Category: genomics
The use of polygenic risk scores in clinical practice can exacerbate health disparities in ethnic and minority populations

This blog is a summary of our recent commentary on polygenic risk scores (PRS). PRS provide a rapidly emerging example of precision medicine and are based on multiple gene variants that each have weak associations with disease risks, but collectively may enhance disease predictive value in the population. The added value of PRS is unclear Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentCan Big Data Science Deliver Precision Public Health?

This blog is a quick summary of our recent paper in Public Health Genomics. Increasingly, a large volume of health and non-health related data from multiple sources is becoming available that has the potential to drive health related discoveries and implementation. The term “big data” is often used as a buzzword to refer to large Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentIntroducing the CDC Tier-Classified Guidelines Database

Over the last several years, OPHG has hosted a “Tier Table” database of genomic applications (i.e., clinical scenarios involving genomic testing) sorted into one of three tiers using a method described in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2014. The purpose of creating the database was to help organize evidence (such as recommendation statements contained in guidelines, Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentFrequently Asked Questions about the CDC Tier-Classified Guidelines Database

Over the last several years, OPHG has hosted a “Tier Table” database of genomic applications (i.e., clinical scenarios involving genomic testing) sorted into one of three tiers using a method described in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2014. The Tier Table is being replaced with our new Tier-Classified Guidelines Database, which we hope will promote more Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentIs it Time to Integrate Polygenic Risk Scores into Clinical Practice? Let’s Do the Science First and Follow the Evidence Wherever it Takes Us!

In case you have not been paying much attention to genomic medicine research or social media coverage, you might have missed a clear uptick in the past couple of years on the value of polygenic risk scores in clinical practice and population screening. (see examples here, here, here, and here) Polygenic risk scores (PRS) summarize Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentCan Predictive Analytics Drive Implementation Research to Improve Population Health?

To date, research investments have yielded many highly effective health interventions for disease prevention and treatment. Examples include smoking cessation, lipid and blood pressure control as well as diet and physical activity interventions. Yet, many interventions are not being optimally delivered to have public health impact. Implementation research can provide a means to determine optimal Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentLack of Knowledge of Natural History of New Biomarkers: The Achilles’ Heel of Precision Health!

In Greek mythology, when Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die young. To prevent his death, his mother dipped his body in the River Styx, which was supposed to offer powers of invulnerability. However, as she held the baby by the heel, the heel did not come into contact with the Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentTime to Keep a Smart Watch on Precision Health

A Science-Based Vision for the Wearable Revolution It is 2022, Juan, 45 years old, is thrilled to purchase a new smartwatch he can afford because it is offered at a discount through a special program with his employer. Juan plans to track his physical activity, heart rate, diet, and sleep. Under the program, Juan also Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsResearch on the Behavioral Impact of Polygenic Risk Scores: The Train Has Already Left the Station!

There has been a lot of discussion recently about the new generation of polygenic risk scores (information about a person’s disease risk based on many dozens, hundreds, thousands, or even millions of common DNA variants in their genome), and whether these new-and-improved genetic risk scores are going to turn out to be useful for disease Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentIntroducing the Rare Diseases Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base

For the past three years, The CDC Public Health Genomics Knowledge Base (PHGKB) has been tracking the public health impact of advances in genomics and precision technologies. Every day, we provide new information and publications for researchers, health care providers, policy makers, and the general public. We also offer access to the latest epidemiologic and Read More >
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