CGS : Sequencing & Genomics

About Sequencing & Genomics

An organism's genome refers to all the hereditary information encoded in its genes. Sequencing a complete genome, a gene, or a fragment of genetic material involves determining the order of its sub-units: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.

Scientists are using individuals' genetic sequences to map and catalog human genetic variation in order to improve understanding of human biology, disease susceptibility, and drug response. As costs falls rapidly, the scale and speed of gene sequencing is increasing. The Human Genome Project required thirteen years and $3 billion to sequence the first complete, general human genome. Subsequent projects, such as the International HapMap Project, examined genetic variation between population groups, raising concerns of giving undue biological significance to social categories of race.

Now, the sequencing of complete genomes of specific individuals is becoming almost routine. For example, the Personal Genome Project plans to sequence 100,000 genomes.

Lower prices have also opened the door to companies that offer personal, direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

Human Stem Cell Cloning: 'Holy Grail' or Techno-Fantasy?by David King, CNNMay 17th, 2013There is definitely something special about this idea of "therapeutic cloning," something that has a religious feel to it. We are told that there will be great medical benefits and that the risks that there will be cloned babies are small, but in truth it's the other way round.

What We Mean When We Say 'Race Is a Social Construct'by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The AtlanticMay 15th, 2013If you tell me that you plan to study "race and intelligence" then it is only fair that I ask you, "What do you mean by race?"

Predicting the IQ of Future Peopleby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMay 15th, 2013The resignation of Jason Richwine from the Heritage Foundation raised the profile of racist views about IQ. Expect new publicity soon for genetic claims about intelligence.

Angelina Jolie and the Fate of Breast Cancer Genes[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Alexandra Le Tellier, Los Angeles TimesMay 14th, 2013Angelina Jolie described her double mastectomy as a way to gain control over mutations in her "breast cancer genes," but how much control we have over BRCA1 and BRCA2, and human genes in general, is yet to be determined.

EEOC Files and Settles Its First GINA-based Employment Discrimination Lawsuitby Jennifer K. Wagner, Genomics Law ReportMay 13th, 2013Although individuals have brought complaints against employers alleging violations, this is the first lawsuit initiated by the EEOC to enforce the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

The Dark Art of Racecraftby Ta-Nehisi Coates, The AtlanticMay 13th, 2013Jason Richwine takes his place in a long history of research on race and IQ, one of the most discredited fields of study in modern history.

The DNA in Your Garbage: Up For Grabsby Kevin Hartnett, The Boston GlobeMay 12th, 2013Drop a hair? Anyone can legally sequence your genetic material—and privacy experts want to close that gap.

On Vampires and Chromosomesby George Estreich, Biopolitical Times guest contributor, Biopolitical TimesMay 9th, 2013The vampires of the Twilight books have superpowers due to two extra chromosomes. In our fang-free human life, however, having extra chromosomes is not usually seen as a plus.

Conservative Immigration Scholar: Black and Hispanic Immigrants Are Dumber Than European Immigrantsby Adam Serwer, Mother JonesMay 8th, 2013Jason Richwine, who coauthored a Heritage Foundation study on immigration, didn't just argue that certain minorities are dumber in his scholarship—he also said it at a public panel.

ACMG Issues Clarification Over Incidental Findings Guidanceby Dr Philippa Brice and Dr Ron Zimmern, PHG FoundationMay 7th, 2013The American College of Medical Genetics has released a clarification of recent guidance issued on the subject of incidental findings in clinical genomics.

Sixty Years of a DNA World Viewby Sujatha Byravan, The HinduMay 6th, 2013The popular notion of the double helix being the main and the only player in cellular and genetic information is quite flawed.

The Real Problems With Psychiatryby Hope Reese, The AtlanticMay 2nd, 2013A psychotherapist contends that the DSM, psychiatry's "bible" that defines all mental illness, is not scientific but a product of unscrupulous politics and bureaucracy.

DNA at 60: Still Much to Learn by Philip Ball, Scientific AmericanApril 28th, 2013On the diamond jubilee of the double helix, we should admit that we don't fully understand how evolution works at the molecular level.

Harvard Professor Re-Identifies Anonymous Volunteers In DNA Studyby Adam Tanner, ForbesApril 25th, 2013A Harvard professor has re-identified the names of more than 40% of anonymous participants in a high-profile DNA study, highlighting the dangers of personal data available in the Internet era.

Your Genetic Make Up to be Stored, Without Consent, for Profit TechEyeApril 25th, 2013Genetic data is massively revealing. It can be used to identify relatives, and to assess the potential for passing recessive genetic disorders on to children.

Why Predicting the Phenotypic Effect of Mutations is Hardby Caroline Wright, Genomes UnzippedApril 25th, 2013Despite a plethora of genetic variants associated with disease, cases in which we can accurately predict the severity, onset and clinical implications are still few and far between.

Prenatal DNA Sequencingby Antonio Regalado, MIT Technology ReviewApril 23rd, 2013Reading the DNA of fetuses is the next frontier of the genome revolution. Do you really want to know the genetic destiny of your unborn child?

In Australia, Gene Patents Also Subject of High Court Struggleby Leigh Dayton, ScienceApril 19th, 2013Australia's Full Federal Court has begun proceedings in an appeal of an earlier decision that upheld the validity of breast cancer diagnostic tests developed by Myriad Genetics.

Startup uBiome Will Catalog Your Microbes, Again and Againby Susan Young, MIT Technology ReviewApril 18th, 2013Customers can now order a swab kit for checking on the bacteria living in their gut, mouth, nose, genitals, or behind the ear. And while your genome may not change, but your microbiome will.

Supreme Court Hears Gene Patent Case; Activists Rally on Courthouse Stepsby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 18th, 2013The justices heard arguments in the Myriad gene patent case, and seemed critical of the patents but perhaps unwilling to make a broad ruling.

Can Human Genes Be Patented?by Eliot Marshall, ScienceApril 17th, 2013The question has been debated for years but not addressed directly by the U.S. Supreme Court—until this week. The decision, expected later this year and from which there is no appeal, could have an impact on hundreds of companies and thousands of researchers.

Synthetic Biology as Public Relationsby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 17th, 2013Recent synthetic biology projects related to malaria, flu and conservation are providing PR cover for the field and its corporate sponsors.

Panel Discusses the Legality of Patenting Human Genes [VIDEO][With CGS's Marcy Darnovsky] China Central TelevisionApril 16th, 2013Discussion of the Supreme Court hearing on human gene patents with intellectual property attorney Geoffrey Karny and CGS's Marcy Darnovsky, hosted by Mike Walter.

Supreme Court Critical of Patents on Human Genesby David G. Savage, Los Angeles TimesApril 15th, 2013The justices were highly skeptical of the idea that a company or a scientist can hold a patent on human genes and prevent others from testing or using them.

Confusion Reigns on Genes, Race, and Alzheimer’sby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesApril 13th, 2013Wildly divergent headlines vividly illustrate the depth and breadth of the confusion that plagues our thinking about racial categories in genetic research.

The Right to Speak Out[Editorial]NatureApril 9th, 2013Controversy over the results touted by a genetic-ancestry firm has highlighted the need for reform of the United Kingdom’s restrictive libel law.

Genetics: A Gene of Rare Effectby Stephen S. Hall, NatureApril 9th, 2013A mutation that gives people rock-bottom cholesterol levels has led geneticists to what could be the next blockbuster heart drug.

Should We Be Trying to Bring Extinct Species Back to Life?by Pete Shanks, AlternetApril 8th, 2013Here's a look at greenwashing, guilt-tripping and the politics of "de-extinction."

Tough Calls on Prenatal Tests by Christopher Weaver, Wall Street JournalApril 3rd, 2013New prenatal gene tests are reshaping care for expectant mothers, but their rapid rollout has raised fears that poorly understood results could lead to confusion among patients and doctors.

Who Decides What Patients Need to Know?by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 2nd, 2013The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics report on "incidental findings" in genetic tests has kicked up a storm of controversy, not least because it seems to contradict February's ACMG recommendations about testing children.

Not every woman should get the BRCA gene test, U.S. task force saysby Eryn Brown, Los Angeles TimesApril 1st, 2013Unless she has a family history that makes it likely she has the harmful mutations, a woman will be unlikely to benefit from testing BRCA-related.

Are Parents Entitled To Create A Dream Child? [VIDEO][With CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]HuffPost LiveMarch 29th, 2013What if science allowed prospective parents to create smarter and healthier babies? This idea is just as exciting as it is alarming, but is it realistic? Should it be?

The Era of Genetics-Based Advertising is Comingby Daniela Hernandez, WiredMarch 28th, 2013If you thought personalised advertising based on your Facebook status updates, Gmail content or online browsing behaviour was creepy, just you wait. The era of genetics-based advertising is coming, and it could be just as profitable.

No Choice For Youby Caroline Wright and Anna Middleton, Genomes UnzippedMarch 28th, 2013The American College of Medical Genetics has published recommendations for reporting incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing.

