April 07, 2005
This Week in CGREAL
Labs Turn DNA Into Personal Health Forecasts Companies such as Genelex are pushing medical science into territory that was once the realm of gods and horoscope writers. They are making predictions about what someone's health might be in five, 10, 20 or more years. Other testing facilities around the country offer genetic assessments of what they claim is people's future propensity towards diabetes, liver disease, blood clots, dementia -- even alcoholism and gambling.
WSJ.com - Toddlers' Implants Bring Upheaval To Deaf Education Supporters of the venerable culture built up by deaf people believe deaf children should get a strong grounding in American Sign Language so they can participate fully in that culture when they grow up. But others -- including some deaf kids' parents who can hear -- want more emphasis on hearing and speaking English to prepare the children for life in the mainstream world. Now the implants are boosting their cause.
Parents warned over gene testsIn a report published today, the Human Genetics Commission says that the genetic profiling of all newborn babies is feasible but is premature and unlikely to be cost-effective for the NHS. But private companies might well offer such a service within the next few years. If so, parents should be cautious.
Perfection's CurseAndrew Niccol's futuristic thriller Gattaca presents us with a reflection of our world, a chilling and disturbing reminder of the dangers of absolute dependence on technology.
Davis/Waxman Letters on Steroid-Testing Policies to Major Athletic Associations (pdf) "Attached are letters sent today by Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman to the heads of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer Federation, U.S. Tennis Association, USA Track & Field, and USA Cycling. The letters seek information about the steroid-testing policies of the various organizations."
UN to set up science advisory mechanism Kofi Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has announced plans to create a high-level advisory panel to help integrate science and technology into the development efforts of all the member organisations of the UN system. Annan has also announced that he is to appoint a scientific advisor to provide "strategic forward-looking" scientific advice on policy matters, with responsibility for "mobilising scientific and technological expertise within the United Nations system and from the broader scientific and academic community".
Pharmaceuticals and the Death of Art (op-ed) "One of the leading causes of artistic and creative decline is the modern view of mental illness, and the treatment methods used to prevent or minimize it. If one views creativity as a form of madness (or deviance), then the modern view that all forms of psychopathology must be eradicated will be detrimental to societies body of great artistic works ... Through our push for conformity, and so-called mental fitness, we lose something more socially important, great works of creativity, the baring of human soul, the sense of awe that genius can bring."
Divided Committee Urges Less Restriction on Embryo Research The United Kingdom has some of the least restrictive rules in Europe governing research on human embryos. But in a wide-ranging and controversial report* issued last week, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee argues that they should be relaxed even further: The report says the government should consider lifting the current absolute ban on research involving genetic modification of human embryos and the creation of chimeric human-animal embryos, and that it should even reopen debate on human reproductive cloning.
Genes for alcohol consumption identified “Our study suggests that there’s a genetic basis to certain kinds of behaviour, including alcohol consumption, which may be important in influencing whether people are at an increased risk of alcohol dependence."
Rugby team converts to give gene tests a try (Nature)An Australian rugby league team claims it has gained a competitive edge over its rivals by using genetic tests to tailor its players' training programmes. This move marks the beginning of more widespread use of genetics in sport, according to geneticists and legal experts.
rsp10 April 7, 2005 03:39 PM