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/