Complete Listing of Dean's Readers' Materials for Remaking Eden
GENRE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- “Posthumanity: Changing Our Species” by Dean's Reader Daniel Nalesnik.
Silver imagines an astonishing future based on reprogenetic technology. Nalesnik’s paper looks at other futurists who believe certain technologies will have the power to change who we are and how purposeful our lives are. Advanced artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and computing power all have the potential to alter our species.
[read this paper]
PERCEPTIONS OF HUMAN LIFE AND ORIGIN
- “What Is Life? An Examination of Theories and Beliefs ” by Dean's Reader Robb Bunting.
Bunting explores the question of when life in the special sense begins by reviewing past and current beliefs in regards to abortion and stem cell research. The spoken views of both the United States government and a variety of mainstream religions are compared to their actions and laws in order to discuss the implications towards beliefs regarding the start of life.
[read this paper]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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“Abortion.” Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. 27 Feb 2005.
This site is useful as it discusses Roe v Wade in detail, as well as examining both the current policies of the government and reasons that abortion should remain legal. This source also discusses the medical stages of gestation in a human being and corrects fallacies of pro-life claims.
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“Abortion No.” The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform. (2003). 27 Feb 2005.
This is a private opinion of a pro-life group. It is useful as it examines beliefs as to why abortion should be illegal. The claims are made that life begins at conception and that abortion is murder. This provides an example of the theory that life begins before birth.
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“Becoming Human.” This Institute of Human Origins. 2001. 2 May 2005.
This source examines human origin and provides a web-based documentary on the study of evolution.
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Bush, G. W. President Bush signs Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003. 5 Nov 2003.
This site contains President Bush's beliefs on abortion and summarizes his intent. In it, he describes why he feels partial birth abortions should be banned.
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Childbirth By Choice Trust. Abortion in Law, History and Religion. Toronto: Childbirth By Choice Trust. 11 Apr. 2005.
Childbirth by Choice provides a great deal of information on abortion. Detailed accounts of its history in the world and semi-current beliefs are listed by section.
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Evolution . 2001. PBS. 8 Feb. 2005
This site presents a great deal of information about Darwin and his theories of evolution. Throughout the site, the development of the human species is discussed, as well as the key figures and controversy surrounding the emergence of 'evolution' as a school of thought .
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“History ofAbortion.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6 th Ed. 2005. 11 Apr. 2005.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia discusses the history of abortion as well recent laws passed, both for and against .
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Institute for Creation Research. 2004. 2 May 2005.
The ICR is a group that combines scientific findings with Christian teachings. Using this site, articles on genesis, evolution, stem-cell research, and the human genome can be found. This site is interesting, as it provides a scientific, yet religious view on the issues of this section .
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Klyce, Brig. “Cosmic Ancestry.” 2 May 2005.
Cosmic Ancestry provides a current look at the theory of panspermia. From this site, there are many links to relevant articles on the concepts of life and the origin of species .
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Martin, Bruce and Frances Martin. “Neither Intelligent nor Designed: Evolution Succeeds Where "Intelligent Design" Fails in Describing the Natural World.” Skeptical Inquirer. Nov-Dec. 2003: 45+. InfoTrac. Cale Group Databases. Umass Amherst Lib. 7 Feb 2005.
This site compares evolution to intelligent design. It presents the arguments of both sides, while countering those presented by the theory of intelligent design .
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Morris, Holly J. “Life's Grand Design.” U.S. News & World Report. 29 July 2002: 52. InfoTrac. Gale Group Databases. Umass Amherst Lib. 7 Feb. 2005
This site defends intelligent design alongside of evolution. Merits of both theories are discussed in depth, which applications towards use in the classroom.
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National Conference of State Legislatures. State Embryonic and Fetal Research Laws. Washington D.C.: National Conference of State Legislatures. 11 Apr. 2005
This site provides a detailed listing of each states current views on stem cell research .
