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? 

TAG of the Week:

Complete your responses by Friday 11/21 at 5pm (EST).

Thank you to one of our HS320 students for tweeting this NPR clip.

As we had studied in class, genomics has the potential to prevent and treat many chronic diseases. DNA transplantation can be possible option as a part prenatal care testing and screening.

Listen to the NPR clip here, and discuss ethical issues that this type of 'prevention' strategy can have in our society?  Are we ready? Is the general public ready ? How could we (as health science professionals) prepare the general public about these options for 'prevention'?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/11/10/360342623/combining-the-dna-of-three-people-raises-ethical-questions

Breast Cancer

TAG of the Week:

http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2014/10/genetic-screening-could-reduce-number-of-breast-cancer-cases.html

What is your initial reaction to this news story? 

Think back to the "In the Family' film and discuss how screening for breast cancer risk  at birth may have impacted the lives of those in the film.

If a cost effective screening process was developed, do you think children should be screened and all parents informed about their breast cancer risk directly following birth? Why or why not? Do you think such knowledge will have an impact on future health outcomes? What are the future implications of this research? 

The study done by Whittemore et al. can be found here:http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/23/11/2322.full.pdf+html?sid=7e9c4afe-a889-4af3-81d8-9bd2b3f9f02a

To screen or not to screen ...

TAG of the Week:

Blog #2 due on Friday Oct 24 at 5pm (EST)

Read or listen to the article from NPR: 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/18/255226663/screening-newborns-for-disease-can-leave-families-in-limbo

Brianne and Matthew Wojtesta's neurologist explained she has had times in the past that she's had to explain to a parent that their child may develop some form of this disease at some point. She states "I can't tell you when, I can't tell you what it's going to look like. I can't tell you if there's any way to prevent it. And I can't tell you that we will be able to treat it if it develops." You can imagine how difficult that may be for a family to hear. 

Consider the perspective of both the research community and a newborns family regarding this test. Who are the stakeholders and what are the ethical implications present here? What are some important things to take into account when deciding if this should be a screening test mandated to all newborns? Remember, getting this test early enough may help alleviate symptoms and has been proven to save a child's life. 

After reading the article, are you in support of Krabbe screening? Explain why or why not.

23andme and you ....

TAG of the Week: 


 Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies such as 23andme have provided individuals the opportunity to learn about their genetic family history.

Read these two articles.  Are we (society) ready for this personalized genomic revolution?  What are your thoughts on blaming the consequences on the DTC companies? How do we remind consumer of personal responsibility? Support your post by discussing the positive and negative aspects of using these types of DTC genetic services. 

Article #1: 
http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/18/living/global-family-reunion-aj-jacobs-parents/

Article #2:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237732

Extra Credit DNA Blog

TAG of the Week:

This is an extra credit blog post.

1. Are there other genomic topics (i.e. diseases, treatment, screening ... etc) that you'd like to have learned?

2. Share what are some major take-home messages you've learned, and would like to share with others?

Thank you for your feedback, and I hope you will continue enjoying learning about genomics beyond this semester.

=) Prof. Chan

Healthy Bugs DNA

TAG of the Week:

We have learned the impact of the human genome, epigenome and environment. 
One more genome resides inside of us - the microbiome. 

Listen to the NPR clip or read the NPR newsletter. 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/11/08/243929866/can-we-eat-our-way-to-a-healthier-microbiome-its-complicated

Discuss ways doctors and consumers could consider prescribing ways to eat our way to a healthy lifestyle (i.e. use examples about our readings on nutrigenomics, microbiome, epigenetics, fitness, behavioral ... etc). 

Or Please choose one of the following and comment:

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.

My sporty genes

TAG of the Week:

Here it is:

Please read this New York Times Article, “Is Fitness All in the Genes?”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/is-fitness-all-in-the-genes/

With everything that you have learned so far, do you believe fitness is purely based on one’s genome or is it a combined interaction of genetics and environmental factors (i.e. diet, workout routines, etc…)? Also, please comment on the potential limitations of the study outlined in this article. 

Or
Choose one of the following and comment:

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.

It's 'genetic' (or not)

TAG of the Week:

Review the two research articles examining disease and well-being
1) the association between genetic variation and obesity
2) the association between genetic variation and pair-bonding behaviors

Please choose one of the following and comment:

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.

Prevention Obestiy 911

TAG of the Week:

Obesity is now a  public health emergeny.

Read this week's reading on obesity, life-course perspective, and these two news link.
In your comment: briefly propose an intervention using the life-course theory to decrease obesity. 

Comments on this

Obesity Is Found to Gain Its Hold in Earliest Years

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/science/obesity-takes-hold-early-in-life-study-finds.html?_r=0

Can Mom's Pregnancy Diet Rewire Baby's Brain For Obesity?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/16/263110970/does-moms-pregnancy-diet-rewire-babys-brain-for-obesity

Our Family History

TAG of the Week:

Read this piece by the American Cancer Society entitled “Genetic Testing for Cancer: What You Need to Know”.

(http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002548-pdf.pdf)

Given the increased awareness of genetic components/factors that predispose or cause diseases and/or conditions, do you believe it is imperative to know your family’s genetic history? Also, should public (i.e. Medicaid and/or Medicare) or private insurers provide genetic testing and counseling to their customers? Finally, if you had the opportunity, free of charge, would you participate in genetic testing and subsequent counseling?

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.

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.

TAG of the Week:

Welcome to HS320 Genomics in Public Health Spring Semester 2014.

The impact of epigenetic factors on health and disease is increasingly becoming more evident than previously expected (in the Pre-Human Genome Project era). Watch the short video clip on the "The Ghost in your Genes".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toRIkRa1fYU

Based on the class discussion, readings, lecture, and video, briefly share a new insight you learned this week. You can discuss about epigenetics, breast cancer, and/or any other new information. 

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 on epigenetics. 
4. Reply to another student's comment.

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