Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - September/November 2004

Genetic Engineering of Plants

A discussion of efforts for a hunger-free world is in Asia-Pacific Perspectives Japan 2 (June 2004), 25-32. Genomic studies of plants are expected to lead to further improvements in crop production, SA (Aug. 2004), 26-33. An orange banana rich in vitamin A is being reintroduced into diets of children in Micronesia after being neglected in the face of imported foods for some time, NS (10 July 2004), 16. On international farm subsidies discussions, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 4. Rice farming is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 803. On soil degradation, Science 304 (2004), 1616-8. The divergence of rice genomes is discussed in PNAS 101 (2004), 12404-10. Evidence of wheat and barkey milling about 22,000 years ago has been found in Israel, Science 305 (2004), 940.

The race between public and private collaborations to sequence Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described in NatBio 22 (2004), 807-10. China is commercializing GM rice, NatBio 22 (2004), 642. New Zealand HortResearch institute has made about 100,000 apple gene sequences public, AgraFood Biotech 127 (7 June 2004),20.

Plants with higher levels of vitamin E have been made, TIBTECH 22 (2004), 104-7. A pollen free tree to avoid allergies has been made, AgraFood Biotech 127 (26 April 2004), 25. Metabolic engineering of ketocarotenoid formation in higher plants is described in The Plant J. 39 (2004), 477-486; and on engineering of folate levels, AgraFood Biotech 126 (13 April 2004), 29. Use of plants for biofuels is criticized in TIBTECH 22 (2004), 67-71, 211-2. Ethanol-inducible gene expression has been developed, TIPS 9 (2004), 159-61.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

Isolation of pancreatic precursor cells from mice have been reported, NatBio 22 (2004), 1115+. The expression of a single gene, vasopressin V1a receptor in moles has enhanced partner preference in a promiscuous species, Nature 429 (2004), 754-6; Nature Reviews – Genetics 5 (2004), 560. Serial targeting of cow genes is reported in NatGen 36 (2004), 671-2; and on transgenic livestock, TIBTECH 22 (2004), 157-60. A fatherless mouse has been made, NatMed. 10 (2004), 559. The kangaroo genome will be sequenced, following the opossum genome completed last year, Nature 429 (2004), 692. Domestic donkeys were bred from wild African asses, NS (26 June 2004), 14, Trout born from surrogate salmon fathers have been born, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 11.

Genetically engineered mice that can run double the normal distance have been made, NS (28 Aug. 2004), 12. The gene was PPAR-delta which helps burn fat. Enhanced leptin sensitivity and attenuation of diet is found in mice with a haploinsufficiency of the gene Socs3, NatMed. 10 (2004), 734+. A public gene trap resource for mice is described in NatGen 36 (2004), 543-4. On mouse models of visual deficits, NatMed. 10 (2004), 663; and on mice for cancer therapy modeling, NatMed. 10 (2004), 579-80; and for pharmacogenetic studies, Nature Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 657-8; 564, 565. A 4 year old mouse, equivalent to 136 years in humans, was made by GE, with a mutation in Pit1 gene, NatGen 36 (2004), 555; whereas BubR1 insufficiency leads to aging, NatGen 36 (2004), 744-9. A book review of Making Mice: Standardizing Animals for American Biomedical Research, 1900-1955 is in Nature 431 (2004), 22. Even large deletions of the mouse genome can lead to live mice, NS (5 June 2004), 18.

Designer Molecules

Engineering of fungal compounds for biosynthesis is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 848-55. Nanotechnology drug delivery devices are discussed in Economist (5 June 2004), 71. Also on nanotechnology, Biotechnology News (4 June 2004), 4-7. Aptamers are reviewed in NatBio 22 (2004), 649-51.

Biotechnology & the Public

Discussion of popular culture, movies and biotechnology images is in GeneWatch 17 (July 2004), 3-5; Nature 431 (2004), 720-2. Also on media and biotechnology hype, Health Law Review 12 (No.2, 2004), 53-61; CMAJ 170 (2004), 1399-407, 1415-6; and on media and medicine, Croatian Medical Journal 45 (2004), 396-401. A website that analyzes media articles is www.mediadoctor.org.au; BMJ 329 (2004), 178. Democracy in science is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1241-2. An article on the importance of public trust in the UK Biobank is TIBTECH 22 (2004), 284-5. The way the WHO uses the media for mass communication is discussed in Int. J. Health Services 34 (2004), 15-24.

An article discussing why persons are hostile to biotechnology is in Science 304 (2004), 1749; also, AgraFood Biotech 124 (15 March 2004), 103; 125 (29 March 2004), 5-7. However still in the USA only 1% of consumers said their concerns about food safety related to biotechnology, AgraFood Biotech 125 (29 March 2004),8. A farmer's group positive to GM wheat is called Growers for Wheat Biotechnology Inc., AgraFood Biotech 129 (24 May 2004), 4. Risks and biotechnology are discussed in Health law Journal 11 (2003),119-36; and on technophobes, NatBio 22 (2004), 945. The balancing of research risks against benefits are discussed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 570-3; and in medicine, BMJ 329 (2004), 6-7; Nursing Forum 39 (2004), 11-7. On social threats and the evolution of paranoia, Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews 28 (2004), 333-42. Obituaries of Francis Crick include Lancet 364 (2004), 576; Nature 430 (2004), 597, 845-7. On biotechnology as a religion, NatBio 22 (2004), 659-60. Public policy and biotechnology is discussed in Current Opinion in Biotechnology 15 (2004), 237-40, 258-63.

A paper on nanotechnology and humanity is in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 4 (2004), 335-66. The dangers of nanotechnology are discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 599; NS (7 Aug. 2004), 5. The UK Royal Academy released a report on 29 July 2004. A book review of Human-Built World is Science 305 (2004), 1568-9.

The role of science postdocs in teaching is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 286-7. A report from a UNESCO science education conference in the USA is in Science 304 (2004), 1921. A report from a European science festival is in Science 305 (2004), 1387. A study on the ethics of medical students is JME 30 (2004), 221-6. There are few studies evaluating the impact of education, Science 304 (2004), 1583. A review of the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington DC is in Science 305 (2004), 1108-9. Art in the scientific revolution is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 1600-1.

A computer model has supported ideas of Noah's flood, Nature 430 (2004), 718-9. A paper defending intelligent design is in Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington117 (2004), 2139-39; Nature 431 (2004), 114.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

A report criticizing non-food GM crops has been made by GeneWatch UK, AgraFood Biotech 127 (26 April 2004), 8. The question of whether there are drugs in Mexican GM crops is raised in NatBio 22 (2004), 803. Bt cotton is expanding in China, AgraFood Biotech 129 (24 May 2004), 8. There are concerns that the combination of Bt and herbicide tolerance may lead to longer persistence of herbicides in the soil, NS (21 Aug. 2004), 18.The presence of Bt toxin genes in USmaize refuges is reported in AgraFood Biotech 129 (24 May 2004), 26. In Germany farmers are lukewarm in support for Bt maize because the European corn borer is not so common, AgraFood Biotech 130 (7 June 2004), 2. The UK has a single list of approved GM crops, NS (19 June 2004), 45.

A summary of concerns in Japan over the regulation of GM crops is Watanabe, KN. et al. "Japanese controversies over transgenic crop regulation", Science 305 (2004), 1572. Some local prefectures are considering bans on GM crops, NatBio 22 (2004), 943. The regulations on rDNA in Japan are criticized as being too restrictive in NatMed. 10 (2004), 557. India may need a stronger GMO regulatory body, Science 304 (2004), 1579. The Cartegena Protocol is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 811-2. The need for sharing benefits of biotechnology in developing countries is stressed in FAO's report, State of Food and Agriculture 2003-2004, SA (Aug. 2004), 3; Food Chemical News (24 May 2004), 7-8; also in a UN report, Nature 430 (2004), 5; NS (3 July 2004), 3; and a PAHO report, AgraFood Biotech 121 (2 Feb. 2004), 4. The precautionary principle is discussed in European Voice (10 June 2004), 8; (17 June 2004), 26.

