Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 13 (2003), 114-122.
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+) is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html
The ways to use the
genome sequence of rice to
increase production are discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 796-8. Homologous recombination and gene
targeting in rice is described in NatBio 20 (2002), 1030-4. The
future of fruit genome projects is
discussed in NatMed. 9 (2003),
250. A review of genetic improvements in major US crops is Agricultural
Economics 28 (2003), 109-19. The
genome sequence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 129-31. Methods to make transgenic crops
nontransgenic are reviewed in NatBio
20 (2002), 215-6. The use of genomic knowledge in better transgenic plant
design is reviewed in Science 300
(2003), 61-2.
A paper looking at
farmers and language across the
globe is Diamond, J. & Bellwood, P., "Farmers and Their Languages: The
first expansions", Science
300 (2003), 597-603. The first recorded plant virus disease in Japan from a
thousand years ago is reproduced in Nature 422 (2003), 831. Ways to
fight famine by ancestral agriculture are discussed in Environmental health
Perspectives 110 (2002), A235. A book
review of Biological Warfare Against Crops is NatBio 20 (2002), 656.
Improvement of salt
tolerance by overexpression of a
plasma membrane sodium aniporter gene is described in NatBio 21 (2003), 81-5. A transgene-based embryo-specific
lethality system for insect pest management is reported in NatBio 21 (2003), 64-70. Modification of the starch content
and yield by altering the adenylate pools in plants is reported in NatBio 20 (2002), 1256-60. Freeze-thaw stable potato starch
has been made, NatBio 20
(2002), 295-9.Boosting production of
heterologous proteins in bean seeds is described in NatBio 20 (2002), 1265-8. Altering the polyamine
accumulation in tomato enhances
the juice quality and vine life, NatBio 20 (2002), 613-8, 558-60. Trees with modified lignification have altered pulping performance, NatBio 20 (2002), 607-11, 557-8. Gene discovery in forestry
is discussed in NZ BioScience (Feb
2003), 5+. On altered grapes for wine, NatBio 20 (2002), 565.
Genetic Engineering of Animals
The euthanasia of Dolly at age 6 years is discussed in AIBA Newslink 6 (April 2003), 5-6; Lancet 361 (2003), 711; NS (22 Feb. 2003), 5; Nature 421 (2003), 776. The stuffed Dolly skin is in the
National museum of Scotland, Nature
422 (2003), 654. A rare bovine from Java called a banteng has been cloned, Science 300 (2003), 421. There may be fundamental chromosomal
problems in cloning primates, Science
300 (2003), 225-6. Cloned cats can vary in physical and behavioural traits, SA (April 2003), 14; NatBio 20 (2002), 328. On variation in clones, NS (26 April 2003), 5; NatBio 20 (2002), 455-9. Health problems are discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 13-4, 35. Cloning of zebrafish is reported in NatBio 20 (2002), 785-7, 795-9. On epigenetics and nuclear
transfer, Lancet 361 (2003), 1243.
A naturally occurring crayfish that can clone itself, reproducing
parthenogenetically has appeared in Germany, NS (22 Feb. 2003), 8.
Human therapeutic proteins can be produced in silkworms, NatBio 21 (2003), 34-5, 52-6. Production of stronger silk is
possible, NatBio 20 (2002), 989.
Producing factor IX in mice is reported in NatBio 20 (2002), 1124-8; and on lactoferrin in transgenic cows, NatBio 20 (2002), 484-7. Cloned cattle carrying an
artificial chromosome for human immunoglobulin genes are one way to make
antibodies, NatBio 20 (2002),
881-3, 889-94. US regulation of transgenic animals is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 959.
Transgenic mice models for cancer are reviewed in Science 299 (2003), 1972-4; see also pp. 1578-81. A web site
on mice models is emice.nci.nih.gov. The induction of tumours in mice by
genomic hypomethylation is reported in Science 300 (2003), 489-92. Repair of multiple sclerosis in
an animal model is reported in Nature
422 (2003), 671-2, 688-94. Protection against entries salmonellosis has been reported in transgenic mice expressing a
human intestinal defensin, Nature
422 (2003), 522-6. A mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome is used
in JAMA 289 (2003), 2104-12, 2133.
How the environment of mice alters them, Science 299 (2003), 1313-4. Clinical research using in vitro
human models is discussed in Bioforum International (Feb. 2003), 16-9.
Designer Molecules
Synthetic DNA is
described in Science 300 (2003),
242. Synthetic silk is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 239-40. Repair for diseases involving chaperones is
discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),
1194-5. Nanoengineers may include some DNA to stop molecules sticking, NS (12 April 2003), 19. Tools to make nanorobots are
discussed in NS (15 March 2003),
50-1. Designing antibodies is discussed in Scrip Magazine (April 2003), 26-7; NatBio 20 (2002), 1189-90. Computer design of proteins with
new functions is developing, Nature
423 (2003), 185-90. Cell based therapy is developing, NatBio 20 (2002), 339-43. Diagnostic molecules are discussed
in Science 300 (2003), 236-9.
Improvements in biomanufacturing are discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 777-9.
Biotechnology & the Public
ISO is considering
making an ISO standard for social responsibility, EST 37 (2003), 171-2A. The risks of technology and the
loss of the space shuttle Columbia are discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 936-7; NS (19 April 2003), 11; SA (April 2003), 8-9. The safety of nanotech is
discussed in NS (29 March 2003),
14-5. Attitudes towards science in Croatian students are surveyed in Croatian
Medical J. 44 (2003), 75-9.
Technology may help us reduce our impact on the planet, Nature 423 (2003), 115. A book review on Risk and Reason is Nature
422 (2003), 263. A book review of Fabulous Science is Nature
422 (2003), 19-20. On the gap between science and humanities, Nature 422 (2003), 810-1.
Discussion of the
follow-up to the New Zealand Royal
Commission on Genetic Modification, and the formation of the Bioethics Council,
are in ERMA Perspective 18 (March
2003), 6-7. Agbiotech issues are becoming more important in US politics, NatBio 20 (2002), 1179-80; CMAJ 167 (2003), 289. Reflections on the history of debate
over biotechnology are in Biotechnology & Development Monitor 50 (March 2003), 2-4. The responsibilities of Japan in biotechnology are discussed in: Macer, DRJ. and Bhardwaj, M. (2003) "How well does
Japan meet its challenges and responsibilities in biotechnology and development
for Asia?", Asian Biotechnology and Development Review 5 (2): 23-36. On biotechnology and development there are
also papers in that issue, Asian Biotechnology and Development Review 5 (2): 1-70. Also on genetics, Macer, DRJ. (2003) "Genetic engineering: Cross species and cross cultural
perspectives", pp. 159-80 in Dialog der Kulturen , ed. S. Fritsch-Oppermann (Evangelische Akademie
Loccum, 2003).
The images of DNA as a
symbol are discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 380; Science 300 (2003), 255-6; NEJM 348 (2003), 1712-4. Also on the 50th Anniversary of
the Watson and Crick paper, see the HGP section below. The use of genetics in
society is discussed in NEJM 348
(2003), 1825-6; JME 29 (2003),
59-62. Evolution as a secular
religion is discussed in Science
299 (2003), 1523-4; and on fundamentalism, SA (April 2003), 17. On Islamic science, NS (26 April 2003), 27; Nature
422 (2003), 101-2.
A paper on the
precautionary principle is Environmental Ethics 24 (2003), 263+. Fears of GM food in Africa are
discussed in NatBio 20 (2002),
957. The UK will debate the future
of GM food in May 2003, AgraFood Biotech 99 (4 March 2003), 1-2; BMJ
326 (2003), 732. A summary of the results of the 2002 Eurobarometer poll is in AgraFood Biotech 101 (1 April 2003), 7-8. In the UK 75% of persons now
support GM crops, up from 63% in 1999. For comparisons to Japan see the paper
by Inaba and Macer in EJAIB (May
2003). Also on the public understanding of biotechnology, Public
Understanding of Science 11 (2002),
87-196; and in Switzerland, 113-30; in Netherlands, 131-42; in Germany, 143-54;
in Norway, 213-24; and in the UK, 273-91.
Education of GM technology through the www is discussed in Public
Understanding of Science 11 (2002),
293-304. Biotechnology may have been overexposed, NatBio 20 (2002), 335. Use of metaphors to create public
representations of biotechnology are discussed in Public Understanding of
Science 11 (2002), 5-32. Media
relations are discussed in NatBio
20 (2002), supplement, BE67-9. Public communication is a normal part of
science, Nature 422 (2003), 470; Science 300 (2003), 586. Health promotion in schools is
discussed in SSM 56 (2003),
1209-20.
A review
of some of the data from FAO studies and setting up their ethics in agriculture program see Bhardwaj M., Maekawa F., Niimura Y. and Macer DRJ.
(2003) "Ethics in Food and Agriculture: Views from FAO", International
Journal of Food Science and Technology 38(5): 565-588. On knowledge
and science in the UN system. Nature
422 (2003), 471-2.
