Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - May 1999

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIBand will continue. The full list of news (OLD = 1991-1993; NEW = 1994+) until May 1999 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Abbreviations

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIB and will continue. This list is available on-line topic-by-topic, at:
http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Antibodies are being harvested from plants (see also vaccine section), Science News 154 (5 Dec 1998), 359. Efforts to improve photosynthesis by genetic engineering are reviewed in Science 283 (1999), 310-2, 314-6. Research is finding more of the mechanism of legume's ability for nitrogen fixation through Rhizobium, Science 283 (1999), 774.

Improving nutrient content is obtained in Goto, F. et al. "Iron fortification of rice seed by the soybean ferritin gene" , NatBio 17 (1999), 282 - 286, 230. Altered environmental tolerance is made in Kasuga, M. et al. "Improving plant drought, salt, and freezing tolerance by gene transfer of a single stress-inducible transcription factor" , NatBio 17 (1999), 287 - 291; 229; Plants ectopically expressing the iron-binding protein, ferritin, are tolerant to oxidative damage and pathogens, NatBio 17 (1999), 192-196. Other methods to improve rice production involve crossing naturally occurring varieties, Science 283 (1999), 313-4. Research has revealed some disease-resistance related sequences in common bean, Genome 42 (1999), 41-7. Second and third generation GMO seeds are in research laboratories, e.g. Liberty-link cotton that is glufosinate-tolerant, with reduced pesticide use, GEN (15 Jan. 1999), 17, 41.

There is renewed interest in colour cotton produced by naturally occurring varieties, not only by genetics, SA (April 1999), 112-8. A review on agroforestry and evolution of cropping systems is HortScience 34 (Feb. 1999), 22-4.

The future of vegetable oils as vehicle fuel is discussed in Science News 154 (5 Dec 1998), 364-6. Production of recombinant proteins can be obtained in plant root exudates, NatBio 17 (1999), 427, 466-9.

Overexpression of Bt in chloroplasts confers resistance against susceptible and Bt-resistant insects, PNAS 96 (1999), 1840-5. The mechanism of binding of BT in Diamondback moth is reviewed in AEM 65 (1998), 1413-9. A study of the toxicity of 4 Bt endotoxins against Spodoptera species is AEM 65 (1999), 457-64.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

The Roslin Institute is developing nuclear transfer technology with a company Roslin Bio-Med, GEN (15 Feb. 1999), 1, 17, 28. A review is Wilmut, I. "Cloning for medicine", SA (Dec. 1998), 58-63. Australia is likely to establish a non-human primate center for medical research including support for cloning research, which otherwise will only be within guidelines on human embryo research, NatMed 5 (1999), 133. The use of embryonic stem cells to produce medicines and other substances is reviewed in Science 283 (1999), 1468-70. The high mortality of cloned animals is discussed in Down to Earth (18 Feb. 1999), 15. A letter on confirming clones are really from adult donor nuclei is Nature 396 (1998), 19; also see Science 283 (1999), 487-8. Goats have been cloned, Baguisi, A. et al. "Production of goats by somatic cell nuclear transfer", NatBio 17 (1999), 456-461; 405.

A letter on animal domestication is Science 283 (1999), 329-30. Genetics can be used to modify insects so that they are not disease vectors or aid agriculture, SA (Dec. 1998), 90-5. A further paper on bioreactors is John, DCA. et al. "Expression of an engineered form of recombinant procollagen in mouse milk" , NatBio 17 (1999), 385 - 389; Jost, B. et al. "Production of low-lactose milk by ectopic expression of intestinal lactase in the mouse mammary gland" , NatBio 17 (1999), 160-164, 135-6.

A review of cancer models in mice is NatGen 21 (1999), 249-51; and those deficient in Lats1 develop soft-tissue sarcomas, NatGen 21 (1999), 182+. A new gene, mahogany, has been cloned in mice which alters weight, Nature 398 (1999), 148-152, 152-6; NatMed 5 (1999), 374-5. A review on body weight regulation and feeding regulation by hypothalamic neuropeptides is TINS 22 (1999), 62-7. Long-term divergent selection of mice has produced mice with leptin levels 60-300 times different from each other, Genetical Research 73 (1999), 37-44. Mice that lack the gene BAX retain ovaries with many eggs into late life, NatGen 21 (1999), ;Science News 155 (1999), 85. Mice that age prematurely have been made by removing telomerase, NS (6 March 1999), 6. Genetic analysis of long-life Drosophila melanogaster flies is in Genetica 104 (1998), 21-32, 33-9.

Designer Molecules

The use of DNA chips to improve drug discovery is reviewed in GEN (15 March 1999), 1, 16. Biochips can be used to screen for pesticides that cause less harm to beneficial insects for farmers, NS (13 March 1999), 17.

Ciliates can be used for foreign gene expression, NatBio 17 (1999), 424 - 425, 462-5. Directed evolution of a fungal peroxidase is reported in NatBio 17 (1999), 379 - 384, 333. Trypsin can be converted into a selenium-containing enzyme using chemical mutation, Biotechnology Letters 20 (1998), 693-6. On catalytic DNA: in training and seeking employment, NatBio 17 (1999), 422 - 423, 480. Bacterial ribosomes can be engineered, and a case where all 7 E.coli rRNA operons are replaced by a single-plasmid-encoded operon is reported, PNAS 96 (1999), 1820-2, 1971-6. A series of papers on metabolic engineering are in Biotechnology & Bioengineering 58 (1998), 119-249; Science 285 (1999), 1625-6. A comparison of metabolism in Aspergillus strains in wild type and recombinant is demonstrated in AEM 65 (1999), 11-9.

Biotechnology & the Public

A paper on ethics is Macer, D. "Biotechnology in agriculture: Ethical aspects and public acceptance", pp. 661-90 in A. Altman, Agricultural Biotechnology (Marcel Dekker Inc. 1998, ISBN 0-8247-9439-7). A paper on US scientist attitudes is Rabino, I. "Ethical debates in genetic engineering: US scientists' attitudes on patenting, germ-line research, food labeling, and agri-biotech issues", Politics & the Life Sciences 17 (1998), 147-64.

On reductionist ethics and biotechnology, Ram's Horn 167 (March 1999), 1-4. Ethical issues and genetic modification are in Splice 5 (Feb. 1999), 4-11; Nature 398 (1999), 91; NS (23 Jan. 1999), 44. A book review of Mae-Wan Ho, Genetic Engineering: Dream or Nightmare? (Gateway Books, 1998, 277pp.) is in GeneWatch 11 (Jan 1999), 18-9. A new book is O'Mahony, P., ed., Nature, Risk and Responsibility. Discourses of Biotechnology (1999). A paper saying that the major beneficiaries of GMO crops are farmers is GEN 19 (15 April 1999), 1, 12, 29; also pp. 4, 32. On women and farming, Biotech & Development Monitor 37 (March 1999), 2-9.

There has been wide concern in the USA over a proposal that all data be made open if it is federally funded, Science 283 (1999), 914-5, 1114. In general on public and science, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 46-7; (20 March 1999), 44-5; Science 283 (1999), 1461-3; and a book review on how US scientists were politically loyal in the Cold War is Nature 398 (1999), 763-4. New Zealand scientists are also upset by the trend to include more social goals in research, Nature 398 (1999), 450. Eubios Ethics Institute notes with regret the ending of the Texas A&M University Center for Science and Technology Policy and Ethics, and the final issue of their newsletter, Currents in Science, Technology, Policy, Ethics 2 (Spring 1999), discusses responsible science and biotechnology.

A commentary is Wolpert, L. "Is science dangerous?", Nature 398 (1999), 281-2. A book on risk is Hardaker, JB. et al. Coping with Risk in Agriculture (CAB International, 1997, 274pp., ISBN 0-85199-119-X). On the burden of proof for harm as judged by courtrooms, AJPH 89 (1999), 490-3. On medical risk, JAMA 281 (1999), 1037-41; and on risk and responsibility, Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 1-10. A book review on scientific revolutions is Nature 398 (1999), 770-1.

A review of education and agricultural sciences is J. Animal Science 76 (1998), 2991-4. The use of videos to improve classroom teaching was part of TIMSS, Science 283 (1999), 1616-7. There are two papers on education in this issue of EJAIB 9 (3). Interdisciplinary science is discussed in Science 283 (1999), 642-3.A book review of The Science of Aliens is NS (20 Feb. 1999), 46.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

A call for a strong Biosafety Protocol is in GenEthics News 27 (Jan. 1999), 6-7. Delegates faced many challenges negotiating Biosafety Protocol, NatBio 17 (1999), 123; Nature 397 (1999), 548; however there was not agreement because it was considered a potential barrier to trade, EST 33 (1999), 150-1A; Nature 398 (1999), 6. In the controversy over GMO foods (see later section), there has been growing use of environmental arguments against chemical pesticides to support use of GMOs, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 3; and the UK government resisted making a ban on sowing seeds, Nature 397 (1999), 286, 547. The US may put the issue of GMOs on the agenda at the next round of global trade talks at the World Trade Organization, while continuing its bilateral talks with the EU to speed up EU approval of genetically modified corn developed by Monsanto, Novartis and Hoechst Schering.

A report on the large-scale introduction of transgenic cotton from Monsanto in China is Biotech & Development Monitor 37 (March 1999), 14-17. A report from a meeting of New Zealand Institutional biosafety committee representatives is Perspective (ERMA) 5 (March 1999), 6. The Council for Responsible Genetics has publicly said they oppose terminator gene technology, GeneWatch 11 (Jan 1999), 2. The European Parliament is reconsidering release of GMOs, NatBio 17 (1999), 321; and the EPA biotech rules are being reviewed yet again, NatBio 17 (1999), 415; after a lawsuit from environmental groups, Nature 397 (1999), 636-7. In Spain the transgenic crop producers have had to pay into an insurance fund in case of environmental accidents, Nature 397 (1999), 636. See also, Science 283 (1999), 327. A letter criticizing the lack of investment in sustainable agriculture is Science 283 (1999), 1115-7. A series of short papers on the long-term effects of GM crops is Nature 398 (1999), 651-6.

Plant geneticists have suggested that farmers from 5000 years ago were genetically selecting grass to make maize by selecting a gene tb1 that makes branches grow fat ears of corn rather than thin tassels of seed, Nature 398 (1999), 236+; NS (20 March 1999), 23. Gene flow from crops to weeds, and transgene escape is discussed in NatBio 17 (1999), 318, 330-1; Scott SE. & Wilkinson MJ., "Low probability of chloroplast movement from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) into wild Brassica rapa" , NatBio 17 (1999), 390 - 392, 330. In Switzerland a field trial of AgrEvo herbicide tolerant T25 maize has been blocked by the Swiss office for environment, forestry and agriculture (BUWAL) because it was considered to close to organic farms in case pollen spread, Nature 398 (1999), 736. Measures of gene flow are reviewed in Heredity 82 (1999), 117-25; and Quarterly Review of Biology 74 (1999), 21-44. Molecular determination of species boundaries in corals is reported in Biol. Bull. 196 (1999), 80-93. On a new plan from industry to preserve Bt crops, NatBio 17 (1999), 117. A study of using formaldehyde to decontaminate biosafety cabinets is AEM 65 (1999), 873-6. Methods to contain GEMs are discussed in Ford, CZ. et al. "Containment of a genetically engineered microorganism during a field bioremediation application", Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 51 (1999), 397-400.

The global situation of transgenic crops in 1998 is reviewed in ISAAA Briefs No. 8, on-line at <www.isaaa.org> or <agbio.cabweb.org>. A book review of Bright, C. Life out of Bounds: Bioinvasion in a Borderless World (WW. Norton, 1998, 287pp.) is in Nature 397 (1999), 665-6. A plague of fire ants across the world is altering ecological balances, SA (Feb. 1999), 26, 28. The 3rd largest US corn processor, A.E. Staley Company of Decatur, Illinois, has decided to reject all of the GMO corn varieties not already approved for use in the EU. These include all of the Round-up Ready varieties and those Bt corn varieties not yet approved. A. E. Staley is a subsidiary of Tate and Lyle, a UK food processor. In the US this spring an estimated 30 million acres will be planted to GMO corn (40% of the total area).

The UK government has announced three major trials (and a total of about 20) of genetically modified crops will go ahead on UK farms this year to assess the impact of GM crops on farmland wildlife, under £3.3m contracts. The Co-operative Wholesale Society pulled out of the government's trials after concerns were expressed by environmentalists.

