August 16, 2007
For all of the whining we hear from the political-scientists about lack of funding for ESCR/SCNT, it is stunning to see just how much money is out there for the research, as shown in the Rockefeller Institute Report, “Federalism by … Read More
August 16, 2007
A new article is now available from Artificial Organs by subscription only. “Cosmetic Improvement in Various Acute Skin Defects Treated With Tissue-engineered Skin” by Xin Nie, Jie Yong Zhang, Ke Jia Cai, Ming Hong Yang, An Hou Xiao, Hai Da … Read More
August 16, 2007
The American Journal of bioethics Issue 7 (8) Aug 2007 is now available by subscription. Select Articles include: Editorial “Breaching Confidentiality to Protect the Public: Evolving Standards of Medical Confidentiality for Military Detainees” by Matthew K. Wynia, 1-5 Target Article … Read More
August 16, 2007
Until I talked to Nick Bostrom, a philosopher at Oxford University, it never occurred to me that our universe might be somebody else’s hobby. I hadn’t imagined that the omniscient, omnipotent creator of the heavens and earth could be an … Read More
August 16, 2007
Despite his “pro-life†campaign pitch, former Gov. Mitt Romney owns stock in two companies involved in embryonic stem cell research, a controversial field of study he previously cited as the reason for his rightward shift on abortion. (Boston Herald)
August 15, 2007
We often hear the phrase “Let her die with dignity,†used in the context of a patient seeking withdrawal of treatment or even physician assisted suicide. However, references to human dignity in such situations are frequently misused. Dignity, that inherent … Read More
August 15, 2007
You battle to get healthy when you’re sick, diligently arming yourself with medication, surgeries and doctors’ visits in the war against disease. But, for many, there’s another unexpected fight — a battle against health insurance companies who may refuse to … Read More
August 15, 2007
Putting ‘safety first’ denies patients the power to choose experimental treatments. (Los Angeles Times)
August 15, 2007
The kind of light commonly used in fertility clinics could damage the development of human and other animal embryos in research, according to research findings conducted by a team from Hawaii and Japan. (AP)
August 15, 2007
Humanism has a long history, beginning around the second half of the fourteenth century and eventually leaving its mark in the modern period. This philosophical movement placed emphasis on the fundamental worth and dignity of the human and situated humans … Read More
August 15, 2007
A California company is offering clients “personalized stem cell lines,” the first theoretical step in creating cures for a host of debilitating and deadly diseases. (ABC News)
August 14, 2007
The weak and vulnerable need the “conscience” protection provided by adherence to the sanctity/equality of life ethic. Without extra devotion to this vital principle, those least able to defend themselves can become victimized by behavior that flows from a belief … Read More
August 14, 2007
The Holocaust Museum of Houston, Texas is presenting a terrific lecture series entitled “Medical Ethics and the Holocaust” over the fall and into the early winter. I am honored to be a participant. I will be debating the issue of … Read More
August 14, 2007
Scientists in England have developed a vaccine that, in early testing, appears to help patients with multiple sclerosis without relying on controversial embryonic stem cells. Pro-life advocates oppose the use of the cells because days-old unborn children must be destroyed … Read More
August 14, 2007
In politics, every serious candidate for the White House has a health care plan. So too in business, where the two leading candidates for Web supremacy, Google and Microsoft, are working up their plans to improve the nation’s health care. … Read More
August 14, 2007
U.S. researchers are studying ways to use super-small nanoparticles to easily deliver painkillers to injured soldiers. (HealthDay)
August 14, 2007
Since the first modern neurosurgery was performed in the 19th Century, the highest compliment that could be paid a neurosurgeon is that “he has a steady hand.” Unfortunately, despite tremendous advances in the field, hands haven’t gotten a bit steadier. … Read More
August 14, 2007
Scans have shown near-normal brain activity in a second patient who is in a vegetative state, British researchers reported on Monday in a study that may show a way to predict who is likely to recover from the usually hopeless … Read More
August 14, 2007
A process that will lead to the regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has been launched in the country. The taskforce appointed by Health minister Charity Ngilu to deal with the issue, yesterday received views from professionals and the public … Read More
August 13, 2007
October 25-27 at the Franciscan University in Steubenville Ohio. Speakers to include Dr. Edmund Pellegrino, Robert P. George, and Dr. William Hurlbut. Info at www.franciscanconferences.com or 1.800.437.8368. “Attendees will come away from the conference with a stronger grasp on how … Read More
August 13, 2007
We’ve heard the mantra repeatedly: embryonic stem cells are the only hope (or the best hope) for curing this disease and that disease. But the evidence continues to grow that this just isn’t true. Today’s story deals with multiple sclerosis. … Read More
August 13, 2007
This story illustrates how politics has twisted the proper pursuit of regenerative medicine in California. During the last six years or so, the legislature went GA-GA over ESCR and human cloning. It passed a state law explicitly permitting human cloning … Read More
August 13, 2007
Earlier this year, at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference in Lyons, France, it was reported that Melanie Boivin, a Canadian woman, had decided to have her eggs surgically extracted and preserved for the later use … Read More
August 13, 2007
For short kids, treatment with growth hormone leads to height increases of up to 7.5 centimeters (just under 3 inches), but the majority of these children will remain shorter than their peers. (MSNBC)
August 13, 2007
A Christian activist organization charges in a federal lawsuit that Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s online petition to promote embryonic stem cell research discriminates against those opposed to it. (Detroit Free Press)
