The Genetics and Public Policy Centre at the Johns Hopkins University in the US has established an expert panel to examine whether there are any health effects on children born from assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The panel is co-sponsored by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the American Society...
At a US Senate hearing last week, the Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space heard testimonies from doctors, scientists and patients that there are better 'alternatives' to human embryonic stem (ES) cell research. The panel heard about ongoing research into the use of adult stem cells and the benefits of...
A team of US researchers has identified a genetic change that could trigger bipolar disorder, a type of mental illness commonly known as manic depression. Alterations in the GRK3 gene could be involved in up to 10 per cent of cases, claim the scientists, who are based at the University...
Geron, a US biotechnology company, announced last week that it has patented a process that allows them to 'purify' batches of human embryonic stem (ES) cells. The patented process would allow scientists to separate useful ES cells from potentially harmful cells and would give Geron an advantage over other companies...
Private fertility clinics face a 'crackdown' on the number of embryos they implant in patients, according to a Sunday Times report highlighting new findings that are due to be published in July. The study, carried out by health economist Christopher Jones at Oxford University, reveals that medical care for twins...
The Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society, an advisory panel set up by the Bush administration last year, held its inaugural meeting last week. The new panel was established to provide policy advice to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the 'broad array of complex...
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The designer baby myth
by Professor Steven Pinker
This year's 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA has kindled many debates about the implications of that knowledge for the human condition. Arguably the most emotionally charged is the debate over the prospect of human genetic enhancement or 'designer babies'. It's only a matter of time...
Parental choice and child welfare
by Juliet Tizzard
Developments in assisted reproduction have opened up new choices for prospective parents over the past few years. IVF and donor insemination allow infertile individuals and couples to have the family that nature has denied them. But they also allow fertile people to make choices about when and how to have...