Archive for the 'Screening' Category
Males, who needs ‘em?
(submitted by LH) In the United States, there is essentially one male for every female. But this series of graphics illustrates that this is not always the case. There are many factors that play into a shift from a bevy of males at birth to a dearth of them at death. Biologically, male humans are more susceptible X-linked diseases than females. Having only a hemizygous state more than doubly increases the likelihood of inheriting a disease allele from a heterozygous mother. There is also the argument that males typically have more dangerous professions and are the major component of combat. Or are simply more likely to endanger themselves.
However, some societies will favour a particular gender over another and will select the sex of their child through IVF. This has led to problems in some countries as the disparity begins to impact the economy and social constructs like marriage.
Very early mugshots
(submitted by JH) The lone star state of Texas unwittingly set off a firestorm of controversy by collecting 800 samples of blood from new borns. The samples were to be part of a new study and database of mitochondrial DNA. The intent was to provide information for forensic science and other studies of variation, but after public outcry, the state has promised to destroy the samples.
However, this may not quell the fears of many. Some of whom may opt to not have their new borns genetically tested for known diseases; increasing the likelihood of delayed treatment.
A strong argument for prenatal genetic manipulation
Very soon, the notion of prenatal gene therapy will become an ethical argument of epic proportions. Since the technology is still nascent, there has been little public discussion, however there have been some postings:
Correcting Tay-Sachs and Jewish law.
What if these treatments lead to greater problems for medical personnel and should they know about the therapy?
Correcting trisomy and Downs?
No commentsGATTACA comes home
Massachusetts has passed… “An Act Relative to Insurance and Genetic Testing and Privacy Protection” that makes it discriminatory for an insurance company or employer to use genetic information in any way.
What is “genetic information”? Any written, recorded individually identifiable result of a genetic test or explanation of such a result or family history pertaining to the presence, absence, variation, alteration, or modification of a human gene or genes.
What is the purpose of this law?
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