The Lister Hill Center launched a new consumer information website about genetics in August, 2003. Genetics Home Reference seeks to enable the public to find answers to their questions about genetics. Explanations are simple and easy to understand. "Knowledge about genetics is vital for a true understanding of many diseases," says Alexa T. McCray, Ph.D., director of the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications. "Often, individuals need to make life-altering decisions because of their genetic background. We hope that Genetics Home Reference can help guide them as they make their medical choices."

The website allows consumers to browse by a specific disease, condition or by gene. Consumers can learn whether or not a disease or condition is inherited, what treatments are available for the disease or condition, what are the symptoms of the disease or condition, and what genes are related to the disease or condition.

Other features of the website include a glossary of genetic terms, links to the clinicaltrials.gov website, a geographic listing of genetic counselors, and information for care-givers. Genetics Home Reference will be adding genetic diseases and updating information on a regular basis.

For more information, please go to the Genetics Home Reference Website.