There has been mixed support over the US decision to keep some stock of smallpox virus as a tool for research, Nature 398 (1999), 733, 741. There have been increased fears over use of bioweapons, and Clinton asked the US Congress for US$1.39 billion for defense against them, SA (April 1999), 19-20; Lancet 353 (1999), 734; JAMA 281 (1999), 787-9, 1071-3; Science 283 (1999), 611-2, 1234-5, 1279-82; NS (30 Jan. 1999), 10; (20 March 1999), 12; (27 March 1999), 20; GenEthics News 27 (Jan. 1999), 9. A review of Pugwash and WHO efforts to eliminate chemical and biological weapons is Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 102-3, 149-55. Also on bioweapons, Politics & the Life Sciences 17 (1998), 119-32; Nature 397 (1999), 311-2. Adjusting FDA policies to address bioterrorist threat, NatBio 17 (1999), 323-324. More on the fears of terrorism after the Tokyo gas attack, Lancet 353 (1999), 569. Venter has called for sequencing of potential bioterrorism genes to allow for rapid detection of them, Nature 397 (1999), 281. BMA has warned that within five years there could be genetic weapons targeting different ethnic groups, BMJ 318 (1999), 283.

Vaccines & Diseases

The plant vaccine company Axis Genetics has entered into a collaborative agreement with Riche Vitamins for evaluating the oral efficiency of Epicoat vaccines, GEN (1 April 1999), 1, 40, 47. Monsanto is also developing vaccines in plants, GEN (15 Feb. 1999), 1, 8, 35. On the dangers of DNA vaccination, NatMed 5 (1999), 126. RNA may be used to make vaccines, SA (Feb. 1999), 42, 44.

There have been some promising trials of a recombinant multivalent malaria vaccine, PNAS 96 (1999), 1167-9, 1615-20; BMJ 318 (1999), 557; Lancet 353 (1999), 648; NS (20 Feb. 1999), 11. The vaccine targets the parasite at several stages of its life cycle. Human immunity to malaria is usually acquired only after 1-2 infections, NatMed 5 (1999), 272-3. On methods malaria escapes immune destruction, Nature 398 (1999), 562-3, 618+.

On polio eradication, JAMA 281 (1999), 221, 223. Development of a vaccine for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is reported in NatMed 5 (1999), 378-9; 392-8. Reports on surviving Ebola infection are reviewed in NatMed 5 (1999), 373-4. Influenza A and B can be prevented to significant degrees in health care professionals by vaccination, JAMA 281 (1999), 908-13. Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A in household contact, Lancet 353 (1999), 1136-9.

Letters on voucher incentives to improve US immunization rates are is JAMA 281 (1999), 702-3. State policies can improve rates but more is needed, AJPH 89 (1999), 164-70. The UN is ending the children's vaccine initiative, but will establish some other coordination if possible, Science 283 (1999), 1992-3. India has increased its funding for vaccines, Nature 398 (1999), 4.

A general comment on infectious disease is Science 283 (1999), 806-9; JAMA 281 (1999), 61-6. North American military personnel who refuse anthrax vaccination are being punished, Lancet 353 (1999), 130. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 800-1; NatMed 5 (1999), 358-9; NS (13 Feb. 1999), 34-7; NEJM 340 (1999), 556-7. The FDA has proposed to measure antibiotics in animal feed, BMJ 318 (1999), 829.

Tough debates in the UK BSE inquiry are leading to a delay in the expected report to late 1999 or further, BMJ 318 (1999), 558. Deaths from nvCJD are rising, with 9 in the last quarter of 1998 in the UK, BMJ 318 (1999), 829; Lancet 353 (1999), 939, 979. There is evidence of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in sheep and goats in Italy, Lancet 353 (1999), 560-1. In the UK it is also suspected that the sheep TSE could be BSE that transfered, Nature 398 (1999), 648. In Australia people having 3 medical operations are twice as likely to have CJD than those with no operations, Lancet 353 (1999), 693-7; BMJ 318 (1999), 625. Sterilizing instruments at high temperatures may increase the risk of spreading, NS (13 Feb. 1999), 18. The question of TSEs in blood is discussed in the USA in JAMA 281 (1999), 1157-8; Nature 397 (1999), 376; but Canada has lifted a ban on donors with CJD, Lancet 353 (1999), 132. There are fears that Swiss cattle could have more BSE than thought, NS (6 March 1999), 16. Primates are easily infected with TSEs, Nature 398 (1999), 449; and there have been reported cases in French zoos, Int. Herald Tribune (31 March 1999), 4. A more sensitive test has been developed, Science 283 (1999), 469-70; GEN 19 (15 April 1999), 9, 30. Ethically we can ask do we want to know if we are incubating CJD? NS (23 Jan. 1999), 3, 5.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Some researchers are arguing that placebo-controlled AIDS studies are ethical, Probe 7 (1 Feb. 1999), 1, 6, 8. A series of papers on the ethics of these trials are in HCR 28 (No. 6, Nov. 1998), 25-48. On efforts to improve AIDS vaccine design, Lancet 353 (1999), 471; NatMed 5 (1999), 5, 362. There are dangers of using live attenuated AIDS vaccines however as they may cause AIDS as found in macaque trials, NatMed 5 (1999), 154-5, 194-203; NS (30 Jan. 1999), 11. South Africa is involved in clinical trials of a local vaccine, NatMed 5 (1999), 252; JAMA 281 (1999), 889.

The Indian welfare minister has ordered compulsory HIV testing of all children living in government care houses, Lancet 353 (1999), 390. This violates the national policy against compulsory testing! The Health Council of the Netherlands has called for more active HIV-testing because of potential therapeutic benefits, Network (March 1999), 6-7. On HIV tests and false positives, CMAJ 160 (1999), 1285-7. A call for reconsideration of Chlamydia testing policy in the UK is BMJ 318 (1999), 931-3.

A confidential Spanish registry of HIV-infected individuals has been proposed, JAMA 281 (1999), 977. Discussion of the Bragdon v. Abbott law case and the Americans with Disabilities Act and HIV infection is in NEJM 340 (1999), 1212-4; JAMA 281 (1999), 745-52. Consideration of racism in drug policy and AIDS is discussed in Political Science Quarterly 113 (1998), 427-46. A survey of US dentists found one in six refused to treat a HIV-infected person, AJPH 89 (1999), 541-5.

A short and cheap treatment using AZT and 3TC has reduced rate of HIV transfer to fetuses from infected mothers, Science 283 (1999), 916-7; BMJ 318 (1999), 479-81, 691; Lancet 353 (1999), 511, 766-7, 773-80, 781-5, 836; NEJM 340 (1999), 1040-3. In South Africa 98% of women at a clinic have volunteered to be involved in a clinical trial using AZT, Lancet 353 (1999), 219; which follows recent bad publicity over the nations decision not to fund AZT for pregnant women, NatMed 5 (1999), 1; NS (30 Jan. 1999), 20-1; Lancet 353 (1999), 908. A study has found no adverse affects in fetuses exposed to AZT, JAMA 281 (1999), 151-7. Cesarean section prevent vertical transmission independently of AZT use, Lancet 353 (1999), 1030, 1035-9; NEJM 340 (1999), 977-87, 1032-3. AZT can also reduce risk of HIV transfer when breast feeding, Lancet 353 (1999), 786-92. A review on the ethics is a consensus statement of the Perinatal HIV Intervention Research in Developing Countries Workshop Participants, "Science, ethics, and the future of research into maternal infant transmission of HIV-1", Lancet 353 (1999), 832-5.

Reports on the court cases of former French ministers on trial for the HIV infected blood include: BMJ 318 (1999), 419; Nature 397 (1999), 545; 398 (1999), 3. A number of scientists have defended the ministers, Nature 397 (1999), 548; Science 283 (1999), 910-1. The verdict was guilty of unintentional manslaughter for the health minister but no sentence, and innocent for the other ministers, Lancet 353 (1999), 992. Hepatitis C is spreading in Australia among drug users unlike HIV because of numbers, MJA 170 (1999), 220-21, 200+. On hepatitis B and C therapy research, SA (March 1999), 17, 20; Lancet 353 (1999), 500; FDA Consumer (March 1999), 23+. Prevention of hepatitis B is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 11-13, 14-18, 19-24; Lancet 353 (1999), 1032-3. PCR may be possible to apply for rapid screening for HIV and hepatitis viruses, Lancet 353 (1999), 359-63.

On efforts to reduce sexual transmission of HIV, JAMA 281 (1999), 21-2, 696-7; AJPH 89 (1999), 176-81, 182-7, 204-8; BMJ 318 (1999), 486; Lancet 353 (1999), 513, 525-35; BMJ 318 (1999), 949; SSM 48 (1999), 1103-16. A call for funding in China for HIV research is NatMed 5 (1999), 364-5. On community interventions to prevent HIV infections, AJPH 89 (1999), 299-301. Behaviour of travelers is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 595-6. A book review on HIV in prison for women is Lancet 353 (1999), 1107-8. A call for access to treatment in developing countries, Lancet 353 (1999), 153; NS (30 Jan. 1999), 12.

The origin of HIV appears to be from chimpanzees who carried the virus and were killed to eat, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 3; Science 283 (1999), 772-3, 1117; Nature 397 (1999), 385-6; Science News 155 (1999), 84. Improved survival among HIV-infected patients after initiation of triple-drug antiretroviral regimens has been reported in Canada, CMAJ 160 (1999), 659-65, 669-70. The mechanism of HIV and disease is discussed in NatMed 5 (1999), 27-8; Science 283 (1999), 80+; JAMA 281 (1999), 883-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 565, 863-8. Postexposure prophylaxis for HIV is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 931-6; Amer. J. Med. 106 (1999), 323-6. On living with AIDS, Lancet 353 (1999), 415. On the overload of information on AIDS, Lancet 353 (1999), 412.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

A review is Lau, PCK. & Lorenzo, VD. "Genetic engineering: The frontier of bioremediation", EST 33 (1999), 124-8A. Explosives can also be degraded, French, CE. et al. "Biodegradation of explosives by transgenic plants expressing pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase", NatBio 17 (1999), 491 - 494, 413, 428. Radiation resistant bacteria may be used to clean-up contaminated soil, Science News 154 (1998), 376-8. Analysis of heavy metals in compost-amended soil is reviewed in Bioresource Technology 69 (1999), 1-14. A paper sowing that methane-consuming archaebacteria consume much of the methane produced in marine sediments is Nature 398 (1999), 802-5.

Use of genetically engineered microorganisms for reducing hydrocarbon pollution is reported in Bioresource Technology 69 (1999), 241-5. There are also other ways to clean up soil, SA (Feb. 1999), 39-40. Studies on fish affected from the Exxon Valdez oil spill suggest they are more sensitive than previously thought, SA (March 1999), 38. In fact some suggest fish may be good for monitoring toxic chemicals, Science 283 (1999), 775, 777. In general the recovery has been slow, EST 33 (1999), 148-9A. On the construction of wetlands for pollution control, Ecological Engineering 12 (1999), 1-40+; EST 33 (1999), 973+.

Environmental Issues

A paper on environment ethics is Potter, VR. "Bioethics, biology, and the Biosphere", HCR 29 (No. 1, Jan. 1999), 38-40. A discussion of the life force, Mauri, is Patterson, J. "Respecting nature the Maori way", The Ecologist 29 (Jan 1999), 33-8. On economics, Soderbaum, P. "Values, ideology and politics in ecological economics", Ecological Economics 28 (1999), 161-70. A recent book is KK. Dua, Bhagavad Gita and Environment (Koshal Book Depot, Delhi 1999). A review of using benefit-cost analysis to improve regulations is Environment 41 (March 1999), 12-5, 34-7. On the tragedy of the commons, Environment 41 (March 1999), 4-5.

A UNEP report suggests one third of the world's population will go thirsty by 2025, Nature 398 (1999), 278. There is growing concern over the expected lack of clean water, Network (March 1999), 3-4. Not only pesticides but also medical drugs are to be found in the water, NS (6 March 1999), 18-9. Papers on pesticides and PCBs in water are in Ambio 28 (1999), 1-106; also EST 33 (1999), 517+. A biochip is being used in France to control water quality, GEN (1 March 1999), 1, 10, 36. Discussion of whether to save Salton Sea in California is Science 284 (1999), 28-30. On pesticide detection, EST 33 (1999), 164A+. A diuron-destroying bacteria may help clean the water from pesticides for fish, NS (23 Jan. 1999), 21.