Regulation & Field Trials of
GMOs
A warning against poor
farmers entering Internet transgenic crop deals is in Nature 421 (2003), 776. On adoption of agricultural
technology in Kenya, Agricultural Economics 28 (2003), 151-64. Liabilities and economics of
transgenic crops are discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 537-41. In general on GM crops, NS (5 April 2003), 44-7. A Danish study suggests some benefits from transgenic crops for biodiversity, Nature 422 (2003), 250; NatBio 20 (2002), 1183. The UK is now analyzing the results
of the GM trials, NS (29 March
2003), 12-3; (19 April 2003), 47. Canola pollen from GM canola does travel, NatBio 20 (2002),
793.
A review of
environmental impact of transgenic crops is Nap, J.N. et al. "The release
of genetically modified crops into the environment. Part 1. Overview of current
status and regulations", The Plant J. 33 (2003), 1-18; Conner, AJ. et al. " The release of genetically
modified crops into the environment. Part II. Overview of ecological risk
assessment", NatBio 20
(2002), 567-74. On gene flow and
weeds, Nature 421 (2003), 785-6.
Removal of foreign DNA after gene transfer is possible, Environmental Health
Perspectives 110 (2002), A88-91; NatBio 20 (2002), 575-80, 581-6. Also on GM safety, NatBio 20 (2002), 527, 542, 548-9, 775-6, 871, 975, 1075. A
new Swiss law (March 2003) calls for protection of agriculture from GMOs, Ram's
Horn 210 (April 2003), 5.
In the USA, experts
who advised the EPA on strategies
to lower risk of insects developing resistance to Bt say that the EPA
guidelines do not go far enough to avoid this risk, Nature 422 (2003), 5. The USDA said that GM corn to produce pharmaceuticals should
be grown at least one mile away from other corn, Nature 422 (2003), 103; NS (22 March 2003), 15. Also on regulations, NatBio 20 (2002), 322-3, 862. Some GM corn may have been
mixed in corn planted in New Zealand, NatBio 20 (2002),
861. On the Mexican corn
case, NatBio 20 (2002), 3-4, 19, 106-7. Mexico may relax its ban
on rDNA research, NatBio 20
(2002), 416-7. European regulation
is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002),
324-5, 758-9; 21 (2003), 346-7. Chinese stalling on importing GM
crops may also be some protectionism for its own agriculture, Nature 422 (2003), 99, 111-2. India is promoting GMOs, NatBio 20 (2002),
415, 641-2; though delaying GM mustard, NatBio 21 (2003), 9. GM wheat delays are expected, NatBio 20 (2002), 863. UNEP was accused of buying support
for Cartegena, NatBio 20 (2002),
205; but the Protocol has broad support.
Chloroplast DNA can be
transferred into the nucleus in plants, Nature 422 (2003), 31-2, 72-6. On the interaction between
bacteria and plants in legume nodules, Nature 422 (2003), 672-4. The mechanism of genetic exchange
in American trypanosomes is described in Nature 421 (2003), 936-9.
A review of
manipulation of insect vectors by their parasites is Ann. Rev. Entomology 48 (2003), 141-61. Gene silencing may stop transgenic
animals spreading, NS (8 March 2003), 25. Assessment of GM salmon is
discussed in Nature 421 (2003),
889. The UK is still studying the issues also, NatBio 20 (2002),
965. On the effects of introduced trout on native trout, Ecological
Applications 13 (2003), 23-37, 38-50.
Speciation is discussed in Nature
422 (2003), 25-6; NS (8 March
2003), 15.
Discussion of biowarfare is in GeneWatch 16 (March 2003), 3-12; BMJ
326 (2003), 516; NatBio 20 (2002),
21-5. Chemical warfare is
discussed in NS (29 March 2003),
6-7. The US may break the chemical weapons treaty if it uses teargas in
"warfare" in Iraq, NS (5
April 2003), 6. Researchers are under tight control also, NatMed. 9 (2003), 247; Science 299 (2003), 1651-2, 1945; 300 (2003), 414-5; though
some companies expect to generate money,
Nature 422 (2003), 245,
790. As discussed in the Scientific Ethics section, editors of major journals
have agreed to censor research sensitive to biodefense, NatMed. 9 (2003), 240; Nature 421 (2003), 787. On antibodies for biowarfare
defense, NatBio 20 (2002), 114, 597-601.
Vaccines & Diseases
SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) has had many
implications for global health and economy. On ethical issues in Beijing and Taiwan see papers in this
issue of EJAIB. The agent is a new
coronavirus, Lancet 361 (2003),
1319-25, 1312-5. Papers discussing the emerging crisis include: Lancet 361 (2003), 1017-8, 1106, 1276, 1311, 1357, 1386-7,
1439; JAMA 289 (2003), 2059; BMJ 326 (2003), 416, 615, 669-70, 677, 727, 831-2, 839,
850-2; Science 299 (2003), 1822;
300 (2003), 224-5, 558-9, 1063; Newsweek (7 April 2003), 65; (28 April 2003), 42-3; Time (28 April, 2003), 32-3; Nature 422 (2003), 6, 247, 459; 423 (2003), 3-4, 8, 103,
114; NS (22 March 2003), 13; (29
March 2003); (5 April 2003), 12; (12 April 2003), 5-8; NatMed. 9 (2003), 375; Current Biology 13 (2003), R339-40. Vaccines are being designed, NS (26 April 2003), 6-8.
Three health care
workers have died from heart attacks after receiving smallpox vaccinations, Nature 422 (2003), 462 (see also the Regulation of GMOs news
section for Biowarfare fears). A summary of results is in JAMA 289(2003), 2060-63, 2064. On the background in
different countries, CMAJ 168
(2003), 210; NZMJ 115 (2002),
247-51; SA (May 2003), 12-3. After
a slow start to the vaccinations these results have dissuaded others, NatMed. 9 (2003), 249. A call for more funds for vaccines
that affect most people in the world is in NatMed. 9 (2003), 239. Vaccine production in tomatoes in greenhouse confinement is progressing, Nature 421 (2003), 882.
Influenza vaccination has benefits in seniors, NEJM 348 (2003), 1322-32. The dangers of MMR vaccine is discussed in BME 185 (2003), 1; BMJ 326 (2003), 854; NEJM 348 (2003), 951-5. Delayed pertussis vaccination increased risk in New Zealand, BMJ 326 (2003), 852-3. Various factors affect childhood
vaccination, CMAJ 168 (2003),
39-41. Polio vaccination is being
increase din India, BMJ 326
(2003), 354; Lancet 361 (2003),
1192. A shortage of meningitis vaccine in Burkina Faso led to triage, Science 299 (2003), 1499-500. Experimental cancer vaccines
are discussed in NatBio 20 (2002),
659-63. Trials from an Alzheimer
vaccine are discussed in Nature
422 (2003), 370-2; NatMed. 9
(2003), 389-90, 448-52. A DNA vaccine has been used for endangered condors, NatBio 21 (2003), 11.
The rate of transfer,
contagiousness , or respiratory tract infections are surveyed in NEJM 348 (2003), 1256-66. A book review of the fight
against the common cold is in Nature
422 (2003), 379. The association of germs with foreigners is discussed in Milbank
Quarterly 80 (2002), 757-88. On
travel medicine, Lancet 361
(2003), 1368-81; 1459-69. In the Netherlands many animals were killed to
prevent spread of a bird flu, Nature
423 (2003), 5. Fickle swine flu is discussed in Science 299 (2003), 1502-5. On
West Nile virus, Science 299
(2003), 1824-5; Nature 423 (2003),
104.
In March in Congo more than a 100 people died from Ebola, Lancet
361 (2003), 1020. Ebola affects other primates as well, Science 300 (2003), 232. Guinea worm disease eradication
efforts in Uganda are applauded in Lancet 361 (2003), 1446.
Malaria is discussed in general in Lancet 361 (2003), 885; NatMed. 9 (2003), 268; NS (22 March 2003), 32-5; (29 March 2003), 52-3; Nature 423 (2003), 136-7; NatBio 20 (2002), 1098-9; JAMA 289 (2003), 1234; Environmental Health
Perspectives 110 (2002), A760-3. An
accident in a lab that sterilizes screw worms may have led to a damaging
outbreak in cattle, NS (22 March
2003), 12.
Measure to prevent
surgical transmission of CJD are discussed in BMJ 326 (2003), 517. Mad elk disease is also a threat, NS (5 April 2003), 13. Also on prion disease, Nature 423
(2003), 118-9. Antibiotic
resistance is discussed in NatMed.
9 (2003), 390-1, 424-30; Science
299 (2003), 1639-40; NS (8 March
2003), 4-5; Nature 422 (2003),
791. On resistance in cattle, Environmental Health Perspectives 110 (2002), A396-402.
AIDS & Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
A review on HIV
in central and eastern Europe is Lancet 361 (2003), 1035-44; SSM
56 (2003), 1373-84; Africa, Nature 422 (2003), 679; Ghana, SSM 56 (2003), 1221-34; and in Uganda, NS (8 March 2003), 50-3. Access on anti-HIV drugs in
South Africa is still difficult, Lancet 361 (2003), 842, 1142-3; BMJ 326 (2003), 495-7. On the issues of antiretroviral
therapy when access to resources is limited, NEJM 348 (2003), 1806-9. HIV in people with disabilities
is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),
1401-2.In general on HIV, NEJM 348
(2003), 1800-5.
