BabySeq

The Genomic Oracle

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If your DNA is sequenced at birth, how would if affect your life? A new project aims to find out.

Check out this article:
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_genome/2013/10/babyseq_genome_study_will_sequencing_dna_at_birth_change_someone_s_life.html

Born to run, born to jump, born to sit on the couch?

Should we test kids for their athletic genes?

Read the following articles and be prepared to discuss based on the reflection questions below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/30genetics.html?pagewanted=all

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1169440/index.htm 


1. Why do some parents want to have their children tested for athletic ability?
2. Why do some experts, including some doctors, think genetic testing for your children's sports ability is unwise?
3. Who would likely have access to these tests? Does that access give one group more of an advantage over others? Is that fair?
4. How accurate are these sorts of tests? Do you think they are actually useful? Why or why not?

Double Helix on Your Resume?

This is a 2 part assignment. 
It will prepare you for our viewing of the film, Gattaca.
 

Create a Google Doc: First Name Last Name Personal Genomics

Part 1: Explore and Learn:

Read/Listen (Must Do): 
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/10/02/161110956/will-low-cost-genome-sequencing-open-pandoras-box 

Pick one of the following sites to explore in order to further round-out your understanding of personal genomics.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/series/dnaage/index.html
www.23andme.com
www.navigenics.com
www.pathwaygenomics.com
http://tinyurl.com/9qzf6bg

Part 2: Answer the Following Questions on your Google Doc

1. Explain some of the reasons people choose to get genetic testing and/or genome sequencing. 
     a) What are some of the benefits of doing so? 
     b) What are some of the possible disadvantages of doing so? Explain. 

2. Do you think people should be able to get genetic testing directly from companies, instead of going through their doctors? Why or why not?

3. Would you consider getting genetic testing to learn more about your health? Why or why not? If yes, under what circumstances might you consider it?

Helpful Study Links

The following links are all helpful in studying for your exam:

1. Sickle Cell Anemia
http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetic-mutation-441

2. Mutations (Mr. Andersen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDbK0cxKKsk&feature=plcp

3. DNA song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckZEds5taX4

4. BRCA Genetic Mutation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bGkUQBw1Rs

5. RNA to Protein Synthesis (weird worm and finger video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxobgkPEAo

Use your notes and quizzes to study, practice drawing diagrams, email with any questions or if you need additional help, and get a good night's sleep!!

Structure of DNA ScreenCast and Extension

Ms. Hoe's Screencast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO6LfyKB8Ec&feature=youtu.be

Wait! For some reason, the screencast upload is blurry on YouTube. Please forgive me! I need tech help! Perhaps we can troubleshoot this when I get back. For today, just go with it. I feel awful...if it makes you nauseous from the blur, stop and take a break. Mrrr....

EXTENSIONS (these will really help!)

To further understand the structure of DNA, watch this video. There is information you don't need, so please follow these start and stop times:
Start the video at 1:04. Stop at 1:20. 
Start again at 2:27. Stop at 5:56.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igZdLN7nw6k


Now, watch this video to prep for the next lesson about RNA. (See if you can recognize the codons!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwibgNGe4aY

More DNA info. (if you didn't get the first time, here's another take on it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rromYAt1Lfw&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs

Listening Station

This Listening Station Has Three Separate Sections. 

Each Section Has Its Own Set of Directions.

Section 1: Unraveling the Genetic Code That Makes Us Human

Directions: 
1. Create a Google Doc entitled, "(first name, last name) DNA Listening Station". Share it with your teacher (Ms. Hoe or Ms. Sylvia).
2. Listen to or read Article 1 linked below ("Unraveling the Genetic Code That Makes Us Human").
3. Create a 5 question quiz with an answer key in your google doc.
4. Listen to or read Article 2, "NY Preschool Starts DNA Testing for Admission".
5. On the same google Doc, write your response to this idea: Should kids be subjected to DNA testing?

Article 1:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/23/157231248/unraveling-the-genetic-code-that-makes-us-human

Article 2: http://www.npr.org/2012/04/01/149804404/n-y-preschool-starts-dna-testing-for-admission

Section 2: What Does Watson Have to Say About Sequencing His Genome?

Directions:
1. Listen to or read the article below.
2. Briefly share your reaction on the Listening Station Google Doc: Would you get your own Genome sequenced?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/09/19/160955379/scientists-see-upside-and-downside-of-sequencing-their-own-genes

Section 3: Epigenetics

Directions:

1. Watch the short NOVA episode, "Epigenetics."

2. On the Listening Station Google Doc, list 3 questions or comments you have in reaction to this film.

Mindset of a Scientist Extension

Watch one or more of these videos. They are rad!

How Simply Ideas Lead to Scientific Discoveries:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UFGu2M2gM 

5 TED Talks on Science That Will Blow Your Mind: http://mashable.com/2009/07/22/science-videos/

Feel free to leave a comment on this post. Woot woot!

Scientific Method Video

http://www.goorulearning.org/#collection-play&id=b65f5eaa-9482-4a9e-856e-673e96753b55

The Future of Science

Future of Science