November 2012

Why I don’t want to know my genome sequence

January 12, 2018November 1, 2012 by GLP Digital

“After writing ten editions of a human genetics textbook and lots of articles,” writes Ricki Lewis, “you’d think I’d be first in line to get my genome sequenced. But I prefer ignorance.” Chief among her reasons is the immaturity of the science. “The state of the science provides both too much and too little information.”

“At the top of the list of diseases I don’t want to know about are those of the brain, Woody Allen’s second favorite organ. If I can’t prevent or delay them, why spend years worrying? … On the too little information front, we need to know more than a string of DNA letters or a list of gene variants. We need to know how our genes interact. It’s like reading a novel and considering each word in a vacuum, compared to understanding the unfolding story.”

View the original article here: Why I Don’t Want to Know My Genome Sequence

US companies hoard genetic data, European scientists urge greater openness

January 12, 2018November 1, 2012 by GLP Digital

The proprietary collections of genetic testing data amassed by US diagnostics companies effectively give them competitive advantages and can negatively impact the testing market and make it harder for doctors to interpret patient results, according to a paper published yesterday in the online edition of the European Journal of Human Genetics.

Genetic testing companies in the US, such as Myriad Genetics, have collected proprietary information from their patients that enhances their ability to interpret test results, but they can keep others from accessing such important interpretive information, according to the paper.

View the original article here: Using Myriad as Case Study, Paper Urges Europe to Ensure Greater Access to genetic test data

Beer foam gene identified, could improve froth

January 12, 2018November 1, 2012 by GLP Digital

A recent paper identifying the gene in yeast that gives beer its head may be the first step in applying genetic engineering to yeast to improve the quality of beer’s unique foam. The gene is responsible for a protein produced by the yeast that helps bind the carbon dioxide bubbles and keep them from collapsing too quickly.

The researchers identified the gene, which they call CFG1. The gene is similar to those already identified in wine and sake yeasts that also are involved in foaming. “Taken together all the results shown in the present paper make … CFG1 gene a good candidate to improve the foam character in the brewing industry,” they say.

View the original article here: A heady discovery for beer fans: The first gene for beer foam could improve froth

Anti-Prop 37 ads from Monsanto and others seem to be working

January 12, 2018November 1, 2012 by GLP Digital

Recent campaign finance filings from the California Secretary of State show that the No on 37 campaign has raised more than $35 million in its campaign against the initiative, the supporters of which had raised only about one seventh of that amount.

Top contributors supporting the effort to defeat the initiative include Monsanto – who has given the most, more than $7.1 million – Dupont, BASF, Dow Agrosciences, Bayer Cropscience, Syngenta Corp., Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Nestle and ConAgra Foods. Those millions are fueling the aggressive anti-Proposition 37 campaign, which over the last few months has flooded the airwaves and mailboxes with attack ads.

Those ads appear to be working. On Tuesday, the California Business Roundtable and Pepperdine University School of Public Policy released the latest results of their bimonthly initiative survey series. The surveys show Proposition 37 dropping another nine points in the polls, with voters in favor at 39.1 percent and those against it, 50.5 percent. “It seems voters have been influenced by both the no campaign and a barrage of negative editorials,” said California Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley.

The last survey, released Oct. 11, had shown a 19-percent drop in support for Proposition 37.

View the original article here: Battle over Proposition 37 continues into final days of fall campaign

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