Japan is trying to reduce dioxin emissions by 90% over 1997 levels in the next 4 years, despite the fact it has 10 times more incinerators than the USA; BMJ 318 (1999), 830; Nature 398 (1999), 362. Dioxin can harm tooth development, Science News 155 (1999), 119. The European Parliament has voted to eliminate lead pollution by the year 2005, Lancet 353 (1999), 304. On environmental carcinogens, MJA 170 (1999), 372-4. Cadmium can promote bone loss, Lancet 353 (1999), 1140-4. Methylmercury exposure can affect neurodevelopment, JAMA 281 (1999), 896-7.

Children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness or high IgE serum levels are more sensitive to ambient air pollution, Lancet 353 (1999), 859-60, 874-8. Air pollution is also linked to lung cancer, Lancet 353 (1999), 729. Incinerators are linked to many lead releases, EST 33 (1999), 106-7A. The air pollution associated with the former Aral Sea in CIS is Science 284 (1999), 30-1.

On calls for global warming action, Science 283 (1999), 179, 183-4, 1440-1; Nature 397 (1999), 664, 688-91. Climate models have insufficient regional data in the USA to closely predict affects, Science 283 (1999), 766-7; Nature 397 (1999), 657-8. Landscape change can alter local climate, Science 283 (1999), 317-8. However weather predictions are becoming better, NS (27 March 1999), 11; Nature 398 (1999), 289, 291; and the El Nino can also be predicted to some degree, Science 283 (1999), 467-8, 1108-9; Nature 397 (1999), 645-6. The frequency of El Nino may increase with greenhouse warming, Nature 398 (1999), 694-7. On scientific responsibility in climate change research, Science 283 (1999), 940-1. The global carbon cycle has not been in a steady state for the past 11,000 years, Nature 398 (1999), 111-2, 121-6. Iron does limit the growth of phytoplankton over much of the South Pacific, Science 283 (1999), 840-3.

There are concerns in the USA over the slow development of new car technologies given that Toyota already introduced hybrid vehicles in 1998 with low fuel consumption, SA (April 1999), 46-7. A study has found 9 out of 10 energy projects funded by the World Bank benefit transnational companies based in the G-7 countries, <www.seen.org>, EST 33 (1999), 153A. There are growing calls for China to filter sulfur dioxide emissions from coal burning, NS (13 Feb. 1999), 25. Landfill may slow down global warming, NS (23 Jan. 1999), 22. Methane can be removed from mine emissions and other sites by a new catalyst, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 17.

UV-B damage to plants is amplified by transposons in maize, Nature 397 (1999), 398-9; NS (6 Feb. 1999), 8. The time that is needed for ozone to recover is uncertain, Nature 398 (1999), 663-4, 690-4.

Papers on noise are in Occupational Health & Safety 68 (March 1999), 38-49; NS (9 Jan. 1999), 36-9. A letter on social noise and hearing loss is Lancet 353 (1999), 1185. Personal stereos affect hearing loss, Lancet 353 (1999), 756. Books on environment and mental health are reviewed in NEJM 340 (1999), 1051-2.

A review on the prospects for further nitrogen fertilizer and its impact is PNAS 96 (1999), 1175-80; and on phosphates, Science 283 (1999), 2015. On green industry, SA (March 1999), 39-40; EST 33 (1999), 116-9A, 154-8A; NS (6 Feb. 1999), 42-5. There has been some reduction in environmental toxicology funding in Sweden since 1992, Science 283 (1999), 924.

Biodiversity

A report on the protection of nature is Donnelley, S., ed., "Nature, Polis, Ethics. Chicago Regional Planning", HCR 28 (No. 6, Nov. 1998), Special Supplement S1-42. The use of the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties and the environmental problems of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros project are reviewed in Int. & Comp. Law Quarterly 47 (1998), 837-54. A book review of L. Margulis, The Symbiont Planet (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1999) is NS (23 Jan. 1999), 45.

A series of papers on germplasm protection for plants are in HortScience 33 (1998), 1119-35. The OECD may help preserve microbiological collections, Science 283 (1999), 1240-1. On animal protection, SA (March 1999), 28, 30. Exotic plant species can invade hot spots of native plant diversity, Ecological Monographs 69 (1999), 25-46. The UK green charter may be too late to save Caribbean islands, and other territories, but efforts are being made to protect biodiversity there, NS (20 March 1999), 18-9. On possible Martian life, Science 283 (1999), 1841. On conservation of bioresources Nature 398 (1999), 37; NS (16 Jan. 1999), 49. Bioprospecting is discussed in NatBio 17 (1999), 411.

Coral bleaching is discussed in SA (April 1999), 30-1. US senators are attempting to fund some efforts to conserve some reefs, Nature 398 (1999), 363. Carbon dioxide can affect coral reefs, Science 284 (1999), 118-20; Plant Cell and Environment 21 (1998), 1219-30. There are claims that Antarctica is being exploited, Nature 397 (1999), 375. Letters on otter-eating orcas are in Science 283 (1999), 176-7.

A call for forest sustainability has been made in the Columbia river basin, Science 283 (1999), 1996-8; and in general, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 11. A paper finding that the present estimates of deforestation in the Amazon basin only measure half the affected area is Nature 398 (1999), 505-8. The development of seedlings in the gaps of managed forest clearing may help tree diversity, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 15. Several papers on biodiversity and high-value farming are in J. Applied Ecology 35 (1998), 948-90. On methods to list endangered species and protect them, Science 284 (1999), 36-7.

Animal Rights

The New Zealand government has been asked to give rights to Great Apes other than human beings, as an extension of the Great Ape project; NS (13 Feb. 1999), 3, 20-21; Lancet 353 (1999), 610; Nature 397 (1999), 555. A discussion of whether it is better for animals to live outside (i.e. for their happiness) is NS (23 Jan. 1999), 18-9. A book review on the subject of insect eating cultures is NS (27 March 1999), 52. Debate over whether early humans ate meat is in Science 283 (1999), 303, 368+. Debate over whether Pueblo Indians 1000 years ago were cannibals or just cut corpses in witch executions is reported in Science 283 (1999), 629. Three papers on animal ethics in Italian are in Itinerarium 6 (No. 11, Nov. 1998), 65-100.

Some scientists have called against using chimps for further HIV research, Science 283 (1999), 1090-1; NS (20 Feb. 1999), 6; for ethical and scientific reasons. There are funding problems with housing those chimps already infected with HIV, Nature 398 (1999), 644. A series of papers on ethics of animal experimentation are in CQHE 8 (1999), 1-88; JAMA 281 (1999), 385-6; Science 283 (1999), 181. The European researchers will be able to use rodents for space station experiments, Nature 398 (1999), 642. Letters on animal rights are in Science 283 (1999), 181, 327-9, 639, 938. At the University of Minnesota 116 research animals were stolen by protesters, Nature 398 (1999), 553. The number of animals used for research in Germany in 1997 was 40% less than in 1991 (a total of 1.5 million), Nature 398 (1999), 278. In the USA a lawsuit is forcing the USDA to reconsider what are protected animals for research, Science 283 (1999), 767, 769. The use of pain control by selected nerve cutting is discussed in Science News 155 (1999), 108-9. It is possible a new test using acetic acid on frog legs may be more ethically acceptable than current mammalian tests of pain, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 22. Frogs do not appear capable of experiencing fear. A new book is Dol, M. et al., ed., Recognizing the Intrinsic Value of Animals. Beyond Animal Welfare, Animals in Philosophy and Science (Van Gorcum, 1999, 141pp., ISBN 90-232-3469-3).

Humpback whale songs may include grammar, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 24. A book review on whale evolution is Science 283 (1999), 943. On whale protection, Nature 398 (1999), 365-6; NS (16 Jan. 1999), 5. The cultural life of whales may reduce their diversity, Science News 154 (1998), 342. A device that reads brain waves has allowed people to write sentences, Experimental Brain Research 124 (1998), 223+; NS (? January, 1999), 4. On average they took 80 seconds to chose each character. The ethical question of improving the brain function is discussed in Maquire, GQ. & McGee, EM. "Implantatable brain chips? Time for debate", HCR 29 (No. 1, Jan. 1999), 7-13. A spelling device for the paralyzed is reported in Nature 397 (1999), 297-8.

On connectivity, nurture and human learning, Science 283 (1999), 40-1, 77-9, 798-9, 1538-40, 1832-4; NS (20 March 1999), 30-3. On communication, Science 283 (1999), 333, 1272-3; Nature 397 (1999), 667-72; 398 (1999), 577-8; collective decisions in bees, Nature 397 (1999), 400; and brain healing, Science 283 (1999), 1126-7. A review of the species in the human genus, Science 284 (1999), 65-71. Altruism and selfishness are discussed in NS (27 Feb. 1999), 46-7. A new theory has suggested that cooking tubers signaled a major point in evolution of bigger brains, Science 283 (1999), 2004-5. Research on vocal organs of Neandertals is not convincing on whether they could talk, Science 283 (1999), 175, 1111. A book review on the evolution of grief is Nature 397 (1999), 479-80. A book review of Wills, C. Children of Prometheus: The Accelerating Pace of Human Evolution (Perseus 1998, 310pp.) is Nature 398 (1999), 575-6. On assessing animal cognition, J. Animal Science 76 (1998), 42-7. A book review on psychological testing is Nature 397 (1999), 312-3.

Artificial intelligence is discussed in SA (March 1999), 35-6; Nature 397 (1999), 663-4; NS (9 Jan. 1999), 4.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

A review of the issues is Jones, L. "Genetically modified foods", BMJ 318 (1999), 581-4. In February 1999 work on the possible harm caused by lectins to the immune system was released in the UK after a restraining order on a scientist Dr. Pusztai, was released. The experiment does not allow assessment of whether the harm is from the lectins that were transferred or the process, Lancet 353 (1999), 605-6; Nature 397 (1999), 545, 547; 398 (1999), 98 NatBio 17 (1999), 207. However some scientists are calling for a moratorium on the consumption of food from GMOs, BMJ 318 (1999), 483; Science 283 (1999), 1094-5; NS (20 Feb. 1999), 3-5; (27 Feb. 1999), 3-7; (6 March 1999), 13. The calls stem from a general distrust of food regulators, BMJ 318 (1999), 547-8; NS (27 March 1999), 54; Science & Christian Belief 11 (1999), 2-4. We should keep watch over the safety of all foods. There has been growing use of environmental arguments against chemical pesticides to support use of GMOs. A series of short papers on the long-term effects of GM crops is Nature 398 (1999), 641, 651-6.

The UK debate also led to further debates in other countries. A Dutch study has found that DNA remains intact in a model intestine for several minutes, during which time it can be transferred between cells and bacterial species, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 4. In New Zealand a field of potatoes was uprooted in Canterbury on 11 March, by a protest group called WildGreens, Christchurch Press (12 March 1999), 1. There were also articles protesting the lack of labels, e.g. Welch, D. & White, M. "The Frankenstein food feud", The Listener (13 March 1999), 16-20. On concerns in Iceland, Ram's Horn 166 (Feb. 1999), 7. More on GMO food, NatBio 17 (1999), 113, 311, 314. The USDA appeased the organic lobby by keeping organic and GMO separate, NatBio 17 (1999), 217.

There needs to be a recipe for restoring trust, Nature 398 (1999), 639. A new sensitive DNA test made by RHM Technology of High Wycombe, Bucks., UK allows detection of DNA in highly processed foods, NS (27 March 1999), 4. The EU is expected to introduce rules to allow food to be labeled GM-free if less than 2% of the soya or maize within the product is from a GMO. Seven supermarket chains in Europe have tried to stop having GM components in their foods, including Sainsburys in the UK and Carrefour in France. However in 1996 the GM tomato puree was outselling its non-GM counterpart since 1996 until the 1999 controversy. A claim that "GM-free" food labels are value-free is NatBio 17 (1999), 420; Ram's Horn 168 (1999), 7. The New Zealand baking company Goodman Fielder switched to canola oil from genetically modified soy oil in response to protests, Christchurch Press (12 March 1999), 9. However, much canola oil is also from GMOs, so it relies on an Australian producer using that method.

