|
Policy and regulation
The regulation of genetic tests has been a key issue in the last month, with apparently divergent approaches in the US and UK. Shortly after the US Food and Drug Administration made new moves to restrict direct-to-consumer genetic test offerings (26 July), the UK Human Genetics Commission released a framework for voluntary regulation of the same sort of tests (4 August). Also in the UK, the announcement that a number of key heath bodies and regulators are to be scrapped caused some consternation (27 July). New guidelines for biobanks and genetic databases in Western Australia have been released (15 July), and a new resource for information and perspective on personal genomics has been launched (14 July).
Genetics, medicine and public health
New reviews have examined the evidence for the optimal timing of screening for Fragile X Syndrome (29 July), the impact of risk prediction for pancreatic cancer (21 July), and the value of genetic factors in breast cancer risk prediction (5 August). Long-term outcomes following one of the earliest gene therapies have been found to be generally good for X-linked SCID, albeit with risks (26 July), whilst pre-clinical trials show promise for a novel gene therapy approach to treat beta-thalassaemia (22 July). New research will use stem cells from patients to investigate Parkinson’s disease (14 July), and we report on developments in regenerative medicine, including for spinal cord injuries (9 August).
Genetic epidemiology and disease risk
As the flow of data from genome-wide association studies continues to increase, we single out three new reports for analysis: new genetic variants associated with blood lipids including cholesterol levels (9 August), with vitamin D status (19 July), and with sudden cardiac death (30 July).
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of recent articles of interest (2 August)
Other recent news and research
'We have learned nothing from the genome'
Diagnostic chip generates single-cell ‘fingerprint’ for brain tumors
NHS Reform: will it deliver equity and excellence for families with genetic conditions?
Genetic link to dangerous blood fat
NIH takes on new role in fight against rare diseases
Genetic marker linked to ovarian cancer risk
Scientists eulogize stem cell center - and prepare for stiff competition
Kidney disease is parasite-slaying protein's downside
Drug companies are harnessing new knowledge of cancer genetics
US panel weighs guidelines for synthetic biology
The genes behind Down Syndrome
Brain-injury biomarkers
Familial DNA testing scores a win in serial killer case
DNA patent ruling hinders Monsanto
New epigenetic player in mental retardation and facial birth defects
When a heart risk runs in the family
US Supreme Court avoids clarifying patent stance
Gene patents challenged
Stem cell therapy 'first' in trial on arthritic knees
Stemming advanced prostate cancer growth
See also the Genomics & Health Weekly Update from the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics and the GenInfo Monthly Newsletter from HumGen.
For our events listing, go to http://www.phgfoundation.org/events
Full listing of new additions to our website at: http://www.phgfoundation.org/whats_new.php
|