Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - September 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

Resistance to rice yellow mottle virus has been made by genetic engineering of rice with RYMV transgenes, NatBio 17 (1999), 702-7. A method to prevent cold-induced sweetening of potato tubers by expression of a invertase inhibitor homologue is in NatBio 17 (1999), 708-11. A review of low temperature tolerance in cereals is Crop Science 39 (1999), 626-33. Dinitroaniline herbicide-resistant transgenic tobacco plants are reported in NatBio 17 (1999), 712-6. Salt tolerance can be conferred by overexpression of a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport in Arabidopsis, Science 285 (1999), 1256-8.

On the future of plant biotechnology a Spanish/English paper is Olmedo, FG. "Transgenic plants. Towards a new green revolution", Eidon 1 (Sept 1999), 24-37. A review of plants in India is Ghosh, PK. "Genetically engineered plants in Indian Agriculture", J. Natl. Bot. Soc. 51 (1997), 11-32. Several examples of useful crops for developing countries are in Science 285 (1999), 370-1; and in general, BMJ 318 (1999), 1631. A commentary on why Africa needs biotechnology is Nature 400 (1999), 15-6. A review on US hybrid corn is Crop Science 39 (1999), 601-26. A series of papers on plant genetic resources and biotechnology is Genome 42 (1999), 551-656. Nutritional genomics by altering plants micronutrient levels is proposed in Science 285 (1999), 375-9.

The microorganisms attached to vegetables may be useful for nutrition, NS (7 August 1999), 11. Rice has been engineered to include beta-carotene, Science 285 (1999), 994-5. Improvement of grain quality traits is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 367, 372-5. Engineering of canola to produce new fat may improve diet, Science News 155 (1999), 357. The green revolution genes that led to shorter grains with less stalk have been found to contain mutant gibberellin response modulators, Nature 400 (1999), 256-61. Climate change and crop yield is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 724. New ways to extract medicines from plants are reviewed in Science 285 (1999), 1347-8; Lancet 354 (1999), 490. Flowers are being used to make vaccines, NS (26 June 1999), 24.

The complete BAC-based physical map of Arabidopsis thaliana genome has been published, NatGen 22 (1999), 219-20, 271-5. A new evolutionary history of plants is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 990-1.

Fertilizer applications alter herbage mineral composition, Animal Science 69 (1999), 1-18. An essay on the invention of the Haber-Bosch process to make ammonia for fertilizer, Nature 400 (1999), 415. The pollution caused by agrochemicals is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 611-2. Emergency use of pesticides worries some conservationists, NS (3 July 1999), 13. Local technology is discussed from Africa in NS (12 June 1999), 51; Agricultural Economics 20 (1999), 203-14. On the implications of international food aid, Agricultural Economics 20 (1999), 191-201. Bt toxins can be transferred to other Bacillus species for protection, PNAS 96 (1999), 3021-6. On the evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, Nature 400 (1999), 861-4.

Male mice have been cloned from adult tail tip cells, NatGen 22 (1999), 127-8. The possible affects of short telomerases in cloned sheep is discussed in GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 6. A hybrid cloned panda embryo has been made by inserting the nucleus into rabbit eggs, Nature 400 (1999), 10. They are trying to implant the embryo into a foster mother of a black bear to see if cloned pandas can come. California has created a research centre for transgenics on large animals, Nature 400 (1999), 806.

The 1997 annual report of the Committee for Animal Biotechnology in the Netherlands is available (Contact: Prof. E. Schroten, Commissie Biotechnologie bij Dieren, Heidelberglaan 2, Postbus 8359, 3503 RJ Utrecht, Netherlands, 15pp. +16pp. Translation of the law). A report in Dutch is Visser, T. & Verhoog, H., De Aard van het Beestje. Onderzoek naar de morele relevantie van "natuurlijkheid" in discussies over biotechnologie bij dieren (NOW Ethiek & Beleid, 1999, 123pp, ISBN 90-70608-58-8). A study on how mice interact with the environment is Crabbe, JC. Et al. "Genetics of mouse behavior: Interactions with laboratory environment", Science 284 (1999), 1670-2, 1599-600. Variation in environment may alter results of bahavioural tests that were thought to be genetically determined.

Results of studies on transgenic mice include: heparin studies, Lancet 354 (1999), 654; mice resistant to TNF-alpha are resistant to skin carcinogenesis, NatMed 5 (1999), 828-31; NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes, NatMed 5 (1999), 601-4; COX-1 mutations can improve oral tolerance, NatMed 5 (1999), 867-8; Bid-deficient mice are resistant to Fas-induced hepatocellular apoptosis, Nature 400 (1999), 886-91; on BAC genes and gene dosage, NatGen 22 (1999), 319-20. On engineering a mouse balancer chromosome, NatGen 22 (1999), 375-8. An interview with Mario Capecchi who developed knock out mice is SA (August 1999), 26-7. Mice studies on maternal and paternal imprinting are discussed in Science News 155 (1999), 312-4. A rat species in Argentina has been found that is tetrapliod but healthy, Science 285 (1999), 195. On polyploidy, Science 285 (1999), 210-1.

Lessons from metabolic engineering for drug discovery are reviewed in NatBio 17 (1999), 616-8. On the development of antibody therapies, GEN 19 (August 1999), 1, 13, 60. Antisense drugs are discussed in GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 9, 40.

Directed protein evolution is reported in NatBio 17 (1999), 696-701.On proteomics, SA (July 1999), 35-6. Results of the American Society for Microbiology meeting are discussed in Science 284 (1999), 1916-7. Searching for mutants is reviewed in Science 285 (1999), 539-41.

There continues to be much GM food debate, NatBio 17 (1999), 630-1. The fear of biotechnology should be faced and a panel is being created in the US to help allay fears, Nature 399 (1999), 508; Science 284 (1999), 335; NS (26 June 1999), 54-5. A case study review of the socio-economic impact of banana biotech is Qaim, Matin, Assessing the impact of banana biotechnology in Kenya (Ithaca, NY: ISAAA, No. 10-1999, ISBN 1-892456-12-5, 38pp.). It predicts benefits from the removal of disease losses and improved pest resistance. A paper on how to restore public trust in science is Nature 400 (1999), 499. The precautionary principle can stifle science if abused, Nature 399 (1999), 728; 400 (1999), 398. On the philosophy of science, Science 284 (1999), 205-6; and the limits of growth, Science 284 (1999), 1622-3. On the Apollo project, NS (17 July 1999), 46-8.

A new book that is a comprehensive review of international aspects is Sasson, Albert, Biotechnologies in developing countries: present and future. Volume 2: International co-operation (UNESCO Publishing, 1998, ISBN 92-3-103460-X, 806pp). It includes a review of various UN agencies, FAO, UNESCO, UNIDO, WHO, WIPO, ILO, UNDP, World bank, UN Conference on Environment and Development, CGIAR, and other regional aid from Europe and America. A paper reporting negative NGO views on transgenic rice is Aerni, P. et al. "An indication of public acceptance of transgenic rice in the Philippines", Biotechnology & Development Monitor 38 (June 1999), 18-21.

The World Conference on Science was held at the end of June in Budapest, Science 284 (1999), 174-5, 529; Nature 399 (1999), 726. On Bayesian methods in health technology assessment, BMJ 319 (1999), 508-12. A series of papers on how science affected policy is SSM 49 (No. 9, 1999), 1133-1255. On misuse of science, BMJ 319 (1999), 448-9. Gender and science is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 698-9. Foreign born scientists are more successful in US science, raising questions on future policy, Science 284 (1999), 1213-4. A comment that people who are paid well behave is NS (19 June 1999), 51.

A review of some of the research being conducted to investigate the safety of Bt crops for lepidopterans over a long term is GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 1, 27, 48; Science News 155 (1999), 324. There have been a number of questions asked about the paper that reported the possible impact on Monarch butterflies, NatBio 17 (1999), 627. Brazil has approved 5 varieties of Monsanto soybeans, GenEthics News 28/29 (1999), 12. Against Bt crops, Biotechnology & Development Monitor 38 (June 1999), 24. Parasitoid behavior and Bt plants is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 825. On Bt in general, NS (19 June 1999), 14. A report from the 1999 annual conference on the New Zealand ERMA on hazardous substance regulations is reported in Perspective 6 (July 1996), 1. The price of safety assessment for new organism applications must be met by the submitting group. On the use of insect refuges for Bt crops, NS (19 June 1999), 24; Nature 400 (1999), 519. Secondary metabolism and fears of GMOs is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 13.

Japan tightened regulations on Bt crops, although none have yet to be planted, Nature 399 (1999), 719; 400 (1999), 7; 401 (1999), 3. The EU tightened regulations on GMO release also, NS (3 July 1999), 12. The case of a Canadian farmer sued by Monsanto because he had seeds of their rapeseed which he claims blew into his field, may affect the future of the seed business in Canada, NS (14 August 1999), 18-9. One UK farm site in the planned 63 site trial over the next 4 years on safety had to be destroyed as the land trustees changed their mind and decided not to join the study, NS (12 June 1999), 12. The UK government has the policy to publicize the locations of GMO field trials, Nature 400 (1999), 697. But in the UK an attack on Zeneca poplar trees that were GMOs occurred on 12 July, 1999; and there have been several other attacks, NS (24 July 1999), 25; (14 August 1999), 46-7. Farm-scale testing of GM crops is ongoing in the UK, Nature 399 (1999), 727-8.

Alternatives to terminator are being discussed as more favourable, Nature 399 (1999), 721. A brief review of the Nuffield Council report on ethical and social issues surrounding genetically modified crops is NatBio 17 (1999), 623; and the summary is in BME 149 (1999), 6-7. Several papers on biological risk assessment are in Biotechnology & Development Monitor 38 (June 1999), 2-11; Nature 400 (1999), 501-2. On the genetics of hybrids, NS (3 July 1999), 32-5.

Stability of bacteria is discussed in AEM 65 (1999), 3697-704. Horizontal gene transfer may have created relationships between archael and bacterial hyperthermophiles, TIG 15 (1999), 298-300. On gene exchange between viruses and bacteria, NS (17 July 1999), 11. Speciation without isolation is discussed for fish in Nature 400 (1999), 311-2. A book review on Biohazard, Nature 400 (1999), 632. Genome robustness in digital organisms (computer models) is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 618-9, 661-4.

A UK inquiry has opened into human trials of bioweapons, Lancet 354 (1999), 753. A review paper is Henderson, DA. Et al. "Smallpox as a biological weapon", JAMA 282 (1999), 2127-37; also Science 285 (1999), 1011, 1019-20, 1621. Letters on smallpox vaccines are in Lancet 354 (1999), 422-3. Public fears on bioterrorism have halted a test in New Mexico, Nature 400 (1999), 204.

Salmon, DA. Et al. "The health consequences of religious and philosophical exemptions from immunization laws", JAMA 282 (1999), 47-53. The question of the ethics of compulsory childhood vaccination is discussed in JME 25 (1999), 330-4. On reactions to MMR vaccine, MJA 170 (1999), 194-5; BMJ 318 (1999), 1487-8, 1578; Lancet 353 (1999), 1987-8, 2026-9; Times (24 August 1999), 35. Immunization against measles may actually benefit people, BMJ 319 (1999), 4-5. Children who do not have a measles vaccination increase the risks of epidemics as well as having a personal risk of measles much greater than vaccinated children, Lancet 354 (1999), 133. On the 1960 debate over BCG vaccination in Scandinavia, SSM 49 (1999), 1157-67. The children's vaccine initiative is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 594. See the US National Vaccine Advisory Committee, "Strategies to sustain success in childhood immunizations - Consensus Statement", JAMA 282 (1999), 363-70. Babies born very premature are no vaccinated as much as those at normal birth, JAMA 282 (1999), 547-53. A discussion of promotion efforts in Mexico is SSM 49 (1999), 921-32; and China, SSM 49 (1999), 1125-7; and in USA, JAMA 282 (1999), 646-50.