A colour classifier system for sorting diseased soybeans using image processing has been developed, Plant Disease 83 (1999), 320-7; which one could imagine could be applied to sorting soybeans if a colour marker was included.

Health Canada decided after 9 years not to approve Nutrilac, Monsanto's bovine growth hormone rbST, Ram's Horn 166 (Feb. 1999), 1-3; GenEthics News 27 (Jan. 1999), 1; Lancet 353 (1999), 306, 1165. A paper on how intestinal bacteria can benefit our health is BMJ 318 (1999), 999-1003. As reported in the Genetic Engineering of Animals section, milk can be made low in lactose for those persons with lactose intolerance, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 14. On human insulin reactions, JAMA 281 (1999), 121-2.

A review on recombinant gonadotrophins is Brit. JOG 106 (1999), 188-96. Chiron has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for use of interleukin-2 (Proleukin) for treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is common in HIV-infected persons, GEN (1 Feb. 1999), 1, 14, 28. Interferon alfa for hepatitis C is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 499-500; and interferon beta for multiple sclerosis in Lancet 353 (1999), 494-8. A trial of tumor necrosis factor helped some rheumatoid arthritis patients, NEJM 340 (1999), 253-9. There is renewed interest in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, GEN 19 (15 April 1999), 1, 22, 38.

Recombinant hirudin (lepirudin) may be better than heparin to prevent cardiovascular death, Lancet 353 (1999), 423, 429-38. Growth hormone can improve patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, Circulation 99 (1999), 18-21. Methods to detect doping with growth hormone are discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 895. A plea for not to use growth hormone for normal children despite the potential to do so is NEJM 340 (1999), 557-9; see Hintz, RL. et al. "Effect of growth hormone treatment on adult height of children with idiopathic short stature", NEJM 340 (1999), 502-7. On the abuse of steroids and other drugs in sports, SA (Dec. 1998), 22, 26; Nature 398 (1999), 675.

On cancer therapy, Blezinger, P. et al. "Systemic inhibition of tumor growth and tumor metastases by intramuscular administration of the endostatin gene" , NatBio 17 (1999), 343 - 348, 336. A cancer vaccine has been made in tobacco plants by Biosource Technologies, GEN (1 Feb. 1999), 1, 11, 33; and in general, NatBio 17 (1999), 214. Genetic vaccines can be extended by chemokines, NatBio 17 (1999), 226-227, 253. On targeting cancer, NatGen 21 (1999), 64-5.

Disease Risks & Drugs

On drug approval in Europe, NatBio 17 (1999), 237-40. There is concern that a number of drugs used on children have only been tested on adults, BMJ 318 (1999), 554; NS (20 Feb. 1999), 18-9. On drug-testing for cancer, SA (Feb 1999), 19, 22. The needs for postmarketing surveillance are discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 824-29; 830, 841. The question of testing poisons on human volunteers is being debated by the EPA, Science 283 (1999), 18-9. A fluorescent jellyfish gene is being used as a marker for carcinogens, NS (20 Feb. 1999), 7. A review of Prozac Diary is Lancet 353 (1999), 155-6. On psychological stress among international business travelers, Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 245-52.

A book review of Salt, Diet and Health is Lancet 353 (1999), 597-8. Papers on salt include MJA 170 (1999), 174-9. On coronary disease risks, AJPH 89 (1999), 379-82; JAMA 281 (1999), 1291-7. One risk factor is depressive illness, BMJ 318 (1999), 826; another is poor prenatal nutrition, BMJ 318 (1999), 427-31. There is concern that statins may not be prescribed for the people who rely need them, BMJ 318 (1999), 827. A paper on platelets and wine ethanol is Lancet 353 (1999), 1067. Angiogenesis is inhibited by drinking tea, Nature 398 (1999), 381. A US report has recommended the use of marijuana for some pain control, but this has been rejected, Lancet 353 (1999), 1077; NS (27 March 1999), 14. Early infection, e.g. through nursery contact, may protect against allergies in later life, Lancet 352 (1998), 450-4.

Increased grain intake reduces mortality, AJPH 89 (1999), 322-9. On antioxidant vitamins, AJPH 89 (1999), 289-91; and vitamin A and B, BMJ 318 (1999), 551-2. There are safe limits to consumption but they are not well defined, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 18-9. On fat intake, FDA Consumer (Jan 1999), 23-7. Frequent dieting can expose people to toxic chemicals, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 13. Overcooking of meat results in increased breast cancer risk, Science News 154 (1998), 341; and on meat and cancer, Lancet 353 (1999), 686-7. Endostatin has been confirmed as a tumour shrinker, Nature 397 (1999), 597. On exercise, JAMA 281 (1999), 327-34, 335-40, 375. A special report WHO Technical Series 883, titled Food Safety Issues Associated with products from Aquaculture 50pp., has been released (WHO 1999). On sprouts and food safety, FDA Consumer (Jan 1999), 18-22.

On occupational safety, BMJ 318 (1999), 1015; Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 145-51; MJA 170 (1999), 150-1. An unlicensed ingredient of the vaccine mix may have caused Gulf War syndrome, NS (10 April 1999), 5; BMJ 318 (1999), 274-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 169-78, 179-82. In general on public health, JAMA 281 (1999), 1030-3; and promoting children's health, AJPH 89 (1999), 155-7. Giving food cooked in iron pots can help reduce iron deficiency, Lancet 353 (1999), 712-6, 690. The benefits of hand washing are great for health care workers, BMJ 318 (1999), 686. A call for increased health literacy is JAMA 281 (1999), 552-7.

A survey of EMF from cellular telephone repeaters is Thansandote, A. et al. "Radiofrequency radiation in five Vancouver schools: exposure standards not exceeded", CMAJ 160 (1999), 1311-2, 1318-9; and on the growing fear, NS (10 April 1999), 3. Russian research has identified a number of potential hazards to food safety caused by microwave ovens, ENDS (1 Nov. 1999), 24; Environment & Health News 12 (March 1999), 9-10. A small study finding no link between EMF and fertility is Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 253-5; however a study has found men who worked in the presence of strong EMF fields may have 3 times higher heart disease risk, Science News 155 (1999), 70; Amer. J. Epidemiology (15 Jan. 1999). On radon and lung cancer, AJPH 89 (1999), 351-7. On mobile phones, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 20-5.

The use of depleted uranium as a hardener for military vehicle armour and for bullets has led to growing concerns on the exposure of persons to the radiation from it, Environment & Health News 12 (March 1999), 1. The health affects on nuclear test veterans are still being addressed in the UK and Australia, Lancet 353 (1999), 299. Nuclear waste storage is discussed in NS (16 Jan. 1999), 12, 30-33; (27 March 1999), 3, 22-3; Science 283 (1999), 158-9, 1626-7; Nature 398 (1999), 271, 357, 645. On recovery from Chernobyl accident, NS (10 April 1999), 7.

Papers on silicone breast implants and health are AJPH 89 (1999), 483, 484-9; BMJ 318 (1999), 414; Bernstein, DE. "The breast implant fiasco", California Law Review 87 (1999), 457-510. Implants containing soy oil have been withdrawn in the UK, Lancet 353 (1999), 903. On cosmetic surgery, BMJ 318 (1999), 512-6. The American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that circumcision is not to be routinely recommend, JAMA 281 (1999), 1075.

A paper finding that smoking is associated with poorer mental health and calling for careful cessation to restore health is MJA 170 (1999), 74-7. On anti-smoking campaigns, AJPH 89 (1999), 346-50; Lancet 353 (1999), 388, 909; BMJ 318 (1999), 892; NEJM 340 (1999), 572-3. Tobacco and alcohol use is found in two thirds of G-rated children animated films, JAMA 281 (1999), 1131-6. On the long history of a tobacco industry public relations journalist, Probe 7 (1 April 1999), 1, 3-7. The industry had methods to reduce risks to health but did not use them, NS (6 March 1999), 3, 4-5. In general on risks, NatMed 5 (1999), 15-7; Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 82-3; NEJM 340 (1999), 920-6, 958-9; JAMA 281 (1999), 1019-21; BMJ 318 (1999), 891. On drug addiction, Nature 398 (1999), 567-70; heroin addiction, MJA 170 (1999), 129-30; and nicotine addiction, NS (16 Jan. 1999), 3. The prevalence of smoking among pregnant women is lower in Italy than in England, BMJ 318 (1999), 1012. A terminally ill patient was awarded US$50 million in damages against Philip Morris company, who have said they will appeal, BMJ 318 (1999), 481. Some cancer centers are trying to obtain money from the US tobacco settlement, NatMed 5 (1999), 10. On the question of whether tobacco money should be used for research, NatMed 5 (1999), 125, 129.

Patenting & Business

A discussion of patents in India is Currents in Science, Technology, Policy & Ethics 2 (No. 2, Winter 1999), 1, 6-8, 12; Lancet 353 (1999), 305. Biotechnology in India is reviewed in GEN (1 March 1999), 6, 30, 48. The Kani community is selling their traditional medical knowledge as a commercial venture, Lancet 353 (1999), 1164; Science 283 (1999), 1614-5. Problems in the interpretation of the European Patent Convention article 53 and exclusions on animals are discussed in GEN (1 Feb. 1999), 1, 6, 29. The Italian government has complained to the European Court of Justice that the EU directive on patenting needs revision because it gives inadequate consideration to the right of life and health and for the preservation of nature, NatMed 5 (1999), 363. The top GMO patent application holders are discussed in NatBio 17 (1999), 410. On intellectual property protection for plants, NatBio 17 (1999), 197-8. African countries are split over a bar on patents to plants, Nature 398 (1999), 99; and on biotech there, Nature 398 (1999), 744. A book review of Shiva, V. Biopiracy (Green Books 1999) is NS (30 Jan. 1999), 44.

An EST patent has been granted for human kinase homologues, NatBio 17 (1999), 125. The question whether it is worth is debated in NatGen 21 (1999), 145-6. An interpretation of utility requirement for US patents is California Law Review 87 (1999), 423-56. A letter on US/European systems is Nature 398 (1999), 555. A series of papers on intellectual property and contract law for the information age are in California Law Review 87 (1999), 1-300+. There are concerns over secrecy clauses in contracts, Nature 398 (1999), 359. Europe has tougher copyright rules, Nature 397 (1999), 379.

Yellowstone National Park will have to conduct a full environmental review before allowing it to share profits with the company Diversa which it has a deal with for bioprospecting, NS (10 April 1999), 15; Nature 398 (1999), 358. DuPont has attempted to acquire Pioneer Hi-Bred International to expand into biotechnology, GEN (1 April 1999), 1, 9, 37; NatBio 17 (1999), 315. BASF has joined Svalof Weibull to become another major plant seed company, Nature 397 (1999), 283; Wellcome is trying to house companies next to the genome center in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, Nature 398 (1999), 353, 355. A list of biotechnology millionaires is in GEN (1 April 1999), 13. A study on university industry cooperation is Cassier, M. "Research contracts between university and industry: co-operation and hybridization between academic research and industrial research", Int. J. Biotechnology 1 (1999), 82-104. There are hidden costs of research, Nature 398 (1999), 457-9.

On biotech business in general, Sharp. M. "The science of nations: European multinationals and American biotechnology", Int. J. Biotechnology 1 (1999), 132-62; NatBio 17 (1999), 429 - 436; Nature 398 (1999), 360; and in East Europe, NatBio 17 (1999), 437 - 439; Japan, NatBio 17 (1999), 126-7, 320-1; Nature 397 (1999), 554; Taiwan, NatBio 17 (1999), 440 - 441; UK, NatBio 17 (1999), 442 - 443; Canada, NatBio 17 (1999), 444 - 446; France, NatBio 17 (1999), 447 - 448; Germany, GEN (1 April 1999), 7, 33; Washington State, NatBio 17 (1999), 449 - 450. NatBio 17 (1999), Supplement pp. 1 - 41 is on bioentrepreneurship.

Birth Control

China has attempted to soften its one child per family policy, Lancet 353 (1999), 567. For health, the spacing of a second child may be best to conceive 18-23 months after a live birth, BMJ 318 (1999), 624. On hunger and population control, Nature 397 (1999), 644. Calls for Cairo declarations on family planning to be implemented are made in Lancet 353 (1999), 315-8. Reduction in fertility is being seen in more countries recently, SA (Dec. 1998), 32-3. The approval of the low dose contraceptive pill in Japan came after the Viagra impotence pill was approved for men, Lancet 353 (1999), 819.

