Are genetic markers helpful in understanding psychological disorders?

In their concluding remarks, all three speakers said the answer to the question implicit in the event's title - if you are genetically predisposed to a neurodevelopmental disorder, does this effectively mean you are marked for life? - is an emphatic 'no'. Nonetheless, they had divergent views on the likelihood of successfully applying the fruits of genetic research into mental health... [Read More]

From autism to Asperger's syndrome

The Progress Educational Trust (PET) debate 'From Autism to Asperger's: Disentangling the Genetics and Sociology of the Autistic Spectrum' took place in the UK Houses of Parliament on the evening of 20 October 2009, two days before the Autism Bill received its third and final reading in the House of Lords....[Read More]

From 'Genomic Medicine' to the new horizon of epigenetics

From our perspective at the Progress Educational Trust (PET), one of the most welcome aspects of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee's new report 'Genomic Medicine' is its consideration of public engagement issues. This section of the report appears to anticipate and complement PET's plans for its 2009 annual conference, entitled 'Does Genetics Matter? Help, Hype and the New Horizon of Epigenetics', which will take place in East London on Wednesday 18 November....[Read More]

The debate about single embryo transfer isn't NICE

This month sees the coming into force of new regulations by the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which seek to ensure that elective single embryo transfer (eSET) for women under 40 becomes standard practice in IVF treatment in the UK. Under these regulations, public and private fertility clinics...[Read More]

Rare genetic variants found to play role in development of autism

Results from the largest international study of its kind into autism strongly suggests that rare genetic variants contribute far more than common variants to the risk of developing the condition....[Read More]

First UK fertility law firm launches

A new UK law firm is the first in the country to specialise exclusively in fertility and parenting law. The firm, Gamble and Ghevaert LLP, has been founded by lawyers Natalie Gamble and Louisa Ghevaert to cater for a diverse range of families including lesbian couples, single...[Read More]

Public consultation launched on draft fertility regulations

Following the granting of Royal Assent to the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in November 2008, the Department of Health has launched a public consultation on draft regulations to implement the Act. While certain aspects of the Act's provisions will come into force as early as...[Read More]

Embryo selection clause triggers controversy in deaf community

A heated debate on the subject of embryo selection and deafness has been sparked in the UK, by a deaf couple who resent the impediment to having a deaf child posed by prospective legislation. Clause 14 of the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill says that in...[Read More]

Increasing number of people travelling abroad for PGD

Increasing numbers of people are travelling abroad for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), according to the first study of the provision and regulation of PGD to encompass the whole of the European Union. The study was led by James Lawford Davies, a solicitor who also lectures in law...[Read More]

New research sheds light on multiple IVF pregnancies

New research into the formation of early embryos (blastocysts) shows how multiple pregnancies resulting from IVF might be explained and reduced, even those where only a single embryo has been implanted. The research was led by Dianna Payne - visiting fellow at the Mio Fertility Clinic in Yonago...[Read More]

Standardising European fertility regulation

It is essential that fertility regulation be standardised across Europe, according to Professor Paul Devroey of Brussels Free University. Speaking in Lyons, France at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - of which he is chair - Professor Devroey made a provocative contribution...[Read More]

Raids on IVF clinics ruled unlawful

Raids carried out earlier this year by the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), on IVF clinics run by the pioneering fertility expert Mohamed Taranissi, have been ruled unlawful by the High Court of Justice. The case was expected to go to a full hearing, but...[Read More]

Mole-rats as a model for stress-related infertility in humans

New research by Dr Chris Faulkes of Queen Mary, University of London draws connections between the breeding habits of mole-rats and stress-related infertility in humans. Dr Faulkes presented his research in Lyons, France this week, at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and...[Read More]