A report from the Nipah virus which crossed from pigs to humans in Malaysia is in NS (21 August 1999), 18. A review on the role of the media in BSE debates is SSM 49 (1999), 1239-55. On the US ban on blood from people who lived in the UK between 1980-1996, for fear of CJD, BMJ 318 (1999), 1574; Lancet 353 (1999), 2050; 354 (1999), 754 NatMed 5 (1999), 720. Ireland has reported variant CJD, Lancet 353 (1999), 2221; see Lancet 354 (1999), 317-23. There have been protests by farmers against new Spanish measures to prevent risk of BSE, Lancet 354 (1999), 138. The risk of BSE transmission to humans in the USA is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 2330-9. Injections from vets into cow brains may have spread BSE, NS (14 August 1999), 24. On the UK BSE inquiry, Nature 400 (1999), 487, 490. An easier human brain scan method for detecting CJD is being developed, NS (21 August 1999), 16. On prion function to prevent neuronal cell-line death, NS (17 July 1999), 15; Nature 400 (1999), 225-6.

The cost effectiveness of introducing a varicella vaccine to New Zealand is reported in SSM 49 (1999), 763-9. Poor vaccine storage can have bad effects, MJA 170 (1999), 82. Cross-linked protein crystals may allow better vaccines, PNAS 96 (1999), 9469-74. On food-borne infections, BMJ 319 (1999), 1433-4. Risk factors for hantavirus are reviewed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1737-8. Nanobacteria in kidneys are discussed in NS (21 August 1999), 32-6.

The burden of disease among the world's poor have been reestimated, and communicable diseases caused 59% of deaths and disability among the poorest 20%, while among the richest 20% non-communicable diseases caused 85% of death and disability, Lancet 354 (1999), 586-9. Stress can also make diseases have a larger impact, JAMA 281 (1999), 2268-70; see also NatMed 5 (1999), 727; Nature & Resources 35 (No. 2, 1999), 4-15. Conflict areas have risk of polio, BMJ 319 (1999), 214. On the global burden of tuberculosis, JAMA 282 (1999), 677-86; 281 (1999), 2138-9; NatMed 5 (1999), 872-3; NEJM 341 (1999), 459-60. A DNA vaccine against tuberculosis has worked in mice, Nature 400 (1999), 269-71. Malaria control in Nicaragua is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 414-8; and malaria control in Africa will require outside aid, Lancet 354 (1999), 378-85. Also on malaria, NatGen 22 (1999), 120-1, 145-50; Nature 400 (1999), 506-7. Mandatory reporting of diseases is surveyed in JAMA 282 (1999), 164-70. Letters on routine screening of children returning home from the tropics is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 121-2.

A review on DNA vaccines is NEJM 341 (1999), 277-8; and genetic vaccines, SA (July 1999), 50-7. A potential Alzheimer's vaccine has been designed from a peptide and there is an application to begin phase I clinical trials, GEN 19 (August 1999), 31, 40: BMJ 319 (1999), 145. Lyme disease vaccines are discussed in FDA Consumer (May-June 1999), 12-7. Hepatitis A vaccine targets are discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 918-21; NEJM 341 (1999), 293. On herpes simplex viruses, JAMA 282 (1999), 379-80. A method to make influenza A vaccine made from scratch has been developed, Lancet 354 (1999), 491. Anthrax vaccine is more expensive than the US Army agreed to pay for it, Lancet 354 (1999), 140. A live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine 89-12 has worked in infants, Lancet 354 (1999), 287-90. On influenza, JAMA 282 (1999), 75-7.

Antibiotic resistance is discussed in MJA 170 (1999), 117-8; BMJ 318 (1999), 1614-8, 1716. A new SA vaccine may be safer, NS (5 June 1999), 11. Animal feed antibiotic use also increases resistance, JAMA 282 (1999), 120-1. There is antibiotic resistant bacteria in waterways, Science News 155 (1999), 356. Breast cancer may be linked to a retrovirus, NS (21 August 1999), 19. Childhood leukemia may be infectious, NS (21 August 1999), 5.

Name-based reporting of HIV test results may be a deterrent to testing, AJPH 89 (1999), 1097-100; JAMA 282 (1999), 321. There has been a conviction for selling a bogus HIV test on the Internet, FDA Consumer (July 1999), 34-5. The FDA has advised persons who used home based tests to seek further tests, JAMA 282 (1999), 317. An Australian girl has been infected with HIV via a blood transfusion, the first case in 14 years, because the donor's HIV was undetectable by the tests, Lancet 354 (1999), 404. A survey of UK health departments staff awareness on guidelines on post-exposure prophlylaxis has found poor knowledge, BMJ 319 (1999), 162-3. For US guidelines on treating AIDS see http://www/hivatis.org; JAMA 282 (1999), 226.

Spain has offered free HIV tests to pregnant women, Lancet 354 (1999), 754. Australia is considering how to screen, MJA 171 (1999), 201-3; as is the UK, BMJ 318 (1999), 1656-60; NS (26 June 1999), 4. On the ethics of neonatal AIDS studies, Probe VII (1 Sept. 1999), 1-2, 4; BMJ 318 (1999), 1660-1. On ethics and AIDS, AIBA Newslink 2 (No. 5, Oct. 1999), 1-2. AIDS and fear is the subject of a book review in SSM 49 (1999), 294-5. A paper is Bennetts, A. et al "Determinants of depression and HIV-related worry among HIV-positive women who have recently given birth, Bangkok, Thailand", SSM 49 (1999), 737-49. A study on the risks and fears of Indonesian sex workers is SSM 49 (1999), 1101-14. An Indian author is being blamed for part of the stigmatization of persons with HIV, BMJ 319 (1999), 1559.

The low cost drug nevirapine can cut vertical HIV transmission, Lancet 354 (1999), 309; NS (24 July 1999), 4. Studies on the effect of zidovudine on perinatal HIV transmission are in Lancet 353 (1999), 2240-1; 354 (1999), 156-8; O&G 94 (1999), 34-40; BMJ 318 (1999), 1650-6. Rates are decreasing in the USA, JAMA 282 (1999), 531-8, 577-9; Lancet 354 (1999), 573: NEJM 341 (1999), 385-93, 394-402, 441-2. Cesareans may avoid the risk, AJOG 180 (1999), 1308-9. HIV infection is highest in early months of breast feeding, JAMA 282 (1999), 733, 744-9, 781-3: Lancet 354 (1999), 442-3, 471-6. On care of infants with HIV, BMJ 319 (1999), 207-8, 232-5.

The challenge of hepatitis C is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 221-2; Science 285 (1999), 26-30. A new hepatitis virus has been reported, Science 285 (1999), 644-5. Transmission is documented in Australian prisons, MJA 171 (1999), 31-3; as is HIV, MJA 171 (1999), 7-8, 14-7. On human herpesvirus 8, NEJM 340 (1999), 1912-3. Recombinant glycoprotein vaccine for prevention of genital HSV-2 infection has still some progress to be made for success, JAMA 282 (1999), 331-40. A new virus has been found in blood, called TT, but the effect is unknown, NS (12 June 1999), 5.

On health risks of sex, AJPH 89 (1999), 899-902, 995-7; Lancet 354 (1999), 405; SSM 49 (1999), 241-51; JAMA 282 (1999), 228-9. Prevention of STDs is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 815-8. Antiretroviral drug resistant HIV-1 strains can be transmitted, Lancet 354 (1999), 697-8, 729-33. Women with HIV are less likely to visit dentists, AJPH 89 (1999), 818-9. On AIDS therapies, FDA Consumer (July 1999), 12-7; NatMed 5 (1999), 651+; Lancet 353 (1999), 1989-90, 2014-5, 2061-4, 2173-4; 354 (1999), 135; NEJM 341 (1999), 704-5; NatMed 5 (1999), 609-13, 723-5, 738-41. CCR5delta32 mutation has imrpoved responses to antiretroviral therapy, JAMA 282 (1999), 734. Work on potential HIV vaccines is reported in NatMed 5 (1999), 643+; MJA 171 (1999), 124-5; NEJM 340 (1999), 1756-7; Nature 401 (1999), 4; Science 284 (1999), 656-7.

Bristol Myers Squibb announced a 5 year US$100 million initiative to develop long-term strategies for preventing AIDS in Africa, NatMed 5 (1999), 599. Doctors in South Africa are demanding AIDS drugs for women who have been raped, BMJ 319 (1999), 1507; Nature 399 (1999), 717. An HIV prevention approach in the South African mining industry is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 1625-39. Zambia has attacked the UN estimate that 20% of its adult population have HIV, BMJ 319 (1999), 338. On the UN push for more to be done, Lancet 354 (1999), 1; Science 284 (1999), 1619. There are variations within the US on how people are treated for minorities especially, JAMA 282 (1999), 2305-15.

A study of Costa Rican banana workers revealed that farmers had more chromosomal damage from the pesticides they were exposed to compared to office workers, however, they had fewer unfavourable mutations, Environmental Health Perspectives 107 (1999), 501+; NS (19 June 1999), 16.

Degradation of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in soil by GEMs is reported in AEM 65 (1999), 3354-9. Streambed microbes can destroy gasoline pollutants, Science News 155 (1999), 374. A review on contaminated site remediation is EST 33 (1999), 2305+. Use of trees to remove trichloroethane is shown in EST 33 (1999), 2257+. A review of engineering plants to cope with metals is Science 285 (1999), 369-70; and scientists have isolated the gene making phytochelatins that can mop up metals, EMBO Journal 18 (1999), 3325+; NS (26 June 1999), 27.

Environmental ethics is discussed in Chess, C. & Purcell, K. "Public participation and the environment: Do we know what works?", EST 33 (1999), 2685-91.

Plans to mitigate natural disasters are discussed in Science 284 (1999), 1943-4. The US insurance industry has found that climate change may not be a serious threat, http://www.aiad.org; EST 33 (1999), 273A. A slight wobble in the axis of spin may have triggered the change from the forested Sahara to the desert, Science 285 (1999), 325; NS (17 July 1999), 22. Sulphur from ships may seed clouds that stop all of the sun reaching the earth's surface and thus help the world stay cooler, NS (21 August 1999), 7; Nature 400 (1999), 713. Also on climate change, NS (5 June 1999), 5, 10; (7 August 1999), 6; Nature 401 (1999), 39-43; The Ecologist 29 (March 1999), 55-149.

Climate and health is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 347-8; MJA 170 (1999), 521-2; BMJ 318 (1999), 1635-6. On diesel emissions and health, AJPH 89 (1999), 991-3, 998-1002, 1009-17. Transportation safety is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 2080-2; BMJ 318 (1999), 1647-50, 1686-9, 1694. Air pollution affects many people in China, Lancet 354 (1999), 137; MJA 170 (1999), 342. On public health and carcinogens, MJA 170 (1999), 372-4; JAMA 282 (1999), 800-1. Environmental health education is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 224-5.

