Genetic Article One
THE DNA AGE; Project Lets Anyone Take a Peek At the Experts' Genetic Secrets
By AMY HARMON
Summary
The research is conducted by Harvard University Medical School. One of the scientists who has a role in this is George M. Church who is a human geneticist. The research was conducted with volunteers who have somewhat of a medical knowledge. This research basically is done to study different people’s DNA sequence and to encode them. This research was strictly based on the genomes of the volunteer. Genome is the inherited genetic information found within your DNA. They examine the relationship between the phenotype, food choices, behavior, likes and dislikes of the volunteers. The genome of the volunteer is then published online at www.personalgenomes.org. Their main purpose of this experiment is to study the genome and then post the genetic information, inherited diseases, and DNA information online to be viewed by the public. This is to be informed of the hereditary diseases, genetics, and DNA study. There were only 10 people who volunteered first, they need 100 000 people to complete this research. There is no privacy involved with this project. You can have easy access to medical information without the long wait.
Opinion
Although, some may disagree with publishing genetic information that are supposed to be concealed I believe this research is very useful and has a positive impact. By conducting research on 100 000 people the different type of genetic information, genetically transmitted diseases and DNA sequence will be identified. As stated in the article this will increase the process of the medical diagnostic. Instead of spending years figuring out what the disease is and what can cure it, this study will be able to identify most the diseases that are present. By posting it online, the topic genetics can be acknowledged by anyone. This is will allow individuals to learn more about science that has been hidden for many years. Along with advantages there will be disadvantages. People can use this information for bad as well. Having a better knowledge of genetics you will be able to preform tasks that can use genetics to do harm. An example will be to create weapons that can do harm to one’s genetic code. If the information is used properly the field of genetics can be expanded more in depth.
As a citizen this affects me because I intend on going to into a genetic field. This research will have a positive impact on me because it will give me an in-depth knowledge about genetics. This allows the concept of genetic research and how the relationship between genetic information, DNA sequencing, one’s behavior and attitude to be easily understood.
They can improve this idea by advertising this research. By advertising more volunteers will come forth in participating in this research. The more people they have the easier it is to get through more genome, DNA sequence. Also include people even if they don’t have a great knowledge about medical or genetic research. This is will open up to more people learning about this research and also helping with the research.
Genetic Article Two
Genetic Cause for CLOVES Syndrome Identified by Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital
By Nancy Needhima
Summary
This article talks about how the study of genetic helped figure out the root of the diorder called CLOVES syndrome. CLOVES is an abbreviation for Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular Malformations, Epidermal Nevis, Spinal/skeletal anomalies/scoliosis. It is a disorder that targets on children. Using the modern technology, geneticists were able to identify that CLOVES syndrome is a genetic disorder. It is not an inherited disorder. This was clarified when the parents of the child with CLOVES syndrome did not have any symptoms of it. Although it is a genetic disorder it doesn’t mean the parents were also diagnosed with CLOVES.
Opinion
CLOVES is mistaken to be a hereditary disorder, but as stated in the article it is a genetic disorder. My distance cousin’s friend’s daughter was one of the very few to be diagnosed with CLOVES syndrome and has physical abnormalities. Although I personally don’t know her, I heard it through my cousin. CLOVES is clearly a genetic disorder because both her parents are normal and show no symptoms of it. The doctors have told them that it was something that caused a single mutation in her gene. Luckily, we have modern and more efficient genetic technology, figuring out the root of the syndrome did not take decades as it used to, to find cure for diseases. There are many diseases and disorders that are being identified by genetic technology. As the technology advances the easier it is to find what the problem is and what is the cure to the disorder/disease.
This affects me as a citizen because I want to enter the genetic field, and more so towards the genetic research part. By using technologies to figure out the cause of a disease really interests me. I believe there are many disorders that are mistaken to be hereditary instead of congenital. Not that many people understand the differences. This article helped me to further understand the concept hereditary vs. congenital.
This idea can be improved by using genetic technology to find the exact reason as to why children are born with CLOVES. They should also use the technology to fine a cure. Using this technology as a model, scientist should find a way to improve this equipment to make it more efficient.