News on ethics in medicine and biotechnology: December 2004Minister to abolish GM scrutiny bodyThe environment secretary, Margaret Beckett, is to scrap an advisory committee after it repeatedly placed obstacles in the way of government plans to introduce genetically modified crops. 29 December 2004, The Guardian (UK) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) French researchers use adult stem cells to make bloodResearchers in Paris have released an exciting report which may help scientists to manufacture blood in the laboratory. 27 December 2004, Corethics.org (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Biotech industry laments Member States' 'lack of political coherence' on GMFollowing a decision by European environment ministers to reject the import to the EU of Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) GT73 oilseed rape, the biotech industry has hit back at what it calls 'a lack of political coherence' in the regulatory framework for GM crops. 22 December 2004, CORDIS News Related News: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Adult stem cells from fat used to repair skullA seven-year-old girl living in Germany has become the first patient to receive a new treatment for head injuries. 17 December 2004, Corethics.org (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Mother to challenge abortion lawsA mother has been granted permission to challenge government guidelines which allow young girls to have abortions without their parents' knowledge. 14 December 2004, BBC News Online (UK) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) UK scientists defend HFEAScientists involved in reproductive medicine and stem cell research have leapt to the defense of Britain's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), after a leading figure called on Friday (December 10) for it to be scrapped. 13 December 2004, The Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Better off dead than a burden, says WarnockBritain's best-known bioethicist, Baroness Warnock, has suggested that the elderly should request euthanasia rather than linger on as a burden on their families. 12 December 2004, London Times (as quoted by BioEdge) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) German biopatent law passedGerman biopatent law passedGermany's belated attempt to bring its biotechnology patent law into compliance with a European Union Directive issued in 1998 appears to contradict what the EU mandated, meaning the issue could end up being debated in the European Court of Justice, according to a patent and property rights expert. 10 December 2004, The Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Lisbon doctor gives hope to spinal cord victims using nasal stem cellsA British woman paralysed in a riding accident has regained some movement after stem cells from her nose were transplanted into her spine. 6 December 2004, London Telegraph (as quoted by BioEdge) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Drug giant pushes for patent reform 'to help poor'The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has asked UK prime minister Tony Blair for patent concessions and tax credits in return for researching drugs for developing countries. 2 December 2004, SciDev.net (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Hospital performs euthanasia on infantsA hospital in the Netherlands — the first nation to permit euthanasia — has proposed guidelines for mercy killings of terminally ill newborns and then made a startling revelation: It already has begun carrying out such procedures, which include administering a lethal dose of sedatives. 1 December 2004, Washington Times (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Zapped human eggs divide without spermA trick that persuades human eggs to divide as if they have been fertilised could provide a source of embryonic stem cells that sidesteps ethical objections to existing techniques. 1 December 2004,New Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK)
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