Rewriting Ourselves: Genomics Will Change Everything

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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

Are Your Genetics Making Starbucks Rich?

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Are Your Genetics Making Starbucks Rich?

Similar to the “Cheating Gene” article discussed in class is the following article “New Caffeine, Gene Link: Are Your Genetics Making Starbucks Rich?” which uses limited data to attract media attention.

 “Caffeine is highly addictive. Reported to be the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance on earth, 90% of Americans report using caffeine on a daily basis. Now in a new study, it seems that two genes have been potentially identified to contribute to Starbucks' profitability so to speak.”

Critically reviewing this article or researching this new gene, what is the media’s view versus what science has really shown about this gene? How much proof does this article actually provide? Do you believe what is has to say?

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221704.php

The Folic Acid Debate

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“The Folic Acid Debate”

Why it’s important to not listen to everything you hear! Think critically!

Folic acid has been claimed to do numerous things, from lowering allergies, lowering risk of multiple types of cancer, to decreasing neural tube defects in babies. Folate works epigenetically through methylation. Like other “health claims” there has been much debate on whether increasing a nutrient that alters the DNA is beneficial or harmful… Here are two articles with opposing views on folate and folic acid:

1. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35874922/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer/

2. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n17.shtml

What are your thoughts? Would you advise family, friends, or patients to take folic acid? Knowing about nutrition claims and the epigenetics, what do you think is the best way to implement folate into a healthy diet, if at all?

A few other views on the Folate vs. Folic Acid debate: Just for your own interests..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6BIPongBo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khM2S4ZhnWI&feature=related