If you are having difficulty viewing this email, read it on our web site To ensure delivery, please add info@geneticsandsociety.org to your address book or contacts. February 17, 2010 WEBSITE BLOG ABOUT US PRESS ROOM DONATE SUBSCRIPTIONS Whither Personal Genomics? The "Medical" Justification for Re-creating Neanderthals Looking Back a Decade Events The Latest from Biopolitical Times Other News You can also follow the Center on our webpage, blog, RSS, weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Whither Personal Genomics? by Jesse Reynolds, Biopolitical Times Three companies offer contrasting examples of where the fledgling industry goes from here. The "Medical" Justification for Re-creating Neanderthals by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical Times "Should We Clone Neanderthals?" asks an article in Archaeology magazine. Looking Back a Decade by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical Times The Center for Genetics and Society has been active for about a decade, and at the start of a new one it seems appropriate to take a look back. Events Symposium: Reproductive Technologies in the 21st Century A day-long symposium, "Choice in the 21st Century? Regulating Reproductive Technologies," will be held in San Francisco on February 26. The Latest from Biopolitical Times Cellular reprogramming and bans on reproductive cloning by Jesse Reynolds A recent paper argues that prohibitions against human reproductive cloning should be strengthened to cover any method. Gene Patent Challenge Gets Support in the Press by Jesse Reynolds The lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of human gene patents received its first hearing, but the real developments occurred in the media. Hwang Tries for a Comeback by Pete Shanks The Hwang Woo-Suk is making active efforts to salvage his reputation, and to reestablish himself as a force in science. Partial Matches Allowed in New York by Osagie Obasogie New York’s Commission on Forensic Science has recently approved the use of partial matches in state criminal investigations. Two More "Lazarus" Projects by Pete Shanks Genomics is being used in attempts to revive both the Aurochs and a species of Galápagos tortoise. Synthetic Biology as Super-Weapon? by Pete Shanks DARPA is investing in synthetic biology -- and provoking some criticism. LA Times columnist's concerns over CIRM echo our own by by Jesse Reynolds One of the most prominent political commentators in the state has again taken on California's controversial stem cell research program. Sex Selection: Tools for Action by Marcy Darnovsky Information, political education activities, and policy suggestions for reproductive rights and justice advocates. Legal Updates: DNA Databases, Human Gene Patents, Octomom’s Doctor by Osagie Obasogie The past few weeks have seen a number of legal developments involving reproductive and genetic technologies. Technology Updates: Inheritable Genetic Modification by Pete Shanks Two new technologies may make inheritable genetic modification significantly more feasible. Other News The World’s Most Successful Failure by Mary Carmichael, Newsweek Iceland's deCODE has discovered more genes than any other company on earth. If only it could turn a profit. Surrogacy Battles Expose Uneven Legal Landscape by Nathan Koppel, Wall Street Journal Surrogacy remains a relatively uncommon pathway to parenthood, in part because it still rests on a somewhat shaky legal ground in parts of the country. Young Delhi women donating their eggs for quick bucks by Richa Sharma, Indo-Asian News Service In a trend that seems to be catching on, many Delhi college girls and single-working women are donating their eggs at fertility clinics in order to make a quick buck. In the womb of controversy by Jaya Menon, The Times of India The US consulate in Chennai has tightened its visa processing norms, particularly for couples coming to the city for fertility treatment. Test-tube boys may inherit fertility problems by Lois Rogers, The Times Researchers have found evidence that fathers of babies born through in vitro fertilization may be passing on their infertility to their sons. Gene doping real threat to Olympians by Margaret Munro, Canwest News Service The World Anti-Doping Agency warns of grave health risk in attempt to boost performance. Skin cells turned directly into neurons by Clive Cookson, Financial Times Stem cell scientists announced research that turned skin into nerve cells without any intermediate step.