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Category Archives: Transhuman News

DNA data for the price of a dinner

Posted: January 7, 2013 at 3:48 pm

Kits similar to 23andMe are available in Australia online, through several companies, starting at about $300. Photo: Phil Carrick

FOR Carole Kushnir, a test that she took out of simple curiosity about her genetic make-up revealed a double risk of cancer. And for Karen Durrett, it led to her meeting a father she had never known - as well as bringing to light a potentially fatal condition.

The two women are among 180,000 people who have paid to have their DNA analysed by 23andMe, the world's biggest private genomics company, to assess more than 200 genetic traits and health risks.

That number of customers is expected to soar this year after the California-based company, which takes its name from the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a normal human cell, reduced the cost of a testing kit to $99 last month.

The company, co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, the wife of the Google entrepreneur Sergey Brin, is planning to reach a million clients by the end of this year, including in Britain.

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Kits similar to 23andMe are available in Australia online, through several companies, starting at about $300. The boom in business and interest in genomes and genetics has led to controversy about the commercial use of one of the most crucial medical breakthroughs of recent years.

For proponents, such as Ms Wojcicki, whose husband has a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of Parkinson's disease, this is the dawn of a new era.

For the price of a night out, individuals can learn key elements of their genetic composition and take treatment, or protect their children from hereditary health risks.

Critics, including doctors, bioethicists and geneticists, are concerned that people will be overloaded with information that is difficult for them to interpret.

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DNA data for the price of a dinner

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Life insurers entitled to DNA results

Posted: at 3:48 pm

THOSE who send their DNA to be analysed cheaply overseas are obliged to share their results with life insurers and risk losing control of their most sensitive information.

A genetic counsellor, researcher and oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Gillian Mitchell, said one risk was offering the ''mine of information'' contained in our DNA to companies identified only online.

Fairfax Media reported on Monday that 180,000 people had sent their blood or saliva to be analysed by 23andMe, a company that assessed health risks and genealogy. The service cost $99, and similar kits from other companies were offered online from $300.

Dr Mitchell contrasted this service with more definitive tests available for breast cancer, for instance, where ''you take the DNA and look at every single bit of that gene to see whether it is normal or abnormal''.

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In the tests offered online, she said ''you are looking broadly across the genetic make-up trying to see subtle areas of difference'', then making some predictions based on those.

''Some of these companies can give different answers,'' Dr Mitchell said. ''It is not to say that one is definitely right and one is definitely wrong. It is just the limits of our understanding''.

The results are also of interest to life insurers setting premiums, and must be disclosed as part of a customer's reporting obligations under Australian law.

Health insurance is not affected as companies cannot discriminate based on an individual's risk factors.

The Financial Services Council, which has 24 members accounting for more than 99 per cent of life insurance premiums, has guidelines on genetic testing.

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Life insurers entitled to DNA results

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DNA analysis – and its sensitive details – faces a public outing, by law

Posted: at 3:47 pm

AUSTRALIANS sending their DNA to be analysed cheaply overseas are obliged to share the results with life insurers and risk losing control of their most sensitive information.

Dr Gillian Mitchell, head of the Familial Cancer Centre at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, said one risk of recreational genetics was offering up the ''mine of information'' contained in our DNA to companies identified only online.

Fairfax Media reported on Monday that 180,000 people had sent their blood or saliva to be analysed by 23andMe, a company that assesses health risks and genealogy. The service now costs $99, and similar kits from other companies are offered online in Australia from $300.

Dr Mitchell contrasted this service with more definitive tests available for breast cancer, for instance, where ''you take the DNA and look at every single bit of that gene to see whether it is normal or abnormal''.

Advertisement

In the tests offered online she said ''you are looking broadly across the genetic make-up trying to see subtle areas of difference and then making some predictions based on those''.

''Some of these companies can give different answers,'' Dr Mitchell said. ''It is not to say one is definitely right and one is definitely wrong; it is just the limits of our understanding.''

The genetic test results are also of interest to life insurers setting premiums, and must be disclosed as part of customer's reporting obligations under Australian law. Health insurance is not affected as companies cannot discriminate based on an individual's risk factors.

The Financial Services Council - whose 24 members account for more than 99 per cent of life insurance premiums - has issued binding guidelines on genetic testing.

Members ''will not require applicants to undergo a genetic test when they apply for insurance'', but ''will require applicants to make available the results of any previously undertaken genetics tests on request''.

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DNA analysis - and its sensitive details - faces a public outing, by law

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How to Add Multiple Tracks on the UCSC Genome Browser – Video

Posted: at 3:47 pm


How to Add Multiple Tracks on the UCSC Genome Browser
How to Add Multiple Tracks on the UCSC Genome Browser

By: David G

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How to Add Multiple Tracks on the UCSC Genome Browser - Video

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How to Add a Custom Track onto the UCSC Genome Browser – Video

Posted: at 3:47 pm


How to Add a Custom Track onto the UCSC Genome Browser
How to Add a Custom Track onto the UCSC Genome Browser

By: David G

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How to Add a Custom Track onto the UCSC Genome Browser - Video

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How to Add Minimal and Maximal breakpoints on the UCSC Genome Browser – Video

Posted: at 3:47 pm


How to Add Minimal and Maximal breakpoints on the UCSC Genome Browser
How to Add Minimal and Maximal breakpoints on the UCSC Genome Browser

