The U.S. FDA has announced that it will now allow 23andMe to market its Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk tests straight to consumers. The new decision is expected to open the floodgates for more direct-to-consumer tests for disease risks, paving the way for other companies to enter the market.
News
Genes key to whether hormone therapy lowers broken bone risk in older women
May 4, 2017Women at the highest genetic risk for fracture benefit the most from hormone therapy. The first to investigate gene-hormone therapy interaction on fracture in postmenopausal white women, this study looked at a subset of 9,922 women from the more than 27,000 participants in hormone therapy clinical trials. “This is where precision or personalized medicine comes in — the attempt to get the right drugs to the right person to ensure the most benefit and least harm.”
Announcing the launch of the Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) – Round 9
April 20, 2017Ontario Genomics is pleased to announce that Round 9 of Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) is now open. With total funding from $300,000 to $6 million, GAPP provides a unique opportunity for organizations to collaborate with ’omics researchers, leverage R&D investment with public funding, and address real world opportunities and challenges. EOIs are due to Ontario Genomics by May 15, 2017.
Synthetic Biology and GE³LS
April 20, 2017As the field of synthetic biology advances at a rapid pace, it necessarily raises regulatory and ethical questions which must be assessed and addressed. The following is an independent piece presented by Dr. Marc Saner of the Institute for Science, Society and Policy (ISSP) at the University of Ottawa. In it, Dr. Saner offers his take…
26 novel genes linked to intellectual disability
April 20, 2017Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Queen’s University have identified 26 new genes linked to intellectual disability. This study, the largest of its kind in North America, has implications for the diagnosis and clinical care of those affected by intellectual disability, with potential to eventually lead to personalized treatments for affected individuals.
What precision medicine can learn from the NFL
April 20, 2017In the NFL, rival franchises compete bitterly on the field every Sunday, yet have developed a structure that enables the entire enterprise to flourish and profit. In contrast, misplaced competition in cancer research and siloed clinical and genetic data, impedes cancer care advancement. What if a philosophy similar to the NFL could be brought to precision medicine, encouraging data sharing so that drug development and discovery are accelerated, while still allowing for competition and profit?
Efficient microbial fuel cell made from paper
April 6, 2017In the search for alternative forms of energy, fuel cells are a renewable source of energy being actively pursued by scientists. At the University of Rochester, scientists have constructed a fuel cell that relies on bacteria found in wastewater. The cell, which consumes toxic heavy metal ions in wastewater and ejects electrons, has exciting applications to mining water remediation and bioenergy capture.
New artificial intelligence research institute launched in Toronto
April 6, 2017The Vector Institute, an independent artificial intelligence (AI) research facility, has launched in Ontario. Dedicated to cutting-edge exploration of AI, it will advance research and drive the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies across Canada. It’s aim is to produce, attract and retain world-class talent as part of a Canadian-rooted economic supercluster.
Spera Genomics offering preventive whole-genome sequencing to Canadian patients
April 6, 2017Spera Genomics is offering patients in Canada a preventive whole-genome sequencing service with annually updated clinical reports, all in the context of a long-term research study. The company received approval for the sequencing study of healthy individuals from a Canadian ethical review board late last year and is now ready to sign up its first clients. Participants pay $4,000 upfront and a monthly subscription fee of $180.
3D humans could revolutionize precision medicine
April 6, 2017A cross-disciplinary team is building a complete morphological and physiological virtual human, mapping all anatomical parts and their possible variations. The Parametric Human project will create a central repository and platform where researchers can share data, and ultimately develop targeted therapies, map complex surgeries and create simulation-based training for health care professionals.