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Engineering Animals With Human Genes

This story is written as if placing human genes in animals is something new. It reports on how UK scientists have engineered mice to contain human genes that are implicated in Down’s syndrome. The point is to help the researchers “identify which gene or genes cause each of the symptoms . . . . Continue Reading »

Belgian Pharmacies to Sell Euthanasia Kits

A Belgian chain of pharmacies has put together a killing kit for sale to doctors. For $74, physicians can buy kits filled with doses of lethal drugs. Says a lot about how casual killing can become once the law deems it a good thing in some cases. Also, note how cheap killing can be. Caring for . . . . Continue Reading »

The Unconscious May be Able to Hear

I have always believed that Terri Schiavo could hear. This was based on conversations I had with people who were with her, and on the videos posted on the Internet. One in particular struck me: Terri is asked to open her eyes. There is a pause. Her eyes remain shut. Then, they flutter. Then, she . . . . Continue Reading »

Adult Neural Stem Cells Help Mice to Walk

And yet another adult stem cell success: This time, human neural stem cells have apparently helped heal spinal injuries in mice. Imagine: Our own cells becoming potent medicine—and all without having to conduct human cloning. More research remains to be done, of course. But scientists who . . . . Continue Reading »

Thank You For Your Service, Leon Kass

Leon Kass has resigned his position as the chairman of the President’s Council on Bioethics. I will miss his leadership. Kass is one of the great thinkers in contemporary bioethics and a writer of intense talent whose prose reads like poetry. As chairman of the President’s Council on . . . . Continue Reading »

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