The CMA has
urged prenatal HIV testing, CMAJ 167 (2002), 523. A rapid HIV test has been approved, CMAJ 168 (2003), 208. Occupational exposure to HIV is
reviewed in NEJM 348 (2003),
826-33.
China has a hidden epidemic of chlamydial infection, JAMA 289 (2003), 1265-73, 1303-5; Lancet 361 (2003), 939.
On HIV vaccine research, Nature 422 (2003), 650; 423 (2003), 107; BMJ 326 (2003), 463; NatMed. 9 (2003), 343-6, 376; NS (8 March 2003), 7; Science 299 (2003), 1290-1, 1495; 300 (2003), 28-9. HIV
vaccine may work differently in different ethnic groups, SA (May 2003), 16. Data on how HIV-1 escapes antibodies
of the body is in Nature 422
(2003), 307-13.
Microbes & Pollution Remedies
Microbes can be used
to make plastic from food waste, EST
37 (2003), 175-6A. A species of Dehalococcoides has been found to break
down dioxin, Nature 421 (2003),
357-60; EST 37 (2003), 135A. The
genome sequence of Shewanella oneidensis, a microbe that is useful for
pollution degradation, has been sequenced, NatBio 20
(2002), 1118-23, 1093-4. Microbes from a South African gold mine have been
found which use byproducts of radioactive decay to survive, Science 299 (2003), 1307.
Methods to clean up
oil spills are discussed in Nature
422 (2003), 464-6; SA (Jan. 2003),
9-10. Legal responsibility for remediation is discussed in Modern Law Review 66 (2003), 261-77. Cleaning up old military bases is
discussed in Environmental Health Perspectives 111 (2003), A148-9. Plants can clean up hazardous
sites, NatBio 20 (2002), 329.
Lettuce can sequester high levels of perchlorate, EST 37 (2003), 87A. Arabidopsis thaliana has been
engineered to contain two bacterial enzymes to remove arsenic from contaminated
soils, NatBio 20 (2002), 1094-5,
1140-5.
Environmental Issues
A report from the World
Water Forum called for better
sanitation, Lancet 361 (2003),
935, 1022-3. Also from the conference, NS (29 March 2003), 5; Lancet
361 (2003), 1274-5; BMJ 326
(2003), 617. Physicians and global security are reviewed in Croatian Medical
J. 44 (2003), 139-47. A review of
molecular mechanisms of metal toxicity and carcinogenicity is in Environmental
health Perspectives 110 (Supplement 5,
Oct. 2002), 687-890. Nanoscale environmental technology is discussed in EST 37 (2003), 102-8A.
A background and
history of the New Zealand HSNO Act is in ERMA Perspective 18 (March 2003), 1-3. A link between Agent Orange and leukemia is discussed in BMJ 326 (2003), 242-3. A pre-industrial source of dioxins
existed in burning of coastal peat, Nature 421 (2003), 909-10. On pesticides hazards, The Ecologist (Jan 2003), 14-8. Environmental hazards are estimated
to kill 5 million children a year, BMJ 326 (2003), 782. The CDC report on environmental toxins is reviewed in
JAMA 289 (2003), 1230-3.
Reducing the level of
particles in the air is good for health, but actually the particles also have
reduced ozone levels, NS (22 Feb.,
2003), 7. Burning fuel is important in many developing countries, Nature 423 (2003), 28-9. Toxicology of chemicals towards
wildlife is discussed in EST 37
(2003), 178-83A. MTBE in rivers in Germany is described in EST 36 (2002), 3652-61.
Climate change signs
in trees are discussed in Science
300 (2003), 566-7. Squirrels evolve as climate wars, NS (22 Feb. 2003), 18. Future energy resources are
discussed in Science 300 (2003),
581-3.
Public education to
have early diagnosis of malignant melanoma can work, BMJ 326 (2003), 367. On ozone depletion, Nature 422 (2003), 664-5. On communicating about chlorinated drinking water in Canada,
SSM 56 (2003), 1279-93. How
ecotoxicology informs ecological risk assessment is discussed in EST 37 (2003), 146-51A. Links between genetics and risk
of environmental disease are discussed in Science 300 (2003), 563.
Potassium iodide may
not work against dirty bombs, JAMA
289 (2003), 2058. Dismantling old nuclear reactors is reviewed in SA (March 2003), 36-45.
Biodiversity
Better understanding
of Panda scent marks may help
conservation, NS (5 April 2003),
40-2. Problems in world fish
supply are discussed in NS (22
March 2003), 44-7; The Ecologist
(Jan 2003), 2; Science 298 (2003),
939. Some Atlantic cod froze to death in chilly waters, Nature 422 (2003), 792. The ways that science can help
establish marine reserves is discussed in Environment 45 (March 2003), 8-19. Loss of coral reefs has
several factors, NS (12 April
2003), 16-7. Restoration of marshlands in Iraq is called for in NS (26 April 2003), 14-5. The US is changing its policy
on loss of wetlands, EST 37
(2003), 82A. Wetlands management in New Zealand is reviewed in Pacific
Ecologist (Summer 2002/2003), 37-41.
A giant squid was recovered in New Zealand, NS (12 April 2003), 18.
Ethnobotanical
knowledge among Amerindians is surveyed in Science 299 (2003), 1707. The question of payments for
biodiversity is raised in Science
299 (2003), 1981-2. The price of computerizing herbarium specimens is discussed
in Nature 422 (2003), 375-6. Soil
invertebrate fauna enhances grassland succession and diversity, Nature 422 (2003), 711-4. Ecological engineering by caterpillars increases insect herbivore diversity
on White Oak, Ecology 84 (2003),
682-90. The reasons why biodiversity is important are discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 900-1; 422 (2003), 475; Science 300 (2003), 71-2, 1843; Heredity 90
(2003), 282-90. The US is downgrading the status of the grey wolf from endangered to threatened, though it was only
reintroduced 8 years ago to the wild, NS (19 April 2003), 9. A DNA
test will be used to judge whether unwelcome Bison are protected or not based
on their relation to earlier bison, Science 300 (2003), 1835. Bears in Banff National Park may get too used to people so
that similar numbers die as in the unprotected areas, NS (22 Feb. 2003), 9.
The relationship
between the price of coffee and
deforestation is discussed in Science
300 (2003), 587.
Papers on endocrine
disruptors are in Science 298
(2003), 938-9; Environmental Health Perspectives 110 (June 2002), supplement 3, 335-488.
There is evidence that
life on the planet earth is even older than thought, NS (22 Feb. 2003), 28-31; SA (April 2003), 52-9. On human origins, Nature 422 (2003), 473; and on evolution, Nature 421 (2003), 895; 422 (2003), 663-4. The tragedy of
loss of Iraqi antiquities is discussed in Science 300 (2003), 559-60.
Animal Rights
The conclusions of the
UK House of Lords Select Committee in Animals in Scientific Procedures are in BME 185 (2003), 10-1. The Nuffield Council has set up a
panel to examine animal research, BME 186 (2003), 5. A report from a Cambridge meeting that
debated primate research, Science
298 (2002), 1862-3. Vegetarianism is discussed in Environmental Ethics 24 (2002), 275+. A book review on Looking for Spinoza
is SA (March 2003), 78-9. Animals
in seventh Century marketplace in the UK are reviewed in Social History of
Medicine 15 (2002), 375-92. Equality
across species is debated in Environmental Ethics 24 (2002), 295+, 339-52. False memories and pain are
discussed in Science 299 (2003),
1306.
The ethics of introduced large herbivores in Europe is discussed
in Environmental Ethics 24 (2002),
3+. Animal behaviour and feeding is discussed in Current Biology 13 (2003), 763-6; and on dog behaviour, Byrne, R. "Animal communication: What makes a
dog able to understand its master?", Current Biology 13 (2003), R347-8. A cheap dog contraceptive vaccine
may lessen the need for sterilization, NS (19 April 2003), 19. On ecofeminism, Environmental Ethics 24 (2002), 149+. Lawsuits have blocked trials of
sonar, because it may harm whales,
SA (May 2003), 17; NS (22 Feb. 2003), 8.
Cannabalism and prion disease may have been common in ancient
humans, Science 300 (2003), 227-8;
Nature 423 (2003), 127-8. The
great apes are becoming very close to extinction in the wild, NS (12 April 2003), 11. On evolution in great apes and
humans, NS (19 April 2003),
15. Evolution of self-organization
is discussed in Nature 421 (2003),
799-800, 910. A paper on social order is Fehr, E. & Rockenbach, B.
"Detrimental effects of sanctions on human altruism", Nature 422 (2003), 137-40. Study of fear after terror and the amygdala is
discussed in Science 300 (2003),
568-9. On human cooperation, Nature
421 (2003), 20-1, 125-6, 911-2; Science 300 (2003), 585-6; NS (22
Feb. 2003), 52. Diversity in behaviour and gender is discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 368-9. The age of cave paintings in
Chauvet cave are debated in NS (19
April 2003), 8.
