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Ah, Practicality

Jun 18, 2009

The President's Council on Bioethics was asked to disband last week. The group had been formed by former President Bush in November 2001 and, according to the New York Times, "it was designed by the Bush administration to be 'a philosophically leaning advisory group' that favored discussion over developing a shared consensus," quoting White House press officer Reid Cherlin. President Obama will reconstitute the council with a focus on "practical policy options," Cherlin says. Science Progress adds that "the President is reviewing options for a new council with a revised, policy-focused mandate, but there is currently no public word on a timeframe."

Breaking News
The Scan

Genetic Risk Factors for Hypertension Can Help Identify Those at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Genetically predicted high blood pressure risk is also associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, a new JAMA Cardiology study says.

Circulating Tumor DNA Linked to Post-Treatment Relapse in Breast Cancer

Post-treatment detection of circulating tumor DNA may identify breast cancer patients who are more likely to relapse, a new JCO Precision Oncology study finds.

Genetics Influence Level of Depression Tied to Trauma Exposure, Study Finds

Researchers examine the interplay of trauma, genetics, and major depressive disorder in JAMA Psychiatry.

UCLA Team Reports Cost-Effective Liquid Biopsy Approach for Cancer Detection

The researchers report in Nature Communications that their liquid biopsy approach has high specificity in detecting all- and early-stage cancers.