By: David G

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How to Add Minimal and Maximal breakpoints on the UCSC Genome Browser - Video

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Human Genome Project – Video

Posted: at 3:47 pm


Human Genome Project
After reading about this and listening to my friend, I wanted to share this information with you my subs and friends. I didn #39;t know exactley what it was. But now it think everyone should know. If you know great , if you don #39;t i wanted to share. http://www.ornl.gov My Sub and friend SuperDeltaBravo1 Gave Permission to use her video and information as stated. I HEREBY GRANT EVERYONE WRITTEN PERMISSION TO DOWNLOAD RE-UPLOAD TO YOUR CHANNELS ALL OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS. If you would like to donate for my work the link is below. thank You For Your Blessings...J https

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Human Genome Project - Video

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Cancer Genome Institute at Fox Chase among first to offer clinical blueprint of cancer genes

Posted: at 3:47 pm

Jan. 7, 2013 Fox Chase Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is now offering patients with advanced cancer a cutting-edge clinical test that will provide them with a unique blueprint of their cancer genes.

The new clinical test, known as CancerCode-45TM, evaluates an individual's tumor for genetic alterations in a select group of 45 genes and gives physicians the opportunity to look at the alterations and be even more precise when choosing a course of treatment. The test is being offered through the Cancer Genome Institute at Fox Chase -- one of only a few centers in the nation to offer such pioneering technology in cancer molecular diagnostics.

"Gaining insight like this into the DNA of a specific tumor is the next step in transforming cancer care and prevailing over cancer," says Michael V. Seiden, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Fox Chase. "We are very excited to be offering this innovative test at our Center and look forward to the ways it will enhance the care we provide our patients."

Using leading-edge technology, physicians and scientists at Fox Chase are able to perform the CancerCode-45 test and analyze the genetic information in the DNA of a patient's tumor to find changes that are crucial to supporting their cancer. This genetic analysis will examine multiple alterations in 45 cancer-related genes and provide a report to the patient's treating physician.

Prior to the CancerCode-45 test being performed, patients will need to see a Fox Chase physician to provide information about their background, medical history, current medications, and ability to perform daily activities. In addition, the physician will need to take a blood sample and a sample of the tumor (which can come from a previous surgery or biopsy that the patient might have had). It takes about 20 working days to get each patient's test results.

"Not every patient will benefit from this test, but for some it could very well change their entire course of treatment and significantly prolong their life," says Jeff Boyd, PhD, executive director of the Cancer Genome Institute at Fox Chase. "At the very least, the results may help physicians decide how to treat their patients with advanced cancer -- whether by suggesting they use a particular type of drug or not use a particular type of drug or by allowing them to take part in clinical trials of new medications guided by their tumor's genetic profile."

To learn more about this new clinical test, please call 1-888-FOX CHASE or (1-888-369-2427).

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Cancer Genome Institute at Fox Chase among first to offer clinical blueprint of cancer genes

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Second Genome Sponsors American Gut Initiative to Identify Links Between Type 2 Diabetes and the Human Microbiome

Posted: at 3:47 pm

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Second Genome announced today an initiative with the American Gut project to explore the connection between the human microbiome and type 2 diabetes. The cooperation will bring together American Gut's broad citizen science network for microbiome sample collection with Second Genome's efforts in identifying microbiome modulators and novel therapeutics. Second Genome has made an undisclosed donation to American Gut to subsidize specimen collection for participants with type 2 diabetes.

It is believed that the human microbiome plays an important role in the maintenance of good health, and that alterations to the balance of these microbial populations may have a negative impact on immunity and metabolism. American Gut has built the world's largest open-source, community driven effort to characterize the microbiomes of everyday people in order to understand the connections between environmental factors and microbiome changes.

"By working with the American Gut project and its preeminent group of microbiome scientists, we have the opportunity to accelerate the clinical impact of this citizen science effort to build the world's leading reference dataset of microbiomes," said Peter DiLaura, President and CEO of Second Genome. "Second Genome is focusing on patients with type 2 diabetes as one part of its effort to translate microbiome science into the discovery and development of microbiome modulators with therapeutic potential."

"Second Genome brings a special focus on tackling specific clinical questions, including the impact that changes in the human microbiome have in patients with type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Rob Knight, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of Colorado - Boulder and project lead for American Gut. "We are pleased to partner in this way with Second Genome and look forward to exciting new discoveries from this research."

About Second Genome

Second Genome brings microbiome science to the discovery and development of therapeutic products. The company has established a pipeline of microbiome modulators that impact infection, immunity and metabolic diseases. Second Genome's development pipeline is fueled by novel technologies for identifying, screening and scientifically validating product candidates and microbial biomarkers. Second Genome's technologies have been rigorously validated through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and nutrition companies, as well as academic and governmental research institutions. Please visit http://www.secondgenome.com for more information.

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Second Genome Sponsors American Gut Initiative to Identify Links Between Type 2 Diabetes and the Human Microbiome

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How To Clear Psoriasis Fast – Video

Posted: at 3:47 pm


How To Clear Psoriasis Fast
A step-by-step video. Stop the itch immediately, and clear flare-ups fast...naturally. One of the best psoriasis treatments you #39;ll find, and it #39;s all-natural. Hear testimonials on the website: DermaYantra.com. Derma Yantra is proud to be a leader in relief and treatment of psoriasis.

By: DermaYantra

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How To Clear Psoriasis Fast - Video

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