The first major debates on issues in genetic research have shown the German parliament to be divided over the promise offered by genetic technologies and potential moral repercussions. This follows much ethical discussion prompted by Gerhard Schroeder, Germany's chancellor, coming out strongly in favour of certain kinds of genetic research...
A row has erupted between the Science Museum and the Royal Institution over plans to develop science communication centres in London. An article in Nature reports on the clash, which came about when Susan Greenfield, director of the Royal Institution, announced plans to establish a 'science media centre' aimed at...
The first baby screened for a genetic predisposition to cancer later in life has been born in America. Scientists from the Reproductive Genetics Institute in Chicago announced the birth of the baby boy following IVF and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), on Thursday last week. Eighteen embryos were tested, and the...
A preliminary safety study has shown that gene therapy may be able to help sufferers of haemophilia. The study, results of which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week, involved six people with severe haemophilia A, a disorder caused by the failure of a gene called...
Following a summit meeting between the leaders of the six states and two territories of Australia, an agreement has been reached to uniformly ban human reproductive cloning across the country. The Prime Minister, John Howard, said that the leaders had agreed to the national ban, following legislation already in place...
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Why talk of designer babies is harmful, not helpful
by Juliet Tizzard
News this week from Chicago that a baby has been born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Li-Fraumeni syndrome has, once again, prompted careless talk of designer babies. A number of US newspaper reports covered the story at the end of last week and couldn't resist mention of how PGD...