Safety of Recombinant DNA
Products
The question of
whether treatment with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist in short
adolescents is justified is debated in NEJM 348 (2003), 908-17, 942-4. While children increase
height average bone density is reduced. Children receiving growth hormone therapy have reduced insulin sensitivity, J.
Pediatrics 142 (2003), 91-2, 113-6. A
clinical trial using interferon
alfa-2a in Japanese encephalitis in Vietnam did not improve the outcome of
patients, Lancet 361 (2003),
821-6. The cost effectiveness of beta interferon for multiple sclerosis varies,
BMJ 326 (2003), 522-5. On the use
of imatinib compared to interferon for leukemia, NEJM 348 (2003), 994-1004. There is still debate over the
best drugs for diabetes, NatBio 20
(2002), 977-81. On the efficacy of albumin in critically ill patients, BMJ 326 (2003), 559-60.Adding interleukin-2 receptor
monoclonal antibodies in renal transplant recipients reduces acute rejection, BMJ 326 (2003), 789-91.
Making more efficient
protein delivery systems is necessary, The Scientist (24 Feb. 2003), 31-2. Monoclonal antibodies can inhibit
prion replication, Nature 422
(2003), 80-3. A book review on the regulation of BST in North America is NatBio 20 (2002), 1193.
Food safety
The Canadian GM food
labeling committee history is discussed in Ram's Horn 209 (2003), 1, 2-3. Views on GM food donation to
Malawi are in Croatian Medical J.
44 (2003), 102-6. US food aid is still contested because of GM components, NatBio 21 (2003), 346-7; Ram's Horn 210 (April 2003), 1-2. An alliance of companies and
NGOs is helping African farmers
have access to new technology, Nature
422 (2003), 246. Denmark is
considering co-existence of GM and non-GM crops, AgraFood Biotech. 99 (4 March 2003), 15. Regulation of pharmaceutical producing plants is
discussed in NS (1 March 2003), 22-3.
No transgenic DNA has been seen in milk from cows feed GM soybean meal, AgraFood
Biotech. 102 (15 April 2003), 28-9.
The Codex Alimentarius Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology met in March 2003 in Yokohama, Japan, and approved a third set of
guidelines for GM food, which will go with the other two to the General
Conference of Codex in June 2003 in Rome. They are on the codex website; NatBio 20 (2002), 423. European GM labeling policy is
discussed in NatBio 20 (2002),
753; 21 (2003), 6. India has GM food detection centres, NatBio 20 (2002), 109. On Canadian labeling, CMAJ 167 (2002), 1046. In general on the labeling of GM
food, NatBio 20 (2002), 868, 969,
1081-2, 1195-7. Brazil has ended
its ban on sales of GM soya, AgraEurope (28 March 2003), 5. Argentina may join the US on its GMO policy, AgraEurope (14 March 2003), 3. There is controversy in Canada
over the application by Monsanto for Roundup ready wheat, AgraFood Biotech. 99 (4 March 2003), 3; and in the USA, AgraFood
Biotech. 100 (18 March 2003),11. The
IFIC in USA has found continued support for biotech. Foods, Food Chemical
News (27 Jan. 2003), 6.
Some examples of food
bioterrorism are given in Ram's Horn
209 (2003), 4-6. Accidentally contaminated foods make many people ill, NS (1 March 2003), 25; BMJ 326 (2003), 357-60. Biotechnology in animal farming
is making food safer, Food Chemical News (17 Feb. 2003), 5-6. WHO is helping countries improve food safety, but
some criticize them because they are using food industry funds, BMJ 326 (2003), 414. Potential health benefits of eating
GM salmon are discussed in AgraFood Biotech. 100 (18 March 2003), 10. Peanut allergy is discussed
in NEJM 348 (2003), 977-85, 1046-8.
In Japan further food labeling shams have been uncovered showing that many companies
falsely label products, Japan Times
(13 March 2003), 2. A report on GMOs in New Zealand is Campbell, H. et al. Strategic
Issues for GMOs in Primary Production: Key Economic Drivers and Emerging Issues (CSAFE Discussion Paper No. 1, Oct. 2002), 33.
Coffee may reduce cancer risk in Japanese women, APBN 7 (2003), 156. Caffeine and nicotine may have
benefits for the dopaminergic systems, BMJ 326 (2003), 561-2. Increasing fruit and vegetables in low income
adults in the UK was achieved by brief counseling, BMJ 326 (2003), 855-8. On vitamin D supplementation, BMJ 326 (2003), 469-72.
Consumption of alcohol in moderate levels may benefit health, NEJM 348 (2003), 1719-22, 1786-95. However excess is
associated with mortality, and data from Germany is in SSM 56 (2003), 1385-95. The UK is attempting to restrict
alcohol ads for teens, CMAJ 167
(2002), 1157.
Obesity is discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 378-9; Harvard Law Review 116 (2003), 1161-84; NEJM 348 (2003), 1623-38; BMJ 326 (2003), 515, 624-6. Genetic predisposition may
also be a factor, NS (29 March
2003), 16; NEJM 348 (2003), 1085+.
Blood pressure can be lowered by changes in lifestyle, Lancet 361 (2003), 1442. Increased plasma homocysteine level
is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, JAMA 289 (2003), 1251-7. Malnutrition in the developing world is discussed in Science 300 (2003), 251. The world food program is helping
Iraq, Lancet 361 (2003), 1189.
Disease Risks & Drugs
A study suggesting use
of low dose budesonide for asthma treatment is Lancet 361 (2003), 1066-7, 1071-6. The damages from
compensation claims against Bayer for cerivastatin are discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 793.
A letter criticizing
the Russian government for use of anesthetic drugs in the Moscow theatre terror case is Lancet 361 (2003), 1131.
A clinical trial of
treating depression in low income
women in Chile showed good response, Lancet 361 (2003), 995-1000. On the safety of
electroconvulsive therapy in depressive disorders, Lancet 361 (2003), 799-808. Suicide prevention in Japan is
discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),
882.
A study of health risk
behaviour and socio-economic status and health on Slovak adolescents is Croatian
Medical J. 44 (2003), 41-9.
The tobacco-control
treaty and its language are discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 839-40. A further affect of nicotine on
macrophages is described in Lancet
361 (2003), 1069-70.
The alcohol limit in breath in Japan is 0.15mg/L and the stricter limit since June 2002
has reduced the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths to 8326 persons in
2002, the lowest number in 25 years, Lancet 361 (2003), 1132.
Patenting & Business
The Canadian Supreme Court has rejected the patenting of higher
animals and overturned the Oncomouse
patent, NatBio 21 (2003), 9, 341.
The UNESCO IBC report on
"Ethics, Intellectual Property and Genomics", is pp. 51-68 in the Proceedings
of the Eighth Session of the IBC
(UNESCO, 2003). A US judge has overturned a patent on COX-2 genes, Science 299 (2003), 1638-9. The European Commission is reexamining patents, NatBio 20 (2002), 1175-6. Challenges to patent law from
human genes and stem cells are in TIBTECH 31 (2003), 101-3. Internet and IP is discussed in Columbia Law
Review 103 (2003), 534-613. US
biotechnology is attempting to fight generic biologics, NatBio 20 (2002), 322. Patent law is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 1059; SA (April 2003), 20; (May 2003), 26; NatBio 20 (2002), 9, 91-2, 309-10, 401-2, 627-8, 639, 657,
1053-4, 1185-8; CMAJ 167 (2002),
211, 912; Science 299 (2003), 473,
821-2, 1018-21; 300 (2003), 406; Munzer, SR. "Property, patents and genetic
material", pp. 438-54 in A Companion to Genethics (Blackwell, 2002).
Copyright on DNA
sequence is explained in NatBio 20
(2002), 217. How gene patents affect the standard of medical care is discussed
in CMAJ 167 (2002), 256-7, 259-62;
J. Public Health Policy 22 (2002), 275-9. Indian objections to export of human tissue are discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 224-5. On
knowledge and power, Nature 421
(2003), 577-8. Europe is still deciding about stem cell patent policy, NatMed. 9 (2003), 154. Merck lost its patent on alendronate
in the UK, BMJ 326 (2003), 243.
New draft guidelines
from the US Human Genome Research Institute have eased restrictions on the use
of genome sequence data, Nature
421 (2003), 875, 877-8; Science
299 (2003), 487-8. A call for unrestricted free access to continue is in Nature 422 (2003), 801-2. Researchers are questioning the
charging of fees for use of patented "junk" DNA, Nature 423 (2003), 105. The CGIAR statement is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 103-5, 547. On patents in agriculture, Issues
in S&T (Summer 2001), 43-50. On
the release of the rice genome data, NatBio 20 (2002), 417-8, 419. Disclosure of financial interests in clinical trial data
publication is surveyed in BMJ 326
(2003), 526-7; NS (1 Feb. 2003),
8; SA (Feb. 2003), 9-10; NEJM 347 (2002), 2173. A survey on the failure of the
profit motive in environmental matters is Ecological Economics 44 (2003), 1-9. The European Parliament did attempt
to encourage green biotechnology, NatBio 20 (2002), 756. On the nevarapine case in South Africa, NEJM
348 (2003), 750-4; BMJ 326 (2003),
353.
