MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'genetic risk'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:52:42 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377571&cid=t_171461_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpersonal-genetic-testing-psychological-and-behavioral-effects%2F2011.01.20 In conclusion, personal genetic testing does not seem to generate a lot of distress, although the study was clearly limited by a high dropout percentage of 44 percent and the self-selection of participants who opted to do the test. Article in New England Journal of Medicine: Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Genomewide Profiling to Assess Disease Risk Flashback: An Interview with Navigenics… *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377571 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:21 +0100 4377571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752087&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FkDNsa2XdrJs%2F Testing for one’s genetic risk has become increasingly popular in recent years with the mapping of the human genome. Now, you have the opportunity to know if you carry the BRCA genes, or know your risk for Alzheimer’s, other cancers, heart diseases and other diseases and traits, and even one’s genetic ancestry, based on the presence of certain DNA segments in your genome. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) DNA testing, also known as personal genome services, allows a person to get his genetic profile just simply by swabbing one’s cheeks or spitting into a test tube and sending the sample back to the genetic testing company. In a few weeks you have your results back in print and at a password-controlled website. Pretty nifty, right? Actor Ernie Hudson swabs cheek for African Ancestry DNA ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752087 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:59:12 +0100 2752087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365322&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fs2K4eRTnqGY%2F Human beings, and especially children, have a natural tendency to act on impulse rather than thought. But children get a better handle on their impulses as they grow older, and they learn to delay gratification to get something they want. Alcohol drinks. Image: sxc.hu On the other hand, a highly impulsive person would rather choose small immediate rewards at the expense of larger, long-term reward. And now, a study from Purdue University found that highly impulsive behavior may contribute to the risk of developing some form of addiction later in life. “There is increasing evidence that the character trait of impulsivity predisposes towards addiction in all its forms, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling,” said Nicholas J. Grahame, associate professor of psychology at Indiana University... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365322 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:03:00 +0100 2365322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349268&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2Pi6qFaeMZY%2F Depending on the source, stroke is considered as either the third-leading or second-leading cause of death worldwide. Neither one is a comforting thought, isn’t it? Image credit: Newscom What factors can increase one’s risk for stroke? Blood pressure, smoking, obesity, cholesterol, diet, physical inactivity and alcohol are responsible for two-thirds of stroke risk. Genetic factors also play an important role, but scientists have not found any common genetic markers associated with an increased risk for stroke. Until now. A large study found single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 12p13 that individually increased the risk of stroke by as much 30 percent. The markers were located very near the gene NINJ2, which encodes a protein that is involved in nerve injury. The study is... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349268 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:32:00 +0100 2349268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147605&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FnqZEs6b_tto%2F Red hair is among the rarest of hair colors, with only 1% of the population having that natural hair. I personally think red hair makes heads turn. Check out these natural red-heads: Julianne Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Ferguson, Marcia Cross and of course, Prince Harry (and great grannie Queen Elizabeth I). Auburn, ginger, bright orange, carrot-top:  they are all the same red hair, and most would be sharing the same gene. Some variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene are strongly associated with red hair. The gene codes for a receptor that is expressed on pigment cells in the skin (melanocytes). This receptor responds to a hormone that stimutats the production of the dark pigment eumelanin. So, if you have a variant of the MC1R gene that turns off the receptor, the pigm... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147605 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:09:00 +0100 2147605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104562&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrWjz8N5fr_g%2F   Genetic tests for common medical conditions and disorders have become more in demand in the past years. The popularity increased even more when celebrities and universities began publishing their genetic information online, and direct-to-consumer genetic companies sprouted like mushrooms. Soon, genetic tests could become a common diagnostic tool at the doctor’s office. Getting access to our risk information is relevant to making informed decisions about our lifestyle. The hope is that if a person will understand his risk, say, for certain cardiovascular diseases, then he will take better care of himself to avoid getting the disease. And that’s where the shortcomings lie. Sue Friedman, executive director of the patient advocacy group Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104562 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:01:03 +0100 2104562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096035&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQq383G3GN4w%2F The first of the world’s “designer babies” have been born, and the baby girl is selected to be free of a genetic risk of breast cancer, the  Times reports. The girl was born after embryos were screened to exclude the faulty BRCA1 gene. All the father’s female relatives had developed breast cancer caused by BRCA1. The program is run by the University College Hospital in London. Genetic screening of fetus for serious genetic condition is part of the maternal health care and highly recommended for pregnant women over 35. However, only genetic risks of Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis and chromosomal abnormalities are tested. Women can then make the choice to continue with (or terminate) a pregnancy. Recently, genetic testing of individuals for risk of certai... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096035 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:39:22 +0100 2096035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1951970&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FiBEQ6gEpCqQ%2F I chanced upon this article - Genetic testing under the microscope - in the Los Angeles Times of an interview with the President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Angela Trepanier, and she presents an interesting perspective on the future of personalized medicine. In the near future, Trepanier says that genetic testing will become a routine part of healthcare. Right now, access to one’s genetic information can be had for at least $400, and one is able to find out which diseases and conditions your genetic makeup may be association with. But the company doesn’t offer any medical opinion or diagnosis, obviously. Trepanier asks rhetorically, "If your only source of information is the company selling the test, is that really the most credible source of informatio... