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?