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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Shots - Health News

Anonymity In Genetic Research Can Be Fleeting

Each strand of DNA is written in a simple language composed of four letters: A, T, C and G. Your code is unique and could be used to find you.

January 17, 2013 Researchers were able to identify 50 people whose DNA had been posted anonymously on the Internet for genetics studies. The results highlight a trade-off in making genetic data widely available for researchers and protecting personal privacy.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Monday, December 03, 2012

Shots - Health News

Genome Sequencing For Babies Brings Knowledge And Conflicts

By sequencing a newborn's genome, doctors could screen for more genetic conditions. But parents could be confronted with confusing or ambiguous data about their baby's health.

December 3, 2012 Technology now exists that makes it possible for doctors to decipher the entire genetic code of a newborn. Should it be done? What about fetuses in the womb? That's now a possibility, and it's stirring intense debate.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Shots - Health News

Bioethicists Call For Privacy Protections For Personal Genomes

Would you like a genome with that?

October 11, 2012 A sample of saliva taken from a coffee cup can reveal someone's genes, for better and for worse. Now bioethicists are recommending privacy protections as the age of cheap, fast genome sequences unfolds.

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Friday, October 05, 2012

Shots - Health News

Your Verdict On Getting A Genome Test? Bring It On

Each strand of DNA is written in a simple language composed of four letters: A, T, C and G.

October 5, 2012 The overwhelming majority of respondents to our online query said they would get their genome sequenced if they could afford it. Most also said they'd want to know everything it revealed.

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Shots - Health News

In-Depth Genome Analysis Moves Toward The Hospital Bed

Rapid whole genome sequencing could provide timely treatment options for infants in intensive care.

October 5, 2012 Scientists have been using whole genome sequencing for over a decade, but it has yet to become a routine tool in the clinic. Two separate research groups showed progress in making diagnoses using in-depth genome analysis.

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Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Shots - Health News

Will Low-Cost Genome Sequencing Open 'Pandora's Box'?

The Proton Semiconductor Sequencer from Ion Torrent Systems Inc. is a new DNA sequencing machine designed to sequence the entire human genome in about eight hours for $1,000.

October 2, 2012 The prospect of lots of people plunging into their genomes makes many doctors very nervous. Some argue that for most people, genome sequencing could reveal false positives and be a big waste of time and money.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Shots - Health News

Doctors Sift Through Patients' Genomes To Solve Medical Mysteries

Sara Terry and her son, Christian, in Spring, Texas. After sequencing Christian's genome, doctors were able to diagnose him with a Noonan-like syndrome.

September 25, 2012 Doctors used genome sequencing to put a name to the mysterious cluster of symptoms that afflicted Christian Terry, 5. He's one of many patients now getting the test, which can cost as little as $1,000, to resolve undiagnosed illnesses. Doctors are also using it to sequence cancer and target treatment at the precise genetic mutations in a tumor.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Shots - Health News

Scientists See Upside And Downside Of Sequencing Their Own Genes

Dr. James Watson looks at a reproduction of the structure of DNA, which he helped discover, in this 1962 photograph. Decades later, Watson was one of the first people to have his entire genome sequenced.

September 19, 2012 Prominent geneticists are getting their own genomes decoded, revealing the benefits and risks.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Shots - Health News

As Genetic Sequencing Spreads, Excitement, Worries Grow

Slides containing DNA sit in a bay waiting to be analyzed by a genome sequencing machine.

September 18, 2012 The cost of deciphering a person's genetic code has dropped faster than the price of flat-screen TVs. But some experts are concerned that access to genomic information could stoke fears and invade privacy.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

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