Such stuff as genes are made on

Article Abstract:

A child born in Burnley General Hospital, England had, when a fertilised egg, been examined to ensure she did not inherit cystic fibrosis. Nuffield Professor of Clinical Medicine at Oxford University, Sir David Weatherall says there has been little progress in managing genetic disorders. The mechanism behind sickle-cell anaemia has been well understood for 40 years but no more can be done for sufferers than when the disease was first recognised in 1910. Some disease like cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and thalassemia are single gene defects but others result from several defective genes or the interaction between gene and environment.

Health aspects, Research, Genetic disorders

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We have ways to make sure that your genes become your destiny

Article Abstract:

Modern society has become increasingly obsessed with genes and DNA. Genetic discoveries can have very beneficial effects in terms of limiting cases of genetic disease, but also have the potential for negative repercussions, as portrayed in the film 'Gattaca.' It cannot be expected that scientists involved in genetic research have the necessary knowledge of history and social sciences to be fully aware of the possible wider implications of their research. It is now time to give more attention to researching the implications for society of recent controversial scientific discoveries.

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Genetic Engineering, Social aspects, Column

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Our genes in their hands

Article Abstract:

The patenting of human genes has become an increasingly controversial issue as pharmaceutical companies start to realise that great commercial advantages could be obtained from having a patent on the genes for certain diseases and conditions. The government has so far failed to respond to calls made in 1993 by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics to regulate genetic screening and testing, but the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology is soon to take evidence on the patenting of human genes.

Ethical aspects, Human genetics

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