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Gene Doping
Sport és génterápia(2003, Sept 23) Body Builder, by T. András [link]
While I am unable to read this article in depth, it appears to be very well researched and is evidently extensive. If you have more details about this article, please do let me know.
Gene linked to athletic performance(2003, 27 Aug) New Scientist, by A. Coghlan [link]
Research from Australia suggests a link between endurance capacity and genetics. Scientist Kathryn North of the Institute of Neuromuscular Research at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney hypothesises that alpha-actinin relates to specific kinds of athletic capcity.
The article ends with a quote from Rodney Walker, Chairman of UK Sport, which provides a rare acknowledgement of the need to broaden the debate about gene doping to society as a whole.
The Quandry of Progress2002, The Economist, by Francis Fukuyama
Fukuyama's piece in The Economist's end of the year edition describes genetic modification in sport as a key issue for the future. I make this case in GMA, particularly since sport cuts across society so broadly. It was a surpise to read this piece, though I expect that Fukuyama's involvement with the US President's Council meeting on genetic enhancement and sport had some part to play in it being seen as important.
Of Mice and Supermen(2002, 10 Nov) Sunday Telegraph Magazine, by D. Purgavie
this article focuses on Sweeney's IGF-1 work. The narrative is the expected and usual one. WADA won't know how to deal with this, sport will collapse in an era of gene doping, and it might appear by Athens 2004. Few commentators make the point that there is a broader context to genetics, such that genetically modified athletes might first appear outside of sport. What then?
IOC Bans Genetically-Engineered Sportsmen(2002, Oct 1) Reuters by A. Warner [link]
Preceding the introduction of the new clause into the Anti-doping code, 'cell doping' reflects the concern for non-therapeutic uses of genetic technology. See the WADA references in the 'policy' section for more information on what happened.
The Height of Gaining an Edge(2002, 21 September) Rocky Mountain News, by P. Parish [link]
What surprises me about so many articles like this one is the unequivocal certainty that genetic technology would be an unethical form of enhancement. This article cites the usual commentators in USADA and mentions that it is certaintly going to be used as we approach Beijing in 2008. People also often worry about letting the gene genie out of the bottle, which seems to overlook the important potential of genetic technology to improve humanity.
The Height of Gaining an Edge(2002, 21 September) Rocky Mountain News, by P. Parish [link]
What surprises me about so many articles like this one is the unequivocal certainty that genetic technology would be an unethical form of enhancement. This article cites the usual commentators in USADA and mentions that it is certaintly going to be used as we approach Beijing in 2008. People also often worry about letting the gene genie out of the bottle, which seems to overlook the important potential of genetic technology to improve humanity.
Ageless Athlete May Not Be Far off(2002) The Philadelphia Inquirer, by F. Fitzpatrick [link]
University of Pennsylvania research with Schwarzenegger mice is the focus of this article, though Sweeney's research is described as having the potential to apply to embryos as well as teenagers and adults. Sweeney stresses that the technology is available now to make this possible. Harri Syvasalmi, WADA's secretary general recognises that genetic manipulation will bring many benefits for athletes who are injured.
Gene Doping Threatens to Transform Sport(2002, May 30) Financial Times, by G. Dyer and F. Firn
This article speaks about the imminent applicaion of gene therapy, should such treatments be available for medical use. Very often this link is taken for granted, without much explanation of how it will take place. Of course, it is assmed that athletes will adopt any means to gain an advantage over their competitors, though this seems a little superficial.
Experts in this article suggest that genetics is far too complex to allow athletes to augment specific aspects of the athletic performance. Perhaps what is most interesting about this article is the polarisation of the debate and the meaningfulness of this discussion often relies upon the extent to which the scientist being asked to give opinion is prepared to make speculative claims about science. For all scientists, there is no doubt that this discussion is largely speculative. The disagreement takes place in relation to whether genetic science can deliver what it promises.
Gene researchers ponder enhancement for athletes(2002) Boston Globe, by R. Mishra
Reports on a semianr of the American Society of Gene Therapy concened about the possibility for work to be applied to sporting contests. Gary Wadler from NYU commentates on the cultural values underpinning this inevitable consequence of successful gene transfer technology and there is some recognition that the debate relies upon discerning what is an acceptable level of risk. One of the questions raised in this article is the possible application to the military and to the police force.
What is interesting about this proposal is the way in which genetic enhancement can be characterised as qualitatively different from, say, drug-induced enhancements. Indeed, the relative justifications for why genetically enhanced soldiers would be worthwhile, as opposed to the trivial context of sport remains unquestioned
Sports and genetic enginering future jock(2002) Sports Illustrated
This story details a follow up on some research at Penn University reported the previous year. Sports Illustrated describe research on mice injected with a synthetic gene to promote muscle growth. This research made news as it was promoted at the WADA conference in Cold Spring Harbour. Dick Pound is reported as urging extreme caution about the technology, stating that more than ethics is required. The article mentions that it is important to draw an ethical distinction between therapeutic and enhancing applications of genetic. H. Lee Sweeney is quoted as having been contacted by athletes seeking to genetically enhance themselves.
