http://bioethics.com Your global information source on bioethics news and issues Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:19:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7606 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7605 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7604 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7603 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7602 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. ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7601 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7600 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7599 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7598 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7597 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, ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7596 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. http://bioethics.com/?p=7595 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 ... http://bioethics.com/?p=7594 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7592 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) http://bioethics.com/?p=7591