Title: A synoptic survey of the bioethics of human genome research

Authors: Peter R. Wheale, Ruth McNally

Addresses: Surrey European Management School, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 5XH, UK. Brunel University, School of Business and Management, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: The authors discuss the wider social and ethical consequences of recent developments in bioinformatics, ||DNA fingerprinting||, genetic screening, health and insurance and the patenting of life forms. They appraise the ethics of human genome research, including research conducted under the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) - one type of human genome research which specifically addresses the concept of genetic variation, albeit in a form which conceives genetic difference as being of more significance between races than within them. They conclude that international law must address the new ||comparative advantages||, which are being created by the trade in genetic material and the recent developments in intellectual property rights over life forms.

Keywords: bioethics; human genome project (HGP); human genome diversity project (HGDP); biotechnology and genetic engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2003.002111

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2003 Vol.5 No.1, pp.21-37

Published online: 20 Jul 2003 *

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