Reviews of issues in the safety of GM crops include Heinemann, JA. & Traavik, T. "Problems in monitoring horizontal gene transfer in field trials of transgenic plants", NatBio 22 (2004), 1105-9; Nielsen, KM. & Townsend, JP. "Monioring and modeling horizontal gene transfer", NatBio 22 (2004), 1110-4; 1076. A study of the functions of genes that are horizontally transferred in prokaryotes is NatGen 36 (2004), 760-6. Host-parasite gene transfer in flowering plants is reported in Science 305 (2004), 334-5, 676-8. A study on the growth and competitive ability of a transgenic Trifolium subterraneum species is Hereditas 140 (2004), 229-44. On invasive species, Science 305 (2004), 1100-1. On Argentinian experiments on GM crops, NS (3 July 2004), 47. The EU has approved Syngenta's Bt11 corn which is also grown in Argentina, Food Chemical News (31 May 2004), 7. The development of local GM crops is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 1055. Proposed changes to the US review of GMOs are discussed in Food Chemical News (21 June 2004), 8-9. The USDA has said there will be less secrecy in biopharm oversight, Food Chemical News (7 June 2004), 7-8.

A review on genetic control of mosquitoes and malaria control is EMBO Reports 5 (2004), 847-50. A study suggesting GM mosquitoes are less fit is in PNAS 101 (Jan. 2004); AgraFood Biotech 121 (2 Feb 2004), 25. Concerns over the seven times larger size of GM salmon are discussed in PNAS 101 (7 June 2004); SA (Aug. 2004), 16; NatBio 22 (2004), 831. The use of media and TV drama to reduce pesticide use in Vietnam and Laos is described in Nature 430 (2004), 284. On ecogenomics, Science 305 (2004), 618-9.

Biodefense research is questioned in GeneWatch 17 (May 2004), 12-14. The ethics of bioterrorism research is discussed in BME 198 (May 2004), 13-20. An artist in the USA who obtained bacteria in the post has had charges reduced from bioterror to mail fraud, Nature 429 (2004), 690; 430 (2004), 130. Attempts by Drosophila researchers to allow mailing of live fruitflies legally are being made, Nature 429 (2004), 791.

A review of several US state laws on bioterror is AJPH 94 (2004), 1093-102; see also, Science 305 (2004), 768-9. A book review of The Anthrax Letters is JAMA 292 (21 July 2004); and of Spores, Plagues and History: The Story of Anthrax, Lancet 364 (2004), 239-40. A rapid anthrax test has been approved by the US FDA, JAMA 292 (2004), 30; and on vaccine development and production, NatBio 22 (2004), 792. A liquid crystal test for anthrax is discussed in NS (12 June 2004), 22. Posttraumatic stress among survivors of bioterrorism is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 566. In general on bioterror research, JAMA 291 (2004), 2933; Lancet 364 (2004), 393-4, 449-52; Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (June 2004); Nature 429 (2004), 603; 430 (2004), 388, 822; 431 (2004), 17; Science 304 (2004), 1726-7; 305 (2004), 1228-9; Food Chemical News (21 June 2004), 10-1. The dangers of crossing avian and human flu viruses is debated in Science 305 (2004), 594-5. Protests again a biosafety lab in Montana is ongoing, Science 305 (2004), 1088. The public policy decisions for approval of smallpox vaccine research are discussed in AJPH 94 (2004), 943-7.

Vaccines & Diseases

On the ethics of infectious disease, Smith, CB. et al. "Are there characteristics of infectious diseases that raise special ethical issues?", Bioethics (2004), 1-16; and on emerging diseases, Nature 431 (2004), 242-9; Lancet 364 (2004), 380-3. Eco-bio-social research on dengue is discussed in TDR News 72 (June 2004), 9. Dengue is expected to emerge in Arizona, USA, Nature 430 (2004), 392. The promise of GM mosquito approaches for malaria control is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 936. Preventing malaria in travelers is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 305-6; also on malaria control, Lancet 364 (2004), 285-94, 389-90; BMJ 328 (2004), 1511-2; Nature 429 (2004), 588; 430 (2004), 838-9, 900-4, 923-44; Science 304 (2004), 1744. On mefloquine resistance and pfmdr1 gene copy number, Lancet 364 (2004), 438-47; also, Current Biology 14 (2004), R552-3; Science 305 (2004), 1124; Lancet 363 (2004), 1838-9. Insecticide resistance genes confer a predation cost on Culex pipiens mosquitoes, Genetical Research 83 (2004), 189-96. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants came into force on 17 may 2004 but allows exceptional uses of DDT for malaria treatment, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 472-3.

West Nile virus encephalomyelitis in transplant recipients is reported in Archives Neurology 61 (2004), 1210-20. West Nile virus has reached the West USA killing wildlife, BioScience 54 (2004), 379, 393-402. Mass treatment with ivermectin can reduce parasitic diseases, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 563-71. Discussion of whether the Chagas parasite enters our genes is in NS (7 Aug. 2004), 9. A book review of The Discovery of the Germ is BMJ 329 (2004), 57. Exotic plants may contain new diseases, NS (5 June 2004), 5. The US BIO has launched a BIO Ventures for Global Health plan to help combat infectious diseases, NatBio 22 (2004), 927. Book reviews on Plague are in Nature 430 (2004), 145-6.

Therapeutic vaccines for chronic infections are reviewed in Science 305 (2004), 205-8. DNA vaccines are reviewed in NatBio 22 (2004), 799-801. Non-parenteral vaccines have not been as successful as they were expected to be, BMJ 329 (2004), 62-3; and on pentavalent vaccines, BMJ 329 (2004), 411-2. Live flavivirus vaccines may be dangerous, Lancet 363 (2004), 2073-5. The contagiousness of Varicella cases is reduced when people are vaccinated, JAMA 292 (2004), 704-8. A small transient increase in risk of febrile seizure is found after MMR vaccination, JAMA 292 (2004), 351-7. Vaccine risk perception and autism is surveyed in AJPH 94 (2004), 990-5. WHO is warning of a polio epidemic in Africa, BMJ 328 (2004), 1513; 329 (2004), 365; Lancet 363 (2004), 1876, 1912; Science 304 (2004), 1903; 305 (2004), 24-5. Nigeria resumed polio vaccinations, Nature 430 (2004), 600. Polio vaccine prior to 1963 may have contained SV40 virus, NS (10 July 2004), 6-7: Lancet 364 (2004), 407-8. The UK has a five in one vaccine for babies now, BMJ 329 (2004), 365. In general on vaccines, AJPH 94 (2004), 910, 914-7, 947-50. Immunization laws increase coverage, AJPH 94 (2004), 978-84; but there are increasing differences in ethnic and racial differences in immunization in the USA, AJPH 94 (2004), 973-7. The global vaccination gap is greater, Science 305 (2004), 147. Measles is still endemic in Japan, Lancet 364 (2004), 328-9.

Avian influenza is discussed in MJA 181 (2004), 62-3; Nature 430 (2004), 4; NS (10 July 2004), 5; (21 Aug. 2004), 5; Science 305 (2004), 321. It has found new mammalian hosts including tiger, Science 305 (2004), 1385; and become more pathogenic, JAMA 292 (2004), 794. Some Thai farmers are using black market vaccines against bird flu, Nature 431 (2004), 6. Much bird flu data may be in Chinese language journals, Nature 430 (2004), 955. On fears of disease infection from dead bodies, JAMA 292 (2004), 323. Leprosy treatment is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 1447-8; CMAJ 170 (2004), 55-62. On global influenza and the chance of the next pandemic, BMJ 328 (2004), 1391-2; Science 305 (2004), 323-6. Brazilian researchers have sequenced the genome of leptospirosis-causing bacterium, Brazilian J. Med. & Biological Research 37 (2004), 459-77; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 471.

