Ethics and research: sex, hearts and brains

Article Abstract:

Different ethical views on many areas of science exist in various cultures. In 1989, the United States, the United Kingdom and West Germany refused to conduct surveys of sexual behavior that would help predict the spread of AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome, while France approved such a survey. In Japan, heart transplantation operations are not performed because the Japanese can not accept brain death as the criteria for death instead of the cessation of heartbeat. In Japan and India, abortions are morally accepted and in India, a human fetal tissue bank will be established in 1990 to provide fetal tissues to researchers in developmental biology and organ transplantation. The present administration in the United States is against abortion and a ban was renewed on research of the transplantation of fetal tissue. In the United States and France, animal right activists protest research done on animals. There are new regulations for genetic engineering and biotechnology in various countries. In the United States, there is controversy concerning the use of genetically engineered genes in gene therapy. However, the insertion of a bacterial gene into humans, as a marker in cancer therapy, was recently approved by the National Institutes of Health. In the United Kingdom, it is a criminal offense to release genetically engineered organisms into the environment without notifying the government. West Germany does not have guidelines for the regulation of biotechnology, despite pressures from companies and universities. The European Commission has placed a 15-month moratorium on the use of genetically engineered bovine growth hormone, which increases milk production in cows. The different ethical views of people in various countries inhibit or encourage various areas of research and development. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, International aspects, Ethical aspects, Genetic engineering, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Microbial biotechnology, Abortion, Medical ethics, Biotechnology, editorial, Fetal tissue transplantation

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Brains, courage and integrity: Gandhi and Sakharov set us an inspiring example for the twenty-first century

Article Abstract:

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who lived between 1869 and 1948, and Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov, who lived between 1921 and 1989, were both very intelligent and courageous. They had a significant impact on the political scene in their respective countries, and were prepared to make great personal sacrifices for the sake of their convictions. However, they were not merely vulnerable martyrs, as they were aware of how to make the most effective political use of their sacrifices. Their lives must serve as an example for the 21st century.

Influence, Gandhi, Mohandas K., Sakharov, Andrei

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Courage, vision and the Department of Energy

Article Abstract:

Department of Energy (DE) secretary Federico Pena will face future problems due to clashing interests by several political parties concerning the management of the DE. Pena will also expect to face some objections from several members of the Congress about the implementation of various programs. Furthermore, sensitive issues such as the cleanup of wastes from nuclear power stations and nuclear weapons production complexes are expected to plague Pena during his tenure as DE secretary.

Political activity, Political aspects, United States. Department of Energy, Pena, Federico

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