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U.S.
Senate Approves Bill Barring Genetic Discrimination
The bill prohibits insurers from using or requiring genetic
information in enrollment or premium setting and prohibits
employers from collecting and using most genetic information.
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State
Legislation Highlight
In the month of October, Pennsylvania introduced Newborn
Screening and Birth Defects: Pennsylvania (SB 926). For more
information, visit the Genetic Laws and Legislative Activity
page of NCSL's Genetic Technologies Project www.ncsl.org/programs/health/genetics/charts.htm.
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HRSA
Awards $3.6 Million to Improve Sickle Cell Disease Programs
The awards, given to 17 community-based organizations will
support follow-up services for the disease.
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Family
History Grants Awarded
Three research centers will evaluate a family history tool that
has been developed as part of the CDC Family History Public
Health Initiative.
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Non-Genetic
Factors Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers have found women with inherited mutations in the
genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a lifetime breast cancer risk of 80%
regardless of family history, but exercise and a healthy weight
during adolescence has been shown to delay the onset of the
disease.
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Rutgers
Geneticist Receives $3.7 Million
NIH grant for autism research will allow for the study of 150
families affected by autism to determine the genes that are
linked to specific traits of the disease.
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Discovery
of Significant Genetic Risk Factors for Heart Attack
The study of 2,000 Icelandic patients and unaffected relatives
uncovered two common forms of a gene which confer risk equal to
or greater than other well-known risk factors.
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FDA
to Seek Genetic Information From Drug Makers
FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan stated that “developed
properly, such information can make our regulatory process much
more efficient."
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Project
Seeks to Identify Elements in Human DNA
According to NHGRI director Francis Collins, “having the human
genomic sequence is not enough.”
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President’s
Council on Bioethics Releases Report
This report “investigates some potential uses of biotechnology
for purposes ‘beyond therapy,’ and explores their scientific,
ethical, and social implications for American life in the coming
years.”
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Hereditary
Blood Disorders Joins NCBDDD
According to the Center, the alignment of HBD with NCBDDD will
strengthen the efforts of each to prevent secondary conditions.
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Events
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About
This Newsletter
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