Helping patients with genetic disorders to access life insurance products fairly

The Genetic Interest Group (GIG), the UK alliance organisation for all people affected by genetic disorders, has been working in collaboration on a pilot project to help those affected by rare conditions to access life insurance products in a fair and equitable manner. GIG has been working with the insurance...[Read More]

Ten years after Dolly: Hype, hope and reality

Cloning Discovery Has Unleashed a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing'; 'Cloned Sheep in Nazi Storm' and 'Dolly Opens Door for Life After Death' were among the headlines to appear in the acres of newsprint inspired by Dolly, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. The cover of the...[Read More]

Correction: Sperm screening needs to be overhauled

In BioNews 535, we published a commentary by Wendy Kramer in which she stated that 'using a donor with reciprocal translocations is potentially even more likely to produce sick children than donors with autosomal dominant disorders. The chances for a chromosomally abnormal child are thirty out of thirty-two (Scriven, 1998)'. However, this interpretation is incorrect and potentially misleading, the author of the paper has since informed us....[Read More]

Clarification: Gene test aims to predict reproductive lifespan

In BioNews 533, we reported on a new study suggesting an association between early ovarian decline and variations in the number of 'CGG' repeats present in a gene called FMR1. Whilst this finding is novel, we would like to clarify that the FMR1 gene has been known for many years, since the presence of excess CGG repeats causes the common genetic condition Fragile X syndrome in boys who inherit the mutation....[Read More]

Correction: Tackling issues in cross-border reproductive care

In BioNews 508, we published a commentary by Professor Eric Blyth in which he stated that the first International Forum on Cross-Border Reproductive Care, hosted by the Canadian government, took place in January 2008. This should have read 'January 2009', the author has since advised us. A corrected version of...[Read More]

Correction: Fertility watchdog investigates serious IVF mix-ups at London hospital

Last week BioNews reported that, speaking to The Sunday Times, an HFEA spokesperson said that mistakes due to human error only occur in 0.5 per cent of cases. BioNews has since been informed by the HFEA that this figure was misquoted in the newspaper, and that the true figure for...[Read More]

Clarification: HFEA rebuked by medical risk expert

Last week BioNews reported on a letter published in The Sunday Times newspaper in which Brian Toft, professor of patient safety at Coventry University, declared the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) - the UK Government's fertility watchdog - 'unfit for purpose'. BioNews would like to clarify that Professor Toft is not...[Read More]

500 fivers appeal tops £1000 mark as BioNews publishes 500th issue

Last week we made a special birthday wish for our 500 fivers appeal reach a total of £1000 in time for the 500th issue of BioNews, published today. It was a close call, but we're pleased to report that thanks to your kindness and support we've now raised a total...[Read More]

Rare Disease Day 2009 hailed a success

Rare Disease UK (www.raredisease.org.uk) and the Genetic Interest Group (www.gig.org.uk) are organising activities around International Rare Disease Day on 28th February 2009, including three parliamentary receptions to raise the profile of rare diseases and to campaign for the development of a National Plan. A...[Read More]

CLARIFICATION: UK scientists announce ground-breaking stem cell therapy trial

In BioNews 491 we reported that a Glasgow-based team had announced plans to trial a pioneering stem cell therapy, which they hope could help reverse the symptoms of stroke. The article said: 'The trial has been fiercely opposed by pro-life groups, who believe that an embryo has equivalent moral status...[Read More]

Correction: Posthumous retrieval of gametes: a case of deja vu?

In BioNews issue 484 we published a commentary on the recent 'L' decision. Since that time, we have been in communication with Diane Blood and also the solicitor acting for 'L' with respect to the article's accuracy. In the light of the comments made by these parties, we have altered...[Read More]