Mice affected by what their dad ate
A father's diet can affect the way his offspring's genes function, according to the authors of a study on mice. Scientists found information about the diet of male mice can be passed to their offspring, causing changes to the 'switching on and off' of genes involved in processes like metabolism. The research could one day help identify people at higher risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease...
Comment
International Surrogacy: progress or media hype?
by Louisa Ghevaert
International surrogacy has become big news. Last month, a landmark international commercial surrogacy case, Re L, attracted front page national headlines. Hard on its heels the media spotlight fell on the birth of Elton John and David Furnish's US surrogate born son, Zachary, on Christmas Day. This has fuelled the debate about surrogacy and the question is why has it generated such attention?...
BioNews Appeal
by Sarah Norcross
Thanks to all of you who have already donated to the BioNews Appeal over Christmas. BioNews faces tough financial challenges in 2011 and just a small gift from all our readers would make a big difference...
Letting family members know about genetic conditions; how and when?
by Professor Anneke Lucassen and 1 others
Advances in genetic and genomic research mean that the identification of a genetic condition or a genetic susceptibility to disease is increasingly becoming a routine part of health care. Many more highly predictive genetic tests are available today than there were just a few years ago and for some conditions (for example, certain types of cancer or heart disease), there are proven surveillance or prevention strategies which can reduce morbidity or mortality...