Connection Between Epigenome, Selective Mutability, Evolution, and Human Disease
Li, Harris et al., PLoS Genetics
Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine and elsewhere propose a "connection between the epigenome, selective mutability, evolution, and human disease" based on the findings of their study on associations of structural mutability with germline DNA methylation and with non-allelic homologous recombination mediated by low-copy repeats. "Combined evidence from four human sperm methylome maps, human genome evolution, structural polymorphisms in the human population, and previous genomic and disease studies consistently points to a strong association of germline hypomethylation and genomic instability," the Baylor-led team writes.
So Many Laws, So Little Coverage
Lawrence Moore and Emily Sherlock, from the Genomics Law Report, examine whether federal regulations, such as HIPPAA and GINA, affect direct-to-consumer genetic testing firms. First, they discuss whether DTC companies are covered by HIPAA, though, at first glance, it looks like these companies aren't involved in healthcare. But, as Moore and Sherlock point out, many have lately been partnering with healthcare providers and if companies provide "diagnostic or analytical information," they are covered by HIPAA.
They then determine that the Federal Trade Commission has a little jurisdiction, but only to the extent that the companies organize and share personal health records. Finally, they turn to GINA — while that act treats genetic information as health information, the proposed rules say that the act only extends to HIPAA-covered entities. Moore and Sherlock conclude:
(HT: Genetic Future)
and how about the myriad (no
and how about the myriad (no pun) of patents, which ultimately will spark patent infringement suits ?