As our DNA defines us, science outpaces ethics
The ability to sequence whole genomes is advancing rapidly, such that the prospect of “personalized” or “precision” medicine is looming. This raises privacy and ethical questions that need to be discussed.
Op Ed Dr. Michael A. Wosnick Global Mail: 10 May 2012
Sharing isn’t always caring: genetic privacy must come first
Although the potential benefits of sharing genetic information are enormous, they cannot be allowed to come at the expense of individuals’ rights to privacy of their medical information.
The Conversation: 4 May 2012
Sharing is caring: we need open access to genetic information
Researchers argue open sharing of clinical trial data will lead to faster, more trustworthy evidence for many health problems.
The Conversation: 3 May 2012
Best evidence yet that a single gene can affect IQ
A massive genetics study has revealed what is claimed as the biggest effect yet of a single gene on intelligence – although the effect is small.
New Scientist: 16 April 2012
Are DNA patents doomed?
Our emotional attachment to our genes may be part of why the patentability of the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genesis still bouncing around the courts.
Guest Blog Scientific American: 3 April 2012
Algae biofuels – the wave of the future?
Researchers have assembled a draft genome of a marine algae that may be capable of producing the oil yields necessary for a viable fuel source.
PhysOrg: 3 April 2012
Revealed: another piece of the breast cancer gene puzzle
University of Melbourne researchers have identified another gene – XRCC2 – that, when mutated, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
The Conversation: 30 March 2012
‘All crimes’ DNA database given go-ahead in New York
New York State in the USA has passed a bill requiring people convicted of almost any crime to provide a sample for the state’s DNA Database.
BioNews 26 March 2012
TechNyou
I have heard one of the leading NSW police forensic’s team argue that all Australians should have their DNA on a database – ie from birth. DNA criminal databases are obviously not new and for now all they are useful for is identifying that the suspects DNA matches the crime scene DNA. But we are starting to gather a greater understanding of DNA. It is predicted we will soon be able to tell other features – height, hair colour, race, susceptibility to diabetes…and so on. So what are the implications of such a database now? Ae there really invasions of privacy, breaches of civil liberties? If so, are we prepared to accept this if it means safer communities, if indeed it achieves this? What about when our knowledge of DNA gets more sophisticated and a lot more personal information is being held by someone?
And in Australia, at least, nearly all of us are already on a DNA database because we would have been subjected to the heel prick test at birth. That card with our DNA-containing blood is stored away with every other Australian.
$1000 genome is here – or very close
A new genome sequencing technology demonstrated by Oxford Nanopore could see an entire genome sequenced in under an hour by 2013.
Australian Life Scientist: 20 February 2012
A tweak of a gene could transform our looks in a few generations
The proportion of people with desirable physical traits could rapidly accelerate over a few generations with the aid of a diet that tweaks the activity of particular genes.