The Age of Biotech

Health

The Debate Over an Egg Donor Registry

Diane M. Tober Ph.D. on August 31, 2017

Is the quest for an egg donor registry emotional? Or a matter of scientific/medical ethics?

Is the quest for an egg donor registry emotional? Or a matter of scientific/medical ethics?

Environment

5 Things Adults Unlearn

Emily S. Beitiks on December 21, 2016

Five things I’ve seen young children totally understand about disability that unfortunately, most adults struggle with.

Five things I’ve seen young children totally understand about disability that unfortunately, most adults struggle with.

Genetics

Why Aren’t People With Disabilities Talking About This?

Emily S. Beitiks on September 8, 2016

Why do people with disabilities have to keep justifying their existence?

Why do people with disabilities have to keep justifying their existence?

Fear

Growing Up With a Disabled Mother Made Me a (Better) Person

Emily S. Beitiks on June 27, 2016

Do you assume having a disability is a burden on family and friends? Think again.

Do you assume having a disability is a burden on family and friends? Think again.

Child Development

Dinosaurs are Extinct, but Normalization is Alive and Well

Emily S. Beitiks on March 22, 2016

Have you ever questioned why the t-rex's arms are so small? This question teaches us more about humans than dinosaurs...

Have you ever questioned why the t-rex's arms are so small? This question teaches us more about humans than dinosaurs...

ADHD

Designer Genes

Diane M. Tober Ph.D. on January 21, 2016

Rejecting sperm and egg providers because of ADHD and Dyslexia? Cultural myths abound surrounding "disability" and genetics.

Rejecting sperm and egg providers because of ADHD and Dyslexia? Cultural myths abound surrounding "disability" and genetics.

Sex

Sex Selection Game-Changer? New Fetal Gene Test Reveals Sex at 7 Weeks

Douglas Pet on December 12, 2011

New non-invasive prenatal testing will enable parents to know a fetus's sex, Down's status, and possibly other traits dramatically earlier in a pregnancy.

New non-invasive prenatal testing will enable parents to know a fetus's sex, Down's status, and possibly other traits dramatically earlier in a pregnancy.

Family Dynamics

Sperm Donor Siblings: Family Trees, Invisible Roots

Douglas Pet on September 8, 2011

Your 149 half siblings that you were never supposed to know about.

Your 149 half siblings that you were never supposed to know about.

Genetics

Instant DNA Fingerprinting with the Push of a Button

Douglas Pet on March 10, 2011

A new rapid DNA analyzer is being tested for use by the Department of Homeland Security.

A new rapid DNA analyzer is being tested for use by the Department of Homeland Security.

Education

UK Court: Forcibly Sterilizing a Woman with "Learning Disabilities"

Douglas Pet on February 28, 2011

A British special court delayed its ruling on whether or not a woman with “significant learning disabilities” should be forcibly sterilized.

A British special court delayed its ruling on whether or not a woman with “significant learning disabilities” should be forcibly sterilized.

The Indian Ministry of Health has finalized its 2010 ART Regulation bill, which if approved will have enormous implications for global ART and surrogacy.

Pregnancy

Fertility’s Mega-Mall

Douglas Pet on January 3, 2011

The "Fertility Show" in London literally displays how the ART industry is commidfying fertility.

The "Fertility Show" in London literally displays how the ART industry is commidfying fertility.

Social Life

The Futures That Don't Need Us

Jesse Reynolds on August 25, 2010

Two similar recent publications echo Bill Joy's "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us."

Two similar recent publications echo Bill Joy's "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us."

Genetics

An Inborn Talent Genetic Test? Unlikely

Jesse Reynolds on June 10, 2010

This test captures much of what is wrong in direct-to-consumer genetic testing: preying upon our parental insecurities, exaggerating the simplicity and importance of genes, and offering what is likely a sham product.

This test captures much of what is wrong in direct-to-consumer genetic testing: preying upon our parental insecurities, exaggerating the simplicity and importance of genes, and offering what is likely a sham product.

Health

Kidney Donations, Payments, and the Poor

Jesse Reynolds on April 28, 2010

Like most other countries, the US does not allow people to sell their kidneys to make ends meet. There are also international laws and norms that prohibit commercial markets in human organs...

Like most other countries, the US does not allow people to sell their kidneys to make ends meet. There are also international laws and norms that prohibit commercial markets in human organs...

Parenting

The Future of Direct-to-Consumer Genetics

Jesse Reynolds on February 1, 2010

Where is the controversial direct-to-consumer genetics industry heading?

Where is the controversial direct-to-consumer genetics industry heading?

Genetics

This Holiday Season's Genetic and Reproductive Gifts

Jesse Reynolds on December 16, 2009

This year, genes and reproduction are the focus of holiday gifts.

This year, genes and reproduction are the focus of holiday gifts.

Genetics

Genetic Tests for Romantic Compatibility?

Jesse Reynolds on August 7, 2009

Will direct-to-consumer genetic testing reshape the quest for romantic compatibility? Unlikely, although at least two companies are giving it an effort. For only $99, the Swiss company GenePartner offers a test for what it describes as compatibility between potential partners.

Will direct-to-consumer genetic testing reshape the quest for romantic compatibility? Unlikely, although at least two companies are giving it an effort. For only $99, the Swiss company GenePartner offers a test for what it describes as compatibility between potential partners.

Family Dynamics

My Sister’s Keeper and Genetic Selection

Jesse Reynolds on July 23, 2009

What a movie can teach us about families and technology.

What a movie can teach us about families and technology.

Relationships between genes and behavior are extremely complex. Although most scientists who work in the field of 'behavioral genomics' are cautious in their claims, too often journalists are not. In fact, simplification and exaggeration are the rule, not the exception. Here are some recent examples.