Genomics and Precision Health Posts
Fulfilling the Promise of Epigenetics Requires More Studies in Diverse Populations
Two recent articles, one in Nature Genetics and another in Genome Medicine, report the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in epigenetic research. This needs to change in order to fulfill the promise of epigenetics as a tool for health equity science. Health equity is the state where everyone has a fair and just ability Read More >
Posted on byPrecision Health Innovations in the Pandemic Era
Two recent articles, one in Nature Medicine and another in Nature Biotechnology, highlight areas of health innovation that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This blog post focuses on two precision health applications of technology—(1) genomics and (2) wearable devices and smartphone apps—that are likely to have a lasting impact beyond the pandemic. Increased Read More >
Posted on byPolygenic Risk Scores in Clinical Practice? Still Making the Case
Two recent systematic reviews show the lack of data on clinical utility of polygenic risk scores and major challenges in implementation. The Promise of Polygenic Risk Scores in Population Health Many common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, result from the combination of genetic factors and physical and social environmental factors. Genome-wide association Read More >
Posted on byPopulation Genomic Screening is Here: We Need Evidence on Health Impact and Optimal Implementation
A recent study identified 12 population-based genomic screening programs in the United States and described their implementation logistics and potential health impact. In the past decade, the promise of genomic screening in the general population has garnered increasing interest due to a combination of factors such as enhanced sequencing capabilities, lowered costs of testing, and Read More >
Posted on by 2 CommentsCan’t Stop, Won’t Stop: The Resiliency of Newborn Screening Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
A recent article identified the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the newborn screening system and highlighted the importance of collaboration and technical assistance to ensure ongoing operations of this essential public health service. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic stressed, disrupted, and fundamentally changed the public health system in the United States. While much of the Read More >
Posted on byGenomics and Health Equity: Reaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities
On April 29, 2022, President Biden proclaimed May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage month to “recognize the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage” of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPIs). In addition, the proclamation highlights the Administration’s work reducing poverty among AA and NHPI families and Read More >
Posted on byUsing Implementation Science Frameworks in Genomics and Precision Medicine: We Can Do Better!
A recent scoping review identified many structured approaches to the implementation of genomics and precision medicine and limited use of implementation science frameworks. With continuous advances in genomics and accelerated translation from discovery into clinical practice, in our blog posts, we have repeatedly examined the crucial importance and emerging role of implementation science in the Read More >
Posted on byWhat is the Role of Public Health in Addressing Health Equity in Genomics and Precision Medicine?
The following are excerpts from our recent paper in Genetics in Medicine. Although recent articles have included strong calls for a health equity agenda in genomics and precision medicine, these calls usually focus on underrepresentation of minority and ethnic populations in research. However, to ensure that genomic discoveries can lead to improved population health outcomes, Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentColliding with Collider Bias: Implications for Precision Public Health
A recent JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods reviews how collider bias can lead to erroneous inference on causal relationships in clinical and epidemiological studies, potentially leading to incorrect clinical decision making and ineffective public health action. What is Collider Bias? Informed decision making in medicine and public health relies on valid evidence from clinical Read More >
Posted on byHost Genomics and COVID-19: Two Years Later
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored the rationale for host genomic studies to our understanding of COVID-19 occurrence and outcomes. Two years into the pandemic, we are taking another look. Many academic research groups and consortia—such as the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (COVID-19 HGI) and COVID Human Genetic Effort—have launched worldwide open-science collaborations, featuring Read More >
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