The ethics of SARS is discussed in Hsin, DHC. & Macer, DRJ., "Heroes of SARS: professional roles and ethics of health care workers", J. Infection 49 (2004), 210-5. A report from Toronto is Nickell, LA. et al. "Psychosocial effects of SARS on hospital staff: Survey of a large tertiary care institution", CMAJ 170 (2004), 793-8. On the impact of SARS on professionalism in Toronto, BMJ 329 (2004), 83-5. A vectored mucosal vaccine may be useful against SARS based on a African green monkey study, Lancet 363 (2004), 2102, 2122-7; and a monoclonal antibody approach was tested in Lancet 363 (2004), 2139-41. The virulence of SARS is changing, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 547+. Frontal chest X-rays have prognostic value in SARS, Amer. J. Med. 117 (2004), 249-54; CMAJ 170 (2004), 47, 63. A book on SARS is in BMJ 329 (2004), 116; and on lessons from SARS, NEJM 350 (2004), 2332-4. The Chinese Dr. Jiang who uncovered the Chinese SARS epidemic has been imprisoned for his ideas about Tiananmen Square incident, NS (10 July 2004), 3; also the director of the Chinese CDC has resigned over SARS, Science 305 (2004), 163; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 470. Chinese success in TB control is discussed in Lancet 364 (2004), 391-2, 417-22. Detention for TB control is discussed in MJA 180 (2004), 573-6.

Non-inherited resistance to antibiotics is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1578-9. MRSA infections in the UK rose by 5% between 2003 and 2004, BMJ 329 (2004), 131. The genome of MRSA suggests it can develop more resistance also, Nature 430 (2004), 126. Regulatory challenges in microbicide development are discussed in Science 304 (2004), 1911-2.

There may be continued infection of CJD by prions in the blood supply, Nature 430 (2004), 712. The BSE cases in the USA are discussed in NS (3 July 2004), 5; (17 July 2004), 5; (7 Aug. 2004), 33-42. CJD is still incurable, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 12-3. Lamarkism and prion disease is discussed in NS (21 Aug. 2004), 13. Synthetic prions have been made, Science 305 (2004), 589, 673-6.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Legal barriers to universal pediatric HIV testing are reviewed in J. Law, Medicine & Ethics 31 (Spring 2004), 137-47. Voluntary HIV testing is part of routine medical care in Massachusetts, JAMA 292 (2004), 678-9. HIV disclosure is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 277-8. Antenatal HIV screening is discussed in MJA 181 (2004), 124-5; JAMA 292 (2004), 219-23. Ideas on self and risk among persons infected with hepatitis C are reported in SSM 59 (2004), 1461-71. Sexual activity on holidays is a risk factor for diseases, BMJ 329 (2004), 214-7. STDs continue to increase, BMJ 329 (2004), 249. HIV has jumped between primates and people a few times and bushmeat is one source, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 8.

On HIV in Malawi and ethics, Nursing Ethics 11 (2004), 479-88; Croatian Medical Journal 45 (2004), 415-21; and in Kenya, JAMA 292 (2004), 157-9. Unsafe sexual practices are common in the USA, BMJ 329 (2004), 10. On condoms and prevention of HIV, BMJ 329 (2004), 185-6. Prisons are also sources of HIV contamination, Lancet 364 (2004), 317-8. On the AIDS pandemic, JAMA 292 (2004), 276-7; BMJ 329 (2004), 67, 127; NatMed. 10 (2004), 637, 761; Lancet 363 (2004), 2180-5; Nature 430 (2004), 133-40; Science 304 (2004), 1931-8; 305 (2004), 1243-4. AIDS was a major discussion point at the 57th World Health Assembly at WHO, JAMA 292 (2004), 27-8. Reeducation of police in Yunnan Province, China to help HIV is reported in Lancet 363 (2004), 1964; see also BMJ 329 (2004), 121-2.

The economic consequences for parents of losing an adult child to AIDS in Thailand is reported in SSM 59 (2004), 987-1001. Narratives of Thai family caregivers with persons with AIDS are in SSM 59 (2004), 1003-10. HIV infection impairs malaria parasite immunity, Lancet 363 (2004), 1860-7. Blood donations still need to be made safer, Lancet 363 (2004), 2060. On dhandha, dharma and HIV in India, SSM 59 (2004),851-60. On ART in HIV serodiscordant couples, Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (2004), 92+.

The G8 is supporting a vaccine initiative against AIDS, Lancet 363 (2004), 2055; NatMed. 10 (2004), 658; NS (17 July 2004), 3. On the price and use of AIDS drugs, Nature 429 (2004), 493; 430 (2004), 279, 389, 715-6; NatMed. 10 (2004), 759; BMJ 329 (2004), 129; JAMA 292 (2004), 202-9, 252-65, 266+; Lancet 363 (2004), 1878, 2062, 2147; 364 (2004), 3-4, 63-4; Science 304 (2004), 1875. On the US bilateral funding of AIDS drugs in 15 nations, Lancet 364 (2004), 303-4. HIV positive asylum seekers are discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 322-3. On HIV vaccines, NatMed. 10 (2004), 769-71; BMJ 329 (2004), 454-6; Science 304 (2004), 1909-10, 1913-4; 305 (2004), 177-80, 1545-6. Genetic resistance to HIV is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 2103-4, 2137-9; NatGen 36 (2004), 565-74. Controversy over a proposed AIDS drug study in Cambodia is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1092.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

A system of ex planta phytoremediation of chemicals through chemicals secreted from the roots is described in NatBio 22 (2004), 893-7. Beetle based sensors may improve the advance warning of forest fires, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 20. On the degradation of PCBs to highly toxic metabolites and bioactivation of xenobiotics is reported in Environmental Microbiology 6 (2004), 842-50. The role of a metal-reducing bacteria in arsenic release from Bengal delta sediments is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 68-71.

Environmental Issues

The health benefits of greenery for people have been confirmed in a Dutch study, Network #2, 19 (August 2004), 37-9 (also online, www.healthcouncil.nl). Moral values and arts in environmental education are discussed in J. Philosophy of Education 38 (No. 2, 2004), 221-40. Environmental responsibility versus taxation is debated in Ecological Economics 49 (2004), 129-34. On ecology for a crowded planet, Science 304 (2004), 1251-2. Papers on the environment, public health and the protection of future generations in law are in AJLM 30 (2004), 115-404. A book review on the history of the environment in China is in Nature 430 (2004), 505-6.

The increasing proportion of global pollution caused by air traffic is discussed in NS (17 July 2004), 45. Renewable power is important even on a small scale, NS (3 July 2004), 18-9; (17 July 2004), 6-7. On methane cycles, PNAS 101 (2004), 12400-1. An ecological footprint of human consumption is discussed in NS (26 June 2004), 9. Also on consumption, Science 305 (2004), 947-8. Burial of carbon dioxide under the sea is considered in NS (17 July 2004), 16; and on the fate of industrial carbon dioxide in the oceans, Science 305 (2004), 352-3, 362-6, 367-71. The thermohaline circulation in the oceans is discussed in Science 303 (2004), 35; 305 (2004), 953-4. On iron in the oceans and phytoplankton growth, Science 304 (2004), 396-7. China has decided to treble the number of coal-fired power stations by 2020, NS (10 July 2004), 45. The debate over the proposed wind turbines on top of the new World Trade center in New York is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 12-3. A study of climate change in California is in PNAS 101 (2004), 12422-7; Nature 430 (2004), 818. In general on climate change, Science 302 (2003), 2040-1; 304 (2004), 685-6, 1565; 305 (2004), 616-7; Nature 429 (2004), 605-6; 430 (2004), 15, 725-6; 431 (2004), 1. The Kyoto Protocol is debated in Ethics & International Affairs 18 (2004), 23+; Nature 431 (2004), 12-3. A race car completed the 24 hour Le mans race powered by bioethanol, NS (19 June 2004), 19. However, the EU is lagging behind targets for biofuel use, AgraEurope (28 May 2004), 4-5; according to the EC. Methane production in soil using genomic techniques is measured in Science 305 (2004), 59-62. On the price of oil, Nature 430 (2004), 694-5; SA (Aug. 2004), 17; NatBio 22 (2004), 1077. Also on ethanol use, Science 305 (2004), 340. The hydrogen economy is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 917, 957-80. Carbon dioxide elicits a long-term decline in nitrogen fixation, Science 304 (2004), 1291; also on nitrogen, Science 302 (2003), 1512-3.

