Canada's fertility licensing and regulatory body, Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (AHRC), has come under fire from lawyers and doctors who are finding the country's fertility laws vague and uncertain, the National Post newspaper reports...
Personal genetic testing kits are to be sold in US pharmacies for the first time, US biotech firm Pathway Genomics has announced...
Five new genetic variants have been discovered which, in combination, raise the risk of developing breast cancer by 16 per cent, according to a new study in Nature Genetics...
US researchers have identified several genes related to brain function that may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences....
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) announced last week that it will change the way it charges clinics for IVF....
A 62-year old Bulgarian woman has reportedly become the country's oldest first-time mother to give birth to twins after IVF treatment. 'Age was not an obstacle for me, I so much wanted to have children', said Krasimira Dimitrova from the Northern city of Ruse, who sought treatment with IVF after Bulgarian authorities refused to allow her to adopt a baby, on account of her age....
Research into using ultrasound as a male contraceptive was given a financial boost last week after researchers secured a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation...
Two genes that help adapt the human body to high-altitude living have been identified by a study published in Science this month. The study may help scientists understand heart and lung disease where patients have decreased oxygen levels...
US Scientists have produced mouse inner ear hair cells using stem cells, paving the way for a cure for deafness and other related balance disorders...
The Department of Health has appointed an interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England. Professor Dame Sally Davies will take over from Sir Liam Donaldson on 31 May and will stay in post until a new CMO is appointed...
Autism and Asperger Syndrome (The Facts) is a welcome update of its predecessor, the singularly named Autism which was first published by Simon Baron-Cohen in 1993. The expanded title of this new edition speaks volumes about just how far the field has moved forward since publication of the first book...
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Consent for embryo creation and storage: time for a change in the law?
by Dr Anna Smajdor
When Natallie Evans lost her case to prevent the destruction of her embryos in 2007, many people were moved by her plight. The letter of the law had been followed, but with tragic consequences for her...
Consent agreements for cryopreserved embryos: the case for choice
by Dr Peter Sozou and 2 others
Embryos created by IVF can be cryopreserved (stored) for possible future use. All couples who have embryos stored in the UK are currently bound by law to a single form of agreement, allowing each genetic parent to withdraw consent at any time before the embryo is transferred. This article makes the case for allowing an alternative consent agreement...