Ethics Newsline®

Synthetic Genomes and Donated Kidneys Make Headlines

Jan 28th, 2008 • Posted in: News

Bioethics breakthroughs and their attendant controversies continue to roil around the world

VARIOUS DATELINES
High-profile issues in bioethics were featured in last week’s news. Among the top stories:

• In what has become something of a blockbuster-of-the-week series of breakthroughs, scientists announced on January 24 that they have successfully created an entire synthetic genome in the lab, according to a report from National Geographic. The breakthrough is characterized as the second step in a three-step process of creating artificial life. Step one, according to the report, was transplanting a genome from one species of bacteria to another, and the third step will be using chemically synthesized DNA to produce a synthetic cell. But the process, of course, is not without controversy. Aside from moral issues related to the creation of artificial life, some critics worry that lab-created cells could run amok and produce viruses or other harmful life-forms.
• In the wake of last week’s announcement that scientists had created a synthetic genome, the British House of Lords scheduled a debate about the establishment of a National Bioethics Commission. The Times of London reports that the proposal calls for a statutory body of six to eight experts in law, philosophy, science, and theology. Such a commission is strongly supported by many religious leaders, reports the Times.
• State officials in Alaska are working on revisions to ethics legislation that would allow a sick legislator to receive a kidney transplant. UPI reports that Democratic state Rep. Richard Foster needs a kidney transplant, and one of his former legislative aides is willing to donate one to save his life. But as the Anchorage Daily News reports, it appears to be against state ethics laws for someone to give Foster a kidney. Alaska lawmakers tightened laws about gifts last year after a series of scandals involving former legislators. While there is a provision for “compassionate gifts,” it only allows gifts up to $250, and a kidney apparently is worth more than that. As this issue of Newsline went to press, an Alaska legislator had introduced a bill that would eliminate the dollar limit on compassionate gifts.

Sources: National Geographic, Jan. 26 — UPI, Jan. 26 — Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 26 — Times of London, Jan. 26.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Jan. 22 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 14 — Related Newsline story, Dec. 3, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Nov. 26, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Nov. 19.

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2 Responses »

1. Ethics Newsline » News » Biosciences Remain Focus of Ethics Debate on February 4th, 2008 at 8:41 pm:

   [...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, Jan. 28 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 22 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 14 [...]

2. Ethics Newsline » News » Medical-Ethics Stories Featured in World Press on May 20th, 2008 at 3:44 am:

   [...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, Feb. 24 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 28 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 22 — Related Newsline story, Dec. 31, [...]

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