One of the most fascinating branches of science is the study of Man himself. What are we made of, why do we do what we do, what is our potential, and how can we improve ourselves? The field of genomics (the study of human genes) and the related field of proteomics (the study of human proteins, the basic building materials of cells) are attempting to answer these questions at the molecular level, and rapid strides are being made as new and more powerful tools for genome research are coming into use. The current episode of Future Talk examines recent progress in these fields with two top researchers. Michael Snyder is Chairman of the Genetics Department and Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University, and has a PhD from Caltech. He’s a leader in the field of functional genomics and proteomics, he’s created several new genome mapping technologies, and is cofounder of several biotechnology companies, including Protometrix, Affomix, and Personalis. Russ Altman is Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, and Medicine and former Chairman of the Stanford Bioengineering Department, with MD and PhD degrees from Stanford. His primary research is in the use of sophisticated computer modeling to determine how our genetic traits influence the way our bodies respond to medicinal drugs, which could open the way to much more personalized medical treatment. Russ was a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Questions addressed on the program include whether the genome contains information for intangible traits such as intelligence and personality, the type of methodologies used to unlock the secrets of the genome, how a person's genome can be used to predict susceptibility to certain diseases, whether it's possible to modify the genome to reduce susceptibility to disease or make general improvements to a person's physical attributes, and how to address possible ethical issues involved in altering the genome. It's quite an interesting program. To view it, click here.Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Advances in Genetics
One of the most fascinating branches of science is the study of Man himself. What are we made of, why do we do what we do, what is our potential, and how can we improve ourselves? The field of genomics (the study of human genes) and the related field of proteomics (the study of human proteins, the basic building materials of cells) are attempting to answer these questions at the molecular level, and rapid strides are being made as new and more powerful tools for genome research are coming into use. The current episode of Future Talk examines recent progress in these fields with two top researchers. Michael Snyder is Chairman of the Genetics Department and Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University, and has a PhD from Caltech. He’s a leader in the field of functional genomics and proteomics, he’s created several new genome mapping technologies, and is cofounder of several biotechnology companies, including Protometrix, Affomix, and Personalis. Russ Altman is Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, and Medicine and former Chairman of the Stanford Bioengineering Department, with MD and PhD degrees from Stanford. His primary research is in the use of sophisticated computer modeling to determine how our genetic traits influence the way our bodies respond to medicinal drugs, which could open the way to much more personalized medical treatment. Russ was a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Questions addressed on the program include whether the genome contains information for intangible traits such as intelligence and personality, the type of methodologies used to unlock the secrets of the genome, how a person's genome can be used to predict susceptibility to certain diseases, whether it's possible to modify the genome to reduce susceptibility to disease or make general improvements to a person's physical attributes, and how to address possible ethical issues involved in altering the genome. It's quite an interesting program. To view it, click here.
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