Genetic Testing and Life Insurance
It’s illegal for health insurers to use genetic testing to discriminate against policyholders. However, life insurers can and do discriminate on that basis if the test is in your medical file.
DNA and Genetics Sub-categories:
- CRISPR (8)
- Gene Therapy (5)
- Genetic Genealogy (5)
- Genetic Modification (1)
- Genetic Testing (18)
- Mutation (18)
- Predisposition (6)
Why Women Are Genetically Stronger
Women may have been known through the centuries as the weaker sex, but researchers have learned that they are anything but weak. Their 2 X chromosomes are both active and cooperate with each other, especially in immune response. An expert discusses new findings on their genetic superiority.
Androgens and Covid-19
For people under about age 70, Covid-19 is much harder on men than on women, especially those with strong male characteristics like scalp balding and plentiful body hair. A group of researchers has a theory as to why—that male hormones provide the virus with an entry into the cell. One of the researchers discusses what that could mean in terms of treatment.
Medical Notes: Week of April 26, 2020
A blood test for many types of cancer has been a long-sought goal of researchers, and now they’re much closer. Then, a team of faculty and students at Rice University has developed an automated bag valve mask ventilator using $300 worth of parts off the shelf. And finally, a study from the University of Michigan finds that if you talk to yourself in the …
The Science of Immortality: When Is Life Too Long?
Some experts believe the healthy lifespan eventually may be extended to hundreds of years through genetic manipulation. This brings many philosophical and ethical questions, which a noted science author discusses.
Genes and High Cholesterol
More than 100 million Americans have high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. Most people think of their diets as the main cause, but genetics also play a role in both good and bad ways. A noted expert discusses how scientists are harnessing cholesterol genes to lower the risk of heart attacks.
Medical Notes: Week of January 5, 2020
Two experimental drugs that show promise in women with certain types of breast cancer. Then, the federal communications commission has started the process to create a three-digit number similar to 9-1-1 that connects to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Then, it appears that teenagers aren’t very good at telling the difference between real and fake …
Medical Notes: Week of November 17, 2019
A three-drug combination that effectively targets Cystic Fibrosis. Then, a study shows that 13 percent of people over age 50 have pills left over from their last prescription. Then, a study that shows that having PTSD nearly doubles a person’s risk of infections. And finally...a study suggests that smaller brain size comes first before heavy alcohol use.
Genetic Testing and Family Secrets
The availability of consumer DNA tests and databases has allowed long-hidden family secrets to be revealed, including mistaken paternity and unknown siblings. It has also taken the anonymity away from some cases of sperm donation. Two experts discuss the ethics of overturning this promised secrecy and the impact that the revelation of secrets can have on …
Medical Notes: Week of September 8, 2019
A new study shows that people are more likely to have heart disease if they're genetically predisposed to insomnia. Then, vaping is being called a “gateway drug” for marijuana use… After a new study showing it can more than triple the risk of becoming a pot smoker. And finally… if you want toddlers to learn something, don’t use video.
Medical Notes: Week of July 7, 2019
The Scientific reports the rotavirus could give children some protection against diabetes. Then, studies showing a rough childhood can have an affect on development. Skin biopsies are costly and invasive but a new virtual biopsy device could change all of that. Finally, are you a dog person? A study in Sweden says it's genetic.
Genetic and Genomic Testing
When most of us think of genetic testing for health, we imagine tests to detect whether we’ve inherited genes that predispose us for cancer or other serious disease. But another kind of gene testing—genomic testing of tumor cells for their susceptibility to targeted treatments—is giving thousands of people hope of survival they’ve never had before. Experts …