GM Crops Evil, GM Children OK?by Chris Bennett, Western Farm PressMarch 27th, 2013China is surging ahead with a research project aimed at identifying millions of genetic variations in order to boost intelligence.

Scientists Unravel Genetic Causes of Prostate, Breast and Ovarian Cancerby Ian Sample, The Guardian March 27th, 2013A national screening programme for prostate cancer could be introduced by the NHS following an international effort by more than 1,000 scientists to unravel the genetic causes of prostate, breast and ovarian cancer.

HeLa Publication Brews Bioethical Stormby Ewen Callaway, NatureMarch 27th, 2013The genome of the controversial cell line is no longer public, but another sequence is in the works.

You Don't "Own" Your Own Genes[Press release]Weill Cornell Medical CollegeMarch 25th, 2013Through more than 40,000 patents on DNA molecules, companies have essentially claimed the entire human genome for profit.

Sperm Donor with Genetic Illness Speaks Outby PS, The Copenhagen PostMarch 25th, 2013A former sperm donor may have passed on a heritable and treatable cancer-causing illness, but health authorities have decided not to search for the five to ten children who may be affected.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, the Sequelby Rebecca Skloot, The New York TimesMarch 23rd, 2013Last week, scientists sequenced and published the genome of cells taken without consent from a woman named Henrietta Lacks - without her family's permission.

Doctors Should Tell Patients About Some, But Not All, Unexpected Genetic Findingsby Susan Young, MIT Technology ReviewMarch 22nd, 2013A medical geneticists' group recommends that risk factors for 20 conditions be examined in all medical DNA sequencing tests.

Patients Should Get DNA Information, Report Recommendsby Jennifer Couzin-Frankel, Science InsiderMarch 21st, 2013Fourteen genetics experts, with the backing of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, are proposing that anyone whose genome is sequenced should automatically learn about serious health risks and problems.

Most Popular Human Cell in Science Gets Sequencedby Ewen Callaway, NatureMarch 15th, 2013The HeLa cell genome is riddled with errors, raising questions about its continued use.

Privacy and Progress Inspires California Genetic Information Privacy Billby Nicolle Strand, Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical IssuesMarch 12th, 2013A California State Senator introduced a bill declaring the intent of the legislature to enact new, comprehensive genetic privacy protections in the state.

DNA Tool Kit Goes Live Onlineby Ewen Callaway, NatureMarch 12th, 2013The latest shopping website is open for business, offering unusual wares: DNA tools to help biologists to engineer life.

Cloning All Over Again: Reviving the Idea of Re-creating Speciesby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMarch 7th, 2013An environmentalist-turned-techno-enthusiast, a synthetic biology champion, and a cloning expert are teaming up to promote what they call "de-extinction."

Synthetic Biology Comes Down to Earthby Paul Voosen, The Chronicle of Higher EducationMarch 4th, 2013Practitioners of synthetic biology made big promises and investors poured in the money, but most companies have made grinding progress, not breakthroughs.

BRCA1 gene patent ruling to be appealedby Amy Corderoy, The Age [Australia]March 4th, 2013The decision in Australia that private companies can control human genes will be appealed in the Federal Court.

Guidelines for Genetic Testing of Childrenby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 28th, 2013A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Medical Genetics discusses when doctors should suggest a genetic test for a child.

Selling the Story: Down Syndrome, Fetal Gene Testing, and The Today Showby George Estreich, Biopolitical Times guest contributor, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 28th, 2013On The Today Show, a couple learns the results of a noninvasive prenatal test. Left unanswered are questions about the effects of new technologies, and how those technologies are sold.

At More Colleges, Classes on Genetics Get Personal by Ryan J. Foley, Seattle Post-IntelligencerFebruary 27th, 2013More college classes are asking students to have their own genomes sequenced.

Eric Lander Weighs in on Gene Patenting Caseby Carolyn Y. Johnson, The Boston GlobeFebruary 26th, 2013A leading geneticist has filed an amicus brief arguing that Myriad has patented products of nature, which are ineligible for such protection.

Justices Wrestle Over Allowing DNA Sampling at Time of Arrestby Adam Liptak, The New York TimesFebruary 26th, 2013The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that one justice said is "perhaps the most important criminal procedure case that this court has heard in decades.”

Can They Patent Your Genes?by Daniel J. Kevles, The New York Review of BooksFebruary 25th, 2013This spring, the Supreme Court will hear a case that may well decide whether genes can be patented, and the consequences for American biomedicine could be huge.

To Claim Someone has 'Viking Ancestors' is no Better than Astrologyby Mark Thomas, The Guardian February 25th, 2013The truth about direct-to-consumer ancestry tests is that there is little scientific substance to most of them and they are better thought of as genetic astrology.

Faroes’ 50,000 Residents Leap Into DNA Testing Quagmireby John Lauerman, BloombergFebruary 24th, 2013A proposed plan would decipher the complete DNA sequence of every citizen of the Faroe Islands, but a deeper debate about issues of privacy, ownership, and utility is still needed.

DNA and the Constitution[Editorial]The New York TimesFebruary 24th, 2013The substantial harm to innocent people that could result from the misuse of DNA greatly outweighs the benefits. And the safeguard against such harm is the Fourth Amendment, whose fundamental protections the Maryland court upheld. The Supreme Court should do likewise.

New Guidelines for Genetic Testing in Childrenby Bonnie Rochman, TimeFebruary 21st, 2013The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics have released a new statement on genetic testing in children, suggesting ways to navigate the ethical, legal, and social complexities.

Race as Biology in The New York Times by Diane Tober, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 21st, 2013A prominent science writer’s troubling choice of words about “race” suggest that it is biological reality rather than social category.

Billionaires Anoint Biogeeksby Matthew Herper, ForbesFebruary 20th, 2013A group of Silicon Valley billionaires announced awards of $3 million to each of eleven recipients, in the first round of their "Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences."

"Genius Genes" to be Named in Three Months, Says Chinese "Wunderkind"by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 20th, 2013BGI, the Chinese gene-sequencing behemoth, is working with Stephen Hsu and Robert Plomin in an attempt to identify genes for intelligence.

Gene-ism and the Trout in the Milkby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 19th, 2013The remains of King Richard III were not really identified by DNA, but that was what the headlines said.

Sale of Personal Gene Data Condemned as 'Unethical and Dangerous'by Jamie Doward, The Guardian February 16th, 2013Critics say companies could acquire personal information that would identify National Health Service patients without their consent.

Exaggerations and Misrepresentations Have No Place in Science Policy Debatesby Jeremy Gruber, Council for Responsible GeneticsFebruary 15th, 2013A recent debate on whether we should prohibit genetically engineered babies wound up focusing on mitochondrial replacement techniques.

Synthetic Biology and the “Bioeconomy”: Feeding Fuel to the Fire of Landgrabs and Biodiversity Lossby Eric Hoffman and Jeff Conant, Global Forest CoalitionFebruary 14th, 2013The new industrialists want to use synthetic biology techniques to turn microbes into “living chemical factories” engineered to produce biofuels, bio-plastics, industrial chemicals and oils, and even medicines.

Too Much InformationSupreme Court 2013: Why collecting DNA from people who are arrested won’t help solve more crimes.by Brandon L. Garrett and Erin Murphy, SlateFebruary 12th, 2013Research shows that police solve more crimes not by taking DNA from suspects who have never been convicted, but by collecting more evidence at crime scenes.

Gene Thought to be Linked to Alzheimer's is Marker for Only Mild Impairmentby Susan Kelley, Cornell ChronicleFebruary 11th, 2013Defying the widely held belief that a specific gene is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, researchers report that people with that gene are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment — but not Alzheimer's.

Inside China’s Genome FactorySequencing a complete human genome may soon cost less than an iPhone. Will BGI-Shenzhen decode yours? by Christina Larson, Technology ReviewFebruary 11th, 2013BGI-Shenzhen has become the world’s most prolific sequencer of human, plant, and animal DNA. So far, it claims to have completely sequenced some 50,000 human genomes — far more than any other group.

How Soon Is Now? Prenatal Tests Racing from Theory to Practice by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 5th, 2013The rapid development and deployment of non-invasive prenatal genetic tests may be outstripping the ability of society to respond to them.

Arrivederci, GINAby Alex Philippidis, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology NewsFebruary 4th, 2013A new study demonstrates that individuals can be identified based on personal genetic material they submitted for research.

State Lawmaker Wants To Take All Misdemeanor Offenders’ DNACBS DenverJanuary 30th, 2013Colorado already collects DNA from the worst felons. Now there’s a proposal to follow in New York's footsteps and add the DNA of people convicted of misdemeanors.

Hilary Rose: The Problem with the Bioscience Industry – Videoby Hilary Rose, The GuardianJanuary 30th, 2013Hilary Rose, co-author of Genes, Cells and Brains, argues that we should treat the medical claims made for genetic research with suspicion.

