bioethics.net News Update - Genetics

Calls for caution on genetic testing

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:03:05 EDT

The number of genetic tests is growing faster than the evidence indicating the relative value of those tests. That has experts urging people to carefully weight the pros and cons of a test.

House passes GINA

Fri, 02 May 2008 12:03:00 EDT

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act passed on a 414-1 vote. President Bush has said he would sign the bill.

Genes connected with varying responses to heart drugs

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:30:10 EDT

Researchers report in Nature Medicine that a gene variant carried by as many as 40 percent of African-Americans enables the body to produce its own beta blockers. The finding could change the way cardiologists approach treatment for heart failure.

Oncoming surge in genetic testing?

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:36:32 EDT

Experts, including Francis Collins, say the passage of GINA could make Americans more willing to undergo genetic testing.

Senate passes GINA

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:31:09 EDT

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act passed on a 95-0 vote.

Congress close to passing GINA

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:05:17 EDT

A deal in the Senate opens the way for passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. The bill would make it illegal to deny health coverage to someone on the basis of genetic information. It would also bar employers from hiring or firing on such info.

The genetic informant

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:33:27 EDT

Police are increasingly using DNA tests of suspects' family members as an investigative tool. The practice worries privacy watchdogs, but one district attorney called the concerns "imaginary."

DNA takes the stand

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:01:51 EDT

The legal system is slowly moving beyond the use of genetic testing for simple identification. "Second-generation" genetic tests are being used to calculate possible lifespan, turn up evidence of toxic damage and even hint at possible future behavior.

Feds expand DNA database

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:21:49 EDT

The federal government will soon begin collecting DNA samples from all citizens arrested for involvement with a federal crime. Samples from detained illegal immigrants will also be collected. The new policy is projected to increase the federal DNA database by one million people a year.

Faster, lower cost genome sequencing technique reported

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:32:21 EDT

Researchers report in Nature that they were able to sequence a person's genome in two months at a cost of less than one million dollars.

Genetic testing goes retail

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:48:31 EDT

A company offering tests of a person's DNA for genes related to 18 diseases has opened up a storefront in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood. One catch (or one of many): New York residents can't actually be tested just yet.

DNA evidence on the sly

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:24:33 EDT

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly collecting DNA evidence without the knowledge of suspects. The samples are often collected from discarded coffee cups, cigarette butts or, as in one case, saliva used to seal an envelope.

Genetic links to lung cancer uncovered

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:21:58 EDT

A trio of research teams report in Nature and Nature Genetics that copies of a certain gene variation appear to increase a person's change of getting lung cancer from smoking. One of the teams also reports that the variation seems to play a role in nicotine addiction.

Direct-to-consumer paternity test goes on sale

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:14:26 EDT

The DNA test, which had already been available in test markets, went on sale this week in thousands of drug stores across the country. Test results are available in three to five days. They're not allowable as evidence in court, though.

The rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:15:29 EDT

More than 20 companies now offer "personalized genomics" testing. Critics say the field is becoming over-hyped.