Athletes may next seek genetic enhancement(2002, May 21) New York Times by R. Sandomir [link]
This article stresses the importance of the sports world staying ahead of the technology. This is critical for dealing with the possible genetic modification of athletes. It is particularly important for the sports world to recognise the broader bioethical implications of their conclusions. Dick Pound is quoted, stating that "Sports are designed by people for people - people are not designed for a particular sport". Of course, this perspective is not directed towards a number of people for whom sports are not organised or who excel in sports that are not professionally lucrative. A prediction of 5 years before genetic technology will be used extensively by athletes and further difficulty is recognised about the distinction between therapy and enhancement.
Stop cheating before it starts(2002, May 21) Associated Press by Wilstein, S.
Steve Wilstein describes genetic modification as part of a continuum of enhancement methods used by athletes to gain an edge at all costs. Other technologies include microships that might allow an athlete to jump heigher or lift more weight, or even using eye surgery to boost performance. Some recognition is given to the potential positive consequences of permitting genetic modification. It could, for example, lead to a more level playing field by ensuring that individuals with a disadvantage genetic profile can improve themselves.
Nevertheless, there is still a general 'cheating' narrative running through the argument, without any real recognition that this technology might not actually be cheating.
Sports officials brace for the threat of gene doping(2002, Mar 21) Salt Lake Tribune by Smith, C. [link]
A number of recommendations are offered in this article about how the sports world should progress in its policy making about genetic technology. Stress is placed on international networks and harmonisation and the challenges presented by detection and testing. Yet, very often little is expressed about the difficulties of harmonising values. Societies have struggled for centuries to find common values and yet this notion of harmonisation appears as the solution to all the problems in sport. Yet, very little about the organisation of anti-doping relies on inter-governmental and intra-governmenal alliances.
Olympic officials get jump on genetic cheating(2002, Mar 21) Associated Press by Wilstein, S. [link]
Genes that can release human growth hormone to build muscles or genes that help muscles use oxygen more efficintly for endurance are the focus of this brief article. WADA's intention to hold regular meetings discussing this issue and greater collaborative projects with scientists and governments is suggested as a way forward. It is unclear to what extent the public dialogue is recognised as part of this, though Gary Wadler of NYU notes that this needs to be addressed now.
Do genes play a role in sport(2002, Mar 21) The Times, by Sanjida O'Connell [link]
This article discusses research from Australia, which has attempted to identify links betwen genes and performance. In particular, Kathryn North and Michelle Mills from the New Children's Hospital Westmeda in Sydney discuss their work associated with muscle-wasting disorders. this is another example of work related to therapeutic medical technologies, which could have implications for sport. The gene in question is the ACE gene, which also been researched by Hugh Montgomery at UCL. Studies on performance genes are particularly controversial. Frequently, speculations are made about how they might affect sport, though some scientists are critical that far more reliable and objective studies, using bigger sample sizes must first take place before we know anything.
Do genes play a role in sport(2002, Mar 21) The Times, by Sanjida O'Connell [link]
This article discusses research from Australia, which has attempted to identify links betwen genes and performance. In particular, Kathryn North and Michelle Mills from the New Children's Hospital Westmeda in Sydney discuss their work associated with muscle-wasting disorders. this is another example of work related to therapeutic medical technologies, which could have implications for sport. The gene in question is the ACE gene, which also been researched by Hugh Montgomery at UCL. Studies on performance genes are particularly controversial. Frequently, speculations are made about how they might affect sport, though some scientists are critical that far more reliable and objective studies, using bigger sample sizes must first take place before we know anything.
Genetic enhancements may be on horizon for athletes(2002, Feb 20) CNN, by R. Blakely [link]
Johnny Huard at University of Pittsburgh notes the likely applications of his research to sport. Renowned for research using growth factor, Huard is supported by quotes from his colleague Freddie Fu and USADA's Larry Bower. Detection is recognised as being difficult again, though specifically because it would involve a muscle biopsy in most cases.
Interestingly, the importance of medical approval is also noted, suggesting that the threshold of what is ethical is solely dependent upon what is medically acceptable.
Genetic drive to be stronger, fast 'doping' may lure future athletes(2002, Feb 10) The Baltimore Sun, by M. Stroh
Eero Mantyranta, the gene-freak athlete from the 1960s provides the context to this article. It is believed that his rare genetic mutation allowed him to gain an advantage over other athletes. Of course,even if Mantyranta was particularly 'gifted', it would be misleading to suggest that he was unique or that there is no genetic variation between other athletes.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is described as a candidate for boosting endurance capacity, as is the hormone EPO. Gene therapy is also identified as the legitimate application of this research, which, typically, is not considered questionable. However, to suggest that therapeutic applications of gene transfer technology are ethically uncontroversial is misleading. At least, it begs the question about how we distinguish between therapy and enhancement.
Of 'mighty mice' and superathletes(2002, Feb 8) CNN, by M.Walton [link]
With the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games beginning in a few days, the attention again turns to gene doping. Lee Sweeney's work on IGF-1 is signposted as a technology that could raise muscle mass by as much as 45%. Readers are also asked to place their vote on whether genetic enhancement should be legal in sports, noting a distinction between events that require 'pure fitness', presumably track and field events.
Sweeney, again, identifies that his work is not interested in sports at all, but mentions the possible misuse, as he described it.
This article doesnt really go anywhere, but it is interesting to note the way in which these stories become interesting alongside certain kinds of sports events, particularly the Olympics. This possibly says more about the Olympic Games than it does about the development of genetic science.
