Technology & Society
In California, patients must provide written consent before their blood can be tested for HIV. This is in contrast to other screening tests for cholesterol and diabetes that do not need consent. To change this so that more people get
Looks like fertility treatment is going to advance quite a bit in the next 5 years. According to this article, doctors have unveiled details of a technique that will allow human eggs to be grown in the laboratory from ovarian
Well, except for the part that contains his apolipoprotein E gene, which predisposes a person toward Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe he thinks he will get the disease. I saw him on Charlie Rose a few months ago and he said, “Right
Researchers in La Jolla, CA recently announced that they have “identified a critical gene that specifically links calorie restriction (CR) to longevity.” We already know that massively limiting the amount of calories one eats (caloric restriction) can extend life, but
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., caused a political firestorm recently when he said he wanted to reinstate a military draft. His radical proposal brings to light a growing theme that both political parties should consider very closely. In a world where
This week, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced that his mouse brain-mapping project has finally been completed. This major undertaking arrives in tandem with other advances in medical technologies that will soon force political leaders to face difficult policy questions. Mapping
Scientists have figured out how to rebuild bladders, a sign that more complex organs can be grown in the future. This is great news for those of us who are still healthy and hoping that when we’re old, it will
The 2006 Winter Olympics is winding down, offering an opportunity for the world community to look back on the event and reflect. Drug testing, for instance, was an ongoing element of the games, bringing about intrigue that included Italian drug
Pre-emptive regulation of nanotech is a silly idea and I say so in this news piece.
Anyone who purchased clear sunscreen or wore stain-resistant pants during the holidays was probably enjoying the benefits of commercialized nanotechnology. While nanotech advances are exciting, some observers dangerously press for greater government oversight in the sector. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of
With all the hoopla over drug importation from Canada, this might be a big surprise. The LA Times also did a story on it, but note that this link will expire soon.
Science writer Ron Bailey has written a new book on why biotech advances are positive for humanity. Here’s a review from Ken Silber at TechCentralStation.com.
I highly recommend a new book called More Than Human by Ramez Naam. He makes the case that the desire and implementation of biological enhancement is entirely human. Here’s a column I wrote weaving some of his ideas in with
Here’s the story. Parents Raj and Shahana Hashmi have been through a lot to help their son who has a terminal illness.
It is shocking and disturbing to me that so many people support ending Terri Schiavo’s life. We have no proof that, as her husband claims, she would want to die. Since we don’t have any proof, the default should be
Imagine if your body could be the backbone of a broadband personal data network linking your mobile phone or MP3 player to a cordless headset… Well, according to this article by the guardian, this type of network is just around
More than 70 biotech companies have spun off from laboratory work at the University of California, San Francisco, but not a single industry firm calls San Francisco home. Why? Because the city’s taxes and official attitude are menacing. Last year,