Issue 301 (29 March 2005)

Welcome to BioNews by email, the free weekly news digest of the top stories in assisted conception, genetics, embryo/stem cell research and related areas, published by the Progress Educational Trust. Sent to registered subscribers each week, BioNews by email is aimed at informing debate in these areas by providing balanced and timely summaries of the week's news and developments alongside comment, reviews and recommendations of selected topical conferences, events and more. It also contains job advertisements from the relevant sectors.

Visit the BioNews website at www.bionews.org.uk where you can subscribe for free to receive BioNews by email in one of three formats, plus view more news, comment, reviews and job advertisements and search the full archive.

Science and Technology report opens debate on assisted reproduction laws

29 March 2005 - by Dr Ian Gibson MP

When we announced that we were going to undertake a review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, a lot of people said we were mad. They were absolutely right, of course, but someone had to do it. It was clear to us that the Act and the Human...[Read More]

UK committee split over reproductive technology report

24 March 2005 - by BioNews

The UK House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (STC) is deeply divided over its inquiry into Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law. Only half of the ten committee members put their names to the summary report, published today alongside a Special Report detailing the committee's disagreements. The dissenting MPs...[Read More]

Australia extends embryo stem cell research

29 March 2005 - by BioNews

Australian scientists will be able to use embryos left over from fertility treatment to derive new embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, following Prime Minister John Howard's decision not to extend a moratorium on such research. The three year ban, put in place to allow more time to debate the ethics...[Read More]

Fears over UK egg and sperm donor shortages

29 March 2005 - by BioNews

British fertility doctors say that a forthcoming law ending anonymity for egg and sperm donors will worsen the current donor shortage in the UK, and will also lead to an increase in patients seeking treatment abroad. The British Fertility Society (BFS) says it 'welcomes steps towards openness in fertility treatment...[Read More]

US politicians to vote on embryo stem cell bill

29 March 2005 - by BioNews

The US House of Representatives leadership has agreed to allow a floor vote on a bill that would expand federal funding for human embryonic stem (ES) research. The bill would amend the Public Health Service Act, making human ES cells eligible for use in research conducted or supported by government...[Read More]

California court dismisses stem cell lawsuits

29 March 2005 - by BioNews

The California Supreme Court has thrown out two lawsuits that sought to get rid of the state's $3 billion stem cell research funding initiative. The high court refused to hear the cases, but said that its ruling won't prevent the lawsuits from being filed again, in a trial court. Both...[Read More]