Environmental DNA provides a wealth of information for conservationists, archaeologists and forensic scientists. But the unintentional pickup of human genetic information raises ethical questions.
Financial support for science and research in Nigeria remains pathetic. This has led to the deterioration in the quantity and quality of trained virologists at universities.
Existing genetic data and sequencing tools are overwhelmingly based on people of European ancestry, which excludes much of the rich genetic variation of the world.
A medical genomics professor reflects on how lab simulations offer some advantages for student learning, but developing the muscle memory of performing hands-on lab work is important.
The US lags in testing coronavirus samples from COVID-19 patients, which can help track the spread of the virus and the emergence of new variants. But labs are ramping up this crucial surveillance.
David Welch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples could help New Zealand pinpoint the source of its new community outbreak. But it only works if all samples are sequenced – and right now, they’re not.
As mountain goats face pressures from climate change and human disturbance, analyzing their genome provides useful information on their ecology and evolution.
On a family camping trip over the Australia Day long weekend, I sat in a tent with my laptop, designing New South Wales’ first genomic sequencing test for COVID-19.
Pancreatic cancer has historically had among the lowest survival rates of any type of cancer. A recent study that looked at genomic changes reveals some possible clues.
DNA sequencing means a scientist can take a bucket of seawater and ID every fish in the area. Now we need a universal ‘biobank’ of samples to make a truly powerful environment monitoring tool.
In 2030, there is a boom in precision medicine, where diseases – from cancer to dementia – are defined and targeted more specifically with a focus on their molecular makeup.
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.
Professor of Breast Cancer Research, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences,, Queensland University of Technology
Specialist Scientist, Tuberculosis Host Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University