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Genetics and Health

April 14th, 2007

What’s up with 23andMe?

Biotech start-ups utilizing genetic information are nothing new. Could 23andMe be unique? Yesterday, I received a nice email from their recruiting manager, Oliver Ryan. As luck would have it, I’m vacationing in the San Francisco Bay Area and hope to swing a meeting with some 23andMe folks next week, including Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey. […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 8 comments

April 12th, 2007

Genetic Privacy in Minnesota

DNA is being collected from birth. In Minnesota, blood samples are collected from all newborns unless parents specifically request an exemption. But, these samples cannot be used for research or any other reason not related to disease testing unless the parents sign consent forms.
Genetic privacy advocates think that no blood samples should be taken at […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 1 comment

March 10th, 2007

Sleep Deprivation and the PER3 Gene

Earlier this week, the National Sleep Foundation reported that more than half of American women are suffering from sleep deprivation. These women are too tired to have a good work and personal life and are completely stressed out. (I’m sure many of us can identify!) And if they also happen to have the long version […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 0 comments

December 5th, 2006

Einstein Wished He Was a Geneticist

Einstein at the chalkboard writing out his secret thoughts.
Genetics is my life.
DNA –> RNA –> Protein

Just having a little fun. ;)
Image created using hetemeel.com via Mary at That Damn PC!
Tags: albert-einstein, diseases, DNA, einstein, funny, Genes, genetics, health, humor, illnessShare This

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 0 comments

November 29th, 2006

Response to Genetics Article in The Jewish Standard

In response to the series of genetics articles published in The Jewish Standard last week, I asked Lisa Lee of DNA Direct to share her thoughts specifically on the article about direct-to-consumer genetic testing by Dr. Miryam Wahrman.

DNA Direct offers medical tests and provides information about medical guidelines for appropriateness of testing. For example, ACOG […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 0 comments

November 26th, 2006

Michael Crichton is Next

Ahead of the November 28th release, I got my Crichton novel, Next, yesterday. The new genetics thriller is leaving me feeling rather odd….
Tags: bioengineering, crichton, diseases, DNA, Genes, genetics, health, illness, michael-crichton, next, nextgencodeShare This

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 31 comments

November 16th, 2006

Genetics Interview #25: Dr. Emilie W. Clemmens of the Women’s Bioethics Project

Bioethics frustrates me. As much as I’d like to have a firm opinion on genetics issues, I find myself waffling more often than not. I understand both sides and while I know what I would do personally, I don’t have the confidence to tell others what to do. (Surprised?)
Fortunately, there are others who spend their […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 0 comments

November 9th, 2006

Genetics Interview #24: Mike Slabaugh and the CDH1 Stomach Cancer Gene

Several months ago, I wrote about the Bradfield family in which a mutation of the CDH1 gene was discovered which appears to increase the risk of stomach cancer. To my surprise, Mike Slabaugh, one of the Bradfield cousins, popped in to let people know that he was happy to help anyone who’s looking for more […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 1 comment

November 2nd, 2006

Genetics Interview #23: Dr. PZ Myers of Pharyngula

In the world of science blogging, one man is known to all - Dr. PZ Myers of Pharyngula. I don’t think I have to say any more!
1. When I was in high school (class of 1990), I learned very little about DNA and molecular biology. Now, PhD’s teach high school biology in some schools and […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 3 comments

October 20th, 2006

Breast Cancer, Tamoxifen, and the CYP2D6 Gene

Big news for breast cancer patients on tamoxifen. Ryan Phelan and Jason Bobe of DNA Direct were at the FDA meeting on October 18th where it was decided that information about the cytochrome P450*2D6 (CYP2D6) gene should be included on the package insert and drug label.
From DNA Direct affiliate company Genes and Drugs:
The 2D6 gene […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 4 comments