George Church on Neanderthal Clones and Designer Babies by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 23rd, 2013George Church now says that he doesn't advocate cloning a Neanderthal with a human surrogate. Here's some context.

Gene-ism and Mass Murderby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 22nd, 2013Proposals to analyze the genes of a mass murderer have rightly drawn criticism from experts, including the editors of Nature.

Privacy Fear for DNA Dragnetby Tony Wall, Stuff (New Zealand)January 20th, 2013A district court judge who is a world expert in forensic DNA has called for a public debate on the use of familial DNA testing, saying it raises serious privacy issues and has the potential to subject entire families to life-long genetic surveillance.

Fetal Genome Screening Could Prove TragicScientific AmericanJanuary 18th, 2013Parents will soon be able to have their fetus' genes mapped. Without proper guidance, they might decide to end the pregnancy based on a misguided reading of the genetic tea leaves.

It's Legal For Some Insurers To Discriminate Based On Genesby David Schultz, NPRJanuary 17th, 2013The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act has a loophole: It only applies to health insurance. It says nothing about life insurance, disability insurance or long-term-care insurance.

Born to Run the World?by Abby Lippman, Biopolitical Times guest contributor, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 17th, 2013Forget about glass ceilings, sexism in employment, gender inequities, and all those other structural and societal policies and practices that put obstacles in the way of women (and racialized groups) getting ahead. Maybe they just lack the "leadership gene."

Genetic Privacy[Editorial]NatureJanuary 17th, 2013The ability to identify an individual from their anonymous genome sequence, using a clever algorithm and data from public databases, threatens the principle of subject confidentiality.

The Case for Paternalism in Genetic Testingby Laura Hercher, WiredJanuary 14th, 2013In light of recent articles arguing for more openness and less worry about people receiving their genomic information, one genetic counselor explains why she cannot participate in the full-throated enthusiasm.

New York Examines Over 800 Rape Cases for Possible Mishandling of Evidenceby Joseph Goldstein, The New York TimesJanuary 10th, 2013The review underscores that DNA evidence, widely perceived as providing nearly irrefutable proof of guilt or innocence, is subject to human error.

No Easy Answer[Editorial]NatureJanuary 9th, 2013Demands to analyse the DNA of the Connecticut school shooter are misguided and could lead to dangerous stigmatization, or worse.

Follow the Biotech Money … If You Can Find It by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 9th, 2013In a relatively slow period for mergers and acquisitions in genomics and related sectors, Illumina, Amgen, BGI, and BioTime were buyers and 23andMe added financing while Geron sold and Roche held off.

Seeking Answers in Genome of Gunmanby Gina Kolata, New York TimesDecember 24th, 2012In a move likely to renew a longstanding ethical controversy, geneticists are quietly making plans to study the DNA of the man who killed 20 children and seven adults in Newtown, Connecticut.

Autism Cures Promised by DNA Testers Belied by Regulatorsby Robert Langreth & John Lauerman, BloombergDecember 20th, 2012Genetic testing for people with autism is gaining popularity, but the DNA tests and related treatments have scant backing from science and U.S. government officials.

Genes, Cells and Brains by Hilary Rose and Steven Rose - Reviewby Steven Poole, The Guardian (UK)December 19th, 2012A fascinating, lucid and angry book; a strong exposé of the hype surrounding genetics and neuroscience.

Year of the Fetusby Beth Marie Mole, The ScientistDecember 18th, 20122012 saw the introduction of a handful of non-invasive genetic prenatal tests, but the young industry faces growing pains as legal and ethical questions loom.

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: The Dollars are in the Database by Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesDecember 18th, 201223andMe raised $50 million and plans to use it to lower the cost of its spit kit to $99. CEO Anne Wojcicki hopes this will lead to a very valuable database of one million users' genetic information.

DeliriousMe: Ownership and Identity in An Age of Genomic Medicineby Patricia Williams, LOG: Journal of Architecture and UrbanismDecember 17th, 2012The question of who owns our bodies — in particular the genomic information that may be culled from routine human shedding — is a matter of evolving legal, social and ethical importance.

Why China is a Genetic Powerhouse with a Problem [Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Carolyn Abraham and Carolynne Wheeler, The Globe and MailDecember 15th, 2012Worry mounts that Beijing Genomics Institute, an enterprise backed in part with bank loans supported by the Chinese government, has unfettered access to the genetic building blocks of humanity.

The End of Race History? Not Yetby Osagie K. Obasogie, New Scientist December 14th, 2012Two books explain how the idea that we live in a post-racial world conflicts with ongoing uses of race in science.

Review: Bioethics: All That Matters by Donna Dickensonby Gina Maranto, Biopolitical Times guest contributorDecember 13th, 2012This lively and accessible guide to the ethical implications of biotechnology asks how the field promotes or undermines social equality.

Genes, Patents, and Big Business: at 23andMe, are you the Customer or the Product?Ethical questions swirl as the personal genetics company starts scaling upby Adrianne Jeffries, The VergeDecember 12th, 201223andMe has raised $50 million from investors and decisively shifted its focus to building and monetizing a giant database of genetic information, rather than satisfying personal curiosity.

Why Your DNA is a Goldmine for Marketers[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Carolyn Abraham, The Globe and MailDecember 12th, 2012In the ever-growing field of personal-data mining, marketing firms already latch on to details far beyond the sphere of names and postal codes; DNA may well be the next frontier.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: Is This the Brave New World We Want?by Alexandra Minna Stern, The Huffington PostDecember 11th, 2012Several companies have recently unveiled non-invasive prenatal tests for use among "high-risk" women, but the history of prenatal testing in America suggests that a path to routinization is all but assured.

Genome Challenge Emerges in Society Sharing DNA Benefitsby John Lauerman, Bloomberg BusinessweekDecember 9th, 2012Scientists at a Nobel conference in Stockholm voiced worry that we will end up with a genetic divide, increasing already problematic social inequalities.

Plans for NHS Database of Patients' DNA Angers Privacy Campaignersby Jamie Doward, The Guardian (UK)December 8th, 2012"This Big Brother project will allow every individual and their relatives to be identified and tracked."

Expert Tours His Own Exome, and Finds Mainly False Alarmsby Monya Baker, NatureDecember 6th, 2012A DNA expert jumped at the chance to have his exome sequenced, but after extensive analysis, found that almost none of the reported variants meant anything useful.

Genome Sequencing For Babies Brings Knowledge And Conflictsby Rob Stein, NPRDecember 3rd, 2012Sequencing an individual's genome at birth would enable doctors to screen for far more genetic conditions than they do now, but what do parents do with all the information?

The Value of Your GenomeGenome sequencing: it’s not for everyoneby James P. Evans and Jonathan S. Berg, The ScientistDecember 1st, 2012Whole genome sequencing is unlikely to become a routine part of medicine anytime soon.

Myriad Updates: Clinical Data as Trade Secrets and a Pending Certiorari Decisionby Dan Vorhaus, Genomics Law ReportNovember 28th, 2012An update on the long-running litigation of Myriad Genetics.

New GeneWatch Issue: Whole Genome Sequencing in Medicineby Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesNovember 28th, 2012The new issue of GeneWatch explores the debate on how whole genome sequencing will be integrated into clinical care.

Selecting Against Disease[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Urmila Ramakrishnan, Fin MagazineNovember 26th, 2012Although we may not have control over the end of the world, genetic counseling and selection will give us power to manipulate the quality and extent of individual lives.

The Million Veteran Program: Building VA’s Mega-Database for Genomic Medicineby Joel Kupersmith and Timothy O'Leary, Health AffairsNovember 19th, 2012A mega-database of genomic and clinical information about veterans that launched last year now includes 40 Department of Veterans Affairs' medical centers.

Mitochondria Replacement Would Forever Alter the Human Germline. Do You Want a Say? by Jessica Cussins, Biopolitical TimesNovember 15th, 2012The Center for Genetics and Society has sent a letter strongly recommending against changing the United Kingdom law that – like those in dozens of other countries – prohibits procedures that would alter the genes we pass on to our children.

E.U. Patents on Transgenic Chimps Challengedby Kai Kupferschmidt, Science InsiderNovember 13th, 2012Animal rights activists in Germany are contesting three patents on genetically engineered chimpanzees granted this year by the European Patent Office.

Anatomy of a Webpage, Part 3: Selling “Peace of Mind”by George Estreich, Biopolitical Times guest contributorNovember 13th, 2012New developments in prenatal tests are triggering aggressive - and often misleading - marketing. Thankfully, there are signs of push-back from a society that is learning that people are more than their syndromes.

Full-Genome Tests for Your Kids? For You? by Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesNovember 13th, 2012A geneticist and a reporter explore the benefits and drawbacks of full-genome sequencing.

The Eugenic Impulseby Nathaniel Comfort, The Chronicle of Higher EducationNovember 12th, 2012Medical geneticists are working on weeding out disease, but what counts as disease is murky and the slide from prevention to enhancement loses friction fast.

