DNA discoverer James Watson now dreams of curing genetic diseases
Article Abstract:
In 1962, James Watson and Francis Crick won the Nobel Prize for describing the structure of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, the building block of genes and heredity. Watson is currently the director of the National Institute for Human Genome Research at the National Institutes of Health, and his objective is to map, sequence and define the 50,000 to 100,000 human genes covering 23 chromosomes. These findings will contribute to the understanding of genetic disorders and certain cancers. The anticipated cost of the gene mapping project is three billion dollars and the estimated duration of research is 15 years. Watson describes four stages of the genome project including mapping of all genes, sequencing of all genes, distribution of the information worldwide to scientists, and development of ethical safeguards. Watson also stresses the need for international involvement, for demonstrating technological benefits, and for maintaining low costs. If human genes are mapped it may be possible to prevent certain diseases by replacing a defective gene. The lack of Japan's participation in sharing the financial burden of the genome project is also discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Human rights I - Jimmy Carter calls on AMA to make a difference
Article Abstract:
Former Pres Jimmy Carter calls on doctors and the American Medical Association (AMA) to play a greater role in ending human rights abuses. Medical professionals are respected and influential worldwide. They should use their status to expose and prevent human rights violations. Government-sponsored torture could not occur without the knowledge and tacit cooperation of the medical profession. The AMA has the influence and prestige to initiate an international physicians' human rights organization. The United Nations (UN) agencies that investigate human rights abuses are underfunded and understaffed. They are also hindered by the UN's refusal to intervene in the affairs of a sovereign nation. Thus, they do not intervene in civil wars where their work is often most needed. US physicians also need to address the human rights issues in their own country, many of which are caused by the increasing gap between rich and poor.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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A few words of advice from a woman of letters - Ann Landers
Article Abstract:
Ann Landers receives approximately 2,000 letters every day, and two-thirds are from women. Twenty percent of the letter-writers have a medical question. She often answers these questions in her column, which is carried by 1,200 papers serving 90 million readers worldwide. Landers never gives medical advice in her column, but she has experts at her disposal and is on advisory panels of the American Cancer Society, the Mayo Foundation and the Menninger Foundation, among others. She believes women should be more assertive in dealing with doctors and should not have to wait excessively to see the doctor. She says women need more information about genital herpes and warts, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and skin cancer. She believes women depend on doctors and that doctors should not betray this trust.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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