Genomics in the Media

TAG of the Week: Genomics in the Media

[Thank you to HS320 students who shared several links on fun genomics].

Genomics is becoming increasingly popular in film, social media, and games.  Can you find other online tools (i.e. video, TV show, movies, cartoon ... etc) that highlights genomics in a fun, and educational manner? Share the link. Briefly describes how the example relates to genomics.

Here are example of genomics showcased in the following:

In a video game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqvNuSzsKM

In a cartoon: 
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_loulk8ZoIe1qluz27o1_500.gif

In the movie: Jurassic Park 3D
As one student shared: "In the beginning, they had a clip on how they extracted DNA from dinosaurs. They found mosquitoes that sucked the blood from dinosaurs in the past and the mosquitoes would land on trees and get covered/harden in sap. Years later, researchers found these mosquitoes and extracted blood from them, which contained dinosaur DNA!"

In the TV Show:  Grey's Anatomy
Meredith finds out that she has the Alzheimer's gene after she's had her genome mapped.

http://tvline.com/2013/04/02/greys-anatomy-season-9-spoilers-video-meredith-alzheimers-gene/

Human Brain Map

TAG of the Week:

[Thank you to another HS320 genomic student for sharing this link] 

As stated in the article, "Every dollar we invested to map the human genome returned $140 to our economy — every dollar," the president said. "Today, our scientists are mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer's."

As in most research project, scientists will study the brain of fruitflies and then other small animals. Once the technique is optimized, the human brain will be next.  However, within a limited financial and resources allocation, can we really afford these multiple levels of effort to study the brain map? Or can we expect to have similar health benefits like our investment (i.e. our tax dollars) on the human genome map?  Cures for Alzheimer's diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health illness can be possible by understanding the etiology, the connection between neurons (or lack of connections), and the topological effects.  As we explored in class, with any 'novel investment' of a huge, ambitious project, we must consider some potential harms and unintended consequences.

As a tax-player citizens, what are questions that you'd like to ask the scientists undertaking this Human Brain Map, or concerns you'd like to express to this team?

NPR clip: Somewhere Over The Brainbow: The Journey To Map the Human Brain (dated Mar 31, 2013)

http://n.pr/XPX2Oo

Supreme Court's Decision Myriad Genetics

TAG of the Week:  Supreme Court's Decision Myriad Genetics on Monday 4/15 !

[Thank you to two HS320 genomic students for sending this link and NPR clip]

As we discussed earlier in the semester, Myriad Genetics not only holds the patent on the two breast cancer genes, but also '"own the largest database that tells patients what various mutations mean".  Myriad also releases these report to 'prospective' doctors and companies. But do they have the rights to release patients' history for their profitability, without notifying the consumer who purchased their product?

On Monday April 15, 2013, the Supreme Court will make their decision on patents. [Class, keep a look-out on the news on 4/15 - the outcome may affect your response or not].  In regards to the court's decisions, genetic researchers are trying to obtain Myriad's database to design studies to understand the association of disease and genetic risk. While it seems noble that geneticists are contributing to the "greater goods with better science" (and not for profit), where do we draw the line between public vs. private causes?

Some questions to ponder in your response:
What do you hope the Supreme Court will decide on?  But do you think this database should be made 'public'? Why or why not?  Did the article mention anything about the social implications from the patient's perspectives? What are your thoughts on this?  Who is advocating for the consumer's right for ownership of their genomic data? Can the consumer of Myriad Genetic refuse for public release of their genomic data (even if it is 'de-identified' - and exactly how anonymous is this DNA information)? [Read/Listen to the second link of a NPR clip on 'Anonymity In Genetic Research Can Be Fleeting']


Supreme Court Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/13/health/dna-project-aims-to-make-companys-data-public.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&


NPR Article:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/01/17/169609144/anonymity-in-genetic-research-can-be-fleeting

Stem Cell Therapy

TAG of the Week:

Future of stem cell therapy.

(This article was suggested by a fellow HS320 student.)

Recently, we learned the different types of stem cells, and their applications in treatment.  Here is a research study that indicates the possibility of growing bones from your stem cells.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130402090826.htm

Early this year 2013, the courts revisited the issues on embroynic stem cells.  

The use of iPS cells "could solve the controversary" :

http://www.nature.com/news/court-lifts-cloud-over-embryonic-stem-cells-1.12215

Understanding the potential use of stem cells is critical and the acknowledgement of possible harm and misuse are equally important. 

Do you agree or disagree with the court decision? Why? What implications can the court decision have on the bone regeneration? What could be potential benefits and harms? ( think about what we learned about Internet based business models on marketing research directed products) 

Good Bugs

TAG of the Week:

The Human Microbiome Project is a large-scale research study to identify the different microorganism living within us, on our skins, and on our gut.  

