Welcome to Progress & Principles – the bioethics.tech news hub!
Our Mission is to foster open, accessible dialogue —without political bias — regarding the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies.
From AI to synthetic biology, our work explores how these advancements integrate with human life.
We invite you to join us in these important discussions as we consider not just what is possible, but what is right for the future of humanity.
Most Recent Uploads:
- Introducing Bodyoids: Ethically sourced “spare” human bodies.
According to a March 25, 2025 MIT Technology Review Opinion piece, there is a severe shortage of ethically-sourced human bodies for reseach and it’s hindering devlopment of new medical treatments and procedures. The authors cite recent advances in biotechnology that can now provide a pathway to producing living human bodies that do not have neural… Read more: Introducing Bodyoids: Ethically sourced “spare” human bodies. - Google acquires Israeli company founded by Unit 8200 veterans.
The tech giant also conveniently dropped its pledge not to use artificial intelligence for purposes such as developing weapons and surveillance tools. Google’s $32 billion purchase of Israeli cloud security company Wiz is its most expensive acquisition ever. By Areeb Ullah, reposted from the Middle East Eye, March 20, 2025 Google employees and human rights groups have… Read more: Google acquires Israeli company founded by Unit 8200 veterans. - Important Note about 23andMe
23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection. If you—or a family member—used their services to explore your ancestry, it’s important to know that the company was also in the business of providing genetic data for research and studies. While details are still unfolding, it’s possible that Ancestry.com may acquire or now have access to this genetic… Read more: Important Note about 23andMe - MIT researchers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy.
Could be used to treat spinal cord injuries or diseases that affect motor control, such as ALS. MIT engineers, working with researchers from Boston University, have developed a highly efficient method to convert skin cells directly into neurons, potentially transforming treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike traditional methods that rely on turning… Read more: MIT researchers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy. - The Visible Human Project
The Visible Human Project (VHP), launched by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in the late 20th century, revolutionized the study of the human body by creating high-resolution, 3D digital models of the human anatomy. Its goal was to advance medical education, research, and imaging technology by providing detailed, publicly accessible datasets. The project’s first… Read more: The Visible Human Project - Utah to allow state vendors to be paid in gold and silver.
As it relates to one of our early meetings, ON THE MONEY, where we explored the future of currency and wealth in a digital age. UPDATE: APRIL 2, 2025 Utah Governor vetos Landmark Gold Bill. “Every Republican, every Democrat voted for it in the House, and 25 out of 29 senators voted for it in… Read more: Utah to allow state vendors to be paid in gold and silver. - Make your own brain controlled prosthetic arm and make it move for a fraction of the cost!
First reported 2 years ago, a 17 year old used AI to build a Mind-Controlled Prosthetic. Where is he now? Seventeen-year-old Benjamin Choi recognized a major issue: prosthetic limbs are exorbitantly expensive—comparable models cost $450,000—and often require invasive brain implants. Determined to find a better solution, he developed a mind-controlled prosthetic that can be built… Read more: Make your own brain controlled prosthetic arm and make it move for a fraction of the cost! - Two Major Legal Initiatives on Mental Privacy & Biometric Data
Projects are currently underway to inform laws and principles governing biometric data and neural data, shaping the future of privacy in the evolving landscape of technology and AI. The Uniform Law Commission Study Committee is focused on U.S. domestic states laws. The Uniform Law Commission Study Committee on Mental Privacy: in response to new and… Read more: Two Major Legal Initiatives on Mental Privacy & Biometric Data