Climate change is being blamed for increased diseases, NS (19 June 2004), 8-9; Lancet 363 (2004), 2032-9; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 481. A book review of The Ethics of Environmentally Responsible Health Care is in Lancet 363 (2004), 2005-6. On agriculture, pesticides and the environment, Agricultural Economics 31 (2004), 17-32. Reducing dependence upon pesticides in farmers in India has advantages, Ecological Economics 49 (2004), 149-62. Nitrogen sensors in crops can reduce fertilizer runoff, NS (28 Aug. 2004), 21. The environmental impacts of the Japanese beef fattening system are assessed in J. Animal Science 82 (2004), 2115-22. Health promotion and sustainable development are discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1450-1. On sustainability, MJA 180 (2004), 556-7. Health risks of PCBs are still not fully known, JAMA 292 (2004), 793. Unhealthy environments are a major threat to young children, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 558.

Water shortages are discussed in NS (24 July 2004), 56-7; (21 Aug. 2004), 3; (28 Aug. 2004), 8; Nature 430 (2004), 723; JAMA 292 (2004), 318-20; BMJ 329 (2004), 3-4. A flame retardant, deca-BDE has been detected in the Arctic, NS (12 June 2004), 10-1. Israel has planned to build a large desalinization plant for supply of water to the West bank, NS (29 May 2004), 3, 6-7. Desalinization is considered in other regions also, NS (10 July 2004), 22. Global freshwater resources are discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1524-31. Arsenic poisoning is worldwide in water, SA (Aug. 2004), 70-5; and there are still gaps in awareness of the contamination of water in rural residents in Bangladesh, SSM 59 (2004), 1741-55. . Ocean protection is discussed in SA (Aug. 2004), 15.

An interview with a worker who survived the Chernobyl accident is in NS (21 August 2004), 44-7. Thyroid cancer has increased 12-fold in women since Chernobyl, BMJ 328 (12 June 2004). A book review of Three Mile Island is Science 305 (2004), 181-2. Japan has suffered its worst ever nuclear accident in August at Mihama nuclear power plant, NS (14 August 2004), 4-5. Nuclear double standards that allow some countries to keep nuclear weapons are questioned in NS (10 July 2004), 17. The UN may play a larger role in weapons control, Nature 430 (2004), 6. MOX litigation around Sellafield is described in ICLQ 52 (2004), 643-76. John Kerry plans to stop the Yucca mountain nuclear repository, Nature 430 (2004), 820. There is uncertainty over the safe standards for mercury emissions, Science 303 (2004), 34. A book review on the environmental pollution and renewal of Pittsburgh is in Science 304 (2004), 392; and on the Chinese landscape, Science 304 (2004), 391-2. On US air pollution rules, BMJ 329 (2004), 72.

Biomonitoring can be performed at the personal level to assess our exposure to chemicals, Science 304 (2004), 1892-4. Air pollution damages DNA before birth, NS (3 July 2004), 14; Environmental Health Perspectives DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7065). Soil ecology is reviewed in Science 304 (2004), 1613-40. A ten year change in sea temperature by emissions from a power station cooling water led to changes in the marine benthic community, Ecology 85 (2004), 1833-9.

Biodiversity

The importance of preserving animal genetic diversity is discussed in NS (10 July 2004), 45; Nature 429 (2004), 967-8. Conservation genetics is discussed in Nature Genetics – Reviews 5 (2004), 702+. It is difficult to find valuable products in nature, Nature 429 (2004), 585, 598-600. Forest biodiversity and economics of timer industry are discussed in Ecological Economics 49 (2004), 135-48. A denial that cutting trees leads to flooding is in NS (19 June 2004), 18. The role of asteroids in mass extinctions is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1314-6; NS (5 June 2004), 20. The three gorges plan may be a risk to ancient fish, Science 302 (2003), 1149-51. Increased biodiversity could lead to greater parasite diversity, which might work against preservation, NS (5 June 2004), 14. High iron may cause anemia in black rhinos which leads to many deaths, NS (31 July 2004), 12. On soils and agriculture in precontact Hawaii, Science 304 (2004), 1665-9.

Plankton diversity is discussed in Nature 431 (2004), 813-4; Science 305 (2004), 1548. The decline of coral reefs is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 827-33. A system using electric current may help cure coral reefs, Science 305 (2004), 1398. Sportfishers may help decline of fish stocks, Science 305 (2004), 1235. A web site with fish catch data is searoundus.org. Exotic predatory fish from fish tanks can harm wild fish, NS (3 July 2004), 13. Drilling into an Antarctic lake is discussed in NS (7 Aug. 2004), 6-7. Whales are indicators of the toxic chemicals in the ocean, Science 304 (2004), 1584-6. Ecosystem-based fishery management is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 346-7.

Poaching of elephants continues, NS (7 Aug. 2004), 45; (28 Aug. 2004), 16-7. Extinction is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1632-4; Nature 430 (2004), 385; and speciation in Science 305 (2004), 612-3. Tiger salamanders is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1554. The benefits of a global biodiversity information facility are discussed in BioScience 54 (2004), 485-6. Freezing DNA and cells from animal species as a bank for future use in cloning if the species become extinct is being implemented in London, NS (31 July 2004), 5; Science 305 (2004), 603. Improving the status of invertebrates is discussed in BioScience 54 (2004), 487-94. Searching for alien messages is discussed in NS (7 Aug. 2004), 30-1. The possible origin of life in space is discussed in NS (21 Aug. 2004), 17.

Animal Rights

A book considering the history of relationships to animals is Henninger-Voss, MJ. Animals in Human Histories. The Mirror of Nature and Culture (University of Rochester Press, 2002; ISBN 1-58046-121-2). A paper with discussion of the theory of human rights applied to mythical beasts is in Law Quarterly Review 120 (2004), 428+. The UK has increased action against animal rights activists, Current Biology 14 (2004), R635-6; NatBio 22 (2004), 935; Science 305 (2004), 761; Nature 430 (2004), 399, 597; 431 (2004), 125; as has Russia, Science 304 (2004), 1900. Poor record keeping on animal experimental approvals at some Japanese institutions has been found, Nature 430 (2004), 714; and there are also problems in Israel, Nature 430 (2004), 129. There have been allegations of abuse of primates in Columbia University, NatMed. 10 (2004), 558. On animal welfare in laboratories, SA (August 2004), 80-1. Painkilling drugs are discussed in Science 305 (2004), 325-9.

Protests in Spain have derailed plans for building a European chimp home, Science 305 (2004), 1227. Reducing animal experiments is discussed in NS (7 August 2004), 3. There is a reported shortage of primates for scientists to do research on, NS (21 Aug. 2004), 6-7; Nature 430 (2004), 958. Loss of forest makes monkeys sick, Science 305 (2004), 1230-1.The genomics of the chimpanzee versus human genomes are compared in Science 304 (2004), 1590; 305 (2004), 191-2; JAMA 292 (2004), 28-9. A book review about why only 30,000 genes works is Science 304 (2004), 1601-2. In Chicago zoo chimps can blow air at spectators in an interactive display, Science 305 (2004), 337.

The costs of bushmeat to endangered species is discussed in www.bushmeat.org/r_a.html, Science 304 (2004), 1883. The question of whether humans are born to be cannibals or not is discussed in NS (10 July 2004), 30-33. There are many dangers of persons eating meat, NS (14 Aug. 2004), 42-5. Commercial whaling is discussed in NS (31 July 2004), 6-7. Whales may be washed ashore with cold water signals, NS (17 July 2004), 12. Blue whales have been detected returning to Alaska, Nature 430 (2004), 496. Inside pods of dolphins some are the most social, NS (14 Aug. 2004), 12. The loss of endangered porpoises in nets is a concern, Nature 429 (2004), 590. On elephant communication, NS (19 June 2004), 15. Ocean noise may damage fish as well as mammals, Nature 430 (2004), 291. Developmental plasticity is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 419-21.

