Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Secret DNA testing 'should be banned'. Covert DNA testing to establish paternity should become illegal, the UK's gene watchdog says. [BBC News: sci/tech] Here is one of the issues we are going to face in the new world of rapid genetic testing. From the article is sounds like society is ready to deal with these issues in a thoughtful manner. It's just too bad that we often wait until someone does something nasty before we outlaw it. In one case a private detective stole dental floss from a man involved in a paternity suit to try to prove he fathered the child. 11:59:11 AM

'Super soap' in the pipeline. Scientists are developing innovative soaps and deodorants to make us even cleaner. [BBC News: sci/tech] I don't know if this stuff is such a good idea. Many of the bacteria that adhere to our skin are actually important to our health. Some of them take up space and prevent pathogenic bacteria from attaching. Others stimulate our immune system keeping it healthy. Removing these microbes might not be the best thing to do. If you want to learn more about the normal bacterial flora of your body we have an article about it. 11:51:38 AM