Genetics is a branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
What are the Next Steps in Genomic Research?
Discovering the sequence of the human genome was only the first step in
understanding how the instructions coded in DNA lead to a functioning
human being. The next stage of genomic research will begin to derive
meaningful knowledge from the DNA sequence.
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What are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)?
Single nucleotide polymorphisms, frequently called SNPs (pronounced'snips'), are the most common type of genetic variation among people.Each SNP represents a difference in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide.
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What are Genome-wide Association Studies?
Genome-wide association studies are a relatively new way for scientists to identify genes involved in human disease.
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Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy
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What is the International HapMap Project?
The International HapMap Project is an international scientific effort
to identify common genetic variations among people. This project
represents a collaboration of scientists from public and private
organizations in six countries.
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The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project
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What is the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project?
The ENCODE Project was planned as a follow-up to the Human Genome
Project. The Human Genome Project sequenced the DNA that makes up the
human genome; the ENCODE Project seeks to interpret this sequence.
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What are the Benefits of Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing has potential benefits whether the results are positive
or negative for a gene mutation. Test results can provide a sense of
relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about
managing their health care.
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What are the Risks and Limitations of Genetic Testing?
The physical risks associated with most genetic tests are very
small, particularly for those tests that require only a blood sample or
buccal smear (a procedure that samples cells from the inside surface of
the cheek).
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What Advances are Being Made in DNA Sequencing?
Determining the order of DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in anindividual's genetic code, called DNA sequencing, has advanced the study of genetics and is one method used to test for genetic disorders.
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What is Genetic Discrimination?
Genetic discrimination occurs when people are treated differently by
their employer or insurance company because they have a gene mutation
that causes or increases the risk of an inherited disorder.
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What is Genetic Ancestry Testing?
Genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, is a way for people
interested in family history (genealogy) to go beyond what they can
learn from relatives or from historical documentation.
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What is Gene Therapy?
Gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treator prevent disease. In the future, this technique may allow doctors totreat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient's cells instead ofusing drugs or surgery.
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How Does Gene Therapy Work?
Gene therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to
compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein.
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Is Gene Therapy Safe?
Gene therapy is under study to determine whether it could be used to
treat disease. Current research is evaluating the safety of gene
therapy; future studies will test whether it is an effective treatment
option.
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What is Pharmacogenomics?
This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs)and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to developeffective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to aperson's genetic makeup.
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Familial Dysautonomia
Familial Dysautonomia, also known as Riley-Day syndrome, affects the development and function of nerves throughout the body.
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Genetic Diseases in Jewish Population
There are nearly 4,000 genetic diseases known that afflict the world's population. Certain genetic diseases occur at higher frequencies among certain ethnic, racial, or demographic groups.
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