Fewer new drugs have
been made in recent times from pharmaceutical companies, BMJ 326 (2003), 119, 408-9. A review of US orphan drug
laws and problems in them is SA
(May 2003), 71-7. On the interests of the WTO, Lancet 361 (2003), 1297-8; BMJ 326 (2003), 9, 465. Papers on China's accession to
the WTO are in Social Sciences in China 23 (2002), 58-139.
A letter on the ethics of pharma companies in the third world is Lancet 361 (2003), 1136-7; BMJ 326 (2003), 351, 620; J. Public Health Policy 22 (2002), 198-225. On bioethics and business, Nature 421 (2003), 573. There is a anti-Glaxo campaign in
the USA, BMJ 326 (2003), 413. The
US Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has banned expensive freebies for MDs, CMAJ 167 (2002), 522; JAMA 289 (2003), 477-81. In Canada there should be no
direct to the consumer drug ads according to the CMA, CMAJ 167 (2002), 1153. On the UK situation, BMJ 326 (2003), 301. Academia and industry is discussed
in Science 299 (2003), 330-2,
1303-5; NEJM 348 (2003), 476-7,
863-4; NatMed. 9 (2003), 157; BMJ 326 (2003), 123. Drug advertising in medical journals
is debated in Lancet 361 (2003),
877-80.
On biotech in South
Korea, Biotechnology &
Development Monitor 50 (March 2003),
8-13; India, Nature 422 (2003),
17-8; Australia, NatBio 20 (2002), 760, 873-7; China, The Economist (14 dec. 2002), 75-7; Germany, NatBio 20 (2002), 970-1; UK, NS (12 April 2003), 54-6; and in California, NS (22 March 2003), 58-61; (5 April 2003), 54-7. Tailor
made biotechnologies are discussed in Biotechnology & Development
Monitor 50 (March 2003), 14-6. On
bioveterinary science, NatBio 21
(2003), 339-40. Japanese rules hinder the commercialization of publicly funded
projects, NatBio 20 (2002), 324-5.
On Japan's new life sciences initiative, NatBio 21 (2003), 218; and the science council, Science 299 (2003), 649.
Birth Control
The
dangers of overpopulation are discussed in NS (12 April 2003), 50. Europe's population is at a turning point
downwards, Science 299
(2003), 1991-2. The effects of HRT and caffeine on Parkinson's disease are discussed in Neurology 60 (2003), 790-5. On HRT, NS (8 March 2003), 8; CMAJ 167 (2002), 319-20, 357+. Questions of
studies on gay men and prostitutes are discussed in Science 300 (2003), 403. Clitoral surgery in
intersex conditions is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 1236. Brazil is attempting to eliminate sexual
exploitation of children, Lancet 361 (2003), 1196.
Emergency
contraception is discussed in BMJ 326 (2003), 775-6. Cervical cancer and hormonal contraceptives
are reviewed in Lancet
361 (2003), 1159-67. Gender and risk in contraception is discussed in Sociology
of Health and Illness 24
(2002), 436-61.
Abortion and Embryo Status
The US Senate passed a
bill banning partial birth abortion
on 13 March, 2003, Lancet 361
(2003), 1021; BMJ 326 (2003),
619. A report on how the
anti-abortion politics of USA threatened the US HIV initiative is in Lancet 361 (2003), 887. The rights of an embryo in private law in Italy are reviewed in
Law and the Human Genome Review 17
(July 2002), 83-98. A survey of abortion and neonaticide in Israel, US, UK and
Denmark is in Bioethics 16 (2002),
202-30. Antiabortion politics in Ireland is discussed in SSM 56 (2003), 1973-86. On safe motherhood in Indonesia, SSM 56 (2003), 1197-207. The injustice of unsafe
motherhood is argued in Bioethics
16 (2002), 64+. A review by NCI has ruled out a link between abortion and
cancer, Science 299 (2003),
1498-9. The case of a UK doctor who made a mistake during an abortion and
removed some internal organ parts has been settled by the GMC, BMJ 326 (2003), 566, 679.
A critical commentary
on a paper which looked at admission to psychiatric clinics and abortion is CMAJ 168 (2003), 1253-6, 1257-8. The question of father's child support obligations and abortion decisions is
discussed in The Modern Law Review
66 (2003), 175-94.
Issues of conjoined
twins are discussed in JAMA 289
(2003), 1307-10. Fetal surgery is
developing, BMJ 326 (2003), 461-2;
Prenatal Diagnosis 23 (2003),
221-4. The EC is to issue guidelines on embryo research funding, SCRIP 2840 (11 April 2003), 5.
On management of
people who have been raped, BMJ
326 (2003), 458-9. Ethics of sham surgery controls in fetal tissue transplants
for Parkinson's are discussed in JME
28 (2002), 322-5. Cuba has pioneered a medical procedure to relieve
Parkinson's, SA (March 2003), 16.
A critique of routine
prenatal diagnosis in Germany and
abortion is SSM 56 (2003),
1987-2001. On infanticide, NEJM 348 (2003), 1189. Making safe havens for unwanted
babies may reduce infanticide, BMJ
326 (2003), 678.
Assisted Reproductive Technology
(ART)
Discussion
of the ethics of stem cell and cloning research is in Alpha Omega
V (No. 3, 2002), 391-6; Nature 422
(2003), 654; SA (April 2003), 21; Bioethics 16 (2002), 493-567; Lancet 361 (2003), 1354. Asian nations may be close to a consensus on cloning, NatMed. 9 (2003), 248. The outcome from a 1999 Korean
consensus conference on cloning are in Developing World Bioethics 2 (2002), 159+. On Indian guidelines, APBN 7 (2003), 49. Sweden is allowing therapeutic cloning,
Research Europe (6 Feb. 2003), 7.
The US House of representatives passed an anitcloning law but the Senate is not
expected to approve it, SCRIP 2830
(7 March 2003), 18. On the Californian ES cell law, NatBio 20 (2002), 1073. The US bioethics council was split
on cloning, NatBio 20 (2002), 765.
Stem cell research debates include TIBTECH 21 (2003), 109-13; Nature
422 (2003), 787; Science 299
(2003), 1509, 1661, 1830-1; NS (26
April 2003), 17; BMJ 326 (2003),
838.
Outcomes
of reproductive technology in Australia are reviewed in Bioethics Research Notes 15 (2003), 1-3. Legal status after adoption is
discussed in Family Law Quarterly
36 (Fall 2002), 449-71. The barriers to adoption in India are discussed in SSM 56 (2003), 1867-80. Suicide in intercountry adoptees in Sweden is reported in Lancet 360 (2002), 423, 443-8. Insurance and outcomes after
IVF in USA are compared in NEJM
348 (2003), 958-9.
New
reproductive technology in Egypt
is reviewed in SSM 56 (2003),
1837-51. In general on ART policy, Ethics and Medicine 18 (2002), 145-54; NEJM 348 (2003), 1507-8; Nature 422 (2003), 647, 656-8; SSM 56 (2003), 1831-6; BMJ 326 (2003), 518; in Brazil, Developing World
Bioethics 2 (2002), 144-58; Greece, SSM 56 (2003), 1853-66; and on Spain, Law and the
Human Genome Review 17 (July 2002),
205-14. Design of children is discussed in RSA J. (April 2003), 34-7. Changes to the UK HFEA are
discussed in BME 186 (2003), 1, 2,
13-5. Reproductive tourism is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 337-41.
The
case of when a sperm donor suffers years later from an inherited disease is
debated in JME 28 (2002), 213-4.
On posthumous semen retrieval, JME
28 (2002), 299-303. Polygamy among Malian migrants to France is reported in SSM 56 (2003), 1961-72. On sperm size, Current Biology 13 (2003), R355-6.
Fetal Environment & Neonates
A review of
thrombophilic disorders and fetal loss is Lancet 361 (2003), 901-8. Periconceptional nutritional
origin for noninfectious preterm birth is reported for humans, Science 300 (2003), 606. Women who work with solvents can
suffer reproductive endocrine effects, Environmental Health Perspectives 110 (2002), 805-11. Anthrax vaccination has no effect
on pregnancy, JAMA 288 (2002),
1556-60. On type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, Lancet 360 (2002), 1690-2. On Rh-deficiency syndrome, Lancet 358 Supplement, s57-8. Affects of in utero exposure
to antiepileptic drugs are
discussed in JMG 39 (2002), 251-9.
Fetuses exposed to low dose methotrexate in first trimester O&G 99 (2002), 599-602. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol
may not have third generation effects, O&G 99 (2002), 197-200; Lancet 359 (2002), 1081, 1102-7. More trihalomethanes can be
taken up in a 10 minute shower than by drinking 1 litre of water, EST 36 (2002), 183A. Maternal smoking affects on weight
are reviewed in JAMA 287 (2002),
195+, 241-2; Lancet 360 (2002),
1514-5.
