Category Archives: Uncategorized

Gene therapy nears approval in Europe

Europe is on the cusp of approving a gene therapy for the first time, in what would be a landmark moment for the field. more

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23 and You? Genome research, direct-to-consumer genetics and informed consent

When US based, direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe announced last month that it had obtained a patent on a method for determining predisposition to Parkinson’s disease, it highlighted, perhaps inadvertently, a growing area of unresolved tension between clinical, commercial and … Continue reading

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How Do You Live Knowing You Might Have an Alzheimer’s Gene?

A story of a man whose family carries an Alzheimer’s gene. more

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Is it fair to fine fat people for not dieting?

Overweight welfare claimants in the US state of Arizona face paying $50 (£31) fines if they don’t follow a dietary regime laid down by their doctor. Is that fair? more

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Should my hereditary disability stop me having a baby?

For Jono Lancaster, who has Treacher Collins syndrome, the decision about whether to have a baby or not is agonising. more

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Measles-carrier had right to skip shot; we have right to sue

So let’s listen to two of the staunchest defenders of individual rights and liberty ever to take pen to paper — Mill and Holmes. If you infect my newborn or my grandmom because you put your liberty over your duty … Continue reading

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‘Unethical’ anaesthetics research is retracted

The editors of 16 medical journals have retracted “unethical” studies by an influential German anaesthetist. more

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Study: Drug firms fund health advocacy groups

Many health advocacy organizations rely on financial support from drug companies. But few disclose the extent of that funding or make information easily accessible, according to a new report published Thursday by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public … Continue reading

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Should we test for diseases that can’t be cured?

A final lesson from the history of bioethics is the consensus that if you can’t offer a patient anything to prevent or to ameliorate a terrible disease, why test for it? For newborns with diseases such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), we … Continue reading

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