Missing carbon is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 544-5, 574-8, 1198-9. Efficiency alone might allow countries to meet Kyoto targets, NS (22 June 1999), 22; Science 285 (1999), 662. On fuel cells for cars and houses, SA (July 1999), 74-9, 80-6. Renewable energy future is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 687-9. Emissions fall as the global economy grows, NS (7 August 1999), 23. On environmental engineering and replacing waste, Science 284 (1999), 706-9. The consequences of megacities are discussed in EST 33 (1999), 238-40A.

Climate change is resulting in a larger Arctic ozone hole, NS (12 June 1999), 6. A 20^th century record of halocarbons is reported in Nature 400 (1999), 749-55. The dangers of suntan are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 114-6.

On the use of critical loads in environmental policy, EST 33 (1999), 245A+. On environmental science and policy, Nature 401 (1999), 17. The US Supreme Court overturned a Texas state judge decision that the asbestos industry settled liability, Int. Herald Tribune (24 June 1999), 8. On water pollution, Lancet 353 (1999), 2171; BMJ 318 (1999), 1678-82; Ecological Applications 9 (1999), 772-83; EST 33 (1999), 2693+. Fluoridation is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 269-70.

Gender changing chemicals are discussed in NS (5 June 1999), 12; (17 July 1999), 23; JAMA 282 (1999), 722; Nature 400 (1999), 607; Spearow, JL. Et al. "Genetic variation in susceptibility to endocrine disruption by estrogen in mice", Science 284 (1999), 1259-61. Methods to reduce blood lead levels are discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 2340-1. On protecting children from lead, AJPH 89 (1999), 822-3.Tumours have been observed in Lake Michigan crustaceans, Science 284 (1999), 1613. Dioxin has been confirmed as a human carcinogen, Science News 155 (1999), 309; as has heavy exposure to trichloroethylene, Science News 154 (1999), 343. Japan is the heaviest emitter of dioxin among 15 industrial countries in a recent UNEP survey, with a total of 4kg of dioxin emitted in 1994, compared to 2.7kg by the USA and 873 grams by France, Japan Times (22 June 1999), 1; Nature 400 (1999), 397. Local enforcement of pollution control in developing countries is reported in J. Public Policy 18 (1999), 265-82. On soil erosion, Science 284 (1999), 1187-8. A book review critical of the chemical industry is AJPH 89 (1999), 1120-2; and on industry, EST 33 (1999), 280-2A. Waste from electric and electronic equipment may be lessened by regulations to require industry to take back the old appliances, EST 33 (1999), 228-9A.

A study questioning the causes of coral reef decay is EST 33 (1999), 270-1A; NS (3 July 1999), 22; Nature & Resources 35 (1999), 16-25. The loss of fisheries from the Bering Sea is discussed in Time (16 August 1999), 42-4. Ecology is beyond the bounds of science, Nature & Resources 35 (1999), 38-49.

Forests are discussed in Ambio 28 (1999), 295; Nature 400 (1999), 231-2. Papers on Biosphere 2 are in Ecological Engineering 13 (1999), 1-64. Illegal logging is destroying an orangutan group, NS (3 July 1999), 24. Threats of losing biodiversity data is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 207. OECD is setting up a global facility on biodiversity, Science 284 (1999), 22-3. Conserving genetic resources is reviewed in Genome 42 (1999), 562-9. On saving African wildlands, Science 284 (1999), 825. Elephants feel stress when they lack space, Science News 155 (1999), 341. A plan to save Hawaii's threatened biodiversity is in Science 284 (1999), 81.

Biomass and energy is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 1209. Glaxo Wellcome has entered a US$3 million deal for drug hunts in Brazil, Nature 400 (1999), 302. An historical paper is Foster, KP. "The earliest zoos and gardens", SA (July 1999), 64-71. It suggests there were zoos 4000 years ago. DNA has been isolated from frozen ice, Science 285 (1999), 327. Denmark has funded a DNA analysis lab. In Uganada for biodiversity work, Science 285 (2 July 1999). The Chinese Three Gorges Dam is discussed in NS (17 July 1999), 14.

In India the prohibitions on killing stray dogs are a public health problem, Lancet 353 (1999), 2219. Australia is killing feral cats to save the numbat, NS (3 July 1999), 5. The killing of buffalo in USA is discussed in NS (12 June 1999), 18-9. The idea of hormone-releasing patches to encourage kakapo in New Zealand to breed is discussed in SA (August 1999), 23. On the diversity of evolution, Science 284 (1999), 2106-2142.

There has been controversy in India over the ordered release of 50 primates from a research facility because of inadequate monkey runs, Lancet 354 (1999), 659; Science 285 (1999), 180-1, 997. On public concern over infections from chmips, NatMed 5 (1999), 718. Animal experiments in the UK rose in 1998 from the figure in 1997 by 0.9%, to a total of 2.66 million procedures. 27% involved genetically modified animals, a rise of 27%, BMJ 319 (1999), 402. There was a 6% fall in primate experiments, and it is still the second lowest total since 1955. Attitudes to animal experiments shift dramatically when people are told they have medical benefits, BMJ 318 (1999), 1438; Science 284 (1999), 1604-6. Researchers are being told to spread more messages of the benefits of animal experiments, JAMA 282 (1999), 619-21. Lawyers for the US government are trying to dismiss a lawsuit that would extend the Animal Welfare Act to cover 23 million mice, rats and birds used in experiments, Nature 400 (1999), 197, 305. Vice President Gore has been criticized for promoting more tests for toxic chemicals, Nature 400 (1999), 606. There may be conflicting results, Science 285 (1999), 1190-1. ES cells may prove to be a useful test for chemicals, NS (5 June 1999), 13.

Henry Spira the animal rights campaigner who died is discussed in Probe 7 (1 August 1999), 1, 5-8. A Spanish judge has ruled against a prohibition on children under 14 years attending bullfights, saying the children are unaffected, Lancet 354 (1999), 496.

The 1.5% average difference in nucleotides between chimps and humans is often with the normal human variation, so more complex tests may be needed to differentiate, NatGen 22 (1999), 119-20; NS (19 June 1999), 58. Chimps in the wild show culture, Vogel, G. �gChimps in the wild show stirrings of culture�h, Science 284 (1999), 2070-3; Science News 155 (1999), 315; NS (19 July 1999), 11. Chimps may be models of contentment as well, Science 285 (1999), 661. New research on consciousness is described in Science 284 (1999), 2073-4. Chimp mothers are not easily matched to daughters in photos by chimps, NS (19 June 1999), 19. A complex for Gorilla human interaction in the Bronx is reported in Time (5 July 1999), 40-2. On invention in other species, Science News 155 (1999), 364-6.

The contribution of persistent pain to suffering is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 2233-7. Pain can be separated from its anticipation in the human mind, Science 284 (1999), 1979-81. On the meaning of pain in women, SSM 48 (1999), 1791-1802. Genes for painkillers are targets of possible manipulation, Science 284 (1999), 1634. A study of the physiological responses of sheep during long road journeys is in Animal Science 69 (1999), 19-27. Stress and life expectancy in rabbits is reviewed in Naturwissenshaften 86 (1999), 388-93.

A study has shown that owls can experience visual illusions, Nature Neuroscience 2 (1999), 586-8, 660-3.The tendency of humans to view things as alive is discussed in Science News 155 (1999), 360-2. On the myth of unconscious, NEJM 341 (1999), 133. The concept of sentinels who watch out at risk for cooperative mammals is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 1640-4. A book review on caring and the history of hospitals is Science 285 (1999), 1362. Cognition by a minibrain like an insect is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 718-9. On language, NS (21 August 1999), 36-40; SA (July 1999), 32-4; Nature 400 (1999), 821. Brain implants are being taught how to read the mind, NS (26 June 1999), 7. On the question of whether animals see colours, Philosophical Studies 94 (1999), 189-209.

Please note that the new section on "Food safety" that follows has been made to include all food safety issues including foods from GMOs.

Vaccination with carbohydrate peptide mimotopes can promote anti-tumour responses, NatBio 17 (1999), 660-5. Therapeutic antibodies can be elicited by immunization against TNF-alpha, NatBio 17 (1999), 666-9. The TNF allele is associated with susceptibility to septic shock, JAMA 282 (1999), 561-8. On TNF biology, AJHG 65 (1999), 294-301. On septic shock, NEJM 341 (1999), 56-7. Insulin is discussed in NatMed 5 (1999), 614-5; and there is hope for designer insulins to be made, MJA 170 (1999), 64-5, 349-50. Transplants are another possibility, NS (12 June 1999), 17. Treatment also depends on diagnostic criteria for diabetes, Lancet 354 (1999), 610-1, 617-21. On tumour induced hypoglycemia, NEJM 341 (1999), 757-8. Patients treated with TPA within 3 hours of initial symptoms are less likely to have disability one year later, NEJM 340 (1999), 1781-7; Lancet 353 (1999), 2132. On alpha-interferon, Lancet 354 (1999), 131-2, 512-3; and use for hepatitis C, MJA 171 (1999), 189-93. Human albumin is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 443-4; BMJ 318 (1999), 1643.

Genentech has paid US$50 million to the FDA for illegally promoting use of growth hormone, GenEthics News 28/29 (1999), 13. The ethics of prescribing drugs to enhance sporting performance is discussed in MJA 171 (1999), 204-6; NS (14 August 1999), 4-5. Recombinant growth factor VIII is being used to treat victims of trauma, Lancet 354 (1999), 134.

The Codex Alimentarius failed to agree to BST standards in June 1999 which meant that Europe can continue its ban on imports of milk produced from cows treated with BST. A letter on BST is Lancet 354 (1999), 684.

The MAFF of Japan proposed new guidelines for GMO labels on the 10th August, 1999 http://www.maff.go.jp/soshiki/syokuhin/hinshitu/990824-01.html; Nature 400 (1999), 605. These proposed guidelines are still subject to refinement and development. The new labeling standards will be announced in April 2000 and will be implemented after a one-year preparation period, although the length of the preparation period may vary with the case. The MAFF recognizes that the standards need to be periodically revised according to new product commercialization, usage of GM ingredients, technological advancement of DNA/protein detection and removal, and consumers concerns. The standards will need to be revised when necessary based on the usage of GM foods and Codex discussion.

Labeling will be a part of the mandatory Quality Labeling Standards in the Japan Agricultural Standards Law. Manufacturers or importers have an obligation for labeling. Manufacturers determine the labeling based on the procurement plans of the ingredients (such as non-segregated GM ingredients or segregated non-GMO ingredients). Identity-preserved (IP) handling or non-segregation is to be confirmed by certification or documentation from distributors of the ingredients. The foundation of confirmation of the truthfulness of the labeling by public organizations is certificates and documentation on the production and distribution of the ingredients. The certificates being discussed include: Breeder certificate, producer certificate, storage certificate, bulk transportation certificate, conditioner certificate, and container certificate. A public organization may test the presence of DNA and protein to screen the truthfulness of social confirmation system. Manufacturers may perform scientific testing on their products.

However, those who sell their products manufactured at the same place are exempted from labeling. This exemption is based on seeing the producer when buying the food, and by not packaging of food, so that farmers who sell products on the road-side are exempted if they do not package, tofu makers who do not sell tofu through over persons are exempted. A restaurant is exempted for food served, but not for food that is packaged and sold at the counter. Also on Japanese GM food labels, Ram's Horn 172 (August 1999), 4.