Ethicists Debate How to Tell Patients Secrets in their Genomeby Monya Baker, NatureNovember 10th, 2012Geneticists are struggling with the challenges of what to tell people about their own genomes.

Identical Twins Are Genetically Different, Research Suggestsby Tia Ghose, LiveScienceNovember 9th, 2012Identical twins acquire hundreds of genetic changes early in development, according to new research.

Social Codes: Sharing Your Genes Onlineby Daniela Hernandez, WiredNovember 9th, 201223andMe, which calls itself "the first genetic social network," is launching a mobile app that lets users organize and share their genomes online. Privacy is a concern the company will leave to its users to navigate.

Direct-to-Consumer Genomics Reinvents Itselfby Malorye Allison, NatureNovember 8th, 2012Consumer demand is not as high as direct-to-consumer gene testing companies had hoped.

European Society of Human Genetics Reprimands Myriad Geneticsby Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesNovember 7th, 2012Myriad Genetics claims its research data is a trade secret as it pushes for a stronger presence in the European genetic testing market. Experts' responses reflect the ideological divide in the ongoing challenge to Myriad's BRCA gene patents.

Leaning Left or Right, Red or Blue? Answer May be in Your Genes[Quotes CGS' Marcy Darnovsky]by Stephen Dinan, The Washington TimesNovember 5th, 2012A look at the debate on the role of genetics in determining political preferences. One thing is clear: this is a story of correlation, not causation.

Why Genes Don’t Predict Voting Behaviorby Evan Charney and William English, Scientific AmericanNovember 5th, 2012Is the claim that a few genes influence political views and actions legitimate? We don't think so.

Personalised Medicine: A Reality Checkby Donna Dickenson, BioNewsNovember 5th, 2012A look at the economic and political realities that lurk behind the lofty promises made by the advocates of personalised medicine.

Why I Don’t Want to Know My Genome Sequenceby Ricki Lewis, PLOS BlogsNovember 1st, 2012The author of ten editions of a human genetics textbook is choosing not to have her genome sequenced because she believes the tests provide both too much and too little information.

Genetic Profiteering: Scandal of Firm 'Hiding Vital Breast Cancer Data' by Steve Connor, The IndependentNovember 1st, 2012Myriad Genetics is accused of deliberately withholding data that could help other scientists to understand cancer genetics, on the grounds that the information is commercially sensitive.

Of Yeast Genes and Tinker Toysby Abby Lippman, Biopolitical Times guest contributorOctober 31st, 2012A recently published paper sounds a serious warning to those who want to tinker around with human genes.

Medical Students’ DNA – and Psychology – on Display in Classroomby Jessica Cussins, Biopolitical TimesOctober 31st, 2012A class at Mount Sinai Medical School is the first to allow students to sequence and analyze entire genomes. The class is also an experiment: Researchers will be analyzing students’ responses to determine the psychological consequences of such sensitive information.

Genetic Breakthrough at OHSU[With CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Allison Frost, Oregon Public RadioOctober 29th, 2012Researchers in Oregon have created a viable human embryo by combining genetic material from two women's eggs, raising safety and ethical questions.

Israeli Start-up Wants to Democratize Creationby Ben Rooney, The Wall Street Journal (blog)October 29th, 2012“Every living thing is just an app,” says the founder of an Israeli synthetic biology company that offers a drag-and-drop genome construction tool.

Why Cheaper Genetic Testing Could Cost Us a Fortuneby Bonnie Rochman, TimeOctober 26th, 2012Experts are concerned that new genetic tests will increase overall health care spending and that test results will make it harder for people to get insurance.

Test Your DNA for Diseases — No Doctor Requiredby Bonnie Rochman, TimeOctober 23rd, 2012Even as physicians and bioethicists wrestle with the implications of whole-genome sequencing, companies like 23andMe are planning to make it available directly to the public.

Will My Son Develop Cancer? The Promise (and Pitfalls) of Sequencing Children’s Genomes by Bonnie Rochman, TimeOctober 22nd, 2012Can you imagine wanting to know whether your newborn baby will fall victim to Alzheimer’s disease decades down the road? What about cancer or diabetes?

Colman Chadam, California Boy, Ordered To Transfer Schools For Carrying Cystic Fibrosis Gene Huffington PostOctober 18th, 2012An 11-year-old has been ordered to leave his current school because of his genetic makeup. His parents are taking the issue to court.

Genome Hunters Go After Martian DNAby Antonio Regalado, Technology ReviewOctober 18th, 2012J. Craig Venter may have just started a race to discover alien life on the Red Planet.

California Genetic Privacy Arguments Go Nationalby Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesOctober 18th, 2012Arguments in California court cases and legislative initiatives about genetic privacy arguments have gone national, and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has weighed in.

Should We Screen Kids’ Brains and Genes To ID Future Criminals?by Gary Marchant, SlateOctober 17th, 2012Intervention might help save troubled kids. But the label could doom them.

Anatomy of a Webpage, Part 2: Preconception Servicesby George Estreich, Biopolitical Times guest contributorOctober 17th, 2012People living with genetic diseases become medicalized abstractions of risk and defect in the slick marketing of fetal gene tests. More than a matter of semantics, such simplification has negative consequences for all.

Personal Genomics in the Classroom: Students Sequence Themselvesby Monya Baker, Nature News BlogOctober 11th, 2012Medical and graduate students will get the chance to sequence and interpret their own genomes in what is being billed as the first-ever course to offer whole-genome sequencing.

Citing Privacy Concerns, U.S. Panel Urges End to Secret DNA Testingby Sharon Begley, ReutersOctober 11th, 2012In response to companies that offer genome sequencing from such discarded items as cigarette butts, the President's bioethics commission stresses privacy concerns and suggests a ban on "surreptitious commercial testing."

Economics and Genetics Meet in Uneasy UnionUse of population-genetic data to predict economic success sparks war of words.by Ewen Callaway, NatureOctober 10th, 2012A paper about to be published in a prestigious economics journal claims that a country’s genetic diversity can predict the success of its economy. Critics of the study see genetic determinism, and even racism.

We are More Than the Sum of our Genesby Stella Young, Ramp UpOctober 9th, 2012As a disabled feminist, I'm often asked about my views on medical procedures like pre-natal screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

New Director's Experience a Plus for MSU, but his Controversial Views Concern Someby Matthew Miller, Lansing State JournalOctober 6th, 2012The newly appointed vice president of research at Michigan State University holds controversial views about genes and intelligence.

ACLU Asks Supreme Court to Rule on Gene Patentsby Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesOctober 3rd, 2012The ACLU has petitioned the Supreme Court for review of a Federal Circuit decision upholding patent eligibility of isolated DNA sequences.

Prenatal Test Presents Dilemmas to Expectant Mothersby Maureen Salamon, US NewsSeptember 28th, 2012Some women label information about fetal chromosomal abnormalities "toxic knowledge" they wish they hadn't received, a small new study shows.

Anatomy of a Webpage: Marketing Fetal Gene Tests and Sequenom’s MaterniT21by George Estreich, Biopolitical Times guest contributorSeptember 24th, 2012In the age of genomics, whole-chromosome conditions are only the beginning. Our ability to sample fetal DNA from maternal blood means that not only Down syndrome, but before long any condition with a genetic component, any “risk,” can be forecast.

More Questions on Fetal Gene Testsby Osagie Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 20th, 2012Harriet Washington considers the anxiety and dilemmas that new prenatal testing may bring.

An API for Genome AppsThe Daily ScanSeptember 20th, 2012Direct-to-consumer gene test company 23andMe will allow third-party developers to create applications that piggyback on customers' personal genome data.

Potential Perils of DIY Genetic Testingby Anna Salleh, ABC NewsSeptember 11th, 2012A new study adds to growing concern about the potential perils of direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

Most of What you Read was Wrong: How Press Releases Rewrote Scientific Historyby John Timmer, ARS TechnicaSeptember 10th, 2012ENCODE's definition of "functional" leads to misleading media coverage of the role of junk DNA.

Bioethicist Pushes Us Toward Our Eugenic Dutyby Anna Hamilton, Biopolitical Times Guest ContributorSeptember 6th, 2012A professor of ethics takes his campaign for "breeding better babies" to the Reader's Digest.

Yet Another Study Claims to Find Politics in Our Genes by Jessica Cussins, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 6th, 2012A study on genes and political identity comes out just in time for the presidential election, but says little that’s new.

Bits of Mystery DNA, Far From ‘Junk,’ Play Crucial Roleby Gina Kolata, The New York TimesSeptember 5th, 2012At least four million gene switches that reside in sections of the human genome once thought to be inactive turn out to have critical functions in the body, researchers reported.

Health Ministry to Expand Pregnant Women's Genetic Testing Subsidies by Yaron Kelner, YNet NewsAugust 31st, 2012A new initiative in Israel will subsidize advanced genetic testing for pregnant women, providing prenatal diagnosis of genetic abnormalities.

