Changing Genes .. .

TAG of the Week:  Changing Genes ....

In light of our recent discussion on gene therapy and gene editing using the CRISPR, there are pros and cons to using this technology.

Choose one of the two following for your comment.

1. Discuss one pro and one con for using gene editor CRISPR
2. Discuss one pro and one con for gene doping.

Read the following links:

Gene Editing
http://www.healthline.com/health-news/harvard-mit-make-controversial-crispr-gene-editing-tool-more-powerful-040215#1

Gene Doping
http://nymag.com/next/2015/03/genetic-doping-is-the-next-frontier-of-cheating.html

GMO

TAG of the Week: To label or not to label GMO
Response due Friday March 27 at 5pm (EST).

Genetically modified organisms (GMO)

The pros and cons of GMO debate continues to heat up.
Review the following links (Ted Talk, CNN clip, and law blog) and response to the following questions.
Response to another student's response.

1. Describe one advantage of GMO labeling
2. Describe one disadvantage of GMO labeling
3. Moving forward, as the population continues to increase, do you think we should continue investing in research and development in GMO or do you want to propose alternative methods to support the food supply.  Please discuss your ideas.
4. What are your reactions to the TedTalks? Share something new you learned here.

TedTalk:

Why Genetically Engineered Foods Should be Labeled: Gary Hirshberg

https://youtu.be/pGyOwnqpCKk

TedTalk:

GMO controversies - science vs. public fear: Borut Bohanec

https://youtu.be/mz4_TwdaYeI

CNN: 
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/16/health/apples-genetically-modified-usda/

Law Blog:
http://www.ncsl.org/blog/2014/05/12/vermont-s-new-gmo-labeling-law-faces-challenges.aspx

Cancer Genomics

TAG of the Week: Cancer Genomics

Please watch the following video and answer the questions below. Responses will be due Friday, February 13 at 5 PM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfjkY1lLxbE&feature=youtu.be

This video was created by the Genetic Alliance in response to their Cancer Genomics Public Health program and it integrates many of the topics that we have discussed in this class so far.

(1) What are the seven steps that are recommended for creating a successful Tier 1 Public Health program? Which step do you think is the most important and why?

(2) This program was implemented in Michigan and has been very successful.  Are there other states that have implemented this program or something that is similar to it? If so, please list the state and the program. (Make sure to cite your sources appropriately.)

(3) If a state wanted to implement this program, which stakeholders would you involve in the process?

A new era of genomics

TAG:  A new era of genomics 

Complete your responses by Friday 1/30 at 5pm (EST). 

Watch: https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_resnick_welcome_to_the_genomic_revolution/transcript?language=en

In the Ted Talk posted above, Richard Resnick discusses the genomic revolution.

1)  What is your initial response to the video? 

2) According to Resnick, eventually there will be a “tipping point” where whole-genome sequencing is cheap enough that nearly everyone in the US will be able to get sequenced. What do you think the likely social and research effects of this “tipping point” will be? Describe both positive and negative effects. 

3) Other comments/questions to discuss about the genomic revolution?