A discussion of how the press reports the pill is O&G 93 (1999), 453-6; and on society and the pill, NEJM 340 (1999), 485-6. On the risks of the birth control pill, JAMA 281 (1999), 1255; Lancet 353 (1999), 389. Emergency contraception is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 697-702, 721; BMJ 318 (1999), 342-3. On postcoital testing for pregnancy, BMJ 318 (1999), 1007-9. A UK legal suit against Norplant has collapsed after the Legal Aid Board dropped its support, BMJ 318 (1999), 485. A new generation of contraceptives may be based on making an egg consider it is already fertilized so that it repels other sperm, NS (23 Jan. 1999), 17. On male contraceptive research, Lancet 353 (1999), 302. Peptide antibiotics may also be contraceptive, and are discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 464-5.

The paper that caused the sacking of the JAMA editor is on student views of sex in the USA and is JAMA 281 (1999), 275-7; NS (23 Jan. 1999), 3.

Embryo Status

On anti-abortion violence, Reproductive Freedom News 8 (No. 3, March 1999), 1-2. An American antiabortion publication that was mailed to Canadian physicians has angered many Ontario doctors and caused Queen's University to contact police. The 32-page pamphlet, Quack the Ripper, was mailed by Life Dynamics Inc. of Denton, Texas, in March, CMAJ 160 (1999), 977. A number of countries have very restrictive abortion laws and punish women who seek abortions with prison sentences, Reproductive Freedom News 8 (No. 1, January 1999), 4-5; (No. 3, March 1999), 5. A story of a court ordered release of a women in a US prison so that she could obtain an abortion is Reproductive Freedom News 8 (No. 1, January 1999), 3. A paper on reproductive choice is Cook, RJ. "Human Rights Law and Safe Motherhood", European Journal of Health Law 5 (1998), 349-65. The Irish Family Planning Association has won an injunction against antiabortion protesters, Lancet 353 (1999), 993; and there continues to be political debate on the issue, Lancet 353 (1999), 131. A judge in Oregon has ordered abortion protesters to pay US$108 million for threats of violence, BMJ 318 (1999), 415.

A paper on views against abortion is Wendler, D. "Understanding the 'conservative' view on abortion", Bioethics 13 (1999), 32-56. A paper asking whether a fetus can feel pain, and when is Derbyshire, SWG. "Locating the beginnings of pain", Bioethics 13 (1999), 1-31. A US survey on attitudes to abortion is Aiyer, AN. et al. "Influence of physician attitudes on willingness to perform abortion", O&G 93 (1999), 576-80. A survey of reasons for third trimester abortions in France found one third could have been performed in the second trimester with more efficient screening, Brit. JOG 106 (1999), 297-303; see also pp. 293-6. A comment on how Roe versus Wade affects US fertility is AJPH 89 (1999), 199-203.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Calls for better debate on cloning are in SRT Bulletin 18 (Jan. 1999), 1; Lancet 353 (1999), 81, 1103; NS (27 Feb. 1999), 52. On the Korean reports of cloning from last year, GenEthics News 27 (Jan. 1999), 5; Science 283 (1999), 16-7, 617. The WHO has also been debating the issues and has made a statement on medical genetics and biotechnology. Australia has released a report (see Genetic Engineering of Animals section above) which suggests human cloning could be used for therapeutic purposes, Lancet 353 (1999), 1076, Monash Bioethics Review 18 (No. 2, April 1999), 1-4; http://www.science.org.au/policy/statmen/ cloning.htm>; Nature 398 (1999), 552. The Roslin Institute has denied it is doing any human cloning research, NatMed 5 (1999), 253. The Israel 5 year cloning research moratorium has been supported by scientists there, Lancet 353 (1999), 218.

A series of papers on human cloning are in Science & Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 3-54; Monash Bioethics Review 18 (No. 1 1999), 10-62; also CQHE 8 (1999), 241-5; BME 144 (Jan. 1999), 2, 5-6, 9, 20-1; NatBio 17 (1999), 119. On Jewish views, Assia 3 (No. 2, 1998), 3-19. Public perceptions on human cloning in the UK have been found to be negative by a Wellcome Trust focus group study, BME 146 (March 1999), 6-7; also on-line <www.wellcome.ac.uk>. A case of identical twins who have different hair colour and eye shape shows clones may not be the same even in appearance, Lancet 353 (1999), 562. On the biology of human cloning, NEJM 340 (1999), 471-5.

A discussion of the benefits of ES stem cell research is NatMed 5 (1999), 151-2. Funding of human embryo research and stem cells in the US is discussed in NatBio 17 (1999), 312; NatMed 5 (1999), 6, 366; JAMA 281 (1999), 692-3; Nature 397 (1999), 279, 550, 639; 398 (1999), 94, 551. On business and stem cell technology, GEN (1 April 1999), 1, 8, 36; NatBio 17 (1999), 139-42; and recent patents in stem cell research, NatBio 17 (1999), 396. Stem cell transformations proliferate, NatBio 17 (1999), 215; Science 283 (1999), 1432-5; and on brain and mesenchymal stem cells, NatMed 5 (1999), 260-4; NS (6 Feb. 1999), 23; (10 April 1999), 8: Pittenger, MF. et al. "Multilineage potential of adult mesenchymal stem cells", Science 283 (1999), 143-6. Adult neural stem cells can be redefined, BMJ 318 (1999), 282; Science 283 (1999), 471. Immortalized cells seem to remain cancer free to date, Science 283 (1999), 154-5.

The UK HFEA comments to the Health Minister on revising the statutory storage period for embryos are in IJB 9 (1999), 127-30. A French report by the Parliamentary Office on Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices leaves open the question of whether the French ban on research using human embryos should be lifted, Nature 397 (1999), 642. Germany is not relaxing its embryo research law, Nature 398 (1999), 275. Zygote splitting after assisted reproduction is discussed in NEJM 340 (1999), 738-9. On moral personhood of embryos, Philosophical Studies 93 (1999), 299-316. Israel has recommended that IVF should not be denied to any woman who asks for it up to the age of 45 years (or 51 with donated ova), Lancet 353 (1999), 570; BMJ 318 (1999), 688; however because of tough restrictions on egg donation, overseas donors are being used, Lancet 353 (1999), 736. On oocyte donation, F&S 71 (1999), 15-21, 219-21. A New York Task Force is proposing a number of regulations on the practice of IVF, Science 283 (1999), 178-9. In Japan several doctors have recently broken the voluntary guidelines of the Japan Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, making some call for legal guidelines, Lancet 353 (1999), 303. Ovarian lifespan can be extended by Bax-deficiency, NatGen 21 (1999), 200-3.

Discussion of the ethical issues of selecting good gamete donors is Bioethics Examiner 3 (No. 1 Spring 1999), 1-2, 4-5. There have been reports of the first baby born after sperm were collected from a dead man, and from sperm grown in the testes of rodents, NS (27 March 1999), 5. On the use of rodents to nurture human sperm, NS (13 Feb. 1999), 4. A US survey found that a number of clinics do not follow well established guidelines for gamete screening, F&S 71 (1999), 278-81. A review of Sheila Mclean's review of the HFEA on consent and use of gametes in UK common law is BME 144 (Jan. 1999), 13-5. On the selection of race and other characters in gametes, F&S 71 (1999), 418-9. On sex selection, Science News 154 (1998), 350-1. A debate on the price for an oocyte donor is F&S 71 (1999), 7-10. A Dutch study found recent couples were more open to others about donor insemination, Berkel, DV. et al. "Differences in the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor in 1980 and in 1996", F&S 71 (1999), 226-31. However, secrecy to the child stayed similar.

There are some concerns over whether IVF and cloning produce larger and more abnormal fetuses, NS (23 Jan. 1999), 15. Tubal factor infertility may be the most prominent risk factor for ectopic pregnancy after IVF, F&S 71 (1999), 282-6. The use of a choline freezing solution may allow freezing of eggs, NS (16 Jan. 1999), 10. On ICSI, NatMed 5 (1998), 377-8, 431-3; BMJ 318 (1999), 704-5. On ethics in general, McCullough, LB. & Chervenak, FA. "Ethical challenges in the managed practice of obstetrics and gynecology", O&G 93 (1999), 304-7; BMJ 318 (1999), 948; Houmard, BS. & Seifer, DB. "Infertility treatment and informed consent: Current practices of reproductive endocrinologists", O&G 93 (19989), 252-7. On assisted procreation and ethics in Italian, Bioetica e Cultura 7 (No. 2, 1998), 197-222.

In the USA there was a 60% spontaneous conception rate after the birth of infants conceived through IVF, F&S 71 (1999), 35-9. A discussion of sexual problems associated with infertility is BMJ 318 (1999), 587-9; and disability, BMJ 318 (1999), 518-21. In general on infertility, NEJM 340 (1999), 224-5. On sexual variations, BMJ 318 (1999), 654-6; and the intersexed, AJPH 89 (1999), 350-2. A book review on homosexuality in animals is Nature 397 (1999), 402-3; and in people, BMJ 318 (1999), 452-5; and heterosexuality, Nature 398 (1999), 768-9. UK guidance on Viagra has been criticized and is being revised, BMJ 318 (1999), 279. On sexual behaviour in human males, NEJM 340 (1999), 571-2.

Fetal Environment & Neonates

A growing number of infanticides in Hungary have forced the government to introduce stiffer penalty, to a mandatory imprisonment of 2-8 years, Lancet 353 (1999), 570. On legal issues in fetal injury at late stage, Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 128-32. A study of 260865 twin babies found an excess of genetic malformations as compared with singleton babies, Mastroiacovo, P. et al. "Congenital malformations in twins: An international study", AJMG 83 (1999), 117-24. Results of a study of the effects of gestational diabetes on genetic mutations is AJMG 83 (1999), 402-8.

A Norwegian study of 2161 babies born 1979-81 found that fetuses exposed to ultrasound were 30% more likely to develop left-handed, What Doctors Don't Tell You 98 (No. 4 1998), 5. Occupational exposure to organic solvents can affect the fetus, JAMA 281 (1999), 1106-9; Lancet 353 (1999), 1071. Folic acid is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 1187. On prenatal care, FDA Consumer (March 1999), 18-21; AJPH 89 (1999), 480-2. On risk of diabetic pregnancies, Science News 154 (1998), 356.

The ethics and law or protecting fetuses from certain harm are discussed in Politics & the Life Sciences 17 (1998), 113-8. A Canadian survey is physical abuse during pregnancy, prevalence and risk factors, CMAJ 160 (1999), 1007-11. A hormone found in the placenta seems to control the timing of birth, a review is SA (March 1999), 68-75. Fetal surgery for spina bifida is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 406-7. A study of why drugs may affect developing brains is Lancet 353 (1999), 126; BMJ 318 (1999), 433-4. Sex ratio was not altered in families exposed to PCBs in Taiwan, unlike Italy, Lancet 353 (1999), 206-7. Cocaine use and smoking increase risk of spontaneous abortion, NEJM 340 (1999), 333-9, 380-1.

A book review on Comfort Women of World War II is Lancet 353 (1999), 1195-6. A study of the place of birth is BMJ 318 (1999), 721-3. On evolution of cesarean sections and choices to have one, Brit. JOG 106(1999), 213-20, 286-7.

The question whether to work or not is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 477-9. Papers on mortality of babies of lone mothers are BMJ 318 (1999), 908-12, 912-4. A European study suggests mothers are active determinants of breast-feeding frequency, Lancet 353 (1999), 1152. The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against Nestle for its marketing of infant formula in developing countries, BMJ 318 (1999), 417. On nurture, JAMA 281 (1999), 763-4. Smoking mothers tend to have smaller fetuses, BMJ 318 (1999), 885-6, 897-900. There is need for further analysis of benefits of routine neonatal examinations, BMJ 318 (1999), 619-20; Lancet 353 (1999), 343. Antibiotics may not help premature babies from infection, BMJ 318 (1999), 548-9. A comment on why the Japanese MHW waited for several years until its own cot death study before advising parents not to smoke or not to put babies on their stomachs, NS (13 March 1999), 58. On attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Science News 154 (1998), 343. A book review of Harris, CR. The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out the Way they Do (Bloomsbury/Free Press 1998, 462pp.) is Nature 398 (1999), 675-7.