Brain function

A paper on new neuroscience technologies is Farah, MJ. & Wolpe, PR., "Monitoring and manipulating brain function", HCR 34 (May 2004), 35-45. The privacy of minds is discussed in NS (31 July 2004), 38-41. Neuromarketers can manipulate consumer desires, NS (31 July 2004), 36-7. On the pros and cons of intelligence are discussed in NS (17 July 2004), 34-7. A book review of The First Idea: How Symbols, Language, and Intelligence Evolved From Our Primate Ancestors to Modern Humans is Nature 431 (2004), 127-8. The concept of biological abnormality of impaired reading is constrained by culture, Nature 431 (2004), 71-6.

Animal minds and the features of different species that human associate them with are discussed in NS (12 June 2004), 41-53. The question of whether birds are psychic is discussed in NS (26 June 2004), 48-9. The social rank in binyon jays is found to be determined by reason, Nature 430 (2004), 732-3. Birds have been found able to judge relationships between members of the same species, Nature 430 (2004), 414. The way that the mind pictures places is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1245-6. The way second language words are learnt is discussed in Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 703-4. Fast mapping of words in a dog who has a vocabulary of 200 words is reported in Science 304 (2004), 1605-6, 1682-33; NS (19 June 2004), 16. Cognitive imitation in rhesus macaques is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 407-10; and on intent, Science 305 (2004), 162. An Amazon tribe, Piraha, has been found not to think of more than the number 3, Science 305 (2004), 1093. The use of gestures in communication is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 606-7. On body ownership in the brain, Science 305 (2004), 782-3.

On revenge and altruistic punishment, Science 305 (2004), 1246-7, 1254-8. The role of the u-opioid receptor in mice love (actually in regret at the disappearance of their mother) is revealed in Science 304 (2004), 1888-9, 1983-6. On attachment, Nature 429 (2004), 705. A mind-altering drug may be part of shamistic rituals, NS (26 June 2004), 42-3. Mind-reading is discussed in NS (31 July 2004), 3. Consciousness is discussed in Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 565; Nature 429 (2004), 701-703; 430 (2004), 21, 148; NS (28 Aug. 2004), 13; and beauty in Science 305 (2004), 779-80. Music studies raise people's IQ, NS (28 July 2004), 18. A book review of Soul Made Flesh is in Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 685. Searching for ET life and SETI calculations for contact with aliens are discussed in NS (24 July 2004), 24. Polygraphs may not be reliable, NS (14 Aug 2004), 17. Memory can be improved, Wang, H. et al. "Over-expression of type-1 adenlyl cyclase in mouse forebrain enhances recognition memory and LTP", Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 635-42. Inside the brain there is a sensory signal to distinguish true from false memories, Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 664-72. Tags can be useful for the forgetful, NS (14 Aug. 2004), 19.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

The safety of recombinant human insulin is discussed in GeneWatch 17 (May 2004), 11-12. The use of VGEF to stimulate learning is another use in addition to angiogenesis, and creation of new neurons, NatGen 36 (2004), 792-3. The cost effectiveness of peg-interferon alpha formulations for hepatitis C treatment is compared in Pharmacoeconomics 22 (2004), 477-9.

A review is Conrad, P. & Potter, D. "Human growth hormone and the temptations of biomedical enhancement", Sociology of Health & Illness 26 (2004), 184-215. On growth hormone deficiency a review is Lancet 363 (2004), 1977-87. The use of growth hormone releasing hormone in HIV-infected men with lipodystophy is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 210-8. Growth hormone therapy and quality of life is discussed in Pharmacoeconomics 22 (2004), 499-524. Some receptors for growth hormone have greater responsiveness, NatGen 36 (2004), 720-4. Injection of recombinant human type VII collagen restores collagen function in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, NatMed. 10 (2004), 693-6.

A review on the marketing of therapeutic recombinant proteins to 2010 is in J. Commercial Biotechnology 10 (2004), 363-6. The safety of a recombinant multivalent group A streptococcal vaccine in healthy adults is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 709-15. The withdrawal of genasense for melanoma is criticized in NatBio 22 (2004), 788-9.

Food safety

There are only a few papers actually published on the health safety of GM foods, Pryme & Lembcke, Nutrition and Health (2003); www.soilassociation.org. Consumer fears are discussed in Bratspies, RM. "Consuming (F)ears of corn: Public health and biopharming", AJLM 30 (2004), 371-404. The US NAS suggests testing all GM foods no matter how they are made for unintended effects, NatBio 22 (2004), 1062. On the science of biotechnology and global politics of regulation, Issues in S&T (Fall 2000), 47-54. The future of GM food in the world is discussed in NS (7 Aug. 2004). Since April 2004 the EU has had the latest regulations on GM food and feed, AgraFood Biotech 127 (26 April 2004), 1. However there is still debate over the seeds threshold for GM seeds because of the costs and sampling, between 0.3% to 0.5%, Food Chemical News (14 June 2004), 9-10; (28 June 2004), 5-6. The Codex Alimentarius task force on novel foods produced from biotechnology is expected to be revived but it is unclear whether it will work on guidelines for food safety from transgenic animals, Food Chemical News (31 May 2004), 12-3. On the FAO report on the State of Food and Agriculture 2003-2004, AgraFood Biotech 129 (24 May 2004), 2; also Nature 430 (2004), 5. Some do not want the WTO to enter the GM debate, AgraFood Biotech 130 (7 June 2004), 5.

Obesity and sugar-sweetened drinks in children are discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 927-34, 978-9; BMJ 329 (2004), 54; MJA 181 (2004), 82-5. In general on obesity, JAMA 291 (2004), 2828-33, 2847-50, 2978, 3011-2; BMJ 328 (2004), 1327-8; NS (17 July 2004), 42-5; Science 304 (2004), 1413; 305 (2004), 158-9; Lancet 363 (2004), 1775; Annals of Oncology 15 (2004), 850-1. A media leak of the UK House of Commons Select Committee report on obesity is criticized in BMJ 328 (2004), 1503. There were media confusion over the death of a 3 year old child who suffered from a genetic condition, with false claims that it was bad parenting. Genetic prediction of weight reduction under sibutramine therapy by genes is reported in Pharmacogenetics 14 (2004), 387-9. Also on genetics of obesity, Pharmacogenetics 14 (2004), 419-27. Reduction of obesity by targeted ablation of adipose tissue is discussed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 625-32, 581-2. Vitamin E is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 671-3, 828-36. Soya supplements do not protect against postmenopausal changes, JAMA 292 (2004), 65-74; BMJ 329 (2004), 68. The Netherlands is advancing measures to clean up diet supplements, Nature 429 (2004), 689. The sociocultural context of women's body image is discussed in SSM 59 (2004), 1047-58. The stigma of obesity is discussed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 563-9.

Freshwater fish is one source of a bacteria Lactibacter hongkongensis associated with diarrhoea, Lancet 364 (2004), 1923, 1941-7. A criticism of the US magazine Consumer reports on food safety and irradiation is in Nature 431 (2004), 117. The ability to live on meat is discussed in NS (29 May 2004), 50-1.

Disease Risks & Drugs

Regulation of drug safety is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 2199; Nature 430 (2004), 401-2, 727-8; 431 (2004), 122-4; JAMA 292 (2004), 742-3; BMJ 329 (2004), 188; NatMed. 10 (2004), 773. The regulation of over-the-counter drugs is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 182-3. The benefits and risks have to be balanced, BMJ 329 (2004), 1-5, 41-4. Adverse drug reaction detection is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 44-7, 47-9.Papers from the 4th Kitasato University – Harvard School of Public health Symposium on "Advanced and Global Drug Development Techniques" are in Clinical Evaluation 31 Suppl. XX 2004, 329pp (in English and Japanese). On drug marketing, NatMed. 10 (2004), 655. Electronic prescribing is being developed in the UK, BMJ 328 (2004), 1453. Drug trials in India are discussed in SA (Aug. 2004), 14. The US is licensing some drugs made in Cuba, NatBio 22 (2004), 1065. A discussion of efforts to make Japan the safest country in the world are in Asia-Pacific Perspectives Japan 2 (July 2004), 6-23.

