Sex for fun, IVF for children

In the science fiction movie Gattaca, the hero, Vincent, is an “In-Valid” – someone whose only crime is to be conceived in a moment of passion rather than in a Petri dish. His brother, by contrast, is a Valid, created by a process designed to ensure the optimum recombination of his parents’ genes. In-Valids are condemned to a life of menial jobs and discrimination. It’s a scenario that is difficult to imagine from today’s viewpoint. Yet could we be moving towards an age in which entering nature’s genetic lottery is no longer seen as a desirable way to bring a child into the world? Might natural conception even come to be thought of as irresponsible, as bad as smoking while pregnant? Reproducing the traditional way is undoubtedly flawed. Worldwide around 1 child in 16 is born with a mental or physical disability due to a genetic defect, and most of us probably carry gene variants that predispose us to serious illnesses later in life. How much safer it would be to go along to the fertility clinic, have some embryos created and pick the one or two that will produce the healthiest baby. IVF has become commonplace, and top clinics boast pregnancy rates of more than 30 per cent for each cycle – better than the 1 in 4 chance of conceiving the natural way and likely to improve further. Until recently, though, IVF was only for those with fertility problems. The rapid development of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is starting to change this. Increasing numbers of fertile couples with a family history of a serious disease such as cystic fibrosis are opting for IVF with PGD so they can be sure any child will not inherit it. Others are resorting to IVF-PGD so they can choose their child’s most basic characteristic: sex.

The Adulteration of Asian Herbal Medicines

In a study of 260 Asian-produced herbal medicines collected from California retail herb shops, 7% contained undeclared pharmaceuticals (ephedrine, methyltestosterone, etc.) and 30% contained significant levels of lead, mercury and arsenic. (Source: Ko, R., NEJM 339, 847 (1998).

For my friends who enjoy indulging in a little self-medication, check out Consumerlab.com to make sure the supplements you are taking into your body do not contain dangerous impurities. Herbal manufacturers send their products to Consumerlab voluntarily so no all herbals are listed on the site. You can also look for this seal of approval on the package.

Frolfology

Disc Golf (sometimes called folf, frolf, or Frisbee golf) is a game based on the rules of golf (referred to by disc golfers as “ball golf” or “stick golf”). Disc golf, in some form, was probably played around the turn of the century. But the modern day disc golf started in the late 60’s. “Steady Ed” Headrick is the Father of Disc Golf. Mr. Headrick worked for the San Gabriel, California based Wham-O Corporation and invented many popular children’s toys. Headrick’s invention of the “lines” on the Frisbee® increased its stability and led to a life-time devotion to disc sports, which he loved and shared with many people. “Steady” also invented the disc golf basket which he sold through his family owned company, the Disc Golf Association (DGA). For he so loved the sport, he actually was cremated and put into individual discs so he could fly forever. As of early 2006, there were more than 2000 permanent disc golf courses installed around the world, although the vast majority of them are in the United States. Many disc golf courses are in open, grassy public parks, but more challenging courses are set in semi-wooded and hilly areas, some quite rough and natural. Disc golf is unique in that PDGA and WFDF rules, based in player conservation efforts as well as fair play, make it a violation to cause damage to the course’s flora. With most courses not requiring greens fees, the relative low cost of discs, and tournament fees still fairly low, the disc golf social structure may be among the most egalitarian and relaxed in organized sports.

The two most common throwing techniques are the forehand throw (aka side-arm), and the backhand throw. Of the two the backhand style is most familiar to new players and is the most common. The different types of throws spin the disc in opposite directions, causing the disc to turn and fade left or right, depending on type of disc thrown, windage, spin speed and various other variables. Many players try to master both techniques or learn to play both left- and right-handed to account for as many situations as possible. Another throwing style is the roller, which can be done two different ways. One way is with a forehand grip where the disc is released almost vertically and allowed to roll. The other way a roller can be thrown is with a backhand grip, released at a near-vertical angle. Hyzer and anhyzer refer to the release angle of a disc. A shot thrown with hyzer is released with the outside edge of the disc angled down towards the ground. A shot thrown with anhyzer is released with the outside edge of the disc pointed up towards the sky.