Personalized Genetics: Crystal Ball? May 25, 2008

The world of personalized medicine must be much more than a crystal ball. Here are some new articles about the steps that have to be made and some aspects that might help us :

• Workman’s Compensation, Stereotypes and GATTACA (The Gene Sherpa): I think this is the best post Steve Murphy has ever written.

Young person goes to 23andME/Navigenics/ETC (They just may add this immediately)….gets predictive testing indicating that he is at a 300 fold increased risk of herniating a disc in his back. Avoids manual labor (plays video games all day) never herniates the disc. Did we do society a service? Some would argue yes….I say no.

• Genomic Medicine: An Educational Resource from Helix Health (Highlight Health): A good definition from Walter Jessen.

• A Four-Part Series About Personal Genomics at Condé Nast Portfolio – Are Genetic Tests Really Useful? (The Genetic Genealogist)

It’s not as bloody as you think.

• Helping the Desert Bedouins with Genetic Testing (Jeffrey Dach):

Very soon, the cost for routine whole human genome sequencing will become cheaper, and some day will be offered during routine clinical testing along with the CBC, blood count and chemistry panel. Also, we will very soon have a greater understanding of gene variation and disease risk, which will hopefully allow intelligent and useful interpretation of the routine clinical sequencing of the entire human genome. As of May 2008, we are not quite there yet.

• Tell me Everything: How To Use SNPedia for 23andMe and deCODEme (Think Gene)

• Crystal Ball” Personal Genomics Contest (The Medical Quack): An incredible contest.