Ethics of traditional medicines are discussed in JME 30 (2004), 156-9. Regulation and development of alternative and complementary medicine is discussed in MJA 180 (2004), 585-9, 645-6, 647-8; Sociology of Health & Illness 26 (2004),216-41. A book review of Principles of Medicine in Africa, 3rd edition, is in Lancet 364 (2004), 2197; see also a paper in EJAIB (Sept. 2004). Spirituality and QOL is discussed in Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (2004), (2004), 76-82; BMJ 329 (2004), 123-4. An Indian court case challenging a traditional Indian remedy is described in BMJ 329 (2004), 1457. A comparison of traditional healers' medicinal plant knowledge in the Bolian Andes and Amazon is in SSM 59 (2004), 837-49. A plant mimic may be a cure for malaria, NS (21 Aug. 2004), 15. Medical acupuncture in Germany is reviewed in Sociology of Health & Illness 26 (2004), 351-72.

On cultural beliefs about medicines, SSM 59 (2004), 1307-13. Language use in public health is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 2190-1. Hand washing could save millions of lives, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 631-2. Cleanliness in Hospitals and MRSA infections are discussed in Lancet 364 (24 July 2004). Non-compliance with doctors suggestions are discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 2004. Asthma has been linked to antibiotics, NS (5 June 2004), 13. Lifestyle rather than genes may be the main cause of myopia, NS (10 July 2004), 12. Pain killers may reduce male sex drive, NS (29 May 2004), 9. A book review of Aspirin is NS (7 Aug. 2004), 50.

The dangers of working in the electronics industry and IBM is discussed in Science 305 (2004), 309, 340-1. Flame retardants accumulate in persons bodies, Science 304 (2004), 1730. Noise from airports is discussed in Lancet 364 (2004), 646-8. Active noise can quieten noisy environments, NS (29 May 2004), 22-3. Occupational safety and health programmes in Australia are assessed in Occupational & Environmental Medicine 61 (2004), 651-60. Health impacts from clean up after 9/11 are discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 914-5. On environmental hazards, Lancet 363 (2004), 2007. Some causes of death are modifiable behavioural factors, JAMA 291 (2004), 2941-3. On ethics and public health in general, AJPH 94 (2004), 928-31. Long working hours are discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 25-6; SSM 59 (2004), 1719-30. Worker health and gender is compared in SSM 59 (2004), 1287-95. Motor vehicle license renewals for older drivers are discussed in JAMA 291 (2004), 2840-6. In general on public health, Lancet 363 (2004), 2084-6; Amer. J. Med. 117 (2004), 219-27.

The policy to allow over the counter statins is debated in Greehealthwatch 7(2, 2004), 1-2; Lancet 364 (2004), 411-3; JAMA 292 (2004), 317-8. Statin therapy appears safe in children with familial hypercholesterolemia, JAMA 292 (2004), 331-7, 377-8. On pharmacogenetics and safety, Nature Reviews – Genetics 5 (2004), 645-56; Science 304 (2004), 1458-60. Socioeconomic differences affect participation in cancer screening participation, SSM 59 (2004), 249-61. The use of tamoxifen is discussed in O&G 104 (2004), 431-2, 433-42. The dangers of medical radiation are discussed in MJA 180 (2004), 548-9; Lancet 363 (2004), 1908-11, 2192-3. No association between cellular telephones and salivary gland tumours was reported in Occup. Environmental Medicine 61 (2004), 675-9.

Abuse of drugs in sport is discussed in NS (14 August 2004), 3, 6-7; NatBio 22 (2004), 1069-71; Nature 430 (2004), 143-4, 602, 713; BMJ 329 (2004), 407; Science 305 (2004), 573. Lactic acid can also enhance performance, Science 305 (2004), 112-3. The limit to physical exertion is in the brain not the body, NS (31 July 2004), 11. Athletes are on the edge of normal physiology, Nature 430 (2004), 603. Mandatory drug testing of high school athletes in USA is debated in Amer. J. Bioethics 4 (Winter 2004), 25-31; 41-3. On cosmetic surgery, JAMA 292 (2004), 743-5; and body images, BMJ 329 (2004), 237.

A study of alcohol drinking in Slovenia is Croatian Medical Journal 45 (2004), 466-72; and in Brazil, SSM 59 (2004), 709-20. Alcoholism is a medical problem, Nature 429 (2004), 691; with genetics links, NatGen 36 (2004), 681. Studies of drug addiction and recovery are discussed in Nature 431 (2004), 394-5; Science 305 (2004), 1014-7. Cannabis for medical purposes is discussed in Lancet 364 (2004), 315-6; Nature 430 (2004), 492. A call to medicalise the suffering from depression in the developing world is made in Lancet 364 (2004), 233-4. Urban environments may also be risk factors, Lancet 363 (2004), 2012-3. SSRIs and suicide are discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 338+, 379-81. The need for better health information in Africa is connected to general expansion to the Internet, Lancet 364 (2004), 222-4, 295+. The role of glossy magazines as information sources is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1444. On self-reported health, SSM 60 (2004), 595-607.

Child public health is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1384; 329 (2004), 266-9; MJA 180 (2004), 562-5. Youth mortality is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 569, 624-5. Peace and health are discussed in Lancet 364 (2004), 311, 384-6. Violence against healthcare workers is discussed in Occupational & Environmental Medicine 61 (2004), 649. Pain is often neglected in war areas, BMJ 328 (2004), 1398. Gulf war syndrome is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 821. Depression in Afghanistan is discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 575-84. Rapid income growth has affected diet quality in China, SSM 59 (2004), 1505-15.

On average smoking shortens life about 10 years, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 632-3; BMJ 328 (2004), 537-8, 1507, 1519-33, 1529; NS (5 June 2004), 12. Tobacco smoking policy by patients in Israeli hospitals is discussed in Nursing Ethics 11 (2004), 472-8. Passive smoking is discussed in JAMA 291 (2004), 2690-1; BMJ 328 (2004), 1222; 329 (2004), 200-4; NS (10 July 2004), 15. The WHO Convention on Tobacco Control may be international binding law by the end of 2004, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 635. Smoking bans are discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1379-80; 329 (2004), 368; NEJM 350 (2004), 2231-3; Occup. Environ. Med. (2004), 383-6. The UK ban on smoking ads might lead to other ad bans for other harmful substances, BMJ 328 (2004), 1558-60, 1572; Science 304 (2004), 804. Japan Tobacco's SmoCar for smokers is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 352. Teenagers images of tobacco use in Sweden are presented in SSM 59 (2004), 573-83; and in India, SSM 59 (2004), 415-31. Tobacco harm in south Asia is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 780. Kenya has proposed a tobacco compensation law for smokers to sue companies, Lancet 363 (2004), 1963.

Addiction has several causes, Feng, Y. et al. "A common haplotype of the nicotine acetylcholine receptor alpha4 subunit gene is associated with vulnerability to nicotine addiction in men", AJHG 75 (2004), 112-21; JAMA 292 (2004), 321-2. There is still a future for the cigarette, Lancet 364 (2004), 231-2. Medical benefits of nicotine are discussed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 660-1. Many secret documents from the tobacco industry will be on the Internet soon, BMJ 328 (2004), 1335. UK universities have set a policy for tobacco funding, BMJ 329 (2004), 9.

