Showing papers by "Mildred K. Cho published in 2005"

Issues in Oocyte Donation for Stem Cell Research

Abstract: Stem cell research on human embryonic stem cells derived through use of oocytes originally obtained specifically for research and not for reproductive or medical purposes creates a new class of research subject. In this Policy Forum, the authors explore the ethical issues for those who perform such studies and for research donors. Healthy oocyte donors differ from traditional research subjects in that neither they nor their tissues are the direct objects of study but their tissues are used to create materials for research. Yet they are exposed to significant risks and have no prospect of direct benefit. Researchers in the U.S. who conduct such studies in other countries should follow U.S. guidelines such as those recently released by the National Research Council-Institute of Medicine, even if they are not required by law, because of the special ethical considerations raised by this new category of research subject. The informed consent process for donors should not minimize the risks of oocyte procurement just because the donors are not giving their oocytes for reproductive purposes, or portray stem cell transplantation research as an existing therapy.

What are gene patents and why are people worried about them

Abstract: This article examines what it means to patent a gene. Numerous ethical concerns have been raised about the effects of such patents on clinical medical practice as well as on research and development. We describe what kinds of inventions are covered by human gene patents, give several examples and summarize the small body of empirical research performed in the US examining the effects of these patents. There is little evidence that early fears about gene patenting placing substantial restraints on research and clinical medicine have come to fruition. Nonetheless, there are areas of concern, and policy makers, physicians and the public should be alert to ensure that the net social benefits of patenting human genes are maintained.

Reply to "Getting the science and the ethics right in forensic genetics"

Abstract: Do DNA dragnets (or dragnets of any type) violate our protection from unreasonable search and seizure (fourth amendment to the US constitution)? Whose DNA profiles should be kept in the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database? How can we all work so that biological discoveries will not be used to promote stereotypes and racism? These ethical questions must be considered carefully by society as a whole. The benefits of DNA-based methods are not exclusive to the clinical sciences; forensics can boast the earliest and most profound applications of DNA science, by stopping repeat offenders, such as rapists and child molesters, before they could inflict additional harm and by facilitating the exoneration of the wrongly convicted. It is important to consider the value of CODIS in fostering investigative leads on recidivists through DNA identification. With more than 1,700,000 STR profiles in CODIS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports, “as of September 2004, CODIS has produced over 17,200 hits assisting in more than 20,300 investigations” (http://www. fbi.gov/hq/lab/codis/). In forensics, many investigations of cold cases have benefited from the national DNA database, and many more could benefit from information on the genetic ancestry of DNA specimens taken from crime scenes. Although proportional estimates of individual ancestry can provide some limited information on physical appearance, DNA encodes much more information, and only after the research has been done will we know the full extent of our ability to describe other, potentially more informative, physical phenotypes from a molecular analysis. Given the high levels of population stratification for many such useful physical traits (eye, hair and skin color; stature; facial features), it stands to reason that such research will depend on our ability to identify and adjust for this stratification. For this to occur, AIMs and a socially unfettered approach to human population stratification will be instrumental.