bioethics.com

Virus-free technique enables scientists to easily make stem cells pluripotent

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:19:25 +0000

Tiny circles of DNA are the key to a new and easier way to transform stem cells from human fat into induced pluripotent stem cells for use in regenerative medicine, say scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Unlike other commonly used techniques, the method, which is based on standard molecular biology practices, does not use viruses to introduce genes into the cells or permanently alter a cell’s genome. (PhysOrg)

Assisted-Suicide Pioneer Stirs a Legal Backlash in Switzerland

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:37:52 +0000

Daniel Gall, a French actor, was skeptical when his sister and her husband told him two years ago that they wanted to commit suicide. Genevieve Gall-Peninou was 81 and said she could no longer bear the Alzheimer’s Disease she had suffered for several years. Yves Peninou, 86, didn’t want to live without her. (Wall Street Journal)

Op-Ed: What Is a Life Really Worth?

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:36:58 +0000

This is the kind of news that unleashes hysteria about “death panels” and “health-care rationing,” but here goes: an analysis of genetic screening for an incurable, untreatable disease called spinal muscular atrophy shows that it would cost $4.7 million to catch and avert one case, compared with $260,000 to provide lifetime care for a child born with it. So here’s the question: do we say, “Damn the cost; it is worth any price to spare a single child the misery of being unable to crawl, walk, swallow, or move his head and neck”—or do we, as a society, put on the green eyeshades and say, “No, sorry, we can’t afford routine screening”? (Newsweek)

SCID recommended for newborn screening in the US

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:35:28 +0000

The US Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC) has recommended that an additional condition be added to the panel of conditions for which all newborns receive screening. (PHG Foundation)

Most Adults Not Getting Necessary Vaccinations

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:34:26 +0000

Public health experts say they’re concerned about the low number of U.S. adults who receive recommended vaccinations — and in particular about seniors who aren’t immunized against pneumonia. (ABC News)

Op-Ed: The incredible story of the most important woman in the history of modern medicine

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:33:46 +0000

Out of America: Millions of tons of immortal cells – all grown from a single tissue sample taken from Henrietta Lacks before her death from cancer in 1951 – are used by researchers around the world, amid a debate about ethics, race and the rights of donors and their families. (The Independent)

The Riddle of Consciousness

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:32:53 +0000

The assorted mystics, philosophers, theologians and, most recently, neuroscientists who have burned a candle searching for the essence of consciousness all started with a simple presumption: Consciousness must begin where unconsciousness ends. (New York Times)

EGYPT: Controversial organ transplant bill welcomed by WHO

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:32:14 +0000

A controversial organ transplant bill expected to become law in the next few weeks could regularize organ transplants and curb Egypt’s booming illicit trade in human organs, experts say. (Reuters AlertNet)

Test-tube boys may inherit fertility problems

Bioethics Pundit — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:31:21 +0000

DOCTORS have uncovered the first evidence that fathers of test-tube babies may be passing on their infertility to their sons. A new study has found that boys conceived through IVF treatment involving a single sperm being directly injected into a female egg often inherit shorter fingers, a trait known to be associated with infertility. (Times Online)

New Issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association is Now Available

Denise Bailey — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:19:06 +0000

JAMA (Vol. 303; No. 4; January 27, 2010) is now available by subscription only.

Articles include:

“Assessing the Legal Standard of Care in Public Health Emergencies” by James G. Hodge Jr and Brooke Courtney, 361-362.
“Improving Health by Taking It Personally” by Ralph Snyderman and Michaela A. Dian, 363-364.
“Ethnic Shifts Raise Issues in Elder Care” by Rebecca Voelker, 321.
“Stem Cell Lines Cleared” by Bridget M. Kuehn, 322.

Event: Webinar Event

Denise Bailey — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:03:36 +0000

2010 Webinar Event
for Fertility Clinics, Adoption Agencies and Attorneys

Following on the success of our 2009 webinars the Embryo Adoption Awareness Center brings you three professional perspectives of embryo donation and adoption.

Daniel L. Stewart, M.D., Reproductive Endocrinology

Shawnee Mission Medical Center Physician Group

Sanford Krigel, Attorney at Law

Krigel and Krigel, PC

Kris Probasco, LCSW, LSCSW

Adoption and Fertility Resources

Professional insights regarding the medical, legal and social aspects of embryo donation and adoption.
Why do some clinics support embryo donation and adoption?
Is counseling an important component of the embryo donation and adoption process?
What are the rewards/risks for a clinic to partner with an adoption agency?
Why should donors/adopters seek legal counsel?

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

11:30 am EASTERN TIME
10:30 am CENTRAL TIME
9:30 am MOUNTAIN TIME
8:30 am PACIFIC TIME

$25.00 per person or $50 maximum per business.

http://www.embryoadoption.org/seminars/

New Issue of Archives of Internal Medicine is Now Available

Denise Bailey — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:57:41 +0000

Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 170; No. 2; Jan. 25, 2010) is now available by subscription only.

Articles include:

“Tackling Obesity: Is Primary Care Up to the Challenge?” by Robert F. Kushner, 121-123.

Bill would expand inheritance for in vitro babies

Bioethics Pundit — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:15:26 +0000

A legislative subcommittee approved a measure Thursday giving inheritance rights to Iowa children born up to two years after their father’s death. The measure would mean children conceived through in vitro fertilization would be entitled to benefits such as Social Security survivor payments even if they were gestated after a parent’s death. (Chicago Tribune)

BBC accused of ‘promoting euthanasia by ignoring rights of disabled’

Bioethics Pundit — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:10:36 +0000

The BBC has been accused of promoting euthanasia by a cross-party group of MPs who called on ministers to threaten to cut off the supply of public money to the broadcaster. (Telegraph)

Athletes Beware, Scientists Hot on Gene Doping Trail

Bioethics Pundit — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:09:25 +0000

After warning for years that athletes would try to dope their genes, scientists are finding ways to catch them. The tests are still being refined in animals, but will likely be run years from now on samples taken at the upcoming Winter Olympics and stored. (Wired)