Halloween Ready: Glow-in-the-dark Kitty

Meow.

Bark, Bark, Woof, Woof -- Lassie Speaks

It was thought for the longest time that humans were the only species that could 'speak' -- then came along Washoe and Koko and Alex, and now, Hungarian researchers have written a promising program that could translate the meaning of dogs' barks, and it could applied to other species as well.

Yet another indication to revisit and enlarge our moral universe.

Bioethics and Katrina

A well known bioethicist and supporter of the WBP, Jonathan Moreno writes a provocative essay entitled "In the Wake of Katrina: Has 'Bioethics' Failed?" , taking aim at the failure of bioethics to tackle issues of distributive justice and public health. I have to agree, what has happened with the response (or lack of) to Katrina, has provided a sobering wake-up call; as I had written in a previous article, I find that it is one of the more enobling aspects of being a bioethicist and an attorney to be a nurturing caregiver, protector of life and liberty, guardian of the weak and fragile, and steward of the earth and all its inhabitants. We need to set aside our egos (academic, legal, or otherwise) and ask "How can I serve?"

Addendum (posted Sept 6) - And please let's not forget about our companion animals -- the dogs and cats that have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina -- donate now at Humane Society of the United States.