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Radcliffe-Richards, Janet. “Ethics and Abortion Law.” Pro+Choice Forum. 8 Feb. 2005
Radcliffe- Richards examines the reasons for abortion and when it has been accepted in order to call question upon the humanity of a fetus. Using various arguments from abortion law, she points out that a fetus is not afforded the same rights as a human being and therefore true life cannot begin at conception.
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Religion and Ethics. 7 Feb. 2005. BBC. 7 Feb. 2005
The BBC presents a site which explains various religions’ views on life and abortion. Biological views on life, as well as views of the US government are also portrayed.
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Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. 27 Feb 2005.
This group presents issues on abortion and has a pro-choice stance. It is a collection of several different religions and portrays their various views and rationalizes why abortion should be allowed, despite views that fetuses are alive.
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Ruse, Michael. “Natural Selection vs. Intelligent Design.” USA Today. Jan. 2004: 32+. InfoTrac. Gale Group Databases. Umass Amherst Lib. 7 Feb. 2005
Ruse explores the origins of the theories of evolution and intelligent design. Ruse presents a look at both parties and explains how each group gained its following. He also criticizes both as being uncompromising.
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The Holy See . 2005. 8 Feb 2005
This is the Vatican's official website. This site provides the specific Catholic doctrine referring to abortion and why it should be illegal. Using the search function, specific scripture can be called upon to view the basis for the Catholic Stance.
CREATING LIFE
- “IVF: A Potential Solution to the Multiple Birth Epidemic ” by Dean's Reader Camille Ceravolo.
Ceravolo’s discussion of the new breakthroughs available in IVF and how these breakthroughs could turn IVF from a source of the multiple birth epidemic problem to a potential solution. The new American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) embryo transfer guidelines and the new technology that allows one to test which embryos are most likely to be successfully implanted are presented.
[read this paper]
- Items on Reserve in DuBois Library - [view reserve list]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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Alberts, Bruce et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4 th ed. New York: Garland Science, Taylor and Francis Group, pp. G:1-G:36.
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Fritz, Marc A. “Infertility treatment and the multifetal gestation epidemic: too much of a good thing.”
Contemporary OB/GYN. Sept 2002 v47: 65. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 28 Feb. 2005.
This article discusses the multiple birth epidemic in extreme detail. It does so by highlighting the significant personal, economic and social costs that are associated with multiple births.
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Gleicher, Norbert. “Is it time to limit IVF transfers to one embryo? What’s the right number of embryos to transfer in each patient?” Contemporary OB/GYN. Aug. 2004 v49: 73. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 4 Feb. 2005 .
Gleicher summarizes the new embryo transfer guidelines for IVF as a way to solve the multiple birth epidemic.
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Green, Nancy S. “Risks of birth defects and other adverse outcomes
associated with assisted reproductive technology.”
Pediatrics. July 2004 v114: 256. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 4 Feb. 2005.
This report outlines the potential risk of birth defects that arise from ART. It reviews the outcomes of ART. It has very useful tables and statistics.
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Hunter, Philip. “Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: studies begin to assess how screening might improve IVF success rates.”
The Scientist. 21 June 2004 v18: 26. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 24 Feb. 2005.
This article describes the process of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in great detail and also discusses the technique’s possible implications for IVF.
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Jones, Shirley L. “The confluence of two clinical specialties: genetics and assisted reproductive technologies.”
MedSurg Nursing. April 2004 v13: 114. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 4 Feb. 2005.
This article is helpful because it provides a detailed history of reproductive techniques .
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Sher, Geoffrey M.D. Choosing the Best Embryos for Transfer. 7 March
2005.
This website offers abundant information about the number of new techniques available that allow one to test which embryos will be successfully implanted.
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Westphal, Sylvia Pagan. “The rush to pick a perfect embryo: pre-implanation genetic diagnosis is being sold as a way of boosting IVF success rates. Does it work?”
New Scientist. 12 June 2004 v182: 6. InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index. Gale Group. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Lib., Amherst, MA. 24 Feb. 2005.
This article discusses offering PGD as a way to improve a couple’s chance of becoming pregnant after IVF. It also provides useful information about the financial costs of these technologies.