Folic acid benefits are discussed in CMAJ 167 (2002), 237-40, 241-5, 255-6; BMJ 326 (2003), 571-4; AJOG 187 (2002), 620-5; AJMG 108 (2002), 1-6; O&G 99 (2002), 45-50. Down syndrome and neural tube defect risks in the same families are
reported in Lancet 361 (2003),
1316, 1331-5. There is a direct link and folic acid can reduce frequency of
both. Neonatal hair is a marker of in utero alcohol exposure, NEJM 346 (2002), 2086. There are racial difference sin
prenatal care in the USA, AJPH 92
(2002), 1970-5; O&G 99 (2002),
483-9.. Low consumption of seafood in early pregnancy is a risk factor for
preterm birth, BMJ 324 (2002),
447-50. Fever in pregnancy and risk of fetal death is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1526, 1552-6.
Outcomes for very low
birth infants are reviewed in NEJM
346 (2002), 149-57. Risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome in Plains
Indians are reviewed in JAMA 288
(2002), 2717-23. On safe mattresses, NS (20 April 2002), 14; BMJ
325 (2002), 981-2. Birth spacing in India is reported in SSM 55 (2002), 2107-2119. Informed choice in maternity care is discussed in BMJ 324 (2002), 643-6. Immunization status of children
adopted from China, Lancet 360
(2002), 2131-32.
Hungry ewes deliver
offspring early, Science 300
(2003), 561-2, 606+. Relative undernutrition in early life in children born
preterm may have beneficial effects on insulin resistance, Lancet 361 (2003), 1089-97. Having more big brothers is a
linking factor to become gay, NS
(29 March 2003), 44-7. Health for children in public care is discussed in BMJ 326 (2003), 560-1. On paternity care, Nature 422 (2003), 716-9. Shaken baby syndrome is discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 1190. The threat
of war affected the mental health of Iraqi children, BMJ 326 (2003), 356. A call for child friendly hospitals
is BMJ 326 (2003), 840. On
statistical learning in children, PNAS 99 (2002), 15250-1.
Audiovisual
hyperactivity disorder is discussed in CMAJ 167 (2002), 1331-3; AJMG 114 (2002), 154-8, 255-9. Increasing numbers of children are taking psychiatric drugs,
Science 299 (2003), 1646-9; NS (24 Aug. 2002), 25; (30 March 2002), 46-7; BMJ 325 (2002), 1043. On the affects of lead, Environmental Health Perspectives 110 (2002), A574-7. Prevention of environmental harm
to children in new York City is reported in Environmental Health
Perspectives 110 (2002), 197-204. The Bangkok Statement to protect children's health is discussed in Environmental
Health Perspectives 110 (2002),
A284-6, A290. Issues of use of soy milk for children are discussed in Environmental
Health Perspectives 110 (2002),
A294-5. Extension of breast feeding
to 6 months in developing countries reduces diarrhoea, Lancet 361 (2003), 1418-23; also BMJ 325 (2002), 1252-3; SSM 54 (2002), 1743-53; Lancet 360 (2002), 187-95, 887-8, 901-7.
The death of a child
after circumcision in Canada
suggests it will no longer be supported, CMAJ 167 (202), 789. On female circumcision, NS (14 Sept. 2002), 8; (5 Oct. 2002), 10. On cesarean delivery, NEJM 348 (2003), 946-50; AJOG
187 (2002), 823; Lancet 359
(2002), 774, 974-6; JAMA 287
(2002), 1822-31. On elective induction of birth, AJOG 187 (2002), 858-63. Informed consent in birth is
discussed in AJOG 187 (2002),
981-3. Neonatal care and insurance in USA is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1538-44. Screening infants for inherited
metabolic disease using tandem mass spectrometry is debated in BMJ 324 (2002), 4-5; Nature 418 (2002), 731-2. Newborn screening is debated in NEJM 346 (2002), 1084-5.
Genetic Disease Markers
On eating and genes,
Branson, R. et al. "Binge-eating is a major phenotype of melanocortin 4
receptor gene mutations", NEJM
348 (2003), 1096-103; Farooqi, IS. Et al. "Clinical spectrum of obesity
and mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene", NEJM 348 (2003), 1085-95. Grey-lethal mutation induces
osteoporosis in mice and humans, NatMed. 9 (2003), 399-406. Genetics of emphysema is discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 169+. Bacterial infections in humans with
IRAK-4 deficiency reveals the pathway is important for some infections, Science 299 (2003), 2076-9. On genes in Alzheimer's disease
and Parkinson's disease, NEJM 348
(2003), 1356-64. Loss of IGF2 imprinting is a marker of colorectal cancer risk,
Science 299 (2003), 1753-5. A link
has been found between estrogen receptors and tumour growth, Lancet 361 (2003), 1444. Also on cancer genes, NEJM 348 (2003), 919-32. On Down syndrome, Lancet 361 (2003), 1281-9.
On the evolutionary
origin of complex features, Nature
423 (2003), 139-44. Dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by a mutation in
phospholamban, Science 299 (2003),
1410. Genetic regulation of fibrin structure and function is associated with
environmental interactions, Lancet
361 (2003), 1424-31. Also on genetic disease and myocardial infarction, NEJM 348 (2003), 1176-7. On genetics and epilepsy, NEJM 348 (2003), 1442-8. On schizophrenia, Science 299 (2003), 333-5.
Genetic Screening Methodology
Prediction of
pathogenic mutations in patients by use of family history of early onset breast cancer is useful, Lancet 361 (2003), 1101-2. Also on breast cancer, Lancet 360 (2002), 813, 817-24; 361 (2003), 1129-30,
1405-10, 1411-7; NEJM 347 (2002),
886-90, 1233-41; 348 (2003), 1672-80. On the use of BRCA tests, The Scientist (10 Feb. 2003), 24-5. Women who have prophylactic masectomy overstate the risks of
cancer, BMJ 326 (2003), 921; but
preventative surgery can reduce risk by 90%, BMJ 325 (2002), 418; 326 (2003), 735. Breast self examination
may not improve survival overall, BMJ
324 (2002), 432, 506, 635; 326 (2003), 793; Lancet 358 (2001), 2164-5; 359 (2002), 404-6, 409, 439-42,
904-5, 909-19; Science 295 (2002),
1624; Nature 415 (2002), 567; Time (25 Feb. 2002), 30-7. On screening for prostrate cancer, Lancet 361 (2003), 1045-53, 1122-8; BMJ 326 (2003), 725-6; NEJM
347 (2002), 781-9. Use of microarrays for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
is reported in Lancet 361
(2003),923-9. A blood test for colorectal cancer is described in Science 299 (2003), 1753-5. An effective single visit
cervical cancer screening system in Thailand is reported in Lancet 361 (2003), 814-20. Also on cervical cancer
screening, BMJ 326 (2003), 733-6.
Colorectal cancer screening is called for in Canada, CMAJ 168 (2003), 178-9; and the USA, JAMA 289 (2003), 1288-96; Lancet 360 (2002),1557-63. On biomarkers for cancer, Science 299 (2003), 1679-80; NatBio 21 (2003), 41-6; NEJM 348 (2003), 1777-85; Lancet 360 (2002), 1381-91.
The development of a protein
chip is reviewed in the Economist
Technology Quarterly (15 March 2003),
14-6; Science 300 (2003), 236-9; NatBio 20 (2002), 225-9; TIBTECH 20 (2002), supplement, S30-34; Nature 415 (2002), 112-4. On microarrays, Lancet 360 (2002), 1019; NatMed. 8 (2002), 500-8. On real time PCR, Science 296 (2002), 557-9. The accuracy of tests varies and
doctors may not know this unless information is improved, BMJ 324 (2002), 824-6. The shipping of cDNA in a form of
a book is a new method developed in Japan, Nature 422 (2003), 794.
Delayed DNA repair
after low dose X-rays has raised concerns about safety fears, NS (5 April 2003), 17. Radon radiation and childhood
cancer is discussed in Lancet 360
(2002), 1437-8. Use of X-rays to kill tumours is discussed in NS (5 April 2003), 24. On medical detection in general, NEJM 348 (2003), 1079-80. On ultrasound in pregnancy, Prenatal
Diagnosis 22 (2002), 282-95.
Screenign infants for neuroblastoma is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1041-6.
Non-invasive diagnosis
is reported in Beroud, C. et al. "Prenatal diagnosis of spinal muscular
atrophy by genetic analysis of circulating fetal cells", Lancet 361 (2003), 1013-4. On preimplantation diagnosis for sonic hedgehog mutation, NEJM 348 (2003), 1449-54; for early onset Alzheimer
disease, JAMA 287 (2002), 1018-21;
for fetal gender and aneuploidy, Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 512-8, 609-15; F&S 78 (2002), 234-6; and in general, JMG 39 (2002), 6-11; J. Molecular Diagnostics 4 (2002), 11+. Improvements for antenatal screening
for Down syndrome are reported in
Wald, NJ, et al. "Antenatal screening for Down's syndrome with a quadruple
test", Lancet 361 (2003),
835-6, 794-5; Prenatal Diagnosis
23 (2003), 252-8.
DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
The preservation of
patient privacy in medical record
access is discussed in Lancet 361
(2003), 1140; BMJ 326 (2003),
725-6; NEJM 348 (2003), 1505-6; NatBio 20 (2002), 332; New Zealand Family Practitioner 30 (2003), 10-20. The limits of consent and
confidentiality are discussed in JME
29 (2003), 2-18. The US HIPAA regulations are discussed in NEJM 348 (2003), 1486-90.
The UNESCO IBC report on "Human Genetic Data: Preliminary Study
by the IBC on its Collection, Processing, Storage and Use is pp. 21-50 in the Proceedings
of the Eighth Session of the IBC
(UNESCO, 2003). The Draft International Declaration on Human Genetic Data is
on-line and set for adoption at the November 2003 General Conference of UNESCO.
The use of biological samples is considered in Law and the Human Genome
Review 17 (July 2002), 15-22. Genetic
databanks are discussed in NatGen
33 (2003), 325-6. On UK biobank, NatBio 20 (2002), 529; Lancet 361 (2003), 1193. There is controversy over the lack
of attention paid to ELSI issues in the Japanese biobank project which will sample 300,000 persons. On
details of the project, APBN 7
(2003), 53.
The case against using
racial profiles in crime is in Columbia
Law Review 103 (2003), 662-86. On forensic DNA testing for everyone, Nature 418 (2002), 585-6; 422 (2003), 13-4. Forensics in
Brazil is reemerging, Nature 423
(2003), 13-4.
Use of DNA testing in ecology and community genetics is discussed in papers in Ecology 84 (2003), 543-601. Every species can be identified, NS (22 March 2003), 14.
Ethics & Genetic Screening
Ethics of genetic testing are discussed
in Alpha Omega V (No. 3, 2002),
473-97. A series of papers on human genetics and ethics from a Bogota
conference in 2002 in English and Spanishare in Revista Latinoamericana de
Bioetica 4 (Jan. 2003), 1-130.
Attitudes towards genetic testing of children are reported in Pediatrics 110 (2002), 360-3. A review on ethics and genetics in
Latin America is in Developing World Bioethics 2 (2002), 11-20; and on a Mexican case, SSM 56 (2003), 1933-46. The UK Human Genetics Commission
has warned against selling genetic
test kits direct to the public, BMJ
326 (2003), 781; www.hgc.gov.uk/genesdirect (You can download the 78 page
report).
A book review of Einstein
in Berlin is in Nature 422 (2003), 811-2. An essay on race and genomics is in NEJM 348 (2003), 1166-70. The question of whether there is a right to be born is discussed in JME 28 (2002), 65-7. Sex selection is debated in JME 28 (2002), 335-6. Discussion of whether a lesbian
couple who is deaf can create a
child like them is in JME 28
(2002), 283-8. Identities of deaf persons in South Asia are recorded in Sociology
of Health and Illness 24 (2002),
21-45. Ways that people live with Huntington's disease are discussed in Brit.
J. Health Psychology 7 (2002),
449-62. The question of selecting embryos to be free of early onset Alzheimer's
disease is debated in JME 28
(2002), 290. On saviour siblings conceived to help an older child, JME 28 (2002), 289. In general on genetic counseling, Sociology
of Health and Illness 24 (2002),
66-88; NEJM 348 (2003), 1066-7. A
Dutch court has awarded damages
for a disabled child for being born, BMJ 326 (2003), 784. Self-esteem in women with disabilities in the USA
from a survey is discussed in SSM
56 (2003), 1737-47. On genes and social justices, Bioethics 16 (2002), 72+.
Results of a US survey
are in Parrott, RL. Et al. "Diversity in lay perceptions of the sources of
human traits: Genes, environments,
and personal behaviors", SSM
56 (2003), 1099-109. The question of mapping the criminal mind is raised in NS (26 April 2003), 47-9. The question of whether our
freedom evolves is discussed in a book review in Nature 423 (2003), 17-8. Book reviews of Nature via Nurture are in Nature 422 (2003), 814-5; Lancet
361 (2003), 1483. Determinism is discussed in Science 300 (2003), 56-7. Gene expression varies with changes
in phenotype and traits, Nature
422 (2003), 269-70, 297-302.
Gene Therapy
US authorities have upheld the suspension of
SCID gene therapy, NatBio 21
(2003), 217; Nature 422 (2003), 7.
This is the second suspension, NatBio
20 (2002), 647, 1063, 1068-9. On
the Gelsinger case, BMJ 326
(2003), 506. The quest for genes of youth is discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 789-90; Bioethics 16 (No. 4, 2002); Milbank Quarterly 80 (2002), 155-74. Also on the ethics of using human genetic engineering, JAMA 289 (2003), 1313-4; NatBio 20 (2002), 531-2, 655. Germ-line therapy is discusse din Cooke, EF. "Germ-line
engineering, freedom, and future generations", Bioethics 17 (2003), 32-58.
Systemic B-cell tumours have been eliminated by
genetically targeted T lymphocytes, NatMed. 9 (2003), 279-93. Gene therapy with neprilysin reduces amyolid
deposits in mice, Lancet 361
(2003), 1107. A study of the clonality of T-lymphocytes in gene therapy trials
in SCID patients is NatMed. 9
(2003), 463-7. Attempts to switch off Huntington's disease by gene therapy are being considered, NS (15 March 2003), 20. Use of gene therapy against
spinal muscular atrophy is considered in Canadian Biotech News 12 (27 Jan. 2003), 3-4. Possible use of RNAi is discussed in BioCentury 11 (17 March 2003), A1-8. Damaged RNA can be
repaired, Nature 421 (2003),
795-6, 859-63. Correcting genes at mRNA level has been suggested for cystic
fibrosis, NatBio 20 (2002), 32-3,
47-52. New techniques for chromosomal translocation products are discussed in NatMed. 9 (2003), 383-6. The safety of retroviral gene
marking with a truncated NGF receptor is reviewed in NatMed. 9 (2003), 367-9. Ways to get genes into the brain
are discussed in NS (22 March
2003), 16. Gene therapy for diabetes is in Lancet 361 (2003), 1443. Also on gene therapy, NatBio 20 (2002), 673, 735-8, 987-8; NEJM 348 (2003), 1282-3.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
The concept of public
knowledge is discussed in Thorsteinsdottir, H. et al. "Genomics - a global
public good?", Lancet 361
(2003), 891-2. A new book in Spanish is Casabona, CMR., Los Genes Y Sus
Leyes. El Derecho Ante el Genoma Humano
(Bilbao-Granada, 2002), 273pp. A consumer charter for genomic services is discussed in NatBio 20 (2002), 767. On the HapMap project and ethnic origins, NatBio 20 (2002), 637, 1181. Personal genotyping and SNPs are discussed in Nature 422 (2003), 917-23. The risks to researchers of
immediately releasing data to Internet are discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 875.
Papers on the 50th
anniversary of the Watson and Crick
paper include Nature 422 (2003),
455, 803-4; NEJM 348 (2003),
1729-30; Science 300 (2003), 213,
277-96. Book reviews of Watson, JD. DNA. The Secret of Life (Knopf, 2003) and McElheny, VK., Watson and DNA (Perseus, 2003) include Science 300 (2003), 432-3; NEJM 348 (2003), 1728-9; NS (26 April 2003), 52; Nature 422 (2003), 809-10; NatMed. 9 (2003), 387. Book reviews of Sulston, J. &
Ferry, G., The Common Thread: A story of Science, Politics, Ethics, and the
Human Genome (Joseph Henry Press,
2002), are in NEJM 348 (2003),
1824-5. A vision of the future of the human genome is in Nature 422 (2003), 835-47; Science 299 (2003), 1515. On the Human Cell project, The
Scientist (24 March 2003), 17.
Papers on the
completion of the human genome
sequence include: Science 299
(2003), 1183-4; Science 300
(2003), 409. The genome of Neurospora crassa ( a bread mould) has been sequenced, Nature 422 (2003), 859-68, 821-2. The genome of Leptospira
interrogans has been sequenced, Nature 422 (2003), 888-93. On anthrax bacteria genome and pathology, Nature 423 (2003), 23-4, 81-91. Genomics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is discussed in Heredity 90 (2003), 281. On the mouse genome, NatBio 21 (2003), 31-2. Wallaby may
have its genome sequenced, Nature
421 (2003), 778. The idea of pseudogenes and genes are discussed in Nature 423 (2003), 26-7; Science
300 (2003), 258-60. Genes in ancient animals are discussed in NS (26 April 2003), 16-7; Science 300 (2003), 407. On proteomics, Nature
422 (2003), 191-236; NatBio 20
(2002), 10. Errors are common in
mitochondrial DNA databases that have been published, Nature 421 (2003), 773.
Human genetic history
is discussed in Nature 421 (2003),
837-40; 422 (2003), 849-57; 423 (2003), 117-8; Science 299 (2003), 1331-2, 1391-4; 300 (2003), 562; NS (22 Feb. 2003), 15. The gene pools of Helicobacter
pylori relate to genes they obtained from populations in different parts of the
world, Science 299 (2003), 1582-5.
A book review of The Scientific Study of Mummies is Nature
423 (2003), 18. On chromosomal speciation in primates, Science 300 (2003), 267-8. On genome history in yeast and
Arabidopsis, Nature 422 (2003),
383-4, 433-8.
