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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 9, 1999)
SMUTS Super bowler Diandra Hyman has been bowling since a young age and hopes to become a professional after her career at Nebraska. PAGE 9 AIE "Techno’ Music Technological innovations have revolutionized local music scenes, allowing bands everywhere to have their own compact discs. PAGE 12 THURSDAY December 9j, 1999 IUveineWitieii Cloudy, high 42. Q< it, low 18. Bioethics committee planned for research ■ The NU president will bring together people with expertise in philosophy, law, medicine and social sciences to advise regents. By Kimberly Sweet Senior staff writer After more than a week of debate over the uni versity’s use of fetal tissue, NU President Dennis Smith announced the formation of a new commit tee to study biological research issues. Smith announced on Wednesday his intention to create a new commission to advise NU officials on bioethical issues that arise from research done at the University of Nebraska. The committee will be called the Nebraska Bioethics Advisory Commission. The 12- to 18-member committee, selected and appointed by Smith, will advise and make recom mendations to the NU Board of Regents and Smith on research policies at the University of Nebraska. While Smith said the use of fetal tissue falls under the umbrella of bioethics, there is a bigger issue at hand. The mam impetus for the formation of a com mission coincides with scientists’ recent sequenc ing of human chromosome 22. Smith predicted that scientists will be able to sequence the entire human genome in the next three to four years. This will increase research opportunities and could demand the increased use of stem cells and tissue from humans. “The issue involving fetal cells has made me aware of the desire to have public input on these issues,” Smith said in Wednesday’s teleconference. Once all 23 pairs of chromosomes are sequenced, a large amount of research activity will take place to attempt to correct genetically based diseases, Smith said. But for that research to take place, scientists must extract stem cells from human embryos. The commission will include people with expertise in philosophy and theology, social and behavioral science, law, medical ethics and biolog ical research as well as medical and allied health professionals. At least three members of the general public will also be represented on the commission. Smith said he would promote equal geographic distribu tion on the commission as well as ethnic and gen der diversity. Experts and non-experts will make up the com mission, Smith said. UNL Academic Senate President Gail Latta said Smith took a positive step in deciding to form a commission. “I view it as a very responsible, balanced response to the public’s call,” Latta said. The commission won’t be responsible for approving individual projects, only for reviewing policies as they relate to research. Smith said he hoped the commission would be similar to the National Bioethics Advisory Please see ETHICS on 3 b NatfWagner/DN WOW DAVIDSON, a African Grey Congo bird, playfully pecks at Its mother, Tammy Davison, during her English 150 class Wednesday. Bill could change execution method By JoshKnaub Staff writer Gov. Mike Johanns announced at a press conference Wednesday he would send the Legislature a bill that would change the method Nebraska uses to carry out executions. Nebraska currently uses die electric chair to enforce the death penalty. Johanns’ bill would replace electrocution with lethal injection in Nebraska. Johanns said he requested the change pri marily because the U.S. Supreme Court is hear ing an appeal to decide whether Florida’s elec trie chair is cruel and unusual punishment. He said if the Supreme Court were to rule that execution by electric chair was unconstitu tional, Nebraska would be forced to either stop executing prisoners or convene a special ses sion of the Legislature to approve the change to lethal injection. “Nebraskans overwhelmingly support the death penalty, as do I,” Johanns said. Johanns said he expected the Supreme Court to rule on Florida’s death penalty law sometime in 2000. He said it was important the Legislature act quickly. Please see JOHANNS on 8 ii— Nebraskans overwhelmingly support the death penalty, as doL" Gov. Mike Johanns Renovations meet with mixed reactions By Samuel McKewon Senior editor Fans are giving mixed reviews to die newly renovated Bob Devaney Sports Center. While most interviewed liked the additions made through out the arena - which houses men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming and track - many of them balked at the $7.9 million price tag attached to it “The place sure looks better than it used to,” said Marvin Siefert of Seward, who has been a season-ticket holder since 1978. “Everything is a lot more up front, and there Is a lot more celebrating athletes and coaches. But I’m not sure they had to do it all at once. Itls a lot of money” And the University of Nebraska Athletic Department may have to spend a little more to solve one problem with seating. It concerns the floor-level seats on the south end of the arena -typically reserved for students. Please see RENOVATION on 6 r | The Denney Seating Bilemma Tha new Mating plan oMiucM the view of “B” ■action whan students in “A” section stand up. NU officials tarped up the last 2 rows of “A” Section, thus teaving’B” section spectators wtth I a dear line of site.. 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