Text only version

News on ethics in medicine and biotechnology: June 2004


Cows immune to BSE near reality

A major advance towards producing prion-free cows that would be immune to mad cow disease has been made by researchers at companies in the US and Japan.

1 June 2004, New Scientist.com
http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/bse/bse.jsp?id=ns99995059

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Genome funding delay

Germany has given 135 million euros to 300 genome projects, but who was funded?

2 June 2004, TheScientist
http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040602/01

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


UK hybrid loophole exposed

Regulator seeks government clarification on licensing human-animal hybrid experiments .

2 June 2004, The Scientist
http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040602/02/

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


EU to discuss approval of two more GMO products

EU environment experts are to discuss the approval of two more GMO products in June after the Commission lifted a five-year moratorium on genetically modified products a few weeks ago.

3 June 2004, EUObserver
http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=16429

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Positive biotech outlook in UK

At BIO, minister says gov't will take on board the advice of the BIGT working group

7 June 2004, The Scientist
http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040607/03

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


GM giant Monsanto given the EU green light

EU ministers and experts will consider applications for two genetically modified foods, just weeks after the Commission lifted a five-year biotech ban and approved the imports of the Bt-11 GM maize.

11 June 2004, EU Reporter
http://www.eureporter.co.uk/articles/article.cfm?id=1459

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Human embryo cloning considered

The first request by British scientists to clone human embryos has been considered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

16 June, BBC Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3810825.stm

Related News:
UK considers cloning request, 16 June 2004, The Scientist

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


UK stem cell research 'at risk

Plans to raise licensing fees 30-fold will stifle embryo research, scientists worry

17 June2004, The Scientist
http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040617/03

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Surgeon admits killing a patient

A surgeon who denied the manslaughter of two female patients has changed his plea and admitted killing one.

17 June 2004, BBC Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/3816051.stm

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


FAO Says GM Foods Might Become Necessary

Use of genetically altered foods might become necessary as the world population increases from the current level of six billion to nine billion by 2050, thus requiring a 60 per cent increase in global food production, a top UN official has indicated, reports the Financial Times.

18 June 2004, Financial Times
(quoted by Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology News)
http://pewagbiotech.org/newsroom/summaries/display.php3?NewsID=689

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Spain To Seek Independent Advice On Biotech Crops

Spanish Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said the government would seek the advice of independent researchers about continuing with the country's extensive cultivation of biotech crops, reports the Agence France Presse.

18 June 2004, Agence Presse
(quoted by Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology News)
http://pewagbiotech.org/newsroom/summaries/display.php3?NewsID=692

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Donor embryo children 'not told'

Only a third of couples who conceived their children using donor embryos plan to tell them, research suggests.

28 June 2004, BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3847061.stm

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Scientist angry at block on horse cloning

A leading reproductive scientist claims the government is running scared of animal rights campaigners after blocking efforts to clone horses.

6 May 2004, the Guardian (UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/genes/article/0,2763,1210310,00.html

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Ovary transplant pregnancy first

A woman has become pregnant after having an ovary tissue transplant for the first time, it has emerged.

29 June 2004, BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3850381.stm

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Scientists renew cloning warnings

Cloning creates potentially dangerous abnormalities in embryos, researchers have warned at a German conference.

30 June 2004, BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3854039.stm

Related News:
EU 'fertility tourism' warning 30 June 2004, BBC News Online

(Submitted by SIBLE, UK)

top of page


Please send us related European news items by writing to eureth.net@sheffield.ac.uk

News Archive

Other News Sources on Ethics in medicine & biotechnology:

...if you would like to add a news source, please email eureth.net@sheffield.ac.uk

 

top of page

European Information Network - Ethics in Medicine and Biotechnology

A project of the European Commission, Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Programme
Eureth.net logo