http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/nov/01/human-genome-sequencing-richard-powers

Alex

Jess

Claudia

But perhaps most interestingly, all three together (I’ll update this as we move through more chapters)

Under the headline

Obesity gene ‘affects appetite’

The researchers says “what we don’t want to say is ‘we have got the gene for obesity, therefore we can cure it”

That would be the obesity gene then would it?

Research scientists surveyed on ethical issues in genetic medicine: a comparison of attitudes of US and European researchers

Isaac Rabino
New Genetics and Society,
Volume


25,
Issue

3
December
2006
, pages 325
- 342

Abstract
This paper compares the attitudes of European and US scientists engaged
in human genetics research about some of the ethical issues raised by
recent advances in genetic testing, by the increasing likelihood of
subsequent genetic therapies, and by hovering threats to the privacy of
those tested in the face of concerns raised by individual and
institutional third parties. Surveys of both groups indicate strong and
fairly uniform support for attempts to discern and cure serious
diseases or disorders and decisions to terminate pregnancies in which
fetuses have serious genetic defects. But the data also indicate a
number of issues where European and US respondents disagree and where
that disagreement is characterised by a more cautious approach on the
part of the European scientists. These data should provide a foundation
for subsequent reflection and discussion within the scientific
communities as well as within the society at large.

Attendance will be free of charge.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN GENETICS STUDIES (FDIGS)
6-10 August 2008.

This workshop focuses on the emerging interfaces between genetics and
neuroscience. Over twenty researchers of distinction from the fields
of HPS of biology are invited to give plenary talks addressing the
specific questions: What, if any, relationship is there between genes
and behavior? Can genetic and genomic knowledge improve our ability to
predict behavior? Does it even make sense to talk of genes, let along
genes giving rise to behavior? How does the environment affect gene
expression? What are the ethical issues raised by the possibility of
this sort of knowledge? How should research at the interface between
genetics and neuroscience best be conducted? How can philosophers,
historians, sociologists, and geneticists collaborate to contribute to
the future viability of genetic studies?

Registration is now open for graduate students with an interest in
exploring the new interface between genetics and neuroscience. Please
register prior to 1 July 2008 to ensure consideration, although this
is not a firm deadline. Registration is not a guarantee of seating at
the workshop. You will receive an email confirmation that your
registration has been received in about 48 hours.

For graduate students, there are available a limited number of low-
cost dorm rooms in Oak Hall on the University of Missouri St Louis
(UMSL) campus-about $25/night.

Finally, there are also a limited number of travel subsidies available
to help defray the cost of travel for graduate student attendees.
These subsidies are modest, up to about $100 for students traveling
within North America, and up to about $200 for students flying from
overseas or South America. The subsidies also include a pass to use on
the Metro bus and light-rail services.

Workshop poster:
http://artsci.wustl.edu/~pnp/Research/FDIGS_2008/Welcome_files/FDIGS%20Poster%20%28letter%29.pdf

For further information, visit:
http://artsci.wustl.edu/~pnp/Research/FDIGS_2008/

http://www.theroot.com/id/46694/page/1