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Penn bioethicst challenges scientists to lead the public in discussions about their work
June 16, 2006Failure to do so may result in misunderstandings and missed opportunities
(Philadelphia, PA) — In the first-ever article on bioethics to appear in Cell, one of the nation's leading bioethicists challenges scientists to proactively engage the public in discussions about the value and significance of their research protocols to maintain an ethical base, at all times, in the conduct of their own research and to help advance scientific knowledge among the public and their colleagues by freely sharing new and relevant information.
In a special "Commentary" penned exclusively for the journal Cell, Paul Root Wolpe, PhD, of the Center for Bioethics and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, identifies the eight top reasons scientists cite to avoid thinking about ethics and then offers substantive responses to invalidate the scientists' excuses. Four of the eight reasons cited include: "I'm Not Trained in Ethics," "MyWork has Little to Do With Ethics," "Ethics is Arbitrary," and "Others will Make the Ethical Decisions." According to Wolpe, "Science is a powerful force for change in modern society. As the professionals at its helm, scientists have a unique responsibility to shepherd that change with thoughtful advocacy of their research and careful ethical scrutiny of their own behavior."
Wolpe argues that by becoming effective advocates for their work, scientists not only advance their own research pursuits but also the public's understanding and acceptance of various forms of inquiries. He notes that "the cloning of Dolly has become the exemplar of the failure to prepare the public for a scientific breakthroughHad the ethical discussion kept pace with the research, the global hyperventilation over Dolly might well not have taken place."
If scientists continue to find reasons to not engage the public in a discussion of their activities, the public will find ways to scrutinize their behavior — "and the results," cautions Wolpe, "may not always be in the best interests of science or society."
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Wolpe argues that by becoming effective advocates for their work, scientists not only advance their own research pursuits but also the public's understanding and acceptance of various forms of inquiries. He notes that "the cloning of Dolly has become the exemplar of the failure to prepare the public for a scientific breakthroughHad the ethical discussion kept pace with the research, the global hyperventilation over Dolly might well not have taken place."
If scientists continue to find reasons to not engage the public in a discussion of their activities, the public will find ways to scrutinize their behavior — "and the results," cautions Wolpe, "may not always be in the best interests of science or society."
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Bioethics Current Events and Bioethics News RSSFirst reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
Of mice and men: Stem cells and ethical uncertainties
The recent creation of live mice from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) not only represents a remarkable scientific achievement, but also raises important issues, according to bioethicists at The Johns Hopkins University's Berman Institute of Bioethics.
Study examines ethical dilemmas of medical tourism
Medical tourism in Latin America needs to be regulated to protect consumers, according to Université de Montréal researchers.
Medical ethics experts identify, address key issues in H1N1 pandemic
The anticipated onset of a second wave of the H1N1 influenza pandemic could present a host of thorny medical ethics issues best considered well in advance, according to the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, which today released nine papers for public discussion.
Doctors' opinions not always welcome in life support decisions
Some caregivers of critical care patients prefer doctors to keep their opinions on life support decisions to themselves, according to new research that challenges long-held beliefs in the critical care community.
NHLBI stops study of pulmonary hypertension treatment in sickle cell patients
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has stopped a clinical trial testing a drug treatment for pulmonary hypertension in adults with sickle cell disease nearly one year early due to safety concerns.
Phase 3 Alzheimer's drug increases toxic beta amyloid in the brain -- but still provides benefits
New insights into how a Phase III Alzheimer's drug might work were among the advances in potential therapies targeting two abnormal brain proteins - beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau - that were reported today at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
Risks of sharing personal genetic information online need more study, Stanford bioethicists say
With just $399 and a bit of saliva in a cup, consumers can learn about their genetic risk for diseases from breast cancer to diabetes.
Hospitalized patients need better understanding of CPR and outcomes
Many hospitalized patients overestimate their chance of surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest and do not know what CPR really involves, a University of Iowa study has shown.
Researchers discover ways of integrating treatment of traumatized Tibetan refugee monks
The Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights (BCRHHR) at Boston Medical Center recently treated many of the large number of Tibetan refugee monks who fled violent religious persecution. These individuals arrived in Boston suffering from symptoms of traumatic stress, interfering with their meditative practice.
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