CLONING
- “Therapeutic Cloning ” by Dean's Reader Jackie Govoni.
Govoni distinguishes between reproductive and therapeutic cloning, and focuses on the potential benefits of therapeutic cloning. The technologies behind the procedure are presented as well as the two sides of the political argument for government funding for stem cell research .
[read this paper]
- Items on Reserve in DuBois Library - [view reserve list]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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Bailey, Ronald. “The U.N. Vs. Cloning,” Reason ; February 2005, Vol. 36 Issue 9: pg11. 9 Feb. 2005.
Recent article that discusses the United Nations bans on cloning, and gives more details about therapeutic cloning. Relevant, international issues as well as discussion of the position of George W. Bush and the U.S. Mentions the distinction between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning .
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Cloning Fact Sheet. 9 July 2004. Human Genome Project. 8 Feb. 2005.
Very accessible site, giving information on what has been achieved in cloning, and what is going to be done. Brings up ethical questions such as “should humans be cloned?” Also provides a very long list of other sites to visit. Gives a very good description of the difference types of cloning. .
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Colvin, Jonathan. “Me, My Clone and I (Or in Defense of Human Cloning)”, Humanist , May/June 2000. Vol 60 Issue 3. 9 Feb. 2005.
An article unequivocally supporting cloning and the benefits of cloning for reproductive uses. Gives interesting facts and insights by an author who wants to use reproductive cloning to help him with his cystic fibrosis.
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Dixon, Patrick. “Future of Stem Cell Research: Rapid Progress” 2005. Global Change Ltd. 8 March 2005.
This article gives a lot of background on stem cell research and the politics surrounding this topic. Dixon also discusses what stem cell research may lead to in the future .
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“Donation and Transplantation.” 2003. The Organ and Procurement Transplantation Network. 8 March 2005.
This website gives a background on the requirements of finding a match for organ donations and transplants; something that would not be an issue with therapeutic cloning .
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Green, Ronald M.; Devries, Kier Olsen; Bernstein, Judith; Goodman, Kenneth W.; Kaufmann, Robert; Kiessling, Ann A.; Levin, Susan R.; Moss, Susan L.; Tauer, Carol A. “Overseeing Research on Therapeutic Cloning: A Private Ethics Board Responds to Its Critics” Hastings Center Report. May/June 2002. Volume 32: 27-34. 1 March 2005.
An ethics board defending themselves and their opinions on the research done on therapeutic cloning.
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“Human Cloning and Genetic Modification-The Basic Science You Need to Know.” 23 September 2003. Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. 10 April 2005.
Useful website explaining reproductive and therapeutic cloning. Uses diagrams to explain the science behind these technologies.
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Medical Research Council. Research in Focus: Therapeutic Use of Cell Nuclear Replacement: Therapeutic Cloning. 2002. 1 March 2005.
Extremely informational online pamphlet. Answers questions such as “What is therapeutic cloning” and “What are the benefits of therapeutic cloning?”
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Munro, Neil. “Groups Press the U.N. to Define ‘Cloning’,” National Journal, January 15 2005, Vol. 37 Issue 3, Page 130. 6 Feb. 2005.
Talks about the banning laws that the UN wants to implement in February of 2005. Forces the UN to define “cloning.” Distinguishes between human cloning and cloning for research. The topic of stem-cell research is very relevant right now, and this is very recent.
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Pence, Gregory. “The Top Ten Myths About Human Cloning.” 1998. The Reproductive Cloning Network. 23 Feb. 2005.
Gives evidence and support against some prime oppositions to cloning.
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Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning. 2002. National Academy Press. 27 Feb. 2005.
Has a long bibliography in the back and the sources are highly respected in their fields. Good definitions of cloning and terms related to cloning. "...the book will be extremely useful for those seeking an accurate introduction to the subject."
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Spriggs, M. “Therapeutic Cloning Research and Ethical Oversight” Journal of Medical Ethics August 2003. Volume 29:207. 28 Feb. 2005.