Will people be able to reduce or prevent disease by sequencing the genome of their gut bacteria and making lifestyle changes according to the genome of their microbiomes?  Will pharmaceutical companies develop drugs to change an individual’s microbiome makeup to prevent or treat disease? 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/253719.php

Who own your DNA?

TAG of the Week:

“Can companies own human genes?

The field of genetics has been an exploding field of innovations.  It seems like biotechnicians, healthcare professionals, molecular geneticists, researchers, and companies are racing to claim the latest discovery in genetics as their own. 

Biotech companies, in particular, are at the forefront of these advancements and investing big money to have the most reliable and up-to-date genetic tests with the latest genes discovered.  To be accredited for their efforts, there is some debate about the ability to patent a gene, similar to a patent on a new invention. 

What is your opinion on patenting genes?  Can companies claim the right (and, in turn, deny the right) to disclose to patients specific information about variations in “their” genes that they discovered?  Furthermore, do you think companies with patented genes should have the right to stop other companies from working on their “claimed” genes?  What outcomes (good or bad) can come of this from both the research and patient perspectives? 

http://biotech.about.com/b/2013/01/16/can-companies-own-human-genes.htm

Lead Based on Your Genes

TAG of the Week: (note, this is our regular blog scheduled on Sunday) after Spring Break. 

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“Leaders are born, not made; Genes say so”

A genotype has been found to be associated with inherited leadership characteristics.  “The new research suggests the possibility that some of the historic figures like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Genghis Khan, Martin Luther King, M K Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Sir Winston Churchill were blessed with the leadership gene.”

The article ventures to even mention the idea of companies running genetic tests on its job applicants.  Would you consider this (genetic) discrimination if a company hypothetically ran these tests and hired an applicant with the leadership gene vs. an applicant without it?  How far is too far – what are your thoughts on employers hiring or denying applicants based on their genetic characteristics?  How do you think this would affect work ethic within a company?

http://english.samaylive.com/lifestyle/676522177/leaders-are-born-not-made-genes-say-so.html

How Sporty are your really?

TAG of the Week:  
EXTRA CREDIT Blog. Up to 4 points toward Midterm Exam.  
Extended Deadline May 20, 2013 

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Are you hardwired to be a good athlete?

A company called Atlas Sports Genetics offers a test for variants of the ACTN3 gene, some of which are commonly found in elite- and Olympic athletes. They test for the gene variants in children younger than 9 years old. What is your initial reaction to this article? Since this is available “DTC,” what are possible implications for parents who aren’t as genetically savvy as you? If you were leaving a comment under the article, what advice would you give to those who are reading and thinking of trying the test for their children?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=genes-sports-talent

Supply and Demand

TAG of the Week:

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3 Billion Base Pairs for $1000 – What a bargain!

Soon, the price to have your entire genome sequenced will be as cheap as $1000 dollars (not including analysis). This can potentially give you insight into disease predispositions, access to appropriate treatments, etc. However, with this comes more public access to the technology, challenges in our already fragile health system, and concerns for governmental regulatory bodies. After reading this article, and using your knowledge gained from class and readings:

What do you think the $1000 genome’s impacts on public health, medical professionals, and/or governmental policies will be?

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2012/10/15/the-1000-genome-is-here-are-we-ready/

Deleting A Part of Us?

TAG of the Week:

Scientists are now more accurately and cheaply able to alter genome sites simultaneously adding or deleting genes in living cells.  What are some of the ways in which this new technology can be applied in both the medical and non-medical fields?

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/editing-the-genome-with-high-precision-0103.html

Fancy Prenatal Testing

TAG of the Week:

“New prenatal genetic test gives parents more answers”

The “unknown” is a scary concept.  For mothers-to-be, prenatal genetic tests help to alleviate some of this uncertainty in having healthy and happy pregnancy.  Current screening and diagnostic methods have their limitations and often test for specific conditions.

In regards to prenatal microarray testing - is knowing more necessarily better?  What are some pros and cons of delivering all of these results vs. more specific results from less comprehensive test methods?  Who would benefit from microarray testing?  And who wouldn’t?

