1391-2, 1420; NEJM 346 (2002), 1835-6, 1901-2, 1919-20; 347 (2002), 1043-4; Lancet 360 (2002), 1525. Academic freedom is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1362-3, 1368-71; Lancet 360 (2002), 731; SA (Sept. 2002), 10-1.

Whistleblowing is discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 99; NS (7 Dec., 2002), 54. Novartis has been found in breach of the industry advertising code, BMJ 325 (2002), 1379.

A proposed US government survey on misconduct has upset some scientists, Lancet 360 (2002), 1669; Science 298 (2002), 1662-3; Nature 420 (2002), 739. Cases of alleged misconduct are discussed in NS (5 Oct. 2002), 4-5; (16 Nov. 2002), 6; (21 Dec., 2002), 5; Nature 419 (2002), 419; 420 (2002), 253, 258, 728-9; BMJ 325 (2002), 734, 1054, 1189, 1193; SA (Nov. 2002), 10-1; NatMed. 8 (2002), 655; Science 297 (2002), 1463. The former AHA president submitted false data, BMJ 325 (2002), 1377. Also on fraud in general, JAMA 288 (2002), 1411; Nature 419 (2002), 332-3, 417; 420 (2002), 348; Science 297 (2002), 13.

A survey on the reporting of ethical issues in publications on medical research is Lancet 360 (2002), 1326-8. Peer review is discussed in Nature 419 (2002), 772-7; 421 (2003), 111; Nature Neuroscience 5 (2002), 917. Most scientists don't read the original paper when citing them, NS (14 Dec., 2002), 12.; Nature 420 (2002), 594. The number of authors is discussed in NatGen 32 (2002), 81-2; NEJM 347 (2002), 1118-9. On the number of papers, Nature 419 (2002), 877.

Sex discrimination in science is discussed in Science 298 (2002), 36. Cheating in the online GRE in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea is reported in Nature 418 (2002), 711.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care

A series of papers on caring for older people are in Nursing Ethics 10 (2003), 1-94. They include perceptions of autonomy, privacy and informed consent in five European countries (Finland, Spain, Greece, Germany and the UK). Concepts of illness causation in older people in Ireland are discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 1389-400. Planning for death is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 125-30, 665; Nature 418 (2002), 921; Science 298 (2002), 323; AJPH 92 (2002), 1214-6. High frequency death certifiers in Taiwan are discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 1663-9. Health in the elderly in Taiwan is discussed in SSM 55 (2002), 191-209. On prevention of functional decline in the elderly, NEJM 347 (2002), 1068-74; JAMA 288 (2002), 2247-9. The research to make an anti-aging pill is discussed in SA (Aug. 2002), 24-9.

Assisted suicide is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1489-93, 1663-5, 1836; 347 (2002), 533-5, 1041-3, 2082-3; JAMA 288 (2002), 2732-40; BMJ 325 (2002), 581-5, 916-7, 1326-9; Lancet 360 (2002), 1846. The WMA has isolated the Netherlands on its euthanasia policy, BMJ 325 (2002), 675. Pain control is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 426. Resolution of conflict in families about withdrawal of life support is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 1342-5. On palliative care, SA (Oct. 2002), 22-3; JAMA 288 (2002), 943-4. Neonatal care is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 375.

The question of whether family members should be present during CPR is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 450-7. A book review of Demon Doctors is BMJ 325 (2002), 781. Dr. Shipman is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 919. Biomarkers of caloric restriction may predict longevity in humans, Science 298 (2002), 811.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death

A critique of the concept of face transplants is BME 183 (Nov. 2002), 1. Organ donation between strangers is discussed in JLME 30 (2002), 440-51.

Results of research on different sectors of the Japanese society are in Macer, D. et al. "Japanese attitudes toward xenotransplantation", Public Understanding of Science 11 (2002), 347-62. Results of a Canadian consultation on xenotransplantation are in Science & Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 579-92; Public Understanding of Science. 11 (2002), 35-32. The identity issue with xenotransplants is discussed in Public Understanding of Science. 11 (2002), 333-46.

Health Costs

A report from nursing in Hungary is BME 182 (Oct. 2002), 13-16. A series of papers on the implications of health sector reforms on sexual and reproductive health service sin different countries are in Reproductive Health Matters 10 (Nov. 2002), 6-143. The duty of doctors and hospitals to provide emergency medical care is discussed in CMAJ 166 (2002), 465-9. Costs get higher when older persons become more dependent, AJPH 92 (2002), 1244-5.

Papers that discuss WHO policy and issues for new leadership are in Lancet 359 (2002), 1605-11, 360 (2002), 1108-12, 1751-3, 1797-8; 361 (2003), 2-7, 170-3; BMJ 325 (2002), 1251-2, 1294-8, 1355-61. On health policy in Asia, SSM 55 (2002), 2074-9. Health inequality is discussed in NatMed. 8 (2002), 89; Lancet 360 (2002), 1619, 1690-5, 1691-3, 1794; BMJ 325 (2002), 704-7; NEJM 347 (2002), 953-4. The global burden of disease is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 582-3, 1342-4. On equity in China, SSM 55 (2002), 1779-94; and Brazil, Lancet 360 (2002), 1488.

Fair benefits from research for developing countries are discussed in Science 298 (2002), 2133-4; SA (Jan. 2003), 24-5. On globalization and health, BMJ 324 (2002), 44-52. Luxury medical care is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 1165-8.

Internet Sites

A comparison of clinical trial websites is in BME 183 (Nov. 2002), 3-4. Indian access to Internet is discussed in Nature 415 (2002), 358-9. In general on access to scientific literature, Nature 420 (2002), 19. Some pornography-blocking software may affect health information sites, Lancet 360 (2002), 1946.

The Center for Genetics and Society (www.genetics-and-society.org) is a nonprofit information and public affairs organization working to encourage responsible uses and effective societal governance of the new human genetic and reproductive technologies. We work with a growing network of scientists, health professionals, civil society leaders, and academics to provide an independent analysis of genetic technologies and their applications.

Prepared by Darryl Macer
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