In general on the European GM food debate from a US Agroindustry perspective is GEN 19 (August 1999), 1, 8, 59; also Time (13 Sept. 1999), 40-2. The EU has adopted tougher standards, BMJ 319 (1999), 11; Lancet 354 (1999), 54; from the public debate, NS (12 June 1999), 53. On risk assessment for food safety, Biotechnology & Development Monitor 38 (June 1999), 2-7; Lancet 354 (1999), 69-71, 684; BMJ 318 (1999), 1694-5. Some comments on the shops which have been withdrawing GM food are in NatBio 17 (1999), 623. Switzerland was the first country in the EU to set its tolerance level for GMO-free food at 1%, to cover for possible cross-pollination or transport mixing, NatBio 17 (1999), 629. A discussion of GMO-free is Splice 5 (July/August 1999), 6-7; and on genetic engineering debate in New Zealand politcs, Splice 5 (July/August 1999), 8-9. Australia and New Zealand have agreed to mandatory labeling of foods produced using gene technology, Nature 400 (1999), 608. The debate in the UK is in GenEthics News 28/29 (1999), 1; Nature 400 (1999), 501-2; BMJ 318 (1999), 1441. There is a UK food ethics council, Lancet 353 (1999), 2220. Labeling in general is discussed in Ram's Horn 170 (June 1999), 3-6; Ram's Horn 171 (July 1999), 1-4.

A paper on public opinion is Gaskell, G. et al. "Worlds apart? The reception of genetically modified foods in Europe and the U.S.", Science 284 (1999), 384-7. A call for an international perspective on GM crops is Nature 399 (1999), 715. A new book is Kneen, Brewster, Farmageddon. Food and the Culture of Biotechnology (New Society Publishers, 1999 ISBN 0-86571-394-4, US$16.95, 240pp.). It has a negative view of the growing domination of large multinational Agrobiotech companies, and claims that there is insufficient regulations. On Monsanto, GeneWatch 12 (June 1999), 12-4; 12 (August 1999), 10-13. Even if the US labels GM crops Europe has to buy them, NS (24 July 1999), 12; Nature 400 (1999), 298. A French call for a G8 group to look at GMO food safety was rejected, Nature 399 (1999), 717.

African countries are being asked to introduce a law that would require an exporter to obtain permission of the importing country before sending the food, Nature 400 (1999), 495. However, it may not help world hunger, BMJ 318 (1999), 1506. In the UK restaurants will need to be able to tell customers if their ingredients are from GMOs or not, GenEthics News 28/29 (1999), 12. The baby food maker, Gerber and Heinz have declared that they will not include GM food components, Ram's Horn 172 (August 1999), 2-3.

On hormones in beef, Ram's Horn 170 (June 1999), 1-2.The US is to apply sanctions over the EU meat ban on hormone-treated beef imports, Financial Times (13 July 1999), 6; BMJ 319 (1999), 1442. On the supposed Coca-cola-related illnesses and dioxin in animal feed in Belgium, Lancet 353 (1999), 2049; 354 (1999), 173, 680-2; NS (12 June 1999), 4; (26 June 1999), 3, 18-9. Functional foods are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 205-6. On food safety, BMJ 319 (1999), 1689-93. On the Codex Alimentarius guidelines on organic food, Lancet 354 (1999), 314 (see FAO www site).

Obesity is discussed in NatMed 5 (1998), 742-3; AJPH 89 (1999), 1194-9; BMJ 319 (1999), 147-50. Healthy weight guidelines are reviewed in NEJM 341 (1999), 427-34. A discussion of trans fatty acids and coronary heart disease is NEJM 340 (1999), 1933-40, 1994-8; and of vitamin E and fish oil, Lancet 354 (1999), 441-2. A study suggesting that the reason for low heart disease mortality in France is previously low animal fat consumption, BMJ 318 (1999), 1471-80; 319 (1999), 255-6. On cellular cholesterol metabolism, NatGen 22 (19999), 316-8. A book review on salt is NEJM 340 (1999), 1770-1; also NS (21 August 1999), 14-5. In a US sample, coffee consumption may reduce risk of gallstone disease in men at risk of it, JAMA 281 (1999), 2106-12.

An Internet site called http://www.thehungersite.com allows people to donate food on the Internet, Lancet 354 (1999), 605. Low alcohol beers could be made tastier by a yeast with a deleted gene, NS (12 June 1998), 7.

A study from South America has found four types of craniofacial defects were more common in higher altitude and two types of neural tube defects were lower, Castilla, EE. Et al. "Altitude as a risk factor for congenital anomalies", AJMG 86 (1999), 9-14.

A review of orphan drug law is in FDA Consumer (May-June 1999), 29+. The role of courts in health technology assessment is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 203-4. Online pharmacies are still striving for respectability, Lancet 354 (1999), 782. Japan is attempting to increase the number of clinical trials, NatMed 5 (1998), 860. Prescribing medicine for children remains difficult, BMJ 319 (1999), 70-1. A report from Japan (in Japanese) is Tsutani, K. & Shimizu, N., eds., Evidence of Off-Label Use of Drug, Clinical Evaluation Vol. 26 (1999), Supplement No. XIII, 334pp., ISBN 4-925066-01-3, Y5000). Pharmacotherapy for children with intellectual disability is reviewed in Lancet 354 (1999), 231-40. On problems of randomization using sealed envelopes, Lancet 354 (1999), 73-4. On evidence-based medicine, MJA 170 (1999), 465-6. Reducing adverse drug reactions requires cooperation between all groups, JAMA 282 (1999), 315-6. Noncompliance may be a cause of half of the antihypertensive drug failues, JAMA 282 (1999), 313-4.

An historical account of debate on foreign drugs is Lancet 354 (1999), 149-51. A study of donated drugs to Kosovo found 40% were non-essential and 30% were close to expiry dates, Lancet 353 (1999), 2131. A museum review of Illegal Drugs in America is Lancet 354 (1999), 604; and opium in BMJ 319 (1999), 131. Questions on the use of drug tests at work are in NS (24 July 1999), 18-9. Nuns at St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney are going to run Australia's first legal heroin injecting room, BMJ 319 (1999), 400. More means to prevent cocaine addiction may be developed, Nature 399 (1999), 371-5. The US is making research marijuana more accessible, NatMed 5 (1998), 721. There is an increase in deaths in the USA on the first week of the month which is associated with substance abuse, NEJM 341 (1999), 93-8. On abuse of drugs for sport, MJA 171 (1999), 206-8. The life expectancy in Russia for men has now fallen to 58 years, from 62 years in 1980, BMJ 319 (1999), 468.

Chinese medicine is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 493; BMJ 319 (1999), 160-1. In the USA the following popular drugs are being tested for safety, aloe vera, ginseng, kava and milk thistle. On the use of alternative medicine, NEJM 340 (1999), 1758-9, 1845; Nature 400 (1999), 729. A review of social factors in the taxol drug is Walsh, V. & Goodman, J. �gCancer chemotherpay, biodiversity, public and private property: the case of the anti-cancer drug Taxol�h, SSM 49 (1999), 1215-25. Overuse of androstenedione is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 2043-4, 2020+. On public health and injecting drug use, Lancet 354 (1999), 65-8.

Individual susceptibility to pesticides may be the best way to assess risks, Occup Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 449-53. Prolonged exposure to sheep-dip is a health risk, Lancet 354 (1999), 133. Illnesses associated with occupational use of flea control agents are discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 125-6. A book review of Black Lung, which looks at coal-mine related death is NEJM 340 (1999), 1770.

A study showing recent Russian immigrants to Israel drink more than Israelis is AJPH 89 (1999), 1212-6. Ethnic groups in the US vary widely in child health, AJPH 89 (1999), 1066-71. Overnight wearing of contact lenses is a health risk, Lancet 354 (1999), 174-5, 181-5.

A survey of epidemiology articles found 24% included policy recommendations, AJPH 89 (1999), 1206-11; on epidemiology in laws, Lancet 353 (1999), 2238-9; and on the role of epidemiology in public health, AJPH 89 (1999), 1151-55, 1158-61. Health promotion using entertainment television is one strategy that has been used following the successful US TV program, ER, AJPH 89 (1999), 116-7. A book review on education methods is SSM 49 (1999), 705-8. The UK has launched a public health campaign that hopes to prevent 300,000 deaths over 10 years, Lancet 354 (1999), 139; BMJ 319 (1999), 73, 139-40.

Although once a year is a reasonable frequnecy to go to the dentist, rates of disease progression vary widely, BMJ 319 (1999), 204-5. HIV-positive women tend to use dentists less, AJPH 89 (1999), 834-9.

A review is Hemingway, H. & Marmot, M. �gPsychological factors in the aetiology and prognosis of coronary heart disease: systematic review of propective cohort studies�h, BMJ 318 (1999), 1460-7. A study found 41% of deaths in Australia in 1997 were cardiovascular, MJA 170 (1999), 408-9. Women tend to have heart disease at older age than men, Lancet 354 (1999),401. On socioeconomic environment and disease in general, AJPH 89 (1999), 1059-65; JAMA 282 (1999), 130-1. Homocysteine and vascular disease is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 407-13. Low dose aspirin is useful for preventing strokes, Lancet 354 (1999), 2172-3, 2179+. The drug spironolactone has been found to be useful for treating heart disease patients, BMJ 319 (1999), 276; see also BMJ 318 (1999), 1499-500.

On vitamin B12, MJA 170 (1999), 407-8. Letters discussing how alcohol affects health are Lancet 354 (1999), 513-4; Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 611. There may be some benefits for mild drinking among diabetics also, JAMA 282 (1999), 239-46, 279-80; Lancet 354 (1999), 311. Recommendations for exercise should be made also, BMJ 319 (1999), 334; including brisk walking, NEJM 341 (1999), 650-8.

A review by the US Institute of Medicine has found no link between silicone breast implants and serious autoimmune diseases, that are included in legal actions, but there are some problems; JAMA 282 (1999), 314-5; Lancet 353 (1999), 2215; SA (Sept. 1999), 18; Science 284 (1999), 2065; BMJ 319 (1999), 8. A Swedish working population survey has looked at occupations with excess risks of breast cancer, AJPH 89 (1999), 875-81. From 1988-1993 there was an increase in breast-conserving surgery, JAMA 282 (1999), 326. On use of taxomifen for prevention in health women at risk of breast cancer, JAMA 282 (1999), 117-8; Lancet 353 (1999), 1986-7, 1993-2000.

Violence is discussed in MJA 170 (1999), 352-3; JAMA 282 (1999), 135-6, 425-6, 440-6, 475-6; BMJ 319 (1999), 395, 407-10. In the US in 1994 gunshot injuries cost about US$2.3 billion in lifetime medical costs, JAMA 282 (1999), 447-54. A report on firearm use in G and PG movies is JAMA 282 (1999), 428. A call for prevention of conflict is made in BMJ 319 (1999), 396-7. A US study of an antiviolence drug among prison teenagers has been challenged as breaking rules on research, Science 285 (1999), 1337-8. Child abuse is generally underrated as a source of child mortality in the USA, JAMA 282 (1999), 463-7. A call for more childseat use is in JAMA 281 (1999), 2070-2.

