If you underwent a genetic test for a heart condition, but the test also revealed that you have a high risk of colon cancer, would you want to know? A respected scientific society says your doctor should tell you, but the group is receiving criticism for its recommendation that "incidental findings" of genetic tests be shared with patients. Incidental findings are unexpected results, unrelated to the reason for testing. What to do with these findings has been a controversial issue for adults undergoing genetic testing, as well as children. In March, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) released guidelines saying that when patients receive genetic testing for any medical reason, they should be screened for mutations in an additional 57 genes, including mutations that strongly increase the risk of breast, ovarian and colon cancer. The ACMG argues that doctors have an obligation to look for and report these mutations because there are ways that people can act to reduce their of developing a medical disorder. However, some researchers and bioethicists say the new recommendations go too far, and take away patients' rights to refuse medical information they do not wish to know. Informed consent A crucial part … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Breakthrough Summarized by OHSU's Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov Scientists at Oregon Health Science University and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to b... By: OHSUvideo … Continue reading →

Scientists, for the first time, have cloned embryonic stem cells using reprogrammed adult skin cells, without using human embryos. But even so, the procedure raises ethical issues. When the research group at Oregon Health and Science University announced on May 15 that it had turned human skin cells into embryonic stem cells for the first time it caused quite a commotion. The reactions ranged from horrified at the apparent breach of an ethical taboo, to amazement over this scientific breakthrough. The procedure isn't new. The research group, headed by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, succeeded in producing so-called pluripotent stem cells, meaning cells that are capable of developing into any kind of tissue, using adult, rather than embryonic, stem cells. The process used by Mitalipov is an important step in research because it does not require killing a human embryo that is, a potential human being to create transformative stem cells. Significant step forward The technique involves transplanting an individual's DNA into an egg cell that has been stripped of genetic material a variation of a method known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. "A thorough examination of the stem cells derived through this technique demonstrated their ability to convert just like normal embryonic … Continue reading →