May 25, 2013

Embryonic stem cells from cloned human embryos – six reasons for caution

stemcells

The newspapers are full today of the news that scientists in the US state of Oregon have produced embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using the same cloning technology (somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)) that created Dolly the sheep. The original paper … [Read more...]

It’s exam time! Can smart drugs make you smarter at this testing time?

study

While a cup of strong coffee is probably the choice of drink for most people studying for exams, perhaps coupled with a healthy diet, some exercise and sleep, many students will be taking something stronger and, it’s claimed, more … [Read more...]

The ‘Groningen protocol’ for euthanasia of disabled babies in the Netherlands

groningen

 In an interview this morning on BBC Five Live (at 0705) on the Paul Lamb case (listen here) I was asked by the presenter Nicky Campbell about evidence for a slippery slope following the legalisation of euthanasia in other jurisdictions. In my … [Read more...]

Don’t be fooled by Lord Falconer’s ‘modest’ assisted suicide proposals

Lord-Falconer

Lord Falconer has finally announced that his long awaited assisted suicide bill will be tabled in the House of Lords next week on Wednesday 15 May. It is then that we will finally see the full text of the bill which will then proceed to second … [Read more...]

Doctors should not be forced to provide emergency contraception if they have an ethical objection to it

levonelle

The Independent has run the story of a ‘Christian-run NHS GP surgery’ which has apparently ‘attracted criticism for posting a notice warning that some of its doctors refuse to prescribe the morning-after pill to patients on grounds of … [Read more...]