2005 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2005. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
| 5484 |
How do you respond to criticisms of the Human Genome Project that it is associated with genetic determinism and cost a great deal of money that could have been better spent on public health?
| |
Laura Lyman Rodriguez, Ph.D.: The Human Genome Project does not promote the concept that genes, or genetic information generally, are the ONLY factors influencing ones health or potential to develop any particular disorder. In fact, for many diseases, especially common disorders such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, it is the interaction of one's genetic information with environmental factors and lifestyle choices that result in specific risks for disease. Therefore, by dramatically enhancing scientits ability to identify which genes are involved in any particular disorder, the Human Genome Project will facilitate public health research in the long run by helping to target studies into how particluar environmental factors contribute to disease development or progression in certain genetic backgrounds. |
| St. Ignatius College Prep HS |
|
