The 5 most popular Bioethics News stories from the week of June 9
Here are the most popular Bioethics News items from last week based on average clicks per day:
1. Japan looks to drop a few pounds
(NYT) A law that recently took effect there requires local governments and companies to measure the waistlines of those ages 40-75. If certain population targets aren't met, the governments and companies will face financial penalties.
2. New guidelines for stem cell research and treatment
(Reuters) The International Society for Stem Cell Research hopes the guidelines will combat "snake oil" treatments that purport to treat a wide range of diseases with stem cells.
3. Undercover patients
(AP) The AMA's ethics council has recommended that the organization vote in favor of using "mystery shopper" patients to help assess the performance of doctors and staff.
4. Insured, but not covered
(NYT) A study by the Commwealth Fund reports that about 25 million Americans did not have enough health insurance to keep them out of financial hardship should they become seriously ill.
5. Harvard researchers failed to disclose millions from industry consulting
(NYT) The researchers, both psychiatrists, have now reported earning $1.6 million in consulting fees between 2000 and 2007. One of the researchers has been an influential figure in the movement toward using powerful antipsychotic drugs in children.
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A few thoughts:
1. Re: Japan's new guidelines, does it concern anyone else that this mandate punishes *companies* for the larger waists of its workers? While I know there are quite a few reasons why Americans would find such a government policy incredibly intrusive, I'm particularly worried that requirements like this incentivize companies to police the eating & lifestyle habits of its employees, with no guidelines about what a company may or may not due in pursuing that objective.
2. I admit I haven't looked too much on this blog, but as a constructive bit of criticism, I think it would be great if there were some kind of analysis in these posts, rather than simply listing links of topics which are, in many cases, only semi-related to the subject of bioethics.
- by The Moral Guy on Jun 24, 2008 at 9:38 PM | link