Debate over a safe dose of radiation is in Lancet 354 (1999), 400; Science 285 (1999), 177. Thyroid cancers have increased tenfold among Ukrainian children since the 1986 Chernobyl accident, Lancet 354 (1999), 51; BMJ 319 (1999), 145. Chernobyl cesium radioactivity is persisting in fish much longer than predicted, so its biological half life is long, Nature 400 (1999), 417. On risks of radiation for future children, Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 438-442; BMJ 319 (1999), 1443-50. Pigeons at Sellafield in the UK have been roosting in contaminated buildings with the result that they and their droppings are radioactive, NS (14 August 1999), 48-9. Depleted uranium weapons used by NATO soldiers may be contaminating the environment, NS (5 June 1999), 20-1. Radon is discussed in AJPH 89 (1999), 933-5. On the methodology to estimate EMF radiation effects on health, Occup. Environ. Med. 56 (1999), 562-6. Any link to leukemia is weak, BMJ 319 (1999), 10; Lancet 353 (1999), 2217; Science 285 (1999), 337.

A review is Sato, H. �gPolicy and politics of smoking control in Japan�h, SSM 48 (1999), 581-600. Cigars also affect health negatively, NEJM 340 (1999), 1773-80, 1829-31. On efforts to stop sales of cigarettes, BMJ 318 (1999), 1508; 319 (1999), 524. Smoking is a major cause of blindness may be added to cigarette packs, MJA 171 (1999), 173-4. Passive smoking also increases risk of acute stroke, Lancet 354 (1999), 653; and heart disease, NEJM 341 (1999), 697-9. Methods to reduce passive smoking by asthmatic children were found to require cessation by the parents to be effective, BMJ 318 (1999), 1456-9. Passive smoking debates are discussed in a historical perspective in SSM 49 (1999), 1183-95. On health impact of smoking, SSM 48 (1999), 1851-6; and on lungs after cessation, Lancet 354 (1999), 177-8. Genetic polymorphism at CYP2A6 and linkage to smoking is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 2073. A Florida court has found tobacco companies guilty of fraud, BMJ 319 (1999), 143; Lancet 354 (1999), 231. Rio de Janeiro is making a law suit against health care losses from smoking, Lancet 354 (1999), 315. On Chinese smoking expansion, BMJ 318 (1999), 1554-5.

Tobacco control is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 424; BMJ 318 (199), 1437; 319 (1999), 266; NatMed 5 (1999), 851. The World Bank has evaluated the economics of tobacco control and smoking, NatMed 5 (1999), 596. Depression and smoking decreases the immune system, Science News 155 (1999), 358.

An appeal has been made to test the legality of human/animal chimeras, following the US Patent Office rejection of the claim by Rifkin and Newman, NS (26 June 1999), 14; Science 284 (1999), 2067-9. The European Patent Office (EPO) has adopted new rules on patenting of biotechnological inventions, in line with the European Union directive, which allow patenting of transgenic plants and animals, and human genes of known function, Nature 400 (1999), 496. A book review of Ownership of the Human Body is NEJM 341 (1999), 132.

The US is extending life of patents to ensure a 17 year period after the patent is issued, Nature 400 (1999), 604. A dispute on ICSI transgenesis patenting is described in Nature 400 (1999), 601. A review guide for patenting plants is in NatBio 17 (1999), 717-9. An ethics paper is Tangwa, GB. "Globalisation or Westernization? Ethical concerns in the whole biobusiness", Bioethics 13 (1999), 218-26.

Hoffman-Roche has left 1% of Genentech stock in public hands, leaving the company with some independence, NatBio 17 (1999), 634. Chiron's licensing policy in hepatitis C virus is outlined in Science 285 (1999), 1015. On the public release of research data, Lancet 353 (1999), 2135; Science 285 (1999), 659. Japanese research in science is discussed in NatMed 5 (1998), 597; Nature 401 (1999), 3; Science 284 (1999), 1905; 285 (1999), 183; Lancet 353 (1999), 1992; and in the UK, BMJ 319 (1999), 206-7. The UK biotech industry has issued a draft code of practice to improve ethics, Nature 400 (1999), 198. On growth dynamics of universities, Nature 400 (1999), 433-6.

A general book is Russell, Claire & Russell, WMS, Population Crises and Population Cycles (Galton Institute, 1999, 124pp.). It looks at the crises in different parts of the world over history. The contraceptive pill began to be sold in Japan after many years of debate, Lancet 353 (1999), 2048. The risks of oral contraceptives are discussed in Brit.J.O&G 106 (1999), 695-9; BMJ 318 (199), 1579-84; 319 (1999), 386-7; SSM 49 (1999), 1139-55. Oral contraceptives and smoking are discussed in Am.J.O&G 181 (1999), S341-390. A book review of A Consumer's Guide to the pill and other drugs, is MJA 171 (1999), 209. Nearly half the forensic physicians in Turkey perform virginity examinations, despite beliefs that such examinations are inappropriate, JAMA 282 (1999), 485-90.

The results of focus groups in the USA found that while people believed a condom should be used, in practice it differed, SSM 49 (1999), 567-80. On the IUD, Am.J.O&G 181 (1999), 1-5. In the Philippines a colour clothing system is being used in a trial to prevent pregnancy, Lancet 354 (1999), 579. The women wear different coloured clothes depending on the day to show which times they are fertile or not, so husbands will know. Birth control is undertaken more underground, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 52-3. A study shows that menstrual cycle affects the face preference that women prefer in males, Nature 399 (1999), 741-2.

Informed consent for family planning is needed, and some abuses have been suggested among poor women in Mexico, Lancet 354 (1999), 419-20. A study on the affect of price an access to contraceptive use in Bangladesh is SSM 49 (1999), 1-15. The US Congress approved a US$25 million contribution to the UNFPA, Lancet 354 (1999), 406. On reproductive health in conflict, SSM 49 (1999), 155-71. Sexuality in Russia is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 801-14. A US survey found 71% of people said doctors would dismiss any concerns they mentioned about sexual problems, JAMA 281 (1999), 2173-4.

England has launched another campaign to lower teenage pregnancy rates, BMJ 318 (1999), 1646, 1713-4; Lancet 353 (1999), 2178. PCBs may decrease female sex drive, NS (7 August 1999), 16. When temperatures increase the ratio of boys to girls increases, NS (24 July 1999), 21. A Finnish study on the use of emergency contraception is BMJ 319 (1999), 91. A series of 6 papers on cutting woman's genitals is in Reproductive Health Matters 7 (1999), 112-44.

A discussion of pregnancy prosecutions and abortion is Reproductive Freedom News 8 (June 1999), 1-3. A comment on what the human embryo looks like and whether it matters is Lancet 354 (1999), 244-6. A study on the time of implantation and loss of pregnancy is discussed in NEJM 340 (1999), 1796-9. The risks of spontaneous abortion for life are discussed in O&G 94 (1999), 172-6. Most deaths related to abortion occur in the developing world, BMJ 319 (1999), 1509. The Canadian Supreme Court has ruled that it is wrong to allow children a right to sue their mothers while as a fetus, Lancet 354 (1999), 232. A US study has suggested that a fall in crime in the 1990s is due to the follow on impact of legalized abortion since 1973, that reduced birth among uneducated, teenage and single mothers, risks groups for children to commit crimes, Science 285 (1999), 1205.

A report in Spanish on human cloning is Committee of Experts on Bioethics and Cloning, Informe sobre clonacion. En las fronteras de la vida (Fundacion de Ciensias de la Salud, 1999, ISBN 84-89796-46-7, 1999, 413pp.). The Institute is a private group, and the study is a result of work since January 1998. The conclusion is available in English, and it includes that an absolute condemnation or approval of animal or human cloning should be avoided. While non-manipulation of the embryo is an ideal it cannot be elevated to the ranks of collective duty. The report considers also animal cloning, and has balanced conclusions presented with a thorough multidisciplinary analysis. A paper on cloning of humans is Gordijn, B. "Professional opinion. The cloning of human beings. The Dutch debate in an international context", Occasional paper Number 5 from the Centre for Professional Ethics, University of Central Lancashire, UK, 37pp. July 1999).

Papers on ethics of cloning include: CQHE 8 (1999), 364-8; Cohen, JR. "In God's garden. Creation and cloning in Jewish thought", HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 7-12; Lipschutz, JH. "To clone or not to clone - A Jewish perspective", JME 25 (1999), 105-7; Harris, J. "Human cloning and child welfare", JME 25 (1999), 108-13; Bioethics Research Notes 11 (June 1999), 1-2. A series of papers against human cloning are in GeneWatch 12 (August 1999), 1-9, 14-5. On human stem cells, GeneLetter 3 (Feb. 1999), 1-8.

A letter on the effects of somatic cloning is Lancet 354 (1999), 255. A photograph review of a show on identical twins is Lancet 354 (1999), 522. The deal between Roslin BioMed and Geron that made a major cloning company is discussed in NatMed 5 (1998), 595. The company Clonaid is still advertising for persons who wish to be cloned or for pets, Science 284 (1999), 2083. The UK government has confirmed it bans human reproductive cloning, BMJ 319 (1999), 8; Nature 400 (1999), 4; NS (3 July 1999), 3-4. The Council for Science and Technology in Japan has called for a ban on human cloning, and that embryo research up to 14 days should be regulated by guidelines, Nature 399 (1999), 724. On the US debate on stem cell research funding, recommended by the AAAS and NBAC, Nature 400 (1999), 301; 401 (1999), 8; Science 285 (1999), 502-3; SA (July 1999), 30-1. Catholics have boycotted the idea, Nature 400 (1999), 493. On the use of ES cells as a source of myelinating transplants, Science 285 (1999), 650-1, 754-6.

On ethics of preimplantation diagnosis, JME 25 (1999), 114-20. The Indian Medical Association and ICMR have asked doctors to stop performing sex selection, BMJ 319 (1999), 401. A book review of Gosen, L. Designing Babies (WH. Freeman 320pp., ISBN 0-716-73299-8, 1999) is in NatMed 5 (1998), 605-6. A call for men using IVF to screen for cystic fibrosis is made in BMJ 318 (1999), 1720.

An essay on the future of ART is Djerassi, C. �gSex in an age of mechanical reproduction�h, Science 285 (1999), 53-4. The use of ART could be expected to make some impact on the image of couples who use it, Daniels, KR. �gControversies in assisted reproduction and genetics. Does assisted reproduction make an impact on the identity and self-image of infertile couples?�h, J.Ass.Rep. & Genetics 16 (1999), 57-9. A series of 12 papers on living without children in different cultures are in Reproductive Health Matters 7 (1999), 7-102.

Letters on the selling of oocytes are in F&S 72 (1999), 182-4. Views of semen donors on anonymity are discussed in Daniels, KR. et al. �gThe views of semen donors regarding the Swedish Insemination Act 1984�h, Medical Law International 3 (1998), 117-34. People who provide gametes have social responsibility, Daniels, KR. �gThe social responsibility of gamete providers�h, J. Com. & Appl. Soc. Psychology 8 (1998), 261-71. A paper arguing against planned orphanhood is Landau, R. �gPlanned orphanhood�h, SSM 49 (1999), 185-96. A report on the use of stored semen found that only 2% of men returned to use sperm after their vasectomy, and 7% after chemotherapy/radiotherapy, Audrins, P. et al. �gSemen storage for special purposes at Monash IVF from 1977 to 1997�h, F&S 72 (1999), 179-81. The use of the term child versus an adult is discussed in Schapiro, T. �gWhat is a child?�h, Ethics 109 (1999), 715-38. The safety of ICSI is debated in BMJ 319 (1999), 52; Lancet 354 (1999), 611-2; NatMed 5 (1998), 593. On the use of blastocyst transfer, F&S 72 (1999), 216-20. Possible link between ovarian cancer and infertility is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 649; and for males, Dowsing, AT. et al. �gLinkage between male infertility and trinucleotide repeat expansion in the androgen-receptor gene�h, Lancet 354 (1999), 640-3, 611-2. IVF in Israel is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 2163. On infertility among squatter settlement women in Pakistan, SSM 49 (1999), 637-49. A book review of Molecular Biology in Reproductive Medicine is NEJM 341 (1999), 610-20.

