Issue 411 (11 June 2007)

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PGD and the Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill

11 June 2007 - by John Gillott

The UK Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, published recently, explicitly covers a number of uses of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). In this commentary I concentrate on just one - PGD to avoid diseases or disorders with a genetic component. The Draft Bill proposes that a licence can only be granted...[Read More]

Stem cells produced from 'reprogrammed' skin cells

11 June 2007 - by Ailsa Stevens

By Ailsa Taylor: Three independent research groups have reported successfully causing skin cells from adult mice to revert back to an embryonic stem cell-like state; a technique that could potentially help to resolve the ongoing ethical debate over stem cell research. Published in the journal Nature, this groundbreaking research could...[Read More]

Controversy over use of genetic test results reignited

11 June 2007 - by Katy Sinclair

A leading medical ethicist has argued that the results of genetic tests should be made available to insurers. Professor Soren Holm, from Cardiff Law School, says that the availability of such genetic information is in principle no different to other types of medical data already made available...[Read More]

Increase in UK women over 40 seeking fertility treatment

11 June 2007 - by Danielle Hamm

Recent figures released by the UK fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), show a tenfold plus increase in women over 40 seeking fertility treatment using their own eggs. The number of women over 40 seeking fertility treatment using donated eggs is not know, but...[Read More]

Victoria to consider assisted reproduction law reform

11 June 2007 - by Danielle Hamm

The Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) has published its final report on Assisted Reproductive Technology and Adoption. The report will now be considered by the Victorian State Government; a formal response is expected by the end of 2007. Assisted reproduction is governed in the Australian state by...[Read More]

Second Australian state to permit therapeutic cloning?

11 June 2007 - by Antony Blackburn-Starza

The Lower House in New South Wales, Australia, voted last week to overturn a ban on therapeutic cloning by 65 votes to 26. If the measure is passed by the Upper House later this month it will bring New South Wales' cloning legislation in line with federal...[Read More]

Genetic clues to seven diseases uncovered

11 June 2007 - by Dr Jess Buxton

A team of UK scientists has published details of genetic variations associated with an increased risk of seven common illnesses. The Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) has confirmed several previously reported genetic influences on disease, as well as identifying ten new variants. The research, reported...[Read More]

Bush vows to veto stem cell bill passed by House

11 June 2007 - by MacKenna Roberts

As predicted, the US House of Representatives has approved - with a 247-176 majority - the version of the Stem Cell Enhancement Act 2007 that the Senate passed earlier this month. The bill, which would relax federal funding restrictions on human embryonic stem (ES) cell research, now awaits...[Read More]