Governance of Emerging Technologies Conference 2015: Anti-aging Treatments
Anti-Aging Treatments: Scientific Progress Needs to Be Accompanied with Regulatory Advances BY GARY E. MARCHANT (Professor of Law, ASU) One of the many cutting-edge sessions at the 3rd Annual Governance of Emerging Technologies conference focused on anti-aging technologies. There has been a long history of unproven life-extension claims and bogus anti-aging products. But in recent […]
Tuesday Triple Trivia for June 2, 2015
3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday. 1. What do aging, injury, stress and certain neurodegenerative diseases have in common? Hint: Answer: all of the above conditions may result in memory loss. The forget-me-not flower is symbolic, not only for its name, but also its color. Scientists recently revealed that previously blocked memories were […]
Wednesday Web Watch for May 20, 2015
An interesting piece by Bryan Helwig on predictive genetic testing for military personnel. Helwig notes that progress in the area of genetic technology is responsible for the identification of geno/phenotypes prone to certain psychological and physical health conditions. Those who favor genetic testing in the military note its effectiveness in helping to ensure fewer physical […]
Seasons Change…Genes Change
Story courtesy of Kirk T. Hartley According to a recently published study, human immune gene expression varies by season. Plus, it also changes with time of day, according to a researcher not associated with the study. Scientists think that certain patterns “may help explain the seasonality of diseases” and other illnesses. Therefore, time of year […]
Tuesday Triple Trivia for May 12, 2015
3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday. 1. Who should you consider a friend, not foe, in the workplace? Hint: Answer: these individual parts, when put together may actually save your job, not eliminate it. Meet the robot. According to a recent article, “[p]roductivity growth through automation is actually the best way to grow […]
Wednesday Web Watch for May 6, 2015
Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton reported in their law firm’s blog that a novel “living” Synthetic Biology Products and Applications Inventory Tracker was recently established by the Wilson Center through its Synthetic Biology Project. The dynamic inventory list is designed to inform the public about synthetic-biology derived products and applications, along with information […]
Weighing in on Human Germline Gene Modification
Much Ado About Foolhardiness By Gary E. Marchant The media and web are abuzz this week about the announcement that Chinese researchers modified human embryos using a powerful new gene editing technology known as the CRISPR system. The Chinese study is published in an obscure scientific journal called Protein and Cell after being rejected on […]
Tuesday Triple Trivia for April 14, 2015
3 Questions, 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday. 1. What preventive measure indicates that more is better, despite push-back from big-name insurance companies? Hint: Answer: fear of the unknown is leading a handful of insurers to not cover multi-panel genetic tests that analyze a number of genes in a single test. These insurance companies are […]
April 2015 Starbucks Challenge
Each month we feature a technology with potential legal implications and ask: What’s YOUR answer? One $25 Starbucks gift card card awarded per challenge based on what we feel is the most judicious response to the highlighted technology, below. Deadline to be eligible for this month’s Starbucks gift card is May 10, 2015. “Is […]
Tuesday Triple Trivia for April 7, 2015
3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday. 1. With the click of this button, all your wishes will come true — or some, at least… Hint: Answer: Oh Jeff Bezos, you’ve done it again! Amazon has unveiled a handy little device that allows us to order a bunch of things (266 at this time) […]