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1951970 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:03:48 +0100 1951970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943401&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQo5i_lhxjCc%2F   Now that accessing your genetic information is cheaper than buying a Google Smartphone, now what? What can you get from it? How can you use it? Just as important, but less asked - how do you protect it? The journal "Nature" joins the debate with a full online issue devoted to the personal genome revolution and its implications. For a fee or for free, you can squeeze more information out of the SNP data or full sequence you got from the commercial genome services you paid for initially. For example, you can get an idea of your risk for a certain disease. With so much information at your fingertips, is everything believable? Should you change your lifestyle because you have one variant for some disease risk? How many "risky" variants does one need anyway? Should y... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943401 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:44:23 +0100 1943401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868564&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIQlSHm8IJGM%2F With genetic testing companies sprouting everywhere, people now have the resource to know their risks for certain types of disease. Companies like Navigenics, 23andme Inc. and DeCode Genetics all offer genetic tests to their consumers to show whether certain genetic mutations make them more likely to develop diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes. But is it enough to know? Or will knowing what the inherent risks are motivate a person to make changes to his lifestyle to prevent the disease from developing? Surprisingly, no research has been performed that answers this question. "There are a lot of anecdotes about this, and the question is, What is the impact? It’s been dangling for a while and no one has really orchestrated a project like this until now to study it... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868564 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:46:03 +0100 1868564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463842&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F296466518%2F (Image credit www.about.com)  A University of Carolina study monitoring 1200 newborns found that first borns were more likely to carry a gene variant which raised their risk of developing an allergy before the age of 10.  The study suggested that a first born experienced different conditions in the uterus from subsequent siblings. The researchers measured levels of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the babies’ umbilical cord blood.  This is known to play a key role in the development of allergic responses.   First born babies were more likely to have high levels of IgE, and those that did were also more likely to show signs of an allergic response when they were subsequently tested, using a skin prick test, at the age of four and ten. The researchers also believe the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463842 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:22:01 +0100 1463842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386861&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F274240044%2F   MRI of a migraine Migraine is the most common cause of episodic headache, and by far the most common neurological cause of a doctor’s visit. It affects some 15% of the world’s population. Researchers from Helsinki University, Finland and the Sanger Institute, UK were able for the first time to convincingly demonstrate a genomic locus to be linked to migraine susceptibility in two diverse populations - 1700 patients from 210 Finnish and Australian families. This is especially interesting as Finnish and Australian populations are genetically distant.  It also tied together previous research, resulting in very robust evidence for pinpointing the susceptibility region. Researchers identified one gene locus on chromosome 10q23, which showed significant evidence of genetic l... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386861 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:05:46 +0100 1386861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1367939&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F268841505%2F G&H’s INTERVIEW WITH NAVIGENICS Navigenics approached Genetics and Health for an interview. With so much written about similar genomics companies such as 23andme, Knome, deCODE genetics, I was intrigued to learn more about this company.  In particular, Navigenics appears to be the only company within this industry genre who provides a comprehensive wellness model – a healthcare model that Opaldia, the genetic screening and health surveillance company I founded, endorsed whole-heartedly.  I interviewed Navigenics’ Medical Director Dr Michael A Nierenberg MD, clinical professor of medicine, emeritus at Stanford University to find out what makes Navigenics stand out amongst its competition.  He was most candid in his responses and the company has been open and transparent in ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1367939 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:00:08 +0100 1367939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1360649&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F266938902%2F In this third article originating from G&H’s exclusive interview with Navigenics’ Medical Director, Dr Michael Nierenberg, we explore the whole issue of SNP testing and how SNPs can be used in disease risk assessment. Navigenics has focused on around 100 of the most definitive research papers on SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that have been most strongly associated with 18 particular diseases such as breast cancer, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease.  The company has built an algorithm (mathematical computer program) that estimates the risk of a healthy person developing a disease if their genome has the relevant SNP.  The company has spent immense time and financial resources on engaging its panel of scientific and clinical experts to analyze the many hun... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1360649 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:32:39 +0100 1360649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349623&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F264009127%2F A research team comprising scientists from MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins University and the Insitutute for Cancer Research and the University of Cambridge, UK have identified two inherited genetic variations (SNPs) on chromosome 15 associated with increased risk of lung cancer for smokers and former smokers. Individuals who have ever smoked and who have one or two copies of either of these SNPs have increased risks ranging from 28% to 81% of developing lung cancer. The findings are a major step forward in identifying those at high risk for non-small cell lung cancer and for understanding how smoking and genetic factors interact to cause the disease. The team’s findings might also provide support for a growing body of evidence suggesting that nicotine, long known as the prime addictive c... