In the news

The Genetics and Society Project (GSP) of the Centre de recherche en droit public in Montreal has launched HumGen, an extensive web-based database of national and international legislation, professional guidelines and ethical codes in the area of genetics and genetic testing. The database includes documents both from government organisations and from relevant non-government organisations (for example, professional bodies and consumer groups). HumGen consists of four different modules. GenBiblio enables the user to assemble a customised list of documents in a specific area of interest. More than 60 options are available including such topics as confidentiality, DNA banks, discrimination and consent. The source of the documents can also be specified, for example international, regional or national. Wherever possible, direct HTML links are provided to the on-line text of the documents included in the database. GenInfo is an electronic newsletter highlighting newly released documents that are being added to the database, with a brief description of their contents. GenConnect is an alphabetically arranged address book of organisations concerned with various aspects of genetics policy and research. The fourth module, GenCite, is an in-house tool for GSP researchers. The HumGen database looks set to be an invaluable resource.