Although genomics research has the potential to revolutionize medicine, it has limitations. It may not do much to prevent many of the leading causes of death.
There are genetic difference within and between tumors.
DNA sequencing image via www.shutterstock.com.
Researchers are developing biological tools that can boost crop yields to feed a growing world population without harming human health or the environment.
Cracking genetic responses to the changing environment in Africa would open a new frontier in the drive against rising non-communicable diseases on the continent.
Precision public health can make a huge difference to people across Africa.
Albert González Farran, UNAMID
Precision public health has the potential to transform the global health sphere by ensuring that the right interventions are brought to the right people in the right places.
Scientists have been looking for and finding ways to track various cancers in the blood for some time.
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The rise of personalised medicine, which is mainly based on genetic testing, needs adequate regulation so privacy rights aren’t breached. That’s only one of several issues that must be considered.
Next-generation genomic research depends on study participants sharing their biological materials with scientists. But concerns over how that information is protected may hold some people back.
Scientists today are inundated with data.
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Laura Boykin, The University of Western Australia; Joseph Ndunguru, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute; Monica Kehoe, Department of Agriculture and Food - Western Australia y Peter Sseruwagi, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute
Rapid genetic disease screening will be the key to saving East Africa’s crops - just as it was during West Africa’s ebola crisis.
It’s a lot for a person to puzzle out… call in the computers!
Shaury Nash
Modern biological research relies on big data analytics. Vast reservoirs of memory and powerful computing ability mean machines find patterns and make meta-analyses and even predictions for scientists.
Don’t forget the genes!
Brain image via www.shutterstock.com.
The 1000 Genome Project has revealed the genetic variations that exist among people around the world, and discovered that some people are missing many genes.
Inuits are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes, despite their large fat intake.
Ansgar Walk/wikimedia
A genomic sequencing study suggesting that the 9,000-year old skeleton dubbed “Kennewick Man” was Native American will intensify a 20-year-old dispute about what should happen to the remains.