The effects of herbs on sperm DNA are discussed in F&S 72 (1999), 378-81. A review is Goldberg, JM. & Falcome, T. �gEffect of diethylstilbestrol on reproductive function�h, F&S 72 (1999), 1-7. Infant growth after in utero exposure to zidovudine (se also AIDS section), is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 527-8. The safety of antidepressant use in pregnant women is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 222-3. DDT may be harmful for male fetuses, NS (26 June 1999), 15. On the fetal origins of adult disease, BMJ 319 (1999), 245-9. The effect of birthplace on breast cancers in Asian American women is thought to be negligible, but rather Asian American women use screening less, AJPH 89 (1999), 1248-52. Pregnancy does not increase mortality from breast cancer, BMJ 318 (1999), 1577; Cancer 85 (1999), 2424-32, 2301-5. On oxidative DNA damage, NatMed 5 (1998), 715. Stress should be avoided in all phases of life, NS (27 Feb. 1999), 26-31. Maternal nutrition affects are reviewed in BMJ 319 (1999), 339-43. The impact of a mass media campaign to take folic acid is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 291-2; and on the fall in births from spina bifida, BMJ 319 (1999), 92-3. Income also affects pregnancy, AJPH 89 (1999), 868-74; as does wartime famine, JAMA 282 (1999), 455-62, 479-81. On the assessment of prenatal abuse, AJPH 89 (1999), 1217-22. On maternal phenylketonuria, MJA 170 (1999), 592-5. The reasons why preterm infants die are surveyed in MJA 170 (1999), 528-32; and in Aboriginal communities in Canada, SSM 48 (1999), 1821-32. Survival can be at high cost to quality of life, Lancet 354 (1999), 4-5, 354-5. Predictors of low birthweight are reviewed in Brit.J.O&G 106 (1999), 834-41. Earlier discharge for newborns may increase health risks, BMJ 319 (1999), 469. On fetal surgery, JAMA 282 (1999), 287. Incubators placed in a Hungarian hospital have allowed babies to be abandoned more safely, BMJ 319 (1999), 214.The rights of pregnant women to refuse blood transfusions if Jehovah's Witness is discussed in JLME 27 (1999), 171-193. About 4000 children a year are born in water in the UK and the procedure has the same risks as normal, BMJ 319 (1999), 483-7, 524. Women's decisions about cesareans are discussed in MJA 170 (1999), 580-3; NEJM 341 (1999), 53-5. Psychological support in labour is needed, Brit.J.O&G 106 (1999), 617-9; BMJ 319 (1999), 381. Depression following earlier stillbirth is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 1721-4. On hormone replacement therapy, SSM 49 (1999), 469-81; JAMA 281 (1999), 2091-7, 2140-1; BMJ 318 (1999), 1645.

The DRD4 allele appears to be linked to addictive behaviour and compulsive behaviour, AJMG 88 (1999), 358-68. On alcoholism, AJMG 88 (1999), 383-97. A paper arguing that there is no association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and personality traits is AJMG 88 (1999), 430-6. A series of papers on X-linked mental retardation are in AJMG 85 (30 July 1999), 197-322. Schizophrenia genetics are discussed in AJMG 88 (1999), 291-3, 298-300, 311-23, 337-43, 348-57, 369-77, 407-10, 416-29; NEJM 341 (1999), 370-1. A single gene that causes familial British dementia has been found, BMJ 319 (1999), 74.The risk of dementia in Down syndrome is associated with ApoE genotype in a similar way to late onset Alzheimer's disease, AJMG 88 (1999), 344-7. On Alzheimer's disease, BMJ 319 (1999), 138-9; Time (2 August 1999), 53; and Parkinson's disease, BMJ 318 (1999), 1641-2. A series of papers on neurofibromatosis 1 are in AJMG 89 (26 March 1999), Seminars in Medical Genetics No. 1, 1-52. Polymorphism in high density lipoprotein paraoxonase gene is related to myocardial infarction, BMJ 319 (1999), 487-9. A gene has been linked to cardiac arrhythmia, Nature 400 (1999), 566+. On MHC and behaviour, Genetica 104 (1999), 189-273.The heparanase gene has been found which is related to cancer, NatMed 5 (1998), 735-6. A mutation for colorectal cancer predisposition is reported in JAMA 281 (1999), 2316-20. Also on cancer genetics, Nature 400 (1999), 29-30.Research on genetics of bone density is discussed in GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 1, 36, 48. The is association between ALOX5 promoter genotype and response to anti-asthma treatment, NatGen 22 (1999), 168-70. Tanger disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding ATP-binding cassette transporter 1, NatGen 22 (1999), 336-45, 347-51, 352-5. A 2.5% carrier rate has been detected for GJB2 mutations causing inherited deafness, JAMA 281 (1999), 2211-6. The antibiotic gentamicin may help ease muscular dystrophy by allowing the protein synthesis mechanism to ignore the mutant stop codon, NS (14 August. 1999). Environmental determination of a sexually selected trait is discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 358-9.

A paper that concludes there is no general predictors for severity from the triple test is Tanski, S. et al. "Predictive value of the Triple screening test for the phenotype of Down syndrome", AJMG 85 (1999), 123-6. Urine protein testing is reported in O&G 94 (1999), 107-11;; and ultrasound in O&G 94 (1999), 29-33. An integrated testing system is proposed in the UK, Lancet 354 (1999), 655. On maternal age standardisation, Lancet 354 (1999), 529-30.The question of whether routine breast cancer screening really reduces risks is HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 6. Some CF mutations may be missed by routine testing, JAMA 281 (1999), 2217-24. A CF modifier locus has been found, NatGen 22 (1999), 128-9. On Fragile X syndrome, MJA 170 (1999), 624; JMG 36 (1999), 467-70. There is a noninvasive test using hair root analysis, AJHG 65 (1999), 98-103. Breast cancer diagnosis using hair is reported in Nature 400 (1999), 226. Mitochondrial DNA nucleotide 8993 may be useful for screening, AJHG 65 (1999), 474-82.On use of multiplex FISH, AJHG 65 (1999), 448-62. DNA software is reviewed in Science 285 (1999), 355-6. Italy announced that neonatal screening for hypothoriodism and PKU will be compulsory, Lancet 354 (1999), 577; also MJA 170 (1999), 573-4. The emergence of genetics as a speciality in the UK is described in SSM 49 (1999), 1227-38. On prostrate cancer testing, MJA 171 (1999), 185-8; and lung cancer screening, Lancet 354 (1999), 86. Medicolegal activity in O&G ultrasound is reviewed in MJA 171 (1999), 147-50. Mice studies have raised questions on the safety of ultrasound, NS (12 June 1999), 23.DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy There continues to be much discussion of the Icelandic genetic database, Gulcher, J. & Stefansson, K. "An Icelandic saga on a centralized healthcare database and democratic decision making", NatBio 17 (1999), 620; Chadwick, R. "The Icelandic database - do modern times need modern sagas? ", BMJ 319 (1999), 441-4; BMJ 318 (1999), 1565; Nature 400 (1999), 307-8. Sweden has set standards for use of genetic biobanks, Nature 400 (1999), 3. Also on the general topic, Fuller, BP. et al. "Privacy in genetics research", Science 285 (1999), 1359-61; Boetzkes, E. "Genetic knowledge and third-party interests", CQHE 8 (1999), 386-92. The future of insurance in the genetics age is questioned in Splice 5 (July/August 1999), 4-5, 13; BMJ 319 (1999), 271. A series of 10 papers on electronic medical information: Privacy, liability and quality issues, is in AJLM 25 (No. 2&3, 1999), 191-422. On ethics, Sommerville, A. "Genetic privacy: Orthodoxy or oxymoron?", JME 25 (1999), 144-50. The UK Human Genetics Advisory Commission has recommended that genetic tests could be useful in employment when the safety of the public is at stake, and possibly when some work environment places them at risk if it cannot be changed, NS (24 July 1999), 24. Germany has called for limits on the use of gene data by insurance companies.Access to medical records is discussed in MJA 170 (1999), 343-4; BMJ 319 (1999), 372-5. Doctors who sell prescription data to companies are breaching confidentiality, BMJ 318 (1999), 1505. Questions on whether to allow access to deceased presidential DNA are raised in NatMed 5 (1998), 859.DNA forensics is also being applied to counter illegal poaching of animals, NatBio 17 (1999), 649-51. DNA fingerprinting can proof innocence of alleged criminals, Time (13 Sept. 1999), 30-2.Ethics & Genetic Screening A software review of an educational CD-ROM "Counseling by Computer: Breast Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing" (University of Wisconsin - Madison 1998) is in AJMG 86 (1999), 93-4. There needs to be good quality counseling, Harris, R. et al. "National confidential enquiry into counseling for genetic disorders by non-geneticists: general recommendations and specific standards for improving care", Brit.J.O&G 106 (1999), 658-63. On informed consent, Goldworth, A. "Informed consent in the genetic age", CQHE 8 (1999), 386-400; Takala, T. "The right to genetic ignorance confirmed", Bioethics 13 (1999), 288-93; Anderson, G. "Nondirectiveness in prenatal genetics: Patients read between the lines", Nursing Ethics 6 (1999), 126-36; Wilcke, JTR. et al. "Transmitting genetic risk information in families: Attitudes about disclosing the identity of relatives", AJHG 65 (1999), 902-9; Markens, S. et al. "Because of the risks: how US pregnant women account for refusing prenatal screening", SSM 49 (1999), 359-69; Biesecker, BB. & Marteau, TM. "The future of genetic counseling: an international perspective", NatGen 22 (1999), 133-7; Nature 401 (1999), 15-6.

Negative impacts from results were not shown in Senior, V. et al. "Will genetic testing for predisposition for disease result in fatalism? A qualitative study of parents responses to neonatal screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia", SSM 48 (1999), 1857-60. The results may not be clear, as in, Syngal, S. et al. "Interpretation of genetic test results for hereditary nonpoluposis colorectal cancer", JAMA 282 (1999), 247-53. On community interaction, JME 25 (1999), 335-9. On psychosocial evaluation of children testing, JMG 36 (1999), 615-20. Counseling for breast cancer is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 2176-7.

A new book is Ole Doering (ed.) Chinese Scientists and Responsibility: Ethical issues of Human Genetics in Chinese and International Contexts, Mitteilungen des Instituts fur Asienkunde No. 314, Hamburg, 1999, 257 pp. ISBN 3889102271; 38,- DM).

Papers on the theme of racism and science in French are in Les Cahiers No. 20 (July 1999), 3-42. Ethical issues in eugenics are discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (1999), 383-94; GeneWatch 12 (June 1999), 1-10; BMJ 319 (1999), 435-8. Euphenics is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 1488-9. Nazi research on cancer was considered advanced, NEJM 340 (1998), 1931; 341 (1999), 380-1; NS (19 June 1999), 48-50. Papers on disability are in BMJ 319 (1999), 756-64; Lancet 354 (1999), 87-8, 111-5, 693. On adverse effects of being a carrier, Lancet 353 (1999), 2246-7.