European Rights Court Raps Italy on Embryo Screeningby Gilbert Reilhac, ReutersAugust 28th, 2012The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday that Italy violated the rights of a couple carrying cystic fibrosis by preventing them from screening in vitro fertilization embryos.

Genes Now Tell Doctors Secrets They Can’t Utterby Gina Kolata, New York TimesAugust 25th, 2012In laboratories around the world, genetic researchers using tools that are ever more sophisticated to peer into the DNA of cells are increasingly finding things they were not looking for.

Forensic Test Can Predict Hair and Eye Colour From DNAby Paul Rincon, BBC NewsAugust 24th, 2012Scientists have developed a forensic test that can predict both the hair and eye colour of a possible suspect using DNA left at a crime scene.

Human Genes - Sold to the Highest Bidder?Federal Appeals Court Ruled that Myriad Can in Fact Patent Isolated Human Genes by Jessica Cussins, Biopolitical TimesAugust 23rd, 2012A U.S. federal appeals court has reaffirmed that gene patents are legal in its ruling last week that Myriad Genetics can keep its patent on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Will Joseph Merrick, aka the Elephant Man, Ever Rest in Peace?by Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesAugust 22nd, 2012Scientists plan to extract DNA from the skeleton of Joseph Merrick in hopes that they can finally explain the cause of his disfigurement. What are the ethical implications?

Q & A on Myriad Decision: DNA Patent Upheld, Process Patent Notby Eryn Brown, Los Angeles TimesAugust 17th, 2012Can a company patent a gene? According to a new appeals court ruling, yes — even when that gene is an isolated version of a gene that occurs in nature.

The Dangers of Fetal Engineering by Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesAugust 17th, 2012A recent study considers the troubling off-label use of a risky drug in pregnant women whose baby girls may not be born with normal-looking genitals.

Books and JavaScript Stored in DNA Molecules by Douglas Heaven, New ScientistAugust 16th, 2012George Church and colleagues have encoded a 53,400-word book into sequences of DNA.

As Prices for Prenatal Genome Sequencing Tests Fall, Researchers Worry About Consequences for Families in a Real-Life 'Gattaca' by Makini Brice, Medical DailyAugust 13th, 2012Genome sequencing of fetuses would drastically increase the volume and scope of prenatal data, but its meaning would be unclear.

Clinical Trial Is Favorable for a Prenatal Gene Testby Andrew Pollack, The New York TimesAugust 8th, 2012A new method of prenatal testing that can detect more genetic problems in a fetus than ever before could be headed toward wider use after encouraging results from a clinical trial.

DNA Samples in Felony Arrests Boosts Ohio Database by Andrew Welsh-Higgins, San Francisco ChronicleAugust 3rd, 2012An Ohio law that requires DNA from anyone arrested on a felony charge has nearly doubled the number of DNA database samples in a single year.

23andMe Wants FDA Approval for Personal DNA Testing. What Can It Reveal?by Bonnie Rochman, TIME HealthlandAugust 2nd, 2012The personal genomics company 23andMe announced that it is seeking FDA approval for its version of DNA testing.

Life: Digital and Synthetic?by Daniel Sharp, Biopolitical TimesJuly 20th, 2012As Craig Venter unveils his newest plan to create life from scratch, questions about what this means and the consequences of doing so abound. What is life? A strange – perhaps obtuse – question. But the answer has profound consequences for how we as a society come to grips with novel biotechnologies.

Supreme Court Stays DNA Rulingby Matt Zapotosky, The Washington PostJuly 18th, 2012The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended a ruling by a Maryland court that prohibits DNA collection from suspects charged but not yet convicted in violent crimes.

Euroscience Open Forum 2012: DNA Gene Testing 'Will Screen Out Lovers'by Telegraph Reporters, The TelegraphJuly 13th, 2012A British professor has suggested that couples will soon be able to choose their life partner solely based on the compatibility of their genes instead of through love.

Conflict Potential Seen in Genetic Counselorsby Andrew Pollack, New York TimesJuly 13th, 2012Is it ethical for genetic counselors, who advise patients on whether to undergo testing, to be paid by the companies that perform the tests?

One of Five Million: Contemplating Fertility Treatment and Embryo Selectionby Jessica Cussins, Biopolitical TimesJuly 12th, 2012Five million people have been born using in vitro fertilization. Though the technology has become safer and less expensive, it warrants attention because of the open door it provides for embryo selection.

DNA Match Tying Protest to 2004 Killing Is Doubtedby Willam Rashbaum and Joesph Goldstein, The New York TimesJuly 11th, 2012An alleged DNA link between the 2004 murder of a Juilliard student and a chain placed around an Occupy Wall Street protest in March is likely a laboratory error, experts say.

New policy recommendations for DTC genetic testingby Simon Leese, PHG FoundationJuly 9th, 2012A new report on the regulation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing in the European Union cautions that it has little clinical value.

Sequencing the Genome of an Entire Populationby Rasmus Kragh Jakobsen, Science NordicJuly 8th, 2012The entire population of the Faroe Islands is set to have their genomes sequenced in the first such undertaking of its kind.

Patients Seek Stem-Cell Compensationby David Cyranoski, Nature NewsJuly 6th, 2012Six patients in California are suing RNL Bio, one of the world’s largest stem-cell companies, for allegedly misleading them about the effectiveness of its stem-cell treatments.

Fetal Genome Blood Test: Lots of Issues, Scientists Sayby Rosie Mestel, Los Angeles TimesJuly 6th, 2012The ability to extract the fetal genome from the blood of the mother raises a plethora of new ethical concerns.

Weak DNA Evidence Could Undermine Justice, Experts Sayby Steve Mills, Chicago TribuneJuly 6th, 2012The powerful allure that DNA-based forensic techniques hold for jurors may lead to wrongful convictions.

Myth of 'The Jukes' Offers Cautionary Genetics Taleby Dan Vergano, USA TodayJune 30th, 2012A look at the modern-day manifestations of the bad idea behind "the infamous Jukes family," as the founder of the eugenics movement described them.

Arizona High Court Limits Analysis of Juvenile Defendants' DNAby Howard Fischer, Arizona Daily StarJune 28th, 2012Analyzing the DNA samples of juveniles who have not been found guilty of any crime is an unconstitutional warrantless search, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled.

Fetal Tests Spur Legal BattleA newborn industry based on non-invasive genetic testing turns combativeby Erika Check Hayden, NatureJune 27th, 2012Genetic tests that analyze fetal DNA from a pregnant woman's blood are arriving in a rush. Their commercialization has already spurred a tangled legal battle.

Bodies with HistoriesThe New Search for the Biology of Raceby Anne Fausto-Sterling, Boston ReviewJune 25th, 2012A lot of medical research money is now devoted to finding genetic differences between races that may explain health disparities, but many students of biology and race think that is a bad idea.

Judge Says Montana Parents Can Sue Over Lack of Genetic Testingby The Associated Press, Great Falls TribuneJune 21st, 2012A Montana couple who say they would have aborted their pregnancy if they knew the child would be born with cystic fibrosis are suing their healthcare providers for not conducting a more thorough genetic screening.

The Burden of Enforcing GINA: EEOC v. Nestle Illustrates One Challenge in Pursuing Genetic Discrimination Claimsby Jennifer K. Wagner and Dan Vorhaus, Genomics Law ReportJune 20th, 2012A recent court case demonstrates the challenges of enforcing the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Informed Consent: A Broken Contractby Erika Check Hayden, Nature NewsJune 20th, 2012As large-scale genetic research has become faster and cheaper, more and more personal genetic data collected for one purpose ends up being used for another.

Genetic Purity Tests for Politiciansby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJune 14th, 2012A Hungarian member of parliament has a certificate stating that his genetic ancestry is neither Jewish nor Roma, which set off a storm of protest.

Nuffield Council Gives Green Light to the Prevention of Inherited Mitochondrial Diseaseby Antony Blackburn-Starza, BioNewsJune 12th, 2012The UK-based Nuffield Council on Bioethics has declared that the benefits of new techniques which aim to prevent the transmission of faulty mtDNA from mother to child outweigh any risks.

Genetic Testing For Color Vision Makes Commercial Debut for Military Applicationsby Dan Buckland, medGadgetJune 12th, 2012Possibly heralding a new era in the use of genetic testing for hiring decisions, Genevolve recently announced a new “military grade” test for inherited color blindness.

Genome Test Slammed for Assessing ‘Racial Purity’by Alison Abbott, NatureJune 12th, 2012Hungary’s Medical Research Council has asked public prosecutors to investigate a genetic-diagnostic company that certified that a member of parliament did not have Roma or Jewish heritage.

Genetic Screening of Unborn Babies 'May be Inaccurate'by Nick Collins, The Telegraph (UK)June 7th, 2012The blood test that may be used to routinely screen foetuses for more than 3,000 genetic conditions raises "many ethical questions" and is not a clear indicator of how severe a disability may be.

