Findings from a research project exploring the genomes of 6,500 Danish individuals indicates that those with one of two particular variants of the FGF21 gene more likely to enjoy and seek out sugary substances. This discovery is leading to additional questions about the function of the gene and food taste preference.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/crave-sugar-maybe-its-in-your-genes/
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From The Washington Post: The experience of a 23 year old diagnosed with colon cancer who joined a research trial for a new immunotherapy drug that, for the first time, attacks a genetic feature in a tumor rather than the disease’s location in the body.
www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/this-is-not-the-end-experimental-therapy-that-targets-genes-gives-cancer-patients-hope/2017/05/28/cdce31de-365c-11e7-b373-418f6849a004_story.html After criticism, Ancestry.com is revising their terms of service to further clarify that it does not take ownership of their customers' data.
www.bbc.com/news/business-40045942 From STAT: a story of a family searching for answers to a diagnostic mystery solved by genetic and genetic testing
https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-approves-mercks-keytruda-to-treat-cancers-with-genetic-defects-1495568988 The FDA approved Merck’s Keytruda drug to treat tumors with a certain genetic defect—the first time the agency has cleared a cancer drug for a use not tied to the site of a tumor. This represents a shift in the treatment of cancers, from a site driven (i.e. breast, lung, colon cancer) method to determining cancer treatment with a specific genetic mutation.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-approves-mercks-keytruda-to-treat-cancers-with-genetic-defects-1495568988 Carl Zimmer of NYT discusses the limitations of recent research on genetics of intelligence and reviews the history of such research.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/science/52-genes-human-intelligence.html?_r=0 This story describes the limitations of genetic testing conducted as part of a research study. If receiving results from a research lab (or a direct-to-consumer lab), be sure to always repeat the testing from a company who is certified by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improve Amendments) before making any changes in care or treatment.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/05/when-your-genetic-test-is-wrong/525126/ Genome Magazine is a great resource with interesting and well-written articles. Consider a free print or digital subscription. Sign up by clicking here.
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AuthorCourse instructors, Beth and Rachel will share interesting articles about genetics, genomics and precision medicine that are in the news. Feel free to email them if you've come across an interesting article you'd like to share with other learners! Archives
August 2017
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