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Soundbites

“There should be more of us with Down’s syndrome around the place. We are also human beings. Mum had me, and I gave her happiness. I also give other people happiness. I am alive and kicking!”

Anya Souza, a campaigner against prenatal Down’s syndrome screening (Down’s Syndrome Protest press release, 18 May)

“Bad science can haunt us for generations.”

Chief Medical Officer Harmon Eyre of the American Cancer Society on a controversial study claiming passive smoking is less dangerous than thought (press release, 16 May)

“Of course you can turn women into men if you give too much. You can make them hairy, give them acne, change their voice.”

Susan Davies of Australia’s Jean Hailes Foundation on plans to study testosterone therapy (ABC News Online, 19 May)

“As long as they’re small and cheap, who cares if they get blown up.”

Stanford University’s Mark Cutkosky on the Pentagon’s plans to use his tiny six-legged, cockroach-like robots to clear minefields (San Francisco Chronicle, 19 May)

“It is absolutely absurd that a patent like this could be used to close down businesses and limit development.”

Costa Rican tourism industry representative William Rodriguez on the patenting of the concept of the “rainforest canopy tour” by a Canadian businessman (The Tico Times, San Jose, 9 May)