Some interesting posts about DNA and/or genetic genealogy in the blogosphere:
- Hsien at EyeonDNA posted about genetic genealogy in the Middle East: “Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences in Dubai have signed an agreement to be part of the Genographic Project via Family Tree DNA. They plan to create a database for the Middle Eastern population.”
- ScienceRoll posted about the SNPedia wiki, which is a database of information about human genome SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). The site has “a list about what kind of SNPs James Watson has. For example, his DNA contains a SNP that may implicate a risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Follow their blog for more!“
- Anthropology.net posted about an article by Freeman Dyson, ‘Our Biotech Future‘ in which Dyson “embarks on a fascinating discussion on a range of topics including how biology is now bigger business than physics, and how he believes that over the next 50 years, biotechnology will revolutionise our lives in much the same way same way as computers have done over the previous 50 years.“
While I was exploring Dr. Watson’s SNPs, I began to realize just how far we have to go before a list of SNPs provides useful or insightful information. When is a SNP more than just a simple mutation? When does a SNP mean more than just a propensity for disease? It will undoubtedly take many more lists and much more research before science can answer these question.
(Nonetheless, it would still be exciting to see a list of my SNPs, even without the useful information)
And would you make this list public? 🙂
Berci – That’s a great question! I think I would, if I thought it would help advance the science and the public perception of personal genomic sequencing. But I would definitely have to think long and hard about it! What about you?
DNA Ancestry for Arab People
Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences is proud to announce its association with Family Tree DNA to allow the Middle eastern population to be tested for genealogical and ancestral purposes.Family Tree DNA is the world leader and pioneer in the growing field of Genetic Genealogy. Having the largest databases in this area, with over 150,000 records, Family Tree DNA has been constantly developing the science that enables many genealogists around the world to advance their families research.This association will add a new dimension and important level of diversity to the data being collected from the growing numbers of individuals that are seeking to know more about their origins and family relationships.Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences started the journey with its incorporation as a corporate entity under Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), since 2005 and commenced its commercial operations on April,2006. They provide world-class health care services to a global customer base, combining continual innovation with over 50 years’ experience. Its vision is to promote the health of the people of the United Arab Emiratesand the region through the introduction of biotechnological products and systems, and through research into the diseases relevant to this region, especially Genetic Disorders, Obesity, Diabetes and Heart diseases. EasternBiotech & Life Sciences has put in place a vast distribution network covering the length and breadth of the Middle East.