Ancestry Testing Goes for Pinpoint Accuracyby Ewen Callaway, NatureJune 6th, 2012Commercial ancestry testing is now taking advantage of whole-genome scans, providing more accuracy, though a still imperfect picture of geographical origins.

UW Researchers Map DNA of Fetus from Mom's Blood[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Sandi Doughton, The Seattle TimesJune 6th, 2012Researchers have mapped the entire genome of an 18-week old fetus using only a blood sample from the mother and a saliva sample from the father.

DNA Blueprint for Fetus Built Using Tests of Parents[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Andrew Pollack, The New York TimesJune 6th, 2012Using only a blood sample from the pregnant woman and a saliva specimen from the father, researchers explain that “Our capacity to generate data is outstripping our ability to interpret it in ways that are useful to physicians and patients.”

How Our Genetic Maps Are Being Sold to the Highest Bidder by Patricia J. Williams, The Nation June 6th, 201223andMe's first patent forces the question, who owns our bodies?

Patenting and Personal Genomics: 23andMe Receives its First Patent, and Plenty of Questionsby Dan Vorhaus, Genomics Law ReportJune 1st, 2012The announcement appeared to catch more than a few of the company’s customers by surprise, sparking concern about the company’s intentions.

Personal-Genetics Company Patent Raises Hacklesby Monya Baker, Nature News BlogMay 31st, 2012The personal genetics company 23andMe announced its first patent filing yesterday. Clients expressed their concern and dismay on the company's website.

Race Under the Microscope: A New Video by the Center for Genetics and Societyby Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesMay 31st, 2012A new video by the Center for Genetics and Society explores how genetic research and its commercial by-products are reviving harmful and false assumptions about race.

More Fun with Genomic Studiesby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMay 30th, 2012A gene of the week for smoking, and cheerful genetic news about very old people.

Gene Test Results to Be Passed on Without Consentby Anna Patty, Sydney Morning HeraldMay 30th, 2012If passed, a new law in the Australian state of New South Wales would require doctors to inform a patient's close relatives of genetic dispositions towards specific diseases, even if the patient wishes to keep the information private.

Genomic Medicine Stumbles Forwardby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMay 29th, 2012Recent reports that all of us have large numbers of rare genetic variants complicate the prospects for therapies.

Seoul National University Professor Suspected of Stem Cell Study Fabricationby Yi Whan-woo, The Korea TimesMay 29th, 2012A stem cell researcher in Korea is suspected of fabricating over a dozen studies submitted to academic journals.

DNA Study Seeks Origin of Appalachia's Melungeonsby Travis Loller, Associated PressMay 24th, 2012Varied claims have been made about the origins of a group of dark-skinned Appalachian residents. Some thought they originally came from Portugal, but a new DNA study shows a different story.

Rewritable Memory Encoded into DNAby Erika Check Hayden, NatureMay 21st, 2012Researchers in California have successfully encoded a type of rewritable memory into bacterial DNA. However, it took three years and over 750 attempts to do so, demonstrating the difficulty of coding apparently simple processes into DNA.

California Considers DNA Privacy Lawby Helen Shen, NatureMay 18th, 2012California lawmakers are considering a bill that would require written consent for the collection, retention, and sharing of individual genetic information. Academic researchers fear the measures would prohibit work with genetic databases.

Many Rare Mutations May Underpin Diseasesby Nicholas Wade, The New York TimesMay 17th, 2012Given new data, finding the genetic roots of common disease seems much harder, dimming the promise of personal genomics and the chances of quick medical payoffs from the human genome project.

Gene of the Week: The Success Geneby Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesMay 16th, 2012Another twin study finds our fate in our genes. This one looks at “success.”

Will Gattaca Come True?[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Mara Hvistendahl, SlateApril 27th, 2012Noninvasive, early fetal tests for sex, paternity, and chromosomal conditions will change pregnancy dramatically — and raise tricky ethical questions.

Anonymous DNA? No, It's Notby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 19th, 2012An article in Nature Genetics essentially says that keeping aggregated DNA data anonymous is impossible, which raises important questions about privacy and the conduct of research.

Gene of the Week: The Nice Geneby Daniel Sharp, Biopolitical TimesApril 19th, 2012Media outlets hype "nice gene" study and distort scientific nuance in this week's "gene of the week."

Scientists Rewrite Rules of Human Reproduction by Steve Connor, The IndependentApril 7th, 2012UK scientists claim that lab-grown egg cells could revolutionize fertility and banish menopause.

SynBioWatch to Hold Public Discussion on Synthetic Biology Risksby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesMarch 16th, 2012A social and environmental justice coalition, SynbioWatch, will hold a public meeting to discuss the possible dangers associated with synthetic biology.

Environmental Groups Call for Tighter Regulation of ‘Extreme Genetic Engineering’by Brian Vastag, Washington PostMarch 13th, 2012A global coalition of 111 organizations released the first global declaration outlining principles that must be adopted to protect the environment from risks posed by synthetic biology.

Gene Therapists Ask to be Released From the RACby Jocelyn Kaise, Science InsiderMarch 9th, 2012The U.S. professional society representing gene therapists argue that clinical trials should no longer be required to undergo review by a special federal advisory committee.

'Personalized Medicine' Hits a Bump by Ron Winslow, The Wall Street JournalMarch 7th, 2012New research suggests tumors may be more genetically complex than previously thought, potentially making it difficult to tailor cancer treatment.

Gene of the Week — Not!by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMarch 5th, 2012A pair of political scientists who specialize in behavioral genetics demolish a paper for claiming that "two genes predict political voter turnout" and then draw much broader conclusions about the failures of reductionist genomics.

'Am I My Genes?': Fate, Family And Genetic Testingby NPR Staff, National Public RadioFebruary 27th, 2012An interview with the author of a new book that explores what people do when a genetic test indicates a serious risk.

Ogden Family at Center of Ethics Debate in Genetics Researchby Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake TribuneFebruary 27th, 2012Should researchers change their rules to make sure volunteers learn about health implications?

Presidential Panel Wrestles with Ethical Issues Linked to Clinical Use of Whole Genome Sequencingby Alex Philippidis, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology NewsFebruary 23rd, 2012Final recommendations, to be presented this fall, will encompass technology delivery and informed consent.

Patient Advocates Test Law on Human Gene Patents by Louise Hall, The Sydney Morning HeraldFebruary 21st, 2012A patient advocacy group has taken Myriad Genetics and its exclusive Australian licensee Genetic Technologies to court over a patent related to a human gene linked to breast and ovarian cancers.

Can You Be Fired for Your Genes?by Adam Cohen, TimeFebruary 20th, 2012The number of complaints about genetic discrimination is on the rise.

Company Unveils DNA Sequencing Device Meant to Be Portable, Disposable and Cheapby Andrew Pollack, New York TimesFebruary 18th, 2012A British startup is commercializing a USB-sized disposable DNA sequencing machine.

Gene of the Week: Wall Street!by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 8th, 2012An article in the Wall Street Journal, citing published research, speculates about the existence of a "Wall Street Gene" and proposes testing for it.

Should People Know About the Results of Their Genome Screening?by Kim Carollo, ABC NewsFebruary 3rd, 2012Should people whose genes are being screened be privy to whatever health information researchers learn during analysis?

New DNA Reader to Bring PromiseA new DNA reader could bring genetics to medical clinicsby Sharon Begley, ReutersJanuary 10th, 2012Life Technologies Corp. has developed a new DNA reader that they claim has made the "$1,000 genome" a reality. "The cost of understanding the sequence will be much, much higher," one observer points out.

Eric Lander on Scientific Responsibilityby Marcy Darnovsky, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 9th, 2012Geneticist Eric Lander was the only scientist of anything like his level of prominence to publicly oppose the researchers campaigning for the development of "designer baby" technology.

Genetic Discrimination and Ron Paulby Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 9th, 2012Genetic discrimination in Canada today is similar to what the US faced prior to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, opposed by presidential candidate Ron Paul.

Chimeric Monkeys Born in Stem Cell Studyby Dan Vergano, USA TodayJanuary 5th, 2012Biologists report the first monkey "chimeras," born from mixtures of very-early stage embryonic cells.

Health Insurance and ‘Genetic Discrimination’: Are Rules Needed? by Carly Weeks, The Globe and MailJanuary 1st, 2012Medical advances mean we can now test for some disease markers – but experts fear this progress will result in insurers and employers using genetic information to deny coverage and benefits.

Errors During PGD Testing Raise Wrongful Conception Concerns [Quote CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Krystina Steffen, SEO Legal NewsDecember 15th, 2011The booming industry of PGD allows would-be parents to avoid passing on certain genetic traits. However, users should be wary of false results, and increased regulation may be necessary.

How to Use $90? Buy a Gene Ring, or Burn for Warmth?by Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesDecember 8th, 2011ConnectMyDNA is marketing the “Gene Ring,” which it baselessly claims can reveal your genetic compatibility to other Gene Ring purchasers, and your ties to foreign countries.