Talks about a story found in The Atlantic Monthly. “The story gives a human face to the people whom therapeutic cloning could benefit.” This article discusses the story and other views on therapeutic cloning .
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“Therapeutic Cloning” 13 Feb. 2005. Wikipedia. 1 March 2005.
Wikipedia encyclopedia article on therapeutic cloning. Gives excellent definitions and talks about the two sides of the argument of therapeutic cloning .
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“Transplant Living.” 2005. United Network for Organ Sharing. 5 March 2005.
Informative site regarding donations and transplants of organs currently .
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Wright, Sarah. “ 'Dolly' genetist discusses cloning and its implications.”
12 Nov. 1997. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 6 March 2005. A report of a speech that Ian Wilmut held at MIT regarding cloning shortly after Dolly was cloned.
SURROGACY
- “Surrogacy” by Dean's Reader Sarah Stancato.
Stancato’s discussion of this method of having children is based on research both on commercial surrogacy agencies and also parent-to-parent matches. She also analyzes several controversial surrogacy cases and the laws driving the decision in these cases.
[read this paper]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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Elster, Nanette R. “Assisted Reproductive Technologies: contracts, consents, and controversies.” American Journal of Family Law 18.4 (2005): 193.
This article questions who the “real” parents are. The article also tries to explain how these relationships are defined, through contracts and consents.
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English, Veronica et al. “Ethics Briefings.” Journal of Medical Ethics 28.3 (2002): 205.
This article is helpful because it outlines some of the cases where surrogacy becomes controversial: with a homosexual couple, when the surrogate has twins, etc. It also talks about the rules of surrogacy in other countries, such as the UK.
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Levine, Hal B. “Gestational surrogacy: nature and culture in kinship.” Ethnology 42.3 (2003): 173.
This article discusses some specifics of gestational surrogacy, which is obviously essential to the paper. It specifically talks about a surrogate mother bonding to a child who shares none of her genes.
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Stock, Gregory. From regenerative medicine to human design: what are we really afraid of?
Council for Democratic and Secular humanism. 2004. The molecular biology revolution and its consequences. The inevitability of certain advances and common fears associated with them.
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McLachlan, Hugh V. and J.K. Swales. “Commercial Surrogate Motherhood.” Contemporary Review 272.1586 (1995): 113.
This article breaks down the case against commercial surrogate motherhood. The writers of this article claim that even though commercial surrogate motherhood is heavily criticized, the argument is weak. These writers’ points of view are that people should be left to make their own decisions.
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TASC – The American Surrogacy Center . 1996.
This site gives a general overview of surrogacy. It is obviously pro-surrogacy, so it is a valuable site to use when discussing resources for people who are interested in surrogacy. .
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Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. 14 Feb. 2005.
This site gives selective case law and is a helpful guide to other sources that pertain to surrogacy and the surrogacy debate.
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McLaughlin, Alexandra. EverythingSurrogacy.com. 2001.
In addition to giving a general overview of surrogacy (equally as helpful as The American Surrogacy Center), this site gives detailed information on the laws regarding surrogacy in Massachusetts, the United States, and other parts of the world.
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OPTS – The Organization of Parents through Surrogacy. 1997.
OPTS claims to be the oldest non-profit organization for people who are interested or involved in some aspect of surrogacy. This website offers information, networking, support and advocacy for each member in their own state. This site will be helpful because in addition to information and resources for people interested in surrogacy, it also offers personal ideas and opinions of different people.
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Surrogate Mothers Online, LLC. 1998.
This website provides examples of people who have been through the surrogacy process and think that surrogacy is a good arrangement for those who need it. The site claims its goals are to provide support and information to individuals who are interested in pursuing a surrogacy or egg/sperm donor arrangement.
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Szoke, Helen. “Surrogacy: all the features of a relationship that could go wrong?” Melbourne Journal of Politics 28 (2001): 55.
This journal article gives a good definition of surrogacy, talks about the history of surrogacy, and discusses surrogacy practices in another part of the world ( Australia).