A paper has found a way to enhance memory, Tang YP. et al. "Genetic enhancement of learning and memory in mice", Nature 400 (1999), 63-9; pp. 25-7; Time (13 Sept. 1999), 44-50. A discussion of genes for high intelligence and the X-chromosome is AJMG 85 (1999), 206-8; Time (13 Sept. 1999), 52. An ethical analysis is Newson, A. & Williamson, R. "Should we undertake genetic research on intelligence?", Bioethics 13 (1999), 327-42. Early onset psychiatric disease screening is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 1622-3; 319 (1999), 210. People who are very sensitive to pain may be able to blame their genes, BMJ 319 (1999), 277. Behaviour and genes is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 37-40. On music, AJHG 65 (1999), 911-3; Nature 399 (1999), 746. The study of dead brains may aid some studies, NS (26 June 1999), 3. The origins of violence are discussed in Nature 400 (1999), 728-9. Genetic testing for beryllium is debated in Science 285 (1999), 178-9. Zygosity alters the metabolic profile of twins, BMJ 319 (1999), 151-4. Homosexuality is discussed in NS (7 August 1999), 3.

On the ethics of germ-line gene therapy, CQHE 8 (1999), 369-74. A book review of Walters, L. & Palmer, JG. The Ethics of Gene Therapy (Oxford University Press 1997, 209pp.) is in HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 43. Enhancement is discussed in Holtug, N. "Does justice require genetic enhancements?", JME 25 (1999), 137-43. The RAC is still involved in gene therapy regulation and policy although not legally required, Science 284 (1999), 2066; Nature 400 (1999), 4.

Results of gene therapy with p53 to lung cancer found promising results in half the patients, Science News 15 (1999), 310; J. Natl. Cancer Institute (5 May 1999). The use of nitric oxide gene therapy is discussed in GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 23, 43. Green fluorescent protein is one marker of transfer, NatMed 5 (1998), 843-7. Cancer therapy using a self-replicating RNA vaccine is reported in NatMed 5 (1998), 823-7. Induction of the p16 senescence gene is a new therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis, NatMed 5 (1998), 731-2, 760-7. Prolonged therapy using direct plasmid gene delivery can work, NatMed 5 (1998), 707-10, 753-9. Murine erythropoietic protoporphyria photosensitivity can be cured by preselective gene therapy, NatMed 5 (1998), 768-73. The effect of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer for organ transplants is reported in Transplantation Proceedings 31 (1999), 1944-5. However, adenoviral vectors can be unstable in transport, NatMed 5 (1998), 955-7. On lentiviral vectors, Science 285 (1999), 674-6. Gene therapy and tissue engineering can speed up bone regeneration, NatMed 5 (1998), 733-4. Slow release DNA from a matrix may work, NatBio 17 (1999), 551+; NS (5 June 1999), 7. A general book review is NatMed 5 (1998), 728-9; Science 285 (1999), 1215-6; and for rare diseases, NatGen 22 (1999), 313-4. On repair of the genomes mistakes, Science 285 (1999), 316-9; NS (21 August 1999), 42-45.

A paper on the HGDP is Dodson, M. & Williamson, R. "Indigenous peoples and the morality of the human genome diversity project", JME 25 (1999), 204-8. Several papers on ethical issues in anthropology and archaeology are in Science and Engineering Ethics 5 (July 1999), 307-374.

A book review on the ethics of the genome project is in HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 40-2. A retrospective view on the ELSI projects of the US DOE is onlineat the doe site. The Shattuck lecture is Collins, FS. "Medical and societal consequences of the Human Genome Project", NEJM 341 (1999), 28-37.

Japan has double genome project funds over 5 years, Nature 400 (1999), 389. A French report has called for more genetics research, Nature 400 (1999), 199. The Wellcome Trust proposal to develop the Hinxton, Camridgeshire site with biotech companies has been rejected with the verdict that new companies should be in the areas science parks not in the countryside, Nature 400 (1999), 803. In the US commercial firms have won government sequencing funds, Science 285 (1999), 310. A discussion of how Celera's strategy may make money is in Science 284 (1999), 1906-9. Pharmacogenomics is discussed in GEN 19 (15 June 1999), 17, 19, 21, 22, 34, 49.

In general on psychopharmacogenetics, AJHG 65 (1999), 606-10; and drugs from the genome, Science 285 (1999), 998-1001.

Less than 3 months after the start of the SNP Consortium, more than 1400 SNPs have been identified in 181 genes thought to influence disease susceptibility, NatGen 22 (1999), 231-8; 239-47; Lancet 354 (1999), 49; Science 285 (1999), 21. SNP ancestral alleles are being detected by oligonucleotide arrays, NatGen 22 (1999), 164+. On the use of arrays, NatGen 22 (1999), 211-2. The prospects for whole-genome linkage disequilibrium mapping of common disease genes is reviewed in NatGen 22 (1999), 139+. Sequencing technology using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) is discussed in PNAS 96 (1999), 9739-44. Japan is launching a national SNP program based on at least 50 Japanese persons�f DNA, Nature 400 (1999), 6.

There is stiff competition over the completion of the Drosophila genome project this year, Nature 400 (1999), 699. The complete sequence of chromosome 3 of Plasmodium falciparum has been released, Nature 400 (1999), 532-8. The malarial mosquito is being targetted also, Science 285 (1999), 508-9. The Dictyostelium genome project is reviewed in TIG 15 (1999), 294-7. What we can learn from slime mould for disease is discussed in AJHG 65 (1999), 25-30. The question why organelles have retained geomes is discussed in TIG 15 (1999), 364-70. A YAC-based physical map of the mouse genome is in NatGen 22 (1999), 388-93. A radiation hybrid map of the mouse genome is reported in NatGen 22 (1999), 384-7. A zA map for sequence analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana genome is in NatGen 22 (1999), 265-70. Functional characterization of the S. cerevisiae genome by gene deletion and parallel analysis is reported in Science 285 (1999), 901-6. Informatics is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 1226-8. Radiation hybrid mapping of the zebra fish genome is reported in PNAS 96 (1999), 9745-50. On the anniversary of the discovery of the genetic code, Nature 401 (1999), 19.

Genomes have revealed kinship between hippos and whales, Science 284 (1999), 2081. On evolutionary genetics, Science 285 (1999), 192-3. Neanderthal/Homo sapien connections have been reexamined, NS (19 June 1999), 42-6; Science 285 (1999), 31-3. On human evolution, SA (August 1999), 13-4; Nature 400 (1999), 219-20; Science 285 (1999), 199, 1335-6. Prehistoric bacteria have been revived from buried salt, Science News 155 (1999), 373.

Doctor and nurses should work together, BMJ 319 (1999), 463-4. There are ethical issues in clinical role conflicts, JAMA 282 (1999), 132-3. The UK NHS ombudsman will name doctors who do not accept the rulings or remove patients from their lists, BMJ 318 (1999), 1718. The UK has published hospital performance data, BMJ 318 (1999), 1715.

Iceland has been criticized for setting up a bioethics committee whose members are exclusively selected by government departments, Nature 400 (1999), 602. Ethics review in Australia is assessed in MJA 171 (1999), 38-9, 51-3. A paper on policy is Macer, D. "Bioethics: a challenge for scientists and for public policy", Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 43 (1999), 1-4. A UK mother failed to win the right to control treatment for her son, BMJ 319 (1999), 278. On decision-making in physician-patient encounters, SSM 49 (1999), 449-57, 651-61; SSM 49 (1999), 437-47.

A discussion of justice is Can.J.Phil. 29 (1999), 75-108; a legitmate state, Phil. & Public Affairs 28 (1999), 3-45. Discounting of human lives is reviewed in Columbia Law Review 99 (1999), 941-1016. Friendship, family and the ethical community is discussed in The Philosophical Forum 29 (1997), 300+; SSM 49 (1999), 173-84. In general on medicine, NatMed 5 (1998), 865. On how to manage those who deliberately self-harm is BMJ 319 (1999), 107-9.

Five papers on the history of bioethics in medical ethics are in KIEJ 9 (March 1999), 1-107. It includes a bibliography of writing about Andre Helegers. See also a book review in HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 42-3. A book from Turkey which is on bioethics is Erdemir, Aysegul D., Lectures in medical history and medical ethics (Nobel Tip Kitabevleri Limited (Millet Cad. No. 111, Capa-Istanbul, Turkey), 1995, 175pp.). A paper review of Bioethics is Love of Life by G. Tanngwa, that appeared also in EJAIB earlier this year, is in IAB News No. 9 (Summer 1999), 4-6.

A series of 6 papers on bioethics in Asia are in the Journal of Medical Ethics 25 (August 1999), 293-324. These include, Macer, D. "Bioethics in and from Asia", pp. 293-5; Akabayashi A, et al. "Family consent, communication, and advance directives for cancer disclosure: A Japanese case and discussion", pp. 296-301; Asai A. et al. "Survey of Japanese physicians�f attitudes towards the care of adult patients in persistent vegetative state", pp. 302-8; Liu JM. "The status of the do-not-resuscitate order in Chinese clinical trial patients in a cancer center", pp. 309-14; Tsai DF-C. "Ancient Chinese medical ethics and the four principles of biomedical ethics", pp. 315-21. On 30 June 1999 the Tokyo District Court awarded 510 million yen in damages to a group of 61 women who had ther ovaries removed by needless surgery, Lancet 354 (1999), 140. On ethics of surgery without doing anything, NS (7 August 1999), 18-9.

A paper questioning whether there is an Asian bioethics is de Castro, L., "Is there an Asian bioethics?", Bioethics 13 (1999), 227-35. A paper looking at global bioethics is Sakamoto, H. "Towards a new 'global bioethics'", Bioethics 13 (1999), 191-7. On Chinese medical ethics, Bioethics Examiner 3 (Summer 1999), 1-2, 5. The ethics of amputations under Sharia, Islamic, law are discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 445-7.An article suggesting similarities to paganism and polytheism inMaimonides' philosophy of medicine is:Leavitt FJ. The idea of nature in Maimonides' philosophy of medicine:Jewish or Greek? KOROT: The Israel Journal of the History of Medicine andScience 13 (1998-1999), 102-121.

On autonomy, Gross, ML. "Autonomy and paternalism in Communitarian Society. Patient rights in Israel", HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 13-20. Research ethics on mentally ill persons is discussed in BME 149 (1999), 13-20. Consent is discussed in Bridge, C. "Religious beliefs and teenage refusal of medical treatment", Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 585-94; Hipshman, L. "Attitudes towards informed consent, confidentiality, and substitute treatment decisions in southern African medical students: a case study from Zimbabwe", SSM 49 (1999), 313-28; Lancet 354 (1999), 518; JAMA 282 (1999), 283-4; O&G 94 (1999), 142-3. A 15 year old girl in the UK was forced to undergo a heart transplant by the High Court against her will, but with parents consent, BMJ 319 (1999), 209. Anesthetists do not need separate consent before surgery, BMJ 319 (1999), 142. The FDA is discussing how much drug-related risk should be conveyed to patients, JAMA 282 (1999), 515.