Genetic Disease Markers

A series of papers on X-linked mental retardation are in AJMG 83 (2 April 1999), 221-351. Also on Fragile X syndrome, AJMG 88 (1999), 11-24. Papers on schizophrenia genetics include: AJMG 88 (1999), 4-10, 29-37, 50-6, 95-8, 109-13, 116-22, 211-3; Science News 154 (1998), 367; BMJ 318 (1999), 421-6. No association has been found between intronic presenilin 1 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease in a Chinese study, AJMG 88 (1999), 1-3. On Alzheimer's disease treatment, BMJ 318 (1999), 633-40; Nature 398 (1999), 466-7; NatGen 21 (1999), 71-2. On presenilin function and Notch gene, Nature 398 (1999), 522-5, 525-9; NatMed 5 (1999), 149-50.

A study of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and compulsive buying found no link, AJMG 88 (1999), 123-5. A letter on 5-HT2A gene promoter polymorphism and anorexia nervosa is Lancet 353 (1999), 929. There are a wide variety of mutations in the parkin gene that is responsible for autosomal recessive parkinsonism, Human Mol. Genetics 8 (1999), 567-74; see also JAMA 281 (1999), 341-6. On homozygosity in Huntington's disease, JMG 36 (1999), 172-3; and age of onset, JMG 36 (1999), 108-11.

A Norwegian study of the risk of a birth defect found 15 per 1000 for non-consanguineous parents but 36 per 1000 for consanguineous parents, AJMG 83 (1999), 423-8. The risk of early death or still birth increases from 17 per 1000 to 29 per 1000 for first cousin marriages, AJPH 89 (1999), 517-23; NEJM 340 (1999), 1057-62.

A new gene marker for coronary disease related to an interleukin-1 genotype has been reported, Circulation 99 (1999), 861-6; GEN (15 March 1999), 6, 35. The absence of p53 accelerates atherosclerosis by increasing cell proliferation in vivo, NatMed 5 (1999), 335+. Also on heart disease, SA (Feb 1999), 56-62; Science 283 (1999), 1158-61; AJPH 89 (1999), 292-4; BMJ 318 (1999), 943; Lancet 353 (1999), 687-9, 717-9; JAMA 281 (1999), 1006-13; NatMed 5 (1999), 141-2, 176-82, 246-7. Angiotension and training are discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 541-5; and b2-adrenoceptor gene, Lancet 353 (1999), 896. On ApoE4 polymorphisms in indigenous Australians, MJA 170 (1999), 161-4. An editorial asking when heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia should be treated is JAMA 281 (1999), 180-1.

There is a high carrier frequency of familial Mediterranean fever alleles in Ashkenazi Jews, AJHG 66 (1999), 939-42, 949-62. The prevalence of BRCA1&2 mutations in Ashkenazi Jews are reported in AJHG 66 (1999), 963-70. On cancer genes, AJMG 84 (1999), 43-6; NatMed 5 (1999), 11-2, 275+; NEJM 340 (1999), 1125; Lancet 353 (1999), 127, 1114-6, 1186; NatGen 21 (1999), 163-7, 236-40. On the relationship between CYP2A6, smoking and risk of cancer, Lancet 353 (1999), 898-9. On trinucleotide repeat diseases, NatMed 5 (1999), 383-4; AJHG 66 (1999), 339-71.

A thrifty gene that is found in Manitoba Indians allowed them to survive famine better, but in a modern diet can predispose to increased diabetes risk, BMJ 318 (1999), 689, 838; J. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 84 (1999), 1077-82. On diabetes genetics, MJA 170 (1999), 375+; NatGen 21 (1999), 213-5; AJMG 84 (1999), 15-9. A review of genetics of renal electrolyte transport genetics is NEJM 340 (1999), 1177-87.

A new approach to phenylketonuria is described in PNAS 96 (1999), 1811-3. Genetic susceptibility to spina bifida is discussed in Ann.Hum.Genet. 62 (1998), 379-96. On single-gene mutations and reproductive dysfunction, NEJM 340 (1999), 709-19; F&S 71 (1999), 201-18. Mutations in ATP2A2 cause Darier disease, NatGen 21 (1999), 271-7; and HAND appears to cause diGeorge syndrome, NatGen 21 (1999), 246-7. On deafness genes, NatGen 21 (1999), 84-90, 263, 347-9. A gene that triggers new hair in adult mice is reported in Science News 154 (1998), 340. CF gene carrier frequencies in African populations are recalculated in JMG 36 (1999), 41-44.

Despite the high mutation rate in humans the implications for health are unclear, Crow JF. "The odds of losing at genetic roulette", Nature 397 (1999), 293-4. On mutation in general, SA (April 1999), 32-3; NS (13 Feb. 1999), 12; (27 Feb 1999), 22; and control of recombination, Nature 398 (1999), 665-6. On a cheating gene in sperm, Science 283 (1999), 1651-2. A positive role for retrotransposons is discussed in NS (13 March 1999), 19; Nature 398 (1999), 108-9. Apoptosis is discussed in Nature 397 (1999), 387, 389. The Wnt-4 gene needs to be switched of for a woman to develop sexual organs, thus it is just not the default pathway for human development as suggested by SRY gene on the Y chromosome, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 9.

Genetic Screening Methodology

A report from 35 thousand amniocentesis examinations in the University of Montreal over 20 years is AJMG 82 (1999), 149-54. Down syndrome screening risks are reviewed in Brit. JOG 106 (1999), 108-15, 371-2. On the ethics and value of medical screening, HCR 29 (No. 1, Jan. 1999), 26-37. A review of imaging of the fetus is SA (3/99), 76-81. A commentary on routine ultrasound screening in low risk pregnancies is O&G 93 (1999), 607-10. The development of fetal DNA tests from maternal blood is reviewed in NS (13 Feb. 1999), 13. However fetal DNA is rapidly cleared from maternal plasma, AJHG 66 (1999), 218-224.

There are still a number of suboptimal practices in commercial genetic testing, McGovern, MM. et al. "Quality assurance in molecular genetic testing laboratories", JAMA 281 (1999), 835-40; 845-7. Motorola has committed itself to making biochips, NS (20 March 1999), 15; and in general, NatGen 21 (1999), 61-2; Science 283 (1999), 17-8, 61. On preimplantation diagnosis for Marfan syndrome, F&S 71 (1999), 163-6; and Down syndrome, JMG 36 (1999), 45-50. A call for the upper age limit for cancer screening to be raised is BMJ 318 (1999), 831. A new method for detection of the Huntington disease trinucleotide expansion is reported in Human Mutation 13 (1999), 232-6. RNA surveillance is another method for testing, TIG 15 (1999), 74-80. Methods to study genetic hybrids are reviewed in Ecology 80 (1999), 361-70. Electrical signals can pass along DNA and there are insulators if multiple pairings of AT are found, NS (13 Feb. 1999), 19.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy

A survey of 3000 persons with a family genetic disease has found one third have experienced problems with insurance in the UK, GenEthics News 27 (Jan. 1999), 3. Another survey found a similar ratio, based on interviews with medical specialists, Health Law Review 7 (No. 3, Winter 1999), 7-8. Employment discrimination is also observed, GeneWatch 11 (Jan 1999), 5-7; JLME 26 (1998), 189-97. There still need to be better antidiscrimination laws, JLME 26 (1998), 198-210. On cancer genetics and insurance, AJHG 64 (1999), 328-9.

In general on confidentiality, BME 146 (March 1999), 18-21; MJA 170 (1999), 181-4; Nature 398 (1999), 451; NEJM 340 (1999), 820-1; Glancy, GD., et al. "Confidentiality in Crisis: Part ? The Duty to Inform", Can J Psychiatry 43 (1998), 1001-1017. If a doctor is in court, and there is no public interest, medical confidentiality should be preserved, MJA 170 (1999), 222-4. On the use of DNA in forensic databases, Science & Justice 39 (1999), 1; in New York City, NatGen 21 (1999), 243-4; and in China, Nature 397 (1999), 380.

The use of DNA testing on a 9000 year old corpse from North America is now permitted after regulatory delays, Nature 397 (1999), 551. Thomas Jefferson has been linked by DNA testing to a slave's child, Science News 154 (1998), 379; Science 283 (1999), 153-4. DNA testing is also being used to check the influence of pollution, Science News 154 (1998), 344. PCR is being used for detecting Yersinia ruckeri in trout, AEM 65 (1999), 346-50; dangerous bacteria in food, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 23; and for developing ways to conserve Galapagos tortoises, SA (March 1999), 21, 24. Genetic tracking of a protected whale is reported in Nature 397 (1999), 307-8.

Ethics & Genetic Screening

A paper on the process of decision making in genetic counseling is Resta, RG. "Just watching", AJMG 83 (1999), 1-2. A survey of 65 parents with an affected child in the USA is reported in McConkie-Rosell, A. et al. "Parental attitudes regarding carrier testing in children at risk for Fragile X syndrome", AJMG 82 (1999), 206-11; and from the UK a case is JMG 36 (1999), 167-70. The parents wanted children to have knowledge of their carrier status before sexual activity and marriage. A special issue of Health Law Journal 6 (1998), 301pp. focuses on "Pediatric genetics: An evolving legal and ethical framework", with 11 papers on the subject. On the issue of recontacting patients about research advances, Fitzpatrick, JL. et al. "The duty to recontact: Attitudes of genetic service providers", AJHG 64 (1999), 852-60.

The commercialization of tests raises issues as seen in Cho MK. et al. "Commercialization of BRCA1/2 testing: Practitioner awareness and use of a new genetic test", AJMG 83 (1999), 157-63. This survey in the USA from the University of Pennsylvania Genetics Diagnostics laboratory found 70% of doctors who had ordered a test for a patient had then had a patient decline the test, which they thought was due to a fear of loss of confidentiality. Also 28% of those who had ordered a test had no access to genetic counseling despite the requirement to have that with the supplier's conditions. There is also a discussion in EuroScreen 10 (Autumn 19998), 1-5. Several papers on breast cancer genes and ethics are in GeneWatch 11 (Jan 1999), 8-15; AJHG 64 (1999), 943-8; Cancer Genet. Cytogenet. 109 (1999), 91-8; Health Law Review 7 (No. 3, Winter 1999), 14-6. There are differences in clinical recommendations for women at increased risk of breast cancer in France and USA, Lancet 353 (1999), 919-20. On presymptomatic testing, NatMed 5 (1999), 372.

Several papers on ethics of genetics are in JLME 26 (no. 3, 1998), 181-224. A book review of J. Burley, The Genetic Revolution and Human Rights: The Oxford Amnesty Lectures (1998) by HT. Shapiro is NatBio 17 (1999), 400. A method for decision-making is White, MT. "Making responsible decisions. An interpretive ethic for genetic decision-making", HCR 29 (No. 1, Jan. 1999), 14-21. The UK Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing advice on Genetic Research and Ethics to UK health care ethics committees is in BME 145 (Feb. 1999), 21-24. On the potential for genetic discrimination from DNA chips, JME 25 (1999), 200-3.

The overall risk of birth defects in children of women with birth defects is 4%, not as high as expected, NEJM 340 (1999), 1108. A comment on who should be offered prenatal diagnosis and 35 year age limits is AJPH 89 (1999), 160-3. A statement on eugenics from the Board of Directors of the ASHG, "Eugenics and the misuse of genetic information to restrict reproductive freedom", AJHG 64 (1999), 335-8. On Chinese genetics and ethics, NatMed 5 (1999), 247. Several papers on disability include SSM 48 (1999), 977-88, 1173-87; JAMA 281 (1999), 595-6. Parents of people with Down's syndrome in the UK may be receiving suboptimal care because of the condition, BMJ 318 (1999), 687. A call for clinical trials to improve Down's syndrome expression is Lancet 353 (1999), 1064-5. On sexism and racism in preconceptive trait selection, F&S 71 (1999), 415-7.

