One of the groups that performed for Benedict XVI in DC sent us their promotional material and some free CDs, and I was intrigued the moment I saw their name. The Suspicious Cheese Lords is an all-male a cappella group from DC, where they sing and record early music, more specifically, Renaissance . . . . Continue Reading »
This is exciting news and demonstrates once again that most biotechnology isn’t morally contentious. A teenager with failing eyesight has had his vision improved by inserting healthy genes to correct a genetically caused disability. From the story: In the trial carried out by a team at the . . . . Continue Reading »
A reader sent a funny old story to me from Modern Mechanix (“Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today”), circa 1956. The article is about transhumanism, long before the term was coined, and it ponders some of the ways that science might “redesign” the human body. Here’s an . . . . Continue Reading »
An article about a pending speech by Peter Singer in the Phoenix Times demonstrates once again that some of the best journalism and commentary can be found in the alternative press. From the story, byline Sarah Fenske:In his 1985 book Should the Baby Live? The Problem of Handicapped Infants, the . . . . Continue Reading »
The country that has brought the concept of “plant dignity” to the world has now extended “rights” to members of “social species.” animals. From the story: Under a new Swiss law enshrining rights for animals, dog owners will require a qualification, anglers will . . . . Continue Reading »
Some time ago, I charged Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology with having “betrayed science.” Recently, at his initiative, we have been in communication and have cleared some of the bad air that lay between ourselves. While we do not agree on ethical matters, I think it is fair to . . . . Continue Reading »
In today’s St. Louis Platform there’s an excellent article with interviews from two of the victims of clerical sexual abuse who met with the pope in Washington, DC. Here are some excerpts, but the whole thing is worth reading: Olan Horne, 48, a survivor of clerical sex abuse, believes . . . . Continue Reading »
SHS continues to its slow, but satisfyingly steady growth. We just passed 30,000 visitors in the last 30 days. That is thanks to you all. My deep appreciation for your support and participation, for sending me stories you think will be of interest, and for your comments. Thank . . . . Continue Reading »
I reported a few days ago here at SHS about how an ethics committee in Switzerland expounded on what could be called the rights of plants. Now Nature has weighed in about the ridiculous matter of “plant dignity,” worrying that it could impede biology. From the editorial:The Swiss federal . . . . Continue Reading »
This shouldn’t be necessary—and it isn’t enough—but the Animal Liberation Front and others have been enjoined from coming within 50 feet or researchers’ homes and from otherwise intimidating and harassing them. Of course, that will make no difference to the fanatics. . . . . Continue Reading »