how's this a who's who?

a who's who of biotech was just published by nature biotechnology using a readership poll. the journal features Bill and Melinda Gates as leaders in the category of 'ethics and biotech'. they deserve credit, having endowed their foundation which addresses health concerns, among other things, with $29 billion. and, in order for researchers to rope in a grant ($6 bil so far), their disease of interest must be "widespread, neglected, and representative of the public health disparities between developed and developing countries."

the authors concede that "prominent opponents of biotech were not included, although their contribution to the debate about the use and uptake of new technology is a given". they did include a few people who actually do ethics, in the philosophical sense, including Thomas Murray (of the Hastings Center), Renato Martino (Catholic cardinal), and Arthur Caplan (bioethicist). still, how is this a who's who of ethics and biotech if the authors have given places to personalities only on the 'pro' side of the fence? this is like making a who's who of the super bowl and only including the names of seahawks players...

be sure to check the shortlist of nominees (291 in all categories).