A book review on Health Care Ethics is JAMA 282 (1999), 593-4. Letters on Tuskegee as a metaphor are in Science 285 (1999), 47-50. The use of chaperones is surveyed in the UK in BMJ 319 (1999), 159-60. Informed consent in schizophrenia research is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 2273-4; and in clinical trials, NEJM 341 (1999), 448-50. On mental health, BMJ 319 (1999), 254, 326. Race and referrals for catheterization are linked, NEJM 341 (1999), 285-7, 279-83. Clinical trial ethics are discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 691-3; JAMA 282 (1999), 516-7.

A paper on biopolitics is Vlavianos-Arvanitis, A. "Biopolitics - the bioenvironment. Biocentric ethics in the next millennium", Law and the Human Genome Review No. 10 (1999), 209-231. Bioethics in general is discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 284-5. The July 1999 issue of Bioethics 13 (1999), 183-368; includes 19 papers from many hundred at IAB4. The abstracts of all papers from TRT4/FAB2/IAB4 are on-line at the Eubios Ethics Institute site. Recent work in feminist ethics is reviewed in Ethics 109 (1999) 858-93. On women rights, Modern Law Review 62 (1999), 614-6; Nature 399 (1999), 747-8. A report from the debate on women's health and genetics from the UNESCO IBC 5^th session is in BME 149 (1999), 21-23. The Proceedings of the 5^th session of UNESCO IBC held in December 1998 are available from UNESCO, in two volumes in A5 size. Gender and race are discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 583-9.

On bioethics education in Africa, SSM 49 (1999), 313-28. In general on medical ethics education, SSM 49 (1999), 329-42; AJPH 89 (1999), 1256-61. The question of whether a new word is needed for patients is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 1756-8. On learning ethics, Damon, W. "The moral development of children", SA (August 1999), 72-8. On bullying, BMJ 319 (1999), 344-8, 348-51.

The revision of WMA guidelines is discussed in BME 149 (1999), 1-2; NatMed 5 (1998), 598; and there are numerous comments on Revising the Declaration of Helsinki in BME 150 (August 1999), 1-44. Ethics of research in developing countries is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 343; BMJ 319 (1999), 438-41. A book including 59 codes of ethics is the 4^th edition of Codes of Professional Responsibility: Ethics Standards in Business, Health and Law (BNA Books, 1999). Duke University had its NIH license to conduct human research suspended for several days because of ethical issues, NatMed 5 (1998), 591. On protecting child patients, FDA Consumer (May 1999), 23-8. There has been a change in the power of attorney law in the UK, BMJ 319 (1999), 211. The US Senate has passed a patient's bill of rights, Lancet 354 (1999), 316. On the GMC, BMJ 318 (1999), 1510.

On the use of science in courtrooms, HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 26-7; Lancet 353 (1999), 2076; NS (3 July 1999), 18-9. On medical malpractice and patient complaints, MJA 170 (1999), 404-5, 576-7, 598-602; 171 (1999), 8-9; Lancet 354 (1999), 685; BMJ 318 (1999), 1439, 1567-8, 1596-9, 1719; JAMA 281 (1999), 2176. Italian doctors have defended themselves against two recent cases, Lancet 354 (1999), 495. The Bristol trust has admitted liability in one of the baby heart surgery cases, BMJ 319 (1999), 213; and there is another inquiry started, Lancet 354 (1999), 489.

Human rights codes for multinationals are assessed in Oxford J. Legal Studies 19 (1999), 167+. The legacy of the late Jonathan Mann in a book he edited is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 81. Medicine and international humanitarian law is discussed in BMJ 319 (1999), 393-4.

Conflicts of interests in advertising policies for journals are discussed in JLME 27 (1999), 113-25. In general on conflicts, NatMed 5 (1998), 713. Business ethics is discussed in Ethics & Society Newsletter 7 (1999), 1, 10-16. On whistleblowing, Ethics & Society Newsletter 7 (1999), 2-10; and the UK has introduced a law to protect them, BMJ 319 (1999), 7. Kansas has outlawed evolution teaching, Nature 400 (1999), 701, 810; Science 285 (1999), 1186; NS (21 August 1999), 4; SA (August 1998), 92-4. Science and religion in America are discussed in SA (Sept. 1998), 88-93; Nature 400 (1999), 830-1.

Peer review is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 265. The editor of NEJM has bee dismissed, Lancet 354 (1999), 358; BMJ 319 (1999), 272; NEJM 341 (1999), 752; and on AMA independence from JAMA, JAMA 281 (1999), 2344-6. Dishonesty in Nordic science is reported in, Lancet 354 (1999), 7-8, 57-61, 601. A German case is reported in BMJ 319 (1999), 274. In general on fraud, NS (3 July 1999), 38-41; Science 285 (1999), 23-5. Authorship is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 136. On good science, Nature 400 (1999), 721. See also the UNESCO/ICSU World Conference on Science Declarations (on www). Public access to data is discussed in Science 285 (1999), 535-6.

Physician assisted suicide can be considered as promoting autonomy or medicalizing suicide, and a paper on the ethical issues is HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 30-6; with a comment that the Oregon report is basically do not ask and do not tell about it, HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 37-42; BMJ 318 (1999), 1491. On euthanasia in the Netherlands, MJA 170 (1999), 351-2, 360-3. The Netheralnds has published a plan to legalise euthanasia, instead of the current legal pardons, BMJ 319 (1999), 467.

A report from a symposium on voluntary euthanasia is Monash Bioethics Review 18 (July 1999), 17-40. Also on voluntary euthanasia, JME 25 (1999), 16-21, 22-4; Nursing Ethics 6 (1999), 107-17; BMJ 319 (1999), 1431-3. There are Internet sites which may encourage suicide and euthanasia, BMJ 319 (1999), 337. Psychologists have difficulty to deal with requests, Lancet 353 (1999), 2133. The ability to complete advance directives requires competence, Lancet 354 (1999), 48; BMJ 319 (1999), 75.

BMA guidance on withdrawing life-prolonging treatment is in BME 149 (1999), 9-11, 306-8; Lancet 354 (1999), 55; BMJ 318 (1999), 1717; 319 (1999), 1709-10. Natural death is discussed in SSM 49 (1999), 691-704. On ethics in Japan, Nakata, Y. et al. "Serving the emperor without asking: Critical care ethics in Japan", J.Med. Phil. 23 (1998), 605-15. On the diversity in critical care ethics, J.Med. Phil. 23 (1998), 643-51. Patients perceptions of intensive care are varied, Lancet 354 (1999), 571-2; and depend upon ethnicity, Blackhall, LJ. et al. "Ethnicity and attitudes towards life sustaining technology", SSM 49 (1999), 1779-89. Newborn treatment is discussed in JAMA 281 (1999), 1991; 2041-2.

A series of 8 papers on the theme Organ Transplantation: Shaping Policy and Keeping Public Trust, is in CQHE 8 (1999), 269-350. A paper that argues economics is driving organ transplants in China and Japan against the public will is Becker, C. "Money talks, money kills - The Economics of transplantation in Japan and China", Bioethics 13 (1999), 236-43. A report from the media coverage of transplants in Japan from brain dead patients is Lancet 354 (1999), 229. On health economics, JAMA 282 (1999), 2146-7. On transplants and definition of death, JLME 27 (1999), 126-36. Discontinuation of ventilation after brain stem death is debated in BMJ 319 (1999), 1753-5.

Xenotransplants are discussed in Clark, MA. "This little piggy went to market: The xenotransplantation and xenozoonose debate", JLME 27 (1999), 137-52; with commentary on pp. 153-7. An Internet site is being hosted by WHO, NatMed 5 (1998), 595. France has advised caution, Nature 400 (1999), 204. An FDA subcommittee has found no evidence of PERV transmission, Paradis, K. et al. "Search for cross-species transmission of procine endogenous retrovirus in patients treated with living pig tissue", Science 284 (1999), 1236-41; 285 (1999), 1221-2; NatMed 5 (1998), 855. A US advocacy group is trying to outlaw them, Nature 400 (1999), 603. On cellular xenotransplantation, NatMed 5 (1998), 852.

The UK doctor and patient groups do not want family veto over donors of organs, Lancet 354 (1999), 230; BMJ 319 (1999), 141. On presumed consent, BMJ 318 (1999), 1490-1. The US IOM has called for a more equitable organ allocation policy, Nature 400 (1999), 396; Lancet 354 (1999), 405. The organ donor index is being used in Australia, MJA 170 (1999), 463-4, 479-81. The donation of US$300 to organ donor funeral costs in Pennslyvania is discussed in Lancet 353 (1999), 2085; 354 (1999), 685-6. On liver transplants, Gastroenterology 117 (1999), 619-25; and there have been 159 patients from Japan obtain livers in 181 transplant operations overseas, Transplantation Proceedings 31 (1999), 1950-2, 1953-4. Approximately 600 kidney and 115 liver transplants are performed annually, and 70% of kidneys are from living donors, and basically all liver transplants. The issue of living donors is discussed in BMJ 318 (1999), 1553. On life expectancy of bone marrow transplants, NEJM 341 (1999), 14-21, 50-1. On kidney transplants, JAMA 282 (1999), 691-4. A new drug has blocked kidney rejection in monkeys, Science 284 (1999), 1594-5.

The use of neurons to control movement of a robot arm is shown in Nature Neuroscience 2 (1999), 583-4, 664-70. Tissue engineering is discussed in Science 284 (1999), 1621-2. The ethics of hand transplants are discussed in Dispatches 9 (No. 2 1999), 1-5. On the use of cloning as a source of tissue, JME 25 (1999), 87-95. The idea of test tube kidneys is being explored, Science 284 (1999), 1952. Artificial implants are discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 576. On graft tolerance, NatMed 5 (1998), 616-7. On blood, JAMA 282 (1999), 797-8.

The engineering of neurons for Parkinson's disease is reported in Wagner, J. et al. "Induction of a midbrain dopaminergic phenotype in Nurr1-overexpressing neural stem cells by type 1 astrocytes", NatBio 17 (1999), 653-9; 635-6; BMJ 318 (1999), 1575. Corneal epithelial stem cells are also in trials, NEJM 340 (1999), 1697-703, 1752-3; 341 (1999), 605-7. On prospects to repair the damaged spinal cord, SA (Sept. 1999), 64-73; NS (5 June 1999), 4.

On the ethics of cost-effectiveness analysis in medicine, HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 7-15; JAMA 282 (1999), 171-4. Also on ethics of health policy, HCR 29 (May-June 1999), 16-23. On priorities in the Caribbean see HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 23-7. Health care dilemmas in small communities are discussed in HCR 29 (July-August 1999), 28-37. Ethical issues in serving the poor are discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 167-8, 259-60; BMJ 319 (1999), 144, 277, 319, 454-5; JAMA 281 (1999), 2035-40, 282 (1999), 96-7; Bulletin WHO 77 (1999), 537-43; Nature 400 (1999), 521-2; Ethics & International Affairs 13 (1999), 143-50; AJPH 89 (1999), 893-8, 1003-8; SSM 49 (1999), 371-82; MJA 170 (1999), 295-6; NEJM 341 (1999), 58-61. Ethics in indigenous health research is discussed in MJA 170 (1999), 433-6; SSM 49 (1999), 1035-50. On use of dialysis, and organ transplants and age, Lancet 354 (1999), 467-70; SSM 49 (1999), 1169-82; BMJ 318 (1999), 1619; 319 (1999), 309-12.