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Statements posted on this blog represent the views of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Center for Law Science & Innovation (which does not take positions on policy issues) or of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law or Arizona State University.

Tuesday Triple Trivia Tease for December 17, 2013

3 questions. 3 hints. 3 answers. Every Tuesday.

1. From genetically modified foods to particular household products, what multi-tasking acronym appears popular with the FDA?

Hint:

Answer: the FDA has proposed that manufacturers of over-the-counter antibacterial soaps need to establish that these products are generally recognized as safe or GRAS (and are more effective against infections than regular soap).   If manufacturers cannot or do not comply with the FDA’s proposed mandate, the antibacterial labeling or targeted ingredients will have to be removed from the soap product.   The proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register with a public comment period anticipated to close in June 2014.  Read the details here.

2. What technology’s result may be gaining ground, as a mitigating factor, in the courtroom?

Hint:

Answer: John McCluskey,  convicted of two murders, was recently spared the death penalty following detected brain abnormalities established via brain scan.  Instead, McCluskey was given a life sentence without parole.  Kent Kiehl, a renowned neuroscientist and guest speaker at our recent conference, Before The Shooting Starts, noted that what was found in McCluskey’s case was several structural abnormalities in the subject’s brain.  The defense provided evidence of damage to the cerebellum resulting in “cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome” which affects behavioral planning and control.  While the prosecution entered evidence that McCluskey’s actions while incarcerated showed he was, in fact, able to plan, organize and carry out a drug-dealing business, it was not sufficient for the death penalty to be imposed. Nonetheless, it is not fully established how much of an impact the neurological evidence had in this regard.  Read the story here.

3. What wrong was recently made right to the tune of $50M?

Hint:

Answer: a Seattle couple, alerted that any of their future offspring have a 50/50 risk of developing a rare genetic disorder and who responsibly underwent genetic testing, were recently awarded $50 million after their son was unexpectedly born severely disabled.  The damages resulted from a determination that two medical institutions bungled protocol due largely to cutbacks.  Additional information is available here.