Patenting & Business

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture entered into force on 29 June 2004, following the ratification of 55 countries (FAO homepage). On the role of the CBD, Nature 429 (2004), 585. A discussion of the Canadian Supreme Court ruling of Monsanto v. Percy Schmeiser is in Ram's Horn 221 (June 2004), 1-3; GeneWatch 17 (July 2004), 10-2; NS (29 May 2004), 4-5; NatBio 22 (2004), 803-4. WHO approaches to IPR and poverty, and the new IPR commission are summarized in TDR News 72 (June 2004), 8; www.who.int/intellectualproperty. On the evolution of traditions and IPR, HoneyBee 15(1, March 2004), 1, 16. Plant patents and agriculture are discussed in Science 305 (2 July 2004). Genetics and IP protection are discussed in Health Law Review 12 (No.2, 2004), 34-43. Public order and protests against gene patents are being discussed in Europe, Nature Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 86. A patient advocate was named the coinventor on the PXE disease gene, Science 305 (2004), 1226. Knowledge management software can follow the origin of ideas in research, Nature 428 (2004), 462-3. Commons-based strategies and the problems of patents are discussed in Science 305 (2004), 1110-1.

The Curie Institute successful case against the BRCA1 patent of Myriad genetics is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 797; NS (29 May 2004), 4. In Europe the research charity Cancer research UK has a patent for BRCA2 that makes it freely accessible in Europe, Nature 427 (2004), 669; NatBio 22 (2004), 943-4. A dual arrangement between Genenentech and Celltech may be extending the lifetime of monoclonal antibody technology patents, SA (Feb 2004), 20. A US-Morocco deal extends the life of patents there to 30 years, Lancet 362 (2003), 1904. On commercial copying charges in Europe, Nature 426 (2003), 217. On the patent dispute over PCR technology, Nature 426 (2003), 373. On IP litigation in China, NatBio 22 (2004), 368. Price competitiveness in the drug industry is discussed in Lancet 362 (2003), 257. Duke University researchers were told to try not to use patented medical technologies, NatMed. 10 (2004), 5. A series of papers on IP are in University of Chicago Law Review 71 (Winter 2004), 1-220. The case of the Harvard oncomouse licensing is one way to manage innovation, NatBio 22 (2004), 761-3. The importance of disclosure of patents is argued in Lancet 364 (2004), 577-8. The question of whether diagnostic methods are excluded from patentability by the EPC is debated in NatBio 22 (2004), 1167-8.

A paper on access is Sterckx, S. "Patents and access to drugs in developed countries: An ethical analysis", Developing World Bioethics 4 (2004), 58-75. NIH decided not to intervene in pricing an AIDS drug, Science 305 (2004), 926-7. The EU is delaying to consider an EU-wide patent system, www.scrippharma.com (23 June 2004). On generic drugs, Nature 429 (2004), 588; University of Chicago Law Review 71 (Winter 2004), 93-110. Collaborative research has special problems for patent seekers, NatBio 22 (2004), 901-2. In 2003 there were less patent approvals for biotechnology in the USA, as the HGP ended, NatBio 22 (2004), 930-1. Australia is experimenting with experimental use exemptions of patents, NatBio 22 (2004), 1023-5. The diffusion of IP protection in Indian agriculture is reviewed in Ecological Economics 49 (2004), 187-98. Indian patients have made a court case against the exclusive license given to Novartis in India to market imatinib, BMJ 329 (2004), 419. Book reviews of the $800 Million Pill are Nature 429 (2004), 807; Lancet 364 (2004), 321-2. There are claims against President Bush that he pressured some developing countries not to make generics, BMJ 329 (2004), 192. On generics, Nature 429 (2004), 588; BMJ 329 (2004), 12. The rare disease drugs market is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 1061.

The case of Hiroaki Serizawa who was accused of spying when he exported cell lines is discussed in Nature 430 (2004), 960-1. He has sued the Japanese government for confining him while considering whether to extradict him to the USA, Nature 431 (2004), 9.

A new book is Chaturvedi, S., & Rao, SR., eds., Biotechnology and Development. Challenges and Opportunities for Asia (New Delhi: Academic Foundation, 2004, ISBN 981230236-0, 319pp.) It includes chapters from different countries. The potential of the biotechnology sector to compete with the pharma industry is discussed in NS (13 Dec. 2003), 52. Arguments to support scientific research because it saves lives are questioned in NS (28 Feb. 2004), 18-9. Grants, politics and NIH are discussed in NEJM 349 (2003), 2259-61; Nature 430 (2004), 953. Grant writing tips in the UK are suggested in BMJ 327 (2003), 1446-8. The role of universities in the rich world to forge partnerships with the developing world are discussed in BMJ 327 (2003), 1415-6. On academic medicine, BMJ 328 (2004), 45; and industry links, JAMA 291 (2004), 1120-6; NatBio 22 (2004), 920-5; Nature 430 (2004), 598. A discussion of drug discovery is in NS (10 July 2004), 54-7; NS (3 July 2004), 36-8; and bioindustry in general is NS (10 July 2004), 50-3. Globalization of pharma industry is discussed in Int. J. Health Sciences 33 (2003), 581-605. Drug discovery is discussed biotechnology in Australia is discussed in NS (22 Nov. 2003), 56-9; (5 June 2004), 56-9; in Europe, NatBio 21 (2003), 1287-91; 22 (2004), 367; NatBio 22 (2004), 501-4; in Argentina, NatBio 22 (2004), 143; New Zealand, NS (17 July 2004), 48-51; India, NatBio 22 (2004), 933; Japan, APBN 8 (2004), 467-71; NatBio 22 (2004), 931-2; Science 305 (2004), 1547; Malta, The Scientist (5 July 2004), 50-1; Spain, Nature 428 (2004), 365; and in San Diego, Nature 426 (2004), 689; in UK, The Scientist (7 June 2004), 54-5; Scrip Notes 2954 (21 May 2004), 10. Ernst and Young report on biotechnology, Beyond Borders: A Global Perspective 2004. China is increasing its share of global publications, Nature 430 (2004), 311-6; 431 (2004), 116.

Ethical issues from the involvement of bioethicists with private industry is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 947-8. GSK plans to publish its register of clinical trials on the web, BMJ 328 (2004), 1513. Open access to industry data is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1395; 329 (2004), 64-5; NatMed. 10 (2004), 653; Lancet 363 (2004), 1919; Nature 429 (2004), 589. Science and corruption by industry is discussed in NEJM 349 (2003), 1979; Lancet 363 (2004), 1873; Nature 430 (2004), 951; and lack of public trust, BMJ 329 (2004), 189, 247. Lancet accused AstraZeneca of sponsoring biased research, BMJ 327 (2003), 1005. German cases of bribes are discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1333; 329 (2004), 10. On the future of agbiotech, NatBio 22 (2004), 791. Valuing the product development cycle in agbiotech is reviewed in NatBio 22 (2004), 817-822. A report from the BIO conference in the USA is in NatBio 22 (2004), 785. BIO has set up a nonprofit organization for development of medicines for global health, NatBio 22 (2004), 796.

Birth Control

Catholic reasons against same sex marriage are summarized in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 4 (2004), 303-16. Transexualism is discussed in BMJ 329 (2004), 356; and on intersex conditions, AJLM 30 (2004), 41-68. Brain gender is discussed in Nature Neuroscience 6 (2004), 570-2. On reproductive rights in Canada, Health Law Review 12 (No.2, 2004), 44-52. Sexuality, sex education, rights and social justice from a range of different countries are discussed in Reproductive Health Matters 12 (May 2004), 6-135. The relationship between women's employment and contraceptive use in Oman is reported in Reproductive Health Matters 12 (May 2004), 144-54. Contraception in Kuwait was assessed to be generally accessible in SSM 59 (2004), 1573-80. On reproductive health, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 549; Lancet 364 (2004), 742-3; AJPH 94 (2004), 1297-9; SSM 59 (2004), 1379-95; BMJ 328 (2004), 1504. Funding of birth control has positive impacts, AJPH 94 (2004), 1330-2, 1341-6. Law, coercion and population control was discussed in Harvard Law Review 84 (1971), 1856+.