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NEEDS – The National Exchange for Egg Donation and Surrogacy. 2003.
“It takes more than two people to make a baby.” This website teaches parents about egg donation and surrogacy as options for having children. It also helps parents to use egg donation or surrogacy to become parents if they cannot do it on their own.
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The National Infertility Organization. 1998.
Resolve is the national infertility organization. In addition to surrogacy, there are many other aspects of infertility discussed on this website. It provides views on infertility other than those of who are interested in surrogacy).
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Van Zyl, Liezl, and Anton van Niekerk. “Interpretations, perspectives and intentions in surrogate motherhood.” Journal of Medical Ethics 26.5 (2000): 404.
This article in the Journal of Medical Ethics is against surrogacy. This is valuable to show one side of the surrogacy debate. The article also examines what the surrogate’s perspective should be and what it means to be a surrogate mother.
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Weltman, John J. Circle Surrogacy. 1991.
This website has a lot of personal information about people who have gone through surrogacy in order to have a child. There are helpful statistics on people who use surrogacy, both prospective parents and surrogate mothers .
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Wilson, Robin Fretwell. “Uncovering the rationale for requiring infertility in surrogacy arrangements.” American Journal of Law & Medicine 29.2-3 (2003): 337.
This article concerns the laws regarding surrogacy. It discusses whether restricting surrogacy to infertile women limits the reproductive choices for intended parents. It also discusses why surrogacy would be limited to infertile women.
TOMORROW'S CHILDREN
- “Genetic Screening: Where the technology can bring our future children” by Dean's Reader Emily Carlson.
Carlson discusses the basic genetic concepts behind Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and what techniques are used to perform this technology. Also, who can benefit from pre and post natal diagnostic testing, and some of the problems still encountered with the procedure.
[read this paper]
- Items on Reserve in DuBois Library - [view reserve list]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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“All about the Human Genome Project.” National Human Genome Research Institute. Dec 2004. 4 March 2005.
This is the website for the Human Genome Project. It has lots of material about the project, now completed, and also provides information about what is being done currently with the research. It has current news and projects that are being funded .
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Alexander, D. “Uses and abuses of Genetic Engineering.” Postgraduate Medical Journal May 2003.
This article discusses how most people agree with using genetic engineering only for diagnosis of fatal diseases. Also, it points out that some diseases are simpler to diagnosis than others. It further explains some of the science based experiments done and the sequencing of the Human Genome as well and how it relates to progress in genetic engineering. The article highlights the importance and popularity of using genetic engineering in almost all facets of science.
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Cunniff, Christopher. “Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis for Pediatricians.” Pediatrics Sept 2004.
This is a report from Pediatrics Journal which alerts Pediatricians to genetic testing, when it is useful, and who should be using it. This is a very technological article that explains several different ways to utilize prenatal screening, including PGD and amniocentesis. This article also explores what diseases can be diagnosed using blood tests and other metabolic tests during pregnancy.
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Dyer, Clare. “Watchdog Approves Embryo Selection.” British Medical Journal March 2002.
This article analyzes a case from 2002 in which preimplantation genetic diagnosis was used to select against a rare blood disorder suffered by an older sibling. Once the younger sibling was born cells from the umbilical cord were used to cure the rare blood disorder in the older sibling. In order for this to occur the parents had to utilize committees established that authorize medical procedures such as these.
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Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. “Preconception gender selection for nonmedical reasons.” The American Society for Reproductive Medicine on the Web. 5 May 2001.
This paper is about the ethics of sex selection. The paper details the technique used for preconception selection and the ethical arguments for and against sex selection. It looks at how gender selection will affect social issues and the committee provides its own recommendations for the new technology.
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Feinman, Michael. “PGD.” The Fertility Network. 2002.
The Fertility Network focuses mainly on IVF and PDG being used together. There is information about PGD and how chromosomal abnormalities and single gene disorders are detected. There is some brief background information about basic biology before the PGD procedure is explained .
