The use of fetal tissue in research on Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Research involving the transplantation of fetal tissue is controversial. Three research studies found that transplantation of fetal brain tissue into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease caused a significant improvement in their condition. The use of federal funds to support research using fetal tissue from elective abortions was banned in 1988 in response to the political controversy around abortion. The main concern about using tissue from elective abortions is that it may influence women to have abortions. A panel appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that a set of guidelines be established to prevent pregnant women from being pressured or influenced in this direction. However, it is hard to believe that a woman would have an abortion simply to supply fetal tissue for research. It is also unclear whether the government has the right to question the motives of citizens who are exercising their legal rights.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Financial conflicts of interest in biomedical research
Article Abstract:
In 1984 the New England Journal of Medicine became the first major medical journal to adopt a policy aimed at preventing conflicts of interest in papers submitted by researchers. This action was taken because of the increasing overlap between commercial and medical-scientific interests. The journal's policy is that all authors affiliated with a paper must submit a list of associations in which they have an interest and which could be affected by their work. The list is kept separate from the research paper and a determination about whether to disclose the affiliations is made only at the time of publication. In addition, editors at the journal are prohibited from holding any financial interest in a business that concerns clinical medicine.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Alternative medicine - the risks of untested and unregulated remedies
Article Abstract:
Physicians should begin testing many alternative medicines to see if they are effective. Most so-called alternative medicines have not been subjected to a rigorous controlled clinical trial in which they would be compared to a placebo. And since 1994, the FDA no longer regulates alternative medicines, many of which are now labelled as dietary supplements. However, there have been many reports of toxic reactions to alternative medicine, particularly herbal products. In many cases, this results from contamination of the product with chemicals that can adversely impact health.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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