Further information is needed before carrier CF testing will be able to be offered by most US obstetrician-gynecologists, O&G 93 (1999), 581-4. Ethical issues are discussed in Mennuti, MT. et al. "Screening for cystic fibrosis carrier state", O&G 93 (1999), 456-61. A recent book on the issue is Sarkar, S. Genetics and Reductionism (Cambridge University Press 1998, ISBN 0-521-63146-7 246pp.); and papers on reductionism in general are in Science 284 (1999), 79-109. On genetic determinism, NatGen 21 (1999), 362; and on memes, NS (13 March 1999), 3, 40-42; (20 March 1999), 43; Nature 398 (1999), 767-8. A book review of HJ. Eysenck, Intelligence: A New Look (Transition Publishers, New Brunswick, NJ, 1998, 227pp.) is Galton Institute Newsletter (March 1999), 6-8. A book review of The Biology of Violence is NS (27 Feb. 1999), 47. On the Holocaust, NEJM 340 (1999), 574.

There has been objections to transfer of gene samples from patients to the deCode company by Icelandic physicians, NS (9 Jan. 1999), 13. deCODE looks forward as database law passes, NatBio 17 (1999), 127, 407. See also Science 283 (1999), 13, 487. A need for genetic counseling in United Arab Emirates because of high frequency of congenital malformations, Ann Hum Genet. 62 (1998), 411-8. A survey in the UK on genetic counseling by non-geneticists is JMG 36 (1999), 350-1.

Gene Therapy

On ethical issues of gene therapy, Human Genome News 10 (Feb 1999), 15-7. Human gene therapy is discussed in Italian in Il Mondo (19 Feb. 1999), 64-6. A paper against germ-line gene therapy is GeneWatch 11 (Jan 1999), 1, 3-4; and also CQHE 8 (1999), 88-96. For germ-line therapy, JLME 26 (1998), 211-20; NatMed 5 (1999), 245. A book review on protecting future generations is Bioethics 13 (1999), 160-73. A debate on in utero gene therapy is NatMed 5 (1999), 255-7; Nature 397 (1999), 383. On genetic enhancement, Science 283 (1999), 2023-4. The US is allowing fertile people to use gene therapy, even given the chance some germ cells could be modified by accident, NS (20 March 1999), 22.

Japan has approved several recent trials for gene therapy but still only a total of 3 with 3 patients have began, NatBio 17 (1999), 212; NatMed 5 (1999), 2.

A review of gene targeting is TIG 15 (1999), 88-90; Nature 398 (1999), 387; and a book review of a Textbook of Gene Therapy is NatMed 5 (1999), 371. Dosing gene therapy for Parkinson's Disease is reported in Corti, O. et al. "A single adenovirus vector mediates doxycycline-controlled expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in brain grafts of human neural progenitors" , NatBio 17 (1999), 349-354; 318. Gene therapy on demand is discussed in Encell, LP. et al. "Improving enzymes for cancer gene therapy" , NatBio 17 (1999), 143-147; 120. Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing as a tool for gene therapy is reported in NatBio 17 (1999), 223, 246-52; cationic lipid-mediated CFTR gene transfer to lungs and nose of patients, Lancet 353 (1999), 947-54; and adenoviral gene transfer in vivo, PNAS 96 (1999), 355-60.

On vectors for gene therapy, PNAS 96 (1999), 324-6. HIV is being debated as a vector, NS (6 Feb. 1999), 5. Oral gene delivery is reported using chitosan-DNA nanoparticles in a mouse model of peanut allergy, NatMed 5 (1999), 380-1, 387-91. Neonatal gene transfer corrected a mouse model of lysosomal storage disease, PNAS 96 (1999), 2296-300. Rat experiments suggest some hope in gene therapy for reversing liver damage, NatMed 5 (1999), 226-30; NS (6 Feb. 1999), 16. The regulated delivery and expression of EPO in mice and rhesus monkeys is reported in Science 283 (1999), 88-91. On correction of hemophilia B in canine and murine models, NatMed 5 (1999), 56-9, 64-70, 21-2.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

Several papers on ELSI issues of HGP are in Human Genome News 10 (Feb 1999), 13-5; Assia 3 (No. 2, 1998), 30-33; CQHE 8 (1999), 226-37. Russian genome scientists have adopted an ethical statement, Nature 398 (1999), 362. A report on Indian genomics is Science 283 (1999), 309.

A review of Human Genome Sciences is GEN (1 March 1999), 22. In general on the expected knowledge form the HGP, GEN (15 Feb. 1999), 11, 26, 36: and the five stages of the Human Genome Project, NatBio 17 (1999), 112. In general on genomics, BMJ 318 (1999), 341-2; AJHG 66 (1999), 1-13. On genome funding, Science 283 (1999), 610-1.

The release of a working draft of the human genome is expected in February 2000 by a UK/US collaboration, with the final sequence by 2003; Lancet 353 (1999), 1078; Science 283 (1999), 1822-3. A review of the methods is Science 283 (1999), 1867-8. A review is Giaver, G. et al. "Genomic profiling of drug sensitivities via induced haploinsufficiency", NatGen 21 (1999), 278-83. On sequence analysis, Science 283 (1999), 652-3.

The sequence of Deinococcus radiodurans has been released, and it is 3 million bases long and similar to other bacteria despite its ability to survive huge radiation doses, Science 283 (1999), 1105-6. A comparison of two complete genome sequences of H. pylori is discussed in GEN (1 Jan. 1999), 17, 36. Genetic and physical maps of Bacillus subtilis are in Genetics 151 (1999), 1239-44. On functional genomics, GEN (1 Feb. 1999), 1, 3, 31. More comments on the completion of the C. elegans genome sequence is Human Genome News 10 (Feb 1999), 8; TIG 15 (1999), 51-8; Science News 154 (1998), 372.

Celera has announced it will finish the rice genome in 6 weeks [by next issue?!], shocking the rice genome project in Japan and other countries, Nature 398 (1999), 543, 545. Plant genomics is developing rapidly, TIG 15 (1999), 85-7. Japan is also attempting to sequence and patent disease-related genes, Nature 398 (1999), 644; while aother international consortium is planning a free SNP map of the genome, Nature 398 (1999), 545-6. The European Bioinformatics Institute is making its expression gene data open, Nature 398 (1999), 646. Drosophila researchers have signed an agreement with Celera, Science 283 (1999), 767. An encyclopedia of mouse genes is reported in NatGen 21 (1999), 191-95; and an action plan for mouse genomics is in NatGen 21 (1999), 73-5.

Population genetics is discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 1170-2; AJHG 66 (1999), 31-9. A study of the origin of native Americans from Lake Baikal area suggested by Y chromosome studies is AJHG 66 (1999), 817-31; Science 283 (1999), 1439-40. On Japanese genetic roots, Science 283 (1999), 1426-7. A review of making family trees from gene families is NatGen 21 (1999), 66-7; also Science 283 (1999), 2027-8; Nature 398 (1999), 283-4. Genome phylogeny can also be based on gene content, NatGen 21 (1999), 108-10.

General Medical Ethics

A Canadian report from a roundtable on the use of placebos in clinical research is NCEHR Communique 9 (Winter 1999), 6-8. Ethical issues in placebo-controlled trials on arthritis are discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 400-3. Research on perinatal patients is discussed in Otago Bioethics Report 8 (March 1999), 57, 16; and on children, Peart, N. & Holdaway, D. "Legal and ethical issues of health research with children", Otago Bioethics Report 8 (March 1999), 8-12; Lancet 353 (1999), 685; NatMed 5 (1999), 7. A recent book is Weisstub DN, ed. Research on Human Subjects: Ethics, Law and Social Policy (Kidlington, Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd., 1998). Letters on consent and IRBs are in NEJM 340 (1999), 1114-5; Science 283 (1999), 1647-8. A proposal for international research and IRBs is JLME 27 (1999), 87-94. Ethical problems have delayed work at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Los Angeles, Nature 398 (1999), 448. Patient concerns about clinical trials in Japan are discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 1019-20. Research ethics are also discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 88-9; Science 283 (1999), 464-5; NatMed 5 (1999), 250-1.

A bibliography on empirical research on informed consent is HCR 29 (No. 1, Jan. 1999), Special Supplement, S1-42. UK GMC guidance on informed consent is in BME 145 (Feb. 1999), 4-6. In general, Kluge, E-H.W. "Informed consent in a different key: physicians' practice profiles and the patient's right to know", CMAJ 160 (1999), 1321-2; Marta J. "Whose Consent is it Anyway? A Poststructuralist Framing of the Person in Medical Decision-Making", Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 19 (1998), 353-70; NEJM 340 (1999), 804-7. Substituted consent is discussed in a series of papers in CQHE 8 (1999), 123-212; BMJ 318 (1999), 943. A survey of how much information is given after an unintended injury found patients expect more than doctors think they do, BMJ 318 (1999), 640-1. The amount and type of information may be a problem, BMJ 318 (1999), 318-22. A study suggests that patients quickly forget the risks associated with prophylactic procedures, Lancet 353 (1999), 645.

The question of paying inducements for joining research is debated in Bioethics 13 (1999), 114-30. The method of payment can alter patient trust, JAMA 281 (1999), 1173-4. Ethical guidelines for physician payment are discussed in NEJM 340 (1999), 321-3. The public has mixed views on why research is conducted, BME 146 (March 1999), 16-7. The UK GMC has issued guidance advising doctors to seek consent, BMJ 318 (1999), 553. A series of papers on the doctor-proxy relationship and surrogate decision-making is JLME 27 (1999), 1-86.

The proceedings of a retreat on ethical issues in social sciences is NCEHR Communique 9 (Winter 1999), 11-33; and on sociology and health care, Lancet 353 (1999), 486-9; NEJM 340 (1999), 396-7. The summary in English of an Italian Ethics Committee report on the ethics of electro-shock therapy is in IJB 9 (1999), 117-20. On the ethics of excessive medicalization, Bioethics 13 (1999), 89-113. On autonomy, NEJM 340 (1999), 821-2. On the importance of truth-telling, Social Research 65 (1998), 725-40. A book review of Malignant Sadness is NS (20 Feb. 1999), 44-5.

Problem-based learning is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 657-61; and the question of philosophy education for medical students in MJA 170 (1999), 125-7.

Ethics committees have also started to have a role as consensus shapers, BME 145 (Feb. 1999), 13-8. On the roles of ethics committees, Otago Bioethics Report 8 (March 1999), 1-2; MJA 170 (1990), 9-10, 26-8. The question of ethics experts are discussed in HCR 28 (No. 6, Nov. 1998), 6-19. Evidence and ethics is debated in Lancet 353 (1999), 829-31.

A paper on virtue in bioethics in Italian is Bioetica e Cultura 7 (No. 2, 1998), 165-78. A review of the good Samaritan principle is Kirschenbaum, A. "The bystander's duty to rescue in Jewish law", Assia 3 (No. 2, 1998), 52-64. A book review of Noam Zohar, Alternatives in Jewish Bioethics is Bioethics 13 (1999), 73-6. General papers include: Macer, D. "Bioethics: A challenge for policy-makers", The Critical Lawyer 1 (1999), 7-10; Donchin A, & Purdy L, eds. Embodying Bioethics: Recent Feminist Advances. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 1999; Guidotti, T. "Medical Bioethics: Jane Jacobs Speaks to Medicine", Annals RCPSC 31(1998), 397-400; Beauchamp, G. "General Surgeons and Clinical Ethics: A Survey", Can J of Surgery 41(1998), 451-454; Bloche, MG. "Clinical loyalties and the social purposes of medicine", JAMA 281 (1999), 268-74; JAMA 281 (1999), 849-50; Lancet 353 (1999), 1022-3; Philosophical Studies 93 (1999), 227-46; Public Law (1999), 104-28; EST 33 (1999), 105A; NS (10 April 1999), 49. On cross-cultural issues, Lancet 353 (1999), 910; Millennium: J. International Studies 27 (1998), 447-715.

A paper related to the idea Bioethics is Love of Life is Velleman, JD. "Love as a moral emotion", Ethics 109 (1999), 338-74. A study on individualism and collectivism in Israeli society found more religious persons were more group orientated, Human Relations 52 (1999), 327-48. On religion and medicine, Lancet 353 (1999), 664-7; SSM 48 (1999), 1291-9. A book review of The Power of Hope is Lancet 353 (1999), 1105; and on compassion, JAMA 281 (1999), 597-8, 1159-61, 1328-9. Patient satisfaction in Indonesia is surveyed in SSM 48 (1999), 989-96.

