The Human Genetics Commission (HGC), an advisory body to the UK Government, has issued a public consultation paper asking whether genetic tests should be sold directly to the public or should only be available from a doctor. The consultation follows reports in June that a number of the UK's largest...
A report has been published by the UK's Science and Technology (ST) Committee criticising the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). It follows oral evidence sessions with Ruth Deech and Suzi Leather, former and current chairs of the authority, that took place earlier in the year. The committee found that...
Diane Blood, the British woman who made legal history by fighting for three years to have a baby by being inseminated with her late husband Stephen's sperm, has given birth to a second baby boy. Both children were conceived by sperm taken from her husband when he was dying from...
UK Researchers have discovered a molecule in sperm cells that triggers fertilisation. Professor Tony Lai and his team at the University of Wales, Cardiff, announced last week that they have isolated a 'sperm factor' gene that makes a protein which causes egg cells to begin to divide and develop into...
A scientist from King's College, London, says his team has identified a gene that provides humans with a natural defence against HIV, the virus that causes Aids. The gene discovery could be used to produce new treatments for HIV or Aids. The team has shown that the gene, called CEM15...
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Do we need protecting from over the counter genetic tests?
by Juliet Tizzard
This week, the UK Human Genetics Commission launched a public consultation on so-called 'over the counter' genetic tests. The launch received precious little attention from the media but, when it comes later this year, its conclusion may be rather more newsworthy. At the moment, most of us have little reason...