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/06/new-genetic-test-gives-parents-more-answers/?iref=allsearch

Resistance to HIV

TAG of the Week:

Possible HIV resistance gene—hope for new drug targets

According to some recent studies, scientists think that a specific mutation in the CCR5 gene may contribute to “HIV-safety.” It hinders the HIV virus from entering the cell, thus making a person sick. This is a huge breakthrough, although it is not the whole story for HIV resistance. There are also some forms of HIV that can still infect those with the CCR5 mutation. As discussed in this article, the mutation may seem like a miracle drug target, but it could have negative consequences, such as resistance to this type of CCR5 mutation and a new strain of HIV. If you were a public health professional, what does this new development mean for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and other highly epidemic areas?

http://genetics.thetech.org/original_news/news13

TAG of the Week:

Who should have access to a person’s genetic information stored by private companies.   With company  acqusitions occuring like the one with Amgen and deCODE, will consumers find the rules concerning the use of their genetic information will change when companies get bought and sold?  What will happen if foreign companies buy American companies with stores of genetic information that do not have the same medical privacy laws we have in the US?

http://www.genomicslawreport.com/index.php/2012/12/11/as-decode-departs-23andme-reloads/

Are we born to be Violent?

TAG of the Week:  Are we born to be Violent?


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To add to the nature vs nurture debate, scientists have mapped chemical changes that occur in the brain when exposed to violence in childhood.  Will genomics uncover genes or gene combinations that predict violent behavior, and can this technology be used to prevent or limit exposure to violence for people who are genetically predisposed?  Is it ethical to target people that may never commit violence by altering their environment in response to their genomes?

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130115090215.htm

I'm a Bully because of my DNA (yea, right)

TAG of the Week:  I'm a Bully because of my DNA (yea, right)

“Genes play role in grade school bullying, a new study says”

We are all aware that kids can be mean and act as bullies.  Many factors play into these behaviors – recently, a new study has focused on the victims’…genes.  This article highlights the impact of genetic makeup on behavior and social interaction. 

What are your thoughts about gene-environment interactions?  Do you think one can override the other?  And what about the bullies?  Do you think the bullies have an “aggression” gene? 

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/genes-play-role-in-grade-school-bullying-new-study-says-1.1117122

Double Helix Squared

TAG of the Week:

Double Helix Squared

Since the completion of the human genome project, researchers and doctors have made scientific discovery leading to better preventive care, clinical management, and personalized medication regimen.  However, new information can lead to more questions, and possible new and 'more cost'. 

On Jan. 20, 2013, scientists published their findings highlighting and discovery of the quadruple helix. This is an exciting new development, as it may lead to a new way of stopping cell division, or possibly rapidly progressing cancers. One thing to think about, is the competition with producers of chemotherapy drugs. Think about this on an economic level. Could this help reduce the cost and time of cancer treatment? What kinds of impacts on healthcare could this have? On a scientific level, what could be the potential 'harms' from inhibitors blocking DNA replications (i.e. side effects)?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130120150033.htm

Hard-Wired For Chocolate And Hybrid Cars?

TAG of the Week:

Hard-Wired For Chocolate And Hybrid Cars?

You now know that genetics plays a role in many aspects of your life. We’ve focused on disease as well as epigenetics. What if genes can decide your likes and dislikes? Do you still have the free will to make choices or do all our consumer choices come down to our genes?

Do any of the consumer styles seem to fit your style? And what can this information be used for?

As always, remember to think critically. This is from a journal article that is to be published. What are your thoughts on what the authors are trying to portray versus the data they actually present?

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/201904.php

*Itamar Simonson and Aner Sela. "On the Heritability of Consumer Decision Making: An Exploratory Approach for Studying Genetic Effects on Judgment and Choice." Journal of Consumer Research: April 2011. A preprint of this article (to be officially published online soon) can be found at http://journals.uchicago.edu/jcr.

Genetically Modified Chickens: Don’t Pass on the Flu!

TAG of the Week:

Genetically Modified Chickens: Don’t Pass on the Flu!

“The secret of flu-proofing chicken flocks is an artificial gene that contains a snippet of genetic material from the H5N1 flu virus. This bit of RNA codes for polymerase, an enzyme flu viruses need to make more of themselves… better than a vaccine”

What are the potential hazards of this new method? (Scientist’s still don’t even know!) What could this mean for the future food industry? What other protocol, labeling, and requirements will need to follow such changes!?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/01/19/133027476/genetically-modified-chickens-dont-pass-on-the-flu

Rewriting Ourselves: Genomics Will Change Everything

TAG of the Week:

Rewriting Ourselves: Genomics Will Change Everything

Like designing your model child, this video expresses that science has improved enough to actually create a bug from nothing! From a scientific standpoint this could mean great things (farming, randomized trials, etc). However, where should the line be drawn? Is it ok to genetically create plants, what about animals, what about human kind?

More importantly, this TED talk goes into many aspects covered in class. From the start of the “new” genome to pharmacogenomics to the future of DNA sequencing ($5000 and in an hour or even 30 minutes). What are your thoughts on the video? What do you think about the rapid development in genomics and the repercussions society will face positively or negatively? 

http://www.futureofgadgets.com/futureblogger/show/1629