The Genetic Genealogist

Doctor Radio

I was recently asked to participate in a discussion with Dr. Deb Neklason, Ph.D on the satellite radio channel “Doctor Radio,” hosted by Dr. Ira Breite.  We largely spoke about a 2008 study, led by Dr. Neklason (who I thought did a wonderful job of explaining the science and results in layman’s terms during the show), in which it was concluded that a gene that often causes cancer traces back to a Mr. and Mrs. George Fry who came to America in 1630.  I have a write-up of the study here (http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2008/01/03/a-single-colon-cancer-gene-traced-to-1630-the-future-of-genetic-genealogy/).  There was also some brief discussion of mtDNA testing and the future of personal genomics.

Here is Dr. Breite’s description of this morning’s show:

“Colon Cancer is extremely common in the United States: it is the number two cancer killer of both men and women. Some families have a mutation which makes relatives who have it have an even higher risk than the general population. Now it turns out that this gene may have literally come over, if not with the Mayflower, then pretty darn close to that! Join me and Dr. Deb Neklason, Ph.D and Dr. Blaine Bettinger as we talk about how a single mutation in a single gene in a single person from 1630 has led to thousands of colon cancer cases today.”

For new visitors from the show looking for more information, feel free to browse the archives and featured articles here at The Genetic Genealogist.

Genomes Unzipped

I’m excited to announce the launch of a new personal genomics blog called “Genomes Unzipped.”  It’s authored by some of the best and brightest bloggers (and non-bloggers) in this area, including:

• Genetic Future‘s Daniel MacArthur
• Genomics Law Report‘s Dan Vorhaus
• Genetic Inference‘s Luke Jostins
• PHG Foundation‘s Caroline Wright and
• Saaien Tist‘s Jan Aerts, among others.

The blog (although it sounds like this will be much more than a blog!) promises the following:

Welcome to Genomes Unzipped, a new group blog bringing together experts in the scientific, legal, ethical and commercial aspects of genetics. Our goal is to provide you with independent analysis of advances in the field of genetics, with a particular focus on implications for the budding industry of personal genomics. We’ll also be discussing ways in which you can make the most of your own genetic data using online resources and techniques developed by researchers.

If you’re interested in genetic genealogy and/or personal genomics, I highly recommend subscribing to this blog (here) and their Twitter account (@genomesunzipped).  Also, look for a “major announcement” on the blog in the near future laying out some future plans for the group.

I wish everyone at Genomes Unzipped the best of luck, and I look forward to reading!