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“Gene Therapy or Genetic Enhancement: Does it make a difference?” The American Medical Association on the Web. 28 May 2002.
This is the American Medical Association’s website. On this web page therapy, enhancement, prevention, and remediation are all defined. The difference between enhancement and selection is debated. The site also brings into question who should have access to this technology and who should pay for the tests.
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“Genetic Screening for Birth Defects.” The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. 2004.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has a straightforward website that has information appropriate for several different education levels. There are a series of PDF links to topics such as PGD and genetic screening.
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Harris, Ryan A. “ Cost utility of prenatal diagnosis and the risk-based threshold.” The LancetJan. 24, 2004.
This study aimed to figure out if it was cost efficient to offer prenatal diagnostic testing to any pregnant woman, not just following the current guidelines. The test concluded that it is beneficial to use prenatal testing on any woman, not just women over 35 years of age, with respect to the woman’s preferences. This is a primary report that explains the methods and results of the study.
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Hudson, Kathy. “A Discussion of Challenges, Concerns, and Preliminary Policy Options Related to the Genetic Testing of Human Embryos.” Genetics and Public Policy Center on the Web. 2005
This is the Genetics and Public Policy Center’s website. It is very detailed and explains what Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is. It continues to explore policy options and where the technology will lead. This is very scientific and the source is not biased toward using the technology or not. It explains what purposes it can be used for and also who would benefit from this technology.
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Hunter, Phillip. “Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.” The Scientist June 21, 2004.
This article shows how PGD can help a couple using IVF to ensure that they conceive a child. It explains the different types of diseases and chromosomal abnormalities that can be tested for. Most interestingly, this article discusses the risks of using PGD to the developing fetus.
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Kalb, Claudia. “Brave New Babies.” Newsweek on the Web. 26 January 2004.
This article is about new technology for sex selection. It discusses a lot about ethics of sex selection and who is for or against it .
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Kanavakis, E. and J. Traeger-Synodnos. “PGD in Clinical Practice.” Journal of Medical Genetics Jan 2002.
This is an article in a respected journal that discusses PGD as an alternative to regular prenatal testing. It provides information as to where the genetic material is coming from, the protocols for genetic analysis, and also the practical and ethical uses. Also, it explains how different modifications can be made to the technology depending on what is being tested.
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Macones, George. “Prenatal Tests.” Nemours Foundation on the Web. Aug. 2000.
This is a website for parents that clearly explains prenatal testing. It is very straightforward and discusses what prenatal tests are testing for and who should use them. It is very simple and easy to read, but had correct information for the non-scientist .
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“Microarrays: Chipping away at the mysteries of science and medicine.” National Center of Biochemistry Information. 30 March 2004.
This source is a great way to learn about microarray technology and its implications in the medical world. It gives simple definitions but also explains why microarrays are important.
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Powledge, Tabitha. “The Polymerase Chain Reaction.” 2005. 7 April 2005.
This is an interactive explanation of PCR. It is a great example of just how efficient PCR is, and can be used by the uninitiated to grasp the importance of this common scientific procedure .
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“Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.” The Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Sciences. June 2002.
This source is much more scientifically oriented, but has a wealth of information about the different reasons that PGD might be used. The procedure and risks are also discussed .
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Sermon, Karen. “Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.” The Lancet 15 May 2004.
This is very heavily science based, but it provides a decent look at what is being improved upon in the field, such as micro arrays, minisequencing and real time PCR. It describes all of the techniques used in PGD, perhaps in too much detail, but it is still a very good resource to learn more about the technology.
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“Tour of the Basics.” The Genetic Science Learning Center. 2005.
This is a website that gives a good overview of genetics, including sorting of alleles and how traits are passed from one generation to another. It is interactive and provides basic science to the uninitiated.
MEDIA PERSPECTIVES
- “Cloning in the News: How the Media Portray Cloning to the General Public ” by Dean's Reader Erin McNamee.
