Short, Sweet, and Specific: Journal Articles

Journals are the perfect source for the most current information on both controversies and genetic advances and events. Most are also specific in their focus, so are best used when digging deeper into a certain topic.

From Nature Journals Online:

De Coppi, P., Bartsch, G., Siddiqui, M. M., Xu, T., Santos, C. C., Perin, L., & et. al. (2007). Isolation of amniotic stem cell lines with potential for therapy. Nature Biotechnology 25(1), 100 - 106. Retrieved April 24, 2007, from Nature Journals Online database (10.1038/nbt1274).

--While this article is not about religious ethics and genetic in and of itself, the findings presented here may very well have a radical effect on how cloning and embryonic stem cells are discused in the future. These researchers have found that the multiple stem cell types (dirived from the deveolping fetus) found in amniotic fluid (part of the after-birth) are in fact "diverse differentiated cells including those of adipose, muscle, bone and neuronal" tissues. This is the same type of flexibility that is desirable in embryonic stem cells but without the ethical issues since amniotic fluid is a product of natural pregnancies.

An interview from with one of the researchers can also be view at:

Amniotic fluid yields new type of stem cell (January 8, 2007). PBS: The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. Retrieved April 24, 2007, from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june07/cell_01-08.html

From Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center:

National Bioethics Advisory Commission (2001). Religion offers guidance on human cloning. The Ethics of Human Cloning: At Issue Series. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center (EJ3010028213).

--The article is an excerpt from a 1997 government report on human cloning by the National Bioethics Advisory Commission that details various religious/theological perspectives and historical precedents on genetic ethics as pertain to human cloning (perspective is mainly Judeo-Christian). Article has an extensive list for further reading including books and other articles.

Lindsay, R. A. (2001). Religious Arguments Have No Place in the Debate over Human Cloning. The Ethics of Human Cloning: At Issue Series. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center (EJ3010028214).

--Argues from a rationalist, secular perspective that there is "no necessary connection between religion and morality" and therefore it need not effect policy on matters such as human cloning.

IngentaConnect:

Modell, S. M. (2007). Genetic and reproductive technologies in the light of religious dialogue. Zygon 42(1), 163-182. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from IngentaConnect database (10.1111/j.1467-9744.2006.00813.x).

--The article seeks to examine genetic testing, human gene therapy, genetic engineering of plants and animals, and stem cell technology in light of the varying religious theologies held by large groups of people and that therefore should be taken into account when designing related policies. Much of the information is based on the "'Genetic Frontiers' series of professional dialogues and conferences held by the National Conference for Community and Justice from 2002 to 2004."

Hefner, P. (2007). Genetic frontiers: Challenges for humanity and our religious traditions. Zygon 42(1), 183-191. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from IngentaConnect database (10.1111/j.1467-9744.2006.00814.x).

--Seeks to understanding and explain human nature and values in relation to genetic research by surveying "challenges and the resources that the monotheistic religions can bring to bear in response" and how these religious communities communicate these beliefs to the general public.

From ISI Web of Knowledge--Web of Science:

Al-Ageel, A. I. (2005). Ethical guidelines in genetics and genomics - An Islamic perspective. Saudi Medical Journal, 26(12), 1862-1870. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from ISI Web of Knowledge: Web of Science database.

--Examines Islamic teachings about "health and disease prevention including hereditary and genetic disorders" in the face of the increasing prevalence of genetic birth defects and disorders in countries where Muslims make up a majority of the population.