March Archive

Is free will a myth or the foundation of law and order?

Michael Cook | 23 March 2012

Some recent research in psychology suggests that when people disbelieve in free will, they are more inclined to act in antisocial ways. The Neuroskeptic blog has highlighted the work of a violent dissenter from this point of view.

Bengladeshi organ trafficking revealed

Michael Cook | 23 March 2012

A Michigan State University anthropologist from Bangladesh has published the first in-depth study describing the often horrific experiences of poor people who were victims of organ trafficking.

Neuroscientists face ethical dilemmas over military use

Michael Cook | 23 March 2012

American neuroscientists should be worried about how their research will be used by the US military, according to an article in PLoS Biology (March 20) by bioethicists Jonathan Moreno and Michael N. Tennison.

Are brain scans telling the truth?

Michael Cook | 23 March 2012

Functional magnetic resonance image scans have been used as lie detectors which have been used in murder trials as well as testing whether conservatives are psychopaths or liberals are more broad-minded. Yet recent studies suggest that the scans are only giving insight into a very small part of the brain.

“Ashley treatment” spreading as solution for disabled

Michael Cook | 21 March 2012

A controversial solution for caring for severely intellectually and physically disabled children is quietly spreading, according to the Guardian (UK).

Fallout continues from infanticide article

Michael Cook | 19 March 2012

The fallout from the “after-birth abortion” article in the Journal of Medical Ethics continues.

Yet another Modest Proposal: save the world from climate change by genetically engineering your kids

Michael Cook | 17 March 2012

Modest proposals, in sense given the phrase by the great 18th century satirist Jonathan Swift, are flavour of the month in the bioethics community.

“Offensive” and “misleading” cosmetic surgery advertising under attack

Michael Cook | 17 March 2012

Several prominent feminists and cosmetic surgeons have published a letter in the Guardian (UK) calling for a ban on cosmetic surgery advertising.

Gay involvement in assisted reproduction industry growing

Jared Yee | 17 March 2012

Britain’s first gay fathers have opened up the country’s only surrogacy centre to cater for same-sex couples.

German football legend dies by assisted suicide

Jared Yee | 17 March 2012

Timo Konietzka, former Germany international and the first footballer to score a goal in the country’s Bundesliga competition, died on Monday by assisted suicide, his wife reported to German media.

Psychiatrists slate law to seek children’s consent

Jared Yee | 17 March 2012

Psychiatrists have criticised draft West Australian laws that would require mentally ill children as young as 12 to consent to sterilisation, electroconvulsive therapy and psychosurgery.

Locked-in syndrome man in UK to have euthanasia case heard

Jared Yee | 17 March 2012

A paralysed Briton seeking legal protection for a doctor to euthanise him will have his right-to-die case heard, the UK High Court has ruled.

Is informed consent on the skids?

Michael Cook | 16 March 2012

Questions are being asked about the sacrasanct value of informed consent.

Dutch activist found guilty of assisting a suicide

Michael Cook | 16 March 2012

In the latest instalment of a long-running case, the former head of the Dutch Voluntary Life Foundation (Stichting Vrijwillig Leven) has been found guilty of assisting in a suicide.

Oregon: “wrongful birth” of Down syndrome child

Michael Cook | 16 March 2012

An Oregon jury awarded nearly US$3 million to a couple whose daughter was born with Down syndrome after doctors had reassured them that the baby would be normal.

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