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349623 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:18:29 +0100 1349623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349624&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F263545811%2F Icelandic company deCode Genetics has announced it has signed a Letter of Intent to offer its genetic testing products to US Preventative Medicine customers. US Preventative Medicine is a Dallas based company. The company has developed a suite of prevention, early detection and chronic condition management products and services that improve health outcomes while reducing health care costs.  It’s products are as follows: “The signing of the letter of intent with DeCode is significant because we will be the first entity in the US and internationally to offer a full continuum of geographically dispersed, comprehensive solutions for personalized medicine,” Christopher Fey, chairman and CEO of US Preventive Medicine, said in a statement. Elaine Warburton www.geneticsandhealth.com Ta... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349624 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:24:25 +0100 1349624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349625&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F263534364%2F   (Courtesy of WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio, Washington, USA) This is a really interesting radio clip from The Diana Rehm Show on WAMU radio on the whole issue of personal genetics. http://wamu.org/programs/dr/08/04/01.php#20091 and click on either the real audio or windows media buttons “A growing number of people are turning to personalized genetic testing to learn about possible predisposition to some diseases, inherited behavioral traits, and clues to their family heritage. We’ll talk about what these tests can tell us and some of the new questions they raise.” Guests Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute Beth Peshkin, senior genetics counselor, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Cen... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349625 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:59:28 +0100 1349625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1314162&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F254259683%2F   Many gene studies focus on WHICH genes cause a person’s risk of developing a disease (forward genetics) but few focus on HOW those genes can lead to disease.  Researchers at Merck and Co, deCODE genetics and academic centres in the US and France have focused on the latter and shed light on the complexity of common disease causes where multiple genetic changes are involved (functional genetics). Two studies analysed DNA variations, patterns of gene expression in disease tissue, and clinical data on a large scale to identify which gene networks linked to metabolic disorders (a range of symptoms that are thought to cause obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis or heart disease). The first study on mouse livers looked at finding genes that might be linked to obesity, diabetes and h... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1314162 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:37:22 +0100 1314162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1311105&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F253626281%2F In January, The New England Journal of Medicine published an article criticizing the popularization of genetic testing by companies such as 23andme, deCode, Navigenics and Knome who doctors believe are introducing genetic testing prematurely into a commercial setting and confusing public and medics alike.  The authors of this article coined the phrase ‘recreational genomics’ for this type of testing. While all of these companies claim that their tests should not be used as the basis for medical decisions, some physicians are concerned that customers for these tests will nevertheless begin seeking medical direction based on their results.  Doctors have been unprepared for the genetic advice they need to give their patients.  The British Medical Journal has also publi... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1311105 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:16:53 +0100 1311105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1311106&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F253626282%2F   I’ve known UK diagnostics company Lab-21 for some years now. My previous company Opaldia and Lab-21 effectively ‘grew up’ together.  Amgen Limited UK and Lab21 have announced their partnership to introduce a new genetic therapy test for advanced bowel cancer treatment. Under the terms of the agreement, Lab21 will provide a screening test to indicate which patients are likely to benefit from Amgen’s new drug for advanced bowel cancer Vectibix® (panitumumab). It is the first time that the European Commission (EU) has licensed a bowel cancer product with the stipulation that a predictive test should be carried out.  This is the start of companion diagnostics. The term companion diagnostic tests is used to describe diagnostic or prognostic tools that are spec... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1311106 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:16:33 +0100 1311106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1258220&cid=t_171461_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F241652652%2F   It is universally accepted that genetic testing is here to stay and will play a major role in health management.  Common sense dictates that it is good health management to understand what diseases an individual is susceptible to, so that steps can be taken, by that individual, if they so wish, to minimize the chance of developing a particular disease or diseases.  Genetic testing, although in its infancy, will eventually be robust enough to provide those answers. DNA testing best practice requires test results to be clearly explained to patients by a suitably qualified specialist, more often than not a genetic counselor.  If a patient is at risk of a particular disease then best practice dictates that the individual should be offered a health screening program to detect any a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1258220 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:07:51 +0100 1258220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1160989&cid=t_171461_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F01%2F18%2Fthe-cause-of-schizophrenia-remains-unclear%2F For all of the money, energy and focus that has gone into gene studies on schizophrenia, two findings this week call into question much of that effort. The first one has been widely reported yesterday, Parasite May Lead to Schizophrenia. The parasite? Good ‘ole toxoplasma gondii, a common organism carried by carried by cats and farm animals. In most cases, the parasite is harmless (except for pregnant women, who have long been taught to avoid handling cat litter when pregnant). But in the latest study, researchers found that 7 percent of people with schizophrenia had this parasite, compared to only 5 percent in people who were not diagnosed with schizophrenia. That puts someone who has this parasite at a 24% increased risk of also getting schizophrenia. The second study, not yet ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1160989 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:04:44 +0100 1160989