Law & Medical Ethics

A series of papers on human rights and health in French from the 1997 IALES-CIOMS Conference is IJB 9 (1999), 9-98. A review is Byk, C. "The history of the right to health as a human right", IJB 9 (1999), 15-32. On revisions to the Helsinki Declaration, BME 146 (March 1999), 3-5. Patient rights are discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 856-61. Clinical guidelines are discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 527-30, 593-6, 661-4. In Japan prisoners are still denied many human rights, Lancet 353 (1999), 922. There is also much concern over the lack of accountability for medical malpractice, Japan Times (23 March 1999), 2. A letter on Jehovah's witnesses and blood transfusion is Lancet 353 (1999), 757-8.

A new book is Kennedy I, Grubb A, eds. Principles of Medical Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Risk-related competence standards are debated in Bioethics 13 (1999), 131-59. Tissue damage is the most common cause of surgical negligence suits, BMJ 318 (1999), 692. A report on secret out-of-court settlements in drug-injury cases is Lancet 353 (1999), 517-8. A review paper on the use of peer-review to improve US physicians performance is AJLM 25 (1999), 7-60; and on performance standards in general, Lancet 353 (1999), 1174-7; BMJ 318 (1999), 482, 887-8; JAMA 281 (1999), 217-9. Reporting medical mistakes and misconduct is discussed in CMAJ 160 (1999), 1323-4. South Korea is attempting to crack down on medical corruption, BMJ 318 (1999), 692. On the Bristol affair, BMJ 318 (1999), 348, 1009-11; Lancet 353 (1999), 987.

Scientific Ethics

Some people are still attacking David Baltimore despite the finding that the misconduct charge was not substantiated, Probe 7 (1 Feb. 1999), 2. On authorship lists from the perspective of junior physicists, Science & Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 73-88; Nature 398 (1999), 657. The balance between pleasing authors and readers for a journal is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 888-9. Whistle-blowing is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 951. Chinese journals have promised to crackdown on the plagiarism and fabrication which are sometimes seen there, Science 283 (1999), 1427. The issues must also be found in all languages that are limited in academic peer review readership. An editorial on the role of reviewers is Science 283 (1999), 789. On statistics and ethics, Science & Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 97-118. The role of engineers and scientists in courts is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 21.

On the ethics and law of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, AJLM 25 (1999), 149-68; BMJ 318 (1999), 962. A call for industry ethics is Fears, R. & Tambuyzer, E. "Core ethical values for European bioindustries" , NatBio 17 (1999), 114-5. A federal panel has endorsed a fraud claim against a former Baylor College scientist, Nature 397 (1999), 549; 398 (1999), 745; Science 283 (1999), 913-4, 1091. A series of papers on how to monitor scientific misconduct are in Nature 398 (1999), 1, 13-7; see also Nature 397 (1999), 288, 381; NS (9 Jan. 1999), 40-1; NatMed 5 (1999), 13-4. A letter on education is Leavitt, FJ. "Can teaching ethics make people ethical?", Nature 397 (1999), 384. A list of papers in plant science that cannot be reproduced is Science 283 (1999), 1987, 9. Analysis of a trendy phrase, "new paradigm" has found it growing in papers and grant applications, Science 283 (1999), 1998-9.

There continues to be much disgust at the firing of George Lundberg, former editor of JAMA, CMAJ 160 (1999), 507-8; Lancet 353 (1999), 252-3, 390, 1104; BMJ 318 (1999), 416, 554; Science 283 (1999), 787; NEJM 340 (1999), 466-7. On the universality of science, Science 283 (1999), 1847. There are tightened conditions over the visits by foreign scientists to the USA to work in sensitive areas, Nature 398 (1999), 447. However, the US public main gain access to more research data, NatMed 5 (1999), 8.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care

A new book is Sass, H-M., Veatch, RM. & Kimura, R. eds., Advance Directives and Surrogate Decision Making in Health Care: United States, Germany, and Japan (Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1998, 311pp.). It includes 3 papers from each country on the issues in a comparative analysis. A discussion of the implications of environmental ethics for end of life care is CQHE 8 (1999), 107-17, 250-6. Several papers from a two year project A comparative study of selected ethical issues at the patient's end-of-life: International and Japanese nurses' perceptions and experiences by Anne Davis and Emiko Konishi of Nagano College of Nursing have been published (Email: davis@nagano-nurs.ac.jp). Related is Martin DK, et al. "A New Model of Advance Care Planning: Observations from people with HIV", Archives of Internal Medicine 159 (1999), 86-92. On the competence to complete advance directives, BMJ 318 (1999), 493-7.

Medical futility is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 937-41; NEJM 340 (1999), 467-8; and aging, BMJ 318 (1999), 681-2; Science 283 (1999), 796-7. The AMA has issued guidelines on end-of-life care, BMJ 318 (1999), 690. In the past decade there has been an increase in the number of children on long-term ventilation in the UK, BMJ 318 (1999), 295-9. The treatment of marginally viable babies is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 418.

An editorial on Jack Kervokian, recently convicted of murder in the USA for his active euthanasia of a patient on videotape, is BMJ 318 (1999), 953-4. The first year of experience in Oregon on physician assisted suicide is reviewed in NEJM 340 (1999), 577-83; but the law is seldom used, Lancet 353 (1999), 821. On active and passive euthanasia, CMAJ 160 (1999), 857-60; Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 151-4; JAMA 281 (1999), 227-9, 289-90, 567; Lancet 353 (1999), 242-4. A study of consultants on euthanasia in the Netherlands is MJA 170 (1999), 351-2, 360-3; JAMA 281 (1999), 568-9. An advisory body has been set up there, BMJ 318 (1999), 348. UK psychiatrists are separating themselves from the government position to detain or treat persons with threatening behaviour to the public who have untreatable behaviour, Lancet 353 (1999), 647. A US survey of oncologists experience of end of life care is JAMA 281 (1999), 897-9; also NEJM 340 (1999), 817. A paper on PVS patients is Asai, A. "Should a patient in persistent vegetative state live?", Monash Bioethics Review 18 (No. 2, April 1999), 25-39.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death

A criticism of the wait for implementation of organ transplant supply improvements is Probe 7 (No. 6, 1 May 1999), 1, 4-5. UK surgeons have called for more donors, Nature 397 (1999), 380. An ethical analysis is Ubel, PA. et al. "Social responsibility, personal responsibility, and prognosis in public judgments about transplant allocation", Bioethics 13 (1999), 57-68. Letters on geographic bias in US liver allocation are in NEJM 340 (1999), 963-5. Switzerland has introduced a new organ transplant guideline which requires fair and equal access, and no commerce, Nature 397 (1999), 553. On Spanish donor rates which are the highest in the world, Lancet 353 (1999), 476. The National Funerals College of the UK has a Dead Citizens Charter, but it does not mention organ transplants, BME 144 (Jan. 1999), 10-1. In India a live kidney transplant was performed from a deaf and dumb brother without his specific consent, but mother's consent, Lancet 353 (1999), 1076. A discussion on liver kidney donors is BMJ 318 (1999), 409-10.

On tissue engineering, NatBio 17 (1999), 508 - 510; Humes, HD. et al. "Replacement of renal function in uremic animals with a tissue-engineered kidney", NatBio 17 (1999), 451 - 455, 421; Oberpenning, F. et al. "De novo reconstitution of a functional mammalian urinary bladder by tissue engineering" , NatBio 17 (1999), 149-155, 133-4; GEN 19 (15 April 1999), 7, 33. Bioartificial organs have been transplanted from research to reality, NatBio 17 (1999), 335-336. Book reviews of Starr, D., Blood. An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce, are NatMed 5 (1999), 258; NEJM 340 (1999), 973-4; Nature 398 (1999), 303-4.

The Swiss have banned xenotransplants, NatBio 17 (1999), 316. A French survey has found positive support, Lancet 353 (1999), 726. Europe has been asked to hold back from trials, Nature 397 (1999), 281; but Spanish researchers have protested, NatMed 5 (1999), 361. The FDA has decided against allowing xenotransplants from non-human primates because of viral fears, Nature 398 (1999), 543, 549, 643. Xenotransplants are discussed in Schlaudraff, U. "Xenotransplantation: benefits and risks to society", BME 146 (March 1999), 13-15; NatBio 17 (1999), 205-6. A series of papers on animal-to-human organ transplants are in Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 54-81. A series of case studies on organ transplants are in AgBioethics Forum 10 (No. 2, Nov. 1998), 2-6. Recent laws are discussed in Dickens, BM. Guest Editor, Legal Developments in Transplantation. Annals of Transplantation 3(No. 3, 1998): 30-63.

Researchers have implanted tissue engineered bladders into dogs, BMJ 318 (1999), 350. A special report on tissue engineering is in SA (April 1999), 59-73. On artificial corneas, BMJ 318 (1999), 821-2. Adults may have the right cells to regenerate their organs if the cells could be controlled, NS (30 Jan. 1999), 6.

A report on the first legal heart transplant in Japan (see March issue) is Lancet 353 (1999), 821; Nature 398 (1999), 95. A series of papers in Japanese on organ transplants are in International Bioethics Network Newsletter (Waseda University) 28 (1999), 1-24. On brain death, Bioethics 13 (1999), 69-72. Parents of dead children in Bristol have protested that their children's hearts were removed during autopsies without telling them, BMJ 318 (1999), 486.

Health Costs

The question of patient dumping is discussed in ASLME Briefings (Spring 1999), 3-7. A recent report on the future of health care in the UK is Fears, R. & Poste, G. "Radicalism, rationalizing or rationing - what does the UK want from research in the science base and health service?", the Fifth Annual SmithKline Beecham Science Policy Symposium, 28pp. 1999, ISBN 1-869835-90-5). The results of a focus group study in the UK is Dolan, P. et al. "Effect of discussion and deliberation on the public's views of priority setting in health care: focus group study", BMJ 318 (1999), 916-9. Also on priorities of patients, BMJ 318 (1999), 277; and perceptions of medical need, NEJM 340 (1999), 229-32. On ethics and health technology assessment, Monash Bioethics Review 18 (No. 2, April 1999), 15-24.

The WMA Declaration of Ottawa is on The right of the child to health care, BME 145 (Feb. 1999), 9-11; and in general on child or prenatal care, AJPH 89 (1999), 497-501; BMJ 318 (1999), 642-6; JAMA 281 (1999), 1273-4. Papers on the World Bank's role in health are in BMJ 318 (1999), 822-3, 865-9, 933-6, 1003-6. Universal emergency access to medicine is discussed in CQHE 8 (1999), 213-25. The WHO has launched Vision 2020:A Right to Sight program, Lancet 353 (1999), 820. On disabled persons' access, AJPH 89 (1999), 524-8; BMJ 318 (1999), 476-7. Australian aboriginals are about twice as likely to report health problems as others, Lancet 353 (1999), 568. Also on race and health, AJPH 89 (1999), 308-14; NEJM 340 (1999), 972; Lancet 353 (1999), 765; BMJ 318 (1999), 616-7; and social inequality, BMJ 318 (1999), 724-7, 954-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 143-4, 154, 387; Science 283 (1999), 707; SSM 48 (1999), 859-972; Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 48-9; Philosophy & Public Affairs 27 (1998), 225-47; JAMA 281 (1999), 361-7.

Male and female doctors have different cooperative language usages, BMJ 318 (1999), 576-9. On women's rights: Cook, RJ. "State Accountability for Women's Health", IDHL 49 (1998), 265-79; AJPH 89 (1999), 399-407; Nature 397 (1998), 282; 398 (1999), 361. A paper on sexual harassment in university employees is AJPH 89 (1999), 358-63. On gender and health, J. Health & Social Behavior 40 (1999), 17-31; Lancet 353 (1999), 477. Sex differences in suicide trends in England and Wales are noted in Lancet 353 (1999), 556-7.

Health promotion is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 590-2. On health competition, MJA 170 (1999), 266-8; JAMA 281 (1999), 446-53, 644-9, 1087-92, 1093, 1127-8; NEJM 340 (1999), 327-32, 403-8, 488-92, 584-8, 928-36, 1110-2, 1131-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 247. Health care costs continue to rise, but more in the USA, SA (April 1999), 36. Viagra is considered a botched case for rationing, BMJ 318 (1999), 273-4. The prices of some drugs in Hungary are rising 30%, BMJ 318 (1999), 556. On health care in Russia, Lancet 353 (1999), 337. The effects of medical research on health care are discussed in Science 283 (1999), 36-7.