Advances in human stem cell research and their applications to so-called regenerative medicine are going slower than expected, although significant progress has been made, says a new report on the subject by the European Science Foundation. The report recommends, among other things, the continued public support for this research and the clarification of the legal landscape with respect to patents.

Malén Ruiz de Elvira | 6 de julio de 2010

In today’s society, every human being is exposed to hazardous chemicals during his or her lifetime, and data reveals that several scandals have not resulted in steps being taken towards the prevention of future cases of contamination.

16 june 2010

Núria Sancho Fortuny, Science Policy

For three days, the most renowned cancer experts from both sides of the Atlantic held an intense debate and exchange of knowledge during the International Week for Cancer Research, organized by the New York Association for Science (NYAS) and held in Barcelona's CosmoCaixa museum.

Jordi Montaner | 1 june 2010

In the age of genetics, there still exists the widespread idea that many men, a common figure of 30% is often cited, are unknowingly not the biological fathers of their children. This belief, which can even be found in reference books, has no scientific basis, according to recent studies. The limited data that does exist indicates that the proportion of duped dads is more likely not higher than 3%.

Malén Ruíz de Elvira | 26 may 2010

Psychology is no stranger to the wave of new technologies that have revolutionized the way we interact and communicate. Therapists are well aware of this revolution, and this has led experts to analyze the pros and cons of these “next-generation treatments” offered on the Internet. The College of Psychologists of Catalonia has included these on-line techniques in its code of ethics, and a variety of websites now offer such services. Phobias, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, eating disorders and certain addictions are some of the diseases people are increasingly willing to seek treatment for via the anonymity of the web.

Núria Llavina Rubio | 30 abril 2010

With the conference "The Neurobiology of Human Aggression" Adolf Tobeña, Professor of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), opened the first National Congress on Conduct in the monastery of Sant Benet in Bages, Spain. The subject of his conference, moreover, was as defiant as it was provocative. Humans, Tobeña argued, are not morally superior to animals, and nor can we presume to be morally superior or more cultured. According to the expert, in psychology, everything parts for a common unit, the brain, and from a determinate chemical base.

Jordi Montaner | 20 may 2010

On Wednesday, May 12, at 19:00, Jordi Marí will hold the seminar “Ethical Finance: Is it possible?” at Casa Orlandi in Barcelona. The seminar forms part of the 2nd cycle of “Coffee Talks on Economics,” which deals with the social economy and the construction of alternative economic models.

11 May 2010

For some time now, science has been moving so fast it has overtaken our moral intuitions. It is now possible, for example, to put in an order for a pet that is the same as the one we have just buried, or choose the genetic disposition of our children. The possibilities opened up by genetic engineering often induce unease or outright rejection although it is not always easy to explain why. What is wrong with manipulating our own nature or that of other beings? Where are the limits, if there are limits? Michael J. Sandel explores these moral dilemmas, predicting that the genetic revolution will oblige us to reintroduce questions of the spiritual order into the political debate.

30 april 2010

The possible ban on bullfighting in Catalonia raises a question. If the bulls in the ring can not suffer, is there a right to inflict pain on animals that are eaten, become clothes or are killed in scientific experiments? The experts are optimistic: the law recognizes increasingly clearly that an animal is much more than an object.

Michele Catanzaro | 23 March 2010

"I don't like Mondays (*). I only did it to cheer up my day", said Brenda Ann Spencer on the 29th of January 1979. Hours earlier, from a window of her house, she had wielded the rifle that her father had given her at Christmas, killed two people and wounded nine in an elementary school in San Diego (California). She was 16 and totally surprised her father.

Ànnia Monreal | 8 March 2010

The first research on the DNA of Tutankhamen and his family suggested he had malaria and that this disease could have led to his death, along with osteonecrosis. Similarly, the analysis confirms that his father was Akhenaton, the pharaoh who introduced the worship of the Sun God into Egypt however, the work has not cleared all the doubts about the young pharaoh.

Elena Ledda, Michele Catanzaro | 11 March 2010

From the 2nd to the 4th of March the Second International Conference on Ethics and Human Values in Engineering has taken place at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), organized by Victoriano Muñoz Oms, Chair of the UPC and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). For three days, engineers and others linked to the world of engineering around the world have been discussing and reflecting on the social impact, good practice, ethics and values education in this profession, within a period of change that it maybe should be a change of time.

Mónica Batalla | 5 March 2010

Life expectancy is increasing; the ageing European society and experts predict long and centenarian lives. However, the current needs of the elderly in the field of clinical trials of medication are not very flattering. Despite being the largest consumers of drugs they are often excluded from trials. The result: not enough evidence of side effects and correct dosage in the elderly, and doctors are forced to blindly prescribe.

Cristina Jiménez | 4 March 2010

The debate on the strength of scientific evidence according to which humans are responsible for climate change is 'hotter' than ever.

18 February 2010

Cristina Jiménez | London

Scientific research -the art of adding sound bricks to the wall of human knowledge- requires time and effort.

10 February 2010

Giovanni Volpe, Physics