New Breast Cancer Test May Help Curtail Treatmentsby Andrew Pollack, New York TimesDecember 6th, 2011A new genetic test might allow some women with the earliest phase of breast cancer to forgo the most aggressive treatment, researchers are reporting this week.

Free Rudy! The Cosby Show and the Genetics of ‘Eating Your Vegetables’by Osagie ObasogieDecember 1st, 2011Writing for the UK Guardian, Anna Perman offers an explanation for why some people love Brussels sprouts while others find them despicable.

DNA Sequencing Caught in Deluge of Databy Andrew Pollack, New York TimesNovember 30th, 2011DNA sequencing is becoming faster and cheaper, outrunning the ability to store, transmit and analyze the data.

Bioengineers Debate Use of Military Moneyby Erika Check Hayden, Nature NewsNovember 22nd, 2011US Department of Defense’s call for greener ways to make explosives worries synthetic biologists.

Life, MonetizedDeadly Monopolies: The Shocking Corporate Takeover of Life Itself — And the Consequences for Your Health and Our Medical Future, by Harriet A. Washingtonby Osagie K. Obasagie, The American ProspectNovember 17th, 2011Harriet Washington's new book examines the ways in which the “medical-industrial complex” benefits research industries at the expense of both consumers and human research subjects.

Ruling Restricts Newborn Blood Useby Tony Kennedy, Star TribuneNovember 16th, 2011The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a state health program that screens newborns for potential illnesses can't store the blood samples for additional research without parental consent.

Genetic Testing for Down Syndrome: What It Can and Cannot Tell You by Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesNovember 10th, 2011Sequenom's new genetic test predicts the presence of Down syndrome at an earlier stage in pregnancy, but parents need more information to accompany the diagnosis.

Multiple Gene Test Allows More Targeted Treatment of CancerSNaPshot test looks for mutations in key genes of patients with cancer so they can be given the most effective drugsby Nic Fleming, The Guardian November 8th, 2011A test that rapidly identifies which genetic mutations have caused a cancer could pave the way for personalized treatments to improve patients' chances of survival.

Why Do We Care About Our Ancestors?The rise of genetic testing has made genealogy more popular than ever -- and transformed our concept of identity.by Eviatar Zerubavel, SalonNovember 7th, 2011The rise of genetic testing has made genealogy more popular than ever - and transformed our concept of identity. What we now need is a sociological understanding of ancestry and descent.

Visa Wants to Make Money off Your DNAby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesNovember 3rd, 2011Visa has filed a patent application for a process that would use, among other sources, DNA databases to identify potential advertising targets.

The Weight of Genetic Informationby Lisa Eckstein, Biopolitical Times guest contributorNovember 1st, 2011Australian pharmacies are offering weight loss programs that claim to use customers’ genetic information.

Now Credit Card Companies Want Your DNAby Martha C. White, Time: MoneylandOctober 27th, 2011Visa and MasterCard are exploring new ways to collect data about your buying habits, helping online advertisers create targeted ads; these efforts include plans to access your DNA.

Pharmacies Cop Flak over Genetic Testing for Weight Loss by Mark Metherell, Sydney Morning HeraldOctober 27th, 2011Weight loss programs based on genetic tests operating out of pharmacies have become the latest enterprise to link the Pharmacy Guild to commercialized care.

When Breast Cancer Tests Get It Wrongby Elizabeth Cohen, CNNOctober 27th, 2011Doctors and patients complain that Myriad labs is charging patients twice for a lifesaving breast cancer genetics test.

Lab Fight Raises U.S. Security Issuesby Jennifer Gollan, New York TimesOctober 22nd, 2011Biosafety expert Paul Rabinow resigned from the UC Berkeley-led Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center, and asserted that the Center is not doing enough to prevent a biological disaster.

Myriad’s Molecular Monopoly to Face the Nineby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesOctober 20th, 2011The American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation will petition the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of Myriad Genetics’ patents on cancer-related genes.

Bitter Fight to Determine Who Is an American Indian Turns to DNA Testingby James Taylor, Indian Country Today Media NetworkOctober 13th, 2011For political and economic reasons, many Indian tribes are turning to DNA tests to determine tribal criteria, raising many concerns.

Do Health and Forensic DNA Databases Increase Racial Disparities?by Peter A Chow-White and Troy Duster, PLOS MedicineOctober 4th, 2011The issue of the "digital divide" is a growing concern in health and forensic DNA databases, reflecting structural disparities in biomedical research and policing inseparable from racial disparities.

New Book Looks at Health Justice Alongside Genetic Researchby Emily Beitiks, Biopolical TimesSeptember 29th, 2011A new book suggests that we need to better question who benefits from biomedical research and, furthermore, what counts as a benefit.

Longevity Gene Debate Opens Trans-Atlantic Riftby Nicholas Wade, New York TimesSeptember 21st, 2011A trans-Atlantic dispute has opened up over the "longevity gene." British scientists say it is “nearing the end of its life,” but the Americans say the approach remains as promising as ever.

Embryo testing stokes concern over designer babiesby Sharon Kirkey, Postmedia News, Montreal GazetteSeptember 19th, 2011The era of designer babies may be closer than most people think, one of Canada’s leading figures in reproductive medicine is warning.

Scrambled Yeast: Breakthrough or Just More Hype?by Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 15th, 2011The alluring notion that synthetic biology "breakthroughs" will soon enable us to rebuild genomes to desired phenotypic ends may be out of sync with the true state of our knowledge.

Synthetic DNA Added to Yeast Cells, Paving Way for 'Evolution' on Demandby Ian Sample, GuardianSeptember 14th, 2011Scientists say their feat is a significant step towards completely synthetic organisms.

Noteworthy Victory Against Genetic Discrimination Goes Unnoticed by Emily Beitiks, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 8th, 2011The California Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act has now been signed into law, but press coverage has been non-existent.

California Governor Signs Padilla Bill to Prevent Genetic Discrimination – Unruh Civil Rights Act Modernized to Reflect 21st Centuryby Valeria Gotten, California NewswireSeptember 7th, 2011California Senate Bill 559, a landmark civil rights protection bill, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown Tuesday night.

Science Magazine Boosts Synthetic Biologyby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 7th, 2011A special feature in Science magazine is devoted to promoting synthetic biology.

Despite Gene Patent Victory, Myriad Genetics Faces Challengesby Andrew Pollack, New York TimesAugust 24th, 2011Myriad Genetics' genetic test for breast cancer is technologically outmoded, incomplete and too costly.

A Noteworthy Victory against Genetic Discriminationby Emily Beitiks, Biopolical TimesAugust 24th, 2011The California State Senate approved a bill by Senator Alex Padilla, making genetic discrimination illegal and expanding upon federal protections.

Race reemerges in debate over ‘personalized medicine’by Rob Stein, Washington PostJuly 31st, 2011Federal examiners have rejected patents for genetic screening tests because the applicants did not explore their effectiveness for different races, adding to the debate about whether race has scientific validity in modern DNA-based medicine.

Ruling Upholds Gene Patent in Cancer Testby Andrew Pollack, New York TimesJuly 29th, 2011The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which specializes in patent cases, said that Myriad Genetics was entitled to patents on two human genes used to predict if women have an increased risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.

How to Hack a Genomeby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJuly 20th, 2011Synthetic biology seems to have taken a major step forward, with the publication of a technique for making multiple alterations to a living genome.

Genetic Code of E. Coli Is Hijacked by Biologistsby Nicholas Wade, New York TimesJuly 14th, 2011Harvard researchers devised a method for making hundreds of changes in the bacterium’s genome simultaneously, paving the way to replace the deleted genetic function with another.

Fallout from Using DNA to Identify Osama bin Ladenby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJuly 13th, 2011The CIA organised a fake vaccination program in an elaborate attempt to obtain DNA from Osama bin Laden's family.

How Bright Promise in Cancer Testing Fell Apartby Gina Kolata, The New York TimesJuly 7th, 2011While researchers agree there is great promise in genetics, it has yet to yield many reliable methods for diagnosing cancer or identifying the best treatment.

Is the Future of Patient-Managed Health Records Now a Thing of the Past? by Osagie Obasogie, Biopolitical TimesJuly 7th, 2011It seems that while consumers enjoy updating their relationship status, uploading photos of themselves, and playing online games, they find updating prescriptions and sharing X-rays to be quite a bore.

German campaign to stop DNA database expansion, now in English by Emily Stehr, Biopolitical TimesJuly 7th, 2011Human Q-tips are the symbol of the Gene-ethical Network's campaign to curtail the ever-expanding German DNA database

DNA study has details from 100,000 Kaiser patientsby Lynn La, Sacramento BeeJuly 6th, 2011Scientists at Kaiser Permanente and UCSF recently finished analyzing more than 100,000 DNA samples voluntarily sent to them by Northern California Kaiser members.

Americans Prefer Sons To Daughters, Survey FindsHuffington PostJune 24th, 2011If Americans could have only one child, they would prefer that it be a boy rather than a girl, by a 40% to 28% margin, with the rest having no preference or no opinion on the matter.

