Bioethics & Health News
December 2

December 2, 2005

Woman Says ‘Merci’ After Face Transplant

A woman who underwent the world’s first partial face transplant regained consciousness 24 hours after the groundbreaking operation and her first words were “thank you,” one of her doctors said Friday.
(AP)

The Gateses Give $84 Million to Help Prevent Infant Deaths

Focusing on a relatively forgotten corner of health care, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated $84 million yesterday to two organizations working to prevent needless deaths of babies in the first few days of life.
(New York Times)

Drug ‘Doubles’ Fatal Crash Risk

Driving after taking even small amounts of cannabis almost doubles risk of a fatal road accident, research suggests.
(BBC)

Most U.S. Companies Don’t Have Super-Flu Plans

If a super-flu sweeps the globe, who will haul away the garbage? Keep the factories running, making cars and computers and tissues? Stock and sell groceries? Keep electricity flowing?
(MSNBC)

Expert Disputes ‘Healthy Drinking’ Theory

With a slew of studies suggesting light drinking may protect the heart, many have happily taken to having a “medicinal” drink or two a day.
(HealthDay)

WHO Stops Hiring Smokers

The World Health Organization has stopped hiring smokers as part of its commitment to controlling tobacco use, a spokesman said Friday.
(AP)