General Medical Ethics
The under-reporting of
clinical trials is considered unethical in Pich, J. et al. "Role of a
research ethics committee in follow-up and publication of results", Lancet 361 (2003), 1015-6, 978-9. UK clinical trial
regulations are discussed in BME
185 (2003), 2-6, 7-9; 186 (2003), 3-4. Ethics guidelines in Australian NHMRC on
research relating to Aboriginal persons research are reviewed in NZ
Bioethics J. 4 (Feb. 2003), 14-30.
Informed consent
during clinical emergencies of myocardial infarction was tested in Lancet 361 (2003), 918-22. Cross-cultural barriers to
informed consent are discussed in Issues in Medical Ethics 11 (2003), 49-51. Ethics for international nursing
research are discussed in Nursing Ethics 10 (2003), 122-37. Papers
on autonomy include J. Clinical Ethics 13 (2002), 57-62, 72-7. Paternalism is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2002), 231+. Over-medicalization of problems, or
somatic fixation, is discussed in SSM
56 (2003), 1135-8.
Issues in developing
countries are discussed in Bhardwaj, M. and Macer,
DRJ. (2003) "Policy and ethical issues in applying medical biotechnology
in developing countries", Medical Science Monitor 9: RA49-54. Book reviews of Roy Porter, Blood
and Guts: A Short History of Medicine
(W.W. Norton, 2003, 208pp.) are in Lancet 361 (2003), 975. Bioethics and Orthodox Greek tradition is discussed
in Law and the Human Genome Review
17 (July 2002), 75-82.
Law & Medical Ethics
Discussion of the
ethics of war includes Lancet 361 (2003), 1065, 1399. There is a developing
humanitarian crisis in Iraq with challenges to the UN governance, Lancet 361 (2003), 1103-4. On human subjects research in
developing weapons, Science 298
(2002), 923. A book review of Science in the Service of Human Rights is Science
299 (2003), 1986-7.
The law and human
experimentation in Germany is
discussed in Law and the Human Genome Review 17 (July 2002), 57-74. Recent developments in New
Zealand Health law are discussed in NZ Bioethics J. 4 (Feb. 2003), 5-13. Questions over informed consent
for children are in J.
Pedatrics (Feb. 2003), 89-90; NEJM 348 (2003), 763-4. Research on cognitively impaired
adults is debated in NEJM 348 (2003),
1389-92. Patients' rights are discussed in NZMJ 115 (2002), 55-6.
Publishing hospital
mortality figures are discussed in BMJ 326 (2003), 744-7, 777-8, 786-8, 832-3; CMAJ 167 (2002), 393-4. Reducing medical errors is discussed in CMAJ 167 (2002), 1047; NEJM 348 (2003), 851-5, 1051-6, 1184-5; BMJ 326 (2003), 355, 555. A
survey of nurses' reporting of adverse drug reactions is Lancet 361 (2003), 1347-8. On the UK GMC cases, BMJ
326 (2003), 352, 467, 567, 616, 730, 411. The New Zealand no fault medical compensation scheme is described in J.
Health Politics, Policy and Law 27
(2002), 833+; NZMJ 115 (2002),
142. On the New Zealand medical complaints committee cases, NZMJ 115 (2002), 201-3, 305-7. The risks of being sued are
debated in JAMA 288 (2002), 1585-6.
The Japanese biotech Council including politicians and scientists
was announced on 5 July 2002, NatBio
20 (2002), 763. The ethical issues of false positives are discussed in JME 28 (2002), 291-4.
Scientific Ethics
Student attitudes to misconduct are described in JME 29 (2003), 97-102. Misconduct allegations are
discussed in Nature 421 (2003),
773, 775, 878; Science 300 (2003),
40, 393. Censorship of journals and submissions for biodefence and biosecurity reasons are discussed in Nature 421 (2003), 771, 774; NS (22 March 2003), 57; BMJ 326 (2003), 411. The tougher restrictions for
immigration are affecting studies and science, Nature 422 (2003), 457-8. Scientific mentoring in minority
groups is discussed in Nature 422
(2003), 359.
A call for an ethical affirmation for scientists to be made is in Science 299 (2003), 1982-3. Conflicts of interest are
discussed in Nature 422 (2003),
15; Science 300 (2003), 33; BMJ 326 (2003), 883. On publications and ethics, Nature 422 (2003), 259-61; NatBio 20 (2002), 1; CMAJ 168 (2003), 287. International biases in medical
journals are discussed in Lancet
361 (2003), 1387. Swift
publication is suggested as a reward for good reviewers, Nature 422 (2003), 374; 423 (2003), 116. A report from a
conference on peer review is BMJ
326 (2003), 563-4.
Euthanasia & Terminal Care
A study of burns and child mortality found that survival does not
depend on demographic and injury characteristics alone, so that all victims
should be given a full course of treatment before considering futility, Lancet 361 (2003), 980-1, 989-84. On predictors of survival
after in-hospital adult CPR, CMAJ
167 (2002), 343-8.
Comparisons of
Norwegian and Danish nurses on disclosure of a terminal illness are made in Nursing Ethics 10 (2003),
175-85. Disclosure of cancer in Tanzania is reported in SSM 56 (2003), 905-13. Comparisons of dying from cancer
in Scotland and Kenya are made in BMJ
326 (2003), 368-71. On the ethics of caring conversation, Nursing Ethics 10 (2003), 138-48. Use of sedatives at the end of life
make some decision-making difficult, Arch Int. Med. 163 (2003), 341-4. On the wisdom of old persons, Science 299 (2003), 1300-2. End of life decisions in a Muslim community in Oman for neonates are reported in Arch.
Disease in Children 86 (2002), 115-9;
yet fears of litigation can increase use of resuscitation of per-term babies, J.
Pediatrics 140 (2002), 713-8. The
question of whose choice is the reason for the increased use of DNR orders is
discussed in JME 28 (2002), 303-7.
On consent and end of life, JME 29
(2003), 10-5. On euthanasia in general, CMAJ 167 (2002), 651-4; JAMA 289 (2003), 2113-9; BMJ 326 (2003), 780; on death, NEJM
348 (2003), 965-6; JME 28 (2002),
347-52. On palliative care, JME 28
(2002), 342-6. A controversial Dutch
TV report is discussed in Lancet
361 (2003), 1352-3. A report from 5 years of physician assisted suicide in Oregon is NEJM
348 (2003), 961-4.
A report from a Swiss clinic that helps suicide is Lancet
361 (2003), 846. The ethics of suicide is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2003), 425+; BMJ 326 (2003), 498-9; SSM 56 (2003),
1783-8; and from Japan, Young, J.
"Morals, suicide, and psychiatry: A view from Japan", Bioethics 16 (2002), 412-24. On the medicalization of capital
punishment in the USA, Health & Human Rights 6 (2002), 65-79.
Genes and lifespan
expansion in C. elegans are
discussed in Nature 423 (2003),
181-5; Science 299 (2003), 644-7.
A call for public debate on anti-aging research is Science 299 (2003), 1323, 1339-59. Policies for aging
societies are discussed in NEJM
348 (2003), 1296-7.
Organ Transplants & Brain
Death
The EU has improved
rules for the handling of human cells and tissues, Lancet 361 (2003), 841; and on the Council of Europe's
views, BME 186 (2003), 8-11. Maori
spiritual beliefs and organ transplants are discussed in NZ Bioethics J. 4 (Feb. 2003), 31-5. US organ distribution is
discussed in Bioethics Examiner 7
(Spring 2003), 1-2, 4.
The ways that locked
in persons can communicate is being
developed, NS (22 Feb. 2003), 37-9.
A study has found that
human bone marrow-derived cells can differentiate into epithelial cells in
vivo, Lancet 361 (2003), 1084-8. A
US teenager has received an experimental stem cell transplant to his heart, Biotechnology
News 23 (No. 7, 2003), 5. Tssieu
engineering firms are having difficulties to survive, NatBio 20 (2002), 1178-9. The status of plans for artificial
hearts are reviewed in Nature 421
(2003), 884-7. The prognosis after heart transplants is reviewed in BMJ 326 (2003), 509-10.
Use of LIR-1
expression on lymphocytes to indicate cytomegalovirus disease in lung
transplant recipients is reported in Lancet 361 (2003), 1067, 1099-101.
Health Costs
The role
of hospitals in health funding is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 1110.
Uninsured people strain the USA health system, Lancet 361 (2003), 938. Health insurance problems in Turkey
are discussed in Turkish J. Medical Ethics, Law and History 11 (2003), 8-11. Papers on health sector reform and
equity are in Health Policy and Planning 17 (Suppl. 1; Dec. 2002), 1-84.
Dementia is becoming a
major problem in the developing world also as populations age, Lancet 361 (2003), 888-9, 909-17. WHO issues are discussed
in Lancet 361 (2003), 876-7. On
the bioethics program in WHO, Issues in Medical Ethics 11 (2003), 47-8.
Prepared by Darryl
Macer
Go back to EJAIB
13 (Mayy 2003)
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