1. the 'spot the not so "Independent" science editor' competition
2. genetics related UK press items
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1. The 'spot the not so "Independent" science editor' competition

Here's a quiz. The following 3 science-related articles are in the Independent today - can you match them up with their authors:

1.  front page, "Pig organ transplants 'too risky' for humans"
2.  p.3 "Each year, thousands die waiting for new organs."
3.  p.3 "Brain damage may be repaired with umbilical cord cells"
a)  by Steve Connor, Science Editor
b)  by Marie Woolf, Chief Political Correspondent
c)  by Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor

The answers are given below, but Marcus Williamson helpfully asks, why is it up to the "Chief Political Correspondent" to provide the bad news on a science story, whilst Steve Connor continues to provide the upbeat message?

Connor it will be remembered was part of the SIRC-us Forum on science and health communication that argued that science stories should be left in the hands of science editors: http://members.tripod.com/~ngin/scisale.htm

answers: 1b; 2c; 3a
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2. Genetics related UK press items
Genes - Ethics

Interview with Professor Severino Antinori, who claims that he will have cloned the first human being within a year.
Times 2, p.16-17, 2 p.

Genes - Xenotransplantation The UK Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority have said in their third annual report that animal to human organ transplant may never be possible owing to the threat from animal viruses. The Independent, p.1, 1 col, p.3, 2 cols

Research Funding The Government is expected to seek to secure Britain's base at the forefront of the genetics revolution by announcing the distribution of more than £1 billion for funding science in universities. The Guardian, p.10, 2/3 col. --- "Faced with the needs of the 800 million people who are suffering from hunger, we don't need GMOs." UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General Jacques Diouf

"We already know today that most of the problems that are to be addressed via Golden Rice and other GMOs can be resolved in matter of days, with the right political will." Hans Herren, Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology and winner of the World Food Prize 1995

"I don't think any of us would disagree that, if an alternative existsto a GE solution, it's to be preferred" Mr Hodson QC acting on behalf of the Life Sciences Network  at the New Zealand Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, 8th  Feb 2001