Issue 444 (15 February 2008)

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Debating fertility legislation that affects the deaf community - a request for help

12 February 2008 - by Dr Jess Buxton

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill currently passing through the UK Parliament has already sparked much discussion, particularly aspects such as the creation of animal-human embryos for use in stem cell research, and the removal of the 'need for a father' from the welfare of the child considerations. There has...[Read More]

Hope for parents with mitochondrial diseases

11 February 2008 - by Dr Rebecca Robey

Scientists at the University of Newcastle are developing a technique that they hope will enable women with a group of devastating hereditary illnesses - known as mitochondrial diseases - to have children without passing on their genetic disorders. Because the method involves sperm from one man and two eggs...[Read More]

Obesity in children is largely genetic, say scientists

11 February 2008 - by Dr Charlotte Maden

A group of UK scientists has confirmed that there are genetic links to child obesity. The researchers, from the Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre at University College London, studied 5,092 pairs of twins aged between eight and 11. They looked at identical twins, who have...[Read More]

UK couple celebrate baby after 15th IVF attempt

11 February 2008 - by Dr Kirsty Horsey

A British couple are celebrating the birth of a baby girl after ten years of trying to conceive using IVF, at an estimated cost of about £64,000. Their daughter, Olivia, was conceived on the couple's 15th attempt at IVF and was born last month. Delina and...[Read More]

Michigan embryo research petition moves closer to the ballot box

11 February 2008 - by Antony Blackburn-Starza

Language contained in a petition to overturn the prohibition of embryonic stem (ES) cell research in Michigan has been accepted by the state board of canvassers. The petition now requires over 380,000 signatures for it to be placed on November's ballot, when citizens will be allowed to...[Read More]

Acupuncture may increase IVF success rates

11 February 2008 - by Katy Sinclair

By Katy Sinclair: A team of doctors from the University of Maryland and the University of Amsterdam have published a report in the British Medical Journal, claiming that acupuncture could increase IVF success rates by as much as 65 per cent. The team, led by researcher Eric Manheimer, reviewed seven...[Read More]

Row erupts over first cousin marriage comments

11 February 2008 - by Dr Jess Buxton

A Government Minister has sparked anger amongst British Asians, following an article in the Sunday Times in which he highlighted the higher risk of health problems in the children of first cousins. Speaking specifically about the cultural practises of families originating from rural Pakistan, environment minister...[Read More]