McNamee examines the way the media has covered cloning since the advent of Dolly the sheep in 1997, concentrating mainly on print news and looking to the major cloning stories in recent years. She also performs a close reading on a selection of news stories and discusses why they are “good” or “bad” according to journalistic and scientific standards. [read this paper]
- Items on Reserve in DuBois Library - [view reserve list]
- Online Resources (sites open in a new browser window)
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“Brigitte Boisselier: Scientific genius or PR guru?” BBC News Online.
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Bubela, Tania M. & Timothy A. Caulfield. “ Do the print media "hype" genetic research? A comparison of newspaper stories and peer-reviewed research papers.” Canadian Medical Association Journal. April 27, 2004. 170-178.
This article discusses a study that examines 627 newspaper articles reporting on 111 papers published in 24 scientific and medical journals that discuss genetics. The researchers looked for exaggeration, called "genohype," about genetics contained in the articles and determined the accuracy and nature of media coverage of genetic research.
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Caulfield, Timothy . “ The Commercialisation of Medical and Scientific
Reporting.” PubMed Central. 28 December 2004.
This article in part defends the press in its coverage of genetics and cloning by pointing to evidence that the field of biotechnology has become increasingly commercialized and therefore has an impact on how science stories are portrayed. The article also discusses ways the media could try to balance the stories a bit better.
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Chazan, David. “Who are the Raelians?” BBC News Online. 28 December 2002.
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“The cloning milestones.” BBC News Online. 12 February 2004.
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Craig, David A. “ Ethical Language and Themes in News Coverage of Genetic Testing.” J ournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 77.1 (2000): 160-74.
This article discusses a study that was performed on thirty-one broadcast and print stories by major news organizations in 1995 and 1996, examining the way these stories presented ethics of genetic testing.
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“Genetics News and Links.” Davidson College.
Frequently updated Website at Davidson College that provides links to many resources on genetics, including links on film and media issues.
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Hall, Stephen S. “ Eve redux: the public confusion over cloning.” Hastings Center Report 33.3. (2003): 11-15.
This article discusses the media’s fascination with Clonaid and the tendency of both the press and politicians to report on sensational and often unsubstantiated claims.
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Hopkins, Patrick D. “Bad copies: how popular media represent cloning as an ethical problem.” Hastings Center Report. 28.2 (1998): 6-13.
This article discusses the ethical issues raised in cloning reporting, emphasizing the fact that many Americans received training in ethics before they even knew what cloning was or what the science behind cloning was.
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Huxford, John. “ Framing the Future: science fiction frames and the press coverage of Cloning” Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies 14.2 (2000): 187-99.
This article argues that many people in the media uses well-known examples of science fiction books and movies to “frame” their reporting on cloning, creating a familiarity with unfamiliar subject matter among the audience. The themes in science fiction are often anti-science and oppose supposedly “moral” issues, and reporters using these examples cause the public to distrust science; the use of science fiction frames shows only serves to cue certain cultural fears instead of providing an understanding of cloning.
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McBride, Kelly. “In defense of cloning coverage.” Poynter Online. 10 January 2003.
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Munro, Neil. “Is Stem Cell Reporting Telling the Real Story?” Hastings
Center Report 57.2 (2003): 23-5.
This article examines the mainstream media coverage of stem cell research and cloning and compares it to the coverage of the dot-com bubble. Short article but has some good points about the media’s tendencies in covering stem cells and cloning issues.
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Poynter Online.
This is the website for the Poynter Institute, which is a school for journalists, future journalists, and teachers of journalists. This site has many articles on reporting techniques, journalistic standards, and ethical guidelines.
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“Profile: Dr. Severino Antinori.” BBC News Online. 7 August 2001.
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Zitner, Aaron. “Reporting the cloning story: from hype to healthy skepticism.” Nieman Reports.57.2 (2003): 25-27.
Zitner covers science policy for the L.A. Times via its Washington bureau. In this article he discusses how the media made fake cloning scientists such as Panayiotis Zavos, Severino Antinori and Brigitte Boisselier famous and how the media virtually ignored the fact that science is only reported on when its claims have been substantiated in a peer-reviewed journal.
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