Race and pregnancy related care in Brazil and South Africa is compared in SSM 59 (2004), 1127-46. Gender inequality and family planning in rural China is reported in SSM 59 (2004), 695-708. Girls in Sudan are more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary school, BMJ 329 (2004), 1514; www.unsudanig.org/Publications/assessments. The US FDA has denied plans for over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptive, JAMA 291 (2004), 2805-6; Science 305 (2004), 17. A survey of the awareness of Californian women of their use is AJOG 191 (2004), 150-6. An industry perspective on the evolution of hormonal contraceptive development is in Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (June 2004), 119+. Teen mothers are discussed in JAMA 292 (2004), 108.

A book review of Why We Do It is in Nature 430 (2004), 613-4. Pupil-led sex education in England is described in Lancet 364 (2004), 338-46, 407. The safety and effects of estrogen and hormones on women are discussed in JAMA 291 (2004), 2947, 2959-68, 3005-7. Longterm use of HRT may double breast cancer risk, BMJ 329 (2004), 9. Sexuality and breast cancer are discussed in Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (June 2004), 89+. Midwifery in Maya tradition from a study in Guatemala is discussed in SSM 59 (2004), 637-51. Sex trafficking in Benin City is discussed in SSM 59 (2004), 1315-27.

Embryo Status

On human embryo research, Amer. J. Bioethics 4 (Winter 2004), 1-5. Approval for abortion but disagreement for sexual rights in Tamil Nadu, India are discussed in Reproductive Health Matters 12 (May 2004), 88-99. On abortion in Brazil, CQHE 13 (2004), 275-9; and in Nepal, Lancet 363 (2004), 1905. The UK may review the abortion time limits, BME 199 (July 2004), 3. Australian laws are debated in MJA 181 (2004), 201-3. Physician assistants as providers of abortion services in USA were found to be safe, AJPH 94 (2004), 1352-7. Risk factors in the USA are discussed in 0&G 104 (2004), 635. Italy is considering reducing funds for abortions, BMJ 329 (2004), 418. In general on abortion, BMJ 329 (2004), 236. On parental consent methods, Harvard Law Review 117 (2004), 2785+. Grief of fathers for abortion is discussed in Sociology of Health & Illness 26 (2004), 326-50.

A report from the Danish Council of Ethics on "The beginning of human life and the moral status of the embryo. A debate outline." is online http://www.etiskraad.dk/sw303.asp. A discussion of US debates on embryo research is Nature 431 (2004), 19-20. An ethical analysis is Lee, P. "The pro-life argument from substantial identity: A defense", Bioethics 18 (2004), 249-63, 64-82; also pp. 221-248. Research on premature infant livers to isolate stem cells is debated in NatMed. 10 (2004), 762. Fetal transplants for Parkinson's disease are discussed in NS (10 July 2004), 40-3.

Cloning and stem cells

The UK has approved the licensing of their first trial for nuclear transfer therapeutic cloning involving use of spare eggs from an infertility centre in Newcastle, BMJ 329 (2004), 417; NS (21 Aug. 2004), 8-9; Science 305 (2004), 1102; Nature 430 (2004), 817. The UK is funding more research, Current Biology 14 (2004), R493, R592-3. The Bioethics committee of the Council for Science and Technology Policy, and the Ministry of Health Ethics Committee have approved plans to allow therapeutic cloning research in Japan, but the guidelines may take another year to develop, Nature 430 (2004), 5; NatMed. 10 (2004), 763; Science 304 (2004), 1729; NatBio 22 (2004), 937. Mexico has reversed a ban on stem cell research, NatMed. 10 (2004), 656. France has banned reproductive and therapeutic cloning, BMJ 329 (2004), 130. Arab states may also be preparing to ban cloning, Lancet 363 (2004), 2061. A discussion of California Proposition 71 that will be on the election ballot in November in the USA to promote therapeutic cloning research is Science 305 (2004), 1544-5; Nature 430 (2004), 125. There may be a US repository for stem cells, Nature 429 (2004), 691, 430 (2004), 389. On the US debates, Science 305 (2004), 760; NS (29 May 2004), 49; JAMA 292 (2004), 163. The lobbying of scientists supported by the Genetics Policy Institute and others to the UN to allow therapeutic cloning research is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 1962; NatGen 36 (2004), 781.

Papers on cloning bans in Italian are in Bioetica e Cultura 13 (2004, No. 1), 23-66. Laws against reproductive cloning are discussed in J. Law & Medicine 11 (Feb. 2004), 351-72. Problems of stem cell research are reviewed in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 4 (2004), 289-302. On 2 September, 2004, Singapore banned reproductive cloning but permitted therapeutic cloning, Nature 431 (2004), 119. Canada has banned human reproductive cloning, HCR 34 (May 2004), 5. Australian debates on human ES cell research are reviewed in Health Law Review 12 (No.2, 2004), 27-33. Child welfare and human cloning is discussed in Keough, W. "All in the family: A child welfare perspective on human reproductive cloning", Health law Journal 11 (2003), 71-88. Also on ethics of stem cell research, Science 305 (2004), 1402; JAMA 292 (2004), 791-2; BMJ 329 (2004), 466.

Comments on the ethics of the creation of the human ES cell line in Korea are in Science 305 (2004), 944-5. The Korean Ministry of health & Welfare has funded Catholic University of Korea medical school US$12 million for research into use of adult stem cells, Zenit.org, 18 June 2004. In general on stem cell research prospects, Science 305 (2004), 27, 929; TIBTECH 22 (2004), 155-6; NS (19 June 2004), 12; NatBio 22 (2004), 804-5, 863-6; JAMA 292 (2004), 75, 81, 104-5. Derivation of midbrain dopamine neurons from human ES cells is reported in PNAS 101 (2004), 12543-8. There has been criticism of an alleged "pre-mature" paper on adult stem cells published in an on-line physics journal, Nature 429 (2004), 590; Applied Physics A (doi:10.1007/s00339-004-2816-6; 2004). Stem cell research will extend to space with NASA, NS (21 Aug. 2004), 4. There is discussion of a claim that Panos Zavos had made cloned embryos from dead humans and cow eggs, Nature 431 (2004), 118.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Papers on ethics of ART regulation include HCR 34 (July 2004), 14-7. A new law in Italy bans freezing and destroying embryos and limits the number of oocytes to be fertilized to 3, BMJ 329 (2004), 71, 1334. It also forbids preimplantation diagnosis. On ethics of preimplantation diagnosis, NS (12 June 2004), 6-7. Papers on artificial procreation in Italian are in Alpha Omega VII (April 2004), 91-114; VII (July 2004), 301-26. A survey suggesting 30% of couples would donate embryos is Burton, PJ. & Sanders, K. "Patient attitudes to donation of embryos for research in Western Australia", MJA 180 (2004), 559-61. In general on ethics of IVF, Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (June 2004), 61-3. Sex selection is discussed in NS (12 June 2004), 3, 7; Bioethics 18 (2004), 205-20. China plans to ban sex-selection abortions in order to balance gender of births, Japan Times (16 July 2004), 4. Selection for tissue typing is discussed in NS (24 July 2004), 3; Current Biology 14 (2004), R594.

A discussion of how many eggs to use in ART is BMJ 329 (2004), 302-3, 311-4. There are no extra neurological risks of children after ICSI and IVF according to a Danish study, BMJ 329 (2004), 311-4. However children born from IVF were found 9 times more likely to have a rare disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, NS (14 Aug. 2004), 11. A paper on procreative liberty versus harm to offspring in ART is AJLM 30 (2004), 7-40. Ovarian transplants can restore fertility in cancer patients, NatMed. 10 (2004), 764; NS (3 July 2004), 4. Ovaries may make eggs throughout life, NS (10 July 2004), 8. The lesbian baby boom using IVF is discussed in Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause 2 (June 2004), 83-8. Disclosure decisions among oocyte donation recipients in the USA were the same whether using known or anonymous oocytes, F&S 81 (2004), 1565-71. Egg sharing is discussed in F&S 82