ELSI in NBS

TAG of the Week:

Imagine this scenario: 

"The Government has my Baby's DNA! " cried a new mother who just found out her baby's blood has been sampled so the baby can be tested for a series of life-threatening diseases. While she is thankful that her baby has been tested negative, she is still upset that her baby's DNA remains in the hands of the government … Is that really true? If so, what's the big deal ? 

In the past few years, newborn screening programs across the world have taken some heat from the public. While the program was originally initiated to protect and to serve families, many advocates have taken a new twist to the population-based screening. General public miscommunication and misinterpretation of the original purpose of newborn screening could possibly shut down one of the most life-saving  and cost-effective programs for public health. 

Read this link, and compare your thoughts about the Scotland's situation with other countires (such as the US, UK, Asia … etc).  Incorporate what you've learned this week's lessons  and discuss the 'ethical, legal, and social issues' (ELSI) that have or have not been considered in this current news on newborn screening (NBS).  What would be your recommendations?

http://www.phgfoundation.org/news/15345/

OR1. You can share the new, 'surprising' information you learned2. Ask a question that needs additional clarification, 3. Share a news link relevant to the discussion.  4. Reply to another student's comment.

Gene-Environment

TAG of the Week:

Here are the link and questions that follow, for the blog next week- 

Read this new article titled "USC Scientists Show Gene-Environment Interaction Augments Risk for Developing Autism"

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20131202/USC-scientists-show-gene-environment-interaction-augments-risk-for-developing-autism.aspx

After reading "Challenges and opportunities in genome-wide environmental

interaction (GWEI) studies" by Hugues et al and the news article above, briefly describe some of the strengths and limitations and future applications of Gene-Environment Interaction Studies.

OR

1. You can share the new, 'surprising' information you learned
2. Ask a question that needs additional clarification, 
3. Share a news link relevant to the discussion.  
4. Reply to another student's comment.

GWAS

TAG of the Week:

After reading "How to Use an Article About Genetic Association C: What Are the Results and Will They Help Me

in Caring for My Patients?" by Attia et al. and "The Positives, Protocols, and Perils of Genome-Wide Association" by Purcell and Neale, briefly describe the strengths, limitations, and future applications of Genetic Association studies?

Choose one of the four following activities and share your response in the "Comment Section below":
1. You can share the new, 'surprising' information you learned
2. Ask a question that needs additional clarification,
3. Share a news link relevant to the discussion. 
4. Reply to another student's comment. 

New Treatment Options?

CUTAG of the Week: New Treatment Options?

Read this news link titled "Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Controlling HIV"

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/Sangamo_genetics_1667_24579.shtml

Based on this week's discussion on HIV, genetics, treatment, and, the news article above, do you think gene therapy has a promising future as a treatment for HIV/AIDS? Describe the strengths and limitations of your argument.    


OR choose one of the four following activities and share your response in the "Comment Section below":
1. You can share the new, 'surprising' information you learned
2. Ask a question that needs additional clarification,
3. Share a news link relevant to the discussion. 
4. Reply to another student's comment.