Bioethics in the News This Week

Thanks to the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity for flagging these. 

AlternativePap Smear Approved  
(ABC News)– US health regulators have okayed a genetic test as a first-choice screening option for cervicalcancer. 

Autism and Genetic Discovery Inches Closer to Answers 
(Medical Xpress)– A new study from investigators with the world’slargest research project on identifying genes associated with risk for autism,has found that a certain kind of genetictesting offers an important tool in diagnosis and treatment ofautism.

Transplant Drug May Aid Treatment of HIV 
(InfectiousDisease Special Edition) – A drug designedto prevent rejection of transplanted organs —also may combat HIV.  

Veterans Die Waiting for Medical Access 
(CNN) –At least 40 U.S. veterans died waiting for appointments at the Phoenix VeteransAffairs Health Care system, many of whom were placed on a secret waiting list.The list was designed by VA managers trying to hide that 1,400 to 1,600 sick veteranswere forced to wait months to see a doctor.  

Gene Therapy May BoostCochlear Implants
 (Washington Post)–Researchers using technology to beam gene therapy into the ears of deafanimals found that the combination improved hearing. The approach reported isn’t ready for humans, but it’s part of growing research intoways to let users of cochlear implants experience richer, more normal sound.

Animals with Human Rights MakeResearchers Run Scared 
(Nature)– Animals are gaining more rights, and as they do so, researchers fear judges could extend theserights to lab animals, curbing experimentation. The trend also disturbs veterinarians who fear accusations of malpractice if pets are ruled worth more than their simple economic value.

Trafficking Ring Lured Vulnerable Women to Turkey for Organ Harvesting (Jerusalem Post)– Young Israeli women in dire economic straits were lured toTurkey to donate their kidneys and other organs on the promise of quick cash.  

Adult Stem Cell Research ShowsPromise 
(FDA.gov)– A large team of FDA scientists are studying adultmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) —cells that could eventually be used to repair,replace, restore or regenerate cells in the body, including those needed forheart and bone repair.

Almost Blind Man Improves Thanks to New Retina Procedure  
(Associated Press)– A man diagnosedwith retinitis pigmentosa as a teenager, has been almost completely blindfor years. Now, thanks to the surgicalimplantation of a “bionic eye,” he’s regained enough of his sight to catch glimpses of his wife, grandson and cat.

FDA Discourages Use ofTissue-Shredding Tool 
in Women's Surgeries (Nature)– The FDA now recommends that surgeons refrainfrom using tissue-grinding tools to remove uteruses or uterine growths becausethese tools increase the risk of spreading undetected cancer.  

Childless ChineseTurn to American Surrogates
 (NPR) –Chinese couples unable to have children get around China's ban on surrogacy as well as birth limits by hiring American surrogates. Having American-born children also guarantees them something many wealthy Chinese wantthese days: a U.S. passport.

New Initiative Could Ban Funding ofEmbryonic Stem Cell Research in Europe 
(Forbes)– The US bans patenting oftechnologies that use human embryonic stem cells, so a group of pro-lifeorganizations has launched an initiative which, if it passes, will cut fundingof embryonic stem cell research there. 

Virtual Doctor Visits Gaining Steamin “Geneticist Deserts”
 (ScientificAmerican) – Videoconferencing for genetic consultation —telegenetics —saves patients time, the cost and burden of transportand the need to find day care or take time off from work. Fordoctors, the approach can expand their reach while limiting travel.