Animal Genome

CUTAG of the Week:

Many studies focusing on human disease have employed use non-human primate (NHP) or mamalian animal subjects, such as Rhesus monkeys and mice, respectively.  Other organisms, however, have genes comparable to those of people and the utility of their genomes being mapped for similar studies can be unfortunatey overlooked.  By observing zebrafish, genetic information crucial to the underlying mechanism of Native American myopathy has been gained.  What major limitations do the original researchers account for (original article citation is included at the bottom)?  Are their conclusions fairly and accurately summarized by Science Daily?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130604135456.htm

Better Drugs

CUTAG of the Week:

The p53 protein has been long-established as a tumor supressor protein and pharmaceuticals continue to accommodate its role in cancer in many of their drugs.  How do you think the present study’s findings will most likely affect future drug development?  What strategies would you choose to pursue as the most effective in addressing the p21/PUMA ratio discussed?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522123210.htm

It's all about Organic

CUTAG of the Week:

In the recent decade we have seen a movement toward organic, antibiotic-free, and non-GMO (among other qualities) products.  Do you assent with much of the biotechnology industry, which claims altering organisms for mass production is no more harmful (and possibly better) than artificial selection and traditional agricultural methods?  What type of studies would demonstrate the benefits of GMOs?  What are some potential consequences that GMO advocates need to account concerning introducing new organisms into our environment?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=labels-for-gmo-foods-are-a-bad-idea

Direct to Consumer

TAG of the Week:

Many private companies offer genetic testing directly to consumers (i.e., without the mediation of clinical staff, genetic counselors, or other professionals).  One of the major concerns public health practitioners, health professionals, and other stakeholders have with this is how those not fluent in genomics or medicine may manage their decisions based on the potential abundance of genetic risks communicated.  Do targeted services, such as personalized diets for weight loss, circumvent or compound this problem?  Does Inherent Health adequately explain their methods?  Would more information on the tests and/or genetic information reported to clients be more beneficial or harmful?

http://www.inherenthealth.com/about-us/who-we-are/help-you-improve.aspx

The Downside of Implants

CUTAG of the Week:

Extensive research has shown that a mutation in the gene HER2, along with other genes, can increase one’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. Recently, many women who have discovered that they carry this mutation have gotten single or double mastectomies, in hopes of decreasing their cancers of developing breast cancer. Many women, after undergoing such procedures, may receive breast implants. With current evidence showing that breast implants may make it much more difficult to detect breast cancer at its early stages and thus make it harder to treat, do you think that women with the genetic predisposition to develop breast cancer should be discouraged from getting implants? If it is found that implants are in fact a direct cause of breast cancer, should a debate be started in perhaps stopping breast implant procedures?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430194312.htm

Baby's First Test

CUTAG of the Week:

As adults, “Whole Genome Sequencing” is something we can do to find out more about our genes and predispositions we carry for diseases in them. When babies are born across America, they are required to do a “heel stick test”, testing their blood for diseases that if found early on, can be reversed. Whole Genome Sequencing in newborns is likely something that will become common place in hospitals, testing babies for not just treatable diseases they may have, but for predispositions to diseases that there may not be a known cure for. Do you think it is ethical to screen newborns for all genes, even those like breast cancer that do not have a definitive cure? If you were to have children, knowing that your baby is predisposed to an incurable disease, would your opinion of them change?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/03/165272373/genome-sequencing-for-babies-brings-knowledge-and-conflicts