A Near-Miss on Gene Patents in Congressby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesJune 23rd, 2011A House bill seeking to work around the harms of gene patents may inadvertently threaten ongoing efforts toward a ban, many advocacy and medical groups worry.

Promoting a Genetic Basis for Crimeby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJune 23rd, 2011An article in the New York Times celebrates a misguided trend toward genetic explanations for crime.

Genetic Basis for Crime: A New Lookby Patricia Cohen, New York TimesJune 19th, 2011Less than 20 years ago the National Institutes of Health abruptly withdrew funds for a conference on genetics and crime after outraged complaints that the idea smacked of eugenics. Now criminologists are cautiously returning to the subject.

UK Drops DNA Tests For Refugees And Asylum Seekers[United Kingdom]National Public RadioJune 17th, 2011Britain has dropped a policy of using DNA tests to identify the nationality of African refugees and asylum seekers after criticism that there is no scientific merit to the practice.

Francis Galton: The man who drew up the 'ugly map' of Britainby Steve Jones, BBC NewsJune 16th, 2011One hundred years after the death of Francis Galton, the "father of eugenics," geneticists are increasingly baffled by the nature versus nurture debate. Does the question mean anything in the first place?

Google-backed 23andMe hits major milestone: 100,000 users in DNA databaseby Peter Delevett, Mercury NewsJune 15th, 2011Co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki says her scientists now have one of the world's largest genetic databases, which will enable them to do "a tremendous amount of discovery."

Is the Patent Office Forcing Race into Biotechnology Patents?by Jonathan Kahn, Biopolitical Times guest contributorJune 14th, 2011As we claim to be making progress toward a promised land of personalized medicine, group categories of race seem to be gaining salience in both law and science.

Could prenatal DNA testing open Pandora's box?[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Malcolm Ritter, The Associated PressJune 12th, 2011Some ethics experts say it's time to start talking now about what early-pregnancy fetal gene tests could mean for parents and society.

Comfort or conflict: Earlier Down syndrome testby Malcolm Ritter, San Francisco ChronicleJune 11th, 2011Companies are racing to market a blood test that could detect Down syndrome very early in pregnancy.

Wielding Genomes in the Fight Against Cancerby Denise Grady, The New York TimesJune 3rd, 2011Although genetic research has already helped in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of some cancers, it may be decades before the science comes anywhere near the dream of curing cancer or at least making it a chronic disease.

Genetic testing for sports genes courts controversyby Rob Stein, The Washington PostMay 18th, 2011The FDA has sent at least one company a letter demanding justification for marketing such tests without the agency’s authorization.

Dreams of the Weekby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMay 18th, 2011Several recent announcements and studies appear to presage renewed interest in manipulating the biology that is thought to control longevity and especially our children's happiness and intelligence.

One Step Closer to Designer BabiesNew Noninvasive Prenatal Genetic Testing Could Change Human Pregnancy Foreverby Marcy Darnovsky, Science ProgressApril 22nd, 2011A new approach to testing the genes of early-stage fetuses could radically alter the experience of pregnancy and parenting from as early as five weeks, leading to a potentially dangerous moral quandary.

Bright Futures and Genomic Dutiesby Jonathan Kahn, Biopolitical Times guest contributorApril 20th, 2011If biomedical data is part of advancing a "public good," then perhaps the public can and should make a claim on the commercial products developed with that data.

Do-it-yourself DNA testing: A risk or a right?by Jessica Pauline Ogilvie, Los Angeles TimesApril 18th, 2011Two opposing views on the merits and dangers of consumers having unfiltered access to their genetic data, from Dr. Bruce Korf and Misha Angrist.

Genetic counselors help patients understand DNA issuesby Eryn Brown, Los Angeles TimesApril 18th, 2011The job isn't wildly lucrative — the average starting salary in 2010 was $63,712, according to the National Society of Genetic Counselors — but practitioners say they love it.

Genetic testing of kids popular with parents: Good idea?by David W Freeman, CBS HealthApril 18th, 2011New research shows that more than half of parents offered gene tests would test their kids as well. But experts caution that the tests can sow confusion and needless alarm - or false reassurance.

Forensic DNA databases — without prior arrestby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 12th, 2011Potential offenders, never arrested or even individually identified as suspicious, are now being required to provide the authorities in at least two European towns a sample of their (canine) DNA.

More Arguing About Human Gene Patents in Courtby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesApril 7th, 2011A Federal Court of Appeals panel heard oral arguments in the Myriad case, but gave no hint of its decision; either way, many expect it to go to the Supreme Court.

Identical Twins Are Genetically Differentby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 5th, 2011Researchers looking for a genetic basis for schizophrenia report that monozygotic twins, always assumed to be genetically identical, in fact have different DNA.

Here We Go Again: Why is the FDA Reifying Race as Genetic?by Jonathan Kahn, Biopolitical Times Guest ContributorMarch 17th, 2011If the FDA wants data on genes relevant to drug metabolism, then it should focus on the genes, not on race.

FDA panel wants doctors to supervise genetic testingby Andrew Zajac, The Seattle TimesMarch 8th, 2011Members of a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel convened to consider new government regulation of genetic testing offered directly.

Companies claim genetic tests show kids' sports abilitiesby Lindsey Tanner, SalonMarch 8th, 2011Genetic test marketers ask $200 for a kit they say reveals a child's athletic aptitude. Scientists are skeptical.

Are We Protecting Human Subjects? by Jillian Theil, Biopolitical TimesMarch 7th, 2011A panel has been created to review the adequacy of current human subjects protections at home and abroad.

Instant DNA fingerprinting with the push of a buttonby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesMarch 3rd, 2011A new rapid DNA analyzer is being tested for use by the Department of Homeland Security.

Human DNA Contamination Seen in Genome Databasesby Nicholas Wade, The New York TimesFebruary 17th, 2011Nearly 20 percent of the nonhuman genomes held in computer databases are contaminated with human DNA, presumably from the researchers who prepared the samples.

More on the Prospects for Genomic Medicineby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 16th, 2011Nature weighs in on the future of effective medical genomics, which seems some decades away.

Mother Jones’ Illustrated Epigenetic Primerby Jillian Theil, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 10th, 2011Mother Jones features “The Illustrated Guide to Epigenetics.”

Still Waiting for the Genomic Revolution in Medicineby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 8th, 2011Ten years after the publication of the first drafts of the human genome, the clinical value of genomics is controversial.

Appeals Court Overturns Sentence Based on "Porn Gene"by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 2nd, 2011A judge increased a sentence because he believed the offender had a gene that would eventually be identified; the Court of Appeals called this a "plain error" and sent the case to a different judge for re-sentencing.

FDA and NIH to Collaborate on Regulatory Science Initiative to Advance Personalized Medicineby Turna Ray, GenomeWebJanuary 26th, 2011The National Institutes of Health and the US Food and Drug Administration will work together to update FDA's regulatory initiatives to advance personalized medicine.

Feds to Pay States to Expand Forensic DNA Databases?by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesJanuary 26th, 2011A newly introduced bill would incentivize states to expand the collection of DNA from people arrested for certain crimes, before trial let alone conviction.

Texas survey finds doctors favor costly genetic testsby Todd Ackerman, Houston ChronicleJanuary 12th, 2011Most physicians are not well informed about how family-based genetic testing works.

Taking DNA Sequencing to the Massesby Andrew Pollack, The New York Times January 4th, 2011The Personal Genome Machine sells for just under $50,000 and is the size of a largish desktop printer.

Genome Hackersby Kashmir Hill, ForbesDecember 30th, 2010In an era of cheap gene scans and growing DNA databases, will consumers be able to keep their sensitive genetic information private?

Presidential commission urges caution on 'synthetic biology'by Rob Stein, The Washington PostDecember 16th, 2010Their report concludes that the U.S. government needs to take precautions to ensure that laboratory-made microbes do not cause unexpected catastrophes.

Mom's blood carries fetus genomeby Jef Akst, The ScientistDecember 8th, 2010A complete copy of the fetal genome exists in the mother's blood, suggesting many prenatal diagnoses could be performed noninvasively.

Gene of the Week: One-night standby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesDecember 7th, 2010A small, tentative study is over-hyped even by its authors to emphasize casual sex.

The President’s Bioethics Commission Misses the Mark on Synthetic Biology: “Prudent Vigilance” a Poor Substitute for Precautionby Eric Hoffman, Biopolitical Times guest contributor, Biopolitical TimesDecember 2nd, 2010The commission's recommendations are far from the precautionary policies needed to protect the environment and public’s health from the novel risks posed by synthetic biology.

The poisoned gift:'Fortune cookie' genomics at UC Berkeley[Guest editorial]by Nancy Scheper-Hughes, Anthropology TodayDecember 1st, 2010Nancy Scheper-Hughes unpacks the issues that led to a change in the Bring-Your-Genes to Berkeley program.

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