Bioethics: Challenges in Biomedical Areas (A cautionary tale)

In December 2023, CRC Press published a new book Bioethics: Foundations, Applications and Future Challenges (actually dated 2024). My colleague Sal Macip and I contributed Chapter 8: Challenges in Biomedical Areas.

I was very pleased with our chapter, in which we looked at the impacts of genome sequencing, the emerging capacity to edit the human genome, beginning of life issues, and the potential for creation of “posthumans”. I think you’d find the chapter thoughtful and thought-provoking. I’m fairly certain, however, that you’ll never read it.

You might assume that the “cautionary tale” in the title of this post refers to these developments, and to some extent that would be true. On this occasion, however, it is more of a reflection on the vagaries of scientific publication.

Is Medium the right size?

Having started blogging on WordPress back in 2006, I recently decided to investigate other potential platforms for sharing my reflections. A friend suggested I try writing on Medium, not least because of the ease with which some or all posts can be placed behind a paywall and therefore monetised (I have recently gone freelance).

At present, I have left my posts on Medium open to all. The first couple of ramblings there are:

Imaginary Numbers? What taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch reminded me about research ethics

The Future of Genomic Medicine: Ten things I learnt whilst at the Festival of Genomics

There is a bioethical theme to both of these first posts. However, one of my current considerations is how varied the content can be on that site whilst retaining sufficient cohesion for a committed readership to develop. The next post (a work in progress at present) is going to be very different – a theatre review. So, watch this space – or rather subscribe to that place!