Memories of Tuskegee may be at root of black organ shortage
Because racial groups have similar genetic characteristics, a large pool of black donors is needed to save blacks with diseased organs. In the US black...
Californian fisticuffs over stem-cell proposal
Californian backers of November's vote on a proposal to spend US$3 billion on stem cell research over 10 years are touting the financial return on...
Italian health minister stumbles over stem cell success
The Italian politician who pushed through Europe's most restrictive IVF laws has scored an own goal in the controversy over stem cell research. Although his...
Euthanasia film wows ’em in Venice
A poignant docu-drama about a Spanish quadriplegic's quest for death has won two prizes in the renowned Venice Film Festival. "Mar Adentro" ("The Sea Within")...
STRAWS IN THE WIND: Melbourne, Britain, Montreal
A Melbourne man has launched a world-first legal case by claiming damages from the Victorian government and from a gender identity clinic which had advised...
Dutch doctors drafting protocols for child euthanasia
Dutch authorities are drawing up protocols to allow doctors to euthanase children under 12. Euthanasia is already legal for 12-year-olds, but a new proposal would...
22 Britons dispatched by Swiss group Dignitas
The Swiss organisation Dignitas has helped 22 British suicide tourists die over the past two years, not five as previously believed, says a campaigner for...
Dealing with the illness of companion animals
Animal medicine in the US is becoming as complex as human medicine -- and almost as expensive, according to a Washington Post feature. Author Mary...
Italian IVF laboratory mix-up
An Italian couple are demanding compensation after a mix-up in their IVF clinic resulted in dark-skinned twins. The clinic in the city of Modena believes...
Aussies flying to US for surrogate babies
Infertile couples, single women and gay couples from Australia are paying as much as $170,000 for babies born of American surrogate mothers. According to the...
Singapore legalises therapeutic cloning
Singapore has joined the small group of nations which have legalised therapeutic cloning. The new law allows scientists to create human embryos for stem-cell research....
IN BRIEF: Carl Wood; designer baby; Down syndrome; baldness
Australia's IVF pioneer, Professor Carl Wood, has announced that he has Alzheimer's disease. Under his direction, Monash University produced Australia's first IVF baby in 1980....