Research Ethics Roundup: Ethics violations in golden rice study, proposed changes from the USDA, and more!

Whether you have the time now, or need to bookmark this site for later, take a few minutes to catch up with the latest news in the research ethics world!

Treating Kids’ Cancer with Science and a Pocket Full of Hope: Pediatric brain cancer researcher Jim Olsen is developing an experimental product called Tumor Paint, a molecule that includes a dye that makes tumor cells glow during brain surgery. The goal is to make tumors easier for surgeons to remove. The first tests of Tumor Paint are scheduled for later this year.

Golden Rice Study Violated Ethical Rules, Tufts Says:
Tufts University determined that its study of “golden rice” conducted
in China failed to comply with federal regulations governing human
subjects research. Tufts, after a year-long review, released a report
that stated researchers failed to properly explain the genetic
modification of golden rice, and made other changes in the study without
obtaining IRB approval; however, they claim the scientific merit of
the study stands.

Stephen Crohn, Who Furthered AIDS Study, Dies at 66: Stephen Crohn, whose immune system has been extensively studied by HIV/AIDS researchers because of his genetic resistance to HIV, recently died. Research on his immune system has led to numerous advances in fighting HIV, including the effective cure of the disease in a Berlin AIDS patient who received a bone marrow transplant from a donor with the same genetic mutation as Mr. Crohn.

Kenyan Patients Being Used as Guinea Pigs by Researchers: Somo, a Dutch non-governmental organization, released a report outlining research misconduct in Kenya, including allegations that researchers promised subjects that their participation would cure them of AIDS; that subjects were enrolled in research without their knowledge; and that blood samples collected from orphans were smuggled out of the country.

United States Department of Agriculture  (USDA) Seeks Comments Regarding Proposed Changes: The USDA is seeking comments on proposed changes to Animal Care Policy #3, which addresses veterinary care issues, including the use of expired medical materials, surgery, pre- and post-procedural care, pharmaceutical-grade substances in research, health records, euthanasia, and declawing and defanging practices in